YALE UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY

LEWIS P. CURTIS
MEMORIAL FUND

LOil> PROVC^TB OF GLASGOm

|#3|-^9;°^

Lord Provost Primrose.

THE LORD •'PROVOSTS
OF ..GLASGOW

From 1833 to 1902.

*

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES,
With a CHRONOLOGICAL RECORD of the CHIEF EVENTS
in the CITY'S HISTORY DURING THAT PERIOD:

*

GLASGOW: GOWANS & GRAY.

1 902. »

This Edition is limited to 230 Copies, of which this is No.

INTRODUCTORY NOTE.

This volume is founded upon a similar book published by Mr.
John Tweed in 1883, and comprehending the years 1833-1883. We
have adopted without alteration the part of the former publication
which contained the biographical sketches of the Lord Provosts
and chronological records for those years, omitting the appendix
which is outwith the scope of the present work.
The principal value of this reissue consists in the new material
bringing the record up to date. This material has been compiled
with the assistance of Mr. John S. Samuel. F.R.S.E., Secretary to
the Lord Provost, and we take this opportunity of acknowledging
his great courtesy in the matter. He placed much valuable
information at our disposal. The contents of the volume may
thus be relied upon as absolutely correct — no trouble having
been spared in having the biographical and other details verified
from the most authentic sources.
As a City, Glasgow has been specially fortunate in the
possession of many gifted citizens who have placed posterity
under obligation to them by the collection and publication of
numerous data bearing upon the rise and progress of the City, and
the history of its varied commercial interests and institutions.
Many of these have of necessity, and in virtue of their limited
scope and character, been fragmentary and sectional in their
treatment, but the service which their authors have rendered to

vi. INTRODUCTORY.
the future historian is not lessened on that account The sto.ry of
the progress and development of the multifb"hi>-:phase.s- erf.
communal activity, as /told'- in m'ajiy •volumes already.in^, existence, .
will be available in an accessible form when. *a cejjipxeheiisive-
History of the City is projected. ..':'»•.'.''. "-';>' '
Viewed in this light the present volume, in addition to its
immediate interest, furnishes a concise historical and biographical
record of permanent value. Much has happened since 1883.
Local history has had many important chapters added to it since
then. Municipal government in which the gentlemen referred to
in the following pages have taken a prominent part, has progressed
by leaps and bounds. The administration of new departments
has been brought under the control of the Corporation. The
Tramways in the City have been municipalised, as has also the
supply of electricity ; a Municipal Telephone Exchange has been
established; the amelioration of the condition of the people has
been advanced by the provision of houses for the poor, under the
auspices of the City Improvement Trust; the recreation of the
masses has been kept in view by the acquisition of large tracts
of ground in the various parts of the City as public parks and
playgrounds ; their interest in Art has been fostered and
encouraged, not only by the erection of a palatial Gallery in
Kelvingrove Park, but also by the inauguration of district
museums and collections of Art ; their musical instincts are met
in summer by Band performances in the open-air, and in winter
by cheap and popular Saturday Afternoon Concerts in the public
halls throughout the City ; their intellectual requirements, which so
far as the Corporation is concerned, have hitherto been bounded by
the horizon limited by the bequest of the late Mr. Stephen

- . INTRODUCTORY. vii.
Mitchell, ate now, amply met by the erection of. district libraries.
Ajid with' the -p&enomenal growth of the City enormous extensions
of existing-'Municipal Departments have been :faced and accom-
plished. " ^ - ".„ . •_ • • ". ; /""*'" •
"Illustrations •might' be raiultiplied of the numerous avenues of
benefit and improvement which have opened up in the interest of
the citizens . since 1883. Eeference to these will, however, be
found in other parts of the volume. Sufficient has been said to
shew that the Corporation meets at every point — so far as these
come within their province — the increasing needs of the com
munity and that with the passage of the years, a ripened and
fuller appreciation of the responsibility of the Municipality has
manifested itself, and has. found expression in a marvellous
development of civic policy.
It may, in conclusion, be interesting to note the increase which
has taken place in area and population since 1883. In that year
the area of the City was 6,111 acres; the population, 541,428 ; the
valuation of lands and heritages, £3,432,114; the municipal
constituency, 85,209; and a penny per pound on the rates
yielded £12,500 ; while at the present date the area of the City is
12,688 acres ; the population, 776,967 ; the valuation of lands and
heritages, £5,092,808 ; the municipal constituency, 138,824 ; and
a penny per pound on the rates now yields £18,000. THE PUBLISHERS.

MEMORANDA.

The following information has reference to the Lord Provosts who
were living when the earlier part of this Volume was published, in
1883, but who have subsequently died. The notes hereto appended
complete the biographical sketches of the gentlemen dealt with: —
WILLIAM RAE ARTHUR.
[See Page 277.)
Mr. Arthur died at Ayr, on 3rd September, 1897, in his 80th year.
For many years prior to that event he had ceased to take any active
part in the affairs of the City, which in days gone by had benefitted
so materially by the time and labour he bestowed on its municipal
interests. The ill fortune which overtook him during his Lord
Provostship was regretted by all his friends, but the action which he
took at that time commanded the respect and sympathetic admiration
of all. He was buried in the Necropolis on 6th September, 1897, and
his funeral was attended by the Lord Provost and several of the
Magistrates.

Sir JAMES WATSON.
(See Page 295.)
Sir James Watson died on 14th August, 1889, at his residence, Row,
Dumbartonshire, in his 89th year. After his retiral from the Town
Council, in 1871, Sir James continued to take a deep interest in the
various benevolent and philanthropic agencies in the City. He returned
to the Town Council three years after leaving the civic chair in the
capacity of Dean of Guild, an office he held for the usual period of two

MEMORANDA. ix.
years. All through life, until just before its close, he enjoyed excep
tionally good health. In advanced age he retained much of the
lightness and elasticity of comparative youth. He was predeceased
by his wife, but was survived by several daughters. Sir James was
buried in the Necropolis, and his funeral was attended by the Lord
Provost and several of the Magistrates.

Sir JAMES BAIN.
(See Page 319.)
Sir James Bain died on 25th April, 1898, in his 80th year. Up to
the date of his death he continued to evince the deepest interest in the
affairs of the City, and was officially connected with many of its
philanthropic institutions. He sat as Member of Parliament for
Whitehaven for a short period, the district in which his extensive work
were situated. He was one of the oldest members of the Chamber of
Commerce. He took a deep interest in the affairs of the Clyde Trust,
and only resigned his connection with it a few years before his death.
He was buried in the Necropolis, and his funeral was attended by the
Lord Provost and Magistrates and representatives of various public
bodies. He was predeceased by his wife, and left a family.

Sir WILLIAM COLLINS.
(See Page 340.)
Sie William Collins died in Edinburgh, on 20th February, 1895,
in his 78th year. He was staying in the capital while extensive
alterations were being executed on his house in Glasgow. His death
was the result of a severe chill while out walking. After his retiral
from the civic chair Sir William took comparatively little part in
public business. He returned to the Council for another year, but
never again got thoroughly into harness. He had all his life, however,
taken a keen interest in educational matters, and in 1888 was returned
to the Glasgow School Board as one of the Ratepayers' candidates in

x. MEMORANDA.,
opposition to what was understood at the time to be the extravagant
policy of the Board. Sir William continued his connection with the
Board until a year before his death. He was buried in the Necropolis.
His funeral was attended by the Lord Provost and Magistrates. Lady
Collins predeceased him, and he was survived bj' a large family.

JOHN URE, LL.D.
(See Page 374.)
Mr. Ure died at his residence, Cairndhu, Helensburgh, on 1st August,
1901, in his 78th year. He had been in failing health for some time
previously, and his death was not unexpected. He never ceased to
take a deep interest in the public affairs of Glasgow, particularly in
the business of the Clyde Trust, of which he was for a long period of
years Deputy Chairman. He filled the office of Dean of Guild from
1889 to 1891. He evinced a great personal interest in the Savings
Bank, of which he was for many years Chairman. He received the
honorary degree of Doctor of Laws from Glasgow University in recog
nition of his public services to the City, particularly in the department
of public health. He was buried in Helensburgh Cemetery, and the
funeral was of a private character. He is survived by his widow and
a family of sons and daughters.

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

Lord Provost Primrose,

Frontispiece

Sir Wm. M'Onie,

- to face page

405

Sir James King, Bart.,

-

429

Sir John Muir, Bart.,

-

461

Sir James Bell, Bart.,

-

496

Sir David Richmond,

531

Sir Samuel Chisholm, Bart.,

,

560

FIRST ELECTION
OI?
TOWN COUNCILLORS FOR GLASGOW,
AFTEB THB
PASSING OF THE REFORM BILL.

On Tuesday, 5th Nov., 1833, the election of Councillors, under the
Burgh Reform Act, took place at the five different polling places
appointed by the authorities within the City. The day was wet through
out, but that circumstance appears to have prevented very few of the
electors from coming forward to exercise their newly-acquired privilege.
The business at the different polling stations was conducted with the
greatest regularity, and there was no lack of good humour even amongst
the losing candidates, while the successful ones were as courteous as
could be wished to all and sundry. James Ewing, LL.D., Lord Provost
repeatedly visited the different stations during the day, and Dr. Cleland
endeavoured to make the numerous cl«rks, and other gentlemen engaged
in the business, as comfortable as possible. Four o'clock being the hour
stated in the Act for closing the poll, the books were sealed up, and
transmitted to the Lord Provost; and the statutory meeting was held on
Wednesday at twelve o'clock, in the Justiciary Hall, for the official
announcement of the election.
Before opening the seals, the Lord Provost, on taking the chair, said
that by the eighth section of the Burgh Reform Act, it had been his
duty on Tuesday to superintend the election of thirty Councillors for
the City. In discharging this highly responsible business, he had
carefully two objects in view — the providing the greatest possible
accommodation for the electors, and securing impartiality in conducting
the election. He had received the most valuable assistance in forwarding

2 ROBERT GRAHAME, LORD PROVOST, 1833-34
these objects from Mr. Reddie and Mr. Turner, and although it was a
new experiment, they had found the machinery quite fitted for the
purpose. He believed no election could have been more satisfactorily
gone through, or in a more orderly manner. After expressing his satis
faction at the conduct of the Polling Clerks and the Agents for the
parties, his Lordship said he was directed by the 10th Section to break
open the seals of the polling books, and, after summing up the votes,
declaring on whom the majority of the votes had fallen. The Act
allowed him to have assistance, and for this purpose he named Messrs.
M'Clelland and Aitken, Accountants, in whom he had the most implicit
confidence, and to whom he would administer the oath of fidelity.
The casting up of the votes was then proceeded with by Mr. Thomson,
Mr. Davie, and Mr. Turner, assisted by about a dozen legal gentle
men : but in place of the business being finished and the election declared
between the hours of "twelve and two," it took the most indefatigable
labour until ten o'clock at night to accomplish the job.

FIRST DISTRICT.
William Gilmour.
William Craig.
Hugh Tennent.
Robert Grahame.
Robert M'Gavin.
James Turner.
SECOND DISTRICT.
Alexander Dennistoun.
William Bankier.
John Ube.
Alex. Johnstone.
James Campbell.
John Small.

THIRD DISTRICT.
Henry Brook.
Robert Hutchison.
John Mitchell.
James Beith.
John Douglas.
John M'Gregor,
FOURTH DISTRICT.
Henry Paul.
Henry Dunlop.
William Dixon.
James Lumsden.
C. J. Tennant.
David Hope.

FIFTH DISTRICT.

John Fleming.
Andrew M 'George.
William Mills.

George Ord.
John Pattison.
Thomas Muir.

At the conclusion, the Lord Provost returned his sincere thanks to
gentlemen who had so industriously laboured to bring this business to a
close. They all saw how inefficient the Act was in one particular, for

ROBERT QRAHAME, LORD PROVOST, 1833-34. 3
instead of being able to oast up the votes in two hours, they had ten
of incessant toil.
His Lordship then declared the names of the new Council ; and on the
motion of Mr. Baird, the thanks of all parties was rapturously tendered
to his Lordship for the great impartiality and attention he had displayed
in conducting the proceedings of the day.
According to the terms of the Act, the following, having the greatest
number of votes in their respective wards, are to remain in office for
three years: —
Messrs. Wm. Gilmour,
Wm. Craig,
A. Dennistoun,

Wm. Bankier,
Henry Brock,

Messrs. Robt. Hutchison,
Henby Paul,
Henry Dunlop,
John Fleming,
A. M'George.

Messrs. James Beith,
Wm. Dixon,
Jas. Lumsden,
Wm. Mills,
George Ord.

Messrs. John M'Gregor,
Chas. J. Tennant,
David Hope,
John Pattison,
Thomas Muir.

The following remain in office two years : —
Messrs. Hugh Tennent,
Robt. Grahame,
John Uee,
Alex. Johnstone,
John Mitchell,
The following remain one year only:
Messrs. Robt. M'Gavin,
James Turner,
James Campbell,
John Small,
John Douglas,
On Thursday, 7th Nov., 1833, the newly-elected Councillors assembled
in the Council Hall, the Lord Provost Ewing in the Chair, when Mr.
Turner read the minutes of the previous day's proceedings. All the gentle
men were present but Mr. Alex. Dennistoun, Mr. Henry Brock, and Mr.
Alexander Johnston — the two former being indisposed, and the latter
at Manchester — :but they sent letters of acceptance of office; while the
others took the oaths of allegiance and abjuration; with the exception
of Mr. M'Gavin, who, it appeared, belonged to a class called Separatists,
whose tenets were averse to oath taking. That gentleman, however,
satisfied his Lordship and the law by a declaration, which he subscribed.
The Lord Provost then administered the oath defideli to the Councillors,
and afterwards mentioned that he had been desired by the Town Clerks
to intimate, that the Council would meet on the following day, at twelve
o'clock, for the purpose of electing the new Lord Provost and Magis
trates.

ROBERT GRAI1AME, LORD PROVOST, 1833-34.
FIRST. MEETING OF THE REFORMED TOWN COUNCIL
IN GLASGOW.

ELECTION OF MAGISTRATES.
On Friday, 8th November, 1833, the first meeting of the Reformed
Town Council was held in the Council Chamber. The business opened with
a motion by Mr. John Douglas,that newspaper reporters should be admitted,
which was agreed to unanimously. On their admission, after some pre
liminary matters had been discussed, Mr. M'George said that there were
a great number of respectable people waiting outside in- expectation of
being admitted. A short discussion then took place on this point, and
it was at length agreed that, on account of the total want of accom
modation, the public could not at present be admitted ; although there
is little doubt arrangements will speedily be made for their accommo
dation at these meetings. The subject was remitted to a Committee.
Mr. William Gilmour, who had the highest number of votes of any of
the Councillors, then rose and spoke as follows : —
Deeply impressed as I am with a sense of the honour conferred on me,
in being called upon to fill this chair, and of my inability to do so in a
manner adequate to your just expectations, and my own sincere desires,
permit me to say that I am still more deeply impressed with a sense of
the situation in which we at this moment are placed ; and there can be
little question but that your feelings on this subject are, in a great
degree, akin to mine. When, at what time was it, Gentlemen,
that the Town Council table of this city was similarly surrounded 1 If
ever it was so surrounded at all, many generations must, since that date,
have passed away. (Cheers.) Long have the worthy citizens of Glasgow
lived like children under tutorage. They have had no hand in electing
those who managed their affairs for them. Like the rest of the world
however, in these times, they have increased vastly in intellectual strength
and stature ; and it is not, therefore, wonderful that they will be treated
as minors no longer. In fact, after mature deliberation, the law of the
land now forbids that they should be any more regarded in this lio-ht •
and has actually awarded them the full rights and privileges of men  of
free men. (Cheers.) As was naturally to be expected, the Citizens of
Glasgow have proceeded to name their own Curators, and to elect as
Rulers those whom it is their delight to honour. Gentlemen, I do not

ROBERT GRAHAME, LORD PROVOST, 1833-34. 5
need to tell you, that their choice has fallen upon us ; their choice is
highly honourable to us. We, in the first instance, therefore, are the
party obliged ; let us, gentlemen, unanimously exert our energies to render
the choice they have made honourable to themselves. May it be our
constant endeavour to lay our constituents under a weight of substantial
obligations, which will turn out lasting benefits to them, and which we
will look upon asbeing amply compensated for,by the public approval of our
transactions in their behalf. We cannot, certainly, for a moment, lose
sight of the importance of our office, and the responsibility attached to
it, and we may rest assured that the world will not. Every eye will be
directed toward the working of the liberal system. Great will the grief
and disappointment prove of its supporters, and loud and long the re
joicings of hollow friends, and open opponents, if it fail. So fata] a
catastrophe, I trust, will by the blessing of God, be for ever averted.
Under such influence, then, let us, as wise, master-builders, always lay
judgment to the line, and righteousness to the plummet.. As far as
possible let us extend the privileges and improve the property of the
city, and manage her expenditure, and all her affairs whatever, with that
economy and prudence which the magnitude of the trust reposed in us
demands. This, gentlemen, is the commencement of a new era — may it
be prosperous. (Loud cheers.)
On Mr. Reddie, the Senior Assessor, stating that the usual oaths
against bribery and corruption would now be read, Mr. Douglas said, it
was his impression, from what had been done in the House of Lords, that
this tedious piece of formal proceeding might now be dispensed with.
Mr. Reddie, however, giving it as his opinion, that, under the law as it
at present existed, this should not be the case, the oaths were administered
pro forma.
It is proper here to mention, that the reading of the oaths was inter
rupted by several persons making an abrupt entrance into the room,
under the impression that the public were to be admitted to the Council
sederunts ; but after the resolution that had been come to, they were
ordered to retire, which they appeared to do the more readily, on learning
that Reporters had been admitted — a fact, however, which one of them
said had been denied by several people under the portico. No other in
terruption took place.

6 ROBERT GRAHAMS, LORD PROVOST, 1833-34.
Before the election of the authorities had been proceeded with, Mr.
Robert M'Gavin wished to learn from Mr. Reddie whether any statute
made it imperative on those gentlemen who might be called to the
Magistracy, to dress themselves in any particular costume.
Mr. Reddie answered in the negative.
Mr. M'Gavin then went on to remark on the ridiculous nature and
buffoon-like appearance of the dress which had hitherto been worn by
the Bailies ; and thought that the time had now arrived when they should
be allowed to apparel themselves as they chose — whether in black or in
white. On this subject he had two resolutions to propose; and he wished
to do so now, to prevent them from having an invidious appearance
which they might have, by their being brought forward at a later period
of the proceedings. They might not meet with a seconder ; but if they
were viewed favourably, he thought they should be passed in solemn
silence. His first motion was, that in future the three-cornered hats
should be dispensed with; and that the gold chains, and other Magisterial
toys, should be immediately sold, and the proceeds put into the City
Treasury. Mr. Mitchell approved of the cocked hats being done away with ; but
the chain, he thought was an honourable badge, and should be retained.
Mr. Douglas thought, that, above all things, the Magistracy should be
known for their high principles, intellectual qualifications, and moral con
duct ; but insignia of office was necessary, in order to their being dis
tinguished in large multitudes. In the meantime he would advise Mr.
M'Gavin to postpone his motion ; or to put it into another form, by
withholding that portion of it relating to the chains, which, he thought,
should be retained.
Mr. M'Gavin persisted in his motion as it stood. Their constituents
expected much of them ; and it was by beginning in this way, that the
imposts, which kept up the price of provisions, would be abrogated.
The resolutions, however, as originally put, not appearing to meet with
a seconder, Mr. M'Gavin seemed about to take the advice of Mr. Douglas,
and separate them, when
Mr, James Beith said he would second the motions as they had been
originally put by Mr. M'Gavin.
Mr. M'George was in favour of the motions being separated. In his
opinion the cocked hat had always been calculated to excite ridiculous

ROBERT GRAHAME, LORD PROVOST, 1833-34. 7
sensations ; and in England, where it was not known, its use here was
viewed with feelings of unmixed surprise ; in fact it could scarcely be
credited by many people he had met with. He, however, considered the
gold chain a necessary distinction ; and as to what had been said about
being sold, he considered the question unworthy of being entertained by
any assembly of gentlemen, He therefore expressed his entire dissent
from it, although, on the score of economy, he would go as far as any one.
The Dean of Guild, Mr. James Hutchison, had no wish to retain the
cocked hat ; but the chain was an honourable badge, which he would
not like to see done away with.
Mr. Douglas recommended that the motion should be allowed to lie
on the table for further consideration, which, after some desultory dis
cussion, and in accordance with the standing orders of the Council
Board, was agreed to.
Mr. Douglas, then, in an eloquent address, in which he highly
eulogised the attainments of Mr. Grahame of Whitehill, concluded by
proposing that gentleman as eminently qualified to discharge the duties
of Chief Magistrate. Mr. Douglas hoped their decision would be unani
mous; for the respectability and talents of his old law-tutor were eo
universally known, that, while he would command respect from the
highest amongst them, he would be honoured by the humblest individual
in the city.
Mr. John Fleming said that a number of his constituents, as well as
others, had requested him to permit himself to be put in nomination
for the office of Lord Provost ; but, from the age and high standing of
Mr. Grahame, and as it was his desire to preserve the unanimity of the
Board, he had thought proper to decline, and he now most cordially
seconded the motion of Mr. Douglas.
James Hutchison, Dean of Guild entertained the highest respect for
Mr. Grahame, but as the office of Chief Magistrate had hitherto been
occupied by commercial gentlemen, and as he considered them best
qualified to discharge the duties of the situation, aMhough he had nothing
to say against Mr. Grahame, he would propose Mr. Henry Dunlop.
Mr. James Campbell seconded the nomination.
Mr. Hope had heard it generally stated that Mr. Grahame, if elected,
would only wish to retain office for one year, and if it was not an
improper question, he would wish to know if such was the case from the

8 ROBERT GRAHAME, LORD PROVOST, 1833-34.
gentleman himself — as the answer would guide him as to how he would
give his vote.
The question was overruled, as being incompetent.
Mr. M'Gavin coincided in the remarks made by Mr. Hutchison; but
as it was his constituents', and not his own judgment he had to consult,
he felt inclined to give his vote for Mr. Grahame. The only fault he
had to him was, that he did not hear well.
The question was then put to the vote, and Robert Grahame, Esq.,
of Whitehill, was elected Lord Provost, by a large majority.
On taking the Chair, and having been provided with the insignia of
office, the venerable gentleman warmly thanked the Councillors for the
great honour they had conferred on him. He might be deficient in
ability to discharge the duties of his office properly, but, on his part
there would be no want of inclination.
Mr, M'George said, it was his duty, under the novel and interesting
situation, to propose a list of gentlemen well qualified to discharge
the duties connected with the Magisterial office. For the first time,
they had been enabled to do this, through the sufferages of their constit
uents, unfettered by nomination; and he trusted their proceedings would
be conducted under the most kindly and gentlemanly feelings. It was
not to men they had been opposed, but to a system, which was now
happily abolished for ever. Mr. M'George concluded by nominating as
Magistrates — William Gilmour, Esq., James Lumsden, Esq., William
Mills, Esq., Thomas Muir, Esq., John Fleming, Esq.
Mr. James Turner seconded the nominations; and the foregoing
gentlemen were unanimously elected.
The Bailies then severally, in short speeches, in the above rotation,
returned thanks — all declaring it would be their most ardent endeavour
to do their utmost for the public weal; and that nothing would be want
ing, on their part, to discharge their duties in the most conscientious
manner. A question was here started by the Dean of Guild, about who should
be considered the Chief Magistrate in absence of the Provost, now that
all distinctions had been done away with. We understood that Mr.
Gilmour, who had been first nominated, would be held to be the presid
ing Magistrate, in the absence of the Lord Provost.

ROBERT GRAHAME, LORD PROVOST, 1833-34. 9
John Pattison, Esq., was then appointed River Bailie; John Mitchell,
Esq., Deputy River Bailie; John Douglas, Esq., Treasurer; John
Fleming, Esq.j Master of Works; Henry Dunlop, Esq., Robert Hutchi
son, Esq., and John Ure, Esq., Directors ofthe Merchants' House.
Against these three last appointments, which were in room of the
three Merchant Bailies who formerly sat in the House in virtue of their
office, the Dean of Guild, and Mr. Douglas, as legal adviser of the
Merchants' House, dissented, on the ground that, as they had been
accessory to the. drawing up of the New Constitution under which the
House was regulated, and as they were still of the impression that the
Council had lost the power of sending three Directors to the Merchants'
House, notwithstanding a clause in the new Burgh Act quoted hy Mr.
Reddie to the contrary, they might yet be instructed by the House to
defend the view they had taken of the matter.
Directors ofthe Trades' House. — John Small, Esq., William Craig, Esq.
Against these appointments, which were in place of the two Trades'
Bailies who formerly sat in the House officially, James Graham,
Deacon Convener, also dissented.
Directors ofthe Town's Hospital. — The Lord Provost; the Five Bailies;
and Messrs. Turner, Mitchell, M'Gavin, Beith, Hope, Ord, and Bankier.
Director for the Royal Infirmary. — Bailie Tennant.
For Stirling's Library. — John Douglas, Esq., Andrew M'George, Esq.,
Bailie Paul.
Statute Labour Trustees. — John Small, Esq., George Ord, Esq., Henry
Dunlop, Esq., John M'Gregor, Esq.
Bridewell Commissioners. — Lord Provost, Dean of Guild, William
Craig, Esq., John Ure, Esq., Deacon Convener.
Director of Blind Asylum. — C. J. Tennant, Esq.
Loch Hospital. — William Bankier, Esq.
Clyde Commissioners, for auditing the River Accounts. — Messrs. George
Burns, George Crawford, Hugh Smith, James Pollok, John Pollock,
John Leadbetter. [These gentlemen are unconnected with the Council.]
Bridge Commissioner for auditing Bridge Accounts* — On the motion of
Mr. Douglas, who seemed anxious that nothing should be done pre
cipitately, the nomination of these gentlemen, twenty in number, was
postponed.

10 ROBERT GRAHAME, LORD PROVOST, 1833-34.
For Lunatic Asylum. — Messrs. Bankier and Hope.
For Pilot Board. — John Fleming, Esq.
Magistrates of Gorbals. — Henry Paul, Esq., Chief Magistrate ;
Bailies — John WTalker, Esq., Peter Adam, Esq., Patrick Neilson, Esq.,
John Lindsay, Esq.
Bailie of Provan. — James Dennistoun, Esq.
The following gentlemen were then continued in office during
pleasure: —
James Cleland, Esq., Superintendent of Public Works ; John Spreull,
Esq., Chamberlain; James Hardie, Esq., Superintendent of Streets;
William Leggat, Esq., Procurator Fiscal. The Town Clerks, namely,
James Reddie, Esq., First Town Clerk; Robert Thomson, Esq., Second
Town Clerk ; William Davie, Esq., Angus Turner, Esq., Deputies ; were
elected for one year from this date, they reserving all claim in law to
the permanency of their offices.
Mr Fisher was appointed Assessor of Gorbals for one year ; and Mr
Jeffray, Procurator Fiscal.
The Surgeon of the Jail, Dr. Corkindale, and the Chaplain, Mr. Fisher,
were elected for one year
Mr. Craig intimated at next meeting he would move that the dinners
at the induction of ministers, and at the fair, and the open table hereto
fore kept during the sitting of the Justiciary Court, be hereafter dis
continued. Mr. James Turner seconded the intimation.
Mr. Beith remarked that Mr. Craig had omitted in his list the annual
installation dinners.
Mr. Craig amended his intimation accordingly, and remarked that he
did not think it would have taken place under the present reformed
Council. His intention was to confine the motion to the great stated
occasions of dinners and entertainments.
Mr. Beith hoped the comfort of the Judges during the Circuit would
not be omitted, and that the entertainment usually given on that occas
ion would not be included in the list.
Bailie Paul directed the attention of the Council to the necessity of
some refreshments for the Magistrates, after having attended the Circuit
Court, perhaps, to a very late hour. On a late occasion, the Judges had
partaken of refreshments under these circumstances, and it would now

ROBERT GRAHAME, LORD PROVOST, 1833-34. 11
be very awkward if the Magistrates were prohibited. He begged
also to intimate, that it had been the practice hitherto in the
City Council to give the principal Magistrate, of Gorbals, on his election,
the sum of Fifty Pounds, for the purpose of dining with the authorities
of Gorbals. He had received this sum at the election last month ; but
if the Council now intended to abrogate those entertainments, he would
instantly lay the money on their table, and the Magistrates of Gorbals
could dine themselves. (Much applause.)
Mr. M'George thought it better, under these circumstances, rather to
instruct the committee, to report on the nature of the different enter
tainments. Mr. Craig assented to this suggestion, and the conversation dropped.
The Lord Provost asked if the retrenchments extended to the drink
ing of his Majesty's health on the birthday. That entertainment only
cost £8. (A laugh.)
It was, on the motion of Mr. John Douglas, resolved to postpone the
appointment of the various Committees, till a Committee, consisting of
the Lord Provost and Magistrates, Messrs. Craig, Ord, M'Gavin,
Bankier, Douglas, Beith, the Dean of Guild, the Deacon Convener, and
Bailie Paul, make out lists for the approval of the Council.
Bailie Muir moved that a person holding any other offices than those
already settled should be continued during pleasure ; which was carried:
notice was given of his intention to move for a eommittee to investigate
into all the offices under the corporation.
Bailie Lumsden gave notice of a motion that no Councillor should be
connected with any furnishing for the Corporation or River Trust.
The business being finished, Dr. Cleland intimated that it was usual,
after the elections, for the Council to have a glass of wine in the council
rooms, which, if agreeable, would now be brought in; upon which Mr.
M'Gavin, Mr. Beith, and two or three others, left the Council Room.

12 ROBERT GRAHAME, LORD PROVOST, 1833-34.
THE HON. THE LORD PROVOST,
18 3 3.

Robert Grahame of Whitehill was born in Glasgow on the 19th
September, 175-9, and died at Hatton Hall, Northamptonshire, to which
place he had gone some years previously for retirement and change of
air,- on the 28th December, 1851, in the ninety-third year of his age.
He was the eldest son of Thomas Grahame, an eminent and respected
writer (or solicitor) in Glasgow, by his wife 'Jean Robertson, daughter
of John Robertson, writer there, and grand daughter of Robert Robert
son, commissary depute of the diocese of Glasgow, by his wife Helen
Hill of Lambhill. Elizabeth Robertson, Mrs Grahame's sister, married
Mr. T. Grahame's cousin, James Hill of Cathcart, writer in Glasgow,—
these sisters being (through the Brysons of Craigallian) also cousins to
their respective husbands. Of these two marriages were born the
families of " Grahames and Hills, " alluded to so often and with so
much regard and attachment in the published correspondence of the
immortal author of "The Pleasure of Hope,'1 by whom the following
beautiful lines are written to commemorate the happy hours he spent
at Mr. Hill's at Cathcart, in the company of the Messrs Grahame : —
" Oh ! scenes of my childhood, and dear to my heart,
Ye green waving woods on the margin of Cart,
. How blest in the morning of life I have stray'd,
By the stream of the vale and the grass-cover'd glade !
Then, then every rapture was young and sincere,
T&re the sunshine of bliss was bedimm'd by a tear,
And a sweeter delight every scene seem'd to lend,
That the mansion of peace was the home of a friend. "
Mr. Robert Grahame left three sons and two daughters : Robert, the
subjeet of this notice ; James, advocate in Edinburgh, afterwards
incumbent of Sedgefield in England, author of " The Sabbath " and
other poems ; Thomas, manufacturer in Glasgow ; Margaret, who died
unmarried ; and Jane, married to Archibald Grahame of Dalmarnock, a
partner and cashier of the Thistle Bank, who had previously been
partner with his father-in-law as a writer.

ROBERT GRAHAME, LORD PROVOST, 1833-34. 13
Of this family Robert, the eldest, at an early period of life joined his
father in the business, which he afterwards conducted with so much
ability and success for many years, in conjunction with Mr. Andrew
Mitchell, aftierwards of Maulside, under the well-known firm of
Grahame & Mitchell.
The whole of Mr. Thomas Grahame's family were endowed with
brilliant talents, and generous and amiable dispositions. Their parents,
who were eminently and sincerely pious, cultivating the minds and
the hearts pf their children with the utmost anxiety and tenderness,
were richly rewarded by the devoted attachment and high and honour
able principles of one and all of them. To the personal worth and
talents of their son James; a graceful tribute has been paid by his kin
dred spirits, Joanna Baillie, Walter Scott, Thomas Campbell, and John
Wilson ; by the latter in a beautiful monody, worthy of himself and of
his subject. All the sons were distinguished at college for classical and
scientific attainments, — Robert peculiarly so ; and in after years, amidst
the harrassing and incessant toils of a laborious profession, his taste for
literature never left him, and he was always able to find time for varied
and extensive reading on all subjects of scientific interest.
The office of old Mr Grahame, the father, was originally in the
Gallowgate. It was afterwards removed to the Trongate, at the north
east corner of Stockwell Street, above his brother-in-law, where it is in
dicated in 1783 in John Tait's first Glasgow Directory. At this time
almost all the writers' offices in Glasgow were clustered round the
Cross — in the Gallowgate, the Saltmarket, and Trongate. Old Mr.
Grahame's office, when he removed from the Gallowgate to the corner
of Stockwell Street, was the farthest west in the city. This was em
phatically a move from the east to the. west and more fashionable end.
We find, however, that, in 1789, the office of Thomas and Robert
Grahame (for father and son were now in partnership) had moved still
farther west, and was located on the east side of Virginia Street. This
appears from the Directory for that year, published by old Nathaniel
Jones. We have reason to believe that the office of the future firm
was carried from that to its site in Miller Street (a little farther
west still) about 1812.
Robert appears to have served his apprenticeship with his father ;
but, according to the custom of that time, his legal education was com-

14 ROBERT GRAHAME, LORD PROVOST, 1833-34.
pleted in Edinburgh, where he was further initiated in the routine of
business in the office of his cousin, Mr. Laurence Hill, W.S., father of
Mr. Laurence Hill, of this city. Mr. Grahame became a member of
the Faculty of Procurators in 1782.
Having carried on business with his father till the death of the old
gentleman, in 1801, he then took into partnership, Mr. An drew_ Mitchell,
son of the Rev. Mr. Andrew Mitchell of Beith — Mr. Mitchell had pre
viously, faithfully served his apprenticeship with Mr. Grahame, and
was ever held by him in the greatest esteem. Under the firm of Messrs.
Grahame & Mitchell, they enjoyed as we have already stated, a most
extensive business and stood at the top of the profession in Glasgow as
conveyancers for many a year.
This was the most active aud energetic period of Mr. Grahame's life.
He had married a Miss Geddes, of Cupar-Fife, a lady of great beauty,
whom he met for the first time in the house of Mr. Scott Moncrieff, then
manager of the Royal Bank in Glasgow. Miss Geddes was most re
spectably connected, and by her he had two sons and two daughters.
His habits, which were always regular, had now settled down into a
strict and undeviating uniformity. His attention to business .was un
remitting, and the steady inflexible tenor of his life strongly contrasted
with the somewhat roving practices for which the learned members of
the Faculty were famous in these jovial days. The early reminiscences
of some of our oldest surviving Procurators will probably recall the time
when they were wont to attend the Commissary and other courta in the
old Consistory House at the Town-head on Wednesday mornings, and
seldom found their way home, notwithstanding the facilis descensus of
the journey back, till Saturday night. In these days, as we have stated,
the lawyer's offices were all congregated down about the Gallowgate,
Saltmarket, and Trongate, and when the collective legal wisdom of our
ancestors went up to the Town-head on Wednesday, they had each, like
the Roman Patricians, their cluster and clients at their heel ; they then
adjourned to the public-houses till the Friday court, and afterwards
finished the week gloriously with a gaudeamus according to their several
tastes and the refined habits of the day.
Mr. Grahame was quite an exception to this then general rule. He
was always distinguished by the regularity and strict sobriety of his
habits, amounting almost to abstemiousness. About the beginning

ROBERT GRAHAME, LORD PROVOST, 1833-34. 15
of this century he purchased the property of Whitehill, near Glasgow.
From this favourite residence of Whitehill it was Mr. Grahame's regular
habit to walk a distance of nearly a mile and a half, and to make his
appearance in the office so early as 8 o'clock in the morning. He break
fasted in the office, and generally dined there also about 4 o'clock. The
office hours were at that time as follows — from 8 to 9, business ; break
fast at 9 ; resume business at 10 ; the interval for dinner was at first
from 3 to 5, but was afterwards from 4 to 6. Business was again re
sumed at 6, and he regularly walked home in the evening at 8 o'clock.
This was the uniform tenor of Mr. Grahame's life from 1800 to 1820.
He was very seldom seen at the Tontine Reading Room — the then
fashionable resort of merchants, lawyers, and clergymen — and rarely
attended any meetings of the Faculty. He might have been elected
Dean/ had he so chosen ; but having so much busines of his own to at
tend to, he waived that honour in favour of his cousin, Mr. James Hill
of Busby, who was then in charge of the Sasine Office in Glasgow.
Mr. Grahame from his earliest days was distinguished as an unflinching
Reformer and Liberal, in the most extended sense of these epithets.
Times haye now changed, and many Tories, under the alias of Liberal
Conservatives, now acquiesce in much tEat earned opprobium among the
political bigots ~bf -former days ; and from his share of this species of in
justice, Mr. Grahame did not escape. Hence the current of his public
life did not always run smooth. According to popular adage, the lineage
of Grahame is reputed to be somewhat " warm and hasty of mood ;" and,
unquestionably the subject of this notice was not without some tendency
of that nature when roused by an oppression of the poor or helpless, or
any outrage against the liberty or rights of his fellow-creatures ; but his
warmth was always qualified by the greatest innate kindness and
generosity of disposition — the highest honour and integrity — and
strongest sense of justice and equity. He was, of course, with such a
temperament, no silent disapprover of the American war ; nor of the
foolish, tyrannical, and oppressive mis-government which cost Britain
her finest provinces. His well-known opinions on these points, and on
the question of Reform, appear to have made him, in the year 1793, the
object of one of the rash and frantic freaks of the panic-stricken Lord-
Advocate of that date, who is said to have gone so far as to transmit to
the Provost of Glasgow a warrant for Mr. Grahame's apprehension.

16 ROBERT GRAHAME, LORD PROVOST, 1833-34.
This piece of folly served, however, only to procure for him the honest
and honourable testimony of the Provost to his unsullied honour and
integrity, coupled with a distinct warning that the peace of the city could
not be answered for, were the warrant enforced — so highly was Mr.
Grahame held in respect and estimation by the citizens. This unex
pected response, followed probably by further enquiries appears to have
saved the authorities from what might have proved a more serious prank
than some others, equally absurd, which were performed by the same
functionary. It may, however, be remarked that the Lord-Advocate's
hostile, but futile, demonstration, did not deter Mr. Grahame from sub
sequently acting, with the utmost zeal and energy, as one of the agents
in defence of Thomas Muir and other political martyrs of 1794.
The political friends and companions of Mr. Grahame at this early and
perilous period in Glasgow, were the late Alexander Oswald of Shieldhall
(father of Mr. James Oswald), Mr. Dugald Bannatyne (afterwards
Postmaster, father of Mr. Andrew Bannatyne), Mr. Alexander
M'Grigor, Mr. Alexander Stevenson, and Mr. Robert Thomson, jr., of
the Adelphi Works, and afterwards of Camphill. Mr. Grahamo used
also to relate with great glee that he was in the dancing school with Sir
John Moore, the hero of Corunna, in Fraser's Hall, King Street, once a
place of great note in Glasgow, and that he had often as his partner
at the dance Mrs. Murray, the mother of James Murray, Esq. of Monk-
land. Even in subsequent years, and when more advanced in life, his con
stant attention to business did not prevent him from giving his personal
exertions when any occasion required them, in the cause of humanity.
In 1819-20 he took a deep interest, and exerted himself with the Hon.
Mr. Stuart Wortley (afterwards Lord Wharncliffe) in trying to get a
reprieve for those misguided men, Hardy and Baird, who were executed
at Stirling on a charge of conspiracy and treason. He and his partner,
Mr. .Andrew Mitchell, likewise exerted themselves greatly in favour of
James Wilson — another unfortunate and weak-minded man, more a
dupe than a criminal — who, on the 20th August, 1820; was hanged and
beheaded in Glasgow for his share in the so-called " Radical insurrec
tion. " On this occasion Messrs. Grahame & Mitchell specially engaged
Mr. James Harmer, afterwards Alderman Harmer, an eminent London
solicitor, to come down to Glasgow to attend the trial, the proceedings,

ROBERT GRAHAME, LORD PROVOST, 1833-34. 17
on a charge for high treason,. being chiefly regulated by English law.
The expenses of the case, amounting to four or five hundred pounds,
were paid by Messrs. Grahame and Mitchell, out of their own pockets.
During Mr. Grahame's term of office as Lord Provost there was
formed in this city "The Glasgow Emancipation Society" having for its
object "the abolition of slavery throughout the world." Mr. Grahame
was elected President and held this office for many years, taking a
warm and active interest in promoting the great and philanthropic aim
of the Association. This Society was one of the most — if not the most
enterprising and energetic in the country in carrying on the agitation
against slavery in the West Indian Colonies and latterly in the United
States of America. Under its auspices the late Mr. George Thompson,
the powerful champion of abolition visited America to aid the cause in
that country by his words of burning eloquence, and many were the
crowded and enthusiastic meetings held in this city to further the cause
of the oppressed slave.
Associated with Mr. Grahame in this Society were many other
excellent and highly esteemed citizens; among its Vice-Presidents were
the names of the late Rev. Drs; Wardlaw, Heugh, Kidston, and Wm.
Anderson; while as Secretaries it had the unwearied and valuable
services of the late Mr. John Murray and Mr. William Smeal.
Some two or three years after these events, Mr. Grahame took an
active and successful part in procuring the liberty of a slave. We have
not learned the precise particulars of this event ; but we believe it was
a negro boy who was brought as a slave to the Broomielaw in some
foreign vessel, and being informed by some one that as soon as he landed
in this country he was free, the boy refused to return on board the
vessel. An attempt was made to smuggle him off; but the affair having
come to the ears of Messrs. Murray and Smeal, the late philantrophic
Secretaries of the Glasgow Emancipation Society, they immediately pro
ceeded to Whitehill and informed Mr. Grahame of the circumstances. Not
a. moment was lost, and the result of Mr. Grahame's exertions was the
lad's emancipation from bondage. Mr. Grahame had afterwards a black
servant, but whether it was this lad, or another emancipated slave
whom he had got into his service we have not been able to ascertain.
From an early period of his life he had taken an active interest in
utterly abolishing the slave trade and slavery ; in this cause he co-
2i

18 ROBERT GRAHAME, LORD PROVOST, 1833-34.
operated personally and powerfully with Messrs. Clarkson and Wilber-
force, and indeed with all the most celebrated abolitionists of the last
generation, and more fortunate than some of them he lived to see the
great work accomplished in the British dominions, and steadily advan
cing throughout the world. For many long years he was President of
the Glasgow Emancipation Society, and filled that honourable honorary
office up to the time of his death.
One who knew him well about the period of his life to which
these events relate, thus writes : — " Old Mr. Grahame I recollect from
my earliest days. Many, many times when I was going to College, in
my red gown, at the age of eleven, with a brother two years younger
than myself, Mr. Grahame would get hold of us on the road,
ask us (particularly my little brother of nine) the books we were
reading with Professor Richardson and Young, and make him pull out
one of the books and translate a passage to try him, for though so little,
he was the best scholar of the two. He always spoke kindly and en
couragingly to us, and bidding us be ' diligent scholars ' (I remember
well his very words), used to leave us at the corner of Duke Street and
High Street on his way to business. He was a fine gentlemanly-
looking man : always wore a white neckcloth, with the ends hanging
out like bands, and our people used to say he very much resembled the
prints of Washington. "
We have seen that Mr. Grahame had always been a keen reformer,
or rather decided liberal. He attended the meetings of the Fox Club,
which was established to commemorate the anniversary of the death of
the Right Hon. Charles James Fox. This club consisted of all the
leading Reformers of the day, such as the late James Dennistoun, Esq.
of Golfhill, Charles Tennant, Esq. of St. Rollox, Colin Dunlop, Esq.
of Tolcross, Robert Thomson, Esq. of Camphill, Alexr. M'Grigor, Esq.
of Kermack, James Oswald, Esq., John Douglas, Esq., iEneas
Morrison, Esq., Dr. Richd. Miller, William Stirling, Esq. of Cordale,
the late Professor Mylne, Sir John Maxwell, of Shieldhall, Archd.
Spiers of Elderslie, the late Lord Archibald Hamilton, &c.
In Glasgow, as in other parts of the kingdom, great excitement was
occasioned by the trial of Queen Garoline, wife of George IV. in 1820.
In this trial Mr, Grahame took a deep interest.

ROBERT GRAHAME, LORD PROVOST, 1833-34. 19
After Mr. Grahame's retirement from business in 1824 he continued to
take a prominent part in the Reform Bill agitation, which was then at its
height, but he was never much accustomed or disposed to address
public meetings. A brother-procurator who knew him well says, he
was a great conveyancer, but no great public speaker. He had always,
however, given the weight of his name, and of his high character and
position, as well as his active services to the cause ; and on the passing
of the measure for which he had so long ¦ struggled, he was elected to
the Town Council, and by that body unanimously chosen Lord Provost,
being the first chief Magistrate of Glasgow, elected under the Mun
icipal Reform Act. He did not continue in office, however, during the
usual term of three years. Having held it fully a twelvemonth, and
finding the duties onerous at his advanced age, he resigned, and Mr.
William Mills merchant, was then elected in his place.
Not long after this event he removed to Weymouth, on the south
coast of England, for the benefit of his health, taking with him his
daughter, Mrs. Donald, and her son, as also his own son, Mr. Thomas
Grahame, who had previously married a daughter of the late Mr.
Kirkman Finlay, of Castle Toward, and was then a widower. Some
years before his death he sold the property of Whitehill to Mr.
John Reid, of Annfield.
Mr. Grahame had two sons and two daughters. James, the eldest,
was twice married, and died many years ago : by bis first wife he had
a son and a daughter — the latter was married to a gentlemen of the name
of Stewart. Mr. Grahame's second son, Thomas, married first as already
stated, the eldest daughter of Kirkman Finlay, Esq , by whom he had
three daughters, and afterwards the widow of General Limond, E.C.S.
Mr. Grahame's eldest daughter, Ann, married in 1822, James Donald,
Esq., formerly. Captain and Paymaster of the 94th Regiment, and brother
to C. D. Donald, Esq., Commissary clerk of Lanarkshire. Captain
Donald died in 1831, leaving one son and a daughter; the latter was
married to William Somerset, Esq., second son of Lord William Somerset,
uncle of the Duke of Beaufort; she died in 1850, leaving three
children. Mrs. Donald died in 1 847. Mr. Grahame's youngest daughter,
Jane, married Sir John Robison, (son of Illuminati Robison), both are
dead, leaving two daughters.

20 ROBERT GRAHAME, LORD PROVOST, 1833-34.
Mr. Grahame lived in the time of five principal Sheriffs of Lanark
shire, viz : — Robert Sinclair, Esq., Wm. Honeyman, Esq., afterwards
Lord of Session, as Lord Armadale ; Robert Hamilton, Esq. ; Wm. Rose
Robinson, Esq., and Sir Archd. Alison.
By the death of this venerable patriarch, another of the living links
was broken which connected the Glasgow of the present with the Glasgow
of the last generation and the last century. When Mr. Grahame was
born in 1759, the Rebellion of '45 had only lately been quelled ; George
II. was still seated on the throne ; Mr. Clive was cutting out with his
sword the beginnings of that mighty empire which we now possess in the
East ; the Duke of Marlborough was burning the French ships at St.
Malo ; the British and French were struggling for the sovereignty of
North America ; and General Wolfe, who had lately been stationed in
Glasgow, and also at a fort on the banks of Lochlomond, was just on the
point of proceeding to America on that memorable expedition which ter
minated in his own death on the heights of Abraham, but not until he
had wrested Quebec, with its almost impregnable fortress, from the
French Arms.
The vicissitudes which Mr. Grahame lived to see in the history of his
own country, and of the world in general — embracing the reigns of five
sovereigns, from George II. to Victoria — the rise of our Indian empire ;
the American war of independence, resulting in the severance of the
United States from this country ; the growth of the United States from
a thinly peopled colony into one of the leading powers of the world ; the
first French Revolution with all its terrors ; the rise, greatness, and over
throw of Napoleon ; the subsequent revolutions in France, and finally,
another Napoleon seated on the throne of the Bourbons — these
were events of such magnitude that many volumes, of many
separate histories, are now required to relate them ; and, in short, they
embrace the whole extent and duration of what may be considered the
most important century in the civilized world.
But perhaps the most wonderful and striking of all the changes which
happened in the long life-time of the late venerable gentleman, was the
miraculous progress and expansion of his own native city. When Mr.
Grahame was living in his father's house at the north-east corner of
Stockwell Street, that locality which now occupies the very centre of the
city, was nearly at its western extremity ; a line of houses might stretch

ROBERT GRAHAME, LORD PROVOST, 1833-34. 21
a little beyond it along the site of Argyle Street, but still it is beyond
doubt that there was little to be seen in that direction but green fields
and gardens ; the population of the city and suburbs was little more than
50,000 ; the noble harbour of the Broomielaw was at that time little
other than what its name implies, and the depth of the river at Point-
house ford, about two miles below Glasgow, was only one foot three
inches at low water, and three feet eight inches at high water.
The improvements on the river had not even commenced. The celebrated
engineer, Mr. Smeaton, had indeed been employed to survey and report
upon it in 1755, and the fruit of his survey and engineering wisdom was,
a recommendation that a lock and weir should be erected about 4 miles
below the city, to secure a depth in the harbour of four-and-a-half feet.
An Act of Parliament — the first for improving the river — -was actually
obtained to carry out this suggestion in the very year that Mr. Grahame
was born ; but fortunately better counsels prevailed, and the Act was
permitted to remain a dead letter, till Mr. Golborne of Chester, was
called in about ten years afterwards, and recommended the narrowing
and deepening process, which is still pursued, and by which results have
been produced so important to the commerce and general prosperity of
this city,
We have only to add that Mr. Grahame's great talents and in
dustry were crowned with merited success in life. In addition to his
professional avocations, he was one of the original partners of Charles
Tennant & Co. ; an early and extensive holder of Forth and Clyde, and
Union Canal stock, and promoter of various thriving mineral railways ;
and ultimately retired from business with an ample and well-won fortune,
bearing with him into retirement the esteem and grateful admiration of
his fellow-citizens, and of all who knew him well. Of him, indeed, may
be truly said, that he never belied the lineage of " the gallant Grahames,"
but like the worthiest of his race, lived and died "^Sans pew et sans
reproche."

22 ROBERT GRAHAME, LORD PROVOST, 1833-34.
The following letter is calculated to throw light on the political
principles of Mr. Grahame and also upon the nature of his hopes and
aspirations for his native city : —
To the Magistrates and Town Council of Glasgow.
L'Eperonniere, near Nantes,
8th October, 1834.
Gentlemen.— I beg leave to intimate to you my resignation of the
honourable and important functions confided to me by you and a large
portion of my fellow-citizens, by whom I was last year appointed to the
offices of Town Councillor and Chief Magistrate of the City of Glasgow,
under the first free election of a Reformed Burgh Constituency.
My advanced age and declining strength might suffice as reasons for
this step. But a reason less controvertible presents itself. For as I
find that my health requires a residence abroad during the ensuing
winter, it can no longer be in my power to discharge the duties which
you intrusted to me.
In taking leave of you, my colleagues and associates, I cannot refrain
from expressing my earnest expectation and wish that it may always be
kept in mind by your successors in office, as well as by yourselves, that
the measure of reform granted to the Scottish Burghs (large as it may
be, and doubtless is) should be considered as merely preliminary ; and
the great object of the real friends of reform should still be the extension
of that degree of education and moral attainment among all our fellow
citizens, which will render a farther and corresponding extension of the
elective franchise not merely desirable but indispensable.
Among the most intelligent and honourable men differences of opinion
will exist ; but I trust there is not one of you who would not consider
that day as the proudest in his life on which he could, without fear of
contradiction, declare that there was not a householder of our native
city who was not by his education and intelligence qualified to have a
voice in the election of its Magistracy and of its Representatives in
Parliament. In the present state of society in Glasgow, such a thorough
application of the principle of reform, may perhaps, by many persons, be
regarded as far distant. But let us not forget that discouraging opinions
on this subject are generally the result of a secret wish, on the part of
those who profess them, to retain in their own hands a disproportionate
and unjust share of political power and influence, I cherish, however,

ROBERT GRAHAME, LORD PROVOST, 1833-34. 23
a confident hope that the promotion and progress of improvement will
ever be the prevailing object of the Reformed Magistracy and Town
Council of Glasgow.
Though I had, and still have, doubts of the propriety of my conduct
in accepting, at so late a period of my life, the honourable offices which
I now resign, you, I hope, will accept, as my sole apology, the proud
and flattering gratification of finding myself the first choice of a free and
reformed constituency.
I have only to add that I feel truely grateful to you, Gentlemen, and
to all my fellow-citizens, for the kind and indulgent acceptance which
my official services, or rather my feeble efforts to be serviceable, have
received whilst I had the honour of being your Chief Magistrate.
To the last moment of my life, our civic motto — "Let Glasgow Flourish,"
will be one of the warmest wishes of my heart.
And now, Gentlemen, I bid you farewell. That God may bless you
and all the good people of Glasgow, is the sincere desire and prayer of
your and their obliged Servant and faithful Friend,

£ftW^4^^^-

24 WILLIAM MILLS, LORD PROVOST, 1834-37.
MEETING OF TOWN COUNCIL,
NOVEMBER, 18S4.

ELECTION OF MAGISTRATES.

A meeting of the Town Council was held on Friday, 7th Nov., 1834
for the special purpose of electing a Provost in room of Mr. Grahame
of Whitehill, resigned ; a Magistrate in place of Mr. Muir ; and making
the other annual elections. Bailie Gilmour, acting Chief Magistrate, in
the chair. Previous to the business of the Board being proceeded with the
Chairman read a letter which he had received from Bailie Fleming, to
the effect that he had been prevented from attending the elections, and
tendering his resignation of the office of Magistrate.
It was mentioned by Mr. Reddie, that as Mr Fleming had been
elected in room of Mr. Hugh Tennent, who resigned, a new election
was at the present time imperative ; but to a question of Bailie Gilmour,
the Learned Assessor replied that Mr. Fleming's re-election was
perfectly legal, and might be proceeded with at that sederunt.
The Acts anent bribery and corruption having been read.
Bailie Gilmour rose. He said it was known to them all that circum
stances had occurred under which -he had been most unexpectedly and
most unworthily called upon to fill the Chair of the Chief Magistrate ;
but it was now their duty to elect one to occupy that Chair, and he
would feel most happy in bestowing the Chain upon the Gentleman of
their choice. This was the first business on the roll.
Mr. M'Gavin remarked, that without recurring to. what had taken
place at last election, he could not help thinking that it was a misfor
tune to the city that they had appointed to so onerous a situation the
late Lord Provost, although, such a reward might be due to his high,
unsullied, political career as a Reformer. His great age, however, and
other consequent infirmities, incapacitated him from discharging the
duties of the office. For instance that great question regarding the
management of the gas monoply, which he (Mr. M'Gavin), had brought
forward, had been allowed partially to fall to the ground through this
cause ; and because the then Deacon Convener had declined to take any
part in the investigation ; while the Dean of Guild had experienced the

WILLIAM MILLS, LORD PROVOST, 1834-37. 25
misfortune of getting his leg broken ; and Bailie Muir had been called
away to the Continent. He had asserted, on the* occasion when he
brought forward the matter, that £30,000 might be recovered to the
community ; but he now took the liberty of saying, if properly invest
igated by the new Provost and his coadjutors, that not a less sum than
£50,000 sterling might be recovered to the Public. He had risen to
move for a gentleman to discharge the duties of the Provost's Chair
who he thought, would do so with dignity and effect, and he wished them
to understand that the investigation of what he had alluded to could
not be carried into effect by deputy, but must be executed by
Deacon Convener M'Lellan, the Dean of Guild, and the Provost now
to be chosen. He might mention, that in what he had referred to,
and to which he attached so much importance, he had promised to his
constituents to agitate the question till the Gas Company were com
pelled to disgorge what they had swallowed in the face of an Act of
Parliament. He might mention to them that the gentleman he was
about to nominate as Provost was not such an out-and-out reformer
as himself ; but he had the candour to admit that although that gentle
man ahd he had sometimes voted differently, he did not think this was
enough to disqualify him. He concluded by proposing Mr. James
Hutchison as a fit and proper person to fill the Chair of the Lord
Provost of Glasgow.
Mr. Douglas concurred in every thing said by Mr. M Gavin, with the
exception of the reflection upon the late Lord Provost.
Mr. M'Gavin. — I threw no reflection upon Mr. Grahame — I only
referred to the infirmites consequent upon his age.
Mr. Douglas. — Well, I only wish to make the exception. He agreed
in every thing which had been so well said by Mr. M'Gavin ; and he
rose to second the nomination of the gentleman he had named on
additional groundsr They could not get, on every occasion, a person
of the same way of thinking as themselves ; Mr. Hutchison and he had
not always been found coinciding in the same vjews ; but for this he
deserved credit, that he had been very efficient in carrying the Reform
Bill, and, as Chairman of the Merchants' house, actively and mainly
instrumental in reforming that body. He (Mr. D.) would take that
opportunity of mentioning that Mr. Hutchison did most honestly and
diligently perform his duty, when Reform was attempted to be delayed,

26 WILLIAM MILLS, LORD PROVOST, 1834-37.
as in the case of the pretence of Lord Haddington, in the House of
Lords, in reference to English Corporate Reforms, till an enquiry should
be gone into. He knew this from having been associated in London
with Mr. Hutchison, who was delegated from the Merchants' House ;
and he was convinced that the duties of the Lord Provost would in him
be discharged with zeal and honesty. He had uniformly forwarded
liberal measures ; aud he (Mr. D.) could bear personal testimony to the
qualities he possessed for being Chairman of a meeting. He had seen
him at rather tumultuous meetings of the Merchants' House in strong
party struggles ; where party feeling ran high — where keen differences
of opinion existed ; but where he exercised the prerogative of the Chair
insisting that every speaker should be heard to an end ; that the right
of every individual should be preserved ; and the firm exercise of his
power, reduced the debate to Parliamentary order. That fitness Mr.
Hutchison undoubtedly possessed, and from what he (Mr. D.) had seen
during the last 12 months, it was necessary to be exercised in the
Reformed Council. During the last two years, too, he had acted in the
capacity of Dean of Guild; in that Court discussions were tedious — ¦
desultory — acrimonious, and yet every thing had been conducted with
the greatest discernment and temper, and he thought a couple of years'
probationary service there was an admirable test for Mr. H.'s fitness in
regard to the situation in question. Then there was one very import
ant question to which Mr. M'Gavin had alluded — the gas question ; but,
in addition, he would take leave to mention the Water Monopoly.
Now, they would all well understand that the gentleman who was to be
proposed against Mr. Hutchison had aii interest in the Water Company,
had an interest in that Company against the public ; while it should
also be known that Mr. Hutchison, from his great prudence and judg
ment, had been the means of getting a petition from the Merchants'
House against the Water Monopoly voted to Parliament. If the
Council of Glasgow would be content with a Provost interested in a
Water Monopoly against the citizens at large, and in opposition to a
gentleman who was not in a similar situation, he (Mr. D.) did not think
that such a proceeding would be sanctioned by the public at large The
head of the corporation of so great a city should be a gentleman of
liberal views, and of undoubted honesty, and such he had always found
Mr. Hutchison. Whether Mr. Hutchison had always acted on these

WILLIAM MILLS, LORD PROVOST, 1834-37. 27
views it was for himself to say ; perhaps he did not occasionally feel it,
prudent to do so; but that did not disqualify him from filling a situation
like the present. He was a gentleman of good education, of great
information, excellent judgment, and solid -talent, while farther, he was
capable of thinking rightly and properly, and expressing his thoughts
in appropriate language. He (Mr. D.) had only spoken of what was
known to himself; but he little doubted that other portions of Mr.
Hutchison's character would be known to many present, as well as to
the citizens. He concluded by seconding that gentleman's nomination.
nothing doubting that he would promote the liberal cause, and would
f orward the interest and honour of the city.
Councillor Dennistoun proposed Bailie Mills, as a fit and proper
person to discharge the duties of Lord Provost of the City of Glasgow.
He would not follow Mr. Douglas ; but he felt perfectly sure that, if
elected, Bailie Mills would discharge the duties of the Chair with honour
to himself and satisfaction to all.
Mr. H. Tennent seconded the nomination of Bailie Mills. He felt
restrained in the presence of that gentleman, whom he had long and
intimately known, from saying so much as he would otherwise do; but in the
worst of days he had been a Reformer — ay, even when it was very unpleas
ant and unfashionable to be known as such. As he said before he felt
restrained from saying anything more in his presence ; but if it was the
pleasure of the Council to appoint that gentleman, he (Mr. Tennent.) was
convinced he would faithfully, zealously, ably, and conscientiously
discharge the duties of the office, while he would reflect credit upon
the corporation and upon himself.
Bailie Mills spoke in a very low tone of voice, but we understood
him in effect to say, that he stood there in a very delicate situation.
He had been asked to be put in nomination ; but to all applications he
had invariably given the same answer ; he could not consent. If he
had done so it would have been contrary to his wishes, and to his
sentiments. In these circumstances, he implored* his friends who had
brought him forward to withdraw his name from the contest ; for he
felt, and he believed, that between his friend and himself, in point of
talent and other qualifications, there could be no competition, He had
likewise stated that it was his determination to vote in support of his
friend Mr. Hutchison.

