Social Victorians/Timeline/1889

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Sometime in 1889

A. H. Macmurdo purchased 20 Fitzroy, London, and redecorated it memorably.

From the 1 January 1890 Morning Post:

Equally the attempt of Mr. Gladstone to invent a brand new system of "electoral statistics," directed to the conclusion that he had in the minority the leadership of the only true majority, with the implication that the Unionists, if honest men, would immediately resign their trust, has been received with good-humoured incredulity.

January 1889

16 January 1889

A Jack the Ripper letter "refers to 'my trip to Bradford'" (Cornwell 296).

22 January 1889, Tuesday

Wedding of Lady Eleanor Lambton and Lord Robert Cecil

The wedding of Lady Eleanor Lambton and Lord Robert Cecil took place at 2:30, St. George's Church, Hanover Square, London.

March 1889

6 March 1889, Wednesday

Ash Wednesday.

April 1889

10 April 1889, Wednesday

According to the summary of the weather in the 1 January 1890 Morning Post, there was "intense darkness from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m." "The Weather of 1889."

11 April 1889, Thursday

According to the summary of the weather in the 1 January 1890 Morning Post, the "intense darkness" of the day before returned "for a short time next day" "The Weather of 1889." The Morning Post, 1 January 1890 (No. 36,675): page 6 Col. C.

12 April 1889, Friday

Amy Levy and Elizabeth Pennell both attended what Pennell called a "converzazione" at the Fabian Society in the Bloomsbury Town Hall. Pennell says, "We went to the Converzazione of the Fabian Society in Bloomsbury Town Hall. A collection of cranks, native and foreign: young women in extraordinary costumes, one a perfect Burne-Jones, played the violin; young men with long hair and velvet coats. Most people were in evening dress so that a conspicuous figure was George Bernard Shaw in grey Jaeger get-up, flirting outrageously with all the girls in the room" (Linda Hunt Beckman, Amy Levy: Life and Letters, p. 179; posting on victoria@listserv.indiana.edu Linda Hunt Beckman <beckman@temple.edu>, 20 October 2003, "Re: conversaziones at Berkeley Galleries; mourning customs").

19 April 1889, Friday

Good Friday.

21 April 1889, Sunday

Easter Sunday.

28 April 1889, Sunday

Jack Yeats <quote>attended the funeral of the Duchess of Cambridge, whose husband was Queen Victoria's uncle, and commander-in-chief of the British Army. She was a very popular woman; Jack described the event as 'more like a race meeting than a funeral'. Street touts sold 'memorium cards of the dear old Dutchie', and charged fourpence for standing room at the curbside. Griffin was with Jack</quote> (Bruce Arnold. Jack Yeats. p. 46)

May 1889

Sometime in May 1889 the The Inner Order of the Golden Dawn met at the offices of The Sanitary Wood Wool Co. (Howe 85 31).

Dinner planned in honor of James Whistler, with a long list of celebrities invited, including Arthur Collins, Equerry to the Queen, William Christian Symons, the recipient of a letter from Whistler's son,

Sir Coutts Lindsay (1824-1913), Bart., co-founder of the Grosvenor Gallery ..., and Edmond, Prince de Polignac (1834-1901), composer ...; diplomats, such as James Rennell Rodd (1858-1941), 1st Baron Rennell, poet and diplomat ...; lawyers, including Sir John Charles Sigismund Day (1826-1908), QC, collector ..., and Sir George Henry Lewis (1833-1911), society lawyer ...; and scientists, including Edwin Ray Lankester (1847-1929), Professor of Zoology and Comparative Anatomy .... There are several men involved with drama and music, such as John Hollingshead (1827-1904), journalist and manager of the Gaiety Theatre ..., Richard D'Oyly Carte (1844-1901), impresario and property developer ..., and Pablo de Sarasate y Navascues (1844-1908), violinist ...; writers, such as Sheridan Ford (1860-1922), poet, critic, politician and writer on art ..., Stéphane Mallarmé (1842-1898), Symbolist writer and poet ..., and Comte Robert de Montesquiou-Fezensac (1855-1921), Symbolist writer and poet, and collector [more]. Art critics and editors include Theodore Child (1846-1892), journalist and art critic ..., Théodore Duret (1838-1927), art critic and collector ..., Henry Du Pré Labouchère (1831-1912), journalist and Liberal MP ...,William Michael Rossetti (1829-1919), civil servant and critic ..., and George Augustus Sala (1828-1895), artist, journalist and critic .... Nor surprisingly, there are many patrons and collectors, such as Alexander ('Aleco') Ionides (1840-1898), businessman ..., Alfred Chapman (1839-1917), engineer and collector ..., and Wickham Flower (b. ca 1836), solicitor and collector ...; some art dealers, such as Charles William Deschamps (1848-1908), art dealer ...; and, of course, many artists, including Joseph Edgar Boehm (1834-1890), sculptor ..., Hilaire-Germain-Edgar Degas (1834-1917), artist ..., John Lavery (1856-1941), painter ..., William Quiller Orchardson (1832-1910), genre and portrait painter ..., Théodore Roussel (1847-1926), painter and print-maker ..., Walter Richard Sickert (1860-1942), artist and writer on art ..., Francis ('Frank') Job Short (1857-1945), printer and print-maker ..., and John Singer Sargent (1856-1925), artist .... Finally, there are a few family members, such as Hon Charles Ernest Thynne (1849-1906), solicitor, husband of JW's niece Annie Haden ..., and William McNeill Whistler (1836-1900), physician, JW's brother .... (http://www.whistler.arts.gla.ac.uk/correspondence/people/display/?cid=5635&nameid=Collins_A&sr=0&surname=Collins&firstname=Arthur&rs=1#ms05635)

18 May 1889, Saturday

Augustus Harris's Italian Opera season opened at Covent Garden with Bizet's I Pescatori di Perle (which isn't Italian). The reporting is not perfectly clear, but the Princess of Wales, her daughters and the Duchess of Edinburgh do not seem to have been present in 1889, but they were in 1887 for the Italian Opera's first season at Covent Garden.

Covent Garden Theatre, on Saturday, when the Italian Opera season was inaugurated by a performance of Bizet's early opera "I Pescatori de Perle," presented the most brilliant appearance imaginable, and being even more noteworthy that the first season's assemblage which Mr. Harris brought together two years ago, The Princess of Wales and the three young Princesses, together with the Duchess of Edinburgh, occupied the Royal box. Among the host of fashionabie people present were Lord and Lady Charles Beresford, the Duke of Portland, Lady Randolph Churchill, Lady Rosebery, the Duchess of Marlborough, Sir Julian Goldsmid, Mr. Harry H. Marks, Lord Wolverton, Mrs. Edward Sassoon, Mrs. Vanderbilt, the Hon. F. E Allsopp, Lord Revelstoke, Mr. H. L W. Lawson, the Hon. Algernon Bourke, Lady Windsor, Mrs. Lawrence, Lady Dudley, the Duchess of Montrose, Mr. Alfred de Rothschild, Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild, Sir Charles Tennant, Sir Phillip Currie, Mr. Arthur Cohen, Mr. Critchett. Mr. Poland, the Hon. G. Curzon, Mr. Seager Hunt, M.P., the Duchess of Leinster, Lord Latham, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Raphael, and Mr. Corney Grain.

