|
Sir WALTER JAMES, Bart., as the
tenth Resolution, moved a vote of thanks to two gentlemen for
their contributions to the library of this Association; in the
course of which he said—
It is of the utmost importance that the Society
should possess an adequate and well-chosen library. And none will
be more valuable than a good assemblage of county histories. I
believe that the price of Archaeological books is very much upon
the increase in this country, one of our greatest rivals in the
book-market being America. Indeed, if Thackeray may be believed,
the Americans have manifested a greater interest in the
Archaeological curiosities of their mother-country than we have
done ourselves. It is a subject of congratulation, however, that a
different spirit is now growing up, and that we have amongst the
Members of this Society men who feel a pleasure in preserving the
remnants of the past. Distinguished among these is Mr. Beresford
Hope. To him we owe the preservation of the Abbey of St.
Augustine's, which, at the time he purchased it, was devoted to
the purposes of a public-house. I will not say anything of the
glorious and benevolent purposes to which it is now devoted in the
promotion of the Christian faith; but, looking at it in the lower
light of its Archaeological interest, in giving our thanks to
various gentlemen for their efforts in aid of the Society's
objects, we must not omit to thank, also, the Honourable Member
for Maidstone, for having preserved one of the most beautiful
specimens in Kent of ancient ecclesiastical architecture.
. With your leave I will now move the tenth Resolution.
"That the thanks of this Society be given to
Joseph Howard, Esq., and Alfred J. Dunkin, Esq., for their
contributions to the library."
[Carried unanimously.]
The Noble Chairman—
Although it is not recorded in any special Resolution,
I am sure that you will all heartily concur with me in ratifying
the remarks which have been made by the last speaker (Sir Walter
James) with reference to one of our most distinguished Members,
Mr. Beresford Hope. I am sure, also, that you will not find fault
with me if, before I sit down, I take the opportunity of proposing
that we record upon the Minutes of this our
|