28 WILLIAM MILLS, LORD PROVOST, 1834-37.
Upon Bailie Mills sitting down,
Convener M'Lellan rose and stated, that he regretted, at this stage
of the day's proceedings,, a sense of public duty compelled him to offer
an interruption to their further procedure, by stating what he believed
to be an insuperable objection to Bailie Mills being elected Lord Provost,
as also to the gentleman who had proposed him to that office, and he
who had seconded the proposition, together with several other members
of Council, heing entitled to exercise any vote upon this or any future
occasion, as Councillors of this city — they having, in his opinion dis
qualified themselves by certain acts, the details of which, as given to
him from quarters upon which he had every reliance, he would now state
to the Council. Before going further, he begged to say that he felt his
present duty to be one of a very disagreeable nature; and in the resol
ution he had come to, of making the present communication, he was
actuated by no party feeling, for he acknowledged neither of the parties
into which, whether in regard to the management of the River Trust or
the proper business of the Council, he saw the Council was divided.
He did what he was about to do solely on public grounds, and under
no feeling of hostility or want of respect to Bailie Mills. The trans
actions he alluded to were in part known to several members of Council
as well as to the party engaged in them; if his information were correct,
there had been a private and illegal compact entered into by a portion
of the Council, the effect of which went to deprive all the members of
Council, who did not belong to that confederacy, of any real share
in the important elections of to-day, and to lodge the whole power of choos
ing the Chief Magistrate, and the other functionaries, in the hands of the
individuals belonging to that junto, who had thereby not only virtually
secured to themselves the offices they had arrived to, but had
assumed the dispensation of all the other patronage, which was
alone legally vested in the Council as a body. He did not
require to state to the Council the mischievous and degrading
effects of such combinations — how opposed they were to the letter
and spirit of the Reform Bill. Which meant to secure to the
constituency which it had created, the choice of a free and un
fettered representative, who should exercise in his place and at the
time appointed by the Bill, all the important functions of his office, in
the like free, open, and independent manner in which he had been

WILLIAM MILLS, LORD PROVOST, 1834-37. 29
elected ; who should neither be frustrated nor forestalled in the per
formance of his duty by any combinations, such as he was now about
to expose. He and his brother, the Dean of Guild, it was true, had
come among them by a different channel than that which returned the
majority of the Council, but by one equally pure — equally hon
ourable and independent. He felt bound to say so, in justice to the
Merchants' and Trades' Houses, and he trusted the public would find
them equally zealous in its behalf, and in support of its best interests.
He should now proceed to a simple narrative of the facts of this extra
ordinary matter, as they had been revealed to him ; and he begged to
be corrected as he went along, by any of those gentlemen whom he
now addressed who had been parties to the . measure, should he be
stating what was incorrect. Upon Wednesday evening last, a meeting
was called by written circulars, addressed to about a dozen members of
the Council; the circular requested their attendance in a house in or near
Argyll Arcade. When the parties were assembled, they were informed
that they had been brought together for the purpose of making the
necessary arrangements preparatory to the elections of this day ; and
a general principle, or rule of conduct for the business of the evening,
was laid down, which was, that in the event of a majority of candidates
for the various offices being proposed, the candidate who should have
the greatest number of votes should be supported by the minority. It
was farther agreed that the Lord Provost should be selected from
amongst the present Bailies. Several of these gentlemen were pro
posed, and the sense of the meeting taken, when Bailie Mills was in the
end declared to have the majority of votes. This point settled, the
meeting proceeded to elect the Bailies — and there being two wanted,
Messrs. William Craig and John Small, both present, were proposed
and carried. It is but justice to those gentlemen to state, that they
required some pressing to accept office, but finally their scruples were
overcome. The meeting then proceeded to fill up the other vacant
offices, when Mr. Mitchell, the present depute River Bailie, was fixed
upon as successor to Bailie Pattison ; and Mr. Hope, who was not
present, nor of the party, was named as his depute. They next passed
to the Chairmanship of the River Trust, when Mr. H. Tennent was
chosen to fill that most important office. How much further they
travelled down the state of our civic appointments, I have not been

30 WILLIAM MILLS, LORD PROVOST, 1834-37.
informed. Whilst these important transactions were proceeding in the
Arcade, a correspondent meeting of the Magistrates was sitting in the
dwelling-house of one of their members, situated in a street adjoining —
to which meeting a deputation of three from that in the Arcade pro
ceeded to impart the arrangements there made, and request the Magis
trates' concurrence thereto. Whether their proposals were at once
agreed to, or subjected to discussion he could not say — but if any
difference of opinion existed, it was overruled, and the two hitherto
opposing parties became united. I forgot to state, in its proper order,
that the name of Mr. Jas. Hutchison was mentioned as a fit person to
be Provost, by one of.the gentlemen of the party in the Arcade, and he
declaring he would support Mr. Hutchison, declined assenting to that
portion of the arrangements. It was also stated by another gentleman
of the same party, that he could assure them if Mr. Hutchison was
elected Provost the present Magistrates would resign, and that the
Magistrates would not be forced to act with him. These the Convener
stated to be the measures of the meeting, given to him from most
respectable authority. The transactions of the day would either corro
borate or contradict them. In addition to the reasons he had stated in
the outset, for bringing forward a charge of so grave and serious a
nature against a portion of the Council, he felt anxious to put a stop,
in all time coming, to private management, or underhand dealing, by
any member or members of the Council, however influential, or with
whatever intent — if such a system were not checked, their appearance
here at an election was a farce, and the constituency might give up the
election of a great portion of the Council. In conclusion, the Convener
took a Protest, in his own name and those who might adhere to him,
against Bailie Mills being qualified to be elected Provost, and against
all the Members of Council, who had been parties to the illegal compact,
he holding them disqualified by such compact from exercising any vote
which might be tendered on this or any future occasion. These were
the facts of the meeting as given to him from a most respectable quarter.
Their truth has been already in part proven by the nomination of Bailie
Mills for the Provostship : we shall see whether the remaining appoint
ments confirm them to their full extent. In addition to what he had
stated in the outset, as his reasons for bringing forward these grave and
serious charges against a portion of the Council, he wished to put a stop

WILLIAM MILLS, LORD PROVOST, 1834-37. 31
to the practice, which had obtained both this year and the last, of man
aging the elections in a private underhand manner, by calling a few
leading people together whose sentiments and party feelings were known.
Bailie Gilmour, from the bottom of his heart, denied that the Magis
trates had anything to do with the matter. The thing had been
left entirely and openly with the Council to nominate whom they
pleased. He denied the fact. They knew nothing about the meeting
in the Arcade, to which the Convener had alluded : they stood there
with pure hands.
Councillor Brock, without hesitation, openly and unequivocally con
fessed that he was the person who had circulated several of the cards,
in reference to the meeting spoken of by the Deacon Convener ; and he
held it was perfectly legal fo do so, in opposition to what had been said.
Regarding the vote, it had been come to unanimously ; and as to the
assertion which had been made about the present Magistrates refusing
to act if Mr. Hutchison was elected, he, to the best of his recollection,
had to say it was not true.
Mr. Dixon had attended the meeting in question. In going there, he
had done so with the most honourable motives, and would be always
ready to attend any similar meeting, when it was for the interest of his
Constituents. No accusation, he thought, should be brought against
them ; nor would he think of asking Convener M'Lellan for permission
bo be present at any such meeting.
Mr. Brock — when he last spoke, he had neglected to refer to what
the Convener said about the meeting being not only " illegal but
criminal. " Now, he repeated the phrase, for the purpose of its being
taken especial notice of, and saying that it was only worthy of
contempt, Amid loud cries of " vote, " Mr. M'Gavin rose ; but the noise had the
effect of making him reseat himself.
Mr. Douglas rose, and warmly demanded, that no interruption should
be given to the debate, and that Mr. M'Gavin should be heard.
Mr. Craig wished to say only a word. He never yet knew one
election take place without a preliminary meeting to arrange matters.
This was always the general understanding ; and he was not aware that
it was either illegal or improper. In his opinion, it was exceedingly

32 WILLIAM MILLS, LORD PROVOST, 1834-37.
judicious that they should be brought together for the purpose of
ascertaining each other's minds.
Mr. M'Gavin said, that, before the question was put, after what had
taken place, he wished to say a few words. There was a proverb
about extremes meeting, and when he went in with what Mr. M'Lellan
said, who was an ultra-Tory, and he (Mr. M'G.) an ultra-Radical, this
might be said to be the case. But during the whole of last election he
had been of a similar opinion to that of the Convener. The Magis
trates had been brought down in a batch ; and the whole proceedings
had been of the most irregular description : he held that not one of
them had been elected in a regular manner, with the exception of Bailie
Fleming, who was chosen in room of Mr. Tennent, resigned. He, as a
Reformer, maintained that that election was utterly incompetent. He
was against all preliminary meetings ; or private cabals : of these he
knew nothing. He (Mr. M'G.) came there in the open face of day ;
and for the purpose of openly voting open measures ; but such pro
ceedings as those alluded to by Mr. M'Lellan he utterly abhorred. He
maintained that Mr. Hutchison was as good a reformer as Bailie Mills.
It had been given out that that individual was a Tory, but that he
(Mr. M'G.) would support a Tory Provost he did not think would be be
lieved. He held that out of the 32 gentlemen at that Board, Mr.
Hutchison was best qualified to fill the Chair with dignity and effect.
He meant nothing personally offensive to Bailie Mills — for he was one
who never took offence, unless something very particular was said.
In conclusion he heartily agreed with the observations made by Mr.
M'Lellan. The Convener, in reply to what had been said, asserted that no
meeting, so far as he knew, had been held by the party voting for Mr.
Hutchison. He knew nothing of any confederation to support a
purpose ; and in reference to what had been said, by Mr. M'Gavin,
about a Tory, he thought, and he did not think the position would be
disputed, that it was perfectly possible for a Tory to be an honest man.
He considered it was imperative on Mr. Hutchison to say whether, as
far as he was concerned, any meeting had taken place in his favour.
Mr. Hutchison denied that this had been the case, and corroborated
Mr. M'Lellan.
Mr. Douglas said, a matter of great importance had been brought

WILLIAM MILLS, LORD PROVOST, 1834-37. 33
under discussion ; and it was desirable that the Board should say and
do all, in the face and in behalf of their Constituents. It was impos
sible, however, to deny that they had a power of private consultation.
Mr. Brock, in reference to what had been said, thought proper to
mention, that no later than last night, at eight o'clock, he had been
asked by the seconder of Mr. Hutchison to get up a meeting in that
gentleman's interest.
Mr. Douglas avowed this : and as he said before, thought that a con
sultation was necessary.
Bailie Lumsden said, that, as the Magistrates had been mixed up
with the question, he might mention that he thought it was right, that
the opinions of the executive should be paid some attention to ; but he
denied that they had anything to do with the meeting alluded to.
It was true that, with the other Magistrates, as he had done before, he
had asked Bailie Gilmour to a family dinner ; but the other meeting
was unknown to them. They had spoken over the elections, and
delivered their opioions upon them ; but he for one was quite passive :
he had no aspirations to such an office as the Provost — (hear) — but it
was mentioned among some of his friends, that if elected they would
accept. And he felt bound, if any one among his colleagues was pro
posed, to support him. He would therefore, vote for Bailie Mills.
Bailie Mills appealed to Bailie Lumsden if, whether at the time he
had referred to, (Mr. M.) was not an exception to the others.
Bailie Lumsden admitted this, and replied in the affirmative.
The Chairman said he was sure Bailie Mills had not given his con
sent, even up to the present moment.
Mr. Ure said that he was the only one at the meeting alluded to by
the Convener who was in favour of Mr. Hutchison. That gentleman
had been the first to suggest the taking of the river dues into their own
hands, by which a great saving had been effected to the Corporation —
he had also opened up the Merchants' House ; and he recollected of Mr.
Craig stating to him that there was a meeting of the Magistrates to
learn the result of the other meeting.
Mr. Craig said Mr. Ure had stated what was not correct. He had
happened to see Bailie Mills, who informed him that a meeting of the
Magistrates was to take place to arrange about the election — and that
was all, 3

34 WILLIAM MILLS, LORD PROVOST, 1834-37.
Mr. M'Lellan, in explanation, mentioned that it was not to Mr.
Brock, but to Mr. Craig he alluded, when. he spoke about the Magis
trates resigning if Mr. Hutchison was elected Provost.
The vote was then put, when Bailie Mills was elected by a majority
of two, viz. : — For Bailie Mills — Bailies Gilmour, and Lumsden,
Messrs. J. Hutchison, Dixon, Ord, Craig, Denny, "Tennent,
Dennistoun, Small, Johnston, Brock, Bankier, Turner, Wallace,
Mitchell ; for Mr. Hutchison— Bailie Mills, Dean of Guild, Messrs.
Douglas, Robertson, Ure, M'Gavin, Leadbetter, Dalglish, Gray, R.
Hutchison, Dunlop, Paul, Hope, Convener M'Lellan.
Bailie Mills said he stood before them in a very peculiar and dis
tressing situation. Such a result had never entered his mind — he could
not have anticipated it. He felt perfectly incompetent to discharge the
duties of the office, and what was he to do in the situation, with his in
experience ? Perhaps the Council would indulge him, by allowing him
to retire for a little. (The Bailie then did so, followed by Bailies
Gilmour and Lumsden.) Having been absent for a few minutes, he re
turned and said, it was well known to them that he was not a speaker.
He had thought proper to consult his colleagues; and they had
promised to support him, in the same manner as he would have done
Mr. Hutchison. He had only farther to ask, not only the indulgence,
but the support of the Council ; and he hoped they would believe him
when he said, that he trusted he would not, either in word or in act,
improperly commit the Corporation, or disgrace himself.
Bailie Gilmour then said that he had much pleasure in bestowing,
upon their newly-elected Lord Provost, the badge of honour. The
Bailie then placed Lord Provost Mills in chains, when he took the
chair. Convener M'Lellan said his protest went against the legality of this
election, as well as those which were to follow, in which he would take
no part. He held that Mr. Hutchison was duly elected Lord Provost,
and that Bailie Mills, by his previous conduct, had disqualified himself.
The next business announced was the election of a Bailie in room of
Mr. Muir, when Mr. M'Lellan again reiterated his determination to
take no part in the proceedings.
Mr. M'Gavin said he certainly thought they were illegal, although he
would not decline voting.

WILLIAM MILLS, LORD PROVOST, 1834-37.

35

Bailie Gilmour, who mentioned that he had been requested to act
for the Provost, said — Gentlemen, take your own way of it ; but let us
get on with the business.
Bailie Fleming was then unanimously re-elected.
Mr. M'Gavin next proposed Councillor Craig, in room of Bailie Muir ,
and this being seconded by Mr. Bankier, was agre'ed to nem. con.
A successor to Bailie Mills cannot be appointed till next meeting.
Mr. Gilmour proposed, and Mr. Lumsden seconded, Mr. Pattison as
River Bailie.
Mr. Johnston said, as Mr. Pattison would now be three years in the
Council, and had been River Bailie last year, he would be four years in
that office if elected at present. He proposed to elect Mr. Mitchell,
who would go out at the end of next year. Mr. Turner seconded the
motion. On a division, there appeared for Mr. Mitchell 16, for Mr. Pattison
9. Five declined to vote. Mr. Turner was elected Depute River
Bailie. Clyde Commissioners. — Mr. Gilmour proposed Messrs. George Burn,
W. P. Paton, James Pollock, John Pollock, George Crawford, and Hugh
Smith. Mr. Reddie said they could not elect Mr. Smith, as he was a River
Trustee. Mr. Douglas proposed Mr. Alexander Dick.
Mr. Lumsden, as lawyers were of little use in this committee, pro
posed Mr. Hugh Fleming.
It was at length agreed however, that Mr. Dick should be added.

List of the Names of the Members of the Town Council
during the three years Provostship of Mr. William Mills.
1834-35.
DISTRICT FIRST. DISTRICT THIRD.

William Gilmour, Bailie.
William Craig, Bailie.
Hugh Tennent.
Eobert M'Gavin.
James Turner, Depute Bailie of River.
J. Botlb Grat.

Eobert Hutchison.
John Mitchell, Bailie of ihe River.
John Douglas, Treasurer.
Henry Brock.
James Hutchison.
Eobert Dalglish.

WILLIAM MILLS, LORD PROVOST, 1834-37.
DISTRICT SECOND. DISTRICT FOURTH.

Alexander Dennistoun, Master of Works.
William Bankier.
John Ure.
Alexander Johnston.
John Small, Bailie.
James Wallace.

Henry Paul.
Henry Dunlop.
William Dixon.
James Lumsden, Bailie.
David Hope.
Alexander Denny.

DISTRICT FIFTH.

John Fleming, Bailie.
George Ord.
John Leadbetter.

James Beddie,
Robert Thomson,
William Davie,
Angus Turner,

John Pattison.
William Robertson.
William Mills, Lord Provost.
James Martin, Dean of Guild.
Archibald M'Lellan, Deacon Convener.
James Dennistoun, Bailie of Provan.
John Strang, City Chamberlain.
James Hardie, Superintendent of Streets
and Buildings.
William Haig, Procurator-Fiscal.

Town Clerks.

1835-36.

DISTRICT FIRST.
William Gilmour, Bailie.
Eobert M'Gavin.
James Turner, Depute Bailie of Provan.
J. Boyle Gray.
William Craig, Bailie of the River.
Hugh Tennent.
DISTRICT SECOND.
William Bankier, Bailie.
John Small, Bailie.
James Wallace.
Alexander Johnston, Bailie.
John Ure, Bailie of Provan.
James Preston.

DISTRICT THIRD.
John Douglas, Treasurer.
Henry Brock.
James Hutchison.
Eobert Dalglish.
Eobert Hutchison, Master of Works.
James Campbell.
DISTRICT FOURTH.
Henry Paul,
Henry Dunlop.
David Hope.
Alexander Denny.
William Dixon.
James Lumsden, Bailie.

DISTRICT FIFTH.

John Leadbetter.
John Pattison.
William Eobertson.

William Mills, Lord Provost.
John Fleming.
Richard Kidston.

James Martin, Dean of (
James Graham, Deacon Convener.

James Reddie, )
William Davie, £ Town Clerks-
Angus Turner, 1

John Strang, City Chamberlain.
Jas. Hardie, Sup. of Streets & Buildings.
William Haig, Procurator-Fiscal.

WILLIAM MILLS, LORD PROVOST, 1834-37.

37

18 3 6-37.

WARD FIRST.

Robert M'Gavin.
James Turner, Depute Bailie of River.
Hugh Tennent.
¦ William Craig, Bailie of the Rimer.
John B. Gray.
Welliam Gilmour.
WARD SECOND.
John Small, Bailie.
James Perston.
John Ure, Bailie of Provan.
Alexander Johnston.
John Bain, Bailie-
William Bankier.

WARD THIRD.

James Hutchison,
Robert Dalglish.
James Campbell.
Robert Hutchison. Master of Works.
John Douglas.
Henry Brock, Treasurer.
WARD FOURTH.
David Hope.
Alexander Denny.
James Lumsden.
John Neil.
Henry Paul, Bailie.
Henry Dunlop, Bailie.

WARD FIFTH.

William Mills, Lord Provost.
John Leadbetter.
Eichard Ktdston,

John Fleming, Bailie.
James' Burns.
William Eobertson.

James Eeddie,
William Davie,
Angus Turner, _

William Brown, Dean of Guild.
Thomas Neilson, Deacon Convener.
I John Strang, City Chamberlain.
Town Clerks. J»s. Hardie, Sup. of Streets & Buildings.
| WrLUAM Haig, Procurator-Fiscal.

1 WILLIAM MILLS, LORD PROVOST, 1834-37.
THE HON. THE LOED PBOVOST,
1834-37.

William Mills of Sandyford was born at Lessudden in Roxburghshire in
the year 1 7 7 6 . Of his parentage and early days we have no information. In
youth, however, he went to America, whert he remained long enough to
form business connections, which were maintained throughout his life
time. As an importer of Cotton to this country, his name was well
and favourably known, in several of the most important centres of the
States, interested in that trade.
Mr. Mills likewise did much to develope the steam trade of his
native country. So far back as the year 1819, he commenced the traffic
betwixt the Clyde and the Mersey, and may be said to have been the
first to send an efficient steamer to sea, capable of standing all weathers.
This was the Eobert Bruce the pioneer of so many fine vessels.
Subsequently he built the Superb, Majestic, and City of Glasgow, all of
which were employed on the station betwixt Liverpool and Greenock.
The Clyde above the latter port, at that period, being too shallow to
admit of their coming to Glasgow.
In the year 1826 Mr. Mills and a few friends built, specially for the
trade betwixt London and Edinburgh, the celebrated steamer United
Kingdom. This vessel was considered a great wonder in her day, and
served to inaugurate that class of steamers, which contained all the
luxuries of a palace on land, without losing any of their sea-going qualifica
tions. After parting with this vessel and the others named, he resigned the
trade to younger and fresher hands, but although he refrained in future
from taking an active part in such speculations, he always felt proud of
the aid he had given to the developement of this now great branch
of our national resources
Mr. Mills was a Bailie of the Barony of Gorbals, long before the
passing of the New Municipal Act, and a Bailie of Glasgow, the year
before he was made its Chief Magistrate. His term of office as Lord
Provost extended from 1834 to 1837, and in his several magisterial
positions, he appears to have acquitted himself to the satisfaction of his

WILLIAM MILLS, LORD PROVOST, 1834-37. 39
constituents and the citizens generally. In politics he was a Whig, and
attached to the party that maintained the principles of that school
which had Charles James Fox, Earl Grey, and other Celebrated statesmen
of the same stamp as their leaders.
In private life Mr.. Mills was well known and highly respected. He
died in Glasgow, on the 8th November, 1857, in the eighty-first year of
his age. His remains rest, in the family vault, in the Necropolis.

•&€/

George Mills, son of Provost Mills, died in Glasgow, aged 73 years, on
12th May, 1881. He was early connected with the Steam-shipping
trade at Leith, and afterwards at Bowling. When only 27 years of age,
during the time of his father's provostship, he contested the represent
ation of this City, in the radical interest, against Lord William Bentinek,
but although the favourite at the hustings, he was defeated at the poll
by a considerable majority. At a later period he became a Newspaper
Proprietor in Glasgow. Not meeting with .the success which he expected,
he again turned his attention to the Steamboat traffic. He built a
Saloon Steamer, on a novel principle, which attracted much notice at the
time, but ultimately proved a failure. Again he tried Journalism and
started the North Star, the first Evening Newspaper published in
Aberdeen. It had not, however, a very long existence. As a writer of
Novels and Sketches of Scottish Life and Character he was more success
ful. His works are distinguished by humorous and graphic description,
and are among the best of their class. The illustrations for his "Beggar's
Benison" were executed by himself, and received the Commendations of
George Cruikshank. He was a man of goodly presence, and had a
pleasant and cheery manner, wdiich never deserted him, through all the
vicissitudes of his life. He left behind him one son and two daughters.

40 HENRY DUNLOP, LORD PROVOST, 1837-40.
MEETING OF TOWN COUNCIL.
NOVEMBER, 1837.

ELECTION OF COUNCILLORS.

The Annual Election of Councillors for the City, took place on Tues
day, 7th November, 1837. On Friday the 10th, a meeting was held for
the purpose of choosing the new Lord Provost, and four Magistrates.
Provost Mills took the chair. His Lordship said, that although he had at:
one time been of opinion that his office as Chief Magistrate terminated or/.
Monday last, he had been advised by persons well qualified to judge,
that his duties did not cease until his successor was elected, and he
should therefore keep the chair until that election took place.
Bailie Paul, as senior magistrate, said he understood it to be his duty
to preside, and he now claimed that right. He disclaimed all personal
feeling on the subject, but he would not shrink from asserting his just
privileges. He desired that the oj>inion of Mr. Reddie, the legal ad
viser of the incorporation, might be taken as to the matter.
The Provost said the opinion of Mr, Reddie would not prevent him
from adhering to his purpose. High as his opinion was of the legal
knowledge of that gentleman, he had already determined to keep his seat
and assert his right.
Bailie Paul — I also assert my right to the chair.
Mr. Gray, in a lengthened speech, contended that the Provost had a
clear right, by the provisions of the Reform Act, to preside until the
election of a successor. The Provost dared not leave his post, and any
man who took the chair, would be acting in contravention of the express
Act of Parliament.
Bailie Paul, as he had stated before, had no personal wish in the
matter, but he would not allow the office he held to suffer by neglecting
to assert his just rights. He claimed, as an act of justice, that Mr.
Reddie's opinion should be read and engrossed.
The Provost had distinctly stated before, that at first he had been im
pressed with the opinion that his duties as Provost ceased on Monday
last, but he had taken advice on the subject, and he was determined to

HENRY DUNLOP, LORD PROVOST, 1837-40. 41
act on the advice he had received, whatever might be the opinion of Mr.
Reddie, and notwithstanding his high respect for the legal attainments
of that gentleman. He would act as he felt in duty bound, and retain
his seat.
Mr. Paul, having again insisted that Mr. Reddie's opinion on the
matter should be heard, it was read by Mr. Turner, and was as follows : —
Opinion with regard to tlie proceedings at the election of Lord Provost
and Magistrates, on Friday, 10th November, 1837. — " I am of opinion, that,
although the 24th Section of the Burgh Reform Act may authorise the
individual elected Provost to remain a third year in office, without any
new election as Councillor, and after he must otherwise have retired from
the Council, this clause does not authorise such individual to preside at,
and vote in, the election of his successor, at the meeting of Council
directed to be held for that purpose. For such a construction of this
clause would increase by one, the number of electors of the Provost and
Magistrates, namely, the number of the members of Council entitled to
vote at this meeting, from thirty-two to thirty-three ; and would thus be
inconsistent with, and contrary to, the fundamental law of the consti
tution of the burgh, which limits the number of Councillors to thirty-two.
" By Section 17th, the election of the Provost and Magistrates is vested
solely in the members of Council, and by Section 24th, provision is made
for the retirement of the Provost, who has been three years in office, and
ceased to be a member of Council, by the direction that the election is to
be made by a plurality of voices, and the chief or senior attending magi
strate to have a double or casting vote in the case of equality.
" A certain curriculum in office is fixed by the enactment, that a third
of the Council shall retire every year, and the clause providing that the
Provost and Treasurer shall always remain three years in office must
have reference, for due extrication of the other provisions of the act, to
this statutory curriculum, which according to the opinion I have already
given, I conceive terminates at latest, with the act of declaration of the
election of new Councillors.
" Nor does the circumstance of the individual who has been Provost
for three years, being again elected a member of Council, make any
difference, for such a re-election is merely an accidental event, which
may or may not happen, and cannot, consistent with sound legal principle,

42 HENRY DUNLOP, LORD PROVOST, 1837-40.
be held to affect the general and permanent construction of the statute.
" Upon these grounds I am of opinion that Bailie Paul, as senior
Chief Magistrate, is legally entitled to preside at the meeting on Friday
first, for the election of Provost and Magistrates."
8th Nov., 1837. (Signed) Jas. Reddie.
The Provost conceived it to be his duty, notwithstanding the opinion
just read, to keep his place until his successor should be elected.
Bailie Paul, I also consider it my duty to preside, and shall act as if
I was in the chair.
Mr. Burns hoped Bailie Paul would not shrink from his duty. The
office which Provost Mills held actually expired four or five days ago.
The Rev. Dr. Brown of St. John's previous to proceeding with the
election, said prayers, after which the Provost mentioned that his first
duty was to elect a successor.
Mr. Leadbetter asked ten minutes to consult with his friends, which
was ultimately granted, Mr. M'Gavin protesting against the allowance.
The Provost then divested himself of his Gold Chain of office, observ
ing as he laid it on the table, "The nearest and dearest must part."
(a laugh.)
Mr. Stow here came into the chamber, Mr. M'Gavin protested against
his being allowed to remain. Mr. Stow was however allowed to sit and
rote, but his vote was not counted.
Mr. Douglas proposed Mr. James Hutchison for the office of Chief
Magistrate. Mr. Hutchison declined.
The Dean of Guild after a neat eulogium proposed Mr William
Gilmour to the office, but Mr. Gilmour also declined.
Bailie Paul, after a high compliment to his character, begged to pro
pose Mr. Dunlop. Bailie Bain seconded the motion.
Mr. Johnston nominated Bailie Fleming, which was seconded by
Mr. R. Hutchison.
The Provost said he would give his vote for Bailie Fleming, and in
:ase of an equality of votes would give him his casting vote also.
Bailie Paul — I will give my vote for Mr. Dunlop, and in case of an
equality of votes, as legal chairman of this meeting I shall give him my
casting vote.

HENRY DUNLOP, LORD PROVOST, 1837-40. 43
The following is the state of the Poll for Mr. Dunlop: — The Dean of
Guild, the Deacon Convener, Bailies Paul and Bain, Messrs. Campbell,
Robertson, Kidston, Wilson, Tennent, Burns, Neil, Hope, Wright,
Leadbetter, Gilmour, 15.
For Mr. Fleming: — The Provost, Bailies Small and Lumsden, Messrs.
Douglas, Gray, J. Hutchison, Ure, M'Gavin, R. Hutchison, Turner,
Bankier, Craig, Brand, Brock, Johnston, 15.
The Provost then said, as chairman of this meeting, I hereby give
Mr. Fleming my casting vote and declare him the duly elected Provost.
Bailie Paul — And I protest, and declare Mr. Dunlop to be the duly
elected Chief Magistrate, by the casting vote I now tender him, as legal
chairman of this meeting,
Bailie Fleming then took the chair and was congratulated by the
Lord Provost.
Mr. Fleming then returned thanks. For not one of those gentlemen
who had felt it to be their duty to vote against him, did he entertain
the slightest feeling of ill will, and he trusted he would be enabled to do
the duties of his high office with effect; he should at least act with
impartiality and honesty.
Mr. Dunlop, like his honourable competitor, also thanked the Council
for the high honour they had conferred upon him in electing him the
Chief Magistrate, and took his place on the right of the chair. He
thought he was duly elected to the office of Provost, and he was
supported in that opinion by the high authority of Mr. Reddie. Should
it be found that that opinion was right, and the chair be awarded to him,
he would expect that courtesy and kindly feeling which he should
endeavour to give to all. (Cheers).
Both the Provosts then took the oaths prescribed by law. The late
Provost adminstering the oaths to Mr. Fleming, and Bailie Paul to Mr.
Dunlop. Mr. Gray protested against Mr. Dunlop's induction and taking the
oaths, as did also the Dean of Guild against Mr. Fleming's.
The following -gentlemen were then unanimously elected Magistrates,
viz: — Mr. James Campbell, Mr. Bain, Mr. Johnston, and Mr. Small.
Mr. Douglas — when we do agree our unanimity is truly wonderful.
(a laugh).
Mr. Turner was chosen Water Bailie, Mr. Lumsden deputy.

44 HENRY DUNLOP, LORD PROVOST, 1837-40.
MEETING OF TOWN COUNCIL,
NOVEMBER, 1837.

ELECTION OF MAGISTRATES.

At a meeting of the River Trust on 17th November, Mr. Fleming
took the Chair. Previous to proceeding with business Bailie Dunlop
rose and protested against Bailie Fleming's occupancy of the Chair, he
Bailie Dunlop, conceiving that he had the legal right to preside, and he
hoped the seat which he occupied would be considered the proper Chair
of the Council.
Mr. Gray protested against the claim of Bailie Dunlop and contended
that Provost Fleming was the real Provost. Provost Fleming said he
felt it to be his bounden duty to retain his seat and he should take care
to keep it unless removed in due course of law. He hoped business
would be allowed to proceed.
Bailie Dunlop thought that the most proper plan to adopt in the
predicament was for both of them to retire until the matter should be
legally settled, in which case the senior Bailie might preside.
Mr. Gray — I shall allow no such thing. I shall take care that our
privileges are not compromised in that way. I shall not sit here while
any such arrangements are gone into.
Provost Fleming thought the observation of Mr. Gray perfectly un
necessary. He, Provost Fleming had already expressed his intention and
how he meant to act — of course he still adhered to that determination.
He begged to state also that while he sat there it should be his most
anxious desire to perform the duties of his office with propriety and
impartiality. The Trust then proceeded to the Election of the usual standing
Committees. Lord Provost Fleming proposed that Mr. Mills, late Lord Provost
should be Chairman of the Committee of Management of the River.
Mr. Mills in a short speech declined and proposed Mr. J. Hutchison.
Bailie Paul seconded the nomination, which was agreed to.

HENRY DUNLOP, LORD PROVOST, 1837-40. 45
Provost Fleming moved that Mr. Bell should be re-elected Deputy
Chairman, which was seconded by Provost Dunlop and unanimously
agreed to.
Mr. Brock was re-elected Convener of the Committe of Finance and
Mr. Hope, Sub-Convener.
TOWN COUNCIL.
At a'meeting of Council afterwards, both Provosts urged their claims
to the Chair, but of course Provost Fleming kept possession.
Mr. Gray then entered a protest, not from any personal disrespect
to Bailie Paul holding the office of Magistrate. The period for
which he had been elected had ceased by the Borough Reform Act, and
if he continued longer in office he did so at his own responsibility ; he
would not enter into the grounds of the protest, but satisfy himself
with the announcement he had just made.
The Dean of Guild said the Reform Act was certainly the most
wonderful piece of legislation that had ever emanated from the heads
of men, as there appeared to be a hole in every clause of it.
Bailie Paul was not much afraid of the protest or of its consequences.
He should have liked, however, to have seen Mr. Gray protest when the
office of senior Magistrate was filled by one of his own friends.
A number of Committees for conducting Public Business were then
filled up, upon which Mr. H. Tennent rose and said he hoped the
gentlemen appointed would be more punctual in their attendance than
hitherto. During the Reform period these Committees had-not been
nearly so well attended to as in former times.
Mr. Gray hoped Mr. Tennent would take the advice to himself.
The Council then adjourned.
BRIDGE TRUST.
There was quite a scene at a meeting of this Trust, on Wednesday,
the 28th November, in consequence of the disputed Provostship, and no
business was done,
The Dean of Guild, before commencing business, wished to put a
question to the Town Clerk : — Since the election of Magistrates, he and
other gentlemen had entered a protest, at every meeting of Council,

46 HENRY DUNLOP, LORD PROVOST, 1837-40.
against Mr. Fleming being considered as Lord Provost of Glasgow; and
those gentlemen with whom he had consulted before taking that protest,
consented to engage in the transaction of the public business, with the
utmost desire to remove every obstacle to its progress, on the express
understanding that they should not be held as falling from that protest,
and that no act of theirs should be considered as binding them to agree
to the election of Mr. Fleming, or as compromising the right of Mr.
Dunlop to the Chair. And yet it appeared from the answers lodged to
the Bill of Suspension and Interdict, that this amicable concession on
their part for the promotion of the public business, had been pleaded
against them in the Court of Session, as evidence that Mr. Fleming had
been recognised as legally inducted to the office, and as legally presiding
at the transaction of the business of the Corporation. Conduct more
unfair and ungentlemanly than the return that had been made for their
gratuitous and generous concession he could not conceive, and that no
undue advantage might in future be taken of their acts as Councillors,
he now begged to ask the Town Clerk at whose request and by whose
authority this present meeting had been called ?
Mr. Turner was proceeding to explain, when,
Mr. John Boyle Gray, and Mr. Douglas, rose to order, and to protest
against Mr. Turner giving any answer.
The Dean of Guild reiterated his question. Was he entitled to a reply
or was he not % He contended that he was, and that as a member of
the Trust he was entitled to ask the question, and to get a reply. The
meeting had not been called by Mr. Dunlop, whom he held to be the
Lord Provost of Glasgow de facto, under the decision of the Town
Clerks, the legal advisers of the Council.
Mr. Gray said, that was a matter which was to be tried in a Court of
Law, and the proceedings in that court could not be affected by any
thing done or said at this table. He protested against any answers
being given by the Town Clerk either on one side or another.
Provost Fleming hoped that there would be no further speechifying
about the matter. He wished to behave impartially, and give every
one fair play. He hoped that gentlemen would content themselves with
protesting, and allow the business to proceed.
Mr. H. Tennent addressing Provost Fleming, said, "Did you call
this meeting.1!"

HENRY DUNLOP, LORD PROVOST, 1837-40. 47
Provost Fleming said he did, and he had done so for the purpose of
transacting some very necessary business, which he trusted they would
be permitted to proceed with. He thought he had a right to call the
meeting. He was the regularly inducted Provost.
Bailie Paul said he would not sit to hear Bailie Fleming say so.
Bailie Dunlop in his opinion was the legal and fairly elected Lord
Provost, and he understood that both the gentlemen who claimed to be
elected were to act conjointly, and to sign the minutes.
Here there was a violent commotion and nothing could be heard in
the multitude of tongues, except a word here and there such as, " we
understood nothing," " certainly we did," " Provost Fleming is the legal
Provost," "no such thing," &c, &c.
When the uproar had in some measure subsided, Bailie Paul, said, he
hoped gentlemen would keep their tempers. A question had been put
by the Dean of Guild to one gentleman and answered by another.
Would gentlemen not be satisfied with that ?
Provost Fleming considered Bailie Paul to have been quite out of
order in the observations he had made.
Bailie Paul contended that he had been perfectly in order; not so Mr.
B. Gray; but that gentleman had not been called to order.
Provost Dunlop — I am addressed as the "Lord Provost" in the card
I have received to attend this meeting.
One or two of the Councillors enquired as to how this had occurred.
Mr. Turner said it had been agreed that they should act conjointly,
"Provost Fleming, Provost Dunlop, or either of them."
Mr. Gray — upon my word this is a very fine proceeding. Who was
it that had come to such an agreement or understanding 1
Bailie Small disclaimed all knowledge of it.
Mr. Burns thought that Mr. Gray would wish to act as dictator to
the Council. He (Mr. Burns) would take care he should not dictate to
him. Mr. Dunlop — I have been called to this meeting as the Provost, but
I find Bailie Fleming occupying the Chair, which I protest against — and
against his being considered Provost de facto.
The Dean of Guild said that immediately after the election of the
double-headed Provost, it had been proposed by Mr. Dunlop to allow
Bailie Paul to preside until the settlement of the matter in dispute; but

48 HENRY DUNLOP, LORD PROVOST, 1837-40.
this had not been agreed to. Had Mr. Dunlop not been present to-day
he would have considered the meeting an illegal one, and withdrawn ;
but as it appeared to have been called in the name of both, or either of
them, he consented to remain.
Mr. Douglas said there was no such understanding, and no person
had any right to take upon himself, to make such an arrangement.
Mr. Dunlop was not in possession.
Mr. Dunlop — I am in possession, sir. The seat I occupy is the chair.
Mr. Douglas protested that the Magistrates had no right whatever to
enter into the agreement in this matter in the way they appear to
have done.
Mr. Cunningham, of Lainshaw, here rose to go away, upon which,
Mr. Douglas, as an old friend, advised him to keep his seat. The
present meeting was a perfectly legal one, and of that there was no doubt.
The Dean of Guild — As it is not allowed by Mr. Douglas and his
party that the Provosts are acting conjointly, I hold that this is not a
legal meeting, and I shall therefore withdraw.
The Dean then left the chamber, followed by so many of his friends,
as to leave the Trust without a quorum.
After some pretty hot discussion on the events of the day, the Trust
adjourned. RIVER TRUST.
A meeting of the River Trust, was held on Thursday, the 28th
December, at which the supporters of the claims to the chair of both
Provost Dunlop and Mr. Fleming were present, and in the whole
history of the Trust, it may safely be said there has not been such a
boisterous sederunt. In reports of this meeting it is said that, from the
appearance of the parties at the first, it was evident that Greek had
met Greek, and that the " tug of war " would immediately commence.
Provost Dunlop having taken the chair, Mr. Turner was in the act of
reading a memorial from the proprietors of a vessel which had received
some damage, when Mr. John Boyle Gray entered the chamber, and
immediately came to the front of the table with a paper to read, and
which was afterwards understood to be a writ from the House of Lords.
Not one word of it, however, could be heard, on account of the noise
which instantly ensued. Bailie Paul and a dozen other members

HENRY DUNLOP, LORD PROVOST, 1837-40. 49
of the Trust rose to order, Mr. Gray still continuing to read
amidst hisses, groans, and calls on him to sit down. Mr. Leadbetter
amongst others, also rose to order. He considered the conduct of
Mr. Gray a gross insult to the Trust, &c. The noises and exclamations
against his (Mr. Gray's) proceedings were continued, that gentleman
still reading from his paper however, with the most unmoved
determination, in the midst of the storm. The Deacon Convener
suggested that two officers should be brought in to turn Mr. Gray out.
(Great uproar.) Mr. Gray having finished his paper, he claimed that it
should, along with his protest against the legality of the present meeting,
be inserted in the minutes of the Trust. Before sitting down, he said he
had now done the thing, and the Trust could act in the matter as they
pleased. (Great disorder and disapprobation.)
Mr. Leadbetter said he could not agree to recording a document of
which he had not heard one word.
Mr. Gray — That is your own fault. I decline to read it again.
The Dean of Guild said Mr. Gray had acted completely against the
sense of the Trust, and there was no wonder that they were indignant
at the insult which had been offered them.
Mr. Tennent said Mr. Gray had come in and interrupted the business
of the Trust most unwarrantably.
Mr. Mitchell — Yes, he has intruded himself on the Trust most
unfairly. The discordance being still continued by a complete confusion of
tongues, Bailie Paul rose to order. There was no one there wishing to prevent
Mi'- Gray's paper from being entered on the minutes of the Trust, but it
would be necessary that it should be first read over again. Mr. Gray
had been interrupted because he had interfered with, and interrupted
the previous business.
Mr. Gray said he had come there with a writ from the House of
Lords, and which went to stop their proceedings. He had been insulted
and interrupted in the reading of the document. That he considered
an insult not to him, but to the House of Lords. (Laughter.)
Bailie Paul said no one there had the slightest intention of offering
any insult to the House of Lords, and as sure was he that the House of
Lords had no desire to insult them, (the Trust) but what they complained
4

50 HENRY DUNLOP, LORD PROVOST, 1837-40.
of was that Mr. Gray had come in half-an-hour after the hour of meeting,
and interrupted the proceedings.
Mr. Leadbetter and others disclaimed all intention of offering any
insult. Mr. Douglas said the House of Commons always suspended proceed
ings when a message came to them from the House of Lords ; and
surely so might this Trust. He hoped that Mr. Gray, out of courtesy,
would again read the writ.
Mr. Gray — Well, in consequence of the personal request of Mr.
Douglas, and of Mr. Douglas alone, I shall do so.
Mr. Douglas — Oh, yes, and of other gentlemen. (Laughter.)
Mr. Gray then read the document over again, which was only the
order of the . House of Lords to Mr. Dunlop to lodge answers to Mr.
Fleming's appeal by the 17th January next.
Mr. Gray again protested for himself and all who should adhere to him,
that Mr. Fleming of Claremont had the right to occupy the chair, and
protested against Mr. Dunlop signing any deeds, or other papers, as
Lord Provost of Glasgow, he (Mr. Dunlop) being liable for the
consequences if he should do so. He likewise expressed his determination
to address Mr. Fleming as Provost.
Mr. Mills and other gentlemen signified their adherence to Mr. Gray's
protest. Mr. Gray wished the interruption he had met with to be recorded also
in the minutes, and that some one had even had the hardihood to call for
officers to expel him while he was speaking.
Bailie Bain said it was Mr. Gray himself who had caused all the noise.
Mr. Mills (who did not appear to be present at first) enquired whether,
in point of fact, Mr. Gray had been interrupted in reading the document.
Provost Dunlop said the clerk was in the act of reading a memorial,
when Mr. Gray came in late, and commenced reading a paper, which he
announced to have come from the House of Lords. He was certainly
interrupted in doing so.
Mr. Gray — Yes, sir, and hissed and hooted.
Mr. M'Gavin said he had now acted as a trustee for four years, but
never before had he witnessed such disgraceful conduct as had been
shown towards Mr. Gray.
Bailie Paul — Is their any order from the House of Lords to serve

HENRY DUNLOP, LORD PROVOST, 1837-40. 51
that paper on the Trustees of the River Clyde ? He imagined it was
only necessary to do so on Provost Dunlop.
Mr. A. Turner said there was no order on the subject.
Mr. Gray, turning his back to the chair, said he thought it would be
as well not to meddle with the House of Lords,
Mr. Wilson — Address the Chair, sir !
Mr. Gray — I shall not take any advice from you, Mr. Wilson. I do
not recognize Mr. Dunlop as the President of this Trust. I acknowledge
that Mr. Dunlop has always acted as a gentleman, and I wish some
others had done so. (Cries of order).
Mr. Tennent wished it to be recorded on the minutes that Mr. Gray
had come hi and interrupted the proceedings.
Mr. Gray said he was but ten minutes past the hour.
Bailie Paul would not sit and listen to such an assertion. It was a
quarter after the hour, before there was a quorum of the Trust.
The Deacon Convener said it was at least twenty minutes after the
hour before he (Mr. Gray) appeared.
Provost Dunlop said that if he had known that Mr. Gray was a
messenger from the House of Lords they would certainly have paid him
greater deference, but he (Provost Dunlop) thought he appeared as a
Councillor only.
Thirteen gentlemen then gave in their names as protesters, along
with Mr. Gray.
At a meeting of the Town Council on the same day Mr. Gray again
rose and was proceeding to address " Lord Provost Fleming " when Mr.
Leadbetter said he wished to know whether Mr. Gray appeared as a
messenger from the House of Lords, or as a Councillor.
It was understood, of course, that Mr. Gray appeared only as a
Councillor, and he was proceeding to go over the same ground as at the
previous meeting of the Trust, when Mr. Douglas moved that the docu
ments should be entered on the minutes as read, which was agreed to.
It was protested that the minutes of to-day should not be subscribed
by Mr. Dunlop.
Bailie Paul cautioned the Council against following such advice. If
they did so they would be guilty of breach of interdict of the Court of
Session. Mr. A. Turner said he had in his hand an opinion of Counsel anent

52 HENRY DUNLOP, LORD PROVOST, 1837-40.
the late proceedings, and which had been transmitted at the request
of a committee appointed at a late meeting. He considered it to be
his duty to lay that paper on the table.
Mr. Douglas.— You had better not say what is your duty Mr. Tur
ner. A number of Mr. Fleming's friends protested against the paper being
laid on the table.
Mr. Turner said he had no right to conceal it.
Bailie Small asked whether they were at present entitled to consider
Mr. Dunlop as the Provost, to which Mr. Reddie replied in the affirm
ative. Bailie Johnston held that the two previous meetings of Council were
not legal.
Mr. Gray having asked Mr. Reddie if the opinion in the newspapers
was his and having been answered in the affirmative he (Mr. Gray)
proceeded to comment on it, expressing his dissent — of course.
The same gentlemen again adhered to Mr. Gray's protest.
Mr. Fleming laid on the table a bundle of papers, which he had
lately received as Provost. Some of them, he said, might be of impor
tance. Messrs. Douglas and M'Gavin held the minutes of the two former
meetings as no better than so much waste paper.
Bailie Paul gave notice that, in consequence of the growing evils
caused by intemperance, he should move next day, that a Committee be
appointed to take the matter into their serious consideration.
The assessors for the maintenance of the poor were then appointed,
which in fact was all the business done at this meeting.
Provost Dunlop said he had felt it to be his duty to call the late
meetings. The first he had called as early as possible after the decision
of the Court of Session, and nothing he had done did he regret, as he
would do so again in similar circumstances. The days chosen for the
meetings were considered the most convenient.
Bailie Paul had said nothing in the absence of the gentlemen who
declined to attend that he would not have said in their presence, and
he assured them he was not now in the smallest degree ashamed of any
thing he had said. He had looked over his speech in the different
papers, and he did not ask to alter one word of it. The other party

HENRY DUNLOP, LORD PROVOST, 1837-40. 53
had said they were acting on legal advice. He should like to know on
whose advice it was. His party were also acting on legal advice, and
they were not ashamed to own their advisers. — After a rather long
speech, the Bailie concluded with hoping that they would agree to differ
in an amicable, spirit.
Mr. Fleming said he would say two words, as his name had been
mentioned by the modest and consistent Bailie Paul ! — (Cries of order) —
in the course of his speech. With regard to the hurry for the meetings,
that was all fudge. What had been done at the Port Glasgow Harbour
Trust after they did meet ? Nothing at all that could not have stood
for a fortnight. And they were to be blamed because they did not
come to these meetings, and throw themselves into the lion's mouth.
(Laughter.) Mr. Gray then entered into a long defence of the fine of conduct
which had been pursued by Mr. Fleming and his party, in the course
of his speech, hitting as hard as possible at Bailie Paul. Mr. Gray was
asked what day he addressed the notice regarding the appeal to Mr.
Dunlop? Mr. Gray — On Sunday. (Disapprobation.)
Mr. Douglas — Yes, that was the best day, because it was to prevent
his neighbour's ass from going astray. (Great laughter in which Provost
Dunlop joined heartily.)
Mr. Gray having resumed and continued for a considerable time,
ornamenting his speech with a good deal of action.
The Deacon Convener said he wondered if Mr. Gray's constituents
allowed him to come there and take up the time of the Council from
important business by spouting for hours. He thought the learned
gentleman should be sent to the stage. He appeared to be acting in
tragedy. When Mr. Gray was about to reply,
Mr. Douglas said the Deacon Convener had paid Mr. Gray a very
high compliment. His (Mr. Gray's) speech seemed to have a most
tragical effect indeed on some of their opponents.
Mr. Gray said the Convener moved in the situation of a gentleman —
Deacon Convener — Yes, sir, I am a better gentleman than you !
(Uproar.)

u HENRY DUNLOP, LORD PROVOST, 1837-40.
Mr. Robertson thought Mr. Gray should meet with Bailie Paul in the
evening, and settle the matter between themselves.
Mr. Gray (to Mr. Robertson)— Yes, I dare say your time is very
precious. Mr. Robertson — I think it is more so than yours.
Provost Dunlop thought all that had been done by the other party in
staying away from the meetings, might have been as well done by
protesting. At least when he had been placed in similar circumstances
with Mr. Fleming, both Mr. Douglas and Mr. Gray had instructed him
that such was the case.
Mr. Douglas said the'case was quite different.
Provost Dunlop — The grounds on which the other party had absented
themselves had never been stated at the meeting on Wednesday. Had
that been done, the Thursdays meeting might have been dispensed with.
Bailie Paul then rose to lay the opinion of Council as to the late
meetings, and which is referred to by Mr. A. Turner, upon the table,
when the uproar again began, and Mr. Douglas, followed by Mr. Fleming
and his party, left the Chamber, amidst calls from them of " Adjourn."
Bailie Paul said they were in the very midst of the Council business.
Mr. Leadbetter said he thought it better, after all, jnst to adjourn.
If they did not do so, they would have a repetition of to-day's proceedings.
The Deacon Convener — Yes, speeches of two or three hours length
from Mr. Gray.
The Council then adjourned.
The following is a note of the opinion referred to above, and which
was procured by the committee appointed for the purpose, from Mr.
Duncan M'Neill, Mr. Charles Neaves, and Mr. J. Moncrieff —
" Assuming that what shall be a quorum of the Council is not fixed
otherwise than by the common law rule that a majority of the whole
Council is required to constitute a legal meeting for the performance of
corporate acts, we are of opinion that such legal meeting will be con
stituted by the presence of 16 out of 32 members of Council, if one of
the 16 present be the Lord Provost, who, in a full assembly of the
Council would be entitled to a casting vote. " After some reasoning
on the subject, the opinion concludes as follows : — " We are therefore
of opinion that Provost Dunlop and those who adhere to him may, and
ought to proceed with the business of the Burgh, as being sufficient to

HENRY DUNLOP, LORD PROVOST, 1837-40. 85
constitute a legal meeting of Council ; — it will at the same time be only
due to themselves and the public to give formal warning to their
opponents to attend at every meeting that is held and to record the
fact in their minutes. In the event of any of those who adhere to Mr.
Dunlop being necessarily absent, and of the Council being thereby left
without a quorum, we are of opinion that any other Members of
Council acting under a concert to stay away would be liable to pro
ceedings against them for the consequences that might thereby ensue to
the city's affairs.
The determination of Mr. Mills to preside at the foregoing meeting, in
opposition to the opinion of Mr. Reddie, the legal adviser of the Council,
• brought about, as we have just seen, the awkward dilemma of two
Provosts being chosen, each with an equal number of votes. This in its
turn, led to an action in the Court of Session, in order to determine
which of the two was legally elected — Bailie Fleming or Mr.
Dunlop. Against the decision of the Court of Session Bailie Fleming
appealed to the House of Lords, and for some time, while the case was
pending, the rival Provosts held meetings of Council, which were
attended chiefly by their own supporters, and the course of public
business was much impeded. The opinion of the Lord Justice Clerk
on this remarkable case was as follows —
At half past twelve o'Clock on Saturday, the 16th December, the
Court proceeded with the case of the Glasgow Provbstship, when Mr.
Duncan M'Neil was heard for Mr. Dunlop, and the Dean of Faculty
(Hope) in reply for Mr. Fleming. The pleadings lasted until half past
three o'Clock, when the Lord Justice Clerk dehvered his opinion at
great length finding. 1st — That the suspension was competent. 2nd —
That it was not necessary to call any other party than Mr. Fleming —
and on the merits — 3rd, That Mr. Mills ceased to be Provost on the first
Tuesday of November, and was not, as Provost entitled to enter the Coun
cil Room after that date. And, 4 th — That the casting vote lay with, and
was properly exercised by Bailie Paul. On these grounds he was quite
clear, that the Bill should be passed and the Interdict granted. "Will any
man tell me" said His Lordship, "that Mr. Wm. Mills a stranger, had any
right to come into the Council Room and take the chair at the election
of Magistrates for Glasgow 1 As well might any other person — even
a porter from the street — have claimed a title to do so." And as he always

56 HENRY DUNLOP, LORD PROVOST, 1837-40.
liked to speak his mind, and with every possible respect for the opinion of
his friend Mr. Reddie, he differed from him in permitting that gentleman
(Mr. M.) to preside along with Bailie Paul, on the Tuesday, at the
declaration of the state of the poll. It had been pretended in the pleadings
that Mr. Fleming had been inducted into office, but from the record it
appeared that Mr. Dunlop had been equally inducted; and moreover,
had been inducted by a legal magistrate; while Mr. Mills, not being the
Chief Magistrate, could not legally administer the oath. It had also
been asserted that Mr. Fleming had got the chain of office; in virtue of
his election; but how he was put in possession of it does not appear from
the record. For anything he (the Lord Justice Clerk) knew, Mr.
Fleming might have taken it from his pocket — and would any man tell
him that Mr. Mills had it not in his power, with equal right, to have put
the chain round his own neck again, and exclaimed — "Gentlemen, I am
the Lord Provost, because I have got the chain." But my Lords, I see
also, in answer to the Bill, that the giving of the chain has been termed
a solemn investiture; but in looking into the minutes of Council printed
in the appendix, and subscribed by the Town Clerks, I observe that at
the first meeting of Council, under the Reform Act, Mr. M'Gavin
gravely proposed that the Cocked Hats, which, from time immemorial,
had been considered as one of the badges of the magisterial office, should
be discontinued, and that the Chain of office should be sold and the pro
ceeds put into the treasury. What therefore, is in a chain more than
a cocked hat, that the decoration of the Chain should now be termed a
solemn investiture1! For my own part, I think the Cocked Hats were
of more importance than the Chains, and should not have been discon
tinued; for when Magistrates are called into a crowd, they might be
readily recognised by their cocked hats, while the chains would probab
ly be concealed. It has also been stated that Mr. Mills might have had
a casting vote without a deliberative vote; but who ever heard of a
Provost having a casting vote without a deliberative vote? It has
likewise been maintained, that if the casting vote did not rest with Mr.
Wm. Mills, neither could it with Mr. Paul, who was not a Magistrate.
Now, if Mr. Paul is not a Magistrate, there is no Town Council. But
when we look into the minutes of the 8th and 9th November, Mr. Paul
is admitted by all parties to have been the acting Chief Magistrate, and
the minutes of the 8th are subscribed by Mr. Mills himself. At the

HENRY DUNLOP, LORD PROVOST, 1837-40.

57

meeting of the 10th, for the election of Magistrates, Mr. Paul is again
designated the acting Chief Magistrate; and this minute is subscribed
not only by Mr. Mills, but by Mr. Fleming also. Upon that day too
the Council elected four Magistrates ; but if they had considered that
Mr. Paul was not a Magistrate they should have elected five. It had
been said that Mr. Fleming had performed sundry acts as Lord Provost.
If this was the case, Mr. Fleming was, of course under the circumstances,
alone responsible. His Lordship concluded by declaring it as his clear
and decided opinion that the interdict craved for by Mr. Dunlop against
Mr. Fleming should be granted.
The other Judges, Lords Glenlee and Medwyn (Lord Meadowbank
being absent in London) said they were prepared to have also gone at
length into the case, but the whole subject had been so fully discussed
by the Lord Justice Clerk, with whom they agreed in every particular
that they did not now consider it necessary.

List of the Names of the Members of the Town Council during
the time of Mr. Henry Dunlop's Provostship, 1837-40.
1837-38.

WARD FLRST.
Hugh Tennent.
William Ceaig.
John B. Gray.
William Gilmour. _
James Turner, Bailie of the River.
Robert H'Gavin. WARD SECOND.
John Ure, Bailie of Provan.
Alexander Johnston, Bailie.
John Bain, Bailie.
William Bankier.
Robert Brand.
John Small, Bailie.

WARD THIRD.
James Campbell, Bailie.
Robert Hutchison, Master of Works.
John Douglas.
Henry Brock, Treasurer.
William Mills.
James Hutchison.
WARD FOURTH.
James Lumsden, Depute Bailie of River.
John Neill.
Henry Paul, Bailie.
Henry Dunlop, Lord Provost.
William Wilson.
David Hope.

58

HENRY DUNLOP, LORD PROVOST, 1837-40.
WARD FIFTH.

Richard Kidston.
John Fleming.
James Burns.
William Robertson.
James Wright.
John Leadbetter.
William Brown, Dean of Guild.

Thomas Neilson, Deaeon Convener.
James Reddie, )
William Davie, } Town Clerks.
Angus Turner, )
T  .„ „  ,  ) City Chamberlain and
John Strang, j * Supt. of Works.
William Haig, Procurator Fiscal.

1838-39.

WARD FIRST.
John B. Gray.
William Gilmour, Bailie of Provan.
James Turner, Bailie of the River.
Robert M'Gavin.
Alexander Hastie.
John Whitehead, Depute Bailie of River.
WARD SECOND.
John Bain.
William Bankier.
Robert Brand.
John Small, Bailie.
Alexander Johnston.
John Hamilton.

WARD THIRD.
John Douglas.
Henry Brock, Treasurer.
William Mills.
James Hutchison.
James Campbell.
Robert Hutchison, Master of Works.
WARD FOURTH.
Henry Paul, Bailie.
Henry Dunlop, Lord Provost.
William Wilson.
David Hope.
Peter Cumming.
William Brown.

WARD FIFTH.

James Burns.
William Robertson, Bailie.
James Wright.
John Leadbetter, Bailie.

James Bogle, Jun.
Richard Kidston, Bailie.
James Browne, Dean of Guild.
John Neill, Deacon Convener.

James Rzddie.
William Davie,! m .-,, ,
Angus Turner. [ Town GUrks'
John Strang, City Chamberlain and
Superintendent of Works.
William Ferguson, Accountant.
Willliam Haig, Procurator Fiscal.
Dugald M'Coll, Governor of Jail.
Dr. James Corkindale, Surgeon do.
Rev. John Fisher, Chaplain do.

Alex. Watt, Warden of High Church
Yard and Burying Ground.
Robert Leckie, Warden of St. David's
and Blackfriar's Burying Grounds.
T. P. Sharpe, Clerk to Stent Masters.
John Miller, Collector of Poor Rates.
James Gibson, Council Officer.
John Gilchrist, Chamber Keeper.

HENRY DUNLOP, LORD PROVOST, 1837-40.
1839-40.

59

WARD FIRST.
James Turner, BaiUe of the Biver.
Robert M'Gavin.
Alexander Hastie.
John Whitehead, Depute BaiUe of
Biver.
John Fleming,
James Dunlop. WARD SECOND.
Robert Brand.
John Small, Bailie.
John Hamilton,
William Bankier.
John Ure, Bailie of Provan.
Alexander Johnston.

WARD THIRD.
William Mills.
James Hutchison.
James Campbell, Treasurer.
Robert Hutchison, Master of Works
William Brodie.
John Mitchell, BaiUe.

WARD FOURTH.
Henry Dunlop, Lord Provost.
David Hope.
Peter Cumming.
William Brown.
William Wilson.
Robert Fleming.

WARD FIFTH.

James Wright.
John Leadbetter.
James Bogle, Jun.
Richard Kidston, Bailie.

William Robertson, Bailie.
James Burns.
James Browne, Dean of Guild.
John Neill, Deacon Convener.

Town Clerks.

James Reddie.
William Davie, \
Angus Turner, J
John Strang, City Chamberlain and
Superintendent of Works.
William Ferguson, Accountant.
William Haig, Procurator Fiscal.
Henry Miller, City Marshall.
Dugald M'Goll, Governor of Jail.
Dr. James Goux.i$DALE,Surgedn do.

Rev,, John Fisher, Chaplain of Jail.
Alex. Watt, Warden of High Church
Yard and Burying Ground.
Robert Leckie, Warden of St. David's
and Blackfriar's Burying Grounds.
T. P. Sharpe, Clerk to Stent Masters.
John Miller, Collector of Poor Rates.
James Gibson, Council Officer.
John Gilchrist, Chamber Keeper.

6 0 HENRY DUNLOP, LORD PROVOST, 1837-40.
THE HON. THB LOEL> PBOVOST,
1837-40;

Henry Dunlop of Craigton was born at Linwood in the year 1799.
He was descended from an old and well known family, who had long
held a conspicuous place among Glasgow Manufacturers. In the
City, the firm was known as, Messrs. James Dunlop and Sons, Cotton
Spinners and Manufacturers, with mills at Gateside and Levern, Barrhead.
Mr. Dunlop entered the Glasgow Town Council immediately after the
passing of the Reform Bill, and continued to be a member for many
years. In 1836 he was made a Bailie, and in 1837 became Lord
Provost of the City, filling that high office for the usual statutory
term of three years, with great credit to himself and advantage to the
community. Some years later, he entered freely into the Disruption
Controversy taking a prominent part in the proceedings of the General
Assembly, and seconding the motion for the suspension of the Strath-
bogie Ministers. Partly with the view of forwarding a non-intrusion
policy in the Church, he, in 1841, contested in the liberal interest, the
parliamentary representation of Buteshire, with Sir William Rae, Bart,
but was defeated. For many years, Mr. Dunlop had a considerable
share in the management of the Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway,
previous to its amalgamation with the North British. He likewise took
a leading part in the business of the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce,
and was assiduous in his labours as a member of the relief committee,
during the distress caused by the failure of the cotton supply, at the
time of the American civil war. Mr. Dunlop was Deputy Lieutenant of
the county of Lanark — Deputy Chairman of the Clyde Trust — thirty
years a Director of the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, and three times
Chairman of that body — twenty years Deputy Chairman of the Edin
burgh and Glasgow Railway Company — ten years President of the
Glasgow Bible Society, and Yice President of the National Bible Society.
Although attached to the principles of the Free Church Mr. Dunlop took
a deep interest in all institutions and agencies calculated to promote the

HENRY DUNLOP, LORD PROVOST, 1837-40. 61
religious, moral, or social well-being of his fellow men. In his latter
days, however, he withdrew himself almost entirely from public life.
He visited a son in America and spent some time there. Shortly
after his return to Scotland he went to reside in Edinburgh,
where he might obtain the highest medical advice for an internal
complaint from which he was suffering, and expired there on 10th
May 1867, in the 68th year of his age. He was interred in the family
burying place at Govan. Mr. Dunlop was twice married, and left,
besides his second wife, a family of seven sons and two daughters. He
was a man of amiable manners, high integrity, good general information,
and was universally esteemed.

62 SIR JAMES CAMPBELL, LORD PROVOST, 1840-43.

MEETINGS OF TOWN COUNCIL,
NOVEMBER, 1840.

ELECTION OF COUNCILLORS AND MAGISTRATES.