Paul Rodmell says it was 19 May 1889, but that was a Sunday, so is that an error?

27 May 1889, Monday, 11 p.m.

The Queen's State Ball at Buckingham Palace

It seems to have been hosted by the Prince and Princess of Wales and a number of their children. Queen Victoria was not present. The dancing began at 11 p.m., after the Prince and Princess of Wales and their family and attendants arrived.

June 1889

The last meeting of the Men and Women's Club was held in June 1889 (Bland 41).

The "initial London performance of 'A Doll's House' was in June 1889 and was attended by Eleanor Marx, Clementina Black, and Amy Levy (Bernstein paragraph 12). Then Walter Besant wrote "The Doll's House -- And After," attacking Nora for the destruction of her family twenty years later. G. B. Shaw wrote another version in 1890, a sequel to the original as well, "Still After the Doll's House," attacking Besant's vision (Time [February 1890]: 197–208). Eleanor Marx and Israel Zangwill then wrote "A Doll's House Repaired," in which the door slamming is the one that locks Nora in (Time [March 1891]: 239–253).

5 June 1889, Wednesday

Derby Day at Epsom Downs.

According to the Morning Post, <quote>The Derby Day. / Lady George Hamilton's second evening party, at the Admiralty. / Lady Trevelyan's dance, instead of the 27th of May. / Lady Jane Lindsay's first dance. / The Hon. Mrs. Greville Vernon's dance.</quote> ("Arrangements for This Day." The Morning Post Wednesday, 5 June 1889: p. 7 [of 12], Col. 6B).

6 June 1889, Thursday

According to the year-end summary of the weather in the 1 Janaury 1890 Morning Post, there was a "grand display of lightning during the violent thunderstorm of June 6" "The Weather of 1889." The Morning Post, 1 January 1890 (No. 36,675): page 6 Col. C.

8 June 1889, Saturday

The Royal Institute of Painters in Water-Colours opened an exhibition of "the works of the 'English Humourists in Art.'"

The members of the Royal Institute of Painters in Water-Colours, Piccadilly, W., through their president, Sir James D. Linton, and Mr. James Orrock, R.I., have made arrangements for a representative exhibition of the works of the "English Humourists in Art." The scope will be a wide one, from Hogarth, Rowlandson, etc., through the successive stages of humorous graphic art to its present development, as exemplified in the members of the artistic staff of Punch and contemporary pictorial humourists. The exhibition opens on the 8th of June, and is under distinguished patronage. The Queen will exhibit original drawings by Rowlandson, etc., from the royal collection; the Duchess of St. Albans, the Duke of Westminster, the Earl of Rosebery, the Earl of Mayo, the Hon. Algernon Bourke, the Hon. Michael Sandys, Mr. Henry Irving, and other fortunate possessors of original treasures of the requisite kind will contribute to the collection. The leading features of the Exhibition will be the gathering of original works by Rowlandson, an assemblage of the original illustrations designed from the works of Charles Dickens, including the series by George Cruikshank, H. K. Browne (“ Phiz ”), John Leech, Fred Barnard, Charles Green, R.I., etc. A most important series of water-colour drawings by the last-named artist, illustrating episodes from Dickens on a more ambitious scale than has been previously attempted, will be contributed by Mr. William Lockwood, who commissioned Mr. Charles Green to undertake this tour de force. Nearly all the original works in oils by Mr. Fred Barnard will be exhibited. Randolph Caldecott will also be well represented. There will likewise be numerous specimens of Messrs. John Tenniel, R.I., Charles Keene, George Du Maurier, R.W.S., Harry Furniss, Linley Sambourne, Gordon Thompson, Alfred Bryan, J. F. Sullivan; and others. Mr. Gilbert Dalziel is sending a selection from the best examples of the late W. G. Baxter.

26 June 1889, Wednesday

There was apparently a regular celebration of Arthur Collins' birthday, 26 June, by Bret Harte, George Du Maurier, Arthur Sullivan, Alfred Cellier, Arthur Blunt, and John Hare (Nissen, Axel. Brent Harte: Prince and Pauper: 239. [1]). Choosing 1885–1902 as the dates because those apparently are the dates of the close relationship between Harte and Collins, ending in Harte's death in 1902.

July 1889

2 July 1889, Tuesday

The Shah at a Covent Garden Opera Performance

These two articles are reportage, written in a personal, 1st-person style.

The "Arabian Nights" at Covent Garden. I. — By Our Operatic Special.

Truly a great function! Worthy of the occasion, and worthy of everybody concerned! Such was the verdict passed upon last night's show at Covent Carden by those who were lucky enough to be present at what was practically a unique performance. State visits to the opera are few and far between, and we must carry our memories back some sixteen years in order to recall a similar combination of royalty, aristocracy, millinery, and jewellery. No one has a better recollection of the operatic past than Mr. Edward Hall, the doyen of the Covent Garden box-office, who has been connected with the establishmient for over forty years. This veteran told me last night, when all was over, that the brilliancy of the occasion fully equalled, if not surpassed, both the Shah's visit to Bow-street (the theatre, not the police- court), in 1873, and also the Sultan of Turkey's entertainment at the same house in 1867. At any rate the vast majority of us had never seen anything quite like it before, and consequently we were duly astonished and delighted.

Arriving at the opera-house shortly before eight o'clock, I devoted myself immediately to making a short tour of inspection of all the arrangements. The entrance-hall was judiciously ornamented with strange and prickly shrubs, and had quite the appearance of a tropical jungle tempered with an allowance of red cloth. Turning to the grand staircase, which was covered with a carpet of peacock-blue, I made my way through leafy masses and nodding blossoms to the crush-room. Here all was cool and inviting. Huge blocks of ice, rendered translucent by artfully concealed coloured lights, filled every corner, mirrors reflected palms of all sorts and sizes, and comfortable lounges were scattered about for the benefit of the Royalties. This "elegant apartment" adjoined the Royal box, and was of course inaccessible to outsiders. The smoking balcony over the portico was also reserved for the various "highnesses," and a long table covered with light refreshments looked quite tempting with its glittering array of glass and plate. However, it was now time to seek the auditorium, and accordingly I hurried downstairs again and entered the stalls. As I gazed round the house a perfect "Arabian Nights" vision burst upon me. Imagine Covent Garden Theatre with every circle lined with bouquets, and every chair decked with a satin programme pinned to it, antirnaccassar fashion! The effect was one to be seen in order to be fully realized. Goodness only knows where the florists found material for all these bunches of roses and carnations, and for the substantial button-holes which were placed at the disposal of the gentlemen; one would almost expect a flower-ramine [?] in the adjacent market as the natural result. The audience was coming in slowly and sedately, and I had ample time and opportunity to look round me and take note of a few well-known faces. Lord and Lady Rothschild were among the earliest arrivals — he in a scarlet coat, and she in white and diamonds; Lady Mandeville took up her position early in Mrs. William Carrington's box. Lord and Lady Charles Beresford and Lord and Lady de Grey had deserted their usual quarters and occupied the Prince of Wales's box, which of course was not required by Royalty. Lady de Grey had on her lovely diamond tiara. Indeed, all over the theatre it positively rained precious stones, and there was hardly a lady on the grand or pit tiers who did not "sport" something magnificent in the way of a "head-piece." Mr. Edward Lawson, and Mr. Augustus Spalding each wandered about the stalls in the red coat of a deputy lieutenant; Mr. Reuben Sassoon wore black court dress, and so did Dr. Pavey, of "Guy's." Mr. Higgins hovered between the stalls and one of the omnibus boxes; Lady Dudley divided herself between her own domain, where she was accompanied by Miss Mordaunt, and the Beresford box; and Mr. Potter, Q.C., wore "common or garden" evening clothes. Others who came in good time were the Danish Minister (in gorgeous array) and Madame De Falbe, wearing her wonderful emeralds; Mr. De Murietta, Lord and Lady Will[i]am Nevill, the latter wearing diamonds, pearls, and sapphires; Miss Murietta, in white, and Mr. Van Raalte, who brought his wife in a charming light blue gown.

