passed, in the reign of the most illustrious woman of our time, Queen Victoria. (Applause.) Was it not under Queen Victoria that our Empire found the period of her greatest expansion? Was it not under Queen Victoria that that ideal of United Empire received its greatest development, and we in Canada rejoice with all the other citizens throughout the Empire because of the great work done by and under Queen Victoria.

Just this word in conclusion: I think it is only right to say, in speaking in behalf of the ladies to-night, that they share with their brothers, the men, their pride in the Empire, in all it means, and in all the strength and glory of its future. For if we would turn back the pages of British history we would find no more striking illustrations of courage, of faith, of patience, and of heroism, than the pages which tell us of the achievements of some of the noble characters, some of the women of the Empire, in all parts of the Empire. Not only is this true, but after all the strength and security of the Empire rests in vastly more than arms, in vastly more than fleets, in vastly more than achievements on the battle field; the strength of the Empire rests in the homes of the people. (Applause.) May one venture to make this remark, that we have not yet commenced to estimate the real contribution to the cause of Imperial Unity made by the late Queen? By her life, by her devotion to duty, by the splendid illustration of what we sometimes call humble, and yet noble, virtues of wife and mother, she won a place in the hearts and affections of all the people of the Empire, which developed a spirit of personal attachment and personal loyalty to the Crown and Throne which it would take a mighty convulsion to shake. (Applause.) I think, therefore, we may truly say, not only in the expansion of the Empire, but in the development of the true imperial ideal, the spirits of the queens who have ruled over us have made a large and invaluable contribution. They have made it, and so has every woman of the humblest home in the remotest corner of the Empire, who is doing her part in establishing a true home, exemplifying the truth of that old English word "home" in practical life, and helping to

rear up a family of children who in the days to come will help to contribute to the strength of the Empire. The homes of the Empire are our best guarantee for the strength and stability and power of the Empire in the days to come. I thank you on behalf of the ladies for the manner in which you have received this toast. (Applause.)

ANNUAL MEETING

The Annual Meeting of the Empire Club of Canada was held on May 29th, when the President's and Secretary's Reports were received and adopted, and R. J. Stuart, Esq., 3rd Vice-President of the previous year, was unanimously elected President for 1914-1915.

LIST OF MEMBERS

OF THE

EMPIRE CLUB OF CANADA

1912-13

LIFE MEMBERS AS IN VOL. X.