The Election of Councillors took place on Tuesday the 3rd November,
1840, and resulted in adding one to the majority which the Conservatives
had previously possessed in the Town Council. In the first ward,
which had long been considered the stronghold of the Glasgow Liberals,
their candidates, viz., Messrs. Turner, Bell and Ord walked the course.
Votes, it is true, were given for Mr. Gilmour, in the Conservative
interest, but as this gentleman's name was used without his knowledge
or concurrence, or without any exertion on the part of his friends, the
numbers which were polled for him cannot be taken as any criterion of
the state of political feeling in the ward. In the Second Ward Messrs.
Small and Brand, liberals, were returned without opposition. In the
Third Ward the contest was a very keen one ; the Liberals concentrating
their energies upon Mr. Anderson, Manufacturer, Candleriggs, in oppo
sition to Messrs. Hutchison and Wingate, who were supported by the
Conservatives. Mr. Anderson, however, occupied the lowest place on
the poll from the commencement, and during the course of the day did
not improve his position. He was finally rejected by a considerable
majority. In the Fourth Ward, the contest, which lay between Mr.
Dunlop (Lord Provost) and Mr. Bain, in the Conservative, and Messrs.
Lumsden and Dixon in the Liberal interest, was one of the keenest
which have been known in the election annals of Glasgow. Up till the last
half hour the candidates kept, so nearly abreast that it was impossible to
predict, upon any reasonable grounds, to which side victory would ulti
mately belong. Mr. Lumsden had headed the poll during the greater
part of the day, but the Conservatives made their final effort during the
last hour, which resulted in placing both their friends at the head of
the poll. In the fifth ward, Messrs. Leadbetter and Wright, Con
servatives, were opposed by Messrs. Robertson and Pattison, Liberals.
Here the Liberals neither intended nor expected to win, and the opposi
tion was meant almost entirely to produce a diversion in the forces,

SIR JAMES CAMPBELL, LORD PROVOST, 1840-43. 63
which might be beneficial to their friends, in the other more keenly
contested Wards of the city. The consequence was, that the Con
servative candidates kept the lead from the opening of the poll books,
and finally won by a large majority.
The new Council met on Friday the 6th November, and after prayer
by the Rev. Dr. Henderson of St. Enoch's, proceeded to business.
Bailie Kidston the Senior Magistrate in the Chair. All the members
were present with the exception of Messrs. James Dunlop, and Robert
Hutchison. Mr. Reddie presented a letter from Mr. John Fleming, accompanied
with the Lord Provost's chain and seals of office. Mr. Fleming, in his
communication, stated, that he now transmitted these badges, with
which he had been invested in 1837. Till this time he had retained
them, to show his conviction that he had been duly and legally elected
to fill the office of chief Magistrate of Glasgow, although he had been
subsequently prevented from discharging the duties. He now returned
them on the expiry of the period for which he had been elected.
Bailie Kidston stated that the first duty which devolved upon them
was the election of the Lord Provost. It fell to him to propose a
successor to the late Chief Magistrate, and in doing so, he had much
pleasure in nominating Mr. James Campbell to that office.
Mr. Henry Dunlop, the late Lord Provost, cordially seconded the
proposition. Mr. Alexander Johnston said — I rise to express my perfect con
currence in the nomination which has been made ; and I hope that this
election will be the means of putting an end to all the differences and
animosities which have of late attended the proceedings of the Council.
I believe a better appointment than that could not be made. We all
know Mr. Campbell as a man of active business habits, of conciliatory
manners, of honour and integrity, and I have no doubt ho will fill the
office with credit to himself and with satisfaction to the Council,
While on my legs I beg to express my thanks to Mr. Dunlop for the
fair, honourable, and courteous manner in which he has filled the office
of Lord Provost, and I hope his successor will in this respect imitate
his example.
Mr. Campbell was then declared duly elected, and invested with the
chain and seals of office.

64 SIR JAMES CAMPBELL, LORD PROVOST, 1840-43.
The Lord Provost said — I feel deeply gratified for the highly honour
able position in which you have placed me, and especially for the manner
in which that honour has been conferred. I wish I could assure
myself of my ability to discharge the duties in such a manner as I
would wish them to be discharged. I trust, however, to your support
and indulgence where I may fail, for I feel I must fall short in per
forming those duties in the way they ought to be done, in the manner I
would wish them, and as they have been performed by others, and not
the least by my honoured predecessor.
The Lord Provost then proposed that Mr. Bain should be appointed
to the vacant office of Bailie, seconded by Bailie Kidston and unani
mously agreed to.
The Lord Provost then proposed Mr. Bogle to the office of Bailie of
the River Clyde. Seconded by Bailie Robertson and agreed to.
Mr. Cumming was appointed deputy Bailie of the River.
The Lord Provost then proposed Mr. Wright to fill the office of
Treasurer, vacant by his Lordship's elevation to the Civic Chair.
Seconded by Mr. Leadbetter and agreed to.
Bailie Kidston begged to propose a vote of thanks to the late Lord
Provost Dunlop, for his services during the last three years — for the
courteous and diligent manner in which he had discharged his duties,
and for the exercise of those qualities which were so well known, and
so much respected by the Council.
Bailie Robertson most cordially seconded the proposal. He was sure
that no gentleman deserved better at the hands of the Council, or the
hands of his fellow citizens. He carried with him the good wishes of
the entire Community, and certain he was that every member would
join, in according to him the thanks of the Council.
The vote was carried by acclamation.
Mr. H. Dunlop expressed his acknowledgments to the Council. He
could only say, that while he had the honour of filling the Chair, he had
at all times the pleasure of acting with his brother Magistrates with
the most perfect cordiality. He did not remember an occasion, indeed,
in which the slightest difference of opinion had existed between them.
He begged at the same time to express his gratitude for the efficient
support which the Council had rendered him in the discharge of his
duties.

SIR JAMES CAMPBELL, LORD PROVOST, 1840-43.

65

Mr. Brown begged to move the thanks of the Council to Mr.
Small, for the time, talent, and great pains which he had devoted to
the service of the City as one of its Magistrates. The motion was
seconded by Bailie Bain, and unanimously agreed to. Mr. Small re
turned thanks.
The thanks, of the Council were thereafter voted to Mr. Turner and
Mr. Whitehead, for the efficient manner in which they had respectively
discharged the duties of Bailie and Deputy Bailie of the River Clyde.
These gentlemen returned thanks.
It was arranged, on the proposition of the Lord Provost, that the
spare Gold Chain and Seal, which were now at the disposal of the Council,
by the return of those held by Mr. Fleming, should be granted as a
Badge of Office to the Bailie of the River, and Mr. Bogle was invested
accordingly. At a meeting of the Council on Thursday the 12th November Mr.
Hastie moved that as Provost Campbell was the first Chief Magistrate
since the passing of the Municipal Reform Bill, who had a house within
the bounds of the City, the Council should revert to the usual plan in
such cases, of ordering two ornamental lamps to be placed before his
Lordship's door — Agreed to.

List of the Names of the Members of the Town Council
during the term Sir James Campbell was Lord Provost,
1840-43, also the Names of the Council Officials.
1840-4 1.

WARD FIRST.

Alexander Hastds
John Whitehead.
James Dunlop.
David Bell.
George Ord.
James Turner. 5

WARD SECOND.
John Hamilton, Bailie.
William Bankier.
John Ure, Bailie of Provan.
Alexander Johnston.
John Small.
Robert Brand.

66 SIR JAMES CAMPBELL, LORD PROVOST, 1840-43.
WARD THIRD. WARD FOURTH.

James Campbell, Lord Provost.
Robert Hutchison, Master of Works.
William Brodie.
John Mitchell, Bailie.
Andrew Wingate.
James Hutchison.

Peter Cumming, Depute Bailie ofthe River.
William Brown.
William Wilson.
Robert Fleming.
John Bain, Bailie.
j Henry Dunlop.

WARD FIFTH.

James Bogle, Jun. , Bailie of the River.
Richard Kidston, Bailie.
William Robertson, Bailie.

James Burns,
James Wright, Treasurer.
John Leadbetter.

William Grat, Dean of Guild.
George Dick, Deacon Convener.

James Reedie,
William Davie. \ Town Clerks.
Angus Turner.
John Strang, City Chamberlain and
Superintendent of Works.
William Fekguson, Accountant.
William Haig, Procurator Fiscal.
Henry Miller, City Marshal.

Alexander Watt, Warden of High Church
Yard and Burying Ground.
Robert Leckie, Warden of St. David's
and Blackfriar's Burying Ground.
T. P. Sharpe, Clerk to Stent Master.
John Miller, Collector of Poor Rates.
James Gibson, Council Officer.
John Gilchrist, Chamber Keeper.

\>^J0^^^^J^3

184 1-42.

WARD FIRST.

James Dunlop.
David Bell.
George Ord.
James Turner.
John Whitehead.
Alexander Hastie.
WARD SECOND.
John Ure, Bailie of Provan .
John Small.
Robert Brand.
James Anderson.
John Hamilton.
William Bankier.

WARD THIRD.
James Campbell, Lord Provost.
John Mitchell, Bailie.
Andrew Winsate,
James Hutchison.
Alexander BArRD, Bailie of the River.
Robert Hutchison, Master of Works.
WARD FOURTH.
William Wilson.
Robert Fleming.
John Bain, Bailie.
Henry Dunlop.
William Cross.
James Lumsden.

SIR JAMES CAMPBELL, LORD PROVOST, 1840-43.
WARD FIFTH.

67

William Robertson, Bailie.
James Burns.
James Wright, Treasurer and
Bailie of the River.

John Leadbetter, Bailie.
James Bogle, Bailie.
Richard Kidston.

William Gray, Dean of Guild.
George Dick, Deacon Convener.

James Reddie, )
William Davie. > Town Clerks.
Angus Turner. )
John Strang, City Chamberlain and
Superintendent of Works.
William Ferguson, Accountant.
William Haig, Procurator Fiscal.
Henry Millzr, City Marshal.
Alexander Watt, Warden of High Church
Yard and Burying Ground.

Robert. Leckie, Warden of St. David''
and Blackfriar's Burying Grounds.
T. P. Sharpe, Clerk to Stent Master.
John Miller, Collector of Poor Rates.
James Thomson, Supt. of Streets & Buildings
James Paterson, Inspector of Weights and
Measures.
James Brown, Council Officer.
John Gilchrist, Chamber Keeper.

184 2-43,

WARD FIRST.
George Ord.
James Turner.
John Whitehead.
Alexander Hastie, Bailie.
David Bell, Master of Works.
George Anderson.
WARD SECOND.
John Small.
James Anderson, Bailie.
John Hamilton.
William Bankier,
Robert Stewart.
William Allan.

WARD THIRD.
James Campbell, Lord Provost.
John Mitchell.
William Brodie.
Alexander Baird, Bailie of the River.
David M'Kinlay.
Andrew Orr.
WARD FOURTH.
David Hope, Depute Bailie of River.
Robert Flemdig.
John Batn, Bailie.
Henry Dunlop.
William Cross.
James Lumsden.

WARD FIFTH,

William Robertson.
James Burns.
James Wright, Treasurer.

John Leadbetter, Bailie,
James Bogle, Bailie.
Richard Kidston.

Hugh Cogan, Dean of Guild.
Andrew Fowler, Deacon Convener.
John Ure, Bailie of Provan.

OFFICIALS— Same as last year.

! SIR JAMES CAMPBELL, LORD PROVOST, 1840-43.
THE HON. THE LORD PROVOST,
1 S 4 O- 4 3.

Sir James Campbell, Knight, of Stracathro, Co. Forfar; born 3rd
June, 1790 ; married 1822, Janet, daughter of Henry Bannerman, Esq.,
of Manchester, and had surviving issue —
1. James Alexander Campbell, L.L.D., M.P. for the Universities of
Glasgow and Aberdeen, born 20th April, 1825; married 1854, Anne,
daughter of Sir Samuel Morton Peto, Bart., and has issue.
2. Henry Campbell Bannerman, born 7th September, 1836, M.P. for
the Stirling burghs ; married 1860, Charlotte, daughter of Major-General
Sir Charles Bruce, K.C.B.
3. Louisa, married to J. A. Bannerman, Esq., Manchester, and has
issue. Sir James Campbell had, besides four sisters (Helen, married
to Alexander Fisher; Mary, married to George Langlands; Janet,
married to Archibald Whitelaw; and Elizabeth, married to James
Blackburn), three brothers — viz., 1st, an elder brother, John residing at
Fonda, Co. Montgomery, New York, who married Mary Kennedy, and
had issue John, William Henry, Mary Anne, and Helen; 2nd.
Alexander, died unmarried;, and 3rd. William, of Tillichewan, who
married Margaret, daughter of Arch. Roxburgh, Esq., and died 2nd
April, 1864, leaving issue.
The father of Sir James Campbell and the late William Campbell was
farmer at Inchanoch, Port of Menteith, and lived there, as his ancestors
had done for four generations, under the name of MacOran. The family
tradition is that, about the year 1660, a young Campbell of Melford,
who had killed a man in a duel and was outlawed in consequence, came
in disguise to Menteith, and was received into the service of the Earl of
Menteith. Before long he rose to have the principal charge in the Earl's
household. It was believed that from the first the Earl was aware who
the stranger was. He married a niece of the Earl's, Miss Haldane,
daughter of Haldane, of Landrick Castle, and settled on the farm of

SIR JAMES CAMPBELL, LORD PROVOST, 1840-43. 69
Inchanoch, belonging to the Earl of Menteith. He and his descendants
bore the name of MacOran. So, at least the name was spelt latterly.
Probably it was a contraction of MacCoirdhuinne, as the name was
understood to mean, Son of an honest man. There was a saying in
Menteith that " there never was a Campbell in Inchanoch, nor ever a
MaOran out of it." In accordance with the belief that MacOran was
only an assumed name, any members of the family who left the district
of Menteith dropped the name MacOran and took Campbell. When
Sir James Campbell's father, James MacOran, removed from Inchanoch
to Glasgow in 1805 he took the name of Campbell, although he and his
children had been registered at Port of Menteith as MacOran.
On the family settling down in Glasgow, James entered the service of a
Mr. Paterson, Tailor and Clothier, and subsequently became a partner
with him in the business, which they carried on together,, for several
years, in Brunswick Street. This firm having been dissolved, James
went into partnership with his brother William who had then a small
drapery shop in the High Street, and the brothers eventually established
hemselves in business . in Saltmarket. Their trade at this period
was of a very limited nature, and their customers, generally, of the
humblest description. Nevertheless, by continued attention and
industry they were in course of time enabled to erect a large warehouse
in the Candleriggs, in which, for many years afterwards, they carried on
an extensive manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade. At that time
the practice of higgling over the price of a retail article, was much more
prevalent than it is now, and the Messrs. Campbell resolved, in order if
possible, to effect a change for the better, to mark all their goods in plain
figures at prices which would enable them in the end to do justice to
themselves, their creditors, and the public. This system wrought well
with them, and contributed greatly to the success of the firm. By
adhering faithfully to it they gained the confidence o" all parties, and
the public came to buy freely, where they knew they could at all times,
and without trouble, obtain fair value for their money. In 1842 the
Messrs. Campbell opened an additional retail warehouse in Buchanan
Street, but afterwards disposed of it, and in 1856, when removing to
their present handsome and commodious premises in Ingram Street,
they ceased to manufacture, and sold the retail portion of their business
in the Candleriggs. Since that time they have confined themselves

70 SIR JAMES CAMPBELL, LORD PROVOST, 1840-43.
exclusively to the wholesale trade. The firm of J. & W. Campbell
has continued to be one of the foremost in the city.
Sir James and his brother William, so well known as Mr. Campbell
of Tillichewan, were for a long time members of the Town Council, and
Sir James occupied for the statutory period of three years — from 1840
t0 1843 — the position of Lord Provost. In 1837, he came forward as
a candidate for the representation of the city, conjointly with Mr.
Monteith of Carstairs; but as he stood in the Conservative interest, and
as Glasgow, even at that distance of time, was a Radical constituency,
he was, despite his great local influence, defeated by a considerable
majority. His opponents on this occasion were Lord William Bentinck,
Mr. John Dennistoun, and Mr. Robert Monteith, and after a hard
struggle the election terminated with the following result: —
Lord William Bentinck,  2767
Join Dennistoun,  ...  2728
Robert Monteith,  2121
James CampbeU,  '  2090
Again in 1841, while Lord Provost, he was an Unsuccessful candidate
for the representation of the city, the poll terminating as follows : —
James Oswald  2776
John Dennistoun,  2743
James Campbell, ... ..  2416
George Mills,  355
In every movement having for its object the promotion of the interests
and well-being of Glasgow, Sir James always took an active and nseful
part. Politically, his support and influence had an important bearing
upon the fortunes of the Conservative party in the West of Scotland ;
and to the Established Church, of which he was all along a steadfast
and warm adherent, he contributed unwearied service.
The following public events occurred during his reign : —
The reconstruction of the old Quay walls, the extention of the new
Quays, and improving and deepening the Channel of the River Clyde,
went on with far more vigour under the provisions and constitution of
the new act, which came into force in August, 1840. The members of
the Clyde Trust under that act, are the Lord Provost, the five Bailies,
the Dean of Guild, the Deacon Convener, three Councillors from each of

siR JAMES CAMPBELL, LORD PROVOST, 1840-43. 71
the five Municipal Wards of the City, the Chairman of the Chamber of
Commerce, three Members elected by the Merchants' House, two Mem
bers elected by the Trades' House, two from the Gorbals Magistrates,
the Provost of Anderston, and the Provost of Calton, in all 33 Members.
November 21, 1840. — The Princess Royal was born. On the arrival
of the news in Glasgow, the City bells were set a ringing, and on
Monday 23rd, the Lord Provost, Magistrates, and Councillors as well
as a number of guests dined in the Town Hall at the Cross. On
Tuesday the 24th, a banquet of cake, wine, and fruit was given by the
Corporation to upwards of five hundred individuals in the Trades' Hall.
10th Feby., 1841. — The union of Upper and Lower Canada was pro
claimed. April 21, 184.1. — The opening in the Glasgow Cross Steeple was
ordered to be proceeded with.
May 4, 1841- — The Lord Provost, Magistrates and City Officials made
the last recorded perambulation of the boundaries of the Royalty of
the City.
The announcement of the birth of the Prince of Wales reached
Glasgow on the morning of the 11th November, 1841. The City bells
were set a ringing. The Magistrates and Council and a number of
gentlemen met in the Portico of the Court House, foot of the Saltmarket
and had cake and wine. Loyal toasts were proposed and a royal salute
was fired by the military, and on the 15th inst., a grand banquet was
given in the City Hall. Cake, wine and fruit were handed round and a
number of loyal and patriotic toasts proposed.
In 1841 there used to be a good many squabbles between the Magistrates
and Police Commissioners, and also between the Fire Insurance Companies
regarding the Fire Engines going to fires beyond the boundaries of the
city. On a November morning, about 3 o'clock, the Chief Magistrate
of Calton called at the Lord Provost's house in Bath Street, and inti
mated to him that a very destructive fire had broken out in Barrowfield
Spinning Mills, belonging to John Bartholomew & Company. The
Lord Provost at once proceeded to the Police Office and ordered the Fire
Engines to be turned out, but the Superintendent of the Fire Brigade
told him that he had peremptory orders from the Commissioners not on
any account to send the Engines beyond the bounds of the Glasgow
Police under any circumstance. The Lord Provost determined to act

72 -S7-K JAMES CAMPBELL, LORD PROVOST, 1840-43.
on his own responsibility, and directed the Watchmen to spring their
rattles so as to get the Firemen gathered. The Watchmen instantly
obeyed, and the Firemen got ready. His Lordship got on the top of the
Engine and proceeded to the scene of conflagration. At the next meet
ing of the Commissioners they passed a vote of censure on the Lord
Provost. One of the Commissioners desired to add that the Lord
Provost, should he attempt to do so again, be taken into custody.
Dec, 184-1. — The Town Council voted the sum of £200 to help in
making a survey for a railway betwixt Glasgow and Carlisle.
20th Jany., 1842. — Mr. Edward Drummond, Private Secretary to Sir
Robert Peel, was shot by a man named M'Naughton. Drummond died
on the 25th, at his house in London, in his 57th year. M'Naughton,
who was a native of Glasgow, was insane.
21st Jany., 1842. — The Boiler of the Telegraph steamboat burst at
Helensburgh, when about 20 persons were killed.
18th Feb., 1842. — The Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway was opened
for public Traffic. On the arrival of the first train from Edinburgh, a
grand banquet was given by the Directors in the station, Queen Street.
30th May, 184%. — A person named John Francis fired a pistol at the
Queen and Prince Albert. He was condemned to be executed, but the
sentence was commuted to transportation.
1st June, 1842. — The Magistrates of Glasgow and of the various
burghs, and several public bodies, Clergy and Professors met in the
City Hall. The Masonic Lodges clothed and opened in their respective
halls, and assembled in the City Hall, and proceeded from thence to
Gartnavel, where the Lord Provost laid the foundation stone of the
Royal Lunatic Asylum.
On Wednesday the 31st August, 1842, in compliance with a resolu
tion of the Town Council of Glasgow, the Lord Provost, Bailies Bain,
Leadbetter, Bogle, Treasurer Wright, Dean of Guild Gray, Convener
Dick, Councillors Lumsden, Hastie and Ure went to Edinburgh to
present an address to Her Majesty and Prince Albert on the occasion
of their first visit to Scotland, and also a request asking Her Majesty to
visit Glasgow. There were also addresses to Her Majesty from the
Merchants' and Trades' Houses. The Royal Squadron arrived on
Thursday 1st September at Grantown Pier. Her Majesty held a

SIR JAMES CAMPBELL, LORD PROVOST, 1840-43. 73
Drawing Room at Dalkeith Palace, on the Monday following. The
deputation from Glasgow attended the Levee.
18th Nov., 1842. — -The Lord Provost laid the foundation stone of the
County Buildings in presence of a large number of the inhabitants.
In 1843 the Cross, as it used to be called the Tolbooth Steeple Clock,
was first lighted with gas.
11th Jany., 1843. — The freedom of the City was conferred on Richard
Cobden, M.P.
18th Jany., 1843. — The New Corn Exchange, Hope Street, was
opened. 18th May, I84S. — The secession of the non-intrusion Ministers of the
Church of Scotland took place.
One of the burning questions which were developed during the civic
reign of Sir James was that of a new Police Bill. As the statutory
term of the old one was drawing to a close the minds of the Council and
of the community were being severely exercised upon the preparation of
a new one, and as there were various interests to serve the natural
consequence was that the deliberations were far from being harmonious.
At that period the districts of Anderston, Calton, and Barony of Gorbals
enjoyed each a separate and independent burghal constitution, with
Magistrates and Police of its own. Although no fewer than three Bills
had been drawn up and submitted to Parliament, and although they
differed widely in other respects, none of them sought to disturb this old
arrangement of separate Burghs. Finding party feeling so conflicting
in Glasgow the Imperial Government refused to sanction any of the
Bills which had been sent up, and gave notice that if Glasgow could not
agree the Government would bring forward a Bill next session. This
they resolved to do, and in the interim the Lord Provost was solicited
for his opinions as to the wishes and requirements of the city. To this
request his Lordship complied, as a private individual and without in
any way committing himself or others to the provisions of any Bill that
Government might supply.
In due time a Government Bill of a very comprehensive nature was
sent down for the consideration and approval of the Magistrates and
Council, and then it was discovered that his Lordship had given his
advice without consulting either his brother Magistrates or the Council.
This discovery roused a storm of indignation, not only against the Lord

74 SIR JAMES CAMPBELL, LORD PROVOST, 1840-43.
Provost, but also against the Goverment for daring to interfere in the
management of local affairs. Previous to 1843 (the last year of Mr.
Campbell's civic reign) his friends were a majority in the Council, but
this year they were in a minority, and steps were at once taken to bring
his Lordship to book for having betrayed the Trust reposed in him.
On the 13th March, at a meeting of Council, Mr. Lumsden (afterwards
Lord Provost) moved a series of resolutions against the Government
Bill, and concluding with one which ran as follows : — ¦
"That they (the Council) feel it to be their painful duty to express
their strong disapprobation of the conduct of the Lord Provost in regard
to this contemplated measure of the Government; and that they regard
his communications with the Lord Advocate and the other officers of the
Government (in so far as these communications were gratuitous and
unasked) as officious and obtrusive — in so far as they were made with
out the knowledge of his brother Magistrates, and of this Council — as
uncandid and disrespectful towards both, and being in their purport and
tendency, directly at variance with the expressed opinion and wishes of
the Council, and of the inhabitants of the city — as an unjustifiable per
version of that influence and authority which attaches to that high
office which he holds."
In some closing remarks Mr. Lumsden said, — " I can arsure you that
there is no personal disrespect towards your Lordship. Your private
character stands above all suspicion. I believe your goodness of heart
and amiable qualities are such as to have secured for you, up to the
commission of the present mistake, the good opinion of your fellow
citizens ; perhaps to as great a degree as any Chief Magistrate who has
preceded you.''
A discussion ensued in which the motion was supported and opposed
with a good deal of warmth; at length Bailie Leadbetter rose and said,
the Lord Provost had been pomted at in a very disagreeable manner,
but he felt satisfied from what he knew of his Lordship's character and
of the pure motives which actuated him, that nothing but a sense of
duty could have induced him to take the part he had done in reference
to this measure. When he considered the state of matters now, as com
pared with last year, it appeared to him that Government was called on
to interfere. There were three Bills before Parliament for continuing
the existing system of separate places of management, while at the same

SIR JAMES CAMPBELL, LORD PROVOST, 1840-43. 75
time there was a tacit "acknowledgement that such a measure as that
which had now been taken up by the Government was necessary for the
public interests. Under the circumstances it was the duty of a parental
Government, seeing that the parties could not agree among themselves,
to step in and do that which was called for, and which they would not
do themselves. He would therefore move,
"First, that the interference of the Government at such a juncture,
wlien three Bills are about to be introduced into Parliament to continue
a system -of criminal police with divided jurisdiction and separate
management, is a proper exercise of the power of the national Govern
ment and has our approbation. Second, that the extention of the
Municipality to the Parliamentary boundary is neither desirable nor
attainable. Third, that the Lord Provost under the peculiar circum
stances has acted under a strong sense of public duty and deserves the
thanks of the community. Fourth, instruct the commissioners of Police
to alter their Bill, so as to harmonise with the Bill to be introduced into
Parliament by the Government."
These motions being seconded and discussed, and the Lord Provost
heard in his o.wn defence, the vote was taken — for Mr. Lumsden's
motion, 18 ; for Bailie Leadbetter's amendment, 13. The vote of censure
was therefore agreed to by a majority of five.
The following was the state of the vote : —
For Mr. Lumsden's resolutions — Bailies Hastie and Anderson;
Messrs. Mitchell, Ord, Orr, G. Anderson, Mackinlay, Cross, Whitehead,
Allan, Bankier, Hamilton, Stewart, Bell, Brodie, Turner, Small, and
Lumsden — 18. For Bailie Leadbetter's amendment — The Lord Provost-
Bailies Leadbetter, Bain, and Bogle; the Dean of Guild; Messrs.
Robertson, Wright, Baird, Dunlop, Kidston, Fleming, Burns," and
Hope— 13.
The Committee was then appointed to carry out the resolutions.
An appeal was drawn out against the Bill of the Government, and
signed by the Lord Provost, and a deputation appointed to proceed with
it to London, but an end was put to these proceedings by the with
drawal of the Bill by the Government. The vote of censure does not
appear to have affected in the least degree the action or influence of Sir
James in his relation to the Council.
April 21st, 1843. — His Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex died.

76 SIR JAMES CAMPBELL, LORD PROVOST. 1840-43.
The following Sunday the Magistrates attended Divine Service in St.
George's Church where a Funeral Sermon was preached.
May 4th, 1843. — The Town Council voted a Congratulatory Address
to Her Majesty on the occasion of the oirth of the Princess Alice.
While Mr. Campbell filled the Civic Chair, the Heir Apparent to the
the throne was born, and in consequence of that auspicious event, and
the services rendered by him in connection with the rejoicings and
festivities, Her Majesty conferred upon him the honour of knighthood.
On the 14th January, 1868, Sir James was entertained at a banquet,
in the Corporation Galleries, in recognition of his private worth and
his public services as a citizen of Glasgow. The banquet was so far
official that the Lord Provost (Mr. James Lumsden) occupied the chair,
and he was supported by most of the leading men in Glasgow. In
proposing the health of Sir James, his Lordship said — " That for many
years he (Sir James) had taken an active part and still takes a deep
interest in municipal affairs, that he is well known as a warm and
attached friend, and a judicious counsellor, ever ready, not only to lend
his name and open his purse for the furtherance of all measures
leading to the improvement of his fellow citizens, but also ready to
take such share in the execution of those measures, as shows his earnest
aesire to accomplish whatever he takes in hand."
During the last decade of his life Sir James spent most of his time
at his pleasant country residence, Stracathro, near Brechin, but his
interest in the West Country and its affairs did not diminish. He will
long be remembered for the active part he took in municipal and politi
cal matters, and for the extent to which he contributed to charitable
objects. Sir James died 10th Sepember, 1876, aged 86 years.

v&<

JAMES LUMSDEN, LORD PROVOST, 1843-46. 77
MEETINGS OF TOWN COUNCIL
NOVEMBER, 1843

ELECTION OF COUNCILLORS AND MAGISTRATES.

The Municipal Elections took place on Tuesday, the -7th November,
1843, in accordance with the statute, and passed off more quietly than
on any occasion since the passing of the Burgh Reform Bill. The
Conservatives for this year at least, declined to interfere in any manner
with the Elections and accordingly ten Liberals were returned, in the
room of six Conservatives and four Liberals, who retired in ordinary
course. As a matter of legal form, polling booths were erected, and
votes recorded, but the proceedings aid not create the slightest interest.
Summing up the votes given for the highest Candidates in each Ward,
the total number was only ] ,050, while the Burgh constituency, amounted
to 5,398, exclusive of the Parliamentary.
At the Election the previous year the state of parties in the Council
stood thus: — Liberals, 18; Conservatives, 14; majority for Liberals, 4.
In consequence of Tuesday's Election, the balance stood, Liberals, 24;
Conservatives, 8 ; majority for Liberals, 16.
A statutory meeting of Town Council was held on Friday, 10th
November, 1843, for the purpose of electing a gentleman to the Provost-
ship, and Bailies in the room of those whose time of office had expired, and
for making the usual yearly official appointments — Bailie Bogle, senior
Magistrate, in the chair. All the members of Council were present
with the exception of Mr. R. Kidston. The meeting was constituted
with prayer by the Rev. Mr. Craik of St. George's.
Bailie Hastie then rose to address the Council, but he had only
uttered a word or two, when
Mr. Bankier said, he had one remark to make before they proceeded
to elect a Lord Provost. From past experience he thought it was the duty
of the Council to ask some sort of pledge or guarantee from the gentle
man appointed to that high office, that he would not use the influence
conferred upon him in virtue of his situation with regard to any
business or matter which the Council might take up, in opposition to the

78 JAMES LUMSDEN, LORD PROVOST, 1843-40.
opinions of the majority of that body. He held it to be very necessary,
both in local and national affairs, to take care that influence should not
be given to any individual, to be used either against the majority of a
Council, or the majority of a constituency.
Mr. Bell said, he had no objection that out of doors pledges should be
demanded, both publicly and privately, as to the future conduct of a
candidate for office, but he would humbly state that under the circum
stances — just before the gentleman was to be elected — he did think it
most unconstitutional.
Mr. Robertson said he perfectly agreed with Mr. Bell. This was the
first attempt which had been made to introduce such a practice, and he
hoped it would receive no countenance. He entirely disagreed with Mr.
Bankier. Mr. Hope likewise expressed his disapproval of Mr. Bankier's suggest
ion, and his cordial concurrence in the observations of the other twc
gentlemen who had spoken on the subject. He considered any one who
accepted of the office, by binding himself to Mr. Bankier's proposition,
would degrade that chair as well as sell his independence.
Bailie Hastie again rose. He supposed there was no question
before the Council, and the first duty on the present occasion was to
elect one of their own number to act as chairman of that Council, and
also as Chief Magistrate of Glasgow, for the ensuing three years. Permit
me, he continued, before saying more on this subject, again briefly to
allude to the gentleman who was recently our chairman, and I only do
so for the purpose of stating, that excepting on one occasion — that
exception, however, being a very important one — Sir James Campbell,
during the time which he occupied the chair, acted with a majority of
the Council, as well as in a minority, and discharged all the onerous duties
of Chief Magistrate creditably to the Council, creditably to himself, and, I
believe, satisfactory to the whole community. (Applause.) The office
of Chief Magistrate being the highest which we have it in our power to
bestow, I consider a gentleman who has long served and well served the
public should receive that office, and in looking round this Council I can
see no one who has so long and so zealously served in that capacity as
my friend Mr. James Lumsden. (Applause.) I believe it is now nearly
thirty years since he began to take an interest in public affairs, and, as
a Town Councillor and a Magistrate, he has done everything to promote

JAMES LUMSDEN, LORD PROVOST, 1843-46. 79
whatever is either useful or ornamental in our public institutions, Mr.
Lumsden is a warm patron of every beneficent project, and his services
to the citizens of Glasgow in one instance cannot be overrated. I allude
to that charitable institution (the Royal Infirmary), with which his
name is so much connected; but what he has done in this respect is as
well known to you as to me. I therefore feel it unnecessary to say
more, and will simply propose that Mr. Lumsden be elected Lord
Provost for the next three years. Mr. Lumsden, I am quite sure, will
discharge the duties of that office with humanity and justice, and in a
way to reflect credit on this Council.
Bailie Anderson said he considered that from the long and deep
interest Mr. Lumsden had taken in the public . affairs of the city of
Glasgow, and the very efficient assistance he had rendered in conducting
their charitable institutions, no gentleman present was so much entitled
to be called upon to enjoy the highest dignity the Council could confer.
He fully concurred in the remarks which had been made by Bailie
Hastie, and begged leave to second his motion.
The election of Mr. Lumsden was agreed to Nem. con.
Bailie Bogle, in investing the Lord Provost with the insignia of office,
said that from the difference between them in political sentiments he
would possibly not be believed in offering his cordial congratulations to
the Lord Provost. He did so, however, sineerely, and was perfectly
satisfied that he (the Lord Provost) would perform the various duties of
the office, conduct himself in that chair, and carry on all the business of
the community, with credit to himself, and advantage to the citizens at
large. The Lord Provost elect then took the oath of abjuration, the oath of
allegiance, and the oath defideli His Lordship having taken the chair
spoke as follows: — I do assure you that I feel great diffidence in taking
this chair, in the novel position your kindness has placed me • at the
same time I cannot but express the pleasure I feel in returning you my
warmest thanks for the honour conferred upon me. I may well be
proud in being so unanimously called upon to preside over the Municipal
Council of my native city; but gentlemen, I have many misgivings, and
great fears, that, for a time at least, I may be found deficient, and not
possessed of that experience and tact so essential to the proper fulfilment
of the office. But, depend upon it, gentlemen, it will be my study to

80 JAMES LUMSDEN, LORD PROVOST, 1843-46.
make up for my deficiency in that respect, by a more close attention to
business details; and I shall do everything in my power not only to
merit your approbation, but that of the citizens at large. (Applause.)
As your Chairman, I trust I will never forget the courtesy and respect
due to every member of Council. Here I shall endeavour to know no
shade of politics — no difference in religious creed — no personal friend
ship or animosity to any one in the discharge of my varied public duties.
(Cheers.) With these resolves, I cheerfully accept the important office;
and shall exert myself, to the best of my ability, to maintain with
credit, the honourable and elevated position in which I am now placed;
and, craving the kind indulgence of the Council, and the able assistance
of my colleagues in the Magistracy, I again assure you that no effort
will be wanting on my part to promote the comfort, welfare, and pros
perity, of every individual in this great community. (Cheers.) He
would take this opportunity of making a remark in reference to what
had fallen from Mr. Bankier, and although he considered it quite
unnecessary, he would not shrink from it on that account. He would
at all times endeavour to pay attention to the recorded wish of this
Council, and beyond that he did not think they would expect him to go.
He begged leave again to thank them for the honour they had conferred
upon him.
Mr. Bankier thanked * the Lord Provost for the frank way in which
he had made the statement in reference to his observation. It was all
he expected and all he wished.
Mr. Wm. Robertson expressed his satisfaction at the election of Mr.
Lumsden, and assured his Lordship that, though differing in politics, he
would support him in the performance of his duty, as cordially as he
did any former Lord Provost.
The Lord Provost said it was now his duty to suggest for their .
acceptance three gentlemen to fill the places of the retiring Magistrates,
and he wished to know whether he would propose them all at once, or
seriatim ?
Mr. Reddie said it would be best to elect the Magistrates one by one.
The Lord Provost said that the first upon his list was Bailie Anderson,
who, he proposed, should be re-elected.
The Dean of Guild seconded the motion. — Agreed to.

JAMES LUMSDEN, LORD PROVOST, 1843-46. 81
The Lord Provost said the next in order was his well-tried friend,
Mr. John Hamilton.
Bailie Bogle seconded the motion, which was also agreed to.
The Lord Provost said the next gentleman he had on the list was Mr.
John Whitehead — a gentleman long connected with them in the manage
ment of the city, and a most efficient Councillor. (Applause.)
Mr. W. Robertson seconded the motion, which was also agreed to.
Mr. Ord, on the motion of the Lord Provost, seconded by Mr. Cross,
was elected Treasurer.
Mr. M'Kinlay, on the motion of the Lord Provost, seconded by Mr.
W. Robertson, was elected River Bailie.
The Lord Provost then proposed that Mr. Stewart should be elected
Depute River Bailie.
Mr. Bell said it had been laid down again and again that the Bailies
were elected for more than one year, and unless Mr. Hope had resigned
his situation he did not think his Lordship would be guilty of the
injustice of wishing that gentleman to retire.
Mr. Stewart said he would consider it a personal favour if Mr. Hope
would accept the office.
Mr. Bell said Mr. Hope was in office, and he would certainly protest
against any departure from the common practice. He was sure it would
not be proper to entertain such a proposal without his sanction,
and an intimation to that effect received three weeks before the election.
He beseeched them, as they had the eyes of the City of Glasgow upon
them, to proceed on that honest and straightforward principle of reform
established by the Burgh Reform Act.
The Dean of Guild said the former practice was, for the Depute to
succeed to the river Bailieship.
Bailie Hastie said he believed that was the practice, but it had been
altered. Mr. Cross said this involved a question for Mr. Reddie. It was a
matter of law.
Mr. Reddie said he thought the election of Depute should follow the
election of Principal.
Mr. Hope said he had not intended saying one word on the subject, and
so would have let it pass by in silence, but for the observations of Mr. Bell.
He had served an apprenticeship to the office, and certainly it would look
strange if now he was still to continue to act as apprentice to a younger

82 JAMES LUMSDEN, LORD PROVOST, 1843-48.
apprentice. In regard to Mr. M'Kinlay, he knew none in the
Council that he would, more readily act with than that gentleman; but
still, under the circumstances of the case, he declined to be elected.
Mr. Stewart was then elected.
The Magistrates having taken the usual oaths, the Council proceeded
to the appointment of gentlemen to represent the Corporation in the
several public institutions of the city; some of these gentlemen were
not members of Council : —
Directors of the Royal Infirmary — Messrs. M'Kinlay, G. Anderson,
W. Robertson, J. Small, J. Turner, W. Brodie, W. Allan.
Manager of the Royal Infirmary — Bailie Hastie.
Directors of Stirling's Library — Bailie Hastie, Bailie Whitehead, and
Mr. Cross.
Bridewell Commissioners — Bailie Hamilton and Mr. Burns.
Director of the Blind Asylum — Mr. Small.
Director of Lock Hospital — Mr. Turner.
Clyde Commissioners — Mr. G. Burns, Mr. W. P. Paton, Mr. A. G.
Kidston, Mr. Wm. Connal, Mr. D. Chapman, and Mr Arthur Pollock.
Directors of Lunatic Asylum — Mr. Bankier, and Mr. M'Kinlay.
Bailie of Provan — Mr. John Ure.
Director of the Lying-in-Hospital — Mr. M'Phail.
Member of Pilot Board — Mr. James Burns.
Bridge Commissioners — Mr. John Pollok, Mr. Wm. Gilmour, Mr. A.
G. Kidston, Mr. W. P. Paton, Mr. C. Gray, Mr. William Dunn, Mr.
Walter M'Nee, Mr. Archibald Edmiston, Mr. G. L. Walker, Mr. Wm.
Gray, Mr. Walter Buchanan, Mr. Wm. Watson, Mr. Henry Taylor,
Mr. Wm White, Mr. John Binnie, Mr. Wm. Richmond, Mr Allan
Gilmour, Mr. Alex. Broom, and Mr. Wm. Sloan.
Inspectors of Prisons — Messrs. Bankier, Stewart, and Bryson.
Court-House Commissioners — Messrs. Bankier, Small, Brodie, G.
Anderson, and A. Orr.
City Chamberlain — Mr. John Strang.
Town Clerks — Messrs. Reddie, Davie, Turner, and Forbes.
Procurator-Fiscal — Mr. Haig.
Collector of Poor's Assessment — Mr. John Miller.
Collector of Cess — Mr. Sharp.
City Marshal— Mr. H. Miller.
The Council then adjourned.

JAMES LUMSDEN, LORD PROVOST, 1843-46.

83

List of the Names of the Members of the Town Council during
Mr. James Lumsden's Provostship, 1843-46.
1843-44.

WARD FIRST.

John Whitehead,
Alexander Hastie, Bailie.
David Bell, Master of Works.
George Anderson.
George Ord, Treasurer.
James Turner.
WARD SECOND.
John Hamilton, Bailie.
WrLLrAM Bankier.
Robert Stewart, Depute Bailie of River.
William Allan.
James Anderson, Bailie.
John Small.

WARD THIRD.
David M'Kinlay, Bailie of the River.
John Mitchell.
William Brodie.
Andrew Orr.
Robert Brtson.
Duncan M'Phail.
WARD FOURTH.
William Cross.
Robert Fleming.
David Hope.
John Wilson.
James Lumsden, Lord Provost.
John Robertson.

WARD FIFTH.

James Bogle, Bailie.
Richard Kidston,
James Burns.

William Robertson.
David Dreghorn.
Robert Orr.

Hugh Cogan, Dean of Guild.
Andeew Fowler, Deacon Convener.
John Ure, Bailie of Provan.

Town Clerks.

James Reddie,
William Davie,
Angus Turner,
Arthur Forbes, )
John Strang, City Chamberlain and
Superintendent of Works.
William Ferguson, Accountant.
William Haig, Procwalor Fiscal.
Henry Miller, City Marshall.
Alexander Watt, Warden of High
Church Yard Burying Ground.

Robert Leckie, Warden of St. David's
and Blackfriar's Burying Grounds.
T. P. Sharpe, ffollecter of Cess and
Clerk to Stent Masters.
John Miller, Collecter of Poor Rates.
James Paterson, Inspector of Weights
and Measures.
James Brown, Council Officer.
John Gilchrist, Chamber Keeper.

84

JAMES LUMSDEN, LORD PROVOST, 1843-46.

1844-45.

WARD FIRST.
David Bell, Master of Works-
George Anderson.
George Ord, Treasurer.
James Turner.
John Whitehead, Bailie.
Alexander Hastie.
WARD SECOND.
Robert Stewart, Bailie ofthe River.
William Allan.
James Anderson, Bailie.
John Small.
William M'Lean.
William Bankier.

WARD THIRD.

William Brodie, Bailie.
Andrew Orr.
Robert Bryson, Depute Bailie of River.
Duncan M'Phail.
John Mitchell.
David M'Kinlay, Bailie.
WARD FOURTH.
David Hope-
John Wilson, Bailie.
James Lumsden, Lord Provost.
John Robertson.
Walter Macnee.
Andrew Liddell.

WARD FIFTH.

James Burns.
William Robertson.
David Dreghorn.

Robert Orr.
John Stirling.
David Chapman.

John Leadbetter, Dean of Guild.
Thomas Brownlie, Deacon Convener.
John Ure, Bailie of Provan.

Town Clerks.

James Reddie,
William Davie,
Angus Turner,
Arthur Forbes, )
John Strang, City Chamberlain and
Superintendent of Works-
William Ferguson, Accountant.
William Haig, Procurator Fiscal.
Alexander Watt, Warden of High
Church Yard and Burying Ground.

Robert Leckie, Warden of St. David's
and Blackfriar's Burying Grounds-
T. P. Sharpe, Collector of Cess and
Clerk to Stent Masters.
John Miller, Collector of Poor Rates.
James Paterson, Inspector of Weights
and Measures.
James Brown, Council Officer.
John Gilchrist, Chamber Keeper.

1845-46.

WARD FIRST.
Georoe Ord, Treasurer.
James Turner.
John Whitehead, Bailie.
Alexander Hastie.
John Fleming.
Robert Smith.

WARD SECOND.
Robert Stewart, Bailie.
William Allan.
James Anderson, Bailie.
John Small, Master of Works.
William M'Lean.
William Bankier.

JAMES LUMSDEN, LORD PROVOST, 1843-46.

85

WARD THLRD.
William Brodie, Bailie.
Andrew Orr.
Robert Bryson, Baitii of River.
Duncan M'Phail.
John Mitchell.
David M'Kinlay, Bailie.

WARD FOURTH.
John Honeyman.
John Hamilton.
James Lumsden, Lord Provost.
John Robertson.
Walter Macnee.
Andrew Liddell, Depute Bailie of River.

WARD FIFTH.

Robert Wylie.
David Dreghorn.
Robert Orr.

John Stirling.
Robert Bunten.
David Chapman.

John Leadbetter, Dean of Guild.
Thomas Brownlie, Deacon Convener.
John Ure, Bailie of Provan.

Town Clerks.

James Reddie,
William Davie,
Angus Turner,
Arthur Forbes, )
John Strang, City Chamberlain and
Superintendent of Works.
William Ferguson, Accountant.
William Haig, Procurator Fiscal.
Alexander Watt, Warden of High
Church Yard and Burying Ground.

Robert Leckie, Warden of St. David's
and Blackfriar's Burying Grounds.
T. P. Sharp, Collector of Cess and Clerk
to Stent Masters.
John Miller, Collector of Poor Rites.
James Paterson, Inspector of Weights
and Measures.
James Brown, Council Officer.
Dugald M'Coll, Chamber Keeper.

86 JAMES LUMSDEN, LORD PROVOST, 1843-46.,
THE HON. THB LOED PEOVOST,
1843-46.

James Lumsden of Yoker Lodge was born in Glasgow, in a house in
Argyle Street, nearly opposite Virginia Street, on the 13th November
1778, and died in his house in St. Vincent Street on the 16th May
1856, in the seventy-eighth year of his age.
His father was an engraver, and the publication of cheap coloured
pictures of Sir William Wallace, Rolla, Young Norval, Flora Macdonald
and other popular characters, formed, at one time a lucrative part of
Mr. Lumsden's business. It was, we believe, in the production of these
primitive works of art, prior to the days of illustrated newspapers, that
the late Sir Daniel Macnee, commenced his distinguished career as a
painter. Of our great landscape painter, Mr Horatio M'Culloch, Mr.
Lumsden was likewise the earliest patron. Mr. Dougald Moore, the poet,
was originally in Mr. Lumsden's employment. His first volume, " The
African, a Tale and other Poems," was published under Mr. Lumsden's
auspices and gratefully inscribed to him by the author. " The Glasgow
Commercial Memorandum Book" was first issued by Mr, Lumsden in
1816, and is thus among the oldest and steadiest of our annuals. As a
stationer he cultivated a business of the largest extent, and the firm of
Messrs. James Lumsden & Son, still ranks high among our commercial
establishments. As a matter of course, the services of so able and active a man were
not long in being secured to the public. Early in the present century,
Mr. Lumsden commenced his career of usefulness as a commissioner
of Police, and in 1822 he became a member of the Town Council under
the old regime, for nearly forty years, his name figures in connection
with almost all our public boards. The funds of the Royal Infirmary never
were in so flourishing a state as during his treasurership. He beat up for
subscriptions in all quarters, obtained benefits for it in the theatre and
concert-room, and left no stone unturned to augment its revenues and
extend its usefulness. . In whatever he undertook he maintained a
similar amount of zeal. As a promoter of the fine arts, of education, and of

JAMES LUMSDEN, LORD PROVOST, 1843-46. 87
every benevolent work he had few equals. He never seemed to forget any
thing he had on hand, or to allow an opportunity to slip in pushing forward
any object in which he happened to be interested. A liberal in politics,
he took an active part in most of the popular agitations of the day.
Mr. Lumsden was, in fact, a power in the city — could sway popular
elections by his individual exertions — make or unmake Members — and
decide the fate of candidates for almost any public situation within the
boundaries of St. Mungo. In 1843 he succeeded Sir James Campbell
as Lord Provost. This was the culminating point in his career. In
honour of the event he was publicly entertained, during the close of the
same year, by the Incorporated Company of Stationers, of which he had
been thrice president. - As first magistrate of Glasgow, he had the
honour of presiding at the Free Trade Banquet, held in the City Hall,
on the 10th of Jan., 1844, in which Messrs. Cobden and Bright and
Colonel Thomson were present, and at which the Hon. Fox Maule,
(Lord Panmure), made his memorable declaration in favour of Corn Law
Abolition. In the same capacity, it fell to his lot, in 1846, to present
the freedom of the city to Lord John Russell, and afterwards to fill the
chair at a dinner given to his Lordship in the Town Hall. As Lord
Provost of Glasgow, he had also the honour, in 1845, of dining with his
Majesty Louis Philippe at the Tuileries. The particulars of the latter
event he was accustomed to narrate to his friends in a manner at once
racy, graphic, and characteristic. Mainly through his exertions the
Municipality of Glasgow was extended to its present dimensions, and
the various suburban districts of the city were united under one
jurisdiction. This event he celebrated in a sumptuous banquet, given
in the Town Hall, at his own expense, to the members of the Corporation,
many of the leading citizens, and numerons noblemen and gentlemen
from the neighbourhood.
' It is scarcely possible to name a single local cause, or event of a public
nature, with which the name of Mr. Lumsden is not intimately associated.
He was the. builder of the Model Lodging-Houses, the founder and
patron of the Glasgow Native Benevolent Society, the active and
efficient promoter of every public improvement. The Clydesdale Bank,
ihe New Gas Company, and other joint-stock concerns sprung into
existence chiefly through his individual enterprise. As a member of the
River Trust, he had aided in the gradual widening and deepening of the

88 JAMES LUMSDEN, LORD PROVOST, 1843-46.
Clyde to fit it for the vast commerce of which it is now the highway.
He had watched the growth of steam navigation from its infancy, and
was perhaps the last survivor of the little party who had accompanied
Mr. Henry Bell in his first experimental voyage in the Comet. For the
third part of a century he had attended the annual excursion of the
Magistrates on their visit to the Clyde Lighthouses, without missing a
single year. In 1831 he travelled in Germany, accompanied by Dr.
Strang, and in the summer of 1843 he had a hurried run through the
United States, and his impressions he communicated in a series of Canada
letters. These letters he printed, on his return, in a small volume for
distribution among his friends. In 1850, he founded a Bursary for the
benefit of Students of Theology at the Glasgow University ; the sons of
members, or of deceased members, of the Stationers' Company having a
preference. This was among the last acts of his public life. It was
about the same time that feeling the infirmities of age coming upon him,
he tendered his resignation of the Treasurership of the Royal Infirmary,
after discharging the duties of that office, with distinguished honour,
for a period of nineteen years.
In addition to the Bursary which Mr. Lumsden founded for the
support of a student of Theology, being the son of a member of the
Stationers' Company, he at the same time conveyed to the President and
Directors of that company the handsome donation of £250, in the 5 per
cent, guaranteed stock of the Water Company, to be given, in addition
to sucli pension as the other funds of the Corporation may afford, to
members, or the widows of members, who from a position of comfort
and respectability had fallen into adverse fortune.
His ' bonhommie ' was of the most exhilarating kind. The anecdotes
which are told of him, and which none enjoyed more than himself,
would fill a volume. A certain blunt speech and fearless eccentricity
made him the life and soul of every company into which he entered.
Natural quickness of intellect, a nervous temperament, and, on fitting
occasions, an almost juvenile exuberance of animal spirits, rendered him
a general favourite.
Mr. Lumsden is interred in the Cathedral Cemetery.
Writing at the time of his death a contemporary says : — " No recent
inhabitant of Glasgow can form an adequate notion of the extraordinary
prominence of position which Mr. Lumsden long occupied in the public

JAMES LUMSDEN, LORD PROVOST, 1843-46. 89
eye. Since we first remember him our city has more than doubled in
extent, the population is less concentrated, the streets are more crowded,
the difficulty of achieving distinction is increased. In the days of which
we speak Mr. Lumsden was literally known to everybody. He could
hardly at any time walk fifty yards in any of our leading thoroughfares
without speaking to twenty people. The sight of any acquaintance
seemed instantly to recall some special thing he had to say to him. He
had always a dozen irons in the fire, and every one of them he appeared
to keep at white heat. Every day he might be seen in the street or on
'Change, gnawing his thumb anxiously, or urging forward some object,
public or private, with his impatient voice and emphatic shrug of the
right shoulder ; and anon, catching some passer by perhaps to extract a
couple of guineas for the Royal Infirmary, of which he was treasurer,
or to make some urgent suggestion or request requiring a jotting in his
ever ready memorandum-book. For many years he appeared almost as
much a part of Glasgow as the statue of King William or the Tron
Steeple. Even now, we find some difficulty in realising the idea that he
had passed away from the midst of us, and that the place which so long
knew him ' shall know him no more for ever.' "
Dr. Strang, in his "Glasgow and its Clubs," relates the following anec
dote of his friend and fellow traveller while they were in Germany: —
"On approaching Warnow, the single-headed black eagle emblazoned
over the elegant post-house, proclaimed we were about to enter the terri
tories of the King of Prussia ; while the posse of military douaniers who
stood ready to encircle the Post-Wagen, on its arrival, bespoke an
immediate and narrow inspection of the goods and chattels of every
passenger. Considering the great inducements held out to the smuggler,
from the high duties which are levied on all English articles in this
country, I must confess we were treated with more politeness and lenity
than could have been expected ; with much more, indeed, than I experi
enced from our own countrymen on landing at Dover from France.
My companion (Mr. Lumsden,) aware that he carried in his trunk two
three bottles of good Scottish mountain dew, as a rarity for his friends
in Berlin, became very nervous as the officers began to fumble among the
articles in his trunk; and when the portly quarts, all well corked and
waxed, were expiscated and held up with the suspicious query was ist
das? his anxiety for their fate became not a little apparent. To

SO JAMES LUMSDEN, LORD PROVOST, 1843-46.
carry a cordial for so many hundred miles, and lose it without a struggle,
was no characteristic of my friend, and with that intuitive quickness
which belongs to him, he whispered to me to say that it was "Medicin'"
for the Cholera." The fearful word, which at this moment [cholera was
for the first time ravaging the east of Europe, and threatening Germany,]
makes every one involuntarily shudder, produced the desired effect.
The officers immediately tossed the supposed specific into the scales,
while my companion was allowed to replace his bottles iri his trunk, at
the expense of paying nominally, four silver groschen of duty, or about
3|d Sterling."
Personally Mr. Lumsden was about the ordinary height, straight,
broad shouldered and of rather portly form. He always walked like
one that had urgent business on hand, and the impulse of his gait was
indicative of the activity of his mind; there was no hesitancy nor
lagging in either thought or action. The high character for usefulness
which was given him by Mr. Hastie and others on the occasion of his
election to the Provostship was subsequently sustained, and all that had
been anticipated of him, more than realised. His services were always
in demand. No scheme of a public nature, nor meeting of any kind was
considered complete without Lord Provost Lumsden as chairman, and
rarely did he fail to appear in that capacity. As a speaker his style was
homely to a degree that did not suggest superior scholastic training, but
he was always ready and lively, and occasionally mirth-provoking from
mere verbal mishap.
Mr. Lumsden's unflagging zeal in behalf of the Royal Infirmary
has already been alluded to, and in 1872, when a public statue was
resolved upon, his friends asked permission of the Directors to be
allowed to have it erected in front of that noble institution. This
request was cheerfully acceded to, and there the statue now stands.
Its execution was intrusted to Mr. John Mossman, and he has succeeded
in producing a faithful resemblance of the man whose worth it
commemorates.

^^^^Z^f^^^^^ C&C^L^

ALEXANDER HASTIE, LORD PROVOST, 1846-48. 91

MEETING OF TOWN COUNCIL.
NOVEMBER, 1846.

ELECTION OF COUNCILLORS.

The first elections for the extended Municipality of Glasgow took
place on Tuesday, the 3rd November, 1846, and although the excitement
was great in many of the wards, the whole proceedings passed off peace
fully. Fourteen out of the sixteen wards were contested, but in some
of them, those finally at the head of the poll had no great difficulty in
taking their places there. In others the result was doubtful till the
very close. In the first ward, including Calton and Bridgeton, the
scene was one of great animation, and in the latter suburb, which was
then for the first time included within the pale of Municipal Institutions
and Police protection, the day was celebrated by the usual demonstra
tions of joy. Bells were rung, bands paraded the streets, and a large
portion of the public seemed to forget their occupations to share in the
gaudeamus. The electors, however, did not forget the more serious part
of their business, and a pretty sharp struggle ensued between Messrs.
Kellar and Fyfe for third place on the successful list, which was gained
by the former by only 13 votes. In the. third ward, Mr. Fleming, the
winning third man, carried his return over Mr. Hugh Henderson, by
only 13 votes. In the fourth ward, which embraced the Saltmarket, a
very close struggle took place between Mr. George Ord and Mr. O'Neil,
the latter representing the Irish or Repeal interest which was rather
potent in this particular part of the city; but Mr. Ord gained by six
votes. In the seventh ward, Mr. John Stirling and the Lord Provost
took the two first places without any difficulty; but for the third
seat a contest of extraordinary keenness took place ^between Mr. Weir
and Mr. Drummond. At 3 o'clock the number of votes recorded for
each of . them was equal. Four o'clock, however, showed that the
veteran citizen, Mr. Weir, had lost the race by five votes, the number
being: — Mr. Drummond, 229; Mr. Weir, 224. The business in the
other wards was conducted with much animation, though, on the: whole

92 ALEXANDER HASTIE, LORD PROVOST, 1846-48.
smoothly, up till the fifteenth district, which was one of the new.
Gorbals wards. In this ward the candidates were Mr. William Dixon
of Govanhill, Mr. John Mitchell of Carlton Place, Mr. Archibald
Edmiston of Upper Crown Street, and Mr. Andrew Gemmill of Carlton
Place ; the last mentioned being the Ex-Chief Magistrate of the barony.
This election occasioned extraordinary interest and excitement in the
ward. From the commencement the return of Messrs. Dixon and
Mitchell was in no danger ; and for several hours in the early part of
the day, it seemed as if Mr. Edmiston's seat was not in much jeopardy.
Even at three o'clock Mr. Edmiston stood ten above bis opponent,
but, in this last hour, Mr. Edmiston only polled ten, while Mr. Gemmill
brought up twenty voters — both having 169 votes at four o'clock. On
account of this parity, another poll fell to take place for this ward, and
the election of Lord Provost and Magistrates was delayed.
The election in the fifteenth ward, consequent upon the parity of
votes, took place in the Baronial Buildings, Gorbals, on the following
Saturday. The contest was one of the keenest, and yet the majority of
the winning candidate was comparatively large. At the end of the first
hour, Mr. Gemmill had a majority of fourteen, but the voters of Mr.
Edmiston then came up in force, took the lead, and kept it till the close
of the poll at four o'clock, when the numbers stood as follows: for Mr.
Edmiston, 156, for Mr. Gemmill, 128. Majority for Mr. Edmiston 28.
This completed the return of the 48 elected members of Council.
ELECTION OF LORD PROVOST HASTIE.
The members of Council met on Wednesday, 11th November, in their
Hall, Wilson Street, for the purpose of electing a Lord Provost and
Magistrates, under the new municipal and police act. All the gentlemen
were present with the exception of Mr. Dixon and Mr. Ord. Lord
Provost Lumsden took the chair. An impressive prayer having been
offered up by the Rev. Mr. Jamieson,
The Lord Provost said he had now a pleasing duty to perform, in
proposing as his successor, a gentleman of talent and respectability, of
excellent business habits, and who was well qualified in every respect
for the performance of the important duties which he would be called
upon to discharge. Hitherto these duties were very onerous, and under
the new system they would be much more so, but he was satisfied they

ALEXANDER HASTIE, LORD PROVOST, 1846-48.

93

would be ably performed by his friend Mr. Hastie. He would therefore
propose that gentleman as his successor.
Bailie Anderson said he had great pleasure in seconding the proposal.
Mr, Bogle made a few observations to the effect that he would have
proposed Mr. Leadbetter for the office, had he (Mr. Bogle) not been
aware that a majority of the Council were in favour of conferring it upon
Bailie Hastie.
Mr. Leadbetter— I beg to thank Mr. Bogle for the honour he has
done me, but there are other engagements which I am afraid would have
presented obstacles to my accepting the office, even had the Council been
desirous that I should do so. But though I have not the honour of
filling the chair, I can assure my coadjutors in the Council that under
the new arrangements I shall be most happy, as I have ever been, to
concur with them in every thing that is calculated to prove advantageous
to the city.
Mr. Tennant wished to ascertain, if Mr. Hastie was elected Lord
Provost, would he, at the Board of Supervision, support a change in the
mode of taxation for the poor, from rental to means and substance.
Mr. Hastie stated that the Parochial Board was composed principally
of Glasgow citizens, and they ought to take the first step in the matter,
as the Board of Supervision had no control in reference to it.
The election of Mr. Hastie was then agreed to. Having taken the
prescribed oaths, the chair was vacated by Provost Lumsden. Lord
Provost Hastie then took possession, and was greeted with much
applause. The Lord Provost immediately rose and said —
Gentlemen — I beg to thank you for the honour you have conferred
upon me, in putting me in the chair. The office of Chief Magistrate of
Glasgow has at all times been an object worthy the ambition of any of
the citizens; and surely at the present moment, assembled as we are
under the sanction of a recent Act of Parliament, with our jurisdiction
greatly extended, and with our population greatly enlarged, that office
is no less important now than it has ever been. I cannot fail, however,
to remember that, with this extension of jurisdiction, and this enlarge
ment of population, your duties and my duties are considerably increased.
I rejoice, however, in looking around me to see so many gentlemen who,
from former experience, are able to assist and direct us in the

94 ALEXANDER HASTIE, LORD PROVOST, 1846-48.
performance of those duties.' (Applause.) I rejoice also to see here
other gentlemen who had not previously taken an interest in civic
affairs, but who, from their known qualities and wisdom, will add great
weight to our deliberations. I ascribe this happy state of matters to
the quiet and calm that existed with regard to general as well as local
politics at the recent elections, when the electors, unbiassed by political
feeling, sent men to the Council only because they were fitted to dis
charge the duties of councillor in a creditable and proper manner. I do
not, however, anticipate that this quiescence of opinion can long
continue ; nor is it well that it should long continue, for it is only from
the deliberations and discussions that will arise between men — reasonable
and reasoning men — it is only from the contact of mind with mind; that
truth will be elicited ; and although for a time error may prevail, yet I
have that confidence in the innate rectitude of mankind, that I cannot
but entertain the conviction that ultimately truth and justice will be
triumphant. I do not consider that this is the time for me to say how
I shall discharge the duties of this office; but this much I may say, that
while I will not depart from any of those opinions which I trust have
gained for me the position I now occupy, I will at all times extend to
every gentleman, both in this hall and throughout the community at
large, that evenhanded justice and courtesy which all are entitled to at
my hands. (Great applause.) And when the time shall come that I
have to retire to private life, I trust that it will be with the approbation
of yourselves, and that I shall be fully sustained by the consciousness of
having discharged the duties of the chair in a proper manner.
(Renewed applause.)
Mr Bogle expressed a hope, now that the suburban districts had
become connected with the city, that the result of their present pro
ceedings would be, that the gentlemen to be nominated would be those
best qualified, in respect of residence and otherwise, for their respective
duties. The Lord Provost said, the Council would be aware that the list of
gentlemen to be nominated as Bailies was made out by himself in
connection with others. That list he was quite prepared to submit to
the suffrages of the Council, and he should first read it at length, and
then nominate each of the gentlemen in succession. He proposed as
Magistrates — Bailie M'Kinlay, Bailie Stewart, Bailie Bryson, Mr.