But stay! Here is Signor Mancinelli in his place, just ready to begin. The Royal party is not expected until nine o'clock, and so the first few items will be got through in their absence. The orchestra plays the overture to "William Tell" splendidly, and then Mdme. Melba comes on to sing the mad scene from "Lucia," under the baton of Signor Randegger. Next Signor Arditi takes his turn with the "stick," and Beethoven's immortal "Leonora No. 3' is given. After this there is a pause; Signor Mancinelli resumes his comnand, and stands, waiting for his signal. It is past nine o'clock, and the Royalties are already overdue. A few minutes of anxious expectation, and then distant cheers are heard by those in the corridors. The audience rise as one being, the conductor's stick makes a significant movement, there is a mighty roll of drums leading into the National Anthem, and then his Majesty the Shah enters the Royal box with the Princess of Wales on his arm. The Prince of Wales follows with Princess Louise, and then come Prince Albert Victor and Princess Victoria of Wales; Prince George and Princess Beatrice; the Earl of Fife, escorting his fiancée, Princess Louise of Wales; and Prince Henry of Battenberg with Princess Maud. The Princess of Wales wears a magnificent flame-coloured brocade, and her famous diamond tiara; Princess Beatrice is in black, and Princess Louise and the three young Princesses are all in white. In attendance on the Royal party are the Persian Minister and several members of the Shah's suite, the Duke of Portland, Lord Radnor, Lord Lathom, Sir Henry Drummond Wolff, Sir Henry Rawlinson, Sir Spencer Ponsonby, Lady Sophia Macnamara, Lady Emily Kingscote, and Miss Cochrane. Every one has a good stare at the Shah while "God save the Queen" and the Persian National Anthem are being played, and then the Royalties settle down in their charming white and yellow loge, and begin to turn over the books of the words, which have been elaborately bound in crimson watered silk. The curtain rises almost immediately on the fourth act of "Faust," which is sung by Mdrne. Albani, Mdme. Scalchi, the Brothers de Reszke, and M. Lassalle. His Oriental Majesty appears to enjoy the music, and waves his right band vigorously, while the Soldiers' Chorus is being sung. Then there is a brief interval, during which I perambulate the house and make up the following "little iist" of notabilities. Lord Limerick; Mrs. Edward Lawson, in white; Mr. and Mrs. Harry Lawson; Mr. Maximilian de Bathe; Mr. and Mrs. Hulse; Mr. George Curzon, M.P., who is in Lord Windsor's box; Lady Colin Campbell, with a lovely feather fan; Mrs. Labouchere, in pink; the Duchess of Newcastle, with her daughter, the Duchesse d'Avigliano; Mr. and Mrs. Algernon Bourke, in the Murietta's [sic] box; Mrs. Arthur Wilson, in black, who manages to drop her banquet onto someone's head; Lady Zetland, in white; the Duchess of Portland, also in white; the Duchess of Marlborough; Lady Lucas; Lord and Lady Windsor; Mrs. Parkinson Sharpe and her daughters; Mrs. Lawrence, in black and white; Mr. Charles Lucas; Mrs. Edward Sassoon, in white; Mr. "Arthur Roberts" Nugent, in a bear-skin; Sir Morell Mackenzie, with his German star; Mr. Charles Hall, Q.C.; the Duchess of Manchester, Mr. Arthur Chappell, Mrs. Arthur Paget, and Lady Mary Mills, who looks lovely in grey velvet and a diamond tiara; Mrs. Henry Oppenheim, in red; Lady Rosebery, with Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild; Lord Abington; Mr. and Mrs. Hanbury; Lady Broome, in terra cotta; and Colonel and Mrs. William Carington. In the "omnibus" boxes are Lord Calthorpe, Lord Chesterfield, Mr. Chaplin, Colonel Oliver Montague, Lord Henry Paulet, Mr. Baring, Mr. Williams, and Mr. C. de Murietta. Mrs. Arthur Sassoon is with Lady Forbes; Mrs. McEwan has brought Lady Jane Taylour, and Lady Howe, in white, has come with Lady Hindlip. Amongst others present I see Lady Randolph Churchill; Lady de Trafford, in brown satin, with pale pink, roses; the Spanish Ambassador; Mrs. Albert Brassey; Mrs. Adrian Hope, in white satin; Lady Curzon; Lady Claude Hamilton, in salmon pink; Maria, Marchioness of Ailesbury, in black and gold; Mrs. Tatton Egerton, Mr. Alfred de Rothschild; and a heap of others. The Guards about the theatre make a particularly brilliant show, and the twenty-four Beefeaters, who have been sent over from St. James's Palace, remind one of the "Yeomen of the Guard."

The second Part of the programme goes quite as well as the first, and Mdme. Melba makes an especial hit in the valse from "Romeo et Juliette." When all is over the Royal party passes down the staircase and gradually disperses.Then the "Wales" family departs for Marlborough House, and Lord Fife is left to take care of Princess Beatrice instead of his fiancée. When all the Royalties have finally gone every one, [sic] else slowly leaves the big opera house, and I myself, turning my steps southward, run against a little fair man, and have the pleasure of congratulating Mr. Clarkson on having "wigged" three operas in one evening. So ends a memorable function.

A Display of Unparalleled Magnificence.

II. — By Our Own Visitor.

The gala performance at the Covent Garden Theatre last night, on the occasion of the "State Visit to the Opera, by command of her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen, in honour of his Majesty the Shah, K.G.," presented a spectacle of altogether unprecedented brilliancy. Nothing even approaching it has ever before been seen in England, and we must go back to the days of the French Empire to find a similar entertainment that could in any sense be compared with it for splendour.

