H. H. The Maharajah of Bobbili. 55
that they should be able to pay their respects, in the same manner as you did, to Her Majesty the Queen-Empress, they will be actuated by the same feelings of loyalty and devotion to the British Crown as you yourself. Sir, possess. I do not know if it is necessary for me to say anything more than, on behalf of Government, to thank you for the extremely kind hospitality which you have extended to as, and which has made our visit so very comfortable and so very enjoyable."
The following day, His Excellency, on behalf of Lady Wenlock, laid the foundation stone of the, Samasthanam Gosha Hospital, and spoke thus:—
"Rajah,—I can only express to you my great pleasure in acceding to the request which you have made that I should attend the ceremony of laying the foundation-stone of this hospital, and at the same time of assming you of the great regret which Lady Wenlock feels at not being able to be present here and perform the ceremony which I have just undertaken.
"Your own family has contributed largely in this particular direction. The Gosha Hospital at Madras, the gift, almost the entire gift of the Rajah of Venkatagiri, shows very well how keenly the members of your family take interest in this particular matter. The foundation of this institution here shows that you yourself are as keenly alive to the interests of those unfortunate women of this country, who, up till now, have received so little support. I hope this institution, when it is once started, will be the means of affording relief and comfort to a very large number of women of this country and this town ;