ALEXANDER HASTIE, LORD PROV0STf 1846-48. 95
Liddell, Mr. Orr, Mr. Honeyman, Mr. Robert Smith, and Mr. Patrick
M'Naught. His "Lordship then put the names of these gentlemen to' the meeting,
and the whole were elected — the only objection to the list being a
suggestion by Mr. Leadbetter, that it ought to include a resident
magistrate for Calton and the eastern districts generally, which, however,
was overruled : and a proposal by Mr. Tennent, that Mr. Fleming should
be put upon the list, which was set aside by Mr. Fleming declaring his
unwillingness to be nominated.
The Lord Provost said the next officers to be elected were the
principal and deputy bailies for the river, and he proposed Mr. John
Robertson as principal, and Mr. R. Wylie as deputy.
The election of these gentlemen was carried by acclamation.
The Lord Provost then proposed Mr. William Bankier as Treasurer
to the Corporation.
Mr. M'Lean opposed this nomination, on the ground that whoever
might be appointed Treasurer would have to be in office for a period of
three years, and as Mr. Bankier's name was not at the top of the poll,
it would place him above the gentleman whose name was in that posi-'
tion. He proposed Mr. W. Campbell.
Mr. Campbell declined being nominated for the office.
Mr. Leadbetter said that the effect of Mr. Bankier's appointment
would be to lead to the retirement of Mr. M'Lean from the Council a
year sooner than was intended. He proposed Mr. M'Lean for the
.office. Mr. Tennent seconded the nomination of Mr. M'Lean.
The vote being taken there appeared for Mr. Bankier, 28 ; for Mr.
M'Lean, 13. Mr. Bankier was accordingly declared duly elected
Treasurer. The Council next proceeded to elect in succession representatives in
the management of the various public institutions. This having been
done, the Council then adjourned.

ALEXANDER HASTIE, LORD PROVOST, 1846-48.

List of the Names of the Members of the Tov/n Council during
Mr. Alexander Hastie's Provostship, 1846-48.
1846-47.

-J

Alexander Hastie, Lord Provost.
David Mackinlat, \
Robert Stewart, j
Robert Bryson, \
Andrew Liddell,
Andrew Orr,
John Honeyman,
Patrick M'Naught,
Robert Smith,
James Bogle, Dean of Guild.
John M'Callum, Deacon Convener.
William Rankin, Treasurer.
John Small, Master of Works.
John Robertson, Bailie of the River and
Firth of Clyde.
Robert Wylie, Depute Bailie of the River
and Firth of Clyde.
John Ure, Bailie of Provan.
James Reddie, LL.D. )
William Davie, I m ™ ,
Angus Turner, ( Tmm Clerhs-
Arthur Forbes, )
John Strang, City Chamberlain and
Superintendent of Works.
William Ferguson, Accountant.

WARD FIRST.

Alexander Kellar.
John Clark. Jun.
Duncan M'Phail.

WARD SECOND.

John Cassils.
George Mitchell.
The Lord Provost.

WARD THIRD.

John Fleming.
Peter M'Ara.
Hugh Tennent.

William Haig, Procurator Fiscal within
and over the whole Municipal Bound
aries.
John G. Houston, Procurator Fiscal im,
the Gorbals Police Court.
Charles R. Baird, Procurator Fiscal in
the Calton Police Court.
Robert Baird, Jun., Procurator Fiscal in
the Anderston Police Court.
George Young, Assessor in the Gorbals
Police Court.
John M. Hill, Assessor in the Calton
Police Court.
William Aitchison, Assessor in the Ander
ston Police Court.
T. P. Sharpe, Collector of Cess and Clerk
to Stent Masters.
John Meller, Collector of Poor Rates.
James Paterson, Inspector of Weights and

Alexander Watt, Warden of the High
Church Yard and Burying Ground.
Robert Leckte, Warden of St. David's
and Blackfriar's Burying Grounds.
James Brown, Council Officer.
Dugald M'Coll. Chamber Keeper.
WARD FOURTH.
George Ord.
Robert Smith, Bailie.
William Campbell.
WARD FIFTH.
Robert Bryson, Bailie,
Robert Fleming.
Caird Smith.
WARD SIXTH.
David M'Kjnlay, Bailie.
Andrew Orr, Bailie.
James Anderson.

¦ALEXANDER HASTIE, LORD PROVOST, 1S46-48.

97

WARD SEVENTH.

James Drummond.
James Lumsden.
John Stirling.

WARD EIGHTH

John Forrester.
John Leadbetter.
James Scott.

WARD NINTH.
John Small.
Wllliam M'Lean.
William Bankier. WARD TENTH.
Thomas Callender.
William Allan.
Robert Stewart, Bailie.
WARD ELEVENTH.
John Robertson.
James Playfair.
John M'DowalL.

WARD TWELFTH.
John Gilmour.
Alexander Brown.
Andrew Leddell, Bailie.
WARD THIRTEENTH.
Robert Wylie.
David Dreghorn.
David Chapman.
WARD FOURTEENTH.
Patrick M'Naught, Bailie.
Angus M'Alpine.
William Robertson.
WARD FIFTEENTH.
Archibald Edmiston.
John Mitchell.
William Dixon.
WARD SIXTEENTH.
Robert M'Gavin.
John Honeyman, Bailie.
William Brodie.

1847-4=8.

I

Bailies.

Alexander Hastie, Lord Provost.
Robert Stewart, \
Andrew Orr, I
John Honeyman, J
Robert Smith,
George Ord,
David Smith,
Alexander Brown,
John Gllmoue,
James Boyle, Dean of Guild.
John Stewart, Deacon Convener.
William Bankier, Treasurer.
John Small, Master of Works.
David Dreghorn, Bailie of the River and
Firth of Clyde.
Angus M'Alpine, Depute Bailie of the
River and Firth of Clyde.
John Ure, . Bailie of Provan.
James Reddie, LL.D., )
William Davie,. \Tmn Clerks.
Angus Turner, (
Arthur Foubes, )
7

John Strang, LL.D., Chamberlain and
Superintendent of Works.
William Ferguson, Accountant.
John G. Houstoun, Procurator Fiscal fm
the Southern district of the Municipal
ity.
Charles R. Baird, Procurator Fiscal for
the Eastern district ofthe Municipality.
Robert Baird, Jun., Procurator Fiscal for
the Western district of the Municipality.
William Aitchison, Assessor for the South
ern district of tlue^Municipality.
George Young, Assessor ad Interim, for
the Eastern district of the Municipality.
John M. Hill, Assessor for the Western
district of the Municipality.
T. P. Sharpe, Collector of Cess and Clerk
to Stent Masters.
Peter Johnston, Inspector ad Interim of
Weights and Measures for Southern
district.

ALEXANDER HASTIE, LORD PROVOST, 1846-48.

James Paterson, Inspector for the remain
ing parts of the City and Burgh,
Warden of the High Church Yard
and Burying Ground.
Robert Leckie, Warden of St. David's
and Blackfriar's Burying Grounds.

WARD FIRST.

John Clark.
Duncan M'Phail.
Alexander Kellar,

WARD SECOND.

George Mitchell.
The Lord Provost.
John Cassels.

WARD THIRD.

Peter M'Ara.
Hugh Tennent.
John Fleming.

WARD FOURTH.

R. Smith, Bailie.
William Campbell.
George Ord, Bailie.

WARD FIFTH.

Robert Fleming.
D. Smith, Bailie.
Robert Bryson.
WARD SIXTH.
Andrew Orr, Bailie.
James Anderson.
David M'Kinlay.
WARD SEVENTH.
James Lumsden.
John Stirling.
James Drummond. WARD EIGHTH.
John Leadbetter.
James Scott.
John Forrester.

John M'Cormick, Inspector for Eastern
district.
John M'Whirter, Procurator Fiscal ad
Interim within and over the whole
Municipal Boundaries.
James Brown, Council Officer.
Dugald M'Coll, Chamber Keeper.
WARD NINTH.
William M'Lean.
William Bankier.
John Small WARD TENTH.
William Allan.
Robert Stewart, Bailie,
Thomas Callender.
WARD ELEVENTH.
James PLAYfAiB.
John M'Dowall.
James Steel.
WARD TWELFTH.
Alexander Brown, Bailie,
Andrew Liddell.
John Gilmour, Bailie.
WARD THIRTEENTH.
David Dreghorn.
David Chapman.
John Aitken.
WARD FOURTEENTH.
Angus M'Alpine.
William Robertson.
Archibald M'Lellan.
WARD FIFTEENTH.
John Mitchill.
William Dixon.
Andrew Gemmell.
WARD SIXTEENTH
John Honeyman, Bailie.
William Brodie.
Thomas Pearson.

ALEXANDER HASTIE, LORD PROVOST, 1846-48. 99
A PEW OP THE EVENTS WHICH TOOK PLACE DURING THE TIME Me.
Alexander Hastie was Lord Provost, 1846-48.

6th February, 1847. — The Freedom of the City was presented to
Major General Fleming.
26th March, 1847.— The Magistrates and the Sheriff of the County
appointed W. H. Pearce, Chief Constable of the Glasgow Police. Mr.
Pearce accepted the appointment.
THE QUEEN'S VISIT TO GLASGOW.
16th August, 1847. — The Lord Provost, Magistrates and Councillors,
the Clyde Trustees and a large number of ladies and gentlemen
started in the Steam Ship Thetis from the Broomielaw, in the morning
to meet the Royal Squadron containing Queen Victoria and Prince
Albert who were to arrive at Dunbarton that day. Owing to foggy
weather the squadron was delayed and the party in the Thetis went on
to Lochryan where they met the squadron late in the afternoon. The
squadron cast anchor; the Lord Provost with several of the Magistrates in
a small boat then went along side the Royal Yacht, when the Lord Provost
was asked to come on board. He then received instructions to meet
Her Majesty at Dumbarton the following day, and the company in the
Thetis returned to Glasgow, on the way announcing at the different
ports that Her Majesty would arrive at Dumbarton the following
day at one o'clock. Notice to the same effect was sent to the Dumbarton
authorities, and Sir James Colquhoun, Lord Lieutenant of Dumbarton
shire. The company in the Thetis were all invited to return the following
morning and proceed to meet Her Majesty. On proceeding to Dumbarton
the Lord Provost, Bailie M'Kinlay, Bailie Stewart, and Mr. Forbes,
Town Clerk, went out in a small boat, when the authorities at
Dumbarton refused to allow them to land at the quay, on the grounds
that the Magistrates of Glasgow had no jurisdiction there. The Lord
Provost said he was there by command of Her Majesty, and that he
would land somewhere. His party got ashore at an old pier, and went
forward to the enclosure where Her Majesty was to land, but were
refused admission. Captain Mullen, who was in command of the

100 ALEXANDER HASTIE, LORD PROVOST, 1846-48.
enrolled pensioners who were to act as Her Majesty's body guard, came
forward and demanded admission for the Glasgow authorities, as they
were there by command of Her Majesty ;— consequently the com
mand was at once obeyed. On the arrival of Her Majesty and the
Prince they proceeded to the castle, where the Lord Provost was pre
sented to Her Majesty. His Lordship presented a loyal address to Her
Majesty in name of the citizens of Glasgow.
Riots of 1848. — The unemployed, headed by some would be orators,
held meetings on the Glasgow Green, on the 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th of
March. The unemployed had been supplied with meat and soup, and
work at stone breaking for those of them who were able to work. But
a rebellious spirit was roused within them by the leaders who harangued
at these meetings. The first outbreak took place on the Monday; after
they had attended a meeting in the Green a large number of them
pulled down the railing at Monteith Row, which they used in. breaking
into a number of ironmongers, gunsmiths, victuallers, and jewellers
shops throughout the town. Bailie Stewart, afterwards Lord Provost,
showed great courage in heading a body of Cavalry whom he brought
from the barracks ; and when the Riot Act had been read, the miscreants
were soon put to flight. Next day, however, the rioting was renewed,
and rumour was to the effect that public works, such as mills and the
Gas Works, were to be destroyed. Superintendent Pearce, who had
but lately been brought from Dublin, declined to face the mob; but his
assistant Captain Smart, at the head of a battalion of " Old Pensioners,"
and a body of Police, proceeded to the East End where the rioters had
rallied. Being pelted with missiles of various kinds, the Pensioners fired
upon the mob, and the consequence was that six persons, almost all inno
cent, lost their livesand others were severely wounded. Bailie Stewart was
the Senior Magistrate, and was acting as Chief Magistrate in absence of
Lord Provost Hastie who was in London attending to his Parliamentary
duties. Among others who specially distinguished themselves in putting
down the rioters were Sheriff Bell, and Bailie (afterwards Sir. Andrew)
Orr. So determined were the citizens to put an end to these lawless
proceedings that they flocked in thousands to be "sworn in" as special
constables, and no fewer than 10,000 were enrolled in the course of a
week. Thirty-five of the rioters were convicted and received sentences
varying from 18 years' transportation to 2 years' imprisonment, and

ALEXANDER HASTIE, LORD PROVOST, 1846-48. 101
considerable numbers tried by the Magistrates got short terms of im
prisonment. The Magistrates took into consideration the conduct of
Mr. Pearce, and asked him to resign, which he did. The citizens were
assessed for the damage done by the rioters which in value amounted to
nearly £8,000.
THE NEW ACT.
Under the Municipal Extension Act of 1846, the Lord Provost is
Chairman of the Board of Police. The Magistrates, the Dean of Guild
and Deacon Convener are members ex officio, and one member from each
ward, with two additional appointed by the Council constitute the
Board. The Clyde Navigation Trustees consist of the Lord Provost
as chairman, the Bailies, the Dean of Guild, the Deacon Convener, and
one member from each of the sixteen wards of the City, along with the
Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, three members appointed by
the Merchants House and two by the Trades House. The Act abolished
the burgh jurisdiction of Gorbals, Calton and Anderston, annexing these
and other suburbs to the Municipality of Glasgow, and providing that
the council should consist of 50 members.
The Bridge Trustees consist of the Members of the Town Council,
eight gentlemen appointed by the Commissioners of Supply of Renfrew
shire and two by the Commissioners of Supply of the County of Ayr.
Durin« Mr. Hastie's term of office a question arose as to the respect
ive claims of the Lord Provost or the Sheriff of the County to precedence
in the processions of the Circuit Lords to the Court House at the open
ing of the Assises. Previous to this the Sheriff had occupied the
carriage which immediately followed that of the Lords, and this being
questioned the matter was referred to the Town Clerk, Mr. Reddie,
when that gentleman pronounced in favour of the Lord Provost. To
this decision the Sheriff, Sir Archd. Alison, at once acceded. It was
stated in the Council that this graceful act was only in keeping with the
Sheriff's usual conduct towards the Council.

102 ALEXANDER HASTIE, LORD PROVOST, 1846-48.
THE HON. THE LORD PROVOST,
1 8 4 6- 4= 8.

Mr. Hastie's father, who is said to have been a man of singular
intelligence and enterprise, was the founder of the well-known Mercan
tile House of Robert Hastie & Co. His son Alexander, the future
Lord Provost and M.P., was born in Glasgow, in 1805. At an early
age he proceeded to Canada and was there put into business, where of
necessity he was much left to himself ; and there, in the school of self-
reliance, he nurtured those qualities which were to fit him for more
responsible positions. Meanwhile the business at home was growing
rapidly, and as his assistance in it became indispensable, he was, after
about two year's absence, recalled from the colony just a month or two
before his father's death. This event left him head of the firm, and in
full charge of the home department of a prosperous trade. Tears of
active labour followed, in which little was heard of him, but in which
he was, not only steadily building up a fortune, but making for him
self an enduring name as an unblamable example of the commercial
virtues. Eight years after the commencement of his business career he
began to come into notice, and in two years more vi:'. 1838 he entered
the Town Council. After serving for eight years, during one of which
he was a Bailie of the Burgh, he in 1846 was elected to the Provost
ship, and for two years discharged the onerous duties that devolved on
him with great judgment, prudence and success. He possessed in an
eminent degree the more solid qualities which fitted him for doing good
service to the public — integrity, knowledge of business, industry and
punctuality. His personal appearance was greatly in his favour. He
was tall, well formed, massive, and without any trace of vanity or self-
importance. In the elections of 1848 he came forward as a candidate for the Par
liamentary representation of the city. He was one of four, and when
the state of the poll was declared the results were : —
Mr. Macgregor  2193
Lord Provost Hastie  2081
Mr. Dixon  .-  1814
Mr. Dennistoun ... ... . . ... ... ... 1745

ALEXANDER HASTIE, LORD PROVOST, 1846-48. 103
The results were more favourable than Mr. Hastie had anticipated as
his significant words after the figures had been announced indicate —
The Lord Provost then rose and said, — Gentlemen, the sun shines
upon us. Two days ago when I stood upon this spot at the bar of
public opinion, that opinion was against me, but now it is proven to be
in my favour. But how was that appearance of adverse opinion ob
tained 1 Mr. Dixon employs 6000 men, and I honour him as having
developed the resources of this country ; but when he takes his work
men out of their legitimate sphere for a purpose, I do not honour
him as an exponent of public opinion. (Loud cheering.) Had the
public opinion been consulted, he would have been returned a member
for Glasgow. (Applause.) He, Mr. Hastie, was not an expediency
man. He would form his opinions upon a solid basis, and then they
would accordingly be acted upon. It had been said that a member of
parliament should attach himself to no party, but he was determined to
join himself to that party which would give the greatest amount of
benefit to the people. He did not profess to have those splendid
abilities which would fit him to become a leader in parliament, but he
had activity and health, and he meant to devote them and all his
energies to their service. Let all men, whether in church or state,
unite for the accomplishment of those great measures which would
tend to the good of the country, and Britain would continue to be what
she has been, the greatest nation of the earth. (Loud cheers.)
Mr. Hastie was the first Dissenter, or voluntary Churchman, that
ever sat for the city in the House of Commons. His avowed reason
for allowing himself to be put in nomination as a candidate for the re
presentation was a desire to break down the " clique " influence which
had hitherto managed elections, but however much this element might
enter into the contest it was the predominance of dissent that placed
him in power. The old enmity against Dissenters had given place to
more liberal views, and principles once repudiated were now in favour.
This change was no doubt facilitated by the Disruption of the Church
of Scotland, but dissent had of itself been growing and wealth increasing
among its members. Conscious of their strength they only waited an
opportunity to prove it, and this opportunity they found in the return
of Mr. Hastie. So thorough was his voluntaryism that it led him to
oppose all grants of public money, not only to religion, but to education

104 ALEXANDER HASTIE, LORD PROVOST, 1846-48.
except in so far as it was strictly secular. Such extreme views
alienated from him even many of his dissenting brethren. He retained
his seat till 1857, when he again sought election, but was opposed by
Mr. Robert Dalglish. This gentleman had never taken any active part
in the management of city affairs, but he was then, as he was to his cost
afterwards, noted for his lavish hospitality, and this brought with him
to the platform, a large and influential number of the wealthier class of
merchants. He was also opposed to all grants for religious purposes, ,
and being an ultra liberal in his sentiments, it was soon found that Mr.
Hastie had a formidable opponent. At the close of the poll the vote
stood : —
Buchanan  7069
Dalglish  6764
Hastie  5044
One of the charges brought against Mr. Hastie was, that he was
absent from a number of the divisions that bad taken place in the House ;
but he afterwards affirmed that, in the busiest time of his life as a
merchant, he did not work so hard as he did as a legislator. Besides
watching the progress of the general business of the House, and
attending to the varied interests of a large constituency, he served in
committees, the work of which requires much patient consideration, and
through the entire session, with the exception of the holidays, he had
scarcely a vacant hour. Those who wished to see him were sure to find
him at the post of duty.
The exhausting work of these laborious sessions was believed to have
shortened his life. Rather a worker than a speaker, he seldom
addressed the House ; but one who sat with him in Parliament and knew
him intimately says that when he did speak " he was listened to with
attention. " Although identified with the Liberal Party he slavishly
followed no lead in politics, but exercised an independent judgment in
the disposal of his votes. That he was not the less respected on that
account, may be inferred from the fact that even after he had ceased to
be a member of the House of Commons he was honoured by the
Government with an appointment in the " Universities Commission."
Mr. Hastie submitted to his defeat with undisturbed equanimity,
and in a speech he delivered at the close of the contest he said " Every
man in fighting a battle wishes to win, and I do not mean to say that I

ALEXANDER HASTIE, LORD PROVOST, 1846-48. 105
did not wish to win — I did, and I expected to win. But I can retire,
I think, among my friends without the least regret at having lost the
fight." Mr. Hastie was a member, and long a manager in the United Pres
byterian Church, East Campbell Street, while it was under the pas
torate of the Rev. William (now Dr.) Ramage, and removed with the
congregation to their new church in Berkeley Street, where he contin
ued to worship until he left the city. In 1863 he purchased for, it
was said,, the large sum of £72,000, the fine estate of Carnock, near
Dunfermline. It was not destined that he should enjoy it ; for death
overtook him within little more than a day after he had taken, along
with his family, formal possession of the mansion house of the estate
During the day previous to his decease he had driven through the
village of Carnock and visited several of his tenant farmers. On re
turning home to Luscar House he seemed slightly unwell. A doctor
was sent for immediately, but before his arrival Mr. Hastie had sunk
into a semi-unconscious state, in which he lingered for about twelve
hours, when he ceased to live.
In every relation of life Mr. Hastie was true, amiable, useful,
liberal-minded and liberal-handed, and in his personal character irre
proachable. At his decease he was about 60 years of age. Rather
late in life, he married a daughter of the late Robert Napier of Shandon,
the famed engineer and shipbuilder. This lady with their family of
two daughters, were left behind him. Mr. Hastie's remains were
interred in Carnock churchyard, in a vault belonging to his estate.
An eloquent sermon preached immediately after Mr. Hastie's death
in Berkeley Street Church, by the pastor, the Rev. Dr. Ramage, con
cluded as follows : —
"The features of his (Mr. Hastie's) character may be summed up in
a sentence ; sagacious and prudent, honourable and upright, sincere and
constant, thoughtful and sparing of words, — he feared God and eschewed
evil. I do not present him to you as a perfect example, for there is
but one whom it is safe in all things to follow. A perfect character is
many sided ; and if we turn any man round and view him in all lights
we shall easily discern defects, perhaps serious faults. Impaired latterly
as his mind was it still inclined to good, like the quivering needle which
turns ever to the pole, though the oscillation of the vessel prevents it

1C6 ALEXANDER HASTIE, LORD PROVOST, 1846-48.
from fixing steadily on the centre of attraction. His last gift to her who
mourns his loss was a Bible for family use in their new home.
"Life's fitful fever o'er he sleeps well,"
in the unbroken stillness of a spot sweetly rural, far from the din of
cities, and shaded by the ivied ruins of an old sanctuary, in which, for
many generations, the gospel of Him who is the resurrection and the
life, was preached to sinners, and especially dear to us as the scene of
Gillespie's labours, the father and founder of the Relief Church, — a
singular coincidence, by which a worthy son of the church, who carried
up its principles to one of the highest pinnacles of earthly destinction
returned to lay his honours down, where he who bore the reproach of
them first lifted his testimony.''
In 1847 Mr. Charles Dickens came to Glasgow and presided at the
first Soiree of the Glasgow Athenseum, held in the City Hall, and gave a
very interesting address. Mr. Hastie was one of the speakers, and in a
very attractive speech, made reference to the state of Glasgow,
the necessity for such an Institution, and the success which had
attended it. Among the other speakers on that occasion were James
Ewing of Strathleven; Professor W. E. Aytoun; Adam Black, Esq.;
George Combe and others.

SIR JAMES ANDERSON, LORD PROVOST, 1848-51. 107
MEETING OF TOWN COUNCIL.
NOVEMBER, 1846.

ELECTION OF COUNCILLORS.

The election of members to fill the ordinary and incidental vacancies
in the Council, took place on Tuesday, 7th November, 1848. The
vacant seats in the sixteen wards amounted to 19, and of these 12 were
filled up by re-election, and 7 by the appointment of new members.
Throughout the day apathy and indifference seemed the rule, and the
"Free Municipal Institutions'' regarding which there had been so much
clamour a few years before, were sadly at a discount. So much was
this the case that it was said, if any one had proposed the repeal of the
Burgh Reform Bill, few would have taken the trouble to oppose him.
In only four of the wards was there anything like a contest, and even
in these a large number of the electors of the more important class did
not come to the poll at all. The conservative party were especially
displeased with the results, and spoke and wrote in a strain which
betrayed their fears, that this great city was about to fall into the hands
of the spoiler. There had been chartism at home and political convulsion
abroad, and now the abettors of anarchy were about to appear in the
Council Chamber of Glasgow itself. A writer of the period says: — "It
does sound strange that the Lord Provost, the representative of the city,
should have been placed at the bottom of the poll, and Mr. Moir, who
is principally known as having been a delegate to a chartist convention
in London, and chartist spouter at home, should ha-«e been placed at the
head of it. In byegone times it was the pride of the city that its
Council contained the first-class of its merchants and manufacturers, but
should this election, in some of its parts, be taken as an indication of
others to come, we are afraid this proud boast is about to pass away.
Still we trust that a little municipal training will moderate the

10.8 SIR JAMES ANDERSON, LORD PROVOST, 1848-51.
democratic enthusiasm which has hitherto principally expended itself on
public orations, and that it will work calmly and cordially for the
public good."
It is pleasing to know that the fervent "trust" expressed in the above
passage was happily realised; as these terrible fire-brands ultimately
became most loyal subjects, and as Councillors and Magistrates, "a
terror to evil-doers and a praise and protection to those that did well."
The first statutory meeting of the members of the Town Council, as
filled up on Tuesday was held in the Council Chamber, on the
Friday following. The new Municipal Act providing that the Lord
Provost and Magistrates hold office until the appointment of their
successors; the Hon. Alexander Hastie, M.P., Lord Provost, occupied
the chair. Only three members of the Council were absent.
The Rev. Dr. Napier of Blackfriars having opened the proceedings
with prayer,
Mr. Forbes read the oaths against bribery, and the standing orders of
the Council, after which Lord Provost Hastie said that the first business
of the Council was the election of the Lord Provost.
Bailie Stewart, as senior Magistrate in office, proposed Mr. Anderson.
He said — My Lord Provost, the first duty which we have this day to
perform is the appointment of a successor to the office which your
Lordship has so well and ably filled, and with so much satisfaction to
the public, and when I name Mr. James Anderson as the gentleman
whom I mean to propose, I am quite sure it will give general satisfaction.
Mr. Anderson has long taken a prominent lead in public affairs, and has
been a member of this Council for seven years, during which time he
has filled all the offices connected with the Magistracy. For two
years previous to your Lordship's elevation to the Chair, he occupied the
office of Senior Magistrate, and was thought of by many to fill the
Chair at that time, but he at once yielded to your superior claims and
longer services in this Council, and he therefore most naturally falls to
be now elected — more especially when we consider the manner in
which he discharged the various duties that devolved upon him-
since he became a member of Council. Every one who knows him is
aware how high his moral character stands, and which, I think ought,
at all times, to be kept in view, when electing public men to offices of
honour and responsibility.

SIR JAMES ANDERSON, LORD PROVOST, 1848-51. 109
Bailie Orr, in seconding the motion of Bailie Stewart, said that he
might be permitted to add to what had been said, that Mr. Anderson
had been so long and so intimately connected with Council matters,
having for a considerable period taken a deep interest in, and recently
the principal charge of, the affairs of the River and Harbour Trust ;
having taken also a great interest in the promotion of the present
Municipal Bill, in regard to which in fact, he was the prime mover, he
knew every clause, and was cognisant of every provision it contained ;
and now that it might be said that the Police department formed one of
the most important parts of the Council business, he knew no one who,
if he were placed in the chair, would be more able to discharge its duties,
no one able to support it with more dignity, or more likely to promote
the interests ¦ of the community by his abilities and wisdom in business,
and his standing in society.
The Lord Provost then put the question; which was carried by
acclamation. Mr. Hastie said it afforded him great pleasure, in the discharge of
his duty, now to declare Mr. James Anderson to be the duly elected
Lord Provost of the City of Glasgow for the next three years. He
continued — Gentlemen, as instructed by your legal advisers that my
duties this day are more of an executive than of a deliberative character,
I have been denied the satisfaction of doing what has been so well done
by Bailie Stewart, viz. proposing Mr. Anderson as my successor to the
Chair; but the act under which this body is now constituted gives me
the privilege, and I esteem it a very great privilege, of presiding on this
occasion, of expressing my complete concurrence in your choice and of
encircling Mr. Anderson with the badge of office. (Applause.) The
office, gentlemen, is one of the most influential and important kind, and
will, I trust, be at all times filled by gentlemen irreproachable alike in
their public and private character. Gentlemen, we are not now as we
were some years ago, involved in disputes and contests with other
localities, and as a public body standing in antagonism to others — all are
now united under one great municipality, free from that evil which
disjointed management frequently begets. At the same time we cannot
but remember that we are relieved from what very often proved salutary
checks, the one upon the other. These checks you are now deprived of,
and it therefore now becomes more than ever necessary that the members

110 SIR JAMES ANDERSON, LORD PROVOST, 1848-51.
of this Council should stand on high ground, free from every stain — men
not only without reproach, but above the suspicion of reproach. I beg
to bear my humble testimony to Mr. James Anderson. (Applause.)
Mr. Anderson having been Invested with the insignia of office, the
usual oaths were administered to him by Mr. Hastie, and he took his
seat amidst great applause.
Mr. Anderson then rose and said — Gentlemen, I have to return you
my sincere thanks for the high honour you have now conferred upon me.
I assure you it is no mean distinction to be called upon to occupy the
situation of the Chief Magistrate of this great city, and the cordial and
kind manner in which it has been bestowed on the present occasion
greatly enhances the value of the compliment. I assure you I feel
deeply the responsibility which attaches to the office, and have many
misgivings as to my ability rightly to discharge its varied and important
duties. I must say that I consider my difficulties are increased in that
respect by the very flattering terms in which my name has this day
been proposed, for I fear I have got a character to-day that I am little
able to support. It is to be hoped, however, that the experience
acquired while occupying several very important offices connected with
the corporation may enable me, in some measure, to discharge the
duties with some degree of propriety. It shall be, I assure you,
my earnest endeavour to act in the Council, and out of it, in such a way
as to merit your confidence and the confidence of the community.
(Applause.) There appears, gentlemen, to prevail at present an opinion
that the citizens have ceased to take an interest in Municipal affairs,
and are indifferent as to who should be the occupants of civic offices.
Now, I am unwilling to believe that this is the case. I cannot believe
that the benefits conferred by the Burgh Reform Bill are so lightly
valued. If for a time, in the absence of political and party excitement,
and also in a time of commercial depression, there may be a want of
becoming attention to Municipal affairs — that is a state of things which
I cannot for a moment suppose will continue, as at no time in the
history of our city was it more necessary that we should have an intelli
gent and efficient Magistracy and Council, and that our various and
important public Trusts should be under the guidance of men of probity
and good sense ; and gentlemen, when I look around upon this Council
and see so many intelligent, enlightened, and excellent men willing tc

SIR JAMES ANDERSON, LORD PROVOST, 1848-51. Ill
devote their time to the public service, I may be permitted to express
my confident belief that the affairs of the Municipality will be conduct
ed with judgement and discretion, and that the influence for good which
has hitherto been exercised over the affairs of the community will not
only be maintained but increased and extended. Gentlemen, I beg
leave again to thank you for the high honour you have conferred upon
me. (Applause.)
The Lord Provost said the next duty they had to perform was the
election of six Bailies to fill the vacancies caused by gentlemen who had
to retire by rotation from the Council, and in place of Bailie Ord who
had resigned. It was common for the person called upon to fill this
chair to propose a list of gentlemen to fill the vacant offices in the
Magistracy. He would first read the list over, and then propose the
gentlemen separately, when any other might be proposed in opposition
to any of them. He was glad to say the list included some gentlemen
who had already filled the magisterial chair with much acceptance and
usefulness. The names he had to propose were Bailie Orr, Bailie
Brown, Bailie Gilmour, Mr. Playfair and Mr. Callender.
These names were all put separately, were seconded, and carried
without a dissenting voice.
The Lord Provost then proposed Mr. M'Dowall as Bailie of the
River and Firth of Clyde, and Mr. Pearson as depute Bailie, which was
unanimously agreed to.
The oath of fidelity having been administered to the newly elected
Magistrates, they were severally invested by the Lord Provost with the
chain and insignia of office, and took their seats around his Lordship.
At this stage of the proceedings Mr. James Moir made his first
speech in the Council, and the perusal of it will show that it was not
calculated to allay the fears of those who considered that his presence in
the Council would be the end of all dignity and decorum.
At the election of the Police Committee, after a list of names had been
proposed by the Lord Provost,
Mr. Moir objected to the mode of election proposed by his Lordship,
as it put members of Council in a very awkward position, who might
have others to propose whom they considered better qualified for the
office. In proposing the whole committee it had the appearance to the
uninitiated out of doors (without any disrespect to his Lordship), as if

112 SIR JAMES ANDERSON, LORD PROVOST, 1846-48,
his Lordship carried the aggregate wisdom of the Council in his own
head. He thought it might be left to the members of Council to por-
pose the gentlemen they thought fit.
Mr. George Mitchell proposed Mr. Moir as a member of committee.
Mr. Gilmour seconded the motion, and requested that Mr. Moir's
name be placed instead of his, as he declined being a member of com
mittee. His Lordship said that as Mr. Moir had been proposed and seconded,
and Mr. Gilmour had withdrawn his name, he (the Lord Provost) had
no objections to the alteration. He ought to observe, however, in
reference to what had fallen from Mr. Moir, that his proposing a list
was merely a matter of convenience to facilitate the business, and as he
had mentioned at the commencement, did not preclude any gentleman
from bringing forward any other candidate.
Mr. Moir was then chosen instead of Mr. Gilmour.

SIR JAMES ANDERSON, LORD PROVOST, 1848-5],

113

List of the Names of the Members of the Town Council during-
Mr. Anderson's Provostship, 1848-51.

1848-49.

vrd I
I

James Anderson, Lord Provost.
Robert Stewart,
David Smith,
Andrew Orr,
Alexander Brown,
John Gilmour,
David Dreghorn,
James Playfair,
Thomas Callender, .
Andrew Galbraith, Dean of Guild.
John Stewart, Deacon Convener.
WrLLiAM Bankier, Treasurer.
John Small, Master of Works.
John M'Dowall, Bailie of the River and
Firth of Clyde.
Thomas Pearson, Depute Bailie of the
River and Firth of Clyde.
James Turner, Bailie of Provan.
James Reddie, LL.D., *
William Davie,
Angus Turner,
Arthur Forbes,

• Town Clerks.

John Strang, LL.D., Chamberlain and
Superintendent of Works.
William Ferguson, Accountant.
John Burnet, Procurator Fiscal,
George Young & John M. Hill, Assessors
inthe Police Courts within the Southern,
Eastern and Western districts.
T. P. Sharpe, Collector of Cess and Clerk
to Stent Masters.
James Carse Sharpe, Assistant Clerk.
Peter Johnston, Inspector of Weights and
Measures for Southern district.
John M'Cormick, Inspector of Weights and
Measures for Eastern district.
James Paterson, Inspector of Weights and
Measures for Central and Western

James Brown, Council Officer.
Dugald M'Coll, Chamber Keeper.

1848-49.

WARD FIRST.

Alexander Kellae.
William Cochran.
John Anderson.

WARD SECOND.

George Mitchell.
David Gilmour.
James Mom-.

WARD THIRD.

Hugh Tennent.
John Fleming.
Peter M'Ara.

8

WARD FOURTH.

WnLiAM Campbell.
George Ord.
Alexander Harvey.

WARD FIFTH.

David Smith, Bailie.
Robert Bryson.
John Bain.

WARD SIXTH.

David Mackinlay.
Andrew Orr, Bailie.
The Lord Provost.

114

SIR JAMES ANDERSON, LORD PROVOST, 1848-51.
WARD TWELFTH.

WARD SEVENTH.

Peter Hamilton.
James Drummond.
James Lumsden.

WARD EIGHTH.

James Scott.
John Forrester.
John Young, Jun,

WARD NINTH.
William Bankier.
John Small.
William M'Lean.
WARD TENTH.
Thomas Callender, Bailie.
Robert Stewart, Bailie.
William Allan.
WARD ELEVENTH.
John M'Dowall.
James Steel.
James Playfair, Bailie.

Andrew Liddell.
John Gilmour, Bailie.
Alexander Brown, Bailie.
WARD THIRTEENTH.
David Chapman.
John Aitken.
David Dreghorn, Bailie.
WARD FOURTEENTH.
William Robertson.
Archibald M'Lellan.
Angus M'Alpine.
WARD FIFTEENTH.
Andrew Gemmill.
Peter Johnston.
John Mitchell. WARD SIXTEENTH.
William Brodie.
Thomas Pearson.
Robert M'Gavin.

1849-50.

fDERSON, .
ROWN, j
ft, I
ORN, V.
Playfair, /
Smith, 1
1 Bryson, I
1'DOWALL, /

Sir James Anderson, Lord Provost.
Andrew Orr,
Alexander Brown,
John Gdlmour.
David Dreghorn.
James Playfair, / Bailies,
¦ David Smith
Robert John M'
Andrew Galbraith, Dean of Guild.
William York, Deacon Convener.
William Bankier, Treasurer.
John Small, Master of Works.
Thomas Pearson, Bailie of the River and
Firth of Clyde.
Alexander Harvey, Depute Bailie of the
River and Firth of Clyde.
James Turner, Bailie of Provan.
James Reddie, LL.D., \
William Davie, \ Tovm Clerks.
Angus Turnee, (
Arthur Forbes, )

John Strang, LL.D., Chamberlain and
Superintendent of Works.
William Ferguson, Accountant.
John Burnet, Procurator Fiscal.
George Young & John M. Hill, Assessors
inthePolice Courts within the Southern,
Eastern and Western Districts.
T. P. Sharpe, j Joint Collectors of Cess and
J. C. Sharpe, \ Clerks to the Stent Master.
Thomas Bishop, Inspector of Weights and
Measures for Southern District-
Son's M'Cormick, Inspector of Weights and
Measures for Eastern District.
James Paterson, Inspector of Weights and
Measures for Central and Western
Districts.
William Patrick, Church Yard Warden,
James Brown, Council Officer.
Dugald M'Coll, Chamber Keeper.

SIR. JAMES ANDERSON, LORD PROVOST, 1848-51.

115

1849-50.

WARD FIRST.

William Cochran.
Andrew Paterson.
Alexander Kellar.

WARD SECOND.

David Gilmour.
James Moir.
George Mitchell.

WARD THIRD.

John Fleming.
Peter M'Ara.
William Gilmour.

WARD FOURTH.
George Ord.
Alexander Harvey.
William Campbell. WARD FIFTH.
Robert Bryson, Bailie.
John Bain.
David Smith, Bailie.
WARD SIXTH.
Andrew Orr, Bailie.
The Lord Provost.
David M'Kinlay.
WARD SEVENTH.
James Drummond.
James Lumsden.
Peter Hamilton. WARD EIGHTH.
John Forrester.
William West Watson.
James Scott.

WARD NINTH.

John Small.
William M'Lean.
William Bankier.
WARD TENTH.
William Allan.
William P. Paton.
Robert Stewart.
WARD ELEVENTH.
James Steel.
James Playfair, Bailie.
John MTJowall, Bailie.
WARD. TWELFTH.
John Gilmour, Bailie.
Alexander Brown, Bailie.
Andrew Liddell.
WARD THIRTEENTH.
John Aitken.
David Dreghorn, Bailie.
James W. M'Gregor.
WARD FOURTEENTH.
Archibald M'Lellan.
ANnus M'Alpin.
James Bogle.
WARD FIFTEENTH.
John Mitchell.
James Gourlay.
Andrew Gemmill.
WARD SIXTEENTH.
Thomas Pearson.
Robert M'Gavin.
Thomas Brownl-e.

116

SIB JAMES ANDERSON, LORD PROVOST, 1848-51

1850-51.

Sir James Anderson, Lord Provost.
David Dreghorn,
James Playfair,
John M'Dowall,
James Bogle, r Bailies.
James Scott,
William Patrick Paton,
William West Watson,
James Gourlay,
William Connal, Dean of Guild.
William York, Deacon Convener.
William Bankier, Treasurer.
John Small, Master of Works.
Alexander Harvey, Bailie of the River
and Firth of Clyde.
William Gilmour, Depute Bailie of the
River and Firth of Clyde.
James Turner, Bailie of Provan.
James Reddie, LL.D., \
William Davie, I T a fc
Angus Turner, £
Arthur Forbes, ;

John Strang, LL,D., Chamberlain and
Superintendent of Works.
Daniel M'Callum, Accountant.
John Burnet, Procurator Fiscal.
George Young, & John M. Hill, Assessors
in the Police Courts within the Southern,
Eastern, and Western Districts.
T. P. Sharpe, ) Joint Collectors of Cess and
J. C. Sharpe, ( Clerks to the Stent Master
Thomas Bishop, Inspector of Weights and
Measures for Southern District
John M'Cormick, Inspector of Weights
and Measures for Eastern District
James Paterson, Inspector of Weights and
Measures for the Central and Western
Districts
William Patrick, Church Yard Warden
James Brown, Council Officer
Dugald M'Coll, Chamber Keeper

1850-51

WARD FIRST.

Andrew Paterson
Alexander Kellar
William Cochran

WARD SECOND.

James Moir
George Mitchell
James Black

WARD THIRD.

Peter M'Ara
William Gilmour
John Fleming

WARD FOURTH.

Alexander Harvey
William Campbell
Robert Webster

WARD FIFTH.

John Bain
Robert Galt
John Stewart

WARD SIXTH.

The Lord Provost
David Macktnlay
Andrew Orr

WARD SEVENTH.

James Lumsden
Peter Hamilton
James Drummond

WARD EIGHTH.

William West Watson,
James Scott, Bailie
John Forrester

SIR JAMES ANDERSON,
WARD NINTH.
William M'Lean
William Bankier
John Small WARD TENTH.
William Patrick Paton, Bailie
Robert Stewart
Charles Thomas
WARD ELEVENTH.
J ames -Playfair, Bailie
John M'Dowall, Bailie
Jambs Steel
WARD TWELFTH.
Andrew Liddell
William Murray
William Whyte

LORD PROVOST, 1848-51. 117
WARD THIRTEENTH.
David Dreghorn, Bailie
James W. M'Gregor
John Aitken
WARD FOURTEENTH.
Angus M'Alpine
James Bogle, Bailie
Archibald M'Lellan
WARD FIFTEENTH.
James Gourlay, Bailie
Andrew Gemmill
John Mitchell
WARD SIXTEENTH.
Robert M'Gavin
Thomas Brownhe
Thomas Pearson

Events that occurred during Sir James Anderson's Provostship: —
16th Dec., 1848. — James Smart was appointed Superintendent of
Police for Glasgow.
17th Feb., 1849. — Alarm of fire, falsely raised, in the Theatre Royal,
Dunlop Street. A panic ensued when no fewer than sixty-five persons,
mostly young men, were suffocated or crushed to death while attempting
to escape by the gallery staircase.
22nd March, 1849. — The Hon. T. B. Macaulay was installed Lord Rector
of Glasgow University, and on that occasion he gave a notable address, a
portion of which may here be given. Having glanced at the history of
the country and the University prior to the battle of Culloden, he
said : — " Our civil and religious liberties had indeed been bought with a
fearful price. But they had been bought. The price had been paid.
The last battle had been fought on British ground. The last black
scaffold had been set up on Tower Hill. The evil#days were over. A
bright and tranquil century — a century of religious toleration, of
domestic peace, of temperate freedom, of equal justice — was beginning.
That century is now closing. When we compare it with any equally
long period in the history of any other great society, we shall find
abundant cause for thankfulness to the Giver of all good ; nor is there

118 SIR JAMES ANDERSON, LORD PROVOST, 1848-51.
any place in the whole kingdom better fitted to excite this feeling than
the place where we are now assembled. For in the whole kingdom we
shall find no district in which the progress of trade, of manufactures,
of wealth, and of the arts of life, has been more rapid than in Clydesdale.
Your University has partaken largely of the prosperity of this city and
of the surrounding region. The security, the tranquillity, the liberty.
which have been propitious to the industry of the merchant and of the
manufacturer, have been also propitious to the industry of the scholar,
To the last century belong most of the names of which you justly boast-
The time would fail me if I attempted to do justice to the memory of all
the illustrious men who, during that period, taught or learned wisdom
within these ancient walls — geometricians, anatomists, jurists, philologists,
metaphysicians, poets — Simpson and Hunter, Miller and Young, Reid
and Stewart ; Campbell — (cheers) — whose coffin was lately borne to a
grave in the renowned transept which contains the dust of Chaucer, of
Spencer, and of Dryden ; Black, whose discoveries form an era in the
history of chemical science ; Adam Smith, the greatest of all the masters
of political science ; James Watt, who perhaps did more than any single
man has done, since the New Atlantes of Bacon was written, to
accomplish that glorious prophecy. We now speak the language of
humility when we say that the University of Glasgow need not fear a
comparison with the University of Bologna. Another secular period is
now about to commence. There is no lack of alarmists, who will tell
you that it is about to commence under evil auspices. But from me
you must expect no such gloomy prognostications. I am too much used
to them to be scared by them. Ever since I began to make observations
on the state of my country, I have seen nothing but growth, and I have
been hearing of nothing but decay. The more I contemplate our noble
Institutions, the more convinced I am that they are sound at heart, that
they have nothing of age but its dignity, and that their strength is still
the strength of youth. The hurricane which has recently overthrown so
much that was great and that seemed durable has only proved their
solidity. They still stand, august and immovable, while dynasties and
churches are lying in heaps of ruin all around us. I see no reason to
doubt that, by the blessing of God on a wise and temperate policy, on
a policy of which the principle is to preserve what is good by reforming
in time what is evil, our civil institutions may be preserved unimpaired

SIR JAMES ANDERSON, LORD PROVOST, 1848-51. 119
to a late posterity, and that, under the shade of our civil institutions,
our academical institutions may long continue to flourish. When a
hundred years more have run out, this ancient College will still continue
to deserve well of our country and of mankind. I trust that the
installation of 1949 will be attended by a still greater assembly of
students than I have the happiness to see before me. The assemblage
indeed may not meet in the place where we have met. These venerable
halls may have disappeared. My successor may speak to your successors
in a more stately edifice, in an edifice which, even among the magnificent
buildings of the future Glasgow, will still be admired as a fine specimen
of the architecture which flourished in the days of the good Queen
Victoria. (Cheers.) But though the site and the walls may be new,
the spirit of the institution will, I hope, be still the same. My successor
will, I hope, be able to boast that the fifth century of the University has
been even more glorious than the fourth. He will be able to vindicate
the boast of citing a long list of eminent men, great masters of
experimental science, of ancient learning, of our native eloquence,
ornaments of the senate, the pulpit, and the bar. He will, I hope,
mention with high honour some of my young friends who now hear me ;
and he will, I also hope, be able to add that their talents and learning
were not wasted on selfish or ignoble objects, but were employed to
promote the physical and moral good of their species, to extend the
empire of men over the material world, to defend the cause of civil and
religious liberty against tyrants and bigots, and to defend the cause of
virtue and order against the enemies of all divine and human laws."
2Srd March, 1849. — The freedom of the city was presented to
Mr. Macaulay. This interesting ceremony also took place in the City
Hall, in the presence of nearly 3,000 ladies and gentleman belonging to
Glasgow and neighbourhood. Spacious though the Hall may be, it could
not contain the half of those who earnestly desired to attend. From the
many hundreds of ladies present, the scene was altogether a very brilliant
and lightsome one.
A spacious platform was erected at the south side of the hall, on
which the Lord Provost, Magistrates, and Councillors, along with Mr.
Macaulay, were accommodated. Lord Belhaven, Mr. Sheriff Alison
(the historian of Europe), several of the Professors in the College, the
teachers inthe High School, and City officials, were also present.

120 SIR JAMES ANDERSON, LORD PROVOST, 1848-51.
The Lord Provost, with Mr. Macaulay, entered the hall precisely at
12 o'clock.
The Lord Provost, in the course of a very neat and appropriate
address, said : — " Were it necessary, I might with perfect confidence
appeal to the multitude of my fellow-citizens now assembled, that in this
instance, at least, we have given a faithful interpretation of the wishes
of our constituents. In adverting to some of those services which have
entitled you to the gratitude of this community, I might very properly
notice the share which you, in connection with other distinguished
statesmen, took in originating and carrying out those great constitutional
changes which extended our political privileges, and which in particular
affected so beneficially the municipal corporations of Scotland, causing
them— as they now do — more surely to represent the opinion and
sentiments of the people ; for I feel that, as a Town Council, we do but
an act of common justice when we seek to have your name enrolled
among our honorary citizens, as being one of those to whom we are
mainly indebted for our very existence. I hope you may long live to
enjoy the lofty distinction which your genius and talents have won for
you, and that your future career — in which we shall never cease to feel
a lively interest — may be prosperous and happy." The Lord Provost,
then, amid repeated rounds of applause, presented Mr. Macaulay with
the burgess ticket, inclosed in a large and beautiful silver box, gilt, and
bearing the City Arms.
Mr. Macaulay, on presenting himself, was received with enthusiastic
applause, and the waving of handkerchiefs by the ladies, which, lasted
for several minutes. In the course of his address, he said : — "Gentlemen,
I thank you, from my heart, for this great honour. I. may, I hope,
extend my thanks further — extend them to that constituent body, of
which, I believe, you are upon this occasion, the expositors — and which
has received me here in a manner which has made an impression never
to be effaced from my mind. (Cheers.) This box, my Lord, I shall prize
as long as I live, and it will, when I am gone — [The honourable gentle
man was here interrupted by the intensity of his feelings, and remained
silent for a moment or two, evidently deeply affected.] Upon resuming,
amidst the plaudits of the assemblage, he continued — This box, my Lord,
I shall prize as long as I live, and it will, when I am gone, be appreciated
by those who are dearest to me, as a proof that, in the course of an active

SIR JAMES ANDERSON, LORD PROVOST, 1848-51. 121
and chequered life, both political and literary, I succeeded in gaining
the esteem and good-will of the people of one of the greatest and most
enlightened cities in the British Empire. My political life, my Lord,
has closed. The feelings which contention and rivalry naturally called
forth, and from which I do not pretend to have been exempt, have had
time to cool down. I can look now upon the events in which I bore a
part, as calmly, I think, as on the events of the past century. I can do
that justice now to honourable opponents, which perhaps in moments of
conflict I might have refused to them. I believe I can judge as impar
tially of my own career, as I canjudge of the career of another man. I ac
knowledge great errors and deficiencies, but I have nothing to acknowledge
inconsistent with rectitude of intention and independence of spirit. My
conscience bears me this testimony that I have honestly desired the
happiness, the prosperity, and the greatness of my country ; that my
course, right or wrong, was never determined by any selfish or sordid
motive, and that in troubled times, and through many vicissitudes of
fortune, in power and out of power, through popularity and unpopular
ity, I have been faithful to one set of opinions, and to one set of friends.
I see no reason to doubt that these friends were well chosen, or that
these opinions were in the main, correct. The path of duty appeared
to me to be between two dangerous extremes — extremes which I shall
call equally dangerous, seeing that each of them inevitably conducts
society to the other. I cannot accuse myself of having ever deviated
far towards either. I cannot accuse myself of having ever been untrue,
either to the cause of civil and religious liberty, or to the cause of pro
perty and law. (Cheers.) I reflect with pleasure that I bore a part
in some of those reforms which corrected great abuses, and removed just
discontents. I reflect with equal pleasure, that I never stooped to the
part of a demagogue, and never feared to confront what seemed to me
to be unreasonable clamour. (Cheers.) I never in time of distress
incited my countrymen to demand of any government, to which I was
opposed, miracles — that which I well knew no government could perform;
nor did I seek even the redress of grievances, which it was the duty of a
government to redress by any other than strictly peaceful and legal
means. (Cheers.) Such were the principles upon which I acted, and
such would have been my principles still. I shall now, encouraged by
your approbation, resume with alacrity a task under the magnitude and

122 SIR JAMES ANDERSON, LORD PROVOST, 1848-51.
importance of which I have sometimes felt my mind ready to sink. I
thank you again most cordially for your kindness. I value, as it
deserves, the honour of being enrolled in your number. I have seen
with delight and with pride the extent, the grandeur, the beauty, and
the opulence of this noble city — a city which I may now call mine.
(Cheering.) With every wish for the prosperity, the peace, and the
honour of our fair and majestic Glasgow, I now bid you, my kind
friends and fellow-citizens, a most respectful farewell."
The honourable gentleman resumed his seat amidst the most enthusias
tic plaudits.
ROYAL VISIT TO GLASGOW.
14th August, 1849. — The Royal Squadron arrived in the Clyde, on the
morning of Monday, the 13th inst., and Her Majesty's Yacht the
"Victoria" and "Albert" with the Royal Party on board proceeded
direct to Arrochar, when they anchored for the purpose of enabling the
Royal Party to visit Loch Lomond. As the precise day on which Her
Majesty had resolved to be in Glasgow was still unknown to the
Authorities, and as Sir George Grey, Bart, M.P., Secretary of State,
had expressed a wish to see the Lord Provost, on Her Majesty's arrival in
the Clyde his Lordship, with Alexander Hastie, M.P., and Mr. Forbes,
Town Clerk, followed the Royal Yacht to Arrochar, where they had an
interview with Sir George Grey, who informed them that Her Majesty
would be in Glasgow next forenoon, and that the Honourable Colonel
Gordon had gone that morning to Glasgow to meet with the Magistrates
and make the necessary arrangements. The Lord Provost submitted to
Sir George a programme of the proceedings — the order of the procession
through the city, the regulations for the. river, and the other arrange
ments made for the reception of Her Majesty, all of which he entirely
approved. So soon as it was officially known that Her Majesty was to
be in Glasgow on the forenoon of Tuesday the 14th, public notice was
given to the citizens, by placards posted through the city. The
programme thus submitted was rigidly adhered to.
At nine o'clock on the morning of Tuesday the 14th, the Lord
Provost and Magistrates, the Dean of Guild and Deacon Convener, the
Bailie of the River -and the City Treasurer, in Court dresses, with the
Town Clerks and the City Chamberlain, in their gowns of office,
assembled in the Council Hall, City Chambers, and proceeded with Mr.

SIR JAMES ANDERSON, LORD PROVOST, 1848-51. its
Sheriff Alison, the sheriff substitute, Mr. Bell, and Mr. Hastie,
one of the members for the city, in their carriages, to the place fixed
for the landing, to await the arrival of Her Majesty. On the plaform,
immediately adjoining the spot where Her Majesty was to step on shore,
were placed the Magistrates and all the other Members of the Town
Council, the extra River Trustees, the City and River Officials,
deputations from the Lieutenancy and Justice of the Peace of Lanark
shire, and the gentlemen appointed to present the several addresses.
General Riddell, with Colonel Magenis and the other officers of the
Garrison, and the Guard of Honour to receive Her Majesty, consisting
of the flank companies of the 27th Regiment, were also in waiting. A
strong muster of the Celtic Society of Scotland in full highland costume,
was likewise in attendance. About half-past ten o'clock, an intimation
sent by express train from Greenock, was received by the Lord Provost,
that Her Majesty's Yacht had passed Greenock at 40 minutes past 9
on her passage from the Gareloch, where the yachts had been at anchor
the preceeding night; and that Her Majesty would not therefore arrive
in Glasgow till near 12 o'clock. At a quarter before twelve, the firing
of the royal salute from the battery'on Windmill Croft announced that
the Royal Yacht was approaching; and within a few minutes afterwards,
the "Fairy" was safely moored at the landing place, at the foot of West
Street, South-Side. The Lord Provost and Bailie Stewart, with Mr.
Hastie, M.P., immediately went on board, and had an interview with
Sir George Grey, with whom they arranged the order in which the
addresses should be presented. The address of the Magistrates and
Council was first presented by the Lord Provost, and was most gaciously
received by Her Majesty. Sir George Grey then desired that the Lord
Provost should kneel, and a sword being handed to the Queen, Her
Majesty was pleased to confer the honour of knighthood upon the Lord
Provost; after which, Bailie Robert Stewart, Bailie David Smith, Bailie
Andrew Orr, Bailie Alexander Brown, Bailie John Gilmour, Bailie
David Dreghorn, Bailie James Playfair, Bailie Thomas Callender ; Mr.
Andrew Galbraith, Dean of Guild; Mr. John Stewart, Deacon Convener;
Mr. John M'Dowall, Bailie of the River; Mr. William Bankier, City
Treasurer; Mr. William Davie, Mr. Angus Turner, and Mr. Arthur
Forbes, Town Clerks; and Dr. Strang, City Chamberlain, were all
severally presented to Her Majesty, who was pleased to receive them in

124 SIR JAMES ANDERSON, LORD PROVOST, 1848-51.
the most gracious manner. Addresses were also presented to Her
Majesty on the deck of the "Fairy," from the magistracy of the County
of Lanark, the Merchants' House of Glasgow, the Trades' House of
Glasgow, the Ministers and Elders of the Free Church Presbytery of
Glasgow, by deputations from these bodies respectively; and the
members of the several deputations were introduced to Her Majesty by
Sir George Grey. Addresses to Her Majesty from the Presbytery of
Glasgow, in connection with the United Presbyterian Church; from the
Consuls, Vice-Consuls, and Consular Agents, resident in the City of
Glasgow, from the Faculty of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, from
the Dean and other Members of the Faculty of Procurators in Glasgow,
from the Incorporation of Maltmen in Glasgow, and from the Incorpora
tion of Gardeners of Glasgow, were likewise transmitted by Mr. Hastie,
one of the members for the city, through Sir George Grey.
Immediately after the presentation of addresses, preceded by Sir
James Anderson, Lord Provost, and Mr. Hastie, M.P., Her Majesty,
leaning upon the arm of His Royal Highness Prince Albert, having
two of the Royal children with them, then landed, and was conducted
to the Royal Carriage. The Guard of Honour and the Members of the
Celtic Society presented arms, and the band playing the Queen's Anthem,
amid the most enthusiastic and deafening cheers of the assembled multi
tude. The other two of the Royal children were then brought up by
Lady Jocelyn. The Queen and Prince Albert at once entered the Royal
Carriage, and on the seat before them were placed the Princess Royal
and the Prince of Wales. In the second carriage were the Princess
Alice, Prince Alfred, Lady Jocelyn, and the Honourable Miss Dawson.
In the third carriage were the Earl Fortescue, Sir George Grey, Sir
James Clark, and the Honourable Colonel Gordon. The procession was
soon marshalled, and after an interval of about a minute, proceeded up
the quay, and throughout the whole route in the following order: —

SIR JAMES ANDERSON, LORD PROVOST, 1848-51. 125
PROGRAMME OF PROCESSION.
A Troop of the Glasgow Yeomanry.
Strong Body of the Police.
The Superintendent of Police.
City Officers with Halberts.
1st Carriage — The Town Clerk and City Chamberlain.
o5 Jj» 2nd Carriage — Bailie of the River and Mr. Bankier, City p i-rj
'M 'g Treasurer. p &
P-i r$ 3rd Carriage — Dean of Guild and Deacon Convener. "^ £°
4th Carriage — Bailies Playfair and Callender.
. >, 5th Carriage — Bailies Gilmour and Dreghorn. Q ^
•Ji* li 6th Carriage — Bailies Orr and Brown. g g;
Pn ^ 7th Carriage — Bailies Stewart and Smith. «5J P
8th Carriage — The Lord Provost.
Detachment of Celtic Society of Scotland.
Escort of Cavalry — Queen's Bays.
Royal Carriage.
Escort of Cavalry— Queen's Bays.
Detachment of Celtic Society of Scotland,
9th Carriage — Suite.
d £? 10th Carriage — Suite. P »tj
^3 ^ 11th Carriage — Suite. ?L g^
^ 3 13th Carriage— The Sheriff Substitute of the City, Mr.Bell. ^ •CD
14th Carriage — Mr. Hastie, the Member for the City.
A Troop of the Glasgow Yeomanry.
Strong Body of Police.
The Duke of Hamilton was prevented being present at the landing of
Her Majesty, in consequence of the very serious illness of the Duchess
in Edinburgh, but sent his carriage and horses for the accommodation
of the Royal Party. As arranged with Sir George Grey, Mr. Sheriff
Alison rode on the right of Her Majesty's carriage and General Riddell
on the left. The route taken, was along Clyde Plaqe to the Bridge, along
the Bridge to Jamaica Street, then to Argyle Street, to Buchanan Street,
to West George Street, eastward, to upper High Street, and on to the
Cathedral. Here Her Majesty and the Royal Party, and the Lord
Provost, Magistrates, and other official gentlemen, alighted from
their carriages, and were received by Principal Macfarlan, who,

126 /SIR JAMES ANDERSON, LORD PROVOST, 1848-51.
with the Lord Provost, Mr. Hastie, and the Sheriff, conducted Her
Majesty over the whole of the interior of the Cathedral, including the
Chapter House, the Lady Chapel, and the Crypts; the Magistrates and
other gentlemen forming the . procession being also within the building.
The inspection of the Cathedral seemed to afford Her Majesty and
Prince Albert much satisfaction, and they expressed great admiration
of the architectural proportions of the structure. After leaving the
Cathedral, the procession proceeded to the University, where Her
Majesty, her Royal Consort, and their children alighted at the front
gate of the College, and were received by the Principal and Professors
in their gowns, preceded by the Mace-bearer, and conducted up the great
stair into the fore hall. The Lord Provost, Magistrates, and other
gentlemen in the procession, also alighted from their carriages, and
followed the Royal Party into the hall of the College. Principal
Macfarlan, as Vice-Chancellor of the University, presented an address
to the Queen and Prince Albert, in the name of the Members of the
Senate of the University, which was most graciously received. The
Royal Party, with the Lord Provost and Magistrates, and other official
persons, having again taken their places in their carriages, the procession
moved on through the remaining portions of the route, down High Street
to Trongate, then westward to Queen Street, and on to the terminus
of the Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway, in North Queen Street,
where a handsome triumphal arch was erected by the Company,
and suitable arrangements made for the accommodation of the Royal
Party. It may be here stated, that in passing up Queen Street,
Her Majesty appeared to be much pleased with the Royal Exchange,
and particularly with the equestrian statue of the Duke of Wellington.
Her Majesty and the Royal Party were received at the Railway Station
by Mr. Blackburn, Chairman, Mr. Dunlop, the Deputy Chairman, and
other Directors of the Company, along with Mr. Latham, the Secretary.
After remaining a few minutes in the waiting-room prepared for them,
the Royal Party were conducted to the railway carriages, preceded by
Mr. Latham, the Manager, and other officials of the railway ; and when
seated, and every proper arrangement made, the signal was given, and
the train started at ten minutes to two on its journey to Perth; Before
taking her seat in the railway carriage, Her Majesty expressed to the
Lord Provost her gratification with the reception in Glasgow, and her

SIR JAMES ANDERSON, LORD PROVOST, 1848-51. 127
warm approval of all the arrangements. Her Majesty also at different
times expressed to the Lord Provost her admiration of the streets and
buildings of the city. And the last question addressed by Prince Alber
to the Lord Provost, was, whether any accident had happened amongst
the immense mass assembled to witness the procession ; and on being
assured that not even a finger had been hurt, both Her Majesty and the
Prince expressed their extreme joy and thankfulness.
The whole line of procession was gaily ornamented with many very
beautiful and striking decorations and devices ; and Her Majesty and
the Royal Party were everywhere received with unbounded expression
of loyalty and attachment from the assembled multitude of the citizens
of all ranks and conditions.
In the evening, the Lord Provost, Magistrates, and Council, dined
together in the Town Hall, in honour of Her Majesty's visit, and
entertained as guests the Sheriff, Principal Macfarlan, several of the
Clergymen, the Military Officers, and other official gentlemen connected
with the proceedings of the day, as well as a number of respectable
citizens and strangers. The Honourable Sir James Anderson, Lord
Provost, in the chair, and Bailie Stewart, croupier.
On the 24th inst. the Magistrates unanimously agreed to record the
high sense entertained by them of the important services rendered on
the occasion of Her Majesty's visit to Glasgow, by Lieutenant Colonel
Magenis, commanding the Garrison of Glasgow, and all the officers and
men under his command, also to all the other military or civil officials
who had been on duty on that occasion.
At a Council Meeting held on the 30th inst, a full detailed account of
the whole proceedings connected with Her Majesty's visit was submitted.
The Lord Provost in addition to the thanks already tendered by the
Magistrates, then moved that the Council should acknowledge the
valuable services of their Member, Mr. Hastie, Dr. Strang, and
Mr. Forbes ; also thanks to Mr. Rochead, the architect of the Royal
Triumphal Arch, and to Mr. Carrick, the Superintendent of Streets.
The arch designed by Mr. Rochead was erected at the extreme north end
of the Glasgow Bridge, opposite the foot of Jamaica Street, and formed
a grand entrance to the city proper. For the information of the artistic
reader, it may be stated that the design consisted of three arches, a large
centre arch and two smaller ones. The total width was 90 feet, and the

128 JSIR JAMES ANDERSON, LORD PROVOST, 1848-51.
height 80 feet. The centre arch, through which Her Majesty passed,
was 54 feet high and 30 feet wide; each of the side arches was 12 feet
wide and 22 feet high. Over the central and side arches were massive
corniceses, with supporting trusses. On the eastern and western piers
were placed colossal figures 10 feet in height, of the Lion and Unicorn
rampant for Scotland, bearing shields, and facing the south along the
route Her Majesty approached. These figures were designed and cut by
Thomas Hay, Carver, Fox Street. In the flank of the central arch were
the Royal initials V. and A. The whole was surmounted by a colossal
Imperial Crown and the Royal Standard; pendant from the springing of
the central Archway was a magnificent floral festoon; suspended again
from the centre was a large and exquisitely adorned Crown of flowers.
The structure was of wood, chamfered like courses of masonry, and
painted in imitation of Aberdeen Granite of which the bridge is formed.
The arch was built in five days by Messrs Menzies and Smith. This
arch was removed three months after the Queen's visit.
18th June, 1850. — The Steam Ship Orion was wrecked off Port-
Patrick. The vessel suddenly struck on a sunken rock within a few
hundred yards of the beach, a little to the north of the harbour. The
number ascertained to have perished was fifty-seven. Among those
were Alexander M'Neill of Colonsay, his lady and two daughters ; John
Burns, M.D., his neice Miss Eliza Morris; Mr. Hume, a Wool Mer
chant, Glasgow; James Scott, Merchant, Montreal, Lillias Ure, his wife,
and Marian their only child; also Janet Ure, sister of Mrs. Scott.
THE VICTORIA BRIDGE.
9th April, 1851. — The members of the Grand Lodge, the Master
Lodges and the brethren assembled in the Cathedral to hear a sermon
preached by the Provincial Grand Chaplain. The Magistrates and
Council and Bridge Trustees met also in the Cathedral and walked in
procession with the Masonic Lodges and other public bodies, to the
Victoria Bridge, where the foundation stone was laid by His Grace the
Duke of Athole. Dinner was served in the City Hall in the evening.