I arrived somewhat early and found that the ordinary drive under the portico of the theatre had been transformed into a fine and spacious vestibule [Col. 2c-3a] by reason of much bunting — above, around, and under foot — while the gas chandeliers were decorated with flowers. Entering the ordinary vestibule of the theatre I found myself in a charming ante-chamber, in which the military had already taken up their position, and in which a great number of officers, military, naval, civil, and diplomatic, were promenading. Then on through the passages into the body of the theatre, and a wonderful spectacle presented itself. The house was alive with flowers — magnificent bouquets, huge and tasteful nosegays of roses for the ladies and buttonholes for the gentlemen, rested between every alternate stall, and traced the outline of the rows of boxes on every tier in splendid profusion, and imparted a semblance of fairy-land to the interior. Of the large bouquets it was said that no fewer than seven hundred had been provided by Messrs. Wells and Segar, and that the supply in the market round the corner was suffering severely through the contract. On the back of each seat was pinned a gorgeous programme printed in blue upon a sheet of white satin twelve inches by eighteen. And now the fortunate holders of seats began to pour in — all that was most beautiful, most aristocratic, and most wealthy in London. But it was noticeable that very, very few of the well known faces in artistic, literary, or scientific circles were present. I have seen many an important function and ceremonial, but never have I seen so many beautiful women together, or such a wonderful display of diamonds and jewels. "I should like to have the chance," whispered a Bond-street gentleman in front of me to his friend, after the Princess had arrived, "I should like to have the chance of buying all the stones in this house for a million sterling. I'd put up with the balance." He was apparently "in the trade."

Never has the Princess of Wales looked more beautiful than last night, as, in her deep red dress, her neck smothered in necklaces and rivières of diamonds, and a dazzling diamond coronet on her head — by the side of which all other tiaras and jewels seemed to pale — she stood in front of the box, biting her lips with what appeared to be suppressed amusement. The Royal party, all in full uniform, sat thus:—

Princess Victoria of Wales	Prince Henry of Battenberg	Princess Maud of Wales	Prince Albert Victor	Princess of Wales	SHAH	Prince of Wales	Princess Beatrice	Prince George of Wales	Princess Louise of Wales	Earl of Fife (apparently: he was behind a column)

During the last interval, the Guest [the Shah] did not wait for the Princess, but left his seat and she quietly followed him out. I also left the body of the theatre, and, making my way to the vestibule, where the band of the Royal Artillery was playing and a strong guard of the same regiment was mounted, I thought I had never beheld a more picturesque or dazzling a scene. Military men in their uniforms, Life Guards in their clanking steel, Hussars with their clicking spurs, Doctors of Law in their gowns, men in Court dress, Highlanders, Volunteer officers, officers of regiments of the line, gorgeous in lace and brave in buttons, all hemmed in by a hollow square of the heavily gold-laced Queen's servants, formed a scene of brilliancy, tempered by the presence of ladies.

Such was the gala night of the Covent Garden Theatre, and if the sight of it had not impressed itself for good on the heart of the Shah as he drove away in the magnificent gold carriage (for all the world like that in which the Prince and Princess drive round the ring at the Christmas circus), he must at least have felt grateful for the most superb society reunion that has ever taken place in London since London began.

27 July 1889, Saturday

Wedding between Princess Louise of Wales and the Duke of Fife at Buckingham Palace (http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/25962/pages/4311/page.pdf).

Garden Party Hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Augustus Harris

The Mr. Charles Dickens who attended cannot be the novelist, but he could be his son, Charles Dickens, Jr., who died in 1896. Who Lord and Lady Greville are requires confirmation, as Earl and Countess Warwick might have been called Lord and Lady Greville; calling Algernon Fulke and Lady Violet Greville Lord and Lady would be incorrect but not a big stretch. The Dowager Duchess of Newcastle in 1889 was Henrietta, 6th Duchess of Newcastle, who married Thomas Theobald Hohler in 1880.

