PRESENTATION OF AN ADDRESS FROM THE CITY OF LONDON—THE CHOVAVEY ZION SOCIETY—PROGRESS OF THE AGRICULTURAL MOVEMENT.
THURSDAY, November 22nd.—The City of London presented an address to Sir Moses. This was unanimously voted by the Court of Common Council, on the motion of Mr Loveridge, seconded by Mr Alderman Isaacs, and a beautiful specimen of modern illumination on vellum was accordingly prepared. The words of the resolution, skilfully engrossed, made mention of the fact that Sir Moses Montefiore was Sheriff forty-six years ago, and the writing was enclosed in a handsome and elaborate border.
This richly ornamented address was conveyed from London by a deputation of the Common Council, composed of Mr Loveridge, the mover of the resolution, Mr Alderman Nottage, and twelve or fourteen deputies. Mr Alderman Isaacs, the seconder of the resolution, was unfortunately prevented by illness from accompanying the party.
[9]The vivacity, the heartiness, the wit, the cheerful readiness of repartee with which Sir Moses Montefiore welcomed his visitors defy all description. Vital force and high animal spirits seemed heightened rather than diminished in this truly marvellous centenarian. He was begged again and again to sit down, but said, "When all my guests are seated I will be seated also." Thereupon the greater number sat down, and Sir Moses took his seat on a couch beside Mr Alderman Nottage, but this was only for a minute or two. Seeing that a few yet stood, he was on his feet again in a moment, protesting his ability and his desire to stand also. Mr Sebag introduced the deputation, and Sir Moses could hardly wait for any formalities, so impatient was he to pour forth his gratitude and goodwill—in simple, earnest, and impulsive words. That he was greatly moved may be supposed by all who know his sympathetic nature. The address was read by Mr Loveridge, who added some appropriate words, and presented a magnificent bouquet, with the inscription, "Jerusalem," in golden characters across it, this appropriate gift being due to the thoughtfulness of Mr Courtney.
Then Sir Moses, with great feeling, uttered his evidently heartfelt thanks. He spoke of the dear old city with which he had been connected long ago; said it gladdened him to see the blue gowns of the Common Council; that there never was a city more loyal to that Sovereign whose portrait hung before them, and whom he prayed God in Heaven long to protect. He said that he truly wanted words to express all he felt. He could assure the deputation, one and all, that from his heart he thanked them. As a matter of fact, no such assurance was needed, for the voice in which it was expressed swelled with emotion, and the hearers also were visibly affected. The pride with which Sir Moses Montefiore showed his treasured chain of office, the gold casket containing the freedom of the Fishmongers' Company, and other civic souvenirs, was delightful to witness. All present passed before the aged baronet and shook hands with him, and to each who addressed him in turn, he replied with some apt and gracefully turned sentence, which showed a freshness of heart and clearness of brain not frequently found among men of any age. One member of the Common Council said he was eighty. "Is that all?" exclaimed Sir Moses, and then he gravely added, "You have much work before you, sir." The deputation of Common Council was followed by one from the Merchant Taylors' Company, with which Sir Moses was long connected. Subsequently all the guests were entertained at luncheon, Mr Joseph Sebag presiding in place of Sir Moses, who deputed him to say how cordially he felt the pleasure they had conferred on him. Mr Loveridge, Mr Sebag, Mr Arthur Cohen, Q.C., M.P., and Mr Alderman Nottage, spoke after the repast, and whether the immediate subject was their host or the City of London, the former was remembered by name in every sentence, the last speaker quoting language originally uttered in praise of Milton, to the effect that "if he were sent to another planet from our globe he would be regarded as the representative of a race who were the favourites and heirs of Heaven."
The writer having been requested to say grace after the repast, made use of the ancient and venerable Hebrew language, the same being well understood by most of the guests present.
Before leaving, the civic party, at the earnest entreaty of Sir Moses, returned to his room to shake hands once more, and bid him adieu.
Sir Moses, being desirous of expressing his gratitude to those who honoured him with their congratulations, addressed a letter to the editors of the principal journals in the following terms:—
"Sir,—May I ask the privilege of expressing through your paper my heartfelt thanks towards the very large number of friends and public bodies who have so considerately offered me their esteemed congratulations on the occasion of my entering this day into my hundredth year?
"Grateful to Providence for the merciful protection vouchsafed to me during my long life, I rejoice in the reflection that any feeble efforts I may have made to advance the happiness and welfare of my fellow-creatures have been so kindly judged.
"With a fervent prayer for the health and long life of our gracious Queen, whose beneficent sway over this great and free country has caused so much happiness to all classes of her subjects, reiterating my thanks to my numerous friends, and acknowledging your courteous and flattering remarks, I have the honour to remain, yours faithfully,
(Signed) "Moses Montefiore."
Subsequently he addressed letters of thanks to all who favoured him with their congratulations, at the same time enclosing cheques in many cases for charitable institutions. The following is a copy of his reply, which was in most instances translated into the language of his correspondent:—