SIR JAMES ANDERSON, LORD PROVOST, 1848-51. 129
THE HON. THE LOED PKOVOST,
1848-51.

Sir James Anderson's father, Mr. John Anderson, was a respected
merchant in Stirling. His son James was born in the year 1800, and
having had the benefit of the Stirling schools, when about the age of
fifteen he proceeded to Glasgow and found a situation in connection
with the firm of Messrs. William Snell & Co., Manufacturers. After
remaining in this connection for a number of years he became partner
with Bailie Snell. Subsequently he, along with his younger brother, com-
m enced business under the firm of J. & A . Anderson, and this business they
carried on successfully, in their warehouse, in Princes Square. In Nov.
1842, he became a member of the Town Council of Glasgow, and in the fol
lowing year was appointed to the Magistracy. In November, 1848, he was
elected Lord Provost of the city, an office which he filled with much credit
till November, 1851, when he was succeeded by Mr. Robert Stewart.
Mr. Anderson thus occupied the position of Chief Magistrate on the
occasion of Her Majesty's first visit to Glasgow in 1849, when he
received the honour of knighthood. The ceremony took place on board
Her Majesty's Yacht " Fairy," when she had reached the Broomielaw.
From the date of his entry to the Town Council up till the period of his
retirement Sir James was regarded as one of its most valuable members, his
appearances in public being characterised by great practical sagacity and
soundness of judgment. In July, 1852, he was elected to represent the
burghs of Stirling in the House of Commons, which he continued to do
for seven years — Mr. Caird succeeding him in 1859. Sir James was
long an elder and office-bearer of the United Secession Church, Grey-
friars' Street, first under the pastorate of the Rev. Dr. Dick, and sub
sequently of his successor Dr. King. He also took an active interest
in the various religious and benevolent institutions of the city. Sir James
was married in 1831, to Janet, only daughter of Mr. Robert Hood, of
Glasgow, but she predeceased her husband about two years. Sir James
retired from business as a merchant in 1863, and was succeeded by two
sons. His only daughter was married to Mr. Alexander Curie, of

130 SIR JAMES ANDERSON, LORD PROVOST, 1848-51.
Ivilaw, Roxburghshire. About the time of his retirement from Parlia
ment, he acquired the beautiful estate of Blairvadic, Row, Dunbarton
shire, upon which he erected an elegant mansion. Sir James had been
ailing for a considerable time and was latterly much enfeebled, but
enjoyed a certain measure of health up till the day before his death,
which event took place at his residence in 1864.
Sir James personally was of goodly aspect, always placid and
unassuming, and was greatly respected by all who knew him. He was
a- liberal in politics, and in church matters a dissenter, but entirely
devoid of that rancorous spirit which party prejudice is so apt to
engender. When Mr. Hastie was elected to the Provostship,
Mr. Anderson's claims to the chair were, by a numerous party in the
Council, considered at least equal, but conflict was avoided by Mr.
Anderson giving place to his rival. This graceful act was not forgotten
at the election two years afterwards, when he was by general acclamation
called to fill the chair. The words of Bailie Dreghorn at the last
meeting of Council in Committee at which Sir James presided, give a
just view of his character; he said : — " I have been associated with him
since he has been Lord Provost, as one of the magistrates of the city,
and in that capacity I have had occasion to see the urbanity of manner,
great intelligence, and knowledge of the city, which his lordship has
displayed, especially in the affairs of the various trusts. There he has
shown an amount of zeal on behalf of the city that has been of the greatest
importance in the proper conducting of the business. In the River
Trust, the proper working of which is of the greatest consequence to the
city, his lordship displayed a knowledge of it which has been to me
truly admirable ; and to the attention which he has bestowed on its
affairs I have no hesitation in attributing, in no small degree, its present
state of prosperity. It was my intention to have introduced the motion
which I am about to make at the last meeting of the Council, but
circumstances occurred to prevent it. In fact it was understood that
there would have been another meeting of Council, at which the motion
could have been brought forward. I now do so ; but as his lordship is
present, I will forbear saying another word on the subject. The motion
which I have to propose for the approval of the committee is : — That the
committee, before separating, beg to record the high sense which they
entertain of the dignified, impartial, and straightforward manner in

SIR JAMES ANDERSON, LORD PROVOST, 1848-51. 131
which Sir James Anderson, Lord Provost, has presided over the meetings
of committee for the last three years ; and in retiring from the office of
Lord Provost, the Committee request that he will accept this tribute of
their esteem and regard for him." The motion was unanimously carried.
On Wednesday, 22nd November, 1851 a meeting of the Town Council
was held, in the Council Hall, Wilson Street — the Hon. Sir James
Anderson, Lord Provost, in the chair.
Mr. William Connal, re-elected Dean of Guild, and Mr. Yuile elected
Deacon Convener, by the respective bodies which they represented, appear
ed and took the oath of allegiance and abjuration.
The minutes of the previous meeting were then read, of which the
following is the concluding portion: — The Lord Provost, in accordance
with h notice o motion at last meeting, then moved that the sum of
£500 should be voted from the funds of the corporation is aid of the
subscription for the erection of an equestrian statue of Her Majesty
commemorative of her visit to this city, and Bailie Dreghorn seconded
the motion which was agreed to.
A report by a committee, subsequently appointed, to endeavour to
enter into some arrangement in order to purchase the works of the
Glasgow and Gorbals Gravitation Water Companies, stated that a good
deal of conversation had taken place as to the terms of transfer of the
property of the two companies to the corporation, but the committee
could not yet recommend that any definite step should be taken. Ar
rangements had been made for testing the pipes of the Glasgow Water
Company, and according to the report of Mr Robson, engineer, it
appeared that they are generally capable of standing the utmost test of
the water pressure of the Gorbals Gravitation Company.
The Lord Provost regretted that the labours of the committee had not
enabled them to report any thing definite. Still he considered that the
matter was very important.

2£<pf4~&*f *^s%4t^/<^*

132 ROBERT STEWART, LORD PROVOST, 1851-54

MEETING OP TOWN COUNCIL.
NOVEMBER, 1861.

ELECTION OF COUNCILLORS

The Election of Councillors for the sixteen wards into which the city
was then divided, took place on Tuesday the 4th November, 1851. The
"great fact" elicited by these elections was that the candidates for the
rental system of levying the Poor Rates were successful, by large
majorities, over the "means and substance" party in all the three wards
in which a contest lay. Indeed it was the belief of many that it would
not have been different had there been a contest on a much more
extensive scale. Sir James Anderson had the largest majority, while Bailie
Gourlay had the honour of being returned by the largest number of
votes polled in any of the sixteen wards. In fact, the two southern
wards seem to have had a friendly contest as to which would return
their representative by the larger number of votes.
TOWN COUNCIL.
The new Municipal Town Council met on Friday the 7th November,
1851, in the Council Chambers, Wilson Street, for the election of a
Lord Provost, six Bailies of the Burgh, a Bailie and Depute Bailie of
the River and Firth of Clyde, &c.
Sir James Anderson begged to state to the Council that on a former
occasion the retiring Lord Provost had taken the chair at the election of
his successor, and this had been done on the advice of the legal advisers,
who were then clearly of opinion that the Municipal Act gave the
retiring Chief Magistrate power to maintain the exercise of his magisterial
duties till his successor should be appointed. The members of Council,
however, would no doubt be aware that a legal opinion had been obtained
different to that view of the case, and as the matter was at present

ROBERT STEWART, LORD PROVOST, 1851-54. 133
of no very great practical importance, while he did not coincide in the
opinion recently received, still he would recommend that the Senior
Magistrate do take the chair.
Mr. M'Lellan, in a speech of some length, maintained that Sir James
Anderson was Lord Provost until the appointment of a successor, and
bound to exercise the duties of Chief Magistrate. He moved that
Sir James take the chair.
Mr. Cochrane seconded Mr. M'Lellan's motion.
Bailie Bogle lodged a protest against the legality of Sir James Ander
son occupying the chair, and insisting that the Chief or Senior Magis
trate do so. The protest, which had been previously circulated amongst
the members, was held as read.
The clerk read a memorial which had been transmitted to the Lord
Advocate for his opinion on the question ; and also his Lordship's answer,
from which it appeared that his Lordship was decidedly of opinion that
the Senior acting magistrate should take the chair.
Bailie M'Dowall then took the chair, which Bailie M'Lellan protested
against, and the legality of the whole procedure which might follow.
The Very Rev. Principal Macfarlan offered up a highly ap
propriate prayer.
The Standing Orders and the Acts against Bribery and Corruption
having been read,
The Chairman said, the first duty they had this day to discharge was
the election of a gentleman to fill the office of Lord Provost of the city
of Glasgow, and while he had the honour of occupying the chair for a
minute or two, he begged leave to name a gentleman for that office; that
gentleman was Mr. Robert Stewart. He believed Mr. Stewart was
now entering on his tenth year as a member of Council. He had acted
as Bailie of the River for two years, and subsequently been a magistrate
of the city for four years. During the last two of these four years he
had happened to be the Senior Magistrate, and from the circumstance
that here as well as elsewhere there was experienced a very trying com
mercial crisis in the last of these two years, the duties which fell to his
lot to discharge were of a very difficult and onerous kind. It happened
that Mr. Hastie, who was then Lord Provost, as well as one of the re
presentatives of the city in Parliament, was attending to his duties in
London, and during a very considerable portion of that year it fell to

134 ROBERT STEWART, LORD PROVOST, 1S51-54.
the lot of Mr. Stewart to discharge the duties of the Lord Provost.
He was not therefore a stranger to these duties, and they had op
portunities of knowing and appreciating his fitness to discharge them.
In respect then of Mr. Stewart's long services, of his having taken a
large share of the duties which fall to be discharged by a councillor and
magistrate of this city, from the position which he holds in society, the
circumstance that he is in the prime of life, of active business habits,
and also blessed by a bounteous providence with abundance, and a heart
to make a right use of it, he (Bailie M'D.) in all these respects would
recommend him to the suffrages of the Council to fill the high and
responsible situation of Lord Provost. He begged to move accordingly.
Bailie Bogle had great pleasure in seconding the motion.
Mr. Dreghorn said, The chairman had stated that his friend Mr.
Stewart was entitled to the consideration of the members of Council in
consequence of his long services. He (Mr. D.) had a gentleman to
propose for the office of Lord Provost, who, if that recommendation
stood prominent, was still better entitled to consideration. Mr. Stewart,
it had been said, was now entering on his tenth year of public service,
but the gentleman whom he (Mr. D.) was about to propose was now
entering on his thirtieth year of service. Twenty-nine years ago
Mr. M'Lellan was first appointed a member of Town Council, and ever
since that period he had taken a lead in all public matters connected
with the city. He was a gentleman, as they all knew, of distinguished
talents, of highly cultivated mind, and of exquisite taste. On many
public occasions had Mr. M'Lellan in this city distinguished himself,
and he might be permitted to mention one circumstance which alone
stamped him with approbation ; he meant the exertions which Mr.
M'Lellan had made to secure the renovation of our venerable Cathedral.
His taste was unquestionable, and his various services had always been
at the command of the public when found necessary. There was a
question to which he was unwilling to allude, that had been agitating the
community of Glasgow for a long period — the question of the Poor
Laws. He was hopeful that ere long an adjustment of this vexed
question would be arrived at, but unquestionably that could not be
expected if, year after year, men were elected to civic dignity represent
ing only the views of one particular party. It was time that they adopted
a course of mutual forbearance, and by the election of Mr. M'Lellan as

ROBERT STEWART, LORD PROVOST, 1851-54 135
Lord Provost on this occasion, they would secure the approbation of the
community with whom he agrees on that important question.
Dr. Aitkin seconded the nomination of Mr. M'Lellan. He said I have no
wish to excite factious opposition, but I believe that it was well
known that no such thing as unanimity existed at present in this
Council on the question now before us. In place of unanimity it is well
known among us that widely spread dissatisfaction has been produced,
but there are times and circumstances, Mr. Chairman, when such
forbearance becomes absolutely impracticable. I feel rather inclined to
hope that there may be high minded gentlemen here, on the opposite
side of the house, who would not be disposed to persecute any brother
Councillor because of his not agreeing with them in a question of such
importance as the election of our chief magistrate ; but at all events,
come what may, my motto in this proceeding is fiat justitia ruat ccehtm.
We have heard from the Chair that the bounties of providence have
been showered abundantly on the other candidate, Mr. Robert Stewart,
— all very good, Mr. Chairman, and we can't do well without these —
and that he is likely to make a wise aud prudent use of them, which I
do believe ; and also I agree with all you have said in commendation of
your own nominee. But in looking around me among all the gentlemen
composing this Council, and in selecting our nominee, to have gone to
that gentleman's banker and asked the state of his cash account is just
one of the last things I would have done ; nor would I have tested the
state of his breeches pockets at all ; — I agree with some anatomists that
the brain is not there. I would have tried how the account stood here
(pointing to his head.) He concluded a long speech by seconding
Mr. M'Lellan's nomination.
Mr. Moir begged to say a word or two on the question, without the
fear of any one, or caring for the favour of any one. He had oppor
tunities of seeing greatness thrust upon many people who were incapable
of bearing it; and in this instance in respect to claims, for term of servi
tude, and the mental qualifications of the two gentlemen, there could
not be the slightest doubt or hesitation — a Hyperion to a Satyr. There
was no comparison of the parties generally speaking. Mr. M'Lellan
had been much longer in the service than Mr. Stewart, and there could
not be the slightest doubt that his intellectual qualifications are of the
highest order. He (Mr. M.) believed that there were few men to be

136 ROBERT STEWART, LORD PROVOST, 1851-54.
compared with him in the West of Scotland. He was not to be supposed
in all this to be complimenting Mr. M'Lellan's political faith. The
gentleman was, it was well known, what was called an old Tory or Con
servative, while everybody knew that James Moir the tea dealer, was a
professed Chartist, and holding these views was determined as heretofore
to maintain them. He was much surprised that the year 1848 should
have been referred to as distinguished for good management. He could
not forget the mismanagement of that year, which led to the unfortunate
riots which disgraced our city, and was disposed to consider it as rather
unfortunate that a. reason assigned for selecting Mr. Stewart. should be
his conduct in connection with the management of 1848. Mr. Stewart
was a very good natured, pleasant, agreeable citizen— he (Mr. M.)
believed him a very worthy man in the sphere in which he moved, and
also a man of wealth, which he was likely to make liberal use of, but he
looked at the Chief Magistrate of this city in a different light. He
ought to be the most intellectual man amongst us, and as to greatness
of mind and intellectual acquirement Mr. M'Lellan was undoubtedly the
most highly gifted of. the two. He begged to tender him his support.
The vote was then taken when it stood thus — 29 for Mr. Stewart,
17 for Mr. M'Lellan; 3 declining to vote.
Mr. Stewart was accordingly declared elected, and having taken the
oaths, Bailie M'Dowall in investing him with the insignia of office, ex
pressed a hope that the civic reign of the Lord Provost might be a happy
and prosperous one. (Applause.)
The Lord Provost, on taking the chair, begged to return his sincere
thanks for the honour which had been conferred on him, by placing him
in the civic chair. When he thought of the position to which this city
had attained, with a population- of nearly four hundred thousand souls,
with a trade embracing all the varieties carried on in the kingdom, their
commerce extending over the whole world, he did assure the Council
that he esteemed it no small honour to be chosen the Chief Magistrate
of such a city. While acting in the capacity of Senior Magistrate he
had been called upon to perform the duties of the Chief Magistrate dur
ing the residence of the latter in London, and consequently the respon
sibility of the office was somewhat known to him ; but notwithstanding
he much feared his own ability rightly to discharge those duties, and
his doubts were greatly increased when he considered the very efficient

ROBERT STEWART, LORD PROVOST, 1851-54. 137
manner in which theyhad been performed by his worthy predecessor
Sir James Anderson. (Cheers.) It was likely that men holding all
shades of opinion would have occasion to confer with him, and he could
assure them that all, whatever their position in life, station, or society,
would be welcomed with kindness, and all parties be treated with the
utmost civility. (Hear, Hear.)
Mr. M'Lellan wished to say, once for all, that while to his Lordship
and his colleagues he should defer with all the respect due from so
humble a member of Council as himself, he thought it necessary in
connection with the protest he lately tabled, to mention that he held the
business of that day to be irregular and illegal. Having mentioned the
circumstance, he should not refer to it again. He might be permitted
to thank those members of the Council, who were kind enough to vote
for him on the present occasion,. and to say to his Lordship, now that the
election was over, that he was perfectly sure that his Lordship would
regard these gentlemen with as much respect and affection as if they had
voted for him. He could assure his Lordship for himself and for them
that they had not been actuated by any personal feeling. His Lordship
must have observed in the course of his public life that it was impossible
to obtain unanimity on all occasions — nay, that entire unanimity in
such bodies as the Town Council of Glasgow would inevitably and justly
be regarded as an indication of weakness, and perhaps of something
worse. (Cheers.) His Lordship had boasted of ' being a native of
Glasgow. He had that honour too; he was born in the neighbourhood
of.the Exchange, and perhaps the fact was worth mentioning, that pro
perty in that vicinity which his father had purchased for 3s 6d. per
square yard, he had the honour of selling to a gentleman who once
occupied the civic chair, for £10 per square yard. (Hear, Hear). Tha*
fact indicated the amazing and rapid prosperity of the City of Glasgow.
(Cheers.) The Lord Provost hoped that Mr. M'Lellan knew him too well to
suppose that he could entertain the slightest ill feeling towards any one
for the expression of his opinion. (Hear, Hear).
His Lordship said they had now to elect six Bailies. The names
of the gentlemen were as follows : — Mr. Watson and Mr. Gourlay who
had previously been in the magistracy. Mr. Bankier, Mr. George
Mitchell, Mr. Stewart, and Mr. William Whyte

138 ROBERT STEWART, LORD PROVOST, 1851-54.
The Lord Provost then moved the election of Mr. Bankier which was
seconded by Sir James Anderson, and unanimously agreed to. His
Lordship thereafter moved, in succession, the appointments as Magis
trates of Mr Watson and Mr. Gourlay, which were seconded by Bailie
M'Dowall and Bailie Bogle, and also unanimously agreed to. The Lord
Provost then moved the election of Mr. George Mitchell as a Magistrate,
seconded by Mr. Drummond. Mr M'Lellan moved as an amendment,
the election of Dr. Aitken, seconded by Mr. Moir. The vote having
been taken it stood thus — 25 for Mr. Mitchell — 21 for Dr. Aitken,
three members declining to vote.
The Lord Provost then moved the election of Mr. John Stewart,
seconded by Mr. M'Lellan and unanimously agreed to. The Lord
Provost nominated Mr. W. Whyte, seconded by the Dean of Guild.
Mr. M'Alpine moved as an amendment that Mr. Gemmill be appointed
in preference to Mr. Whyte, seconded by Mr. M'Lellan. The vote stood
thus, for Mr. Whyte 25, for Mr. Gemmill 21; two members declining to
vote. Mr. William Gilmour was then elected Bailie of the River, and Mr.
Macgregor Depute Bailie, unanimously.
The newly elected Magistrates having taken the oaths, were respect
ively invested with the gold medal and chain.
The Lord Provost, Magistrates and Council, then partook of a glass
of wine, as was usual on such occasions, and after pledging the usual
loyal and complimentary toasts the meeting separated.

ROBERT STEWART, LORD PROVOST, 1851-54.

139

List of the Names of the Members of the Town Council during
Mr. Robert Stewart's Provostship, 1851-54.
1851-52.

Robert Stewart, Lord Provost.
John Macdowall, Bailie.
James Bogle, do.
William Bankier, do.
William West Watson, dot
James Gourlay, do.
George Mitchell, do.
John Stewart, do.
William Whyte, do.
William Connal, Dean of Guild.
David Yuile, Deacon Convener.
James Scott, Treasurer.
John Small, Master of Works.
William Gilmour, Bailie of the River and
Firth of Clyde.

James Watt Macgregor, Depute Bailie
of the River and Firth of Clyde.
James Turner, Bailie of Provan.
James Reddie, LL.D., Town Clerk.
William Davie, LL.D., do.
Angus Turner, do.
Arthur Forbes, do.
John Strang, LL.D., Chamberlain, and
Superintendent of Works.
Daniel M'Callum, Accountant-
John Burnet, Procurator Fiscal.
George Young & John M. Hill, Assessors
in the Police Courts within ike
Southern, Eastern, and Western Dis
tricts.
James Brown, Council Officer.

1851-52.

WARD FIRST.
Alexander Kellar.
William Cochran.
Andrew Paterson.
WARD SECOND.
George Mitchell, Bailie.
James Black.
James Moir.
WARD THIRD.
William Gilmour.
John Fleming.
Peter Macara. WARD FOURTH.
William Campbell.
Robert Webster.
Alexander Harvey.

WARD FIFTH.

Robert Galt.
John Stewart, Bailie.
Hugh Wilson.
WARD SIXTH.
David Mackinlay.
Andrew Orr.
Sir James Anderson.
WARD SEVENTH.
Peter Hamilton.
James Drummond.
James Lumsden. WARD EIGHTH.
James Scott.
John Forrester.
William West Watson, BaiUe,

140

ROBERT STEWART, LORD PRO YOST, 1851-54.

WARD NINTH.
William Bankier, Bailie.
John Small.
William M'Lean.
WARD TENTH.
Charles Thomas.
George Brown.
The Lord Provost.
WARD ELEVENTH.
John Macdowall, Bailie.
James Steel.
James Playfair.
WARD TWELFTH.
William Murray.
William Whyte, Bailie.
William York.

WARD THIRTEENTH.
James W. M'Gregor.
John Aitken.
David Dreghorn.
WARD FOURTEENTH.
James Bogle, Bailie.
Archibald M'Lellan.
Angus M'Alpine.
WARD FIFTEENTH.
Andrew Gemmell.
John Mitchell.
James Gourlay, Bailie.
WARD SIXTEENTH.
Thomas Brownlie.
Thomas Pearson.
William Brodie.

1852-53.

Robert Stewart, Lord Provost.
William West Watson, Bailie.
James Gourlay, do.
John Stewart, do.
William Whyte, do.
George Mitchell, do.
William Gilmour, do-
George Brown, do.
James Drummond, do.
James Hannan, Dean of Guild-
David Yuile, Deacon Convener.
James Scott, Treasurer.
Alexander Harvey, Master of Works.
James Watt Macgregor, Bailie of the
River and Firth of Clyde.

Robert Galt, Depute Bailie of the River
and Firth of Clyde.
James Turner, Bailie of Provan.
William Davie, LL.D., Town Clerk.
Angus Turner, do.
Arthur Forbes, do.
John Strang, LL.D., Chamberlain and
Superintendent of Works.
Daniel M'Callum, Accountant.
John Burnet, Procurator Fiscal.
George Young and John M. Hill,
Assessors in the Police Courts within
the Southern, Eastern, and Western
Districts.
James Brown, Council Officer.

1852-53.

WARD FIRST.

William Cochran.
Andrew Paterson.
John Thomson.

WARD SECOND.
James Moir.
William Rae.
George Mitchell, Bailie.

ROBERT STEWART, LORD PROVOST,lS51-5i.

141

WARD THIRD.
John Fleming-
Peter Macara.
William Gilmour, Bailie.
WARD FOURTH.
Robert Webster.
Alexander Harvey.
Charles Gray. WARD FIFTH
John Stewart, Bailie.
Hugh Wilson.
Robert Galt.
WARD SIXTH.
Andrew Orr.
Sir James Anderson.
David Mackinlay. WARD SEVENTH.
James Drummond, Bailie.
James Lumsden.
Peter Hamilton.
WARD EIGHTH.
John Forrester.
WnvLiAM West Watson, Bailie.
James Scott.

WARD NINTH,

William M'Lean.
William Bankier.
James Graham.

WARD TENTH.
George Brown, Bailie.
The Lord Provost.
James Couper.
WARD ELEVENTH.
James Steel.
James Playfair.
John Macdowall.
WARD TWELFTH.
William Whyte, Ba'lie.
WIlliam York.
Wllliam Murray.
WARD THIRTEENTH.
John Aitken.
David Dreghorn.
James W. Macgregor.
WARD FOURTEENTH.
Archibald M'Lellan.
Angus M'Alpin.
William Macadam.
WARD FLFTEENTH.
John Mitchell.
James Gourlay, Bailie.
Andrew Gemmill.
WARD SIXTEENTH.
Thomas Pearson.
Wllliam Brodie.
John Taylor, Jr.

1853-54.

Robert Stewart, Lord Provost.
William West Watson, v
James Gourlay, j
George Mitchell, I
William Gilmour, \
Alexander Harvey, / Bailies.
James Watt MacGregoB, I
Peter Macara, I
James Graham, /

James Hannan, Dean of Guild.
James Craig, "Deacon Convener.
James Scott, Treaswer.
James Drummond, Master of Works.
Robert Galt, Bailie of the River and
Firth of Clyde.
John Taylor, Jr., Depute Bailie of the
River and Firth of Clyde.
James Turner, Bailie of Provan.

142

ROBERT STEWART, LORD PROVOST, 1861-54.

William Davie, LL.D., )
Angus Turner, > Town Clerks.
Arthur Forbes, )
John Strang, LL.D., City Chamberlam.
Daniel MacCallom, Accountant.
John Burnet, Procurator Fiscal.

George Young & John M. Hill, Assessors
in the Police Courts within the Northern,
Southern, Eastern, and Western Dis
tricts.
John Carrick, Superintendent of Works.
James Brown, Council Officer.

1853-54.

WARD FIRST.
Andrew Paterson.
John Thomson.
John Macintyre. WARD SECOND.
William Rae.
George Mitchell, Bailie.
James Mom.
WARD THIRD.
Peter Macara, Bailie.
William Gilmour, Bailie.
John Fleming.
WARD FOURTH.
Alexander Harvey, Bailie.
Charles Gray.
James Taylor. WARD FIFTH.
Hugh Wilson.
Robert Galt.
John Stewart.
WARD SIXTH.
Sir James Anderson.
David Mackinlay.
Andrew Orr.
WARD SEVENTH.
Joseph A. Wright.
James H. Young.
James Drummond. WARD EIGHTH.
William West Watson, Bailie.
James Scott.
John Forrester.

WARD NINTH.

William Bankier.
James Graham, Bailie.
William M'Lean.

WARD TENTH.
The Lord Provost.
James Couper.
David Y. Stewart.
WARD ELEVENTH.
James Playfair.
John Macdowall.
James Steel.
WARD TWELFTH.
William York.
William Murray.
William Whyte.
WARD THIRTEENTH.
David Dreghorn.
James Watt MacGregor, Bailie.
John Aitken.
WARD FOURTEENTH.
Angus M 'Alpin.
William Macadam.
Archibald M'Lellan.
WARD FIFTEENTH.
James Gourlay, Bailie.
Andrew Gemmill.
John Mitchell.
WARD SIXTEENTH.
William Brodie.
John Taylor, Jr.
Thomas Pearson.

ROBERT STEWART, LORD PROVOST, 1851-54. 143

a few op the events which took place during the time
Me. Robert Stewaet was Lord Peovost, 1851-54.

24th January, 1852. — Alexander Hastie, M.P., was entertained to
a dinner on occasion of his approaching marriage to Miss Napier. Sir
James Anderson in the chair.
5th April, 1852. — James Reddie, LL.D., first Town Clerk, died.
23rd June, 1852. — Robert Stewart, Lord Provost, was entertained
to dinner in the Town Hall on occasion of his approaching marriage to
Miss King. Bailie Macdowall in the chair. Bailie Bogle, croupier. The
Lord Provost was married on the 29th June.
18th December, 1852 — The Magistrates attended divine service in
St. John's' Churoh, to hear a sermon preached by the Rev. Robert
Gillan on the Deatn of the Duke Wellington.
1st September, 185S. — Dr. Muir, Minister of St. James's Church, was
entertained to a Jubilee Dinner in Carrick's Royal Hotel
5th September, 1853. — The Duchess of Cambridge, the Grand Duchess
of Mecklenburg and the Princess Mary of Cambridge, visited Glasgow
and went to Dixon's Iron works, the University, the Cathedral, Royal
Exchange, Brown's Sewed Muslin Manufactory, and Napier's Works.
2nd January, 1854- — The Victoria Bridge was opened for public traffic.
The Lord Provost Bridge Trustees 'and Councillors met in the Council
Hall and proceeded to the Bridge which they formally opened.
6th September, 1854- — Her Majesty Queen Victorias Statue was
inaugurated in Commemoration of Her visit to Glasgow, 14th August,
1849, A procession was formed consisting of Magistrates, Councillors,
all the other Municipal officials, Sheriff of the County, Principal and
Professors of the University, &c, &c, escorted front and rear by detach
ments of the "Queen's Own."
The procession formed in Wilson Street, in front of the City and
County Buildings, and proceeded up Glassford Sireet, along Ingram

144 ROBERT STEWART, LORD PROVOST, 1851-54.
Street to Queen Street, up Queen Street to West George Street, along
West George Street, down Buchanan Street to St. Vincent Place.
After the ceremony the gentlemen forming the procession left the
enclosure by the east end of St. Vincent Place, the military by the west
end. On this occasion a Banquet was held in the Town Hall. The Lord
Provost was in the Chair — Bailie Gourlay, Croupier. Amongst those
present were Sir James Anderson, M.P., Baron Marochetti, Principal
Macfarlan, W. S. Lindsay, M.P., Mr. Buchanan, American Minister,
Sir Archibald Alison, Bart., Rev. Mr. Gleig, Chaplain General of the
Forces, John Macgregor, M.P., Colonel Poole, Alexander Hastie, M.P,
Sir James Campbell, Robert Findlay, Captain Maxwell, William Lockhart,
M.P., Captain James Merry, A. S. Dalglish, John Tennant, M. Maubisson,
French Consul, Mr. Heartt, American Consul, &c.
In 1853 the Town Council purchased the lands along the left bank of
the Kelvin, between Woodside and Sandyford, at a cost of £99,569, out
of which they formed the now highly prized and beautiful West End
Park. The Park proper comprises about 45 acres, and the walks, drives
and shrubberies were laid out and formed in accordance with plans by
Sir Joseph Paxton, architect of the London Crystal Palace of 1851.
15th December, 1853. — Commenced the third visitation of the city by
the Asiatic Cholera Morbus. By the end of the year 144 deaths had
occurred. This scourge continued its ravages with more or less virulence
till December, 1854, having caused during little more than a year no
fewer than 3,885 deaths. In 1866 the disease again visited this country,
and although it appeared in Glasgow, only 53 deaths were caused by it,
which happy circumstance was attributed in great, measure to the
unlimited supply of pure water from Loch Katrine.

ROBERT STEWART, LORD PROVOST, 1851-54. 145
THE HON. THB LORD PROVOST,
1 S 5 1-5 4.

Robert Stewart of Murdostoun and Omoa, was born in 1810. His
father, along with two other gentlemen, held the lease of the Clelland
minerals from the proprietor, Mr. North Dalrymple, afterwards Earl of
Stair. After his father's death Mr. Stewart acquired the whole property
and rebuilt and extended the works. The new proprietor was not long
in discovering a valuable seam of black-band ironstone which he worked
and manufactured with great success. His position having been thus
early secured, Mr. Stewart began to turn his attention to local politics,
and entered the Town Council in 1842, when he was little more than
thirty-two years of age. In 1844 and till 1846 he was Depute River
Bailie, and in March, 184.8, he was acting Chief Magistrate during the
Glasgow Riots. The Lord Provost of the day was Mr Hastie, who at
the time of the disturbances was in London attending to his Parliament
ary duties, and of course all the onerous work and heavy responsibilities
of the ruling authority, in such circumstances, devolved upon Mr.
Stewart. He proved himself quite equal to the occasion. He rode at
the head of the Military, and altogether, behaved with great courage
and firmness. Mr. Stewart was raised to the honourable position of
Lord Provost in 1851, having succeeded Sir James Anderson, and
being succeeded, after his three years rule, by Sir Andrew Orr. The
great event of Mr. Stewart's municipal career ; as, indeed, it is one of
the greatest events in the history of Glasgow for the last hundred years,
was the carrying of the Loch Katrine Water Bill. Glasgow owes that
measure, in a main degree, to Mr. Stewart's unwearied perseverance,
and his services in this respect, deserve to be teld in grateful remem
brance by his fellow citizens. His measure was assailed, in the Town
Council in the most determined and virulent manner. It was urged
that the scheme was unworkable, that water could never be brought
into Glasgow from the Highland loch, that if by some miracle of
engineering it should really be conducted to the thirsty inhabitants,

146 ROBERT STEWART, LORD PROVOST, 1851-54.
the calamities of the citizens would only begin, for they would probably
be poisoned by the noxious qualities of the fluid, and ruined by the
expense. The opposition was not purely factious, as has been some
times represented. Several chemists of reputation had tested the water
and found it of such a nature as to become poisonous by its action on
lead. Among these was the late Professor Penny of the Anderson
University, who not only gave it as his opinion, but produced examples
of the water really impregnated with the lead and therefore highly
dangerous. Day after day these objections were pushed forward with
a degree of eloquence and heat which the Lord Provost, being more a
business man than a speaker, was unable to rival ; but by firmness, by
conciliation, and by keeping his eye firmly fixed on his Water Bill, as
the means by which his object could be attained, Mr. Stewart and the
gentlemen associated with him in the Water Committee, at last beat
back the opposition, and the measure was fairly launched in Parliament.
Here, however, it was again assailed in a most determined manner.
Counsel and witnesses, in name of certain citizens of Glasgow, came to
the Committee room, armed with the so called "scientific evidence," and
sundry bottles of Loch Katrine water, in which lead had been dissolved,
were exhibited to prove that the public would infallibly be done to
death, if the Highland water was brought in. The scientific evidence
was successful, and the bill for the time was thrown out.
Many thought the fate of the scheme sealed forever, but Mr. Stewart
had previously an opportunity of making a friend in high places, who
was of the utmost service to him in forwarding the project he had so
much at heart. Lord Palmerston, it may be remembered, visited
Glasgow in 1853. and received the freedom of the city from Mr. Stewart's
hands. His Lordship took a liking to his host, and the intercourse
between the two assumed a more intimate relation than a mere official
acquaintanceship. When the Water Bill was rescued from the hands of
the scientific wizards, which rescue took the form of a pecuniary
concession— it met with a new and apparently insurmountable difficulty
in the form of the veto of the Admiralty, It was stated that if the Bill
were passed the waters of Loch Katrine would be carried off bodily to
Glasgow, the Teith would dwindle into a streamlet, and the Forth,
which the Teith fed, would be diminished, and in consequence the
anchorage at St. Margaret's Hope would be endangered The objection

ROBERT STEWART, LORD PROVOST, 1851-54. 147
was of the most superficial character, but the Admiralty were all
powerful, and unless they could be induced to withdraw their veto it
was evident that the bill would receive its quietus. Almost in despair,
Mr. Stewart sought a private interview with Lord Palmerston, which
was courteously granted, when his Lordship under the guidance of the
Provost, examined and made himself master of the whole Loch Katrine
Scheme. He immediately saw that the objection of the Admiralty was
ridiculous, and at once relieved Mr. Stewart's mind by promising to do
all in his power to promote the object of the people of Glasgow.
Sir James Graham, then First Lord of the Admiralty, was communicated
with, and after Lord Palmerston's explanations, he went down to the
House of Commons and declared his readiness to withdraw the veto.
By this time, however, the session was so far advanced that it was
found impossible to carry the bill through the House of Lords, and it
was accordingly allowed to drop; but in the succeeding year Mr.
Stewart had the pleasure of seeing the measure for which he had so long
and so courageously fought, become law. Mr. Stewart's term of office
expired in 1854, but he continued a member of the Council till 1856,
principally to complete his great scheme of supplying his fellow citizens
with an abundance of pure water.
The last meeting of the Town Council at which Mr. Stewart presided,
was held on November 2nd, 1854. At that meeting all that was spoken
was highly flattering to the Lord Provost. Even Bailie Gemmill, who,
for a time, was his lordship's bitterest opponent, had now become
highly complimentary, and was now prepared to give the great scheme
his cordial support. The question was then put, whether Parliament
should be again approached, and the vote in favour of doing so was
carried unanimously. In proposing a vote of thanks to his lordship,
Bailie Gourlay referred to the difficulties that required to be faced and
which had now been overcome, as "having been enormous, and the
happy result was chiefly to be attributed to the sagacity, firmness and
perseverance of Lord Provost Stewart.'' In returning thanks, Provost
Stewart spoke with his usual candour and modesty, stating " that during
the whole of his career nothing had given him so much satisfaction as
the circumstance that all opposition to the great water scheme seemed
now to be removed." Mr. Stewart's successor in the chair had only to
await the assembling of Parliament, when the bill passed unopposed.

148 ROBERT STEWART, LORD PROVOST, 1851-54.
It was read a third time in the House of Lords, on May 10th, 1855.
No greater boon had ever been conferred on Glasgow, and as a token of
gratitude to Mr. Stewart the fountain in the West-End Park was, after
his decease, erected to his memory. And all the more appropriate is it
there, as the park itself was projected and purchased during Mr.
Stewart's civic reign.
As a sample of the " Deliberations " of the Councillors in those days
we give the following, which occurred at a meeting of the Town Council
held on 22nd February, 1853 :—
A BRILLIANT SCENE.
Mr. John Mitchell — To save time, I beg to move that the report of
the committee be adopted. We may speak all day on this question,
such is Mr. M'Lellan's volubility, and his sole object being to frustrate
the bill.
Mr. M'Lellan — My Lord Provost, keep your friends in order if you
please. (Cries of "Oh oh")
The Lord Provost — I feel no difficulty, Mr. M'Lellan, in keeping every
gentleman in order but yourself.
Mr. M'Lellan — That, my Lord Provost, is a personal insult, and p,
most impertinent remark. (Cries of "Chair, chair, and order.")
The Lord Provost — Not a gentleman but has sat down when I have
had occasion to call any one to order, but —
Mr. M'Lellan — You are no judge of what is due to a gentleman.
(Confusion, and cries of "Order")
Mr. Hamilton — This is most extraordinary — to say that the Lord
Provost does not know what is due to a gentleman. (Hear, hear.)
The Lord Provost — Did Mr. M'Lellan use these words? I must
insist that they be retracted. (Cheers.)
Mr. M'Lellan — Your words to me— (Uproar) —
The Lord Provost — I will not allow any man to say —
Mr. M'Lellan — Your Lordship shall not shut up my mouth again.
(Renewed confusion.) Your whole course of conduct to me during the
discussion of this bill has been of a most irritating and improper
description. (No, no.) Talk of my long speeches —
The Lord Provost — I am in the hands of the Council. (Hear, hear.)
This is an insult to the city of Glasgow — an insult to the chair. I insist

ROBERT STEWART, LORD PROVOST, 1851-54. 149
that these words be retracted. I will submit to this from no man. I
know what to do both here and out of doors, and how to do it; I do not
come here to bully any gentleman. I detest it. I am not deficient in
courage, but I insist that these words be retracted. (Loud cheers.)
Mr. M'Lellan — Your whole course of conduct to me has been a uni
form insult. (Loud cries of "Chair, Order," and confusion.)
Mr. Moir — I rise on this occasion to support the dignity of the chair —
(hear, hear) — for sharp as I am inclined to say some things, I certainly
am not one who desires to see this Council reduced to a scene of down
right blackguardism. (Hear, hear.) It is perfectly evident that if one
gentleman be permitted to use with impunity such expressions as have
been given utterance to by Mr. M'Lellan, we may bid farewell to every
thing like gentlemanly bearing. (Hear, hear.)
Mr. Paterson — After the very unfortunate turn the discussion has
taken —
The Lord Provost^I beg pardon; there is a question of order now
before the house which takes precedence of every other matter. (Hear).
Mr. Dreghorn — I regret exceedingly this unfortunate discussion. It
is the most unfortunate that I have ever heard in this Council. (Hear.)
Certainly the expressions used by our friend Mr. M'Lellan have been
out of order in my opinion, and I think that upon reflection he will see
the propriety of withdrawing them. So long as the chair is occupied by
a person who has been appointed by the Council, we are bound to pro
tect it, and in doing so we are only giving the greatest latitude to our
own discussions — (hear )¦-— because as soon as the chair loses the command
of the Council, it is utterly impossible that we can proceed as a delibera
tive body in a discussion. (Hear, hear.) I trust, therefore, that Mr.
M'Lellan will really, on thinking of it, withdraw the expressions which
he has used in the h^at of the moment — (hear) without any more angry
feeling- Bailie Gourlay — I also would recommend very strongly that Mr.
M'Lellan would withdraw those expressions into which I know very
well that the heat of his temper led him, and which his cool judgment
will unqualifiedly condemn. (Hear.)
Mr. Pearson apprehended there was some misunderstanding as to the
exact expression. Did Mr. M'Lellan say that the Lord Provost did not
know how to use a gentleman 1

150 ROBERT STEWART, LORD PROVOST, 1851-54.
Mr. M'Lean — I think that Mr. M'Lellan is the best person to explain
his own words, and I hope he will rise and do so.
After some remarks from Mr. Cochrane (who was not distinctly heard
at the reporter's table,) deprecating the uproar which had ensued after
the. expression had been uttered.
Mr. M'Lellan said — My Lord Provost I have no objections whatever
to withdraw the expression — rather an indefinite expression as far as I
have heard it repeated — which I unpremeditatedly uttered. (Hear, hear.)
But, my Lord, I do say with the greatest coolness, and with the greatest
anxiety to support your Lordship's dignity and the chair you occupy,
and to preserve the character of this Council, that I hope the offensive
speeches which have emanated from your Lordship, and which have just
now emanated in a most improper manner from Mr. Mitchell in regard
to the length of the speeches I make in the exercise of a very disagree
able duty, that these provoking and insulting remarks, which have filled
the newspapers for the last three weeks, will not be repeated. I warn
you, my Lord Provost, that I consider them personally insulting; and
neither the chair you sit in, nor Mr. Mitchell's nor Bailie Gilmour's —
neither your public functions nor your private character, which I am
bound to respect — shall shelter you from the consequences of a repetition
of them.
The Lord Provost — Gentlemen, Mr. M'Lellan now withdraws the
words, and I am satisfied. (Applause.)
Mr. M'Lellan— I hope now the matter is concluded, that it will have
the good effect of preventing any irritating speeches as to the length or
shortness of my addresses. I know no other medium of communicating
my sentiments but by speech or writing, and I shall most assuredly
independently of the opinion of this Council or any man, exercise my
right in the way I think conscientiously best.
Bailie Gilmour disclaimed having ever said a single word that was
unkind to Mr. M'Lellan, or calculated to interfere with the free discuss
ion of the measure.
Mr. Dreghorn understood it was necessary that special objections
should be made in any petition that was presented to particular clauses
in the bill; and the public would therefore be taken advantage of, the
clauses having been altered from the shape in which they appeared in
tbe bill as originally lodged.

ROBERT STEWART, LORD PROVOST, 1851-54. . 151
Mr. Moir at considerable length and with great warmth and energy,
replied to the various objections to the bill, and urged the fact that no
public meetings had been held or remonstrances issued, as the best proof
that the public approved of the measure.
After 1856 Mr. Stewart ceased to take an active part in the public
affairs of Glasgow. He purchased the beautiful estate of Murdostoun,
in the Parish of Shotts, and gave much of his attention to the improve
ment of the lands, and the renovation and decoration of the old mansion
house and the grounds around it. He was much attached to the place,
and as it is contiguous to the works of Omoa, he made it his permanent
residence. A short time before his death he added considerably to the
estate by purchase of the inlying property of Langbyres, belonging to
' Mr. Inglis of Redhall. Mr. Stewart strove to perform his duty as a
country gentleman with the same perseverance and conscientiousness
which he had displayed in the Municipal affairs of Glasgow. He took
part in most of the county meetings, and never failed to present a
practical and business like view of the matter under discussion. He
was made Deputy Lieutenant of the county. Mr. Stewart, though not
what is generally termed an educated man, possessed a sagacious clear
mind, and a stock of experience of men and things, which, for all the
practical affairs of life is much more valuable than mere book learning.
His manner was a little brusque, and apt rather to repel those who
came in contact with him for the first time ; but this abrupt humour, as
we may call it, was only the outer rough husk of the man, which was
easily penetrated, and underneath was found a true and lovable nature.
He was a self made man, and one of the best class ; public spirited and
earnest in all business which he took in hand. He was a valuable
citizen to Glasgow, and ought to be gratefully held in remembrance.
Mr. Stewart married in 1852, Miss King, daughter of Mr. John King,
of Levernholm, by whom he had three children — two sons and a
daughter. He died, rather suddenly, on September 12th, 1866, in the fifty
sixth year of his age.

152 SIR ANDREW ORR, LORD PROVOST, 1854-57.

MEETINGS OF TOWN COUNCIL,
NOVEMBER, 1864.

ELECTION OF COUNCILLORS AND MAGISTRATES.

A meeting of Council was held on Friday, November 9th, 1854, in
the Council Chambers, Wilson Street — -Bailie Mitchell, senior magistrate)
occupied the chair.
This being the first meeting since the municipal election, prayer was
offered by the Rev. Dr. Jamieson of St. Paul's.
Mr. Forbes, Town Clerk, read the oaths against bribery and corruption,
&.C. ELECTION OF LORD PROVOST ORR.
Bailie Mitchell said it was now his pleasing duty to propose a
gentleman for the office of the Provostship ; one who was a native of
this City, and at the head of one of their great commercial firms. He
had been twelve years a member of Council, and had served for a
number of years in the various committees connected with the
Corporation — so that they had all had an ample opportunity of
discovering his abilities and qualifications for the discharge of the duties
of this highly important office. He had, therefore, great pleasure
in proposing that Mr. Andrew Orr now be elected Provost of the
City of Glasgow. (Applause).
Bailie Gilmour seconded the nomination most cordially. He was
certain that Mr. Orr would give the greatest satisfaction. While the
adage is true, "Let him not boast that putteth on his armour like him
that putteth it off," yet he would say that the gentleman now proposed
was thoroughly experienced in the Council business, and would, accord
ingly make an excellent Provost. He had much satisfaction in second
ing the nomination.

SIR ANDREW ORR, LORD PROVOST, 1854-57. 153
Mr. Grey entered his dissent from the nomination, on the ground
that Mr. Orr was chairman of the South- Western Railway; and as the
Lord Provost was chairman of the River Trust it appeared to him
incompatible that one person should hold both offices, as they were
competing interestsl^&e entered his dissent solely on this ground. He
had no other objection.
Mr. Bain thought that it was no objection worthy of dissent. He
considered that Mr. Orr's being chairman of one of the leading railways
was a qualification for chairmanship of the River Trust, and that it
would rather be conducive to the interests of the city than otherwise.
No other opposition .being offered, the chairman then declared
Andrew Orr, Esq., duly elected Provost of the City of Glasgow; which
was received with applause.
The oath of allegiance was then administered to Mr. Orr, who was
decorated with the gold chain and insignia of office, and took the chair.
The Lord Provost then said, he esteemed it a high honour they had
conferred on him, and thanked the Council for its bestowal. It was a
high honour to be Lord Provost of Glasgow, and he would make every
exertion to discharge the duties in a manner becoming the interests of
this great city. Alluding to what had fallen from Bailie Mitchell, the
chairman, regarding his twelve years' experience of Council affairs, he
said, that if it were not for that experience he would approach the
onerous duties of the office with great timidity, but he was glad to know
that he would also have all the assistance in the power of those who had
preceded him in the office. He hoped all would go on with pleasant
ness and regularity, and that they would have, in conducting all the
business, approbation within from themselves, and from the citizens
without. (Applause.) He again thanked them for the honour conferred
on him, and assured them that the honours of the civic hospitality
would not fail at his hands.
The Lord Provost then proposed, for the office of bailie, Messrs J. A
Wright, John Fleming, J. H. Young, and John Thomson — which
gentlemen, being severally seconded, were, by his Lordship, declared
duly elected.
Bailie John Taylor, Jun., was nominated, seconded, and declared
elected, Bailie of the River and Frith of Clyde.
Hugh Wilson, Esq., was in like manner appointed Deputy River Bailie*

154

SIR ANDREW ORR. LORD PROVOST, 1854-57.

List of the Names of the Members of the Town Council during
the time of Mr. Andrew Orr's Provostship, 1854-57.
1854-55.

Andrew Orr, Lord Provost.
George Mitchell, Bailie.
William Gilmour. do.
Jambs Watt Macgreror, do.
James Graham, do.
Joseph AlexanderWright,^.
John Fleming, do.
James Howie Young, do.
John Thomson, do.
Robert Baird, Dean of Guild.
James Craig, Deacon Convener.
James Scott, Treasurer.
James Drummond, Master of Works.
John Taylor, Jr. , Bailie of the River and
Firth of Clyde.

Hugh Wilson, Depute Bailie of the River
and Firth of Clyde.
James Turner, Bailie of Provan.
William Davie, LL.D., Town Clerk.
Angus Turner, do.
Arthur Forbes, do.
John Strang, City Chamberlain.
Daniel M'Callum, Accountant.
George Young and John M. Era,
Assessors in the Police Courts within
the Northern, Southern, Eastern, and
Western Districts.
John Carriok, Superintendent of Works
James Brown, Council Officer.

1854-55.

WARD FIRST.
John Thomson, Bailie.
John Macintyre.
Andrew Paterson.
WARD SECOND.
George Mitchell, Bailie.
James Moir.
William Rae.
WARD THIRD.
William Gilmour, BaiUe.
John Fleming, BaiUe.
Robert Neilson.
WARD FOURTH.
Charles Gray.
James Taylor.
Robert Webster.

WARD FIFTH.

John Stewart.
Hugh Wilson.
Andrew Fowler. WARD SIXTH.
David Maceinlay.
John Bain.
The Lord Provost.
WARD SEVENTH.
James Howie Young, Bailie.
James Drummond.
Joseph Alexander Wright, Bailie.
WARD EIGHTH.
James Scott.
John Forrester.
James Gouulay.

SIR ANDREW ORR, LORD PROVOST, 1854-57.

155

WARD NINTH.

James Graham, Bailie.
William M'Lean.
James Hannan.
WARD TENTH.
James Couper.
Robert Stewart.
Andrew Galbraith.
WARD ELEVENTH.
John Macdowall.
James Steel.
James Playfair.WARD TWELFTH
William Murray.
William Whyte.
Peter Clouston.

WARD THIRTEENTH.
James Watt Macgregor, Bailie.
John Aitken.
David Dreghorn.
WARD FOURTEENTH.
William Macadam.
Thomas Boyd.
William Gourlie.
WARD FIFTEENTH.
Andrew Gemmill.
John Mitchell.
Robert Weill.
WARD SIXTEENTH
John Taylor, Jr.
Thomas Pearson.
William Allan.

1855-56.

Andrew Orr, Lord Provost.
Joseph Alexander Wright, Bailie.
John Fleming, do.
James Howie Young, do.
John Thomson, do.
Andrew Galbraith, do.
James Hannan, do.
Peter Clouston, do.
John Taylor, do.
Robert Baird, Dean of Guild.
James Wilson, Deacon Convener.
John M'Dowall, Treasurer.
James Drummond, Master of Works.

Hugh Wilson, Bailie of the Rimer and
Firth of Clyde.
Robert Webster, Depute Bailie of the
River and Firth of Clyde.
James Turner, Bailie of Provan.
William Davie, LL.D., Town Clerk.
Angus Turner, do.
Arthur Forbes, do.
George Young and John M. Hill,
Assessors im the Police Courts within
the Northern, Southern, Eastern, and
Western Districts.
John Carrick, Superintendent of Works.
James Brown, Council Officer

1855-56.

WARD FIRST.
John Macintyre.
Andrew Paterson.
John Thomson, Bailie.
WARD SECOND.
James Mont.
William Rae.
James Cairns.

WARD THIRD.

John Fleming, Bailie.
Robert Neilson.
James Martin.
WARD FOURTH.
James Taylob.
Robert Webster.
Charles Gray.

156

SIR ANDREW ORR, LORD PROVOST, 1854-57.

WARD FIFTH.

Hugh Wilson.
Andrew Fowler.
Samuel M'Culloch. WARD SIXTH.
John Bain.
The Lord Provost.
David Mackinlay.
WARD SEVENTH.
James Drummond.
Joseph Alexander Wright, Bailie.
James Howie Young, Bailie.
WARD EIGHTH.
John Forrester.
James Gourlay.
Thomas White. WARD NINTH.
William M'Lean.
James Hannan, Bailie.
James Graham.
WARD TENTH.
Robert Stewart.
Andrew Galbraith, Bailie.
James Couper.

WARD ELEVENTH.
James Steel.
James Playfair.
John Macdonald. WARD TWELFTH.
William Whyte.
Peter Clouston, Bailie.
William Murray.

WARD THIRTEENTH.
John Aitken.
David Dreghorn.
William Govan, Jr.
WARD FOURTEENTH.
Thomas Boyd.
William Gourije.
William Macadam.

WARD FIFTEENTH.
John Mitchell.
Robert Weill.
Andrew Gemmtll.
WARD SIXTEENTH.
Thomas Pearson.
William Allan.
John Taylor, Bailie.

1856-57.

Andrew Orr, Lord Provost.
Joseph Alexander Wright, Bailie-
James Howie Young, do.
John Thomson, do.
Andrew Galbraith, do.
James Hannan, do.
Peter Clouston, do.
John Taylor, Jr., do.
John Houldsworth, do.
John Jamieson, Dean of Guild.
James Wilson, Deacon Convener.
John Macdowall, Treasurer.
James Graham, Master of Works.

Robert Webster, Bailie of the River and
Firth of Clyde.
Thomas Boyd, Depute Bailie of the River
and Firth of Clyde-
James Turner, Bailie of Provan.
William Davie, LL.D., Town Clerh.
Angus Turner, do.
John Strang, LL.D., City Chamberlain.
Daniel M'Callum, Accountant.
John Lang, Procurator Fiscal.
Alexander Young and John M. Hill,
Assessors in the Police Courts within
the Northern, Southern, Eastern and
Western Districts.

SIR ANDREW ORR, LORD PROVOST, 1854-57.

157

WARD FIRST.

Andrew Paterson.
John Thomson, Bailie.
George Grant, Jr.

WARD SECOND.

William Rae.
James Cairns.
James Mont.

WARD THIRD

Robert Nellson.
James Martin.
John Fleming.

WARD FOURTH.

Robert Webster.
Charles Gray
James Taylor

WARD FIFTH.

Andrew Fowler
Samuel M'Culloch
John Ure

WARD SIXTH.
The Lord Provost
David Mackinlay
John Bain WARD SEVENTH.
Joseph Alexander Wright, Bailie.
James Howie Young, Bailie
George Coventry Dick.
WARD EIGHTH.
Thomas Whyte
Thomas Aikman
James Brown

WARD NINTH.
James Hannan, Bailie
James Graham
William M'Lean
WARD TENTH.
Andrew Galbraith
James Couper
Robert Bryson.
WARD ELEVENTH.
James Playfair.
John Macdowall.
William Hutchison.
WARD TWELFTH.
Peter Clouston, Bailie.
William Murray.
William Whyte.
WARD THIRTEENTH.
David Dreghorn.
William Govan, Jr.
Thomas Carmichael Orr.
WARD FOURTEENTH.
William Macadam.
Thomas Boyd.
John Houldsworth, Bailie.
WARD FIFTEENTH.
Robert Neill.
Andrew Gemmill.
John Mitchell.
WARD SIXTEENTH.
William Allan.
John Taylor, Bailie.
John Binnie.

158 SIR ANDREW ORR, LORD PROVOST, 1854-57-

a mw of the events which took place dtjklng
Me. Andrew Oer's Provostship.

