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Government Schools of Design, and exhibitions
of art in various parts of the country, have produced a better
state of things, a better understanding of merit in. matters of
taste, and a more just appreciation of excellence and beauty; and
whilst this improvement has opened greater means of enjoyment to
the multitude, it has been of no small advantage and encouragement
to those who depend upon trades and professions so far as they are
influenced by the development of taste.
In giving assistance therefore to such institutions
as this, we are aiding that general progress and improvement which
have already made considerable advance in our country, which, will
aid in still further developing her great resources. It now only
remains for me to propose a Resolution, in which I feel that I may
anticipate your hearty concurrence; it is—
"That the cordial thanks of the Society be given
to the Most Honourable the Marquess Camden, K. G, our President,
for his kind and valuable exertions in completing our
organization, and especially for the services he has rendered us
in personally presiding at this our Inaugural Meeting."
The Marquess CAMDEN, in acknowledging the compliment,
said—
Although I cannot pretend to possess much knowledge
of the science of Archaeology, yet I shall have great pleasure in
becoming the pupil of Mr. Larking, and will do my best to learn
its mysteries. Being, as I am, a member of the Sussex Archaeological
Society, and seeing what has been effected in that county, I have
long desired to have a similar Association established in Kent,
and it has afforded me great gratification to see how well the
Society has commenced its operations. I will make one observation
in conclusion, viz. that if our Society's publications can be
exchanged with those of other Associations of this nature, the
value and interest of our library will be greatly increased; and I
hope that we shall find that other Archaeological Societies will
readily co-operate with us in establishing an interchange of our
respective publications, and in united efforts for the furtherance
of the science.
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