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LIEUT.  GREELY BEFORE THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION.

Lieuts.  Greely and Ray were received with distinguished honors at the meeting of the British Association in Montreal.  A complimentary luncheon was tendered him by the members of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, at the Windsor Hotel.  General Sir Henry Lefroy presided.  In response to the toast “Our Distinguished Guests,” coupling the names of Lieuts.  Greely and Ray and Mrs. Greely, Lieut.  Greely said: 

“Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen:  I need scarcely say that this flattering reception from representative men of one of England’s most distinguished societies touches deeply my feelings as a soldier and as a man.  It is not alone that you represent the science and learning of England and the world, but that you are all countrymen of those daring seamen and explorers whose names and whose deeds have become household words throughout the world.  Hudson, Baffin, Cook, Nelson, Parry, Franklin, and a score of others among the dead; McClintock, Nares, and Markham, and last, but not least, the man whose name was oftenest on our lips when praying for relief during the past terrible winter—­Bedford Pim.  What those men have done the whole world knows.  That you should deem aught that I have done worthy to placed with the deeds of those illustrious men must always be a source of pride to me.  For three centuries England maintained against the world the honors of the farthest north.  Step by step every advance was made by Englishmen.  Now England’s grandest colony presses to the front; but none the less is the honor England’s, for at the price of her sons’ lives and by their toil the path was cleared.  But for Beaumont’s dauntless pluck and indomitable energy in 1876, Lockwood would never had made his great northing in 1882.  I have during a quarter of a century’s service, as becomes a soldier, been jealous of my honor.  I have striven to maintain it in the field, fighting and bleeding for my country, and at my desk studying and discussing scientific data; in the Arctic Circle, when pursuing scientific and geographical work, or later, when stranded by adverse fate, and starving and freezing upon the barren coast.  This marked and public testimonial of your approval cannot fail to make me doubly jealous of it in days to come.”

Lieut.  Ray followed, returning thanks in his own behalf.

After other speeches Sir Henry Lefroy presented Lieutenant Greely with the following informal address: 

   “Montreal, Sept. 2, 1884.

“The undersigned, on behalf of many warm friends and admirers, and as representing various professional and scientific pursuits, desire to express to you their appreciation of the courage and devotion which has characterized your conduct during the trying circumstances of your late Arctic service.  We trust that your health may soon be restored, and that you may long be spared to tender, as during your past distinguished career, those valuable and distinguished services to your great country which have already placed you among the foremost of scientific explorers of the age.

   “Yours faithfully, Rayleigh, President.”