CRIMEAN PATRIOTIC FUND.
Dec. 13th, 1854- — A meeting of the Glasgow Committee was held in
the Council Hall — Robert Stewart, Esq., of Omoa (late Lord Provost)
in the chair.
Mr. Towers the Secretary, read the minutes of the meeting; which
were approved. He stated that £500 had been remitted from London
for the aid of soldiers' wives in the neighbourhood.
The Chairman stated that the subscriptions since the last published
list had been increased by £4202 9s 3d, which now presented a total of
£36,000. He had no doubt that, by a little further exertion, Glasgow
would be able to make up a contribution to the fund of £40,000. When
this subscription was started in Glasgow, the idea of raising £20,000,
was considered by some to be Utopian, but the result, up to the present,
showed nearly double that amount ; and he believed that the liberality
of Glasgow had had the effect of increasing the subscriptions in other
large towns, for, on a representation in Liverpool of what Glasgow had
done, the subscription there rose in a few days from £12,000 to
£22,000, and Manchester had increased its subscriptions somewhat in"
the same ratio.
The meeting adjourned till Wednesday following.
CRIMEAN ARMY FUND.
Dec. 20th, 1854. — On Wednesday, Dec. 20th, a numerous and influ
ential meeting took place in the Queen's Hotel, which Mr. M'Gregor
kindly put at the disposal of the meeting, for the purpose of counte
nancing and aiding the Crimean Army Fund. The meeting was convened
at the request of the Duchess of Montrose, who was present. The Loi;d
Provost having been called to the chair, shortly stated the object of the
meeting; after which Sir A. Alison moved, seconded by Sir James

SIR ANDREW ORR, LORD PROVOST, 1854-57. 159
Campbell, and supported by Principal M'Farlan, that a committee be
appointed to promote the extension of subscriptions for the Crimean
Fund in this city for the relief of our gallant soldiers, now enduring the
utmost hardships on the inhospitable mountains of the Crimea. The
following gentlemen were appointed a committee to promote the objects
of the meeting :— The Lord Provost of Glasgow; Sir A. Alison, Bart.,
Sheriff of Lanarkshire; Sir James Campbell; Sir James Anderson, M.P. ;
Alex. Hastie, Esq., M.P. ; Robt. Findlay, Esq., of Easterhill ; Robert
Stewart, Esq.; Principal M'Farlan; Dr. Strang; Wm. Murray, Esq., of
Monkland ; Andrew S. -f)alglish, Esq. ; William Campbell, Esq., of
Tillichewan ; Captain Hamilton ; Robert Dalglish, Esq.
It was stated at the meeting that it was of the most urgent importance
that the subscription should be extended as far and rapidly as possible,
as from the unfortunate loss of the Prince, with all the winter clothing
for the army on board, the troops, without shelter of any kind, would be
exposed for the next three months to the utmost inclemency of the
weather. A steam vessel has been chartered for the Crimea, and nearly
half of its tonnage is still open ; but as the freight amounts to £2,000,
- more than half the sum subscribed in London, it is of the utmost moment
that a large addition to the subscription should immediately be made.
Woollen goods or warm clothing of any sort, whether from merchants' or
manufacturers' stock, or private individuals, and articles of food or
groceries, will be of the utmost service, and will be received by Messrs.
Crawford & Easton, Gordon Street, who have kindly offered to receive
them, and by whom will be forwarded to London, without delay, by the
Railway Companies, who have handsomely offered to transmit them free
of expense. Subscriptions in money will be received by the British Linen
Company, and it is earnestly requested that they may be paid
immediately, as the vessel will sail from Helensburgh in less than a week.
The follow subscriptions were announced at the meeting : —
The Duchess of Montrose £25, Lady Matilda Maxwell £20, Mrs.
Campbell, Garscube, £20, Lady Belhaven £10, Mrs. Merry £10, Lady
Isabella Gordon £5, Lady Alison £5, Lady Campbell £5, Mrs. H. Crum
Ewing £5, Mrs. Speirs of Elderslie £5, Miss Dixon £5, Mrs. W. S.
Dixon £5, Mrs. Campbell, Tillichewan, £5, Mrs. M'Call, Ibrox, £5,
Mrs. Smith, sen., Jordanhill, £5, Miss Murray, Monkland, £5, Mrs
Turner, Woodside Terrace, £5, Mrs. J. Millar, St. Vincent Street, £5,

160 SIR ANDREW ORR, LORD PROVOST, 1854-57.
Miss Millar, St. Vincent Street, £5, Mrs. Robert Smith, Woodside
Terrace, £5, Mrs. Cutlar Ferguson of Craigdarroch, £5, Mrs. Neale
Thomson, Camphill, £5, Mrs. Auchterlonie, £5, Mrs. Cunninghame,
Craigends, £5, Mrs. Hannan, £5, Mrs. G. Booth and children, £5, Lady
Emma Campbell, £3, Mrs. Smith, Jordanhill, £3, Mrs. Andrew
Hamilton, £3, the Lord Provost, £5, Sir Archibald Alison, £5, R.
Findlay, Easterhill, £5, John Gordon, Aikenhead, £5, John Dennistoun,
£50, John Miller, jun., £5, Walter Buchanan of Shandon, £5, Mrs. W.
Campbell, £3, Mrs. James Jamieson, £2 2s., Miss Miller, -£l, Mrs. J.
Buchanan, St. George's Road. £1 Is., Mrs. Rait, Newtown Place, £1 Is.,
Mrs. Jolly, Catter, £1 Is., George Donaldson, £1 Is., a Friend, 15s.
The ladies took away subscription papers, for the purpose of bringing
the matter before their friends. The total sum collected in Glasgow was
upwards of £43,000.
22nd December, 1854. — The Lord Provost entertained the Magistrates
and Council and a number of guests to dinner in the Town Hall.
With April, 1855. — The Lord Provost, Magistrates and Council voted
a Congratulatory Address to the Emperor Napoleon, on the visit of
His Majesty and Consort to Queen Victoria.
2nd July, 1855.— The Glasgow Corporation Waterworks Act, 1855,
passed parliament. It authorizes and empowers the Magistrates and
Council of Glasgow to supply with water the said City and suburbs
thereof, and districts and places adjacent ; to purchase and acquire the
Glasgow Water Works, and the Gorbals Gravitation Water Works, and
introduce an additional supply of water from Loch Katrine ; and for
other purposes. The Magistrates and Council are the Commissioners
under the Act. The first meeting of the Commissioners was held in the
Council Hall, on the 26th July. The officials were appointed. — John
Burnet, Clerk and Secretary; William Guthrie, Treasurer; Daniel
Mackain, Engineer.
6th September, 1855. — The foundation stone of the Sailors' Home was
laid. 12th September, 1855. — The Lord Provost entertained the Members of
the British Association to dinner, in the Corporation Halls. The
Members of the Association sailed to Arran on the 20th inst., and were
entertained to lunch by the Duke of Hamilton.

SIR ANDREW ORR, LORD PROVOST, 1854-57. 161

THE CRIMEAN BANQUET.
The banquet, in honour of the Crimean heroes, was held on Friday
evening, 12th October, 1855, in the City Hall, which was tastefully fitted
up, and beautifully decorated for the occasion. The flags of France and
Britain were alternately suspended round the walls. Tables were erect
ed on the platform, elegantly decorated with vases of flowers, and the
front of the gallery lined with pink coloured cloth, on which were the
names of the heroes in white letters, round which were suspended wreaths
of evergreens. On the right of the chairman were the words, Raglan,
Pelissier, Sir Colin Campbell, Marmora, Lyons. Cathcart, and the Duke
of Cambridge; on the left St. Arnaud, Simpson, Bosquet, Omer Pasha,
Bruat, Evans, and Mahon; and on the front of the west gallery the
words, Alma, Balaklava, Inkermann, and Sebastopol, the whole having an
extremely beautiful effect.
His Grace the Duke of Hamilton and Brandon occupied the chair, and
was supported by Professor Nichol, Sir W. Milliken Napier, Sir James
Anderson, M.P.; Lord Muncaster, Sir M. S. Stewart, Bart.; Lord
Belhaven, Principal Macfarlan, the Duke de Coigney, the Duke of
Montrose, the Lord Provost, Sir James Fergusson, Bart., M.P., M-
Moubausin, Consul of France; Alexander Baillie Cochrane, Esq.; Rear-
Admiral Montgomerie ; William Lockhart, Esq., M.P., John Macgregor,
Esq., M.P., Sir Thomas Hesketh, Bart.; Robert Monteith, Esq., of
Carstairs; and Major Scott, Esq., of Gala.
Sir Archibald Alison, Bart., discharged the duties of croupier. He was
supported right and left by Sir William Maxwell, Bart., of Calderwood ;
James Baird, Esq., M.P. ; William Stirling, Esq of Keir, M.P. ; Sir
¦James Campbell, Rev. Norman M'Leod, Archibald Hastie, Esq., M.P.;
E. H. Craufurd, Esq., M.P.; Peter Blackburn, Esq., M.P.; Sir W.
Wyndham Anstruther, Bart. ; Capt. the Hon. H. T, Fitzmaurice, Capt.
W. D. O. Hay, 72nd Highlanders; Capt. Wilkinson, 42nd Highlanders,
Stirling; Major Coats, 55th, Crimean hero; Major Anderson, do; &c, &c.
In the body of the hall, were many of the local authorities and
influential citizens, a large assemblage of the " Queen's Own," and officers
of the Militia, in full uniform, and several of the soldiers who had fought
and bled in the Crimea,
11

162 SIR ANDREW ORR, LORD PROVOST, 1854-57.
A blessing having being asked by the Rev. Principal Macfarlan, an
excellent dinner was served, after which the Rev. Norman M'Leod
returned thanks.
The Chairman, in a few words, complimentary to her Majesty for the
interest manifested by her towards the soldiers, gave the health of the
Queen which was duly honoured. He then proposed the health of Prince
Albert and the Royal Family, including the Duke of Cambridge. The
next was the Army and Navy; to which Admiral Montgomerie replied for
the Navy, and Captain Wilkinson for the Army.
The next toast being Her Majesty's Ministers, the Chairman paid a
warm tribute to Lord Palmerston, who, he said, conducted this war in a
manner altogether unequalled in the history of our country, and was
entitled to the gratitude of parties of all shades of politics. The toast was
received with great applause.
The next toast was, the Houses of Parliament, which was replied to by
Mr. Hastie, M.P. for Paisley, and the member for Glasgow, Mr. Macgregor,
who said that Glasgow had shewn a noble example in getting up a meet
ing such as this, and he wished all other cities would follow the example.
He was fully persuaded that Lord Palmerston was honest and earnest
in the prosecution of the war, and would prosecute it with vigour till the
pride and arrogance of Russia were so humbled as would secure Europe
from all further aggression.
The next toast was The Crimean Army, and welcome to the victorious
heroes who have returned. In proposing the toast, the Chairman said,
the subject of the Crimea was a wide one, and he could not do it justice;
yet he could notbut refer to the gallant deeds whichhad been accomplished.
He then referred to the transport service, which he characterised as
wonderful, and was the most extensive ever known. He then mentioned
the victories of Alma, Inkermann, aad Balaklava. In regard to the last
named of these, he said that it was regarded by our allies as one of the
most heroic exploits ever attempted, and one of their officers of high
repute wept like a child when he thought of it. He could not forget to
include also in the toast Marmora, and the gallant house of Savoy. It
was indeed a proud day for us to see the arms of France and England
united against a common foe. Nor should we exult over our fallen foe,
who had undoubtedly displayed great gallantry in defending themselves
from our attacks. We should not forget the fact that we raise ourselves

SIR ANDREW ORR, LORD PROVOST, 1854-57. 163
in the estimation of others in praising, rather than by denouncing, our
foe. He regretted the bitter words often used against Russia and her
soldiers. We ought to recollect that they have often fought hand-to-hand
with the bravest soldiers in the world. He then said that it was
gratifying to be called on to preside at such a meeting, though he regretted
that he had not the eloquence to address them in such a manner as the
subject demanded.
The other speakers were, Sir James Fergusson, Bart.; the Duke of Mon
trose; the Due de Coigny; M. Moubausin; the Croupier, Sir Archibald
Alison, Bart ; Captain Wilkinson ; Alex. Baillie Cochrane, Esq. ; Lord
Provost Orr ; Dr. . Nichol ; an Old Veteran, who gave an amusing
account of his experience in the Crimea, and thanked the meeting in
name of his comrades ; the Rev. Norman M'Leod ; Sir James Anderson,
M.P. ; and Principal Macfarlan.
31st October, 1855. — William Bankier was entertained to dinner.
The Lord Provost in the Chair, Alexander Hastie, M.P., Croupier.
2nd December, 1855. — Arthur Forbes, one of the Town Clerks, died
at Torquay.
ith January, 1856. — The freedom of the City was presented to the
Earl of Elgin, in the City Hall. He was entertained to dinner in the
Town Hall. The Lord Provost in the Chair.
31s* March, 1856. — Alexander Harvey was entertained to dinner in
the Town Hall, as an acknowledgment for the active services rendered
as Chairman of the Committee on Suspension Bridge.
15th April, 1856. — -Dr. Strang and Samuel R. Brown were entertained
to dinner in the Corporation Halls, in acknowledgment of the services
to the Glasgow Section of the Paris Exhibition.
20th May, 1856. — The Water Committee, having resolved to celebrate
the commencement of the execution of the Water Works, on the morn
ing of that day the Committee, accompanied by a number of the
Magistrates and other Commissioners, proceeded by Loch Lomond to the
head of Loch Chon, where the work was to commence, and there met
some owners and lessees of land on the line, and a few friends. The
company formed a circle on a mound of rising ground. Mr. Stewart, as
Chairman of the Committee, addressed the meeting, explaining its object,
and called upon the Very Rev. Principal Macfarlan to invoke the divine
blessing on the undertaking, which he did. Mr. Bateman, the Engineer

164 SIR ANDREW ORR, LORD PROVOST, 1854-57.
for the Works, then briefly described their nature. A deep trench
having been prepared, which exposed a portion of the rock through
which the aqueduct was to be formed, with certain borings made therein
for blasting, Mr. Bateman addressed Mr. Stewart, and said " I am
requested by the Contractors to present you with this drill and hammer
for the purpose of you giving the last stroke to one of the holes into
which the powder is to be put. The steel of the hammer and drill is
made from Scotch iron, the handle of the hammer from a piece of oak,
part of the old Glasgow Bridge, adorned at one end by a carving
representing the Lady of the Lake and Rob Roy, and the box to contain
them is made of the oak of Glasgow Cathedral. Everything about
them is Scotch except the man in whose hand they are held ; and the
Contractors beg your acceptance of them, in order that you may give a
finishing and successful blow to this initiatory work." The blow being
accordingly struck, a royal salute of twenty-one blasts immediately
followed, amidst the cheers of the assembled crowd. The Committee
and party then proceeded to the Trossachs Hotel, where they entertained a
large party to dinner, and returned to Glasgow next day.
Freedom op the City and a Sword to Sir Colin Campbell.
The ceremony of presenting the freedom of the city and a sword of
honour to the great Scottish hero who had distinguished himself on so
many fields and especially in the recent Crimean War, took place in the
City Hall, on Tuesday 1st July, 1856. There was an immense gather
ing, including almost all the noted personages in the city and others
from many portions of the country. On the platform were Sir David
Baird, Colonel Stirling and Lieutenant Alison, aides-de-camp to Sir
Colin Campbell, Robert Monteith of Carstairs, Sir Archibald Alison,
Walter Crum of Thornliebank, H. Dunlop of Craigton, Rev. Principal
Macfarlan and many other well known gentlemen both lay and clerical.
Lord Provost Orr presided, and in a very concise and appropriate speech
referred in detail to the incidents in Sir Colin's eventful career, as well
as to the esteem in which he was held both in civil and military circles
at home and abroad. He then presented Sir Colin with the Burgess
Ticket, enclosed in an elegant silver gilt box, beautifully chased with
thistles and laurel leaves and surmounted by the Glasgow Arms.

SIR ANDREW ORR, LORD PROVOST, 1854-57. 165
Sir Archibald Alison in presenting the Sword made a powerful and
glowing speech in which the military achievements of Sir Colin were
described in a style in every respect worthy the fame of the Historian
of Europe and of the hero it was intended to honour. The Sword was a
beautiful and elaborate piece of workmanship, and on the scabbard, of
crimson velvet, was the following inscription: — "Presented to General
Sir Colin Campbell, G.C.B. by above six thousand of his countrymen in
Glasgow, &c, 1856."
Sir Colin at the conclusion of each of the addresses made a brief reply,
in which he expressed his high gratification in thus being honoured by
his native city after an absence of upwards of half-a-century — that he
was quite unprepared for the address of Sir Archibald Alison and the
reception that awaited him — there was one party that must not be for
gotten, as he owed all these honours to his having been appointed to
command the Highland Brigade. "To these veteran soldiers" continued
he, " I owe the happiness of seeing you this day, and to them is the
honour due which has been conferred on me." The aides-de-camp of the
gallant general, Sir David Baird and Lieutenant A. Alison then came
forward, and amid the most tumultuous enthusiasm buckled the Sword
around the waist of Sir Colin. The proceedings were closed by a short
address by Mr. Monteith of Carstairs.
According to the programme, there was a banquet in the City
Hall in the afternoon, by which 600 gentlemen entertained Sir Colin,
and at which the Lord Provost again presided, the croupier being Henry
Dunlop of Craigton. The Hall was tastefully decorated with flags and
devices. Again the chief speakers were the Lord Provost and Sir A.
Alison, the latter in an eloquent address proposing the health of Her
Majesty's allies, the Emperor of the French, and their Majesties the
Sultan and the King of Sardinia. Addresses followed by the Croupier,
Bailie Wright, Mr. John Hall Maxwell, Mr. William Campbell, Rev. Dr.
Gillan, R. Monteith, Esq., A. Baillie Cochrane of Lamington, Sir John
Maxwell, and Principal Macfarlan. Sir Colin again made two short
replies, in which he ascribed all the honour he was receiving to his
appointment to the command of "the glorious Highland Brigade." He
also proposed the toast of the Lord Provost, Magistrates, Town Council,
and prosperity to Glasgow. He said — " In my absence in foreign lands
I have until now, never seen the grandeur of Glasgow. Hearsay only

166 SIR ANDREW ORR, LORD PROVOST, 1854-57.
told me of its growth and magnificence, but the reality surpasses the
report. For the kindness shown me by the Lord Provost, the Magis
trates and Town Council, I can never be thankful enough. Even in the
streets I have seen no face that did not smile a welcome, and no one can
move from his heart, as I do now, the toast with greater sincerity."
Although Sir Colin was then advanced in years his fighting days were
not over, as he was immediately after despatched to the command of the
army in India, and the admirable manner in which he relieved Lucknow
and crushed the Sepoy Mutiny, forms one of the most interesting and
exciting pages in modern history. With fresh laurels on his brow he
returned once more to his own country, when Her Majesty conferred on
him the appropriate title of Lord Clyde. Glasgow showed its apprecia
tion by having a statue of him executed in bronze, and it now stands
as a companion to that of his old commander and fellow townsman, Sir
John Moore, in George Square.
It may also be mentioned, that while this is being written, the Lieu
tenant A. Alison, one of the aides-de-camp who buckled the Sword on Sir
Colin in the City Hall and accompanied him through the subsequent
Indian Campaign, has made himself famous by the heroic manner in
which he led the Highlanders against the Egyptians at Tel-el-Keber —
adding another name to the list of Glasgow's military celebrities, He
is the son and inheritor of the title of the late Sir Archibald Alison, Bart.,
Sheriff of Lanarkshire, long so well known and esteemed in Glasgow.
12th October, 1856. — The Magistrates and Council attended in their
official capacity divine service in the Cathedral, being the first Sunday
service after it had been reseated.
9th February, 1857. — Magistrates attended the funeral of the Rev.
Dr. Muir, Minister of St. James's.
31st March, 1857. — Messrs Walter Buchanan and Robert Dalglish
were elected Members of Parliament for Glasgow.
29th April, 1857. — A Drawing Room Reception to the Prince of
Oude was held in the Corporation Halls. His sable majesty had been
brought to this country with the view of creating a public interest in his
favour, in order to effect his re-instalment on the throne, of which he
had been dispossessed. Sir Andrew Orr, in court costume, did the
courtly honours with his usual dignity. Many of the Glaswegians had

SIR ANDREW ORR, LORD PROVOST, 1854-57. 167
an honour conferred on them which they never had before and never
had again, viz., the shake of a royal hand.
3Qth June, 1857. — Commenced the trial of a young lady of Glasgow,
Madeline Hamilton Smith, for the murder, by poison, of a' young man
named Le Angelier, a native of Jersey. The trial, which created an
immense sensation throughout the country, took place in the High Court
of Justiciary, Edinburgh, and continued for nine days. A verdict of
' not proven " was returned, and the lady was dismissed.
The Freedom of the City to De. Livingstone.
16th September, 1857. — The freedom of the City was conferred on
Dr. David Livingstone, the famed African missionary and traveller.
The Lord Provost presided. The City Hall was crowded to overflowing,
and the platform occupied by a numerous assemblage of the influential
gentlemen of the City and neighbourhood. Among these were the two
sons of Dr. Livingstone, Sir T. Edward Colebrooke, Sir A. Alison, Bart.,
W. Buchanan, M.P., Sir James Anderson, M.P., Robert Dalglish, M.P.,
Bailies Wright, Galbraith, Young, Thomson, Hannan, and West Watson,
besides many Councillors, merchants, lawyers, and clergymen of all
denominations. In presenting the box containing the burgess ticket, Lord Provost
Orr made a very happy speech in reference to the Dr.'s African
experiences, and the great services lie had rendered to the cause of
humanity, civilization, and religion, in the opening up of hitherto
unknown regions. In his reply, Dr. Livingstone referred to the facts
of his being born in the neighbourhood (Blantyre), and educated at
Glasgow University, but spoke humbly of his achievements in Africa,
which, although being attended with great dangers and difficulties, he
thought were over-rated by his fellow citizens.
In the evening the subscribers to a money testimonial to Dr. Living
stone, and their friends, met in the City Hall, when the great traveller
was presented with a purse of £2,080. The Lord Provost occupied the
chair, and introduced Bailie Hannan, Chairman of the Testimonial
Committee, who, in an excellent and highly appropriate speech, made
the presentation.. Dr. Livingstone replied, sincerely thanking the
subscribers for their kindness. He repudiated the idea that had got
abroad that he had found means of making money about the gold fields

168 SIR ANDREW ORR, LORD PROVOST, 1854-57.
in Africa, and otherwise. The fact was that, although he had traversed
acres ol gold fields, he never picked up a single nugget. So far from
being burdened with funds, he had refused to take his salary from the
Missionary Society for the year 1857, because some individuals who had
contributed to the Society did not consider that his labours in Africa
were for a proper religious object. Admirable addresses were after
wards delivered by Walter Buchanan, M.P., the Rev, John R. M'Duff,
and the Rev. Alexander Raleigh.

SIR ANDREW ORR, LORD PROVOST, 1854-57. 169

THE HON. THE LORD PROVOST,
1854-57:

Sir Andrew Orr was born in Glasgow in 1801. After receiving his
education at the University he became connected with the business of
Wholesale Stationer and Publisher, established in course of last century
by his father, Mr. Francis Orr; the firm being still known as that of
Messrs Francis Orr & Sons. During many years Andrew conducted the
business with prudence and energy, and its great extension was very
much owing to his sound and judicious management. In 1842 he was
returned to the Town Council as member for the Third Ward, with
which he remained connected till 1846. On the extension of the mun
icipality in the latter year, he was elected one of the representatives of
the Sixth Ward, and then raised to the magistracy. He presided on
the local bench during the four succeeding years, and from his first
entrance to the Council until 1851, he acted as an elected member of
the Clyde Trust; ex officio, he became Chairman of the Trust on his
appointment as Lord Provost of the city in 1854, which honourable
position he occupied till 1857. While he was Chief Magistrate, the
British Association held its annual gathering in Glasgow, and as the
honour of knighthood was conferred upon him about the date of his
retirement from the office of Lord Provost, it was believed to be intend
ed as a gracious recognition of the hospitality shown by him towards the
members of the leading scientific association of the kingdom. In Nov.
1857, he was re-elected member for the Sixth Ward, which he
represented till 1860, when he retired from the Council.
The prominent position occupied by Sir Andrew Orr in the city dur
ing all these years, and his known Liberal tendencies in politics, led to his
being requested to stand for the Parliamentary representation of the
city, which however, he declined to do. A similar proposal, made at
the election of 1868, on behalf of the constituency of Clackmannanshire
was also declined, from his unwillingness to divide the Liberal party.

170 * SIR ANDREW ORR, LORD PROVOST, 1854-59.
It fell to be Sir Andrew's fortune, in virtue of his position as Lord
Provost, to preside on two most important occasions when the freedom
of the city was presented to distinguished personages, both of whom, it
may be said, were by birth and education, connected with the city, viz.,
General Sir Colin Campbell and the Rev. David Livingstone. The
pursuits in which these two distinguished men achieved their fame were
very different, but both were heroes in the true and literal sense of the
term, and on each occasion Lord Provost Orr acquitted himself in a way
that did credit alike to himself and to the position he occupied in the
government of the city. His addresses were exceedingly well adapted
to the circumstances and to the nature and character of the respective
personages whom the city delighted to honour ; and, although there were
great orations made by practised public speakers on both occasions, still
the addresses of the Lord Provost creditably compared with the best of them.
In March, 1849, he was elected a Director, and the same year Chairman,
of the Glasgow and South- Western Railway, a concern which profited
greatly by his devotion to its interests, and in February, 1871, when he
retired from the presidency of the board, he was presented by the share
holders with his portrait, painted by Sir Francis Grant. This present
ation was made the occasion of a public banquet, at which the integrity
and high abilities of Sir Andrew were fully acknowledged. In 1859
he purchased the fine estates of Harviestoun and Castle Campbell ; in
1860 Aberdona, and in 1861 Sheardale estates, all adjoining. On the
Castle Campbell property stands the noble relic of feudal times. It is
believed that this castle came into the possession of the Argyll family
in 1493 and fell into the hands of the celebrated Marquis of Montrose
in 1645. The castle was then destroyed, and the ruins, which are
exceedingly interesting, are all that now remain. In this beautiful and
secluded locality Sir Andrew spent the later portion of his life partly in
farming and generally much improving his extensive and valuable
property, also making frequent visits to his native city and taking a deep
interest in its affairs. About two years before his death his health had
been far from satisfactory, but living as he did in comparative retirement
and freed from the anxiety of business, it was believed that many years
might still be vouchsafed him. Sir Andrew had gone for a few days to stay
at Hartville, Bridge of Allan. On Sabbath, the 19th April, 1872, he
attended divine service ; in the evening he became suddenly unwell, a

SIR ANDREW ORR, LORD PROVOST, 1854-57. 171
blood-vessel having burst, and before medical aid could be obtained, he
expired. He was predeceased by his wife, but left no issue, his only child
having died in infancy. His only brother, Mr. James Orr, still survives.
Sir Andrew Orr was one of an honourable class of Glasgow Merchants who,
beginning life in the early part of this century, and having by enterprise
and industry acquired a competency, recognised their obligation to the
city by devoting some of the best years of their lives to the management
of its affairs. The fact that he was elected to the important office of
Chief Magistrate, is the best possible proof of the efficiency with which
he discharged his duties in the Council and on the Bench, and in the
tiigher position he acquitted himself with becoming courtesy and dignity.
Personally he was tall, and well formed, with firm set features, which
were sometimes apt to assume a degree of hauteur, not altogether com
patible with the more yielding and gentle amiabilities. Whatever may
have been his natural disposition, he could, on most occasions, at least,
command his feelings so as to appear cool and collected under circumstances
of considerable provocation. A remarkable instance of this is on record
and occurred in the Council Chamber during his civic reign. Mr. Moir,
had been in the Council for some years, and was chagrined by seeing
several younger members raised to the bench, while he was overlooked.
" I, James Moir," as he loved to designate himself, was not the man to
submit silently and calmly to even a supposed affront, and with more
than warmth, he complained of being unfairly treated. In order to
appease him, his Lordship made a promise that if the angry councillor
could beliave properly during the coming year, he might be made a bailie
on the next occasion. Mr. Moir, however, did not fulfil the conditions
as, among other matters, he headed a swarm of city urchins, and in the
West-End Park shewed them how to trample on the grass-plots in
defiance of the magistrates' order to the contrary. Referring to this
unique escapade the late Robert Dalglish, M.P., humorously remarked
that Mr. Moir could be a useful member of Council, as he might serve
the authorities as a roller for the West End Parjj.
When the next election day came round; when the rebellious councillor
again found himself left out in the cold, he started to his feet, accused
his lordship of having broken his promise, and vehemently asserted that
he 'James Moir' was a better man than some of those who had just
been honoured — naming them in a very offensive manner. He tnen

172 SIR ANDREW ORR, LORD PROVOST, 1854-57.
shook his clenched hand at his lordship, exclaiming in the most irate
manner — "I know you, Andrew Orr, and before you are a twelvemonth
older I shall take care that the people of Glasgow know you better than
they now do ! "
During all this tirade, Sir Andrew sat immoveable as a statue, with
the most placid expression of countenance. When the man of fury sat
down, he calmly rose and with the utmost complacency said, "Well, Mr.
Moir, if you are done we shall just pass on to the next item on the
card 1" ' A more thorough down-take,' adds the narrator, ' I never
witnessed either in the Council chamber, or out of it.'
It has been observed, however, that Sir Andrew could not always bear
his honours so coolly, as for instance, at his election to the chief seat,
when the gold chain was put about his neck, his lordship did not
succeed in suppressing his emotion.
Having thus referred to Mr. Moir, we may further say that the
Ishmaelite spirit in him continued to be occasionally manifested long
after he entered the Council, and displayed itself in many ludicrous
aspects. One other instance we give : — A well-known gentlemen named
Robert Steele, toll-keeper near Rutherglen, and Justice of the Peace for
Renfrewshire, having had a quarrel with Mr. Moir, went with a bludgeon
in his hand to the tea shop in Gallowgate, and challenged Mr. Moir to
mortal combat. At next meeting of Council Mr. Moir in indignant
terms referred to the outrage, and stated that his reason for not accept
ing the challenge was to avoid "a scene" upon the public street —
finishing up with the following : — " Gentlemen, don't think that I am
in the least afraid of Rab Steel ! I am ready to meet him either with
fist or stick at any time and at any place you choose to appoint ! " It
need scarcely be added that the subject was allowed to drop. It is but
justice to say, however, that although of irascible temper, Mr. Moir
was possessed of a large share of sound common sense, and when he did
attain to the bench, became a most energetic and useful magistrate. He
had the good of the city at heart, laboured hard in its interests, and
when he died in 1880, bequeathed his valuable library for the use of the
citizens.

ANDREW GALBRAITH, LORD PROVOST, 1857-60. 173

MEETINGS OF TOWN COUNCIL,
NOVEMBER, 1887.

ELECTION OF COUNCILLORS AND MAGISTRATES.

On Wednesday, 4th November 1857, the poll-books were opened in
the Council Hall, in the presence of the Lord Provost, and the 16 new
councillors were declared elected. The newly-elected councillors were
on Thursday sworn in the Council Hall. The Lord Provost, who is
entitled to discharge the duties of the chief magistrate until his successor
is appointed, administered the oaths to the new members ; and Bailie
Young, the senior bailie, administered the oaths to his Lordship.
town council proceedings.
A meeting of the Council was held on Friday, at twelve o'clock, in
the Council Chambers, Wilson Street — the retiring Lord Provost in the
chair. Prayer having been offered by the Rev. Dr. Gillan of St. John's,
The Lord Provost said, that, as the first of the business was the elec
tion of a gentleman to the Provostship, he would take the liberty of
proposing that Bailie Galbraith be elected to that office. Mr. Galbraith
had various qualifications for that high and honourable position. He
had been from his youth connected with the mercantile interests of
Glasgow. He had been elected Dean of Guild, and consented to under
take the duties of that office, which, so far from being easy, were of the
most difficult as well as of the most important nature. For two years
he had occupied that office, and had executed the duties of it so well as
to draw forth the unqualified praise of the merchants and public of
Glasgow. He hoped that they would show their good sense in electing
Mr. Andrew Galbraith to the office of Lord Provost of the city.

174 ANDREW GALBRAITH, LORD PROVOST, 1857-60.
Bailie Young, in seconding the motion, hoped that the election of Mr
Galbraith would be unanimous. He had great confidence in the ability
of Mr. Galbraith, and trusted that his reign would be a very happy and
prosperous one.
Mr. Martin said — My Lord Provost, — I could have wished that some
older and more experienced member had risen to give expression to
what I am about to utter. For Bailie Galbraith personally I entertain
nothing but feelings of respect, esteem, and goodwill. But I will say
here what I have never hesitated to express during the recent canvass,
that Bailie Galbraith is not the man on whom our choice should have
fallen at this time, and in this opinion I am joined by a large minority
of this Council. The selection of a gentleman from among us to fill the
office of Chief Magistrate of this large and important city for a period
of three years I regard as one of the most solemn and responsible duties
which devolve upon the Council, and in the due discharge of this
duty we ought honestly and generously to sacrifice every private feeling,
personal interest, and party consideration, and to select the man who, by
his past career, has stood out amongst us as possessed of great energy,
talent, and, mental endowments, and who, by his great experience and
intimate knowledge of all departments of the public business of the city,
has manifested, in the most eminent degree, those qualifications neces
sary to occupy this high position. But I fear this has not been done,
and that we have failed to make the best use of our materials, seeing, as
I conceive, that we have passed over and set aside men who, it will be
generally acknowledged, are more qualified and more deserving of this
honour. But, having said this much, allow me further to say that, now
that Bailie Galbraith seems to be the choice of this Council, I will not
offer any factious opposition, but will cordially join, as I am sure all the
gentlemen who think with me will join, in supporting the chair in every
measure which is calculated to promote the public wellbeing, and that
we will lend our best efforts to render the reign of our new Chief as
harmonious, prosperous, and honourable as any that have gone before.
No other opposition being offered, the ex-Lord Provost said it might
be understood the election was unanimous.
The oath of allegiance was then administered to Mr. Galbraith, who
was decorated with the gold chain and ensignia of office, and took the
chair.

ANDREW GALBRAITH, LORD PROVOST, 1857-60. 175
The Lord Provost elect then said, he begged leave to return them his
sincere thanks for the high honour which they had just conferred on
him, and also to the retiring Lord Provost for the handsome manner in
which he had proposed him. He was afraid he would disappoint them
in the estimate which they had formed of him. He would not expect
to be able to give such free utterance to his sentiments as he had
formerly done ; but, where work was to be done, he would take care
that he should not be found wanting. (Cheers.) There were many
things requiring to be done to promote the interests of the city; and he
would say that all measures which had the welfare of the community
as their object, would have his warmest support. He undertook the
duties of the office in full reliance on their cordial support, which he was
sure they would not fail to give him. He would endeavour to execute
those duties so that they would have no cause to regret having elected him.
Magistrates of the Burgh. — The Lord Provost then proposed for the
office of Bailie — Messrs Clouston, Jas. Couper, Samuel M'Culloch, and
George Grant, jun. ; which gentlemen being severally seconded, were by
his Lordship declared duly elected.
River Bailie. — Thomas Boyd, Esq., was nominated, seconded, and
declared elected Bailie of the River and Frith of Clyde.
River Bailie Deputy. — Thomas Aikman, Esq., was in like manner
appointed Deputy River Bailie.
Royal Infirmary. — Bailie Young was elected for the Royal Infirmary.
Police Committee. — The following are the names of the members of
Council who now composed the Police Committee : — Messrs John Binnie,
Thomas Boyd, James Brown, James Cairns, A. Gemmill, Wm. Govan,
William Hutcheson, John Macdowall, James Wilson, David M'Kinlay,
William M'Lean, James Muir, Robert Neill, John Ure, Robert Webster,
Wm. Whyte, and' John Blackie.
Stirling's Library. — Messrs William Murray, James Playfair, and
George C. Dick, were declared elected.
Inspectors of Prisons. — James Moir, Esq., James Couper, Esq., and
T. C. Orr, Esq.
Thereafter the Town Clerks, Chamberlain, Superintendent of Works,
Procurator-Fiscal, Inspector of Weights and Measures, Assessors of
Districts, were re-appointed.
The Council then adjourned.

176

ANDREW GALBRAITH, LORD PROVOST, 1857-60.

List of the Names of the Members of the Town Council during
Mr. AVidrew Galbraith's Provostship, 1857-60.
1857-58.

Andrew Galbraith, Lord Provost-
James Howie Young, Bailie.
John Thomson, do.
John Taylor, Jr., do.
John Houlesworth, do.
Peter Clouston, do-
James Couper, do.
Samuel M'Culloch, do-
George Grant, Jr., do.
John Jamieson, Dean of Guild-
John Morrison, Deacon Convener.
John Macdowall, Treasurer.
James Graham, Master of Works.
Thomas Boyd, Bailie of the River
Firth of Clyde.

and

Thomson Aikman, Depute Bailie of the
River and Firth of Clyde.
James Turner, BaiUe of Provan.
Angus Turner, Town Clerk.
John Strang, LL.D., City Chamberlain.
Daniel M'Callum, Accountant.
John Lang, Procurator Fiscal.
Alexander Young and John M. Hill,
Assessors in the Police Courts within
the Northern, Southern, Eastern, and
Western Districts.
John Carrick, Superintendent of Works.
James Brown, Council Officer.
Dugald M'Coll, Chamber Keeper.

1857-58.

WARD FIRST.
John Thomson, Bailie-
George Grant Jr. Bailie.
William Rae Arthur.
WARD SECOND.
James Cairns.
James Moir.
William Rae. WARD THIRD.
James Martin.
John Fleming.
James Wilson. WARD FOURTH.

Charles Grat.
James Taylor.
Robert Webster,

WARD FIFTH.
Samuel M'Culloch, Bailie.
John Ure.
Andrew Fowler.
WARD SIXTH.
David Macktnlay.
John Bain.
Andrew Ore.
WARD SEVENTH.
James Howie Young, BaiUe.
George C Dick.
John Blackie Jr.
WARD EIGHTH.
Thomson Aikman.
James Brown.
William Allan,

ANDREW GALBRAITH, LORD PROVOST, 1857-60.

177

WARD NINTH.

James Graham.
William M'Lean.
Charles M'Donald.
WARD TENTH.
James Couper, Bailie.
Robert Bryson.
The Lord Provost.
WARD ELEVENTH
John Macdowall.
William Hutchison,
James Playfair.WARD TWELFTH.
William Murray.
William Whyte.
Peter Clouston, Bailie.

WARD THIRTEENTH.
William Govan, Jr.
Thomas C. Orr.
George W. Clark.
WARD FOURTEENTH.
Thomas Boyd.
John Houldsworth, Bailie.
William MacAdam.
WARD FIFTEENTH.
Andrew Gemmill.
John Mitchell.
Robert Neill.
WARD SIXTEENTH.
John Taylor Jr.; Bailie.
John Binnie.
David Dreghorn.

1858-59.

Andrew Galbraith, Lord Provost.
John Houldsworth, Bailie.
Peter Clouston, do.
George Grant, Jr., do.
Andrew Gemmhx, do.
James Wilson, do.
Andrew Fowler, do.
James Brown, do.
James Playfair, do.
Thomas Buchanan', Dean of Guild.
John Morrison, Deacon Convener.
David Dreghorn, Treasurer.
James Graham, Master of Works.
William Macadam, Bailie of the River
and Firth of Clyde.
WARD FIRST.
George Grant Jr., BaiUe.
William Rae Arthur.
John Thomson. WARD SECOND.

James Moir.
William Rae.
James Cairns.

12

William Rae Arthur, Depute Bailie ot
the River and Firth of Clyde.
William Bankier, Bailie of Provan.
Angus Turner, Town Clerk.
Alexander Munro, do.
John Strang, LL.D., City Chamberlain.
Daniel M'Callum, Accountant.
John Lang, Procurator Fiscal.
Alexander Young and John M. Hill,
Assessors in the Police Courts within
the Northern, Southern, Eastern, and
Western Districts.
John Carrick, Superintendent of Works-
James Brown, Council Officer.
Dugald M'Coll, Chamber Keeper.
WARD THIRD.
John Fleming.
James Wilson, Bailie.
James Martin.
WARD FOURTH
James Taylor.
Robert Webster.
Alexander Harvey.

178

ANDREW GALBRAITH, LORD PROVOST, 1857-60.

WARD FIFTH.
John Ure.
Andrew Fowler, Bailie.
Samuel M'Culloch. WARD SIXTH.
John Bain,
Sir Andrew Orr.
David Mackinlay. WARD SEVENTH.
George C. Dick.
John Blackie, Jr.
James H. Young.

WARD EIGHTH.

James Brown, Bailie.
William Allan.
James Hannan.

WARD NINTH,

William M'Lean.
Charles Macdonald.
James Graham.

WARD TENTH.

Robert Bryson.
The Lord Provost.
James Couper.

WARD ELEVENTH.
William Hutchison.
James Playfair, Bailie.
John Macdowall.
WARD TWELFTH.
William Whyte.
Peter Clouston, Bailie.
John Stewart.
WARD THIRTEENTH.
Thomas C. Orr.
George W. Clark.
William Go van, Jr.
WARD FOURTEENTH.
John Houldsworth, Bailie
William Macadam.
James Raeburn.
WARD FIFTEENTH.
John Mitchell.
Robert Neill.
Andrew Gemmill, Bailie.
WARD SIXTEENTH.
John Binnie.
John Taylor, Jr.
David Dreghorn.

1859-60.

Andrew Galbraith, Lord Provost.
Peter Clouston, Bailie.
Andrew Gemmill, do.
James Wilson, do.
Andrew Fowler, do.
James Brown, do.
James Couper, do.
William Whyte, do.
John Blackie, Jr. do.
Thomas Buchanan, Dean of Guild.
Adam M'Lellan, Deacon Convener.
David Dreghorn, Treasurer.
James Graham, Master of Works.
William Rae Arthur, Bailie of the River
and Firth of Clyde.

John Ure, Depute Bailie of the River and
Firth of Clyde.
William Bankier, Bailie of Provan.
Angus Turner, Town Clerk.
Alexander Munro, do.
John Strang, LL.D., City Chamberlam.
Daniel MacCallum, Accountant.
John Lang, Procurator-Fiscal,
Alexander Young and John M. Hill,
Assessors in the Police Courts within
the Northern, Southern, Eastern, and
Western Districts.
John Carhick, Supetintendent of Works.
James Brown, Council Officer.
Dugald M'Coll, Chamber Keeper,

ANDREW GALBRAITH, LORD PROVOST, 1857-60.

178

WARD FIRST.
William Rae Arthur.
John Thomson.
George Grant, Jr.
WARD SECOND.
William Rae.
James Cairns.
James Mom. WARD THIRD.
James Wilson, Bailie.
James Martin.
John Millar.
WARD FOURTH.
Robert Webster.
Alexander Harvey.
James Taylor. WARD FIFTH.
Andrew Fowler, Bailie.
Samuel M'Culloch.
John Ure.
WARD SIXTH.
Sir Andrew Orr.
David Mackinlay.
David M'Cubbin.
WARD SEVENTH.
John Blaikie, Jr., Bailie.
James H. Young.
George C. Dick.
WARD EIGHTH.
William Allan.
James Hannan.
James Brown, Bailie.

WARD NINTH.

Charles M'Donald.
James Graham.
William M'Lean.
WARD TENTH.
The Lord Provost.
James Couper, Bailie.
John Morrison.
WARD ELEVENTH.
James Playfair.
John Macdowall.
Robert Gilkison.
WARD TWELFTH.
Peter Clouston, Bailie.
John Stewart.
William Whyte, Bailie.
WARD THIRTEENTH.
George W. Clark.
William Govan, Jr.
Thomas C Orr.
WARD FOURTEENTH.
William Macadam.
James Raeburn.
Francis Watson.
WARD FIFTEENTH.
Robert Neill.
Andrew Gemmill, Bailie.
John Mitchell.
WARD SIXTEENTH.
John Taylor, Jr.
David Dreghorn.
John Binnie.

180 ANDREW GALBRAITH, LORD PROVOST, 1857-C0.

A pew of the events that took place during
Andeew Galbraith's Provostship, 1857-60.
November 9th, 1857. — The failure of the Western Bank of Scotland
was announced, and caused great consternation throughout the city.
The liability was unlimited, and many of the shareholders and busi
ness people of the city were ruined. There had been great recklessness
shown in the management. It was found that four insolvent firms
owed the bank no less a sum than £1,603,728, and an American firm
owed £376,520. The liabilities, when the affairs were wound up,
were found to be £6,360,170, and the assets £5,049,959, leaving a
deficit of £1,310,211 — a small sum, as compared with the failure of the
City Bank in 1878.
1st December 1857. — The Lord Provost and Magistrates attended in
their official capacity the funeral of the Very Reverend Principal
Macfarlan. 25th January, 1858. — The marriage of Her Royal Highness the
Princess Royal with the Prince of Prussia was celebrated in Glasgow
with great enthusiasm. In the City Hall a soiree and musical enter
tainment was held. Tea and coffee were handed round. Two elegant
bride's-cakes were cut up and divided amongst the large company
assembled. The Lord Provost and other members of the Town Council
were present at the commencement. His Lordship thereafter proceeded
to the Corporation Halls, where a brilliant company, consisting to a
large extent of the youth and beauty of the city, had assembled. The
Lord Provost took the chair at eight o'clock. On the table beside his
Lordship were placed two splendid bride's-cakes. These cakes were cut
up and handed round with wine. The health of Her Majesty the Queen
was proposed by the Lord Provost. Mr. Sheriff Bell proposed, in a
bumper, the health of the newly-married couple. In addition to the
naval and military costume worn by gentlemen present, the Rev. Dr.
M'Leod appeared in the vestments of the moderator of the General
Assembly, Sir James Campbell, Sir James Anderson, ex-Lord Provost

ANDREW GALBRAITH, LORD PROVOST, 1857-60. 181
Orr, and Bailie Dreghorn appeared in Court dresses. The proceedings
terminated about eleven o'clock.
28th January, 1858. — Messrs Tod & Macgregor's Dock was opened.
2nd November, 1858. — William Murray of Monkland left by train for
Monkland between three and four o'clock in the afternoon. Being
the municipal election day, he was a candidate for the 12th ward ; but
on the train arriving at its destination, he was found dead in the railway
carriage. A new election took place for that ward on the 8th November.
25th January, 1859. — The hundredth birthday of Robert Burns was
celebrated. There were 676 meetings held in Scotland, 76 in England,
10 in Ireland, 48 in the colonies, 61 in the United States, and 1 in
Copenhagen — in all, 872 — in honour of the memory of the ploughman
bard. The grand Glasgow demonstration took place in the City Hall
which was magnificently decorated. The gentlemen took their places on
the platform in the following order : — Sir Archibald Alison, Bart.,
chairman, supported on the right by Colonel Burns, Sir David Brewster,
Bart., Samuel Lover, Sheriff Trotter, and Principal Barclay ; on the left,
by the Lord Provost, Judge Haliburton, R. Monckton Milnes, M.P.,
Robert Monteith of Carstairs, and the Rev. Dr Norman M'Leod. The
croupiers were Robert Dalglish, M.P., Walter Buchanan, M.P., Henry
Glassford Bell, Peter Cunningham, and Alexander Baillie Cochrane
of Lamington. The speakers were the chairman, Colonel Mellash.
Colonel Glencairn Burns, Robert Dalglish, Principal Barclay, Walter
Buchanan, Henry Glassford Bell, R. Monckton Milnes, A. Denniston,
writer, Greenock, Blanchard Jerrold, Peter Cunningham, Robert
Monteith, the Lord Provost, A. Baillie Cochrane, Samuel Lover, Judge
Haliburton, the Rev. Dr. MacLeod, Sheriff Trotter, Robert Burns Begg,
nephew of the poet, William Burns, writer, Glasgow, Bailie Houlds
worth, C. R. Brown, Dr. Rogers, Mr. Lowe (editor of the Critic), and
David M'Cubbin.
28th June, 1859. — The late Sir Robert Peel's statue was inaugurated,
A procession was formed in the following order in front of the City
Chambers, Wilson Street : —
Band of the 12th Infantry.
Party of Police.
Superintendent of Police.
Assistant-Superintendents of Police.

182 ANDREW GALBRAITH, LORD PROVOST, 1857-60.
Town Officer.
The Lord Provost and Magistrates,
Three and Three.
Members of the Town Council,
Three and Three.
The Sheriff of the County.
Dean of Guild and Members of the Merchants' House.
Deacon Convener and Members of the Trades' House.
Chairman and Members of the Chamber of Commerce.
The Chairman and Committee of Subscribers to the Statue.
Officers of Police.
The procession proceeded up Glassford Street and along Ingram Street
to Queen Street, up Queen Street to the west side of George Square.
On arrival, the chairman of the subscribers addressed the Lord Provost,
who replied. Dinner, on the occasion of the inauguration of the statue,
was given in the Queen's Rooms — Robert Dalglish, M.P., in the chair ;
Sir James Campbell, croupier. The statue was executed by Mr.
John Mossman.
15th August, 1859. — The Prince of Wales arrived in Glasgow from
Edinburgh and visited Bridewell ; Messrs Scott's mills, John Street,
Bridgeton ; and Mr Crum's works, Thornliebank. His Royal Highness
returned to Edinburgh by the 4.15 train.
15th September, 1859. — The Lord Provost, Sir Andrew Orr, and Dr.
Strang attended the meeting of the Royal British Association in
Aberdeen.
OPENING OF WATER-WORKS BY THE QUEEN.
lith October, 1859. — The Glasgow Loch Katrine water-works were
opened by Her Majesty the Queen.
Programme : —
Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen, and His Royal Highness the
Prince Consort, with several members of the royal family, and their
suite, will leave the Palace of Holyrood on Friday, the 14th October
about 10 o'clock a.m., and reach Callander by railway about half -past 11
where the royal carriage will be waiting the arrival of the train.
The royal cortege will proceed through Callander and onward by road
leading to the Trossachs and Loch Katrine, which will be closed for

ANDREW GALBRAITH, LORD PROVOST, 1857-60. 183
carriages from 10 a.m., in order to prevent obstruction to the royal
progress. Triumphal arches and other demonstrations of loyalty are in course of
erection in Callander and neighbourhood.
The military arrangements will be subject to the commanding officer
who may be charged with them ; but it may be stated that the Queen's
Own Royal Regiment of Glasgow Yeomanry Cavalry (numbering about
eighty) have loyally tendered their services, and will, if approved of, be
in attendance at the railway station to act as a guard and escort to the
royal cortege from Callander to Loch Katrine, or to perform any other
duty that may be assigned to them.
A strong body of police will also be stationed at Callander, on the
road, and at Loch Katrine.
The chamberlain of the Earl of Moray, who is lord of the manor for a
large portion of the land between Callander and Trossachs, will, if per
mitted, escort or accompany the royal cortege through his lordship's
estate. The Lord Willoughby d'Eresby, as lord of the manor, will be in
attendance at Callander, and Lady Willoughby at the commencement of
her estate at Trossachs, to escort the royal party to the place of embarka
tion at Loch Katrine.
A salute from artillery placed on the adjoining heights will announce
the embarkation of Her Majesty.
The Lord Provost and magistrates, and three chairmen of committees
of the Glasgow Corporation Water Commissioners (not exceeding in all
fifteen or sixteen persons) will be on board the steamer to receive Her
Majesty, and to accompany the royal party to the aqueduct (situated on
the south bank of the lake), where the intended ceremony of opening
the works is to take place.
The steamer will sail close up to a platform constructed at the mouth
of the aqueduct, so as to admit of the royal party stepping on to it from
the steamer. »
The Duke of Montrose, as lord of the manor ; the Lord-Lieutenant
and Sheriff of Perthshire ; the Members of Parliament for the City of
Glasgow ; a deputation from the Celtic Society of Glasgow (numbering
above eighty) in their national Highland costume ; and other dis-
linguished guests, will be in attendance at the place of ceremony ; and

184 ANDREW GALBRAITH, LORD PROVOST, 1857-60.
several companies of the recently-formed Glasgow Volunteer Rifle Corps
will, if permitted, guard the place of ceremony and road to the cottage.
Ceremony.
When the royal party is arriving at the platform, the band will per
form the " National Anthem."
The Lord Provost will present an Address, from the Lord Provost,
Magistrates, and Common Council of the City of Glasgow, as Water
Commissioners. Thanksgiving for the accomplishment of the work, and a prayer for a
blessing upon it, will be offered up by one of the city clergymen.
The Queen, if it please Her Majesty, may then give instructions for
opening the sluices, or do so herself, by opening a small tap, which will
set in motion machinery for raising the sluices, thereby admitting the
water of the loch to the aqueduct.
The Queen, if it please Her Majesty, will then declare the water-works
open. The band will perform " Rule Britannia."
The discharge of artillery on the adjoining heights will announce the
completion of the ceremony ; and this, it is expected, will be immediately
followed by similar discharges of artillery from Stirling and Edinburgh
Castles, and by the ringing of bells in the city of Glasgow.
After the ceremony, the royal party will be conducted to the Commis
sioners' cottage, situated about 150 yards distant from the aqueduct,
where luncheon will be provided.
After luncheon, the royal cortege will return by the same steamer,
carriages, and route to the Palace of Holyrood. The foregoing pro
gramme was submitted and approved of by Her Majesty. In consequence
of the Yeomanry being unable to leave their county without obtain
ing a warrant from the Commander of the Forces in Scotland, and
of certain difficulties which occurred in regard to this matter, they were
obliged to deny themselves the honourable duty which they had under
taken to perform, but 400 of the Volunteers mustered on the occasion,
and took part in the ceremony.
Intimation of these arrangements was immediately given to Henry
Home Drummond, the Acting Lord- Lieutenant of Perthshire, and to
the Sheriff of that county, within whose jurisdiction the ceremony
was to take place ; and also to the Duke of Montrose, Lord and Lady

ANDREW GALBRAITH, LORD PROVOST, 1857-60. 185
Willoughby d'Eresby, the Earl of Moray, and Mr Hamilton o£ Leny—
the landowners through whose estates Her Majesty was to pass on her
journey from Callander to Loch Katrine. The Duke and Duchess of
Athole were invited to attend the inauguration, and did so, the Duke
bringing with him a large party of his Highlanders, with two pieces
of artillery ; the Earl of Mansfield ; Sir James Colquhoun, Lord-
Lieutenant of Dumbartonshire; Lord Clinton, M.P., Mr. Dalglish,
M.P. ; Mr. E. S. Gordon, Sheriff of Perthshire ; and other distinguished
guests were also present.
The Lord Provost Galbraith and a number of the Commissioners
proceeded to the Trossachs on the afternoon of the day before the
inauguration, in order to satisfy themselves that the arrangements
ordered had been completely carried out, and that they might be in
readiness to receive the Queen on her arrival from Callander on the fol
lowing day.
A number of the Commissioners and their friends left the Dundas
Street railway station at an early hour on the morning of the 14th
October. The party proceeded by rail to Balloch, where they embarked on
board the steamer " Prince of Wales," At Balmaha they received on
board the Duke and Duchess of Montrose, Lord Ernest Bruce, Mr. and
Lady Charlotte Montgomery, Captain and Lady Agnes Murray, Lady
Emily Foley, Lady Violet Graham, Mr Huddleston, Q.C., Mr Mitford
of the Foreign Office, Mr. Thomas Price, and Lady Harriet Herbert.
About half-past nine o'clock the steamer reached Ihversnaid, when the
whole party disembarked. They had still a distance of six or seven
miles to travel, and this part of the journey was accomplished under
considerable difficulties. The weather had been all morning most
unpropitious, and when the party left the steamer rain was falling
heavily. The Commissioners had provided all the vehicles which could
be obtained for the purpose of conveying their friends to Stronacla-
char, but a large number were obliged to find their way thither on foot.
After reaching Stronaclachar, some of the party proceeded to the
mouth of the tunnel in boats, while others found their way thither along
the margin of the loch, and there awaited Her Majesty's arrival.
A landing platform having been erected, as arranged, opposite the
mouth of the tunnel, the steamer, with the Queen on board, sailed close

186 ANDREW GALBRAITH, LORD PROVOST, 1857-60.
up to it. Here a fine floral arch was erected, and a covered way, laid
with scarlet cloth, led from the steamer to a raised dais laid with rich
velvet, and covered over with a beautiful rustic canopy. Under the
canopy was placed the handle with which the Queen was to open the
sluices, and with her royal hand send on the first water from Loch
Katrine to Glasgow. This handle led by underground connection-rod
to a small hydraulic engine. From the dais there was another covered
way which led to the Commissioners' cottage, where luncheon was pro
vided for the royal party. The cottage had been most exquisitely
furnished and decorated by Mr. Colquhoun and Mr. J. B. Bennet, of
Glasgow. In the neighbourhood a large wooden erection was built
and fitted up as a refreshment saloon. The luncheon for the royal
party, and all the refreshments were supplied by John Forrester, Gordon
Street, Glasgow.
About half-past one o'clock the royal steamer hove in sight, and
the fact was announced by a joyous cheer from the assembled multi
tude. Her Majesty had travelled from Balmoral to Holyrood on the
preceding day, and had left Edinburgh that morning at ten o'clock.
Accompanied by His Royal Highness the Prince Consort, the Princess
Alice, and the Princess Helena. His Grace the Duke of Newcastle,
Secretary of State for the Colonies, accompanied the royal party ; and
the ladies-in-waiting were Lady Churchhill and the Honourable Miss
Cathcart. The other members of the royal suite were General Grey and
Lieutenant-Colonel Ponsonby.
The royal train, consisting of two State carriages reached Callander at
half-past eleven, and Her Majesty was there received by the Honourable
Lord Willoughby d'Eresby. A guard of honour, composed of detach
ments of the 42d and 79th Regiments, was drawn up at the railway
station, which was beautifully decorated. A magnificent triumphal arch,
composed of heather, flowers, and tartan, was erected at the station, and
a salute of artillery greeted Her Majesty's arrival. The royal party
drove in carriages from Callander to the Trossachs, escorted by a party
of the 13th Light Dragoons. At the bridge of Kilmahog, where there
was another triumphal arch, Her Majesty was received by Mr. John
Philipps, commissioner of the Earl of Moray, lord of the manor, suu-
rounded by about a hundred of his lordship's Perthshire tenantry on
horseback wearing the tartan of his clan.

ANDREW GALBRAITH, LORD PROVOST, 1857-60. 187
When Her Majesty arrived at the foot of Loch Katrine, she was
received by Lady Willoughby d'Eresby, and by the Lord Provost and
the friends who accompanied him on board the beautiful little screw-
steamer " Rob Roy," which waited Her arrival at the pier to convey the
royal party up Loch Katrine to their destination at the inlet or mouth
of the tunnel. Unfortunately, the state of the weather prevented Her
Majesty fully witnessing the unparalleled scenery of this romantic
district. About two o'clock, the " Rob Roy " arrived at the platform with its
royal passengers. As soon as the steamer was moored, the Lord Provost
and Magistrates, Sir Andrew Orr, Mr. Stewart of Omoa, Mr. Dreghorn,
Mr. Bateman, and Mr. Burnet, proceeded to the platform, and formed a
line on each side of the way leading to the dais. On Her Majesty
stepping ashore, leaning on the arm of the Prince Consort, she was
greeted with the most enthusiastic cheers, which she personally acknow
ledged. The band played the " National Anthem."
Mr. Burnet, as secretary, read the Address presented to Her Majesty
by the Lord Provost, Magistrates, and Common Council of the City of
Glasgow, as Water Commissioners.
The following extract from the Address shows to some extent the
nature and description of the water-works : — " This beautiful and exten
sive loch of pure water, fed by a large amount of annual rainfall, and
lying at an elevation of 360 feet above the sea, was selected as the
fountain-head. The rugged district, of 34 miles in extent, which inter
venes between the loch and the city, has been penetrated by tunnels,
crossed by aqueducts, or traversed by iron pipes, in the execution of the
necessary works for ultimately conveying to the city no less than
50,000,000 gallons of water per day."
" The tunnel at the mouth of which your Majesty now stands, and
into wliich the water of Loch Katrine is to flow, is 8 feet in diameter,
2,325 yards in length, and 600 feet below the summit of the mountain
under which it passes, It is the first of a series of seventy distinct
tunnels, of the same diameter, which, measured in the aggregate, are 13
miles in length, the longest being at the southern extremity of the works,
and 2,650 yards in length.
" Loch Katrine, Loch Venachar, and Loch Drunkie, are all laid under
contribution, either for the supply of the city, or for affording an

388 ANDREW GALBRAITH, LORD PROVOST, 1857-60.
increased and more regular supply in dry seasons, to the river Teith
below Loch Venachar, as compensation for the privilege of diverting
50,000,000 gallons per day to Glasgow. The total area of these lochs is
upwards of 4,000 acres, and the available capacity within the limits to
which they may be drawn off, is 1,600,000 cubic feet of water.
" The works have been about three years and six months in course of
erection, under the able management of our talented engineer, Mr.
John Frederick Bateman, and have given employment to about 3,000
men in the country for a large portion of that time, besides iron-
founders and mechanics engaged in the manufacture of iron pipes, and
in the various ironworks and machinery connected with the works. The
cost of the construction of the new works will be between £600,000 and
£700,000, and the total cost of the undertaking to the city, including
the purchase of the works of the former companies, compensation for
land, water privileges, and other expenses, will be nearly £1,500,000.
The present population of the city and suburbs to be supplied with water
extends to upwards of 500,000."
The Queen listened most attentively to the reading of the Address,
and after it was read, it was handed to Her Majesty by the Lord Provost.
Her Majesty, in reply, and in a clear, ringing, and firm voice, and
with great taste, read as follows : —
" I accept with great satisfaction your loyal and affectionate address,
and thank you sincerely for the expression of your attachment to my
throne and person, and for the cordial welcome with which you have
received me. It is with much gratification that I avail myself of this
opportunity of inaugurating a work which, both in its conception and
its execution, reflects so much credit on its promoters, and is calculated
to improve the health and comfort of the vast population which
is rapidly increasing round the great centre of manufacturing industry
of Scotland. Such a work is worthy the spirit of philanthropy
and enterprise in Glasgow; and I trust it will be blessed with complete
success. I desire that you will convey to the great community which
you represent my earnest wishes for their continued prosperity and
happiness." The following gentlemen had then the honour of being presented to
the Queen by the Lord Provost, viz. : — Bailies Clouston, Grant, Fowler,
Gemmill, Wilson, Brown, Playfair, Young, and M'Adam, Deacon

ANDREW GALBRAITH, LORD PROVOST, 1857-60. 189
Convener Morrison ; James Hannan ; Sir Andrew Orr ; Robert Stewart ;
Mr. Bateman, the engineer ; and Mr. Burnet, the secretary to the Com
missioners. The Rev. Dr. Craik, the minister of St. George's Church, Glasgow,
offered up an impressive prayer. The divine blessing having thus been
invoked, Her Majesty turned the handle placed for the purpose, and
amid the booming of cannon and the applause of thousands of spectators,
the Loch Katrine Water-works were declared duly inaugurated. At
the request of Her Majesty, the royal party were conducted to the
sluices, that they might themselves see the water flowing for the first
time from Loch Katrine towards Glasgow. The band played " Rule
Britannia." The salutes of cannon which announced the completion of
the ceremony were repeated at the Trossachs, and again at Callender.
The telegraph wires conveyed the gratifying intelligence to Glasgow,
where the city bells rang merrily in celebration of the event ; and also
to Edinburgh and Stirling, which at once sent forth from their castles
salvos of artillery.
After inspecting the mouth of the tunnel, Her Majesty was con
ducted to the cottage, where luncheon was served ; and shortly there
after the royal party re-embarked on board the " Rob Roy," when Her
Majesty was again cheered by her loyal subjects, and the party returned
to Holyrood by the same route by which they travelled from Edinburgh
in the morning.
A granite tablet is built into a pediment over the entrance to the
Loch Katrine aqueduct, on which there is cut the following inscrip
tion : — Glasgow Corporation Water- Works.
Designed in 1853 and 1854. Robert Stewart, Lord Provost.
Act of Parliament, 1855. ) ,
Works Commenced 1856. 1 Andrew 0rr' Lord Provost
Works Completed 1859. Andrew Galbraith, Lord Provost.
Opened by Her Majesty Queen Victoria, 14th October 1859.
John Frederick Bateman, Engineer.
21st September, 1860. — The freedom of the city was conferred on Sir
.John Lawrence, in testimony of the high estimation in which he was
held no account of his services in India at the period of the Sepoy Mutiny.
Among those on the platform besides the Lord Provost, Magistrates

190 ANDREW GALBRAITH, LORD PROVOST, 1857-60.
and Town Councillors of Glasgow, were the Hon. A. Kinnaird,
M.P., M. Leplay, Conseille d' Etate, and M. Bella (gentlemen of the
suite of Prince Napoleon), Walter Buchanan, Esq., M.P., Robert Dal
glish, Esq., M.P., <fec, &c. In presenting the Burgess Ticket, Lord
Provost Galbraith recapitulated Sir John's eminent services of 27 years
in India. Sir John replied in a very interesting address.
SOCIAL SCIENCE CONGRESS— Lord Brougham, President.
September 2A.th, 1860. — The fourth annual meeting of the National
Association for the Promotion of Social Science commenced its sittings
on Monday. A great gathering of the nobles and savants from all parts
of the country were present. Among others were the Duke of Montrose,
Duke of Cleveland, Lord Brougham, Count de Persigny, Lord Rokeby,
Lord Raynham, Earl of Eglinton, Sir John Pakington, Lords Neaves,
Ardmillan, Curriehill, and Mackenzie, the Earl of Minto, &c. In the
afternoon, a sermon was preached in the Cathedral by the Rev. Dr.
Robertson. Afterwards, the distinguished company proceeded to the
Corporation Galleries, where they were entertained to a sumptuous
banquet, given by the Lord Provost, and at which his Lordship
presided. The cloth being removed, the Lord Provost, after the usual
loyal toasts, gave the health of " Lord Brougham, the President of the
Social Science Congress." Lord Brougham briefly replied, jocularly
remarking that " it behoved him to husband his voice, as the duty was
incumbent on him that night of setting a large body of ladies and
gentlemen asleep in the City Hall by means of a long oration.''
In the evening, Lord Brougham addressed a crowded and brilliant
assemblage in ths City Hall. A great variety of subjects were dis
cussed in a very attractive manner by his Lordship; and, although the
address was long, it did not realise his Lordships anticipation of setting
any of the auditory asleep.
The other speakers on this occasion were Sir John Pakington, Lord
Ardmillan, Sheriff Alison, and Sir John Lawrence. The meetings were
continued during the week, and concluded with a banquet on Friday
evening. On that day the Freedom of Paisley had been conferred on
Lord Brougham, in St. George's Church of that town.
23d October, 1860. — A complimentary dinner was given to Mr. Bate
man, the engineer for the Glasgow Water-works, in the Corporation Halls.

