In recognition of his long and distinguished services as a statesman, and of the able and consistent manner in which he has ever upheld the honour and dignity of this great Empire.
"It is within this city that I spent three happy years of my life, receiving from the University of Edinburgh part-and I will say, the most valuable part-of the instruction which I have received.
I cannot but remember that the city of which I now have the Honour to be a member enrolled among a list of the most eminent and distinguished men, is one of the most famous cities in the history of the world for its traditional glories and achievements. Gentlemen, local pride and traditions have an inestimable value. You, the local people of Scotland, are now parts of a great nation, the nation which inhabits the United Kingdom; but long may you continue to treasure up in your minds your own peculiar traditions, history and glory-and though you will be, as I know you will be, for ever loyal and affectionate servants to our common sovereign, and in kindly brotherhood with every other portion of the limited United Kingdom, yet continue to be in your own hearts Scotsmen-and cherish in your minds and in your recollection all those glorious: traditions which are connected with the history of your peculiar portion of the British Island."