Mr. and Mrs. Augustus Harris gave a very successful garden party on Saturday, 27th ult., at The Elms, Avenue-road, when the beautiful grounds were filled with a brilliant and fashionable assemblage. The approach to the house is through a long avenue of elms, and once inside the gates one might be far away in the depths of the country. Both Mr. and Mrs. Harris stood near the entrance to welcome the guests; Mrs, Harris wearing a beautiful toilette of eau de nil silk, with a becoming French hat, with long streamers at the back. Tents were erected on the lawns, and little tables were dotted about the grass, where the guests might discuss the huge peaches at their ease. The band of the Scots Guards discoursed sweet music on the lawn, and the extremely beautiful toilettes worn by the ladies enhanced the charm of the scene. The beautiful Lady de Grey came in on her way from the Royal wedding, looking lovely in an exquisite toilette of soft white mousseline de soie, with a pointed vest of gold passementerie, and a becoming little bonnet of the same material; she wore very fine diamond earrings, which paled beside the brilliancy of her eyes. Mrs. Baskcomb had also come on from the wedding, and looked charming in a dress of white and blue mousseline de laine, with a vest and sash of dark blue silk, and a bonnet made entirely of cornflowers. Mrs. Baskcomb wore the favour from the Royal wedding (a pretty spray of orange-blossom and white heather); and round her neck was a Royal gift, consisting of a pendant with the Prince of Wales's feathers on a raised gold ground. Mrs. Phillips also wore an exquisite toilette which had figured on the same occasion. The Dowager Duchess of Newcastle wore an artistic costume of bronze and green. Mrs. Heywood attracted a good deal of attention in a bright red silk dress, with a sunshade to match, having a spray of pink may at the top, and a diamond collar necklace. Mrs. Sam Lewls looked particularly striking in a green dress slightly figured with black, a grass-green mantle trimmed with bands of black passementerie, and a pretty bonnet made entirely of grass with a coronet of yellow buttercups. Mrs. Alfred Caldicott looked very elegant in a successful combination of bronze and green, with a bonnet of salmon-pink roses. Mrs. Henry Wylde looked well in white silk striped with black velvet, and a large hat covered with white ostrich feathers; and Mrs. Philip Falk was in sapphire-blue silk and velvet. A very chic toilette was worn by Mrs. Skirrow, who wore a very pretty green hat with a turned-up brim, trimmed with Japanese chrysanthemums in mauve, pink, and cream. Mrs. Maxse looked very pretty in silver-grey silk, with a long black lace mantle with winged sleeves, and a black lace hat wreathed with pink and crimson roses. The most récherché toilette of the occasion was worn by Mrs. Randegger, who looked very pretty in salmon-pink silk shot with fawn, with a bonnet of roses of the same colour. Nearly all Mr. Harris's prima donnas were present, and each formed a separate centre of attraction. Mdme. Ella Russell wore a charming Empire dress of eau de nil crêpe de chine with a coral-pink sash, & bonnet of coral-pink roses, and a diamond star at the throat. The sunshade which accompanied this fresh and dainty toilette was of white silk edged with real Brussels lace. Mdme. Valda looked very handsome in a dress of ivory silk covered with Italian lace, with a cuirass of gold passementerie, and a white tulle bonnet trimmed with gold-coloured velvet. Mdme. Marie Roze wore a fancy striped mousseline de laine, with a straw hat lined with sky-blue silk and trimmed with pink roses, the écru lace vest crossed by the large diamond stars belonging to the tiara presented to her by the people of Liverpool. Pretty Mdme. Nordica wore a Directoire dress in white-and-fawn striped silk, and a white bonnet trimmed with amber. Mrs. Bernard Beere looked very picturesque in pearl white brocade with a white lace front, a white chip hat trimmed with Boulanger carnations, a nosegay of the same in the bodice, and one of the flowers tucked into the throat under the high collar. Buttons of star sapphires were the only touch of colour in the dress. Celebrities of every description were to be seen among the guests. Mons. Max O'Rell discoursed art with Mons. Jean de Paléologue and Mons. Raphael. Mons. Ed. Lantéri was also present (professor of sculpture at South Kensington, and the designer of the medals which Mr. Harris has lately presented to his artists in commemoration of his successful operatic season) and Mons. Bertrand, who has taught the Duchess of Fife to fence, and speaks greatly of her proficiency in the graceful art. A great many of Mr. Harris's colleagues on the County Council were present, amongst whom may be mentioned Colonel Edis, Captain Probyn, Mr. E. Boulnois, M.P., Colonel Rotton, Mr. Beechcroft, Mr. Beaufoy, Mr. J. F. Beck, Mr. Carter, Mr. Carr-Gomm, Mr. Frank Debenham, Mr. Lye, Mr. A. Bassett-Hopkins, Mr. Lemon, Mr. Torr, Mr. Rhodes, Captain Verney, Mr. Walter Wren, and Mr. F. A. Ford. The rain luckily kept off until quite the end of the party, when the remaining guests adjourned to the house and examined the beautiful silver salver and marble gilt photograph stand which was presented to the popular manager last week by the principal members of the Royal Italian Opera Company, whose portraits, with autographs attached, give additional value to the graceful gift. Among the guests were:— The Dowager Duchess of Newcastle and Mr. Hohler, the Earl and Lady Cairns, Lord de I'lsle, Lord and Lady Hindlip, Sir Edmund and Lady Lechmere, Sir Arthur Birch, Lord Hay, Lord and Lady Greville, Sir Charles and Lady Tupper, Lord and LadyHobhouse, Lady Fanny Fitzwygram, Sir Albert Rollit, M.P., Lord and Lady Raincliffe, Mr. John Aird, M.P., and Mrs. Aird, Sir Richard and Lady Wood, Mr. H. De Stern, Sir Francis and Lady Truscott, Mr. and Mrs. Ellicott, Mr. Hume Spry; Sir F. Perkins, Lady Colin Campbell, Sir Thomas and Lady Gabriel, Mr. Henry Tracy, Lady and Miss Pauncefote, Colonel Sir Robert Harley, Sir Edward Hamley, Sir Vincent and Lady Barrington, Sir W. and Lady Hardman, Mr. and Lady Agnes Cooper, Sir James and Lady Linton, Mr. and Mrs. Kendal, Sir Oscar Clayton, Mr. J. F. Firth, M.P., and Mrs. Firth, Sir F. and Lady Alston, Mdme. Roze and Col. Mapleson, Mr. T. Thorne, Alderman and Mrs. Savory, Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Kynaston, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Stirling, Mr. and Mrs. L. Brough, Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Frith, Mr. Seymour Lucas, Mr. Woodall, M.P., Sir George Grove, Mr. L. Jennings, M.P., Col. E. Hughes, M.P., and Mrs. Hughes, Dr. W. H. Russell, Mr. and Mrs. Sydney Hoffnung[,] Mr. Pope, Q.C, Miss Bury, Dr. and Mrs. Robson Roose, Mr. H. Poland, Q.C., Sir S and Lady Gabriel, Mr. C. Whitmore, M.P., Alderman and Lady Isaacs, Sir T. and Lady Lucas, Sir R. Fowler, M.P., and Miss Fowler, Alderman Sir John and Lady Ellis, Lady Monckton, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Parkinson, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Dickens, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Furniss, Mr. G. A. Sala, Mr. and Mrs. Pinero, Mdme. Valia, Alderman and Mrs. Evans, Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Caldicott, Mr. Harry Marks, Mons. Castelmary, Mons. and Mdme. Paul Blouet, Mdme. Fursch-Madi, Mr. and Mr. [sic] Charles Wyndham, Col. R. W. Edis, Alderman and Mrs. Tyler, Mr. E. Boulnois, M.P., and Mrs. Boulnois, Mr. and Mrs. Terris, Mr. A. M. Broadley, Mr. J. Fernandez, Mr. Phil Morris, A R.A., Alderman, Mrs., and the Misses Faudel Philips, Sir W. and Miss Charley, Mr. Bidney Brough, Le Comte Ostrorog, Captain and Mr. [sic] Cdfford [Clifford?] Probyn, Mr. Under-Sheriff Clarence Halse and Mrs. Halse, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Sassoon, Le Comte and Comtesse Dillon, Mr. and Mrs. Folk, Captain Henshaw Russell, Mrs. Adair, Mr. and Mrs. Algernon Bourke, Mr. H. V. Higgins, Captain and Mrs. Lathom Fox, Colonel and Mrs. Rotton, Signor Mancinelli, Rev. Henry White, Captain Chetwynd, Mr. and Mrs. Hume Webster, Mons. Gennadino, Alderman and Mrs. Renals, Major-General Hales Wortham, Signor and Mdme. Arditi, Rev. Canon and Mrs. Barker, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Debenham, Mrs. Gabrielli, Dr. and Mrs. Scott Gatty.

1889 July 31, Wednesday

Fete of the Uxbridge Habitation of the Primrose League

A fête, held under the auspices of the Uxbridge Habitation of the Primrose League, took place on Wednesday afternoon last in the beautiful grounds of Hillingdon Court, kindly lent by the Hon. Algernon Mills, and the evert may be described as in every way a success. A more charming spot for holding a fête of this kind could scarely be selected, and the weather was brilliant. It transpired that the arrangements for the afternoon's programme had been in a great measure suggested and carried out by Lady Mary Mills, and this being the case it was satisfactory for the large company who assembled at the meeting that was called together towards the close of the proceedings, to hear graceful compliments paid to Lady Mary, not only by Mr. C. Roberts, the Deputy Ruling Counciller of the Habitation, but by Lord Claud Hamilton, for the kind and active interest she had evinced in the event. Other necessary arrangements were very ably superintended by officers of the Habitation, aided by the Hon. Secretary, Mr. B. T. Gales. The company present included the Hon. Algernon Mills, Ruling Councillor of the Habitation, Lady Mary Mills, Lord Claud Hamilton, Lord Chesterfield, the Countess Stradbroke, the Hon. Algernon and Mrs. Bourke, Sir Charles and Lady Cox, Mr. and Mrs. Wemyss, Mr. H. R. Cos, Mr. F. H. Deane and the Misses Deane, Mr. and Mrs. B. H. W. Way and Miss Way, General and the Misses Swanston, General Stanton, Mrs. B. C. Stephenson and party, Miss Clarke (Swakeleys), Mrs. C Grenfell, Mr. and Miss Roberts, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Hibbert, Mrs. Wakefield, Dr. and Mrs. Ferris, Mr. H. Bird, Mr. W. Avery Bird, Mr. and Mrs. S. S. Phillips and party, the Misses Duncombe, Mr. and the Misses Grimsdale, Mr. W. B. Harman [Herman?], Mr. G. Woolls, the Rev. J. H. Thomas, T. W. James, and T. M Everett. The amusements provided during the afternoon included selections of music by members of the Uxbridge and Hillingdon Band, a very interesting entertainment of performing dogs, under the direction of Mr. Hotime, pleasing vocal and instrumental performances by the Meier Family, and several selections of comic melodies by experienced artistes, the latter of whom appeared upon a prettily decorated stage. The piano, by the way, which was used in the accompaniments, was supplied by Mrs. Willis, of Uxbridge. Tea and other refreshments were provided, and the majority of the company availed themselves of the opportunity of partaking of the refreshing beverage. Satislaction was expressed on all sides with the general success of the occasion, which certainly passed off in a manner which could not fail to please everyone present.

