The Prince and Princess of Wales paid a State visit
to Birmingham on Tuesday, and met the warmest reception from the people and the Mayor, Mr. Chamberlain, supposed to be a Republican- of the milder type. He was expected to commit himself, but behaved instead with unuausl . dignity, and in-pro- posing Her Majesty's health, stated that "' at no time had Her Majesty's personal popularity been greater or more fully assured," that in England and now, "the Monarch is acknowledged to be above all parties, while belonging to none," and 4 4 the-Thione is- respected as the symbol of all constituted authority and settled government." And when, proposing the health of the Prince and Princess, he excused any possible failure in the town on account of the infrequency of its receiving such honour, he did not fail to add, "This town has been long distinguished, not without cause, for the independence of its citizens and the freedom and outspoken- ness with which all opinions are discussed, and this fact gives value to the. welcome which has been offered,- and stamps the sincerity of the wishes which are everywhere expressed for the continued health of their Royal Highnesses." The speeches were most dignified as well as cordial, and it is quite amusing to notice how an exhibition of mere tact, though tact of a high kind, has affected the popular estimate of Mr. Chamberlain.
