I now quote from the Board's First Annual Report of its proceedings to its constituents, Session 5634, p. 9.

"Considering Sir Moses Montefiore's lengthened association with the Board, his exalted character, his potent influence in the councils of monarchs and of ministers, and the rare judgment and tact which he exhibited in directing the affairs of the Board, the Deputies contemplated with deep concern and regret the possibility of his retirement from their body."

Earnest efforts were again made to induce him to alter his determination, but unfortunately without avail, and, bearing in mind Sir Moses' advanced age, and that he had retired on the ground of failing health, it was felt it would not be right to persuade him further to retain an office involving at times arduous and responsible duties.

In parting with its venerated President, the Board expressed its sentiments in the following resolutions, which, being engrossed on vellum and emblazoned, were signed by every Deputy, and presented to him.

"Resolved unanimously—

"That this Board accept with profound regret the resignation by Sir Moses Montefiore, Bart., F.R.S., of the office of President, which he has held with so much honour and distinction since the year 1841.

"That during that long and eventful period this Board has had the proud satisfaction of co-operating with Sir Moses Montefiore in many of his numerous benevolent undertakings in the cause of civilization and humanity.

"That by his unremitting and successful efforts on behalf of the weak and persecuted, Sir Moses Montefiore has kindled a spirit of enlightenment and toleration in foreign countries, which has already led to a material improvement in the condition of oppressed nationalities.

"That by these means Sir Moses Montefiore has acquired for himself a glorious and imperishable renown, and the enduring gratitude of his co-religionists.

"That this Board will ever cherish the remembrance of its association with Sir Moses Montefiore, whose wise and discreet counsels have prompted the efficiency and success of its labours, and whose uniform urbanity and kindliness of manners have won for him the affectionate regard and admiration of his colleagues.

"That it is the earnest wish of every member of this Board that Sir Moses Montefiore may yet enjoy many years of happiness and repose, cheered by the consciousness of having devoted himself to the promotion of the welfare and prosperity of his fellow-creatures.

"(Signed) [Members of the Board.]"

"It was still felt," the Board reports, "that something more was required to satisfy the feelings of affection and gratitude entertained by the Board and its constituents towards Sir Moses Montefiore.

"A Committee was therefore appointed to consider and report as to the best mode of recording his long and valuable services in a permanent and useful form. It was thought, moreover, that our co-religionists in all parts of the world would gladly seize the opportunity of acknowledging the invaluable services rendered by Sir Moses Montefiore in vindicating on so many memorable occasions the rights of our brethren, and in protecting and assisting the suffering and oppressed, without distinction of creeds or nationality."

Sir Moses was invited by the Board to indicate the nature of the memorial which would be most congenial to his own feelings, and, when a deputation from the Board awaited upon him at Park Lane, he at once recommended works for the improvement of the condition of the Jews of the Holy Land.

It had happened that during the session Colonel Gawler, F.R.G.S., had submitted to Sir Moses Montefiore a scheme for the promotion of agriculture and other industrial occupations in the Holy Land by means of colonisation. Sir Moses Montefiore had referred the scheme to the Board, who had appointed a Special Committee, by whom it was carefully considered. Acting on a report from this Committee, the Board came to the conclusion that, whilst Colonel Gawler was entitled to its warmest thanks for the benevolent zeal which he had evinced in the matter, his scheme was of too vast a character to be undertaken by the Board with any reasonable prospect of success; but the Committee suggested an undertaking for permanently improving the condition of the Jews of the Holy Land, by the promotion of industrial pursuits, the erection of improved dwellings, and the acquisition and cultivation of land on a moderate scale, strongly urging at the same time that the funds which might be raised should be entirely devoted to the assistance of those who were really desirous of helping themselves, and that no portion whatever should be applied in almsgiving.

These suggestions were carefully considered by the Board, and were adopted, and were found to be most pleasing to Sir Moses Montefiore. The Deputies therefore formed themselves into a Committee of the whole body for the purpose of carrying the proposed objects into effect.