Shortly after five o'clock the company assembled in front of a platform or stage to hear some brief addresses on political subjects. The chair was taken by the Hon. Algernon Mills, who was accompanied by Lord Claud Hamilton, M.P., and Mr. C. Roberts, and, before the meeting closed, he was joined by Mr. F. D. Dixon-Hartland, M.P., whose arrival was greeted with cheers.

Lord Claud Hamilton, who was briefly introduced by the Chairman, congratulated the Habitation, first upon the successful appearance of the meeting, and next upon the great addition to their ranks which had occurred within the past few days. He thought that although Uxbridge in past days was not distinguished for its Conservatism, there had been a marked change for the better during the past few years, and he thought that when the time once more arrived the voters of Uxbridge would again be found polling in the right direction. At the same time that be congratulated the people of that district upon what he found to be their efficient local organisation, he thought they might, as a party, congratulate themselves on the present position of the Unionist Government in Parliament. This was the close of the third Session of the present Government, and although there had been one or two bye-elections, on personal and other grounds, and they had lost a few seats, yet no impartial man could deny that at the present moment the Government of Lord Salisbury was far stronger in Parliament and in the estimation of the country at large than it had been at any time during the past three years, and there was throughout the Kingdom a firm and solemn determination on the part of most electors to support end to cement the union between the Conservative party and the section of the Liberal party called Liberal Unionists. While such a feeling existed he thought that the present Government might certainly be regarded as strong. He must confess, however, that he felt sorry on taking up the morning paper that day to see that an old and personal friend, and one whom he admired, had been once again coming forward somewhat in the nature of a disturber of the public peace. He had read two speeches in the paper that day, one by Mr. A. Balfour, the other by the great politician, Lord Randolph Churchill, and in regard to the latter he was at first really unable to define what he was driving at in the remarks he made, and the policy which he attempted to unfold to his Birmingham audience, for he did not commence with a straight hit, but by side-hitting and numerous other modes of attack endeavoured to make out to his hearers that nearly everything connected with the foreign policy of Lord Salisbury was wrong, and that a great deal of the policy of Mr. Balfour in Ireland was also wrong. Having reviewed and criticised Lord Randolph's remarks in reference to foreign policy, he proceeded to deal with his observations having reference to the action of the Government in regard to Ireland, and, in this matter, confessed that he was always sorry when he heard an old friend talk undignified nonsense on a public platform, for although his lordship said a good deal that was wise and sensible, he showed his total ignorance of the present circumstances existing in regard to Ireland, and, above all, his ignorance of the Irish character. Then Lord Randolph Churchill also appeared to feel that he ought to have seat in Birmingham. Now, his hearers were doubtless very well acquainted with an interesting suburban town called Brentford. He did not think that a town like Brentford was large enough for two kings, and Birmingham was not large enough for two kings; and if two men of the calibre of Mr. Joseph Chamberlain and Lord Randolph Churchill both occupied seats for Birmingham, he did not think that it could be done without some trouble occurring in the future. After some further remarks on general political policy, his lordship concluded by once more congratulating the local Habitation of the Primrose League on the success of that day's proceedings.

Mr. Dixon-Hartland, M.P., who was received with much applause, remarked, at the outset, having reference to the observations he had heard made by Lord Claud Hamilton, that he regretted Lord Randolph Churchill had spoken as he had done during the last few days. He was one or those who had watched Lord Randolph Churchill's career with great interest for a long time, and he felt that the Conservative party owed much to him. In 1880, when the fortunes of the party seemed at a low ebb, a force and courage was given to it by the way in which Lord Randolph Churchill attacked the Radical ministry that were then in power. He did good work for the Party, and that way one of the causes why Lord Salisbury was in power at the present time. However, much as he (the speaker) admired his lordship's courage and valuable work in the past, that did not blind him to what the noble lord was doing now, and the doctrines which he had recently been preaching at Walsall and at Birmingham were not Tory but socialistic doctrines. The question of doing away with rents wherever they existed, without compensation, was one that would never be accepted by the Tory party, and if Lord Randolph Churchill was going to pin his faith to a flag of that kind he would have to join the other side, for the Conservatives would not consent to it. The speaker then remarked upon the progress of the measure in reference to the Royal Grants. He remarked that last week there were few people whose hearts were not moved with the idea of the marriage of the daughter of our future king. There could be no doubt that the marriage was a thoroughly popular one with the English people, for it reminded us of the olden times, when our Kings came forward and gave their daughters in marriage to English noblemen; and the majority of people in England to-day thought our noblemen were quite as good as German princelings. (Loud applause.) English people were glad to see a return to the old state of things, for it was a custom which created another tie between the people and the Throne of England. (Hear, hear.) In Parliament most unworthy, ungenerous, and he might say, improper means had been taken to try and divide the vote for sums of money necessary to keep up the dignity of the Royal Family. For his own part he did not think that if England were polled the people of this country would be so mean as not to keep up the dignity of their Royal Family. It was a question which concerned the country more than was generally contemplated, for, in his opinion, anything that we paid to the Queen and for properly maintaining the Royal dignity was small, considering the great benefits that we received. The benefits he referred to had been bestowed upon the English people by the very constitutional way in which the queen had performed the duties of her high office, and had that not been the case we in England would not have been in the state of prosperity which might now be ascribed to us as a country, and that would have affected every man, woman and child he then saw before hm. We were told we were being unduly taxed, but, after all, what was it that was paid for the Royal Family. He submitted that at the present moment the whole of the sum annually paid amounted to rather less than one penny per head of the whole population, and it would be somewhere about one penny if the proposed grant were made. We were better off in this respect than the people of America, who paid a vast amount of money annually to Congressmen and Senators — a great deal more than we paid our queen, while, it must be remembered, the services of members of the House of Lords and House of Commons were gratuitous. We must look at the details of these things, view the question in a general, and at the same time in a common sense, way, and it would be seen that in these matters we were more lightly taxed than any country in Europe or any couuntry in the New World. Referring to the past Session of Parliament, the speaker said it had been remarkable for the breaking-up, so to speak, of the power of Mr. Gladstone over the Radical portion of his supporters; and in this respect it might be mentioned that Mr. Gladstone had come forward to say he would do what was right in regard to the royal grants. Then there was another point that might be referred to, and that was the breaking up of the Irish party, who not only felt that Mr. Bal- [Col. 1c–2a] four's government was enticing the ground from under their feet, but were also becoming aware of the fact that money was not coming in in the way it used to do. Mr. Diller had been making a tour in Australian colonies; and the general conclusion to be arrived at was that all these showed how strong and good was the government of Lord Salisbury. (Hear, hear.) The speaker then proceeded to remark that while the effect of Lord Salisbury's government was manifestly beneficial, there were apart from the influence of our own administration, signs of trouble among foreign nations, and that all this should cause the fact to be more firmly impressed upon the English mind that we should have a strong and stable government, and it behoved all in this country to do everything in their power to support the same. In conclusion, he wished to say that he was very pleased they had had such a pleasant afternoon, and he was sure they must one and all feel indebted to the Hon. Algernon Mills for the use of his grounds on the occasion. (Hear, hear.) He must remember, however, that on such occasions as that they did not assemble for the sole purpose of hearing speeches, and certainly not long speeches, and he would therefore conclude his remarks, but before doing so he wished to say that he hoped that year by year Primrose gatherings would be held in the neighbourhood of Uxbridge, and that that Habitation, and others, would continue to prosper, for there was no doubt that such societies brought all classes together, they were cemented in one bond, and where that was the case there was very little chance of the Radicals gaining any power. There was yet one other matter which he wished very briefly to refer to before he resumed his seat. He had been told lately that there had been a report in circulation to the effect that he had some thought of relinquishing his seat in Parliament as a representative of that Division. All he could say was that he considered it the greatest honour to represent a Division in the county of Middlesex, and that be was quite content with the Division he had the great honour to represent at the present time. So long as they in that Division were willing to have him, he was most willing to stick to them, and he hoped that he might be their member for many years to come, and have the pleasure of continuing to come amongst them, knowing that he was in the midst of friends. (Loud and continued cheering.)

