30 APRIL 1904, Page 18

The King and Queen, escorted by a squadron of warships,

crossed from Holyhead early on Tuesday morning in the Royal yacht, and landed at Kingstown before noon. They then pro- ceeded to Punchestown, witnessing a full day's sport, spending the night at the Viceregal Lodge in the Phoenix Park, and returning to Punchestown on the following day. On Thurs- day the King laid the foundation stone of the new buildings of the Royal College of Science in Dublin. Alike on their disembarkation, at the races, and in Dublin, their Majesties appear to have met with an exceedingly cordial welcome, and the King's references, in his replies to the

usual loyal addresses, to the administration of the Land Act and the social problems now uppermost in Ireland have met with general approval. The Nationalist Press is divided on the • subject of the presentation of addresses by Nationalist bodies, but even those organs which deprecate such action are not behindhand in expressing friendly personal sentiments towards the Royal visitors. The most uncompromising anti- Monarchist in Ireland is alive to the compliment paid his country by the King's visit, and wishes that he may have good weather and good sport. That visit will lose none of its con- ciliatory influence if, as appears likely, it becomes- an annual instead of a special and isolated event. But if that is to be the rule, the Sovereign ought assuredly to have a Royal residence in Ireland. If the King made residence in Ireland fashionable, a good corrective would be supplied to the absenteeism which it is feared in some quarters may result from the Land Purchase Act.