ANDREW GALBRAITH, LORD PROVOST, 1857-60. 181

THE HON. THE LORD PROVOST
1857-60*

Mr. Andrew Galbraith is a native of Campbeltown, and was born in
the year 1799. His father, Mr Archibald Galbraith, a very extensive
sheep farmer, was well known and greatly respected all over Kintyre.
He was succeeded in the farm by his son John, who was long chief
magistrate of Campbeltown, and one of the most genial and kind-
hearted of men. He died in 1881. Andrew, the subject of this notice,
was, like most other children in the district, early sent to school;
but as the public school to which he was sent had only one teacher
and a great many pupils, it cannot be supposed that his acquirements
would be otherwise than elementary. At the age of fourteen, however,
he left Campbeltown with the view of pushing his fortune in Glasgow.
He was not long there till he found a situation, in which he continued
about six years, when he considered he had gained sufficient experience
to commence business on his own account. When he came to Glasgow
he had the discernment to perceive the advantages of a good education to
one desirous of pushing his way in the world, and with characteristic
energy he determined to make up for past deficiency. As business hours
were then longer than they now are, he could only attend classes in the
morning at seven o'clock, and in the evening after leaving the ware
house. In this way he acquired such an amount of education as
tnabled him to take that honourable position in society which he has so
long and usefully sustained. He afterwards went into business in part
nership with his cousin, the late Mr. Alexander Johnston, of Shieldhali,
M.P. for the Kilmarnock Burghs, and his own brother, Mr. Archibald
Galbraith, in a very extensive power-loom factory. They also formed a
mercantile house in Havana and Honduras under the firm of Johnston,
Galbraith, & Co., both of which were very successful. At the earnest
solicitation of his friends, more particularly of the late Sir James

192 ANDREW GALBRAITH, LORD PROVOST, 1857-60.
Campbell and Mr Hugh Cogan, he agreed to become Dean of Guild,
which gave him a seat in the Council Board. On the expiry of his
term of office as Dean of Guild, he was returned again to the Council by
one of the wards of the city. In due time he was made a magistrate,
and in 1857 he was elected Lord Provost. During the time he filled
these two chairs many important events of a public nature occurred,
While he was Dean of Guild the Queen made her first visit to Glasgow,
and while he was Lord Provost the Loch Katrine waterworks were
opened by the Queen, on which occasion he had the honour of attending
on Her Majesty, a duty which he performed in the most dignified
manner. Mr. Galbraith retired from the Council in 1863, and is now the oldest
ex-Lord Provost living. Although retired from the more public Hfe
connected with the municipality, he has continued to take an active part
in all the benevolent, useful, and charitable institutions of the city. He
may be said to have been the originator of the Night Asylum, and he
has been an office-bearer of the Old Man's Friend Society for about
sixty years. This society was commenced by several young men, and each
took a district in the city, which they visited weekly. Mr. Galbraith
had allotted to him in 1823 the east end of High Street, with the wynds
and Spoutmouth, the work in which he regularly performed, in addition
to keeping a Sunday school in the High Street. Mr. Galbraith is now
the only survivor of those who were associated with him in the early
part of his benevolent work. He was elected a director of the Glasgow
and South- Western Railway in 1859. Than Mr. Galbraith no one in
the city has been more highly esteemed for the purity of his motives
the usefulness of his services to the public, or the amiability of his
character ; and as a mark of this high appreciation his friends resolved
to have his portrait painted, with the view of having it handed over
to the Corporation to form part of a proposed gallery of Lords Provost
of the city. The meeting for making the presentation was held in the
Corporation Galleries, Sauchiehall Street, on 5th September 1882, when
there was a large attendance of the leading gentleman of the city. The
chairman, Mr. William M'Ewan, in his introductory remarks, said, and
said truly, that " a more amiable, trustworthy, kind friend than Mr.
Galbraith no person could have. So soon as it was known that the
portrait was proposed, the desire to share in the object was so «reat

ANDREW GALBRAITH, LORD PROVOST, 1857-60. 193
that the committee speedily got more money than they could spend."
The presentation was made by Mr. Humphrey Ewing Crum-Ewing,
Lord-Lieutenant of Dumbartonshire. In doing so, he narrated the
leading events in the career of Mr. Galbraith, just as given above, and
concluded his very interesting and kindly address as follows : — " I may
be allowed to add that it has afforded me the highest personal satisfac
tion to have been asked to perform the duty of presenting the portrait
of a gentleman so universally beloved, and with whom I have enjoyed
unbroken friendship for more than half a century. (Applause.)"
Lord Provost Ure, in accepting the portrait, gave a highly interesting
account of his experiences in the Council as colleague of Mr. Galbraith,
and which is well worth recording here. In referring to what the
artist and the Examining Committee had said in reference to the
portrait, the Lord Provost continued : — " I have no doubt that was the
view of the artist and also of our Examining Committee, whose report
of the picture to the Town Council is highly flattering. Their knowledge
of Mr. Galbraith, however, was not as a colleague in the Town Council,
for not one of the present councillors except myself was a member of it
when he was there. I am- the solitary link that connects the past with
the present. All his other colleagues have left ; the great majority of
those who were engaged with him in the management of the city affairs
have gone to their rest. During the eleven years Mr. Galbraith was in
the Town Council there were many changes in the membership. In
those years he had 127 colleagues, some of whom I am glad to see with
us to-day, and to them this re-union must be a pleasant event. It will
recall to their recollection the kind, genial gentleman who wrought with
them, and at last presided over them in the Town Council, and did all
that he could to make their duties as little irksome as possible. I have
good reason myself to have the most pleasing remembrance of Lord
Provost Galbraith. He- pressed upon me a bailie's chair long before I
thought myself fitted for it. And when I refused to accept the high
honour, and offered to take instead that office which I hold still, the
convenership of the Health Committee, it was freely given me. And in
the year following the magisterial office was again offered and was then
accepted. Probably no Chief Magistrate in my time was more popular
with his Council. Certainly no one did more than he to preserve peace
and unanimity amongst us. When leaving us he said with perfect
13

194 ANDREW GALBRAITH, LORD PROVOST, 1857-60.
truthfulness — 'I now retire from office with the feeling that I have given
offence to no member of this Town Council.' Bailie Clouston, when pro
posing a vote of thanks at the close of Mr. Galbraith's provostship, said —
' You have all along given the most patient and zealous attention to any
observations coming from any member of this Council, and have shown
throughout an extreme solicitude to reconcile parties who differ ; that I
believe cannot be questioned by any one.' Nevertheless, it could not
be said that his lines had fallen altogether in pleasant places, for Lord
Provost Galbraith encountered troublous times. It was well remarked
by Bailie Clouston, in the same speech to which I have just referred —
' You may be said to have come in a hurricane and storm, and you now
retire in calm and sunshine. Not one of us can efface from his
memory the state of things in the month of November 1857, when the
bank failures, commercial defalcations, and disasters of every kind
occurred, together with the immense mass of the unemployed in our city
during the whole of that year, and gave cause of very great uneasiness
to the Magistrates, and more especially to your Lordship. I think
there can be but one opinion as to the judicious way in which you not
only took measures for repressing anxiety on the part of those who
were interested in the banks, but for the great labour and pains you
took to ameliorate the condition of the working classes.' I pass over
minor events, which, however interesting at the time, and requiring
tact and delicacy in conducting, yet possessed no permanent interest.
But surely the event to which the Lord-Lieutenant of Dumbartonshire
has referred — the introduction of the pure waters of Loch Katrine to
our city — is of itself sufficient to signalise the reign of any Provost. We
do not claim for Mr. Galbraith the merit of originating "the water
scheme, or of fighting the battle for its adoption, although it is the case
that he had become a member of the Town Council before the Act was
obtained, and after ex-Lord Provost Stewart left the Council he filled
his place on the Water Committee, and latterly became the chairman of
it ; but no doubt in our friend's own mind there will ever linger the
imposing closing scene, when he received and welcomed Her Most
Gracious Majesty, who, accompanied by the Prince Consort and two of
the Royal Princesses, had come from Holyrood to Loch Katrine to
inaugurate the undertaking by turning on the water to the city.
(Applause.) There is only one other act of Lord Provost Galbraith's

ANDREW GALBRAITH, LORD PROVOST, 1857-60. 195
that I desire to say a word upon, and that is .the important part he took
in the Volunteer movement. I recall to your minds the unsettled state
of Europe in 1859. When the war betwixt France and Austria broke
out, the belief was prevalent that the embroilment on the Continent
would spread, and this country in all likelihood be drawn into it. Our
unpreparedness for a great contest was universally known, and our
aversion to an enlargement of the standing army was general. It was
at this crisis that Mr. Galbraith favoured the Volunteer movement. A
large public meeting was held in the City Hall ; resolutions in
furtherance of the movement were carried with acclamation, and an
impetus given to it in Glasgow that has continued even until now. The
numbers aimed at were 2000 to 3000 men. Now, I suppose there are
upwards of 8000 in the city. It would have been easy for both the
Lord-Lieutenant and myself to have multiplied reasons for him present
ing and me accepting this beautiful portrait ; but we are both aware
that that is entirely unnecessary. From the brief but interesting
details which Mr. Crum Ewing has given, and the incidents that I
have related even a stranger would be satisfied that he whom this
portrait represents well deserves to be remembered ; but to you who
have known him for so many years it must be, as it is to us, a source of
great pleasure and satisfaction to take part in perpetuating the memory
of one who in his day and generation faithfully did his duty, and suc
ceeded beyond measure in maintaining a walk and conversation that
made him universally esteemed and beloved amongst his fellow-citizens.
(Applause.) " Bailie Dunlop then read the following address : —
" To Andrew Galbraith, Esq.
" Dear Sir, — Twenty-two years have passed away since you occupied
in succession the honourable positions of Lord Dean of Guild and Lord
Provost of the city of Glasgow. Your surviving municipal colleagues
along with other citizens and friends, being desirous of perpetuating the
memory of your past services to the community, commissioned Norman
Macbeth, R.S.A., to paint your portrait for presentation to the Corpora
tion of Glasgow. Now on its completion and transference to the hands
of the Honourable Lord Provost Ure, the subscribers beg to congratulate
you on the auspicious occasion. The interval which has transpired
since you were actively engaged in the duties of official life has not

196 ANDREW GALBRRAITH. LORD PROVOST, 1857-60.
lessened our appreciation of the fidelity and zeal with which you
promoted the varied interests of this great city ; and your being privi
leged to witness the event of to-day is a source of gratification to us all.
Words are not needed to enhance the value cf our estimate of your
public worth and personal virtues. A gracious Providence has favoured
you with length of days and vigorous health, and now when descending
into the vale of years, we fondly wish that the occasion of our meeting
be recognised as a tribute due to you as a public man who, in serving
the community, has earned the esteem of friends and the gratitude of
fellow-citizens. (Signed on behalf of the subscribers.)
" Archd. Dunlop, Chairman.
" William Watson, Secretary.
" Bailie Dunlop added — But there remains another pleasant duty to
be discharged. On behalf of the Portrait Committee, I am privileged to
present to you this casket, silver jug, and two cups. The intrinsic value of
these objects may not be of much account. They are simply intended
to keep alive the remembrance of this day, and when the incidents of
your public life are alluded to among the wide circle of your grand and
great-grandchildren, if they serve to awaken the memories of honour and
respect paid you during your lifetime, these gifts will have fulfilled the
purpose of the donors."
Mr. Galbraith's reply was characterised by his usual mcdesty. To
what has been said it may be added that Mr. Galbraith has never been
an adept at speech-making, but his mind is of that practical class that
can speedily judge as to what should be done and how to do it. In
person he is tall and portly, and a more noteworthy and venerable
gentleman is not to be seen upon our streets. His place of residence is in
the neighbourhood of Johnstone, known as Johnstone Castle. Although
in his eighty-third year, he makes frequent visits to the city, where he
has many friends and associates, who are always ready to give hiro a
cordial welcome.

PETER CLOUSTON, LORD PROVOST, 1860-63. 197
MEETING OF TOWN COUNCIL.
NOVEMBER, I860.

ELECTION OF COUNCILLORS.
On Thursday 7th November, 1860, in the Council Chambers, in terms
of the statue, the newly-elected Town Councillors attended to signify
their acceptance of office — The Lord Provost presiding — when the usual
oath of allegiance to her Majesty and that of 'de fideli' were administered.
The Lord Provost addressed a few words to the other fifteen Councillors
on the importance and responsibilities of office in this great city.
ELECTION OF LORD PROVOST.
The Town Council met on Friday for the purpose of electing a Lord
Provost, four magistrates, and the various other functionaries connected
with the business of the city — Lord Provost Galbraith in the Chair.
Prayer having been offered by Rev. Dr. Robertson, of the High Church,
The Lord Provost said the first thing to do was to read the standing
orders. — They were then held as read and approved of.
The Lord Provost said the last duty he had to perform as Chief
Magistrate was to nominate a successor. He trusted he would have the
unanimous approbation of the Council when he should name a gentle
man who had been long connected with the Council, namely Bailie
Clouston. He then referred to the services of Bailie Clouston, and
stated that the magistrates had unbounded confidence in his judgment
and experience. He had all along taken a deep interest in police matters,
and the Council was much indebted to him for the able manner in
which he had discharged his duties as chairman of the Police Committee.
He had also taken a deep interest in the new Police Bill, and whatever
may be its defects, he had done everything in his power to make it a
perfect bill. He (Lord Provost) had great confidence in Bailie Clouston's
judgment, and had no doubt that he will well support the dignity of the
Council of the city. He was sure there would be nothing to regret in
the appointment of Bailie Clouston. He concluded by proposing Bailie
Clouston as Lord Provost of the city.

198 PETER CLOUSTON, LORD PROVOST, 1860-63.
Bailie M'Dowall seconded the motion.
Mr. Dick said, that appointment to higher offices ought to be the
reward of past services. He and others in the Council, who were
opposed to the political views of Bailie Clouston, had agreed to support
Bailie M'Dowall, who had been very useful to the city, but as that
gentleman's health was such as to prevent him from taking office, he and
those who had agreed to act with him, had resolved to give their support
to Bailie Clouston. It should not be forgotten that the subordinate
offices should be made the tests of merit, and none should be elected to
the chief offices who had not been very useful in the Council and to
the community.
Bailie Clouston was then elected unanimously by acclamation. The
newly-elected Provost then went forward to the table, when Mr. Munro
read the form of the oath, which was duly administered. The retiring
Provost having decorated his successor with the insignia of office, left
the chair.
Lord Provost Clouston having taken possession of the chair, rose and
in the course of an appropriate address, returned his unfeigned thanks
for the great honour that had been conferred on him — an honour till
very recently, as unexpected as it was unsolicited and undeserved. He
felt the great responsibility of being the municipal head of nearly half
a million of people, and he claimed for himself the influence and support
of the Council, to enable him to conduct the business of the public. He
then referred to the business of which the Council may be regarded as the
trustees, and in taking a retrospective glance he felt that his duties
would not be of a harassing kind, as the gentleman who had preceded
him had done his duty so well as to leave the less for him to do. With
reference to the New Police Bill, he said there were two reasons which
might be given for pressing it forward — that they might be able to con
trol the wide spread immorality which prevailed, and to improve the
sanitary condition of the city.
The election of Magistrates was then proceeded with, the following
gentlemen being nominated by the Provost, and elected without oppos
ition : — Messrs James Wilson; J. Blackie, Jun. ; William Rae Arthur;
and William Govan, Jun. Mr. Ure was appointed River Bailie, and
Mr. Raeburn depute-River Bailie. The committees were then appointed.

PETER CLOUSTON, LORD PROVOST, 1860-63.

199

List of the Names of the Members of the Town Council during
Mr. Clouston's Provostship, 1860-63.
1860-61.

Peter Clouston, Lord Provost.
Andrew Gemmill, Bailie.
James Brown. do.
James Couper, do.
William Whyte. do.
James Wilson, do.
John Blaokte. jr., do.
William Rae Arthur, do.
William Govan, jr., do.
James Lumsden, Dean of Guild.
Adam MacLbllan, Deacon Convener.
David Dreghorn, Treasurer.
James Graham, Master of Works.
John Ure, Bailie of the River and Firth
of Clyde.
James Raeburn, Deputy Bailie of the
River and Firth of Clyde.
William Bankier, Bailie of Provan.
Angus Turner and Alexander Munro,
S.S.C, Town Clerks.
John Strang, L.L.D., City Chamberlam.

Daniel M'Callum, Accountant.
John Carrick, Superintendent of Works.
John Lang, Procurator Fiscal.
Alexander Young and John M. Hill,
Assessors in the Police Courts within
the Northern, Southern, Eastern, and
Western Districts.
James Donaldson and Andrew M'D.
Houston, Assessors under the Lands
Valuation Act.
James Donaldson, Assessor under the
Registration of Voters' Act.
James Paterson, Inspector of Weights and
Measures for Central district.
William Ltall, Inspector of Weights and
Measures for Western and Northern
district.
William Patrick, Warden of Burying
Grounds.
I James Brown, Council Officer.
I John M'Diarmid, Chamber Keeper.

1860-61.

WARD FIRST.
John Thomson,
George Grant, Jr.
William R. Arthur, Bailie.
WARD SECOND.
Jambs Cairns,
James Moir,
James Thomson, WARD THIRD.
James Martin,
John Millar,
James Wilson, Bailie.

WARD FOURTH.

Alexander Harvey,
James Taylor,
Robert Webster,

WARD FIFTH.
Samuel M'Culloch
John TJre,
Andrew Fowler, WARD SIXTH.
David M'Kinlay,
David M'Cubbin,
John Blackie, Jr., Bailie.

200

PETER CLOUSTON, LORD PROVOST, 1860-63.
WARD TWELFTH.

WARD SEVENTH.

James H. Young,
George C Dick,
James W. Anderson,

WARD EIGHTH.

James Hannan,
James Brown, Bailie.
Thomas Buchanan,

WARD NINTH.

James Graham,
William M'Lean,
Charles M'Donald,
WARD TENTH.
James Couper, Bailie.
John Morrison,
Andrew Galbraith,
WARD ELEVENTH,
John M'Dowall,
Robert Gilkison,
James Salmon,

John Stewart,
William Whyte, Bailie]
Peter Clouston,
WARD THIRTEENTH.
William Govan, Jr., Bailie.
Thomas C. Orr,
George C. Clark,
WARD FOURTEENTH.
James Raeburn,
Francis Watson,
Walter Gray,
WARD FIFTEENTH.
Andrew Gemmill, Bailie.
John Mitchell,
Robert Neill,
WARD SIXTEENTH.
David Dreghorn,
John Binnie,
| John Taylor, Jr.

1861-62.

Peter Clouston, Lord Provost.
James Brown, Bailie.
William Whyte, do.
John Blackie, Jr., do.
William Rae Arthur, do.
William Govan, Jr., do.
John Ure, do.
Walter Gray, do.
John Millar, do.
James Lumsden, Dean of Guild.
Anthony Tnglis, Deacon Convener,
David Dreghorn, Treasurer-
John Morrison, Master of Works.
James Raeburn, Bailie of the River rmd
and Firth of Clyde.
Robert Gilkison, Depute Bailie of the
River and Firth of Clyde.
William Bankier, Bailie of Provan.
Angus Turner and Alexander Munro,
S.S.C., Town Clerks.
John Strang, LL.D., City Chamberlain.
Daniel M'Callum, Accountant,

John Carrick, Superintendent of Works.
John Lang, Procurator Fiscal.
Alexander Young and John M. Hill,
Assessors in the Police Courts within
the Northern, Southern, Eastern and
Western Districts.
James Donaldson and Andrew M'D.
Houston, Assessors under the Lands
Valuation Act.
James Donaldson, Assessor under the
Registration of Voters Act.
William Lyall, Inspector of Weights and
Measures for First District.
John M'Cormick, Inspector of Weights
and Measures for Second District.
James Paterson, Inspector of Weights
and Measures for Third District.
Wllliam Patrick, Warden of Burying
Grounds.
James Brown, Council Officer.
John M'Diarmid, Chamber Keeper.

PETER CLOUSTON, LORD PROVOST, 1860-63.

201

WARD FIRST.
George Grant, Jr.
William R. Arthur, Bailie.
John Thomson.
WARD SECOND.
James Mom.
James Thomson.
John Burt. WARD THIRD.

John Millar, Bailie.
James Wilson.
William Millar.

WARD FOURTH.

James Taylor.
Robert Webster.
Alexander Harvey.

WARD FIFTH.
John Ure. Bailie.
Andrew Fowler.
William Brown.
WARD SIXTH.
David M'Cubbin.
John Blackie, Jr.. Bailie.
David M'Kinlay.
WARD SEVENTH.
George C Dick.
James W. Anderson.
Alexander Collie.
WARD EIGHTH.
James Brown, BaiUe.
Thomas Buchanan.
William Allan.

WARD NINTH.

William M'Lean.
Charles M'Donald.
James Graham. WARD TENTH.
John Morrison.
Andrew Galbraith.
James Couper.
WARD ELEVENTH.
Robert Gilkison.
James Salmon.
Joshua Paterson.
WARD TWELFTH.
William Whyte, Bailie.
Peter Clouston.
William Somerville.
WARD THIRTEENTH.
George W. Clark.
William Govan, Jr., Bailie.
William Taylor.
WARD FOURTEENTH
Francis Watson.
Walter Gray, Bailie.
James Raeburn.
WARD FIFTEENTH.
John Mitchell.
Robert Neill.
Andrew Gemmill.
WARD SIXTEENTH.
John Binme.
John Taylor.
David Dreghorn.

202

PETER CLOUSTON, LORD PROVOST, 1860-63.

1862-63.

Peter Clouston, Lord Provost.
John Blackie, Bailie.
William Rae Arthur, do.
William Govan, Jr. do.
Walter Gray, do.
George Grant, Jr. do.
John Millar, do.
James Raeburn, do,
Alexander Collte, do.
Alexander Ronaldson, Dean of Guild.
Anthony Inglis, Deacon Convener.
David Dreghorn, Treasurer.
John Morrison, Master of Works.
Robert Gilkison, Bailie of the River and
Firth of Clyde.
William Taylor, Depute Bailie of the
River and Firth of Clyde.
William Bankier, Bailie of Provan.
Angus Turner and Alexander Munro,
S.S.C, Town Clerks.

John Strang, LL.D., City Chamberlam.
Daniel M'Callum, Accountant.
John Carrick, City Architect and Super
intendent of Works.
John Lang, Procurator Fiscal.
John M. Hill, Assessor and Clerk of
Police Courts, Central District.
Alexander Young and J. B. Kidston,
Assessors and Clerks of Police Courts
within the Northern, Southern, Eastern
and Western Districts.
James Donaldson and Andrew M'D.
Houstoun, Assessors under the Lands
Valuation Act.
James Donaldson, Assessor under the
Registration of Voters Act.
William Patrick, Warden of Burying
Grounds.
James Brown, Council Officer
James Killin, Chamber Keeper.

1862-63.

WARD FIRST.
William R. Arthur, Bailie.
John Thomson.
George Grant, Jr., Bailie.
WARD SECOND.
James Thomson.
John Burt.
James Moir. WARD THIRD.
James Wilson.
William Millar.
John Millar, Bailie. •
WARD FOURTH.
Alexander Harvey.
Peter Maclellan.
Peter Stewart. WARD FIFTH
Andrew Fowler.
William Brown.
John Ure.

WARD SIXTH.

John Blackie, Jr., Bailie.
David M'Kinlay.
Alexander Osborne.
WARD SEVENTH.
James W. Anderson.
Alexander Collie, Bailie
James Lumsden.
WARD EIGHTH.
Thomas Buchanan.
William Allan.
James Brown. WARD NINTH.
Charles M'Donald.
James Graham.
Wdlliam M'Lean.
WARD TENTH.
Andrew Galbraith.
James Coupee.
John Morrison.

PETER CLOUSTON, LORD PROVOST, 1860-63.

203

WARD ELEVENTH.
James Salmon.
Joshua Paterson.
Robert Gilkison.
WARD TWELFTH.
Peter Clouston.
William Somerville.
William Whyte.
WARD THIRTEENTH.
William Govan, Jr., Bailie.
William Taylor.
Edward Alexander, Jr.

WARD FOURTEENTH.
Walter Gray, Bailie.
James Raeburn, Bailie.
Francis Watson.
WARD FIFTEENTH,
Robert Neill.
Andrew Gemmill.
John Mitchell. WARD SIXTEENTH.
John Taylor, Jr.
David Dreghorn.
James B. Merrlees.

A FEW OF THB EVENTS THAT TOOK PLACE DURING Me. CLOUSTON'S
Peovostship.

THE EMPRESS OF THE FRENCH IN GLASGOW.
The Empress Eugenie arrived in Glasgow on the evening of Monday,
November 26th, 1860, at the Dundas Street station of the North British
Railway, on her way from the north, where she had been sojourning
for the benefit of her health. Her Majesty was accompanied by the
Duke of Athole, the Countess de Montebello and Madame de Saulcy,
her ladies-in-waiting ; Colonel Fave and the Marquis de la Grange,
equerries, and ten servants. Her Majesty was couducted to a carriage by
the Duke of Athole, and drove off to the Queen's Hotel, where arrange
ments had previously been made for her accommodation. A long and
loud welcome was given her by the crowd assembled at the entrance to
the hotel. At eleven o'clock, on Tuesday, the Lord Provost, Dr. Strang,
city chamberlain, and Mr. Turner, town clerk, waited, by appointment,
on the Duke of Hamilton, in the Queen's Hotel. The Duke presented
them to the Empress, when the Lord Provost congratulated Her
Majesty on her arrival in the city. He also acquainted her that the
Magistrates and Council had unanimously voted an Address to Her
Majesty, which, with her permission, Mr. Turner would read. He then
read as follows : —

204 PETER CLOUSTON, LORD PROVOST, 1860-63.
To Her Imperial Majesty Eugenie, Empress of the French.
May it please your Imperial Majesty, — We, the Lord Provost,
Magistrates, and Council of the ancient city of Glasgow, beg to approach
your Majesty with our sincere and cordial congratulations on your
Majesty's auspicious visit to the British Isles, and especially to the land
of your illustrious ancestors — evincing in so gratifying a manner that
friendly and social feeling towards this country which has been mani
fested by his Imperial Majesty since his accession to the throne of
France. We trust that the alliance, wliich so happily subsists between
France and Britain may long continue ; and that the. liberal and
enlightened commercial policy, so recently and significantly exhibited
by the government of your Imperial consort, may strengthen that
alliance, and rivet more firmly those bonds of amity already existing
between them. The private nature of your Majesty's sojourn amongst
us prevents this nation from offering your Majesty that public reception
which would otherwise have been accorded by the people of Scotland
to your Majesty, and showing thereby our national friendship towards
the people of France ; but we humbly trust that your visit to this
country may be a source of not only present enjoyment to your Majesty,
but also supply you with many pleasing and gratifying reminiscences on
your return to France, where we pray your Majesty may long be spared in
health and happiness to fill that exalted sphere in which Providence has
been pleased to place you.
(Signed, &c.) Peter Clouston, Lord Provost.
Her Majesty returned her grateful thanks to the Lord Provost for
the cordial sentiments embodied in the Address, and expressed a sincere
hope that the amity and kind feeling which now subsisted between
Great Britain and France would ever continue. Her Majesty added
that she only regretted that her stay amongst them should be so brief ;
but she trusted that, on a future occasion, she might have it in her
power to visit her friend the Duke of Hamilton, when, she hoped, her
stay would be of longer duration. After Her Majesty had made her
reply, which she did in English and in a very distinct voice, the Town-
Clerk retired a few paces, still holding the Address in his hand. The
Empress, fearing, apparently that he was about to retain it, said, with a
smile, " O, don't take away the Address. Pray give it me. It belongs

PETER CLOUSTON, LORD PROVOST, 1860-63. 205
to me." The parchment, which Mr. Turner had unconsciously retained,
was, of course, immediately handed to Her Majesty. Her Majesty then
proceeded into another room, where the magistrates had assembled,
but who were not permitted to be present at the audience, and in the
most gracious and affable manner entered into conversation with the
gentlemen present, and among other subjects noticed the beauty of our
city, &c. Her Majesty afterwards drove to the West-End Park, the
harbour, visited the Messrs Campbell's warehouse, the Cathedral, and
returned to the hotel. Having expressed to the Lord Provost and Dr.
Strang the high sense which she entertained of the personal attention
which she had received at their hands, she entered the Duke of
Hamilton's carriage, and, accompanied by the Duke of Athole and the
Marquis of Douglas, drove to Hamilton Palace. The Empress was
received everywhere with acclamation.
TRICENTENARY OF THE REFORMATION.
The completion of the third century of the Reformation was being
commemorated about this time by sermons and speeches in almost
every town throughout the country. Glasgow was, as a matter of
course, not behind. On December 20th, 1860, many shops were closed
during part of the day, and a considerable number of churches were
open for religious services in the afternoon. In the evening, a great
meeting was held in the City Hall, which was literally crammed, not
only the seats fully occupied, but every available bit of standing-room
being eagerly appropriated. The chair was taken by Mr. John Hen
derson of Park ; and on the platform were almost all the Protestant
clergymen of the city, and many of the leading citizens. The proceed
ings were opened with praise and prayer by the Rev. Professor Hill. A
brief introductory address was given by the chairman, which was
followed by addresses by the Rev. Dr. Robert Buchanan on " The state
of Scotland 300 years ago, and the first General Assembly ;" the Rev:
Mr. M'Dermid, on " The sufficiency and supremacy of the Word of
God ; the Rev. Mr. Fraser (Congregational), on " The influence of the
Reformation on our social condition;" and the Rev. Dr. Norman
M'Leod on " The unity of Protestantism." Meetings having reference
to the same subject were numerous in Glasgow at this period.
December, 1860. — The Lord Provost and Magistrates appealed for

206 PETER CLOUSTON, LORD PROVOST, 1860-63.
a collection to be made for the necessitous poor in all the churches and
chapels, on the 6th of January 1861, owing to the great distress pre
vailing among the working classes. This distress continued long.
On the 22d of October, 1862, there were 2385 on the relief fund.
2ith March, 1861. — The magistrates attended divine service in St.
George's Church, in mourning for the Duchess of Kent, who died on the
16th instant.
2A4h June, 1861. — The foundation-stone of the Wallace monument
was laid at Abbey Craig, between Stirling and Bridge of Allan.
22d August, 1861. — A meeting of citizens was held regarding the
Internationa] Exhibition to be held in London in 1862. A general
committee was appointed; and, having met on 16th November, 1861,
complained of the space allotted for the exhibitors from Glasgow by her
Majesty's commissioners. A deputation was appointed to go to London
regarding the matter.
30?A August, 1861. — The Clyde Navigation Trustees entertained
Rear- Admiral Smart and the officers of the Channel Fleet to a banquet
in the Corporation Halls.
29th September, 1861. — The magistrates and the judges on Circuit in
Glasgow, along with the advocates, clerks of Court, and the macers,
and the Sheriff of the county, attended divine service during the forenoon
in the Cathedral.
14i/» December, 1861. — The Prince Consort died, and on
19th December, 1861, the Town Council met and moved an address
of condolence to Her Majesty.
23d December, 1861.— The funeral of H.R.H. Prince Albert. Busi
ness was generally suspended in the city between the hours of eleven
and one o'clock — the time during which the remains of the late Prince
Consort were being conveyed from Windsor Castle for interment in the
royal vault in St. George's Chapel. The citizens generally appeared in
mourning, and the bells of the city and other churches were tolled. The
government officials in the post-office wore bands of crape on their left
arm. The Lord Provost, Magistrates, and Town Council, and the civic
officials, in mourning, assembled at the Council Chambers at eleven
o'clock, and walked in procession to the Cathedral, where a funeral
sermon was preached by the Rev. Dr. Robertson.

PETER CLOUSTON, LORD PROVOST, 1860-63. 207
Order of Procession : —
A posse of Police.
Superintendent of Police and Assistant-Superintendents.
Town Officers.
Council Officer.
The Lord Provost and Magistrates,
Three and Three.
Councillors,
Three and Three.
Town Clerks and Chamberlain.
Members of Parliament and Sheriff Bell.
A posse of Police.
Prince Consort Memorial. — A large and influential meeting of noble
men and gentlemen connected with Glasgow and the west of Scotland, was
held in the Council Hall, on Monday, 3d February 1862 — the Hon.
Peter Clouston, Lord Provost, in the chair — when a resolution was
unanimously adopted, and a large committee appointed, to raise sub
scriptions for a memorial, to be erected in the city of Glasgow, in memory
of the Prince Consort.
11th September, 1862. — The Queen's Park, South Side, was officially
opened by Andrew Gemmill, chairman of the Parks Committee. The
superficial area of the park is 143 acres. At the opening ceremony,
refreshments were set out, under a fine clump of trees near the mound,
of which the gentlemen partook, and afterwards proposed a number of
toasts. 15th December, 1862. — The statue of the late James Lumsden, erected
in front of the Royal Infirmary, was inaugurated, and handed over
from the body of subscribers to the Lord Provost, as representing the
community of Glasgow, by Sheriff Bell.
31s* January, 1863. — The Theatre Royal, Dunlop Street was burned.
10th March, 1863. — In honour of the Prince of Wales' marriage, the
Corporation of Glasgow gave a dinner, in the Corporation Halls, to a
number of gentlemen specially invited. There was a fine ball in the
Royal Exchange, another ball in the Trades' Hall, all the public
buildings and statues in George Square were illuminated. The Cor
poration gave a fine reception in the City Hall at three o'clock.

208 PETER CLOUSTON, LORD PROVOST, 1860-63.
Loed Palmeeston in Glasgow.
. 28th March, 1863. — In the evening of that day Lord Palmerston
arrived at the Caledonian Railway Station of this city. The noble Lord
was accompanied by his stepson the Right Hon. William Cowper, M.P.,
the Hon. Arthur Kinnaird, and by his private secretary, the Hon.
Evelyn Ashley. The Duke of Argyll and Mr. Robert Dalglish, M.P.,
also travelled by the same train. Drawn up on the platform as a guard
of honour were the three companies of Engineers, and the 97th Lanark
shire Rifles, the whole under command of Lieut.-Colonel Ronald John
ston. The regimental band was also in attendance, and played several
popular airs. Lord Palmerston was received by Lord Provost Clouston,
who after a hearty salutation gave the Premier his arm and they walked
to the carriages in waiting. Lord Palmerston having taken his seat in
the Lord Provost's carriage, along with Mr. Cowper and Mr. Ashley,
was driven off amid the enthusiastic cheering of the crowd, to the Lord
Provost's residence in Park Terrace, while Mr. Kinnaird was the guest
of George Burns, Esq., and the Duke of Argyll drove out to Jordan Hill,
the seat of James Smith Esq. On Sabbath forenoon the noble Premier
attended Divine service in the Cathedral when the service was conducted
by the Rev. Dr. Robertson, the incumbent. In the afternoon, accomp
anied by the Lord Provost, he drove round the West-End Park, then
proceeded to Kilmardinny where he had luncheon with Mr. Dalglish,
and in the evening returned to dinner at the residence of the Lord
Provost. Monday was the day on which the inaugural address was to be
delivered by his Lordship, as Lord Rector of the University, and the
place chosen was St. John's Church, the college accommodation being
too limited for the numbers that wished to be present. The church was
densely crowded, no fewer than 2000 persons contriving to find sitting
or standing room.
The Lord Rector was accompanied to the platform by the Duke of
Argyll, Lord Dunfermline, Lord Belhaven, the Lord Advocate, the Lord
Provost of Glasgow, the Very Rev. Principal Barclay, &c, &c.
After prayer by Principal Barclay, Lord Palmerston addressed the
students at considerable length on the subject of education, on which he
discoursed in an eloquent and instructive manner, and was listened to
with intense interest.

PETER CLOUSTON, LORD PROVOST, 1860-63. 209
A great banquet in honour of Lord Palmerston took place in the City
Hall in the evening. At a quarter past six o'clock the loud blasts of
two of the Queen's trumpeters announced that the guest of the evening
was about to enter the hall, and at once the whole assembly, who had
by this time taken their seats, rose to their feet, and gave the noble
lord a right hearty welcome, an overwhelming cheer bursting from the
company. The Hon. the Lord Provost at once took the chair, with
Viscount Palmerston on his right. Supporting them were J. Pender,
Esq., M. P., Rev. Dr. Craik, the Hon. E. Ashley, Sir Jas. Campbell,
Sir J. Ferguson, M.P., Admiral Sir J. Hope, G.C.B., the Hon. Arthur
Kinnaird, M.P., the Lord Advocate, the Duke of Argyll, Lord Blantyre,
Lord Dunfermline, the Right Hon. Wm. Cowper, M.P., Sir W. Gibson
Craig, the very Rev. Principal Barclay, Sir Edward Colebrooke, M.P.,
Andrew Bannatyne, Esq., the Dean of the Faculty of Procurators,
Alexander Hastie, Esq., Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce; the
Rev. Robert Buchanan. Our worthy members, Mr. Walter Buchanan
and Mr. Robert Dalglish, officiated as croupiers, and were supported
right and left by Sir Jamas Anderson, Sheriff Bell, Rev. Dr. Norman
Macleod, the Lord Dean of Guild, Sir Andrew Orr, Bailie Blackie,
Andrew Gilbraith, Esq., J. Merry, Esq., M.P., the Deacon Convener,
Sheriff Gordon, of Edinburgh; Robert Stewart Esq., of Murdostoun;
Sheriff Smith, the Rev. Dr. Robertson, Mr. William Dalglish, P. B.
Smollett Esq., M.P., A. S. Findlay, Esq., M.P., H. E Crum Ewing
Esq., M.P., Rev. Dr. Robson, Walter Crum, Esq., President of the
Andersonian University. The body of the hall and all the galleries
were quite filled by Our chief citizens, numbering over 900, and it is
needless to say, that the number present was so comparatively small
only by reason of the limited accommodation.
The Albany Herald then announced that Dr. Craik of St. George's
would say grace, which having been done, a sumptuous bill of fare
was served up in the first style of purveyor's art, by Messrs. Ferguson
& Forrester. The Rev. Dr. Buchanan, of Free College, then returned
thanks. The Albany Herald then called upon the company to charge their
glasses for a toast from the Lord Provost.
The Lord Provost accordingly rose and proposed in succession the
Queen and the Prince of Wales, which were duly honoured.
14

210 PETER CLOUSTON, LORD PROVOST, 1560-68.
The Lord Provost in rising to propose the toast of the evening made
a very effective speech, in the course of which he said: —
My Lords and Gentlemen — It is a noble sight to look upon the stalwart
oak, which, from a little acorn, raises its tall and sturdy form, and not
withstanding the storms of winter which for centuries assail it, yet comes
forth again in all its early freshness and vigour — so also to witness the
gallant barque, which, after avoiding in dangerous seas every reef and
shoal, comes into port in all the majesty of a thing of life — so do we
delight to hail a noble statesman, who, after nearly threescore years in
the arena of public life, and in almost every department of Government
service, comes to our northern climate and shows himself still in all fresh
ness and ardour, and ready as ever to do good service to his Queen and
country. (Loud applause.) To this I venture to say no country can
show a parallel; and I pray God the noble Lord may be long spared to us.
(Cheers.) And, my Lords and Gentlemen, what has been the noble
Premier's experience during the long period of his public life? and what
can he tell of great events which have taken place during it — of fallen
dynasties, and of kingdoms of new creation; of the strifes in which oui
country have been involved and come out victorious; of our wars, French
and Peninsular, American, Russian, Indian, and Chinese, and more
dreadful still, our Indian mutiny? But, passing from events to men,
what can the experience of our noble guest tell of the great ones who
for the last sixty years have ruled the destinies of Europe — has he not
been in close contact with those eminent statesmen of the last and the
beginning of the present century, who roused the energies of our country
against the ferocious promoters and the spirit of the French Revolution,
and brought us safely and victoriously through all the troubles which
followed thereon — can he not tell of the great statesmen and warriors
who, in his early times passed away — how their successors, at least many,
have in his time attained to the pinnacle of fame and have also passed
away, until now the noble lord is left almost without a compeer of his
early days? (Cheers.) And, my lords and gentlemen, what is the grand
result of all? We see the noble Premier at the head of a Government
at peace with all the nations of Europe, and that honourable; for if
there be one feature of the noble lord's character more prominent than
another, it is his firm determination to vindicate the honour of Great
Britian in the face of foreign governments. (Loud cheering.) Hence,

PETER CLOUSTON, LORD PROVOST, 1860-63. 211
while England is respected by all the world, the noble lord is "a terror
to evil doers" whenever such a one appears on the verge of the political
horizon. Then, as to internal affairs, with the exception of one branch
of industry which is suffering, but not from any fault of ours, we are in
a prosperous and flourishing condition. Let us, therefore, congratulate
our noble guest on all this ; and, while giving him a true Scottish
welcome, wish him yet many years of prosperity and happiness, with
the hearty thanks of a grateful nation. (Loud cheering.) I therefore
ask you to drink, with all enthusiasm, to the health and long life of our
distinguished and esteemed guest, Viscount Palmerston.
(The toast was pledged with unusual enthusiasm. Cheer followed
cheer, each succeeding one being louder and longer than its predecessor,
while a handkerchief waved in every hand).
Lord Palmerston, in the course of his reply, said — Gentlemen, the
city of Glasgow is indeed a most remarkable centre of intellect and of
industry and commerce. It may be considered a sample of the British
empire, for here we have had instruction which enlightens the mind,
and which prepares men for the pursuits in life to which they may be
destined. We have everything that trains young men to be useful and
ornamental to their country ; and we have, on the other hand, examples
of the most successful application of genius to the purposes of industry
and commerce. We have examples of that wealth, that prosperity and
happiness, which are created by the intelligence of man devoted to the
welfare and industry of his country. (Cheers.) It was, gentlemen,
within this great city that that great man, Adam Smith, first inculcated
those doctrines of political economy which at that time were coldly
received by many, much combated by more, denounced as unsound and
unfounded by the great majority of mankind, conflicting as they did
with those vested interests and long established commercial prejudices
by which the great transactions of nations and the industry of indivi
duals at that time were guided. (Cheers.) But you have the satisfac
tion of knowing that those principles, sound and enlightened as they
were, have gradually worked their way not only to guide and direct the
course of events in our own country, but that they have, by the force
of example, founded upon the prosperity which they created, worked
their way almost all over Europe, and that those benefits and blessings

212 PETER CLOUSTON, LORD PROVOST, 1860-63.
which those principles have conferred upon us, are gradually extending
themselves to other nations which, for a. long time, shut their ears
against them. (Cheers.) There is, perhaps, no city in which there is a
more striking example than Glasgow of the advantages of that commer
cial system. Long was it indeed before the people of this United
Kingdom could be persuaded that a nation must prosper by the
prosperity of all who belong to it, and that perfect freedom of action
was essential to commercial prosperity, and that laws and restrictions
which were devised and established for the benefit of the few must be
prejudicial to the many, and that, therefore, they ought to be rescinded
and abolished. (Cheers.) If there could be wanting any proof of the
soundness of those principles upon which all political parties have, for a
great number of years, agreed to act, that proof would be afforded in
the result of the year which is now about to close. We have been
suffering under grievous distress and privations, caused by that dreadful
and terrible conflict which has risen up among our cousins on the
other side of the Atlantic — a conflict which has entailed upon the people
of that continent miseries which it would be difficult to describe —
miseries of which we generally can know little about, but known to any
men who are at all acquainted with the horrors incident upon war, and
especially of civil war — horrors which are not confined to the field of
battle, or to those who are wounded or killed in the conflict of opposing
hosts ; but the horrors and sufferings which are incident upon the action
of armies in countries which are occupied. I say these people have
been the unfortunate victims of the greatest of all calamities ; but those
calamities have also had their influence upon us. It is painful, no
doubt, to every man who has a feeling heart to reflect upon the
sufferings which a great portion of our manufacturing population have
sustained during the year and a half which are now elapsing. But not
only has our industry been paralysed, but our commerce with the
Northern portion of America has been greatly restricted ; and yet, in
spite of this cause, which might have led us to expect a great diminu
tion in the general prosperity of the country — in spite of that, such has
been the power of expansion which the commercial transactions of
the country have acquired, that, notwithstanding these drawbacks, the
general commerce of the country has not been materially affected. I

PETER CLOUSTON, LORD PROVOST, 1860-63. 213
believe it will be found that our revenue has been altogether in a satis
factory condition. (Cheers.) That never could have happened at a
time when the doctrines of Adam Smith were scouted.
Speeches followed by Sir James Campbell, the Hon. William Cowper,
Admiral Sir John Hope, the Lord Provost, the Duke of Argyle, Walter
Buchanan, M.P., Lord Blantyre, the Rev. Dr. Robertson, the Lord
Advocate, the Hon. Arthur Kinnaird, M.P., and Sir James Fergusson.
The last mentioned gentleman, in the absence of Sir Archibald Alison,
proposed the health of Lady Palmerston, to which His Lordship happily
replied. Sir Edward Colebrooke proposed the health of the chairman
and croupiers, in which he said — I do think that the citizens of this
great community have great reason to be proud of this day, of their
chief magistrate, and of their members of Parliament. This was replied
to by the Lord Provost, and Messrs Buchanan and Dalglish.
On Tuesday evening, a working man's soiree, in honour of the noble
Viscount, was held in the City Hall. Robert Dalglish, M.P., occupied
the chair ; and the platform was occupied by a large number of influen
tial gentlemen, lay and clerical, including most of those who were
present on the preceding evening. The chairman, after a few general
remarks, introduced Mr. Matthew Cullen, an aged workman from tho
east end, well known as a speaker at public meetings of a political
and philanthropic nature in Glasgow, who read and presented to the
illustrious statesman an address from the industrial classes in Glasgow,
expressing feelings of admiration and respect, and wishing him health
and long life. Lord Palmerston, in reply, expressed his gratification at
having seen in Glasgow so many indications "of the creative powers of
the industry of this great country." Addresses were given by Sheriff
Bell, Sir James Campbell, Sir John Hope, the Hon. A. Kinnaird, the
Lord Provost, &c, &c.
27th August, 1863. — A meeting was held in the Council Chambers
for the purpose of organising a committee and appointing trus
tees to receive and administer when required^ the share of the
surplus funds belonging to the "Hartley Colliery Accident Relief Fund,"
proposed to.be apportioned to the western mining districts of Scotland.
20th October, 1863. — Prince Alfred arrived in Glasgow from Edin
burgh at 9.30 a.m., and visited the Cathedral, Grant's mills, Dixon's
ironworks, Thornliebank works, and Nelson's works.

2U PETER CLOUSTON, LORD PROVOST, 1860-63.
THB HON. THE LOED PEOVOST,
1860-63.

Although Glasgow cannot, in the most literal sense, lay claim to Mr.
Clouston as " a born citizen," yet, so far as an all but life-long career is
concerned, he may justly be regarded as a veritable son of the City of
St. Mungo. Mr. Peter Clouston was born at Greenock, in 1807, his
father having been a ship-master, and, it would appear from what is
recorded of him, a brave one, too. His lot had been cast in one of those
periods when France and Britain were belligerent powers, and when
any vessel dared to put to sea, did so under circumstances that involved
serious risk and exciting adventure. And so it happened to be the fate
of the Greenock mariner, whose vessel was captured by a French privateer
and while being carried to a French port by a prize crew, Captain Clouston
succeeded in recapturing her and bringing her safely home to this country.
By this daring and successful exploit he not only gained applause, but also
a sum of money, which was awarded him by the underwriters. Captain
Clouston, however, died in 1808, when his son was not quite a year old.
Mrs. Clouston then thought proper to remove with her family, consist
ing of one daughter and her only son, the future Lord Provost, to
Glasgow ; but before he had attained his twelfth year, death deprived
him of his mother also. What school advantages he may have had in the
regular way could not have been very great, for, in 1821, when barely
fourteen years of age, he was apprenticed in the counting-house of Wm.
Bennett <fc Co., Marine insurance brokers, whose office was in the piazza of
the Tontine. At that period there were only a few insurance firms in
Glasgow, and they were all located in the same buildings. The firm was
afterwards changed to that of Bennett & Browne, now Bennett, Browne,
& Co., and is still existing. Mr. William Bennett, who was a relative
of Mr. Clouston's, died at a ripe age in 1832, and the business was con
tinued by the other partner, Mr. James Browne, and Mr. Clouston. By
his faithfulness and assiduity in the discharge of his duty, the young clerk,
Mr. Peter Clouston, who had gained the appreciation and confidence of

PETER CLOUSTON, LORD PROVOST, 1860-63. 215
the firm had, as previously arranged, been assumed as a partner, and was at
once called on to take an active part in the management of the business.
Mr. Browne was one of the original partners of the Cunard Company, of
whom the only two now alive are Mr. George Burns of Wemyss
Bay and Mr. Charles M'lver of Liverpool. Of that Company Mr.
Clouston all along conducted the Marine Insurance to their entire
satisfaction, and he and Mr. George Burns continue the warmest friends.
Mr. Browne, who had served as a magistrate of the city and Dean
of Guild, died in 1845, and Mr. Clouston was then left at the head of
the establishment. He remained alone till 1848, when Mr. John
Burns MacBrayne became connected with the firm, from which Mr.
Clouston retired towards the end of 1873.
In 1854, Mr. Clouston was elected by the Twelfth Ward as one of
its representatives in the Town Council, of winch he continued a
member till 1863, having for five of the intervening years — from 1855
till I860— been on the magisterial bench. At the latter date he was
elected Lord Provost of the city, as successor to Lord Provost Galbraith.
Few Town Councils are so fortunately constituted as to comprise
only the elements of fair, honest, and deferential discussion. As chairman
of the Council Mr. Clouston had enough of the conflicting to test his
tact, his prudence, and his temper ; and it is nothing more than just to
say that he generally succeeded in restoring the contending forces
to a becoming equilibrium. Outside the Council, also, he had a full
share of those duties to overtake which bespeak hospitality and entail
responsibility. Prominent among these is the memorable visit in 1863,
of Lord Palmerston, the most generally popular and widely trusted states
man of his day. While he remained in Glasgow, the noble Premier was the
guest of the Lord Provost, who, in his own house, and throughout the
long series of meetings in which he had the honour of accompanying the
illustrious visitant, performed his part in a manner not only creditable
to himself, but which also redounded to the credit and honour of the
city. Besides these more important duties, his Lordship had many calls
upon his time and presence, such as to preside at all kinds of public
meetings, and when their aim was good he on all occasions willingly
complied. Although he can always give clear and adequate expression
to his sentiments, he is less a man of words than a safe and sagacious
counsellor and during the entire term of his official career was universally

216 PETER CLOUSTON, LORD PROVOST, 1860-63.
esteemed and trusted as a most useful and efficient representative and chief
magistrate. As an instance of Mr. Clouston's sagacity, it may be stated
that he opposed, during the civic reign of Lord Provost Orr, the proposed
purchase of the Gas- Works at a high price for the Corporation, remarking
that science might yet supersede that light; and curious to say the
Glasgow and South- Western Railway Co., of which he is Chairman, was
one of the first in Scotland to use the electric light at their stations.
During Mr. Clouston's Municipal reign he had a heavy task in carrying
through the Police Act of 1862. It was originated in 1859 when the
Police Board appointed a Committee, with Mr. Clouston as Convener,
to take measures for its preparation, and submission to the Town Council
before going to Parliament. This proved to be a very onerous duty as
the Act extended to 426 Clauses. Mr. Clouston throughout gave it his
most assiduous attention, and was ably assisted by the Committee, the
City Architect, Mr. Carrick, and more particularly by the late Mr.
Dugald John Bannatyne, one of the most talented lawyers then in the
City, who was appointed the Solicitor to frame and carry through the
measure ; to which duty he with great ability gave untiring application.
It was not until November 1860 that the Committee were enabled to
have the Bill in print, and immediately after Lord Provost Clouston's
election to the Chair of the Town Council it was introduced for con
sideration of that body, who discussed it most thoroughly and critically.
During that period there were no less than 45 meetings of Council
and with the exception of the ordinary monthly meetings the others
were specially for the Bill. At length the consideration was brought to
a close on the day when the Council met for the last time previous to
the Municipal Elections in November, 1861, when (with such alterations
as had been made upon it) it was approved of and authority was given
for having it submitted to Parliament. As might be expected of a
measure interfering with various interests and some of its provisions
new and novel, there was considerable opposition, with which the Corpor
ation had to contend in the two Committees of the Commons and Lords,
but ultimately the Bill was passed to their satisfaction in the Session of
1862. Since that time the City has been governed under its provisions,
the workingof which shows that itwas a measure necessary and appropriate
for such a large and yearly increasing community as that of Glasgow.
In 1864, Mr. Clouston was elected a director of the Glasgow and

PETER CLOUSTON, LORD PROVOST, 1860-63. 217
South- Western Railway, and in March 1879 was unanimously elected
chairman of the Company, which important office he still continues to
hold. He was also elected a Director of the City of Glasgow Life
Assurance Company on 27th March, 1849, and was appointed Chairman
of the Board of Directors, 25th April, 1866. Mr. Clouston married
Miss Grant, (daughter of Mr. Adam Grant, formerly writer in Glasgow),
one of the kindest-hearted and most unassuming of ladies, who
died in 1867, They had a family of six daughters, two
of whom were married to two brothers, Mr. James Bulloch of
the world famed house of Bulloch Brothers & Co., of Rangoon
and London, owners of the "Bay" Line of Ships trading to the East,
and Mr. Matthew Bulloch, of the well-known firm of Bulloch, Lade,
& Co.
It is pleasing to add that, although considerably advanced in years, he
still continues to move in and out among his fellow-citizens, apparently
hale and hearty, and, although not connected with the Council, taking a
warm interest in public institutions and schemes of a benevolent nature.
In politics Mr. Clouston has throughout indentified himself with the
Tory or Conservative party, but eschewing extreme partizanship, and
never in any way availing himself of his position to further that interest
in opposition to the other political parties of that day. He thus
adhered rigidly to the statement made by him on his election as Lord
Provost, viz., that, during the coming three years' service he would
entirely dissever politics, from his municipal duties.
As to the Church — he was trained in, and all along has been connected
by membership with the Established Church of Scotland, to which he
steadily adheres and warmly supports.
At the close of his official term as chief' magistrate ih 1863,
on the motion of Councillor Thomas Buchanan, a vote of thanks was
accorded him in these words : — " That ihe thanks of the Council be
tendered to the Hon. the Lord Provost for the talent and assiduity
uniformly exercised by him in his management of the affairs of the
Corporation during the time he has occupied the civic chair, and for the
liberal and hospitable manner in which he has upheld the dignity of the
chief magistracy." (Applause.)
As Mr. Clouston's address in response contains allusion to the leading
events that occurred during his civic career, we give its more salient

218 PETER CLOUSTON, LORD PROVOST, 1860-63.
points: — The Lord Provost, in responding, said — the very complimentary
remarks which had been made in allusion to his public career during the
last three years were of that strong character that he could only say he
wished he deserved them ; for he was perfectly conscious that during
those years, whilst he might claim for himself all anxiety to perform,
with due efficiency and with dignity, the duties devolving on the chief
magistrate of such, a city as Glasgow, yet he felt satisfied that, but for
the support as well as for the forbearance of the Council, this would in a
measure have been impracticable. With that support, however, he had
been enabled with, he would say, comfort to himself to arrive near the
close of his municipal reign ; and in looking back at that short period of
three years, he would, as Mr. Buchanan had done, allude to the changes
that had taken place. A period of three years always did make changes
on public as well as social bodies, and, as a Town Council, they had
had to record on their minutes during that period the loss of many who
were dear to them as private friends and valuable as public servants and
citizens of this community. They had also the melancholy duty to
perform of recording on their minutes during that period the loss of the
great and good Prince Consort, the effects of which the country had
not yet recovered. But in looking back to those days whilst there
were dark spots on the horizon, there was much, he thought, that they
might have to congratulate themselves upon with regard to the continued
and increasing prosperity of the city. For, amongst the circumstances
that had occurred during the last three years, was the census taken two
years ago. The result of that census showed that the population of
Glasgow had increased during the preceding ten years to the extent of
70,000 souls. It was, he thought, a sufficient indication of the pro
sperity of the city, that it should have increased at the rate of 7000 per
annum during that period of ten years. With regard to the business
of the Corporation, the affairs .under their own management, such as the
Police and Statute Labour, the Water Trust, the Parks and Galleries,
the Markets' Trust, and Hutcheson's Hospital, showed revenues which
were going on progressively increasing, as compared with what they
were three years ago. And so did the other trusts in which the Council
acted in conjunction with other parties, such as the River Trust, which
had increased to a very great extent, and the Bridge Trust which, while
increasing in revenue to the extent of £70,000 per annum, had had

PETER CLOUSTON, LORD PROVOST, 1860-63 219
its debt reduced in a few years from £70,000 to £16,000, which
would be completely absorbed in two or three years. He had
had to congratulate himself, during his term of office, on the
blessing of good health, for which he trusted he should ever
be thankfuL In consequence of that he had the good fortune to
be able to say he had been at every Council meeting during the past
three years — (hear, hear) — although during that period there had been
74 meetings, including the present, of which there were 42 in the first
year of his occupying the civic chair, caused by lengthened discussions and
revision of the Police Act, passed in 1862. Then he had the pleasing re
flection of having done something in acting as chairman in connection with
the subscription for perpetuating the memory of the Prince Consort,
and latterly of discharging a similar duty with reference to that of Lord
Clyde. He might also mention, as a pleasing circumstance, that his
office had brought him into contact with some very excellent people and
institutions which, but for the confidence of the Council, he would
never have met with. It had enabled him to take part in the Exhi
bition of 1862, and to receive an invitation to a royal ball at Guildhall.
He had been honoured with a visit of the veteran Prime Minister
of England, and however long he might live, he should ever cherish
the conviction that it was a great privilege to have had it in his
power to have that nobleman under his roof. He had also had the
honour of two visits of the Channel Fleet, with the officers of which
they had all been delighted. He might also advert to the festivities
connected with the marriage of the Prince of Wales ; and, lastly, he
might remind the Council that as, within a few days of his appointment
to the civic chair, he had the honour of receiving the Empress of the
French, so within the last few days, as they knew, he had had the
honour of receiving that gallant sailor, Prince Alfred. Such recollec
tions as these were pleasing to look back upon. He returned his
best thanks to the magistrates for their support, as well as for the cor
diality that had existed between them.

Vis

220 JOHN BLACKIE, LORD PROVOST, 1863-66.

MEETINGS OF TOWN COUNCIL,
NOVEMBER, 1863.

ELECTION OF COUNCILLORS.
The first meeting of the newly-constituted Town Council was held on
the 11th November, 1863. At the commencement of the proceedings,
Bailie Blackie presided.
The meeting having been opened with prayer by the Rev. Dr.
Runciman, Bailie Blackie said — -Gentlemen, we meet for the first time, after the
annual elections, under very impressive circumstances. The arrange
ments in connection with the elections were yet in progress, one portion
of the retiring members being returned again by their wards, and
new representatives being elected by other wards, to take the place of
those who, having done their part in the management of our civic
affairs, retired finally from the Council. In the midst of these arrange
ments, and while they were yet incomplete, one of our number, who
had been in the active discharge of his duties as a magistrate in the
morning, was, ere the early evening closed in, taken away literally " as
with a stroke." Death had made a breach among us, and an arrest was
put on our proceedings, in the usual course, to constitute the Council.
Gentlemen, this is the second time, within two months, that the hand
of death has been amongst us. And, as if to make the visitation more
impressive, it is two of the magistrates — two out of eight, that had
wrought together in much harmony during the present year — that have
been called hence. May we that are left ponder these lessons.
Bailie Millar came in early life to this city, and by strict regular atten
tion to his calling, which seldom fails to bring its reward, had risen to
the position he held as a trader and a citizen. Those who knew him
best will mourn him most. In an especial manner, all of us, I am sure,
sympathise with the widow and family from whom the husband and

JOHN BLACKIE LORD PROVOST, 1863-67 221
father has been snatched away Let each of us endeavour to apply for
himself the lessons taught by these removals of " old familiar faces "
from the midst of us, so that, attending diligently to those duties to
which we are called in this life, we may, at the same time, stand pre
pared for that which is to come, and thus, when called hence, it may
with us " at evening time be light."
Bailie Blackie then said — The first duty devolving upon the Council
was to elect a representative for the third ward, in room of Bailie
Millar. A deputation from the third ward was here introduced, consisting of
Messrs Yuile; Paton, and Logan.
Mr. Yuile stated that a meeting of the ward had been held for the
purpose of recommending a gentleman to represent them in the Council.
The meeting unanimously agreed upon Mr. Walter M'Farlane of the
Saracen Foundry. Should it be the pleasure of the Council to elect
that gentleman, the electors of the ward thought him in every way
qualified to act for them. Mr. Macfarlane had all along taken a warm
interest in the public business of the east end of the city.
Bailie Blackie having intimated that the recommendation of the ward
would receive the full consideration of the Council, the deputation
withdrew. Mr. William Miller then proposed the election of Mr. Walter Mac
farlane as one of the representatives of the third ward. After alluding
in feeling terms to the lamented death of Bailie Millar, he said — Mr.
Macfarlane was an enterprising and successful business man, an intel-
li»ent and public-spirited citizen, and a gentleman long and favourably
known in the east end of Glasgow for the uniform, warm, and zealous
interest he had taken in all objects fitted to promote the welfare of the
community at large.
Mr. James Wilson seconded the nomination.
The motion, on being put to the meeting, was carried by acclamation.
Mr. Macfarlane was then introduced to the *Council, and took the
usual oath.
The standing orders having been held as read,
Bailie Blackie said — The business he had next to bring before the
Council was the adoption of a resolution with reference to the lamented
death of Bailie Millar. He moved that the following be placed on

222 JOHN BLACKIE LORD PROVOST, 1863-66.
the minutes, and an extract thereof sent to the bereaved family : —
" That the Council record their deep regret at the death of their late
colleague, Bailie Millar, and their appreciation of his faithful and
diligent discharge of his duties as a magistrate and citizen, and also
their sympathy with his widow and family in their sudden and unex
pected bereavement."
The resolution was cordially adopted.
Bailie Grant, in moving the election of the Lord Provost, said —
Gentlemen, I am sure there is not one here present who does not find a
sincere and sympathising echo in his heart to the very appropriate
and feeling remarks of Bailie Blackie on the mournful event which has
taken place amongst us since we last met. I may not, however, dwell
on the subject, but at once direct your attention to the important duties
which are before us this day, especially to the one which is the most
important — namely, the election of a gentleman to be chairman of this
Council and Lord Provost of our city. Before naming one whom I
think in every respect worthy to receive so honourable a distinction, I
would acknowledge that it is with feelings of profound regret that I look
in vain for the familiar faces of those friends, with whom I have been
privileged to enjoy so much delightful intercourse during the last seven
years. Although I rejoice that these geutlemen have retired from this
Council full of honours, I, at the same time, think it a public loss to
our city that this Council has been deprived of the experience and
matured judgment of our Galbraiths, our Harveys, our Buchanans,
and our Cloustons. Especially do I regret the retirement of our late
Lord Provost, whose great experience and sterling excellence, together
with his genial heart and social disposition, fitted him so admirably for
the discharge of the varied and important duties pertaining to his high
position. For our future chief magistrate, it is with feelings of the
greatest satisfaction and pleasure that I propose that the high honour
and distinction of Lord Provost of our city be conferred on my much-
esteemed friend and colleague Bailie Blackie, than whom, I am certain,
there could not be found one better qualified and more worthy to fulfil
the duties and maintain the dignity of the office, feeling assured that
the honour and dignity of this chair will not suffer in his hands, but,
on the contrary, receive additional grace and lustre from his occupancy.