Mr. C. Roberts, who was greeted with every manifestation of popularity, then came forward for the purpose of proposing a vote of thanks to the Hon. Algernon Mills and Lady Mary Mills for their kindness in allowing the fête to take place in the beautiful grounds of Hillingdon Court. It was evident that they had the good of the cause at heart, and the fact of such support brought a great many recruits under the Primrose League standard. It was satisfactory for him to be able to state that during a very short period they had received the names of 100 recruits. Such rapid strides as that would not be made but for gatherings of that kind, which benefitted the Primrose League movement very much throughout the country; and it was undoubtedly productive of a great deal of good when the gentry opened their parks in this way, as had been the case during late years, for it brought all classes of society together, and refuted the argument that the Tories were composed of the "swells" of society, and would have nothing whatever to do with those who occupied a more humble position in life. (Hear, hear.) Such a statement as that was, of course, a great error, and they of the Primrose League, whether they belonged to the upper or the middle class, knew full well that so long as people conducted themselves the League was open to all who were of that political opinion, and that whenever there was a fête of that kind there was no distinction of persons whatever, all were perfectly free to attend the meeting, and there was certainly no idea of setting class against class. He could not help remarking that the Primrose League in that district had a most able representative in Lady Mary Mills. The whole of the entertainments on that occasion had been organised by her, and, the event having taken place in such fine weather, and those present having been so extremely well entertained, the entire proceedings might be fittingly described as a great success, and he thought it would for a fitting close to such an enjoyable occasion if a hearty vote of thanks were passed to the Hon. Algernon MiIls and Lady Mary Mills for their kindness in entertaining such a large company that afternoon. (Applause.) He did not think that such a proposal needed a seconder, and therefore he called upon all who approved of it to signify the same in the usual way.

Prolonged applause was the answer to this invitation for an expression of opinion, and one enthusiastic visitor called for cheers for Lady Mary Mills, which were promptly given. The Hon. Algernon Mills replied in appropriate terms, and remarked that whatever gratification had been derived from the proceedings of that afternoon was due to the arrangements which had been entirely carried out by his wife, for he, owing to having been engaged in business matters, had been unable to devote much attention to it. All he could say was that he hoped it would not be the last meeting of the kind that would take place there. (Loud applause.)

August 1889

6 August 1889, Tuesday

The official Savoy Hotel opening:

The Savoy Hotel on the Thames Embankment opened by a company, 6 August 1889; the directors included the earl of Lathom, Mr. R. D'Oyly Carte, and sir Arthur Sullivan.

This official opening followed 2 soft openings, one a "Housewarming Supper" hosted by the Hwfa Williamses, and the second a "private viewing." "Guests" at the post-opera supper included people like

the Duchess of Manchester Consuelo Montagu, Lord Dunraven, Lord and Lady Gosford, Lord and Lady Dudley, Lord and Lady de Grey, Lord Hartington, Lord Hardwick, and the Honourable Algernon Bourke, the owner of White's who had just lost the best chef in London to D'Oyly's hotel kitchen. ... Representing the businessmen whom D'Oyly was so keen to attract were the English branch of the Rothschilds, and the American Forbes family.

15 August 1889, Thursday

Pleydell-Bouverie Skelmersdale Wedding

26 August 1889, Monday

Summer Bank Holiday.

30 August 1889, Friday

J. M. Stoddart, from Lippincott's, Arthur Conan Doyle, Oscar Wilde, and Gill met for dinner. Stoddart was looking for novels.

The American house of Lippincott's, based in Philadelphia, had sent one of their men, J.M. Stoddart, over to England to search out some new talent. Lippincott's published a monthly magazine in both countries, and their policy was to include a complete story in each number. Stoddart called upon James Payn, editor of The Cornhill, and Payn recommended him to try Dr. Conan Doyle of Southsea. The result was the celebrated dinner for four at the Langham Hotel, Portland Place with Stoddart, Doyle, Oscar Wilde, and an Irish MP called Gill. ... Dr Doyle has left on record his impressions of Wilde" (Stavert 148).

For Lippincott's Doyle wrote A Study in Scarlet, which has "a character patterned after Oscar Wilde, and the Langdon Hotel gets a mention" (Stavert 149). Doyle's A Study in Scarlet was published in the February 1890 number, and Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray in the July 1890 one.

30 August 1889, Friday

W. A. Ayton and Anne Ayton were initiated into the Inner Order of the Golden Dawn (Gilbert 86 140).

October 1889

In October 1889, Jack the Ripper's signature and some vandalism in the form of drawings and commentary shows up in the guest book for the Lizard Hotel, Lizard Point, Cornwall (Cornwell 283).

31 October 1889, Thursday

Halloween.

November 1889

5 November 1889, Tuesday

Guy Fawkes Day

13 November 1889, Wednesday

According to the Morning Post (2 January 1890), there was a disturbance during a performance of The Gold Craze at the Royal Princess's Theatre:

The Marquis de Leuville appeared yesterday at Marlborough-street Police-court, to answer a summons obtained by Mr. H. Cummings for inciting persons to create a riot at the Royal Princess's Theatre on November 13. Mr. Geoghegan stated the case for the complainant, and examined Thomas Vincent Kiely, who said that the Marquis had given him money to engage men to hiss and make a disturbance at the performance of "The Gold Craze" at the Princess's, in which the Baron de Fleurville was upposed by defendant to be [col. 5/6] intended for himself. The hearing was adjourned.

December 1889

7 December 1889, Saturday

Gilbert and Sullivan's The Gondoliers, Or the King of Barataria opened at the Savoy.

17 December 1889, Tuesday

The Wedding of Lord Dangan and Lady Violet Nevill

25 December 1889, Wednesday

Christmas Day

26 December 1889, Thursday

Boxing Day

Opening of the Horniman Museum

Mr. F. J. Horniman's museum at Forest-Hill was open to the public on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in Christmas week, and about 4500 persons of all classes availed themselves of the privilege of inspecting the various objects of interest and the magnificent collection of natural history and art specimens.

27 December 1889, Friday

Horniman Museum open, second day.

28 December 1889, Saturday

Horniman Museum open, third day.

31 December 1889, Tuesday

Robert Browning's funeral in Westminster Abbey

Bret Harte attended.

The mortal remains of Robert Browning, the great poet, were yesterday laid among the relics of other famous bards and writers in Poets' Corner, Westminster Abbey, with every appropriate demonstration of honour and regret for the departed. Among the attendant mourners were many of the great of the land and a host of others, whose reverence for the poet was shown by their demeanour.

From later in the Morning Post:

With manifestations of sincere respect and fond remembrance the remains of Robert Browning were yesterday consigned to an honoured resting place in Westminster Abbey. The funeral procession, which included 10 mourning carriages, left the house in De Vere-gardens, Kensington, soon after eleven o'clock, and reached Westminster Abbey just after the hour of noon had struck. Long before that time the choir and transepts reserved for mourners and friends were full, with the exception of a few seats under the Lantern set apart for the relatives and pall-bearers. The north transcept and a portion of the nave were crowded with the general public. Gloom and mist pervaded the Abbey, rendering the use of artificial light imperative. Tall tapers were burning upon the footpace before the undraped altar, and the seven-branched candelabra at the entrance of the sacrarium shed a flickering light within. In the uncertain light it was difficult to discern and identify the occupants of the choir and transepts, but now and again some well-known representative of art and letters could be recognised passing to his allotted seat. Just before noon the Dean, Canons Prothero, Duckworth, Westcott, and Fruse, Minor Canons Troutbeck and Cheadle, and the choir assembled at the western entrance of the nave in readiness to meet the body. Some 10 minutes afterwards the solemn and familiar strains of Croft and Purcell's music indicated that the Burial Service had commenced, and, with slow and measured steps the long procession passed up the nave into the choir, where choir and clergy took their places in the stalls. The coffin, covered with a violet-coloured pall, upon which were placed two floral wreaths and a cross of violets, was placed upon trestles in the open space under the Lantern where the lectern usually stands. The pall-bearers, ranged on either side, were the Hon. Hallam Tennyson, Dr. Butler, Sir Fitzjames Stephen, Sir Theodore Martin, Archdeacon Farrar, Professor Masson, Professor Jowett, Sir Frederick Leighton, Sir James Paget, Sir George Grove, Mr. G. M. Smith, and Professor Knight. [new paragraph] When the mourners had taken their places, the Burian Service proceeded in the usual manner, the 90th Psalm being chanted to Purcell's setting, while the Dean read the Lesson from his stall. The anthem or hymn which is usually interpolated between the two sections of the service was yesterday preceded by a "Meditation," in which some touching verses by Elizabeth Barrett Browning were set to equally touching music by Dr. Bridge. Rendered by the choir with excellent skill and reverent feeling, this interlude formed the most striking feature in the whole service. The anthem which followed was Wesley's, "All go to one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again." At its conclusion the procession reformed, and the coffin, preceded by clergy and choir, passed through the south transept to the familiar Poets' Corner, where, at the foot of Chaucer's tomb, the grave had been dug. On the wall above, suspended from Cowley's monument, was a noble wreath of laurel, bound by a broad ribbon of white silk bearing the name of the poet in golden lettering, the memorial tribute of the Municipality of Venice. The final prayers at the graveside were said by the Dean, and the service fitly closed with Dr. Watts's hymn, "O God, our help in ages past," to the time-honoured tune, "St. Anne," which was very generally taken up by the congregation. As the Dean was reading the touching prayer of committal, the rays of the winter sun glinted through the Te Deum window in the transept, shedding rainbow hues on wall and pillar, and partially dismissing the prevailing gloom. Then the strains of the Dead March pealed forth from the organ, clergy and choir retired, and friends pressed forward to take a farewell glance. [new paragraph] Among them were noticed the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Earl of Pembroke, the Earl of Rosebery, Bishop Barry, the Dean of Windsor, Sir Arthur Sullivan, Sir Lyon Playfair, M.P., Captain Walter Campbell (representing the Queen), Mr. Stuart-Wortley, M.P., Mr. Mundella, M.P., Mr. Leonard Courtney, M.P., the Hon. and Rev. E. Carr Glyn, Dr. Martineau, Canon Benham, Mr. Alma Tadema, Mr. Lecky, Mr. Oscar Wilde, and Mr. Huxley (representing his father). The relatives and immediate friends were Mr. and Mrs. R. Browning, Mr. Octavius Moulton Barrett, Mr. George Moulton Barrett, Captain Charles Moulton Barrett, Mr. Henry Moulton Barrett, M. Dourlane, Miss Christine Browning, Captain Altham, Rev. Mr. Altham, Sir James Carmichael, and Miss Carmichael. Wreaths of exquisite beauty and in almost countless numbers were sent from friends far and near, and many of them bore touching inscriptions, as for instance, that of Sir F. Leighton, "In remembrance of 36 years' friendship." Among others may be mentioned Lord Tennyson, Earl and Countess Brownlow, Lord Vernon, Lord and Lady Edmond Fitzmaurice, Lady Lindsay, Lady Martin, Sir Henry Thompson, Sir John Millais, Miss Cobbe, Mrs. Jeune, Mr. and Mrs. Alma Tadema, Mr. and Mrs. Whistler, Mr. and Mrs. Cyril Flower, Mr. Henry Irving, Mr. and Mrs. Bancroft, and the Browning Society. The coffin, made in Venice, was of yellow pine, designed somewhat in the modern casket form, and bore the simple inscription, "Robert Browning, born May 7, 1812, died December 12, 1889."

Professor Rücker's lecture on electricity:

At the Royal Institution, Albemarle-street, yesterday afternoon, Professor Rücker delivered the second of his course of six simplified lectures on electricity. The theatre was again well filled. Before taking up the threads of his subject at the point where they were broken off last Saturday, the lecturer briefly recapitulated the remarks made on that occasion relative to the subject of the "lines of force."

The rest of the report describes the experiment used to demonstrate the answers to particular questions about electricity. The report ends with this sentence: "The third lecture takes place to-morrow," i.e., 1 January 1890.

Works Cited

• Bernstein, Susan David. "Radical Readers at the British Museum: Eleanor Marx, Clementina Black, Amy Levy." Nineteenth-Century Gender Studies 3.2 (Summer 2007): http://ncgsjournal.com/issue32/bernstein.htm.