JOHN BLACKIE, LORD PROVOST, 1863-66. 223
Mr. James Lumsden then said — Bailie Grant, I rise with very great
pleasure to second the nomination you have just made. I feel satisfied
that this Council, in electing Bailie Blackie to the high and honourable
position of Lord Provost of the city of Glasgow, will elect a gentleman
who is not only fitted, but able and willing, to discharge the duties of
that office in a way becoming the chief magistracy of so important a
city as this. The Council has had already a sufficient earnest of his
capability for managing public affairs, and his anxiety for the interests
of all. I can only say that, associated with Bailie Blackie as I have
been in some other matters, I have found him invariably most courteous
and gentlemanly in his behaviour, kind and affectionate to all who came
in contact with him, and most anxious and earnest in the discharge of
his duties. I think it would ill become me to say anything more on
this occasion, and I beg simply to second, the nomination of Bailie
Blackie. Mr. John Taylor said — On this occasion I would have sat silently
and acquiesced in the nomination which has just been made, but that I
cannot consent to you (Bailie Blackie) taking that chair till I am satis
fied about a matter which I consider of very great importance. It will
be necessary to relate that Mr. Blackie has intimated that, provided he
is elected this day to the office of chief magistrate, it is under a certain
condition, and that condition is, that he shall have the choosing of the
magistrates. Now, I look upon that stipulation as unconstitutional. It
strikes at the root and branch of our rights and privileges, and is
humiliating, and, I would even say, debasing to us as independent men,
and altogether offensive, in my opinion, to common sense. Therefore, I
especially protest against Bailie Blackie's election under any condition
whereby our rights and privileges are interfered with. I make these
remarks entirely on public grounds. I have, iudividually, every desire
to aid in promoting the welfare of this our city, and will give willing
help to whoever may fill that chair, and to none more readily than
to Bailie Blackie ; but this I can only do in full possession of my rights
and privileges as a member of this Council.
Bailie Grant — I think it is unnecessary to say much on this subject.
I am not aware that there is any such engagement. I will be frank
enough to state that when gentlemen of the Council waited on Bailie
Blackie, he no doubt took leave to say that he would expect, in the

224 JOHN BLACKIE, LvRD PROVOST, 1863-66.
exercise of the functions which would devolve on the chief magistrate,
that he should nominate the magistrates who were to be elected. Bailie
Blackie did not mean that the gentlemen he bhen addressed would, even
for Lhemselves, come under any engagement to assist him to coerce the
Council, who might be opposed to him on any occasion, but simply, I
think, to secure from those gentlemen an acknowledgment of their ready
support on all occasions, when that support could be conscientiously
given in the choice of magistrates of this city. I think it was a most
proper remark for Bailie Blackie to make to those gentlemen who
waited on him.
Dr. Paterson — The distinguished office which it has been proposed to
give to Bailie Blackie, we all know, was not sought by him. He
responded to the urgent and unanimous call of this Council, having in
the most philanthropic manner made personal interests subservient
to public duty. In these circumstances, it would be a most discourteous
proceeding to rise now and make objections to the conditions on which
he agreed to become Lord Provost of Glasgow.
Mr. James Lumsden — I merely rise to state, that, in seconding Bailie
Blackie's nomination to the chief magistracy of the city, I did it
under no such understanding as Mr. Taylor has intimated, and if Mr.
Taylor or any other gentleman proposes members to compose the mag
istracy, in opposition to the Lord Provost, I feel myself not in any way
bound to support Bailie Blackie, but to vote for the best man.
Mr. William Miller — We are quite satisfied that the expressions
used by Bailie Blackie to the deputation should be understood in the
sense indicated by Bailie Grant.
Mr. Allan — I have no doubt that Mr. Taylor will be perfectly satis
fied with the explanations given by Bailie Grant and Mr. Lumsden, to
the effect that no such stipulation as he indicated was understood.
Mr. Alexander — As one of the deputation, who were present when
the Lord Provost elect was waited on, I wish to give my own under
standing on the matter. There was no stipulation of the kind referred
to. Mr. Moir — -As being one of the deputation, I think it necessary just
to mention what really did take place on the subject. It is certainly
true that Bailie Blackie said that, in the event of being appointed to
the honourable distinction of Lord Provost of Glasgow, he would expect

JOHN BLACKIE, LORD PROVOST, 1863-66. 225
to be allowed the choice of the men as magistrates, whom he thought
he would be most likely to get on comfortably with. Upon that state
ment being made to the deputation, I think one and all of us had
something to say. I know that I myself said something upon it, and
the observation I made was this, that I had one opinion in reference to
the appointment of magistrates — that I thought the best qualified men
that the Council presented should be chosen for the distinction,
irrespective of party. It is quite obvious that Bailie Blackie would
recognise, in addressing us in that way, that we could pledge the
Council to no such thing. We had no power to do it, and I am satisfied
that Bailie Blackie's own common sense would satisfy him that, as far
as we were concerned, we could only speak for ourselves, and had no
authority to speak to him on such a subject, on behalf of the Council.
Therefore, I think, after what has been said, we may just as well allow
the nomination of Bailie Blackie to go to the Council for their vote.
Mr. James Watson — I cannot help thinking that all parties are agreed
in this matter, and that it simply now stands that you (Bailie Blackie)
should nominate the magistrates, and that the Council should not lose
any feeling of independence, seeing they have entirely the power to
approve or disapprove of those magistrates. At the same time, that
any nomination from the person who undertakes the onerous duties of
Lord Provost will have great weight with the Council, for the very
reason Mr. Moir has mentioned — namely, that if there was any jarring
of opinion among the magistrates, or if they were not altogether
acceptable to one another, it would be exceedingly unpleasant to the
Lord Provost himself.
Mr. John Taylor — In fairness to myself, I think it right to state that
at a meeting held on Monday, at which I was present, Bailie Blackie
mentioned the names of the gentlemen whom he intended to propose
to-day as magistrates; and, on my making some remark about it, he said
it was upon condition of having that in his power that he had promised
to undertake the duties of Lord Provost. Had it not been from Bailie
Blackie himself, I would not this day have taken any notice of it.
Bailie Grant — Having what in his power ?
Mr. Taylor — The power to choose magistrates without contradiction.
Several councillors here interposed, " No, no."
Mr. Taylor — That was one of the conditions.
lb

226 JOHN BLACKIE, LORD PROVOST, 186366.
Bailie Blackie — Any one who was present at the meeting will be able
to say whether that construction could be put on what I said or not.
Bailie Grant here put the motion for the election of Bailie Blackie as
Lord Provost, when it was carried by acclamation.
Bailie Blackie was then sworn into office, and took his seat as Lord
Provost amid the hearty cheers of the Council.
The Lord Provost, having taken the chair, said — Bailie Grant and
gentlemen, I have to thank you most sincerely for the expression of
your confidence, by electing me to preside over your deliberations, and
to the honourable position of chief magistrate of this great city. The
extent, population, and wealth of this municipality, and the magnitude
of its varied commercial and manufacturing interests, render the position
of Lord Provost of the city of Glasgow, one of the most honourable
among the civic dignities of those kingdoms, and I value it accordingly.
But while highly valuing the honour, I accept the position under a deep
sense of the responsible and onerous character of the duties to be dis
charged. The importance of these duties enhances the responsibility,
while their number and variety render them in any circumstances
highly onerous. I had much hesitation, therefore, in acceding to the
request to accept this most honourable office, and I now enter on the
duties with much diffidence and many misgivings. I may not be able
to give that untiring attention to every department that distinguished
my predecessor ; but, stimulated by his example, devoting such abilities
as I have to the office, trusting to your forbearance with deficiencies,
and relying on your counsel and support under difficulties, I hope so to
act as to justify the confidence you now have reposed in me, (Applause.)
The Lord Provost then said — The next business was to elect magis
trates, five of whom had to be appointed. He might say that, while request
ing from the deputation that waited upon him the privilege of selecting
those gentlemen best qualified for the office, it had never for an instant
entered his mind that he should control the action of the Council by so
doing. Those who had been in the magistracy, or who had taken part
in the election of previous bodies of magistrates, could appreciate the
difficulties attending such a proceeding, and the desirability — nay, the
necessity — of electing as far as possible, without regard, as Mr. Moir
had rightly said, to any party, such men as would fulfil the duties of
the office to the advantage of the city, aud act in harmony with each

JOHN BLACKIE, LORD PROVOST, 1863-66. 227
other. There were several gentlemen whom he would gladly have taken
as magistrates, and he had applied to them for the purpose, but
difficulties interposed to prevent the carrying out of his wishes. He
had felt it needful, seeing that he was entering on the first year of
office, that he should be sustained during that year by some of those
gentlemen who had experience in the magistracy ; and the gentlemen
whom he should name for the acceptance of the Council had only been
constrained, with much reluctance, to accept office, after the importance
of their consent being obtained had been represented to them. Those
gentlemen were — Mr. John Thomson and Mr. James Cowper, for one
year ; Mr James Brown, for two years ; and Mr. Gilkison (River Bailie)
and Mr. Mirrlees, for the full period. The Lord Provost then succes
sively proposed as magistrates— Mr. Thomson, who had previously
acted as magistrate at one time for two years, and again for three years ;
Mr. Cowper, who had been three years a magistrate before ; Mr. James
Brown, who had conducted with so much efficiency the department of
business allotted to him ; Mr. Gilkison, who had discharged the duties
of Bailie in the River Court efficiently and well ; and Mr. Mirrlees, who
was well qualified to fill the office of magistrate.
The motions were duly seconded, and carried unanimously.
The Lord Provost then said — That before proceeding to the statutory
elections, devolving upon the Council, he would like to make a remark
with regard to the changes which had taken place in the Council-
They had lost nine old and valued friends, whose departure was to be
regretted, but who were entitled to the retirement and ease which they
sought, after having done their share of work. He wished to call
attention to the difficulties which he had experienced in making arrange
ments for the different elections, and to say that if some members of
Council were appointed but little work to do, they should regard it not
so much a matter of choice as of necessity. His Lordship then called
attention to the statutory arrangements, in virtue of which one member
of each ward was sent to the Police Board, and another to the Water
Committee, and to the necessity which sometimes arose from peculiar
circumstances of sending one member to both of these Trusts, in conse
quence of which his colleague was deprived of the power of acting for
the time being. On this occasion there would be one or two cases of
this kind ; and he wished that those who might thus be left with little

228 JOHN BLACKIE, LORD PROVOST, 1863-66.
work should believe it to be a matter, as he had said, not of choice, but
very much of necessity. In going over the various preliminaries, he had
anxiously considered how it would be possible to give some position to
every member of the Council ; and if he had failed, it had been from
inability to arrange matters otherwise. This statutory obligation occa
sionally interfered also with arrangements being come to which would
be generally acceptable, and it chanced sometimes that a councillor was
sent to act on some particular Trust, while his own wishes, or perhaps
his previous training, would have led him to prefer another sphere of
duty in which an appointment had for the time being been made. But,
yielding to these things, he trusted the members of Council would
accept the arrangements made as the best which he could devise.
Mr. William Taylor was appointed Bailie of the River and Firth of
Clyde, and Mr. William Brown Depute River Bailie.
The magistrates of the Burgh and River then took the oaths of office.

JOHN BLACKIE, LORD PROVOST, 1863-66.

229

List of the Names of the Members of the Town Council during
Mr. John Blackie, Jr.'s, Provostship, 1863-66.
1863-64.

John Blackie, Jr., Lord Provost.
George Grant, Jr., Bailie.
James Raeburn, do.
Alexander Collie, do.
John Thomson, do.
James Couper, do.
James Brown, do.
Robert Gilkison, do.
James Buchanan Mirrlees, do.
Alexander Ronaldson, Dean of Guild.
James Graham, Deacon Convener.
David Dreghorn, Treasurer.
John Morrison, Master of Works.
William Taylor, Bailie of the River and
Firth of Clyde.
William Brown, Depute Bailie of the
River and Firth of Clyde.
William Bankier, Bailie of Provan.
Angus Turner and Alexander Munro,
S.S.C., Town Clerks.
John Strang, LL.D., City Chamberlain.
William Thomson, Accountant.

John Carrick, City Architect and Super
intendent of Works-
John Lang, Procurator Fiscal Police
Courts.
William M. Wilson, Joint Fiscal in
River Bailie Court.
John M. Hill, Assessor and Clerk of
Police Court, Central District.
Alexander Young and George Black,
Assessors and Clerks of Police Courts
within theNorthern, Southern,Eastern,
and Western Districts.
James Donaldson and Daniel M'Callum,
Assessors under the Lands Valuation
Act.
James Donaldson, Assessor under the
Registration of Voters Act.
William Patrick, Warden of Bury',ng
Grounds.
James Brown, Council Officer.
James Killin, Chamber Keeper.

1863-64.

WARD FIRST.
John Thomson, Bailie.
George Grant, Jr., Bailie.
William Rae Arthur, Bailie.
WARD SECOND.
John Burt.
James Moir.
James Thomson. WARD THIRD.
William Millar.
Walter Macfarlane.
James Wilson.

WARD FOURTH.

Peter M'Lellan.
Peter Stewart.
William Wilson.

WARD FIFTH.

William Brown.-
John Ure.
Andrew Fowler.

WARD SIXTH.

David M'Kinlay.
Alexander Osborne.
John Blackie, Jr.

230

JOHN BLACKIE, LORD PROVOST, 1863-

WARD SEVENTH,
Alexander Collie, Bailie.
James Lumsden.
James W. Anderson.
WARD EIGHTH.
William Allan.
James Brown, Bailie.
James Watson.
WARD NINTH.
William M'Lean.
Peter Dallas.
Charles M'Donald.
WARD TENTH.
James Couper, Bailie.
John Morrison.
Tromas Murray.
WARD ELEVENTH
Joshua Paterson.
Robert Gilkison, Bailie-
James Salmon.

WARD TWELFTH.
William Somerville.
William Whyte.
James Bain.
WARD THIRTEENTH.
William Taylor.
Edward Alexander, Jr.
William Govan, Jr.
WARD FOURTEENTH.
James Raeburn, Bailie.
Francis Watson.
Thomas Corbet.
WARD FIFTEENTH.
John Mitchell.
William Neilson.
Robert Neill.
WARD SIXTEENTH.
David Dreghorn.
James B. Mirrlees, Bailie.
John Taylor.

1 864-65.

John Blackie, Jr., Lord Provost.
George Grant, Jr., Bailie.
James Brown, do.
Robert Gilkson, do.
James Buchanan Mirrlees, do.
James Raeburn, do.
Alexander Collie, do.
William Taylor, do.
James Salmon, do.
Archibald Orr Ewing, Dean of Guild.
James Graham, Deacon Convener.
James Lumsden, Treasurer.
John Morrison, Master of Works.
John Taylor, Jr., Bailie of the River
and Firth of Clyde.
James Wallace Anderson, Depute Bailie
ot the River and Firth of Clyde.
Alexander Harvey, Bailie of Provan.
Angus Turner and Alexander Munro,
S.S.O., Town Clerks.
William West Watson, City Chamberlain.
James Nicol, Accountant.

John Carrick, City Architect and Super
intendent of Works-
John Lang, Procurator Fiscal in Police
Courts.
William M. Wilson, Joint Fiscal River
Bailie Court.
John M. Hill, Assessor and Clerk of
Courts, Central District.
Alexander Young and George Black,
Assessors and Clerks within the
Northern, Southern, Eastern, and
Western Districts.
James Donaldson and Daniel M'Callum
Assessors under the Lands Valuation
Act.
James Donaldson, Assessor under the
Registration of Voters Act.
William Patrick, Warden of Burying
Grounds. •
James Brown, Council Officer.
James Killin, Chamber Keeper.

JOHN BLACKIE, LORD PROVOST, 1863-6
1864-65.

231

WARD FIRST.
George Grant, Jr.
William Rae Arthur.
John Thomson. WARD SECOND.
James Mom.
James Thomson.
John Burt. WARD THIRD.
James Wilson.
Walter Macfarlane.
William Millar.
WARD FOURTH
Peter Stewart.
William Wilson.
John Hutcheson.

WARD FIFTH.

John Ure.
Andrew Fowler.
James M'Kenzie. WARD SIXTH.
Alexander Osborne.
John Blackie, Jr.
James Martin. WARD SEVENTH.
James W. Anderson.
Alexander Collie.
James Lumsden. WARD EIGHTH.
James Brown.
James Watson.
William Allan.

WARD NINTH,

Peter Dallas.
Charles M'Donald.
James Sharp. WARD TENTH.
John Morrison.
Thomas Murray.
James Couper.
WARD ELEVENTH.
Robert Gilkison.
James Salmon.
Joshua Paterson.
WARD TWELFTH.
William Whyte.
James Bain.
Archibald G. Macdonald.
WARD THIRTEENTH.
Edward Alexander, Jr.
William Govan, Jr.
William Taylor.
WARD FOURTEENTH.
Francis Watson.
Thomas Corbet.
James Raeburn.
WARD FIFTEENTH.
William Neiesoij.
Robert Neill.
John Mitchell.
WARD SIXTEENTH.
James B. Mirrlees.
John Taylor, Jr.
David Dreghorn.

232

JOHN BLACKIE, LORD PROVOST, 1863-66.
1865-66. -

John Blackie, Jr., Lord Provost.
James Raeburn, Bailie.
Alexander Collie, do.
William Taylor, do.
James Salmon, do.
Robert Gilkison, do.
John Taylor, Jr., do.
James Watson, do.
Thomas Murray, do.
Archibald Orr Ewing, Dean of Guild.
Thomas Blyth, Deacon Convener.
James Lumsden, Treasurer.
Robert Heill, Master of Works.
James Wallace Anderson, Bailie of the
River and Firth of Clyde-
Alexander Osborne, Depute Bailie of the
River and Firth of Clyde.
Alexander Harvey, Bailie of Provan-
Augus Turner and Alexander Munro,
S.S.C., Town Clerks.

William West Watson, City Chamberlain.
James Nicol, Accountant.
John Carrick, City Architect and Super
intendent of Works-
John Lang, Procurator Fiscal Police
Courts.
William M. Wilson, Joint Procurator
Fiscal River Bailie Court.
John M. Hill, Alexander Young,
George Black and Gordon Smith,
Assessors and Clerks of Police Courts.
James Donaldson and Daniel M'Callum
Assessors under the Lands Valuation
Act.
James Donaldson, Assessor under the
Registration of Voters A et.
William Patrick, Warden of .Burying
Grounds.
James Brown, Council Officer.
James Killtn, Chamber Keeper.

1865-66.

WARD FIRST.
William Rae Arthur.
John Thomson.
James Robertson. WARD SECOND.
James Thomson.
John Burt.
Ross Greenshields. WARD THIRD.
Walter Macfarlane.
William Millar.
James Wilson. WARD FOURTH.
William Wilson.
John Hutchison.
Peter Stewart. WARD FIFTH.
James M'Kenzie.
William Brown.
Matthew Dick.

WARD SIXTH.
John Blaikie, Jr.
James Martin.
Alexander Osborne.
WARD SEVENTH.
Alexander Collie, Bailie.
Jambs Lumsden.
James W. Anderson.
WARD EIGHTH.
James Watson, Bailie.
William Allan.
James Brown.
WARD NINTH.

Charles M'Donald.
James Sharp.
Peter Dallas.

WARD TENTH.
Thomas Murray, Bailie.
James Couper.
David Carson.

JOHN BLACKIE, LORD PROVOST, 1863-

233

WARD ELEVENTH.
James Salmon, Bailie.
Joshua Paterson.
Robert Gilkison, Bailie.
WARD TWELFTH.
James Bain.
Archibald G. M'Donald.
William Whyte.
WARD THIRTEENTH.
William Taylor, Bailie.
John Chalmers.
William Muxee.

WARD FOURTEENTH.
Thomas Corbet.
James Raeburn, Bailie.
John Ure.
WARD FIFTEENTH.
Robert Neill.
John Mitchell.
William Neilson.
WARD SIXTEENTH
John Taylor, Jr., Bailie.
David Dreghorn.
James B. Merrlees,

a few op the events which took place dueing
Me. John Blackie's Peovostship.

8th December, 1863. — John Strang, Esq., LL.D., died at 22 Woodside
Place. He was city chamberlain for many years. He was also author
of "Glasgow and its Clubs," (published by John Tweed,) "A Tour on the
Continent," &c, &c. Dr. Strang was an excellent scholar, a man of
superior judgment and literary taste, and was greatly esteemed by those
who knew him. On the 14th instant the magistrates officially attended
his funeral.
4=th February, 1864. — William West Watson was appointed City
Chamberlain. 18th October, 1864. — The fine stained glass windows by German
artists put up in the Cathedral by private munificence were handed
over to the Government.
28th July, 1865. — Dr. Edward William Pritchard, a medical prac
titioner in the city, was convicted at the High .Court of Justiciary in
Edinburgh, of having poisoned his wife and mother-in-law, was executed
in front of the south prison, foot of Saltmarket, in presence of a vast
multitude. Than this no criminal that ever suffered in the same place
was so universally execrated. This was the last public execution in
Glasgow.

234 JOHN BLACKIE, LORD PROVOST, 1863-66.
29th July, 1865. — A portion of the Trades of Edinburgh, accomp
anied by the Lord Provost of that city arrived in Glasgow and inspected
a number of places, such as the Cathedral, Corporation Galleries,
Hunterian and Andersonian Museums, Clark & Co.'s mills, Mile End,
Lancefield Spring Factory, Templeton's Carpet Factory, and a great
number of other places which were open for their inspection.
1st November, 1865. — The freedom of the city was presented to
William Ewart Gladstone in the City Hall, and the Corporation enter
tained him to dinner in the Corporation Halls, at six o'clock. Besides
the freedom of the city he was also presented with an address from the
Glasgow Reform Union, and in the evening he addressed a large assem
blage of workiug men in the Scotia Music Hall, Stockwell Street. Mr.
Gladstone was at that time Chancellor of the Exchequer, in Lord John
Russell's Government. On this occasion he met with an enthusiastic
reception. 20th November, 1865. — The parliamentary notices for the City
Improvements appeared in the Glasgow Newspapers.
26th May, 1866. — The water supply from the Gorbals Water Works
to Barrhead was opened.
THE GLASGOW IMPEOVEMENT ACT, 1866.
This Act is dated 11th July, 1866. It is an Act for the Improve
ment of the City of Glasgow, and construction of new, and widening,
altering, and diverting of existing streets within said City, and for other
purposes. This Act came into operation on the expiry of twenty-one
days after the date of passing. The Trustees are the Lord Provost,
Magistrates and Council.
The site of the old College was sold to the Railway Company.
16th October, 1866. — A Great Reform Demonstration was held in
Glasgow. What urged the people to this was, Lord Russell's
Reform Bill had just been thrown out by a combination of tories and
discontented liberals, the latter having been led by Mr. Lowe, now
known as Lord Sherbrooke. In the course of the day, which was par
tially kept as a holiday, the trades marched in procession with flags and
banners; meetings were held on the Green and stirring addresses given
by local politicians. In the evening there was a great meeting in the
City Hall at which the Hon. John Bright was present, and gave a glow
ing address, which was vociferously applauded.

JOHN BLACKIE, LORD PROVOST, 1863-66. 235
18th October, 1866. — His Royal Highness the late Prince Consort's
Memorial Statue was inaugurated by His Royal Highness the Duke of
Edinburgh. The freedom of the city was presented to the Duke of
Edinburgh in the City Hall, and thereafter a procession was formed in
Stirling Square, consisting of the 'Queen's Own' as an advance and
rear guard, the Superintendent of Police, Town Officers, the Magistrates
and Councillors, — three and three — the members for the City and
County, Dean pf Guild and members of the Merchants' House, the
Deacon Convener and members of the Trades' House, Chairman and
Directors of the Chamber of Commerce, the Principal of the University
and Professors, Chairman and Professors of the Andersonian, Post
master, Collector of customs and inland revenue, Foreign Consuls,
city Clergymen of various denominations, Dean of Faculty and
Procurators, President and members of the Faculty of Physicians and
Surgeons, Military Officers, President of the Fine Art Institute, the
acting committee and subscribers to the Statue Fund. The foregoing
portion, with the exception of the " Queen's Own," walked three and
three. Queen's Own."
In Carriages —
the Chairman of the Committee of Subscribers
and Suite of H.R.H.
H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh
and the Lord Provost and Lord Lieutenant of the County.
Escort of " Queen's Own."
The procession proceeded by Ingram Street, Queen Street, to George
Square, on the west side of which an arch was erected. The gentlemen
forming the procession on their arrival there opened up and formed a
line on each side, and allowed the Prince and Suite to pass on between.
They then fell in and followed in the order of the procession. The
Corporation entertained H.R.H. to dinner in the Corporation Halls.
On the Prince's arrival from Edinburgh in the forenoon, he drove out
to the Lord Provost's house at Ladybank, escorted by the " Queen's
Own." H.R.H. had luncheon at Ladybank. Returned to Edinburgh
that evening.
1st November, 1866. — A banquet was given by the Lord Provost and
Ma<nstrates at the close of the financial year, in the Corporation

236 JOHN BLACKIE, LORD PROVOST, 1863-66.
Galleries. Opportunity was taken to present Sir William Thomson
with the freedom of the City. The ceremony took place previous to the
dinner. Afterwards the Lord Provost made a long and interesting
speech, in which he referred to the remarkable career of Sir William as
a physicist, and the important service he had rendered the world by his
discoveries. Sir William replied at considerable length, and expressed
his high gratification with the honour that had been done him. It may
here be proper to say that Sir William, who has added another name to
the Watts, the Smiths, the Cullens, the Blacks, and the Bells, that have
conferred lustre upon Glasgow, and raised its name so highly above
being considered only a mere commercial centre, was born in Belfast, in
1824. His father was a professor of mathematics at the Royal Acade
mical Institute of that town, but was transferred to the University of
Glasgow, where his son, the future Sir William, commenced his univer
sity life at the age of eleven years. Here, and afterwards at Cambridge,
he greatly distinguished himself. When only twenty-two years of age,
he was appointed Professor of Natural Philosophy in the University of
Glasgow ; and has made valuable discoveries in almost every department
of scientific research, especially in that of electricity. His eminent ser
vices in the development of the telegraphic system are known the world
over. Sir William received the honour of knighthood in 1866.
A ferry-boat plying between Clyde Street and the south side of the
river (30th November, 1864,) was upset, and nineteen of the twenty-
seven persons on board were drowned. The accident occurred shortly
after 6 o'clock in the evening, when workman were returning home
after the various public works had been closed. One of the workmen,
as was not unusual, took the oars, for the purpose of relieving the ferry
man, and when reaching mid-channel the surge, caused partly by the
wind and partly by a passing steamer, upset the boat, and all were
percipitated into the water. Their cries were heard by persons on shore,
but little could be done to save the greater number from a watery grave.
The body of one gentleman, Mr. Allen Glen, a grain merchant, was not
found till the 9th February of the following year.
Up till this period all ferrying was by row-boats, but the steam ferry
boats were immediately afterwards introduced, and have immensely
increased the convenience and safety of the passage across the river.

JOHN BLACKIE, LORD PROVOST, 1863-66. 237

THE HON. THE LORD PROVOST,
1863-66.

John Blackie, jun., was a native of Glasgow, being born there in
1806. His father, Mr. John Blackie, was the founder of the extensive
publishing house of Blackie <fc Son, Glasgow and London, now so well-
known throughout the kingdom. Mr. Blackie, sen., lived to a great
age, but for many years previous to his decease he had retired, leaving
the business entirely in the hands of his three sons, John, Robert, and
Walter, under whose care it has developed to a first position among
publishing concerns. John, the eldest of the sons, after receiving an
excellent education, entered the business with his father. Previous
to becoming a partner he considered it proper to make himself practi
cally acquainted with the duties of the several departments, and for
some years submitted to the usual business routine as an ordinary
employ^, first as warehouseman, next as canvasser, and then as
deliverer. To the general superintendence then, he zealously
devoted his time for many years, and it was only when success
ful industry brought its reward that he found leisure to take an
active interest in public affairs. We first hear of him in 1843 in
connection with the city model lodging-houses. Three of these houses
were established at a cost of £17,000; and as Treasurer Mr. Blackie con
tinued to the close of his life discharging the duties with that accuracy
and method which characterised all his proceedings. In 1858, he was
elected one of the representatives of the seventh ward in the Town
Council, in room of Mr. Joseph Alexander Wright, and two years later
he was elevated to the magistracy. In 1860, he became the representa
tive of the sixth ward, as successor to Sir Anflrew Orr, who then left
the Council, and in 1862 he was senior Bailie. In the following year,
he was chosen Lord Provost, and continued in office for the usual three
years. During his reign as chief magistrate, Mr. Blackie promoted the
City Improvement Scheme, which may be regarded as his crowning
service on behalf of the city, although in the end it cost him his seat in

238 JOHN BLACKIE, LORD PROVOST. 1863-66.
the Council. The bill was discussed in the Council and carried through
Parliament without any opposition on the part of the community, and it
became law in June 1866, apparently with the full approbation of the
citizens. The scheme was, indeed, a noble one. Every person whose memory
can carry him back to the High Street and the Saltmarket on the
north side of the river, and Main Street on the south side, may remem
ber the wretched closes which then led to the most disgusting dens into
which human beings ever huddled. It was impossible that the common
decencies of even uncivilised life could there be attended to, while every
species of human ill, moral and physical, found a most suitable field for
nurture and propagation. The scheme by which Provost Blackie and
his coadjutors proposed to deal with this disgraceful state of matters
embraced a portion of the city covering between 50 and 60 acres and
containing a population of well-nigh 60,000, The Trustees were author
ised to acquire the property within five years, to levy an assessment on
the inhabitants not exceeding sixpence per pound on the rental, with
further powers to assess for ten years at threepence per pound, to meet
the expenses for the new streets, and to provide for payment of interest
for outlay. Power was also obtained for the purchase of ground for a
public park in the north east quarter of the city, at an expense of
£40,000. When the first assessment of 6d. per pound came to be paid
in 1867, the measure all at once became unpopular, and its promoter
was regarded as having involved the city in very expensive operations,
the benefits of which were problematical. In that year, it was necessary
for Mr. Blackie to seek re-election for the sixth ward. He was opposed
by Mr. J. L. Lang ; and the feeling against Mr. Blackie, solely on
account of his connection with the City Improvement Scheme, was so
strong that he lost his seat. The contest was as close as it was exciting,
Mr. Lang entering the Council by a majority of only two votes. While
a member of Council, Mr. Blackie devoted himself earnestly to the
discharge of his duties and as a magistrate he acted at all times with
dignity and discretion. He frequently addressed the Council, his
remarks being always pointed and judicious. He seemed always anxious
to speak with care and accuracy, and this led to a certain hesitancy in
delivery which somewhat marred the effect of his address upon the

JOHN BLACKIE, LORD PROVOST, 1863-66. 239
listener, although it never obscured his meaning. It could not be said
that he spoke on any subject with which he was not thoroughly conver
sant, or that he sought to obtain the ear of the house merely that his
constituents might not deem him a silent member. As Lord Provost,
he gained the goodwill of all his colleagues in the magistracy, and of the
Council generally. He worked assiduously and well, attending almost
all the meetings of committees with which he was connected, and
accepting the full responsibility which his position as chief magistrate
involved. After leaving the Council in 1867, Mr. Blackie did not again
seek election, although he was frequently consulted with regard to the
affairs of the city, which profited by his lengthened experience and sound
judgment. He still, however, interested himself in schemes of public
usefulness, and only two weeks before his decease he attended the
opening meeting in connection with a mission hall erected in Gallowgate
by the elders of the Free and United Presbyterian churches. In the
course of his address that evening he adverted to the circumstance that
the hall was erected on a site formerly occupied by undesirable dwelling-
houses, which had been removed by the City Improvement Act, and
with kindly earnestness called upon the elders to do what they could to
induce the people of the district to attend the evangelistic services about
to be instituted. He attended public worship in the same hall on the
following Sabbath. On the 5th inst., he was present at the official
inspection of the City Police Force, and at the luncheon which followed,
responded to the toast of "The Old Magistrates." Mr. Blackie had
been complaining, but being able to go about and mingle with his
friends no immediate danger was apprehended. While attending the
party alluded to, he was taken unwell. His illness, however, was not
believed to be such as to alarm his relatives, until it became known that
he was suffering from a severe attack of pleurisy. At times he seemed
to be decidedly better, and, although a fatal issue was dreaded, his
friends were hopeful that he might yet be spared. On Tuesday evening,
however, he became much worse, and about two* o'clock on Wednesday,
12th February, 1873, he expired at his residence, Lilybank, Hillhead,
in the sixty-seventh year of his age.
Mr. Blackie was a member of the Free Church, and largely contri
buted to its schemes. He left behind him a wife (a daughter of Bailie
Gourlie), and three sons, none of whom are now in the firm.

240 JOHN BLACKIE, LORD PROVOST, 1863-66.
It was freely stated in public circles, with what measure of truth W3
cannot say, that he never completely recovered from the shock he sus
tained at the loss of his seat in the Council, and for no other reason than
that of being the promoter of a beneficent scheme, which, we may
add, has since been carried out with great advantage to the sanitary
condition of the city. The mistake was in the levying of so heavy an
assessment immediately after the passing of the Bill. Had it been a
half less, there could have been no doubt of Mr. Blackie's return to the
Council. To show how highly Lord Provost Blackie was respected by his
colleagues in the Council, it is only right to say that when he retired a
resolution of thanks was cordially assented to, and a copy engrossed on
vellum was presented to him in a silver casket.
Among the great public occasions on which Lord Provost Blackie took
a leading part was that of presenting the freedom of.the city to his Royal
Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, when in Glasgow unveiling the statue
of his father, the good Prince Albert. His Lordship in the course of
his address, said, — It has been a source of gratification to the citizens
that her Majesty the Queen has lived to see her family growing up in
the practice of those social and domestic virtues which conduce so mate
rially to national happiness and prosperity ; and it is their earnest desire
that her Majesty may long be spared to rule over them, and to live in
the enjoyment of the love of her family and the loyal affection of her
subjects. . . . We recognise in your Royal Highness's presence here
your desire to cultivate the most cordial and friendly feelings between
your Royal Highness and the people of this country. We recognise in
your Royal Highness's presence at meetings for the advancement of social
improvement among the people , your desire to aid in all that maytend
to increase their knowledge and to promote their well-being.

^^S

'SIR JAMES LUMSDEN, LORD PROVOST, 1866-69. 241

MEETINGS OF TOWN COUNCIL,
NOVEMBER, 1866.

ELECTION OF COUNCILLORS AND MAGISTRATES.

The first meeting of the Town Council, as then constituted, was held
9th November, 1866. The whole fifty members constituting the Council
were present, the chair being occupied by Bailie Raeburn, as senior
magistrate. The Rev. Mr. Brown, of St. Enoch's, opened the meeting
with prayer.
The Chairman said— It has been the custom hitherto for the occupant
of this chair to propose the succeeding Lord Provost. I regret exceed
ingly that I am now placed in that position, and that from an untoward
circumstance which took place three days ago our late worthy Provost
is not here to preside on this occasion. (Provost Blackie had not
been returned to the Council.) A great deal might be said upon
that subject, but I forbear — (hear, hear) — and proceed at once to
the question before us. Mr. Lumsden, the gentleman whom I intend
to nominate for election as Lord Provost, is well known to you all
and I think it would be exceedingly out of place on my part to
say almost a word in his favour. Mr. Lumsden is a gentleman of
large practical experience. He is a gentleman at the head of a large
mercantile firm in Glasgow, the business of which has been well con
ducted throughout. Since his youngest days he has been largely connected
with landed and household property, and he has of late been a director
in a large railway concern. Taking all these things together with his
present position in the city, he is well known to be in a position to
maintain the honour and dignity of the City of Glasgow. I am sure
that, if it is your pleasure to-day to elect him as chief magistrate, he
will not be behind any Lord Provost that has preceded him in perform
ing the duties of the office and upholding the dignity of the city. I have
16

242 SIR JAMES LUMSDEN, LORD PROVOST, 1866-69.
therefore much pleasure in proposing that Mr. James Lumsden be
elected Lord Provost for the City of- Glasgow for the ensuing three
years. Mr. John Mitchell — I have much pleasure in seconding the nomina
tion which has just been made. I have known Mr.- Lumsden intimately
for many years, and I do not know a better business man in the city of
Glasgow. I have been acting with him in large monetary transactions,
and on all occasions I found him to be perfectly upright and diligent. I
do not see that we could have a better man, and I think we are exceed
ingly fortunate in getting Mr. Lumsden. I would only further express
the hope that if he is elected, we shall have no more factious opposition
to the chair — (hear, hear) — but that, on the contrary, every possible
encouragement and support will be given to the Lord Provost, who, I
doubt not, will desire to act in a similar spirit towards us.
Mr. Salmon — I, in one sense, regret that it is necessary to propose
another gentleman to be Lord Provost of the city for the next three
years; still, as circumstances having arisen which I consider quite warrant
me in proposing another gentleman, I feel that it is one of the most
pleasant and honourable duties which ever fell- to my lot. (Hear, hear.)
I rise to propose Mr. William Rae Arthur to be Lord Provost of the
city for the next three years. (Applause.) Fortunately, in proposing
and saying anything in favour of Mr. Arthur, it is not necessary in the
slightest degree to make any reflection against Mr. Lumsden. ' Mr.
Arthur's claims and his, must rest entirely upon themselves and not
upon anything which could be said, for I do not- think that anything
could be said in the way of disparaging. the claims of Mr. Lumsden. But
I would have the gentlemen of the Council to reflect upon this, that
knowing the difficulty which always exists of obtaining men suitable for
the offices of Council, we should take care that no act of ours will
increase the difficulty, but that in the way we fill up the offices of* the
Council we give due attention to the claims of the various parties in it •
we should show our desire, our determination, to go about such an act
as that with the utmost prudence, and with the most honourable recog
nition of all these claims. If length of service is to give Mr. Arthur a
claim, then his certainly has been long. If diligence, and assiduity, and
faithfulness in discharging the onerous offices which he has filled, are to
give him any claim upon our suffrages, then unquestionably he has this

SIR JAMES LUMSDEN, LORD PROVOST, 1866-69. 243
claim. He has been nine years a servant of the public, having onerous
and important duties in the Council, and having discharged all of them
with the utmost prudence, and '.the utmost ability, and the utmost
integrity. He has just been .preparing himself by the most thorough
education for occupying the-higher position which the Council has now
the power of bestowing upon him. (Hear, hear.) The abilities which
he possesses, whether'in working or in speaking, are such as would emi
nently qualify him for being our representative in the various situations
which he might require to fill during his three years' incumbency. But,
no doubt, gentlemen, though I have mentioned those claims — the claim
of long service, the claim of faithfulness and integrity in the discharge
of his duties, and the claim of the ability which he has shown as a public
man — there is no doubt that claims of a superior or peculiar character
might arise ; but if any such claims exist, they have hitherto been un
known to this Council. I think the chairman very prudently and very
justly referred to the eminent position which Mr. Lumsden occupied as
a merchant, and to the honourable manner in which that eminent firm
has conducted all its business. We all bear testimony to that. But I
have to refer also to Mr. Arthur as representing an equally old and
honourable house, which has equally stood before the public as a house
of integrity. The chairman has also referred to Mr. Lumsden as being
a great proprietor, and influential in reference to railways. Now, Mr.
Chairman and gentlemen, I am not so sure that the banking interests
and railway interests are so very important, or come so very well into
harmony with the position of Provost, that we should allow that to
come before us as a recommendation. Now, it would almost, have
occurred to me, that being a, great railway proprietor, or a railway
director or chairman, and being greatly engaged in the banking interests,
was rather a disqualification for the Provostship than a qualification.
However, that is for the gentlemen of this Council to consider. I" do
not insist very much on that, but in my view of the case it would rather
be an argument in favour of Mr. Arthur than an argument against him,
for he has no prominent connection either with the banking interests or
the railway interests of the country. I would just say in conclusion, ¦
that if we are to give encouragement to our fellow citizens to enter our
body and take seats at this Board, we must be careful this day how we
determine this question. I have therefore great pleasure, gentlemen, in

244 SIR JAMES LUMSDEN, LORD PROVOST, 1866-60.
proposing Mr. Wm. Rae Arthur as Lord Provost of the Burgh, and I
trust you have as much pleasure in seconding my proposal as I have in
making it.
Mr. John Taylor — I beg to second the motion which has just been
proposed. Bailie Salmon has stated so well the claims and qualifications
for the office of chief magistrate of my friend Mr. Arthur, that there is
little left me to say. I know him to be one who is likely to be accept
able and accessible to all who know him. I wish just simply to say, that
at the very outset of these proceedings I for one very decidedly stated
my opinion that it would be the most desirable of all things, and cer
tainly the most graceful way of proceeding, to have our future Lord
Provost, whoever he might be, put into that position by a unanimous
vote of Council. I endeavoured, no later than yesterday, along with one
or two others, to bring the matter prominently before the gentlemen who
have been taking an interest in the nomination of Mr. Wm. Rae Arthur,
and I believe that these views would have met with ready acceptance
but for one circumstance. Numerically, it was perfectly understood how
the two parties stood, at least so far as our belief as to how gentlemen
may act is concerned, but I was met with the argument : — " How does
it come that you assume that the numerical standing is as you have
represented ? " I explained my views, and I was immediately told, —
" We have no right whatever to count upon members, because there are
no fewer than three gentlemen who profess to come to the Council this
morning perfectly unfettered and free and independent as to how they
may act." I just wish to say, speaking for myself alone, that whoever
may occupy for the next three years the position of Lord Provost, I shall
be prepared, for myself — and I think I may say the same for the great
number of the friends with whom I have acted — to give a hearty but,
at the same time, an intelligent support to that gentleman — and because
it will be hearty and intelligent, an independent support. (Hear, hear,
and cries of " Vote.")
The Council then divided, when twenty-five voted for Mr. Lumsden,
and twenty-two for Mr. Arthur, three declining to vote. Mr. Lumsden
then took the oaths, and having been invested with the insignia of office
took the chair.
The Lord Provost afterwards said — Gentlemen, I can assure you it is
with no ordinary feelings that I return you my warm and sincere thanks

SIR JAMES LUMSDEN, LORD PROVOST, 1866-69. 245
for the high honour you have this day conferred upon me. In assuming
the office to which I have been called, I am well aware of the onerous
and the arduous duties devolving upon me ; and while I accept them, I
may say with fear and trembling, at the same time I have the support
of a clear conscience, that I enter upon the duties of office with a deter
mination to know neither sect nor party — (hear, and applause) — with
the determination not to be the nominee of any party, but to act an
independent and conscientious part in whatever business may come
before this Council. And I trust, should I fail in doing so and in meeting
the approval of the gentlemen of this Council, it will be ascribed not to
any want of courtesy upon my part — not to any want of feeling or
respect towards the Council, but from inadvertency, which I shall be
exceedingly sorry should be the case. I come here pledged to no one,
and I make no promise whatever, except a promise to endeavour con
scientiously to do my duty. I regret exceedingly that for some time
past there has been rather a feeling of separation of parties in the
Council. I trust that, if it has arisen from anything that has previously
occurred, it will be forgotten and forgiven, and that there will be no
East or West End party feeling — that gentlemen will recollect that they
are not sent here to represent any particular wards, but that each and
all of them are the representatives of the community at large. Allusion
has been made to the position which I hold in connection with one of
the railways connected with the city. That is a subject which has been
brought prominently forward as a disqualification for me to fill this
office. I can assure you, and I pledge myself that, so long as I sit here
in this chair, the interests, so far as that railway or any other railway
is concerned, will not sway me one whit if they are opposed to the
general good of the community. I think, gentlemen, it is unnecessary
to detain you. I beg to thank you most sincerely for the high honour
you have conferred upon me, and I trust the dignity of the office of
Lord Provost of Glasgow may be handed down unimpaired.
Mr. Salmon — Perhaps I may be allowed to say a few words. Now
that the conflict is past, I am perfectly sure there is no member of this
Council who will, more than myself, welcome your Lordship, and I think
I can speak also for the gentlemen who act with me, and who have this
day voted for Mr. Arthur. If there has been a splitting-up into parties
in the Council, it lies very much with your Lordship to heal that

246 SIR JAMES LUMSDEN, LORD PROVOST, .1866-69.
division, and we hope and believe your Lordship will endeavour to
accomplish it.
Mr. W. Rae Arthur — Will you allow me, my Lord Provost, to offer
you my most sincere and hearty congratulations upon your accession to
the chair. I feel that in the position in which I have been placed it
may be said I am bound to say this much ; but I think you will under
stand, as you have understood already from me, that you have personally
my highest regard and esteem. I have ever entertained that feeling
towards Mr. Lumsden as an individual. I have noticed his hearty devo
tion to the business of the Council, and I have not the slightest doubt,
in assuming the duties of Lord Provost, as he has done this day, he will
give the most thorough attention to all matters brought before this
Council. In regard to what has been said about a party being formed
in this Council, I beg to disclaim for myself, most entirely, being of any
party whatever. I have sat in the Council for the past nine years per
fectly unconnected with anything that could be called a party, and have
spoken on all measures when I had a deliberate judgment to give, with
the most perfect desire that the best thing should be done in the circum
stances. My friends have conceived that I had claims. They have put
them forward with fairness (at least in their judgment they must think
so), and so far as they have spoken from the facts, you are yourselves
the best judges. While I would not in any sense stand up here to
compare myself with any man in the Council, or put forward claims
personally, I still hold that, as the matter was put before me by the
spontaneous act of so many of my fellow Councillors, I had no choice
but one — to put myself in the position I have done. (Applause.) I
promise you, my Lord, as my friend Bailie Salmon has done, that in all
the acts emanating from the chair, or from those who support the chair,
I shall be in all respects disposed to give them the most friendly consi
deration and the utmost support that in my judgment they may deserve.
(Applause.) The Lord Provost — The next business on the card is the election of
magistrates. There are, you are aware, three magistrates who remain
in office, namely, Bailies Raeburn, Collie, and Gilkison, leaving five
gentlemen to be elected. The gentlemen I propose to nominate, and
whom I shall afterwards bring forward seriatim, are — Mr. Wm. Taylor,
who has been for two years a magistrate, and who has signified his will-

SIR JAMES LUMSDEN, LORD PROVOST, 1866-69. 247
ihgness, if elected, to undertake the duties again ; Mr. Thomas Murray,
who has been only one year a magistrate ; Mr. James Wallace Ander
son, who has acted as River Bailie ; Mr. Neill, an old and valued servant
who has been for a long time connected with public business, and who,
I think, from the discrimination and judgment which he has shown, will
make an excellent magistrate ; and, lastly, Mr. Sharp. I would there
fore now propose that Mr. William Taylor be re-elected to the magis
tracy. Bailie Raeburn seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously.
The Lord Provost next nominated Mr. Thos. Murray and Mr. James
Wallace Anderson to the magistracy, which motions having been
seconded were unanimously carried.
The Lord Provost then proposed that Mr. Neill should be elected a
magistrate. Mr. James Couper seconded the motion.
Mr. John Thomson — I agree in all that you have said about Mr.
Neill, who is an old friend of my own. Three years ago, I did my best
to get Mr. Neill into the magistracy, but failed. Circumstances have
altered considerably since. T consider it my duty to propose Mr. Wm.
Miller, a good gentleman, who has shown a great aptitude for business,
and who, I believe, is in every other way qualified to fill the office of
magistrate. Mr. William Brown — I have much pleasure in seconding Mr. Miller's
nomination to the magistracy.
Twenty-five voted for Mr. Neill, and twenty-one for Mr. Miller, four
declining to vote.
The Lord Provost — I would next propose Mr. Sharp, a gentleman
who has held the office of magistrate, I believe, in a neighbouring burgh,
and who is therefore not new to municipal affairs.
Mr. Dreghorn seconded the motion.
Mr. Burt — I beg to dissent from this motion. I think we are now
entering upon a course altogether adverse to what was so well and so
ably stated by Mr. Salmon, namely, that if we are to deal fairly in dis
pensing such honours as this Council has to dispense in the way of
appointments of this nature, we should look really to the services and
the claims of individuals. Now, I have no objection at all personally to
Mr. Sharp. He is an amiable gentleman, and has, so far as my observa-

248 SIR JAMES LUMSDEN, LORD PROVOST, 1866-69.
tion goes, conducted himself with every propriety in this Council, but I
submit that his length of service or the quality of that service, so far as
I know, is not such as to lift him over the heads of members who have
been longer in the Council, and who have done much duty to the public.
On these grounds, ard on these alone, I object to the appointment of
Mr. Sharp at the present moment. He has not the claim even of Mr.
Neill of long service, and I am not aware that he has distinguished him
self in any way so as to lift him over this objection of want of long
service. I would therefore submit that we now appoint Mr. William
Miller, who has been put to the test already, and who has such large
sympathy in the Council ; and I think this would serve all purposes, and
tend to remove the feeling which, I regret, has been in existence for
some time past.
Mr. John Taylor — I have much pleasure in seconding that nomina
tion. Mr. William Miller — Allow me to say that I was not aware until I
came into this room that I was to be proposed by Mr. Burt. When I
knew my name was to be brought forward, I objected to it in the cir
cumstances, but my objection was over-ruled. Having already been
appointed a justice of peace for the county, and therefore a magistrate
at the present moment, I am quite satisfied with that honour ; but
whichever way this vote may go, I think it right to test it under the
circumstances — (a voice, " Vote.") I do not know why I should not be
allowed to continue. (Hear, hear.) I was merely going to say, that
whichever way this vote may go, I will not alter my determination to
adhere to the policy of your Lordship, so far as I can approve of it.
Twenty-four voted for Mr. Miller, and twenty-one for Mr. Sharp, five
declining to vote.
Mr. Osborne was appointed Bailie of the river, Mr. William Wilson,
Deputy-Bailie.

SIR JAMES LUMSDEN, LORD PROVOST, 1866-69.

249

List of the Names of the Members of the Town Council during
Mr. James Lumsden's Provostship, 1866-69.
1866-67.

do.do-dodo.do. do.do.

James Lumsden, Lord Provost.
James Raeburn,
Alexander Collie,
Robert Gilkison,
William Taylor,
Thomas Murray,
James Wallace Anderson,
Robert Neill,
William Millar,
John Ramsay, Dean of Guild-
Thomas Blyth, Deacon Convener,
William Rae Arthur, Treasurer.
William Allan, Master of Works.
Alexander Osborne, Bailie of the River
and Firth of Clyde.
Wdlliam Wilson, Depute Bailie of the
River and Firth of Clyde.
Alexander Harvey, Bailie of Provan.
Angus Turner and Alexander Munro,
S.S.C, Town Clerks.

William West Watson, City Chamber
lain.
James Nicol, Accountant.
John Carrick, City Architect and Super
intendent of Works.
John Lang, Procurator Fiscal in Police
Courts.
Robert Macfarlane, Joint Fiscal in
River Bailie Court.
John M.Hill, Alexander Yoong, George
Black and Gordon Smith, Assessors
and Clerks of Police Courts.
James Donaldson and Daniel M'Callum,
Assessors under the Lands Valuation
Act.
James Donaldson, Assessor under the
Registrationof Voters Act.
William Patrick, Warden of Burying
Grounds.
James Brown, Council Officer.
James Kilhn, Chamber Keeper.

18 6 6-67.

WARD FIRST.
John Thomson.
James Robertson.
William Rae Arthur.
WARD SECOND.
John Burt.
Richard G. Ross.
James Thomson.

WARD THLRD.

William Millar,
James Wilson.
Thomas A. Mathieson.

WARD FOURTH.

John Hutchison.
Peter Stewart.
William Wilson.

WARD FIFTH.

William Brown.
Matthew Dick.
James Mackenzie.

WARD SIXTH.

James Martin.
Alexander Osborne.
James Leitch Lang.

250 SIR JAMES LUMSDEN,
WARD SEVENTH.
Alexander Collie, Bailie.
James W. Anderson.
The Lord Provost.
WARD EIGHTH.
William Allan.
James Brown.
James Watson. WARD NINTH.

James Sharp.
Peter Dallas.
Alexander Birrell.
WARD TENTH.
James Couper.
David Carson.
Thomas Murray.
WARD ELEVENTH,
Joshua Paterson.
Robert Gilkison, Bailie-
James Salmon.

LORD PROVOST, ] 866-69.
WARD TWELFTH.
Archibald G. Macdonald.
William Whyte.
James Bain.
WARD FIFTEENTH.
William Miller, Bailie.
John Chalmers.
William Taylor.
WARD FOURTEENTH.
James Raeburn, Bailie.
John Ure.
John Laughland.
WARD FIFTEENTH.
John Mitchell.
William Neilson.
Robert Neill, Bailie-
WARD SIXTEENTH.
David Dreghorn.
James B. Mirrlees.
John Taylor, Jr.

1867-68.

Jambs Lumsden, Lord Provost.
Robert Gilkison, Bailie.
William Taylor. do.
Thomas Murray, do.
James Wallace Anderson, do.
Robert Neill, do.
William Millar, do.
Alexander Osborne, do-
William Miller, do.
John Ramsay, Dean of Guild.
Walter Bannerman, Deacon Convener.
William Rae Arthur, Treasurer.
James Wilson, Master of Works.
Wdlliam Wilson, Bailie of the River and
Firth of Clyde-
Richard Greenshields Ross, Depute
Bailie of the River and Firth of Clyde.
Alexander Harvey, Bailie of Provan.
Angus Turner and Alexander Munro,
S.S.C, Town Clerks.
William West Watson, City Chamber
lain

James Nicol, Accountant.
John Carrick, City Architect and Super
intendent of Works.
John Lang, Procurator Fiscal Police
Courts.
Robert Macfarlane, Joint Fiscal in
j River Bailie Court.
Alexander Young, George Black, Gor
don Smith and P. T. Young, Assess
ors and Clerks of Police Courts.
James Muirhead, Assessor and Clerk
River Bailie Court.
James Donaldson and Daniel M'Callum
Assessors under the Lands Valuation
Act.
Jambs Donaldson, Assessor under the
Registration of Voters Act.
Peter Ferguson, Warden of Burying
Grounds.
James Brown, Council Officer
James Killin, Chamber Keeper.

SIR JAMES LUMSDEN, LORD PROVOST, 1866-69.
1867-68.

251

WARD FIRST.
James Robertson.
William Rae Arthur,
John M'Intyre. WARD SECOND.
Richard G. Ross,
James Thomson.
John Burt.
WARD THIRD.
James Wilson.
Thomas A. Mathieson.
William Millar, Bailie.
WARD FOURTH.
Peter Stewart.
William Wilson.
John Hutcheson. WARD FIFTH.
Matthew Dick.
James Mackenzie.
William Brown. WARD SIXTH.
Alexander Osborne, BaiUe.
James L. Lang.
James Martin. WARD SEVENTH
James W. Anderson, Bailie.
The Lord Provost.
Alenander Collie.
WARD EIGHTH.
James Brown.
James Watson.
Robert Donald Roeerton.

WARD NINTH.

Peter Dallas.
Alexandee Birrell.
James Morrison. WARD TENTH.
David Carson.
Thomas Murray.
James Couper.
WARD ELEVENTH.
Robert Gilkison, Bailie.
James Salmon.
Allan H. M'Lellan.
WARD TWELFTH.
William Whyte.
James Bain.
Archibald G. Macdonald.
WARD THIRTEENTH.
John Chalmers.
William Taylor, Bailie.
William Miller, Bailie.
WARD FOURTEENTH.
John Ure.
John Laughland.
James Hamilton.
WARD FIFTEENTH.
| William Neilson.
I Robert Neill, Bailie.
; John Mitchell.
WARD SIXTEENTH.
James B. Mirrlees.
John Taylor, Jr.
William M'Onie.

252

SIR JAMES LUMSDEN, LORD PROVOST, 1866-

1868-69.

Sir James Lumsden, Lord Provost.
William Taylor, Bailie.
Thomas Murray, do.
Robert Neill, do.
William Millar, do.
William Mdller, do.
James Wallace Anderson, do.
Alexander Osborne, do.
Archibald Gray Macdonald,*).
William M'Ewen, Dean of Guild.
Walter Bannerman, Deacon Convener.
William Rae Arthur, Treasurer.
John Mitchell, Master of Works.
William Brown, Bailie of the River and
Firth of Clyde.
Thomas Adam Mathieson, Deputy Bailie
of the River and Firth of Clyde.
Alexander Harvey, Bailie of Provan.
Angus Turner and Alexander Munro,
S.S.C., Town Clerks.
William West Watson, City Chamber
lain.

James Nicol, Accountant.
William Gibb, Cashier.
John Carrick, City Architect and Super
intendent of Works.
John Lang, Procurator Fiscal Police
Courts.
Robert Macfarlane, Joint Fiscal River
Bailie Court.
Alexander Young, George Black, Gor
don Smith and P. T. Young, Assess
ors and Clerks Police Courts.
James Muuihead. Assessor and Clerk to
the River Bailie Court.
James Donaldson and Daniel M'Callum,
Assessors under the Lands Valuation
Act.
James Donaldson, Assessor under the
Registration of Voters' Act.
Peter Ferguson, Warden of Burying
Grounds.
James Brown, Council Officer.
James Killin, Chamber Keeper,

1868-69.

WARD FIRST.
William Rae Arthur.
John M'Intyre.
Malcolm M'Ewen.
WARD SECOND.
James Thomson.
John Burt.
James Moir. WARD THIRD.
Thomas A. Mathieson.
William Millar, Bailie.
Thomas Duncan.
WARD FOURTH.
William Wilson.
John Hutchison.
Hugh Lamberton.

WARD FIFTH.
James Mackenzie.
William Brown.
Matthew Dick.
WARD SIXTH.
James L. Lang.
James Martin.
Alexander Osborne, Bailie.
WARD SEVENTH.
The Lord Provost.
Alexander Collie.
James W. Anderson.
WARD EIGHTH.
James Watson.
Robert D. Roberton.
James Brown.

SIR JAMES LUMSDEN, LORD PROVOST, 1866-69. 253
WARD NINTH. WARD THIRTEENTH.

Alexander Birrell.
James Morrison.
Peter Dallas. WARD TENTH.
Thomas Murray, Bailie.
James Couper.
William Collins.
WARD ELEVENTH.
James Salmon.
Allan H. M'Lellan.
William Walls.
WARD TWELFTH.
James Bain.
Archibald G. Macdonald.
William Whyte.

William Taylor.
William Miller, Bailie.
John Chalmers.
WARD FOURTEENTH.
James Hamilton.
John Ure.
John Young.
WARD FIFTEENTH.
Robert Neill.
John Mitchell.
William Scott.
WARD SIXTEENTH.
John Taylor.
William M'Onib.
Robert Simpson.

a few of the events which took place during slr james
Lumsden's Provostship.

11th December, 1866.^An address, in a silver, gold-gilt casket, was
presented to ex-Provost Blackie in the Corporation Hall. Cake and wine
handed round.
23rd May, 1867. — Sir Archibald Alison, Bart., Sheriff of Lanarkshire,
died. The magistrates attended Sir Archibald's public funeral from
Possil House to Edinburgh railway station, on the 30th inst. Sir Archi
bald was born at the parsonage house of Kenley in Shropshire, in
December, 1792. His father was the Rev. Archibald Alison, LL.B., an
Episcopal clergyman of note in his day, and the author of "An Essay on
Taste," which was considered a work of great merit. Sir Archibald's
mother was the daughter of Dr. John Gregory, of Edinburgh ; a woman
of lofty character and highly cultured intellect, to whose care and tuition
the future historian was greatly indebted for his early scholastic training.
The family removed to Edinburgh when Sir Archibald was in his eighth

254 SIR JAMES LUMSDEN, LORD PROVOST, 1866-69.
year, and afterwards at the University of that city he distinguished him
self in classical studies, and that too, at a time when he had great
" fellows " to compete with. As a profession, he chose that of the law,
and was called to the bar in 1814. In 1832, he was appointed an Advo
cate-Depute, and in December, 1834, the sheriffdom of Lanarkshire was
conferred on him, and in that position he remained till the close of his
life. In 1845, he was elected Lord Rector of Marshal College, Aber
deen; in 1852, the Queen conferred on him a baronetcy ;¦ and for twenty
years he was Provincial Grand Master of the Masons of Glasgow. Sir
Archibald was also a voluminous author in various departments of study,
such as law, biography, finance, and history, his great work being the
well known " History of Europe." He left behind him a widow, two
sons, and a daughter. The sons chose the army as a profession, the elder,
who inherited the name and title of his f ather, was present in the Crimea
as aide-de-camp to Sir Colin Campbell ; afterwards distinguished himself
in India in quelling the sepoy Mutiny, and recently, as General Sir
Archibald Alison, showed his high soldierly qualities in the admirable
manner in which he conducted the preliminary stages of the war in
Egypt, and led the Highlanders at Tel-el-Kebir. The first Sir Archibald
was, apart from his professional services, truly a boon to Glasgow, as,
being a ripe scholar, highly accomplished, and well informed, and an
eloquent speaker, his services were in demand on all public occasions
when a great speech was called for.
27th September, 1867. — The statue of the Tigress and Cubs presented
for the Kelvingrove Park was unveiled. Design by Rosa Bonheur.
31st October, 1867. — The Kingston Dock was opened.
29th November, 1867. — At a meeting of the committee of the Town
Council on the Galleries, it was moved by Mr. Couper, and seconded by
the Lord Provost, that an Exhibition of Portraits should be opened in
the Galleries lately formed, towards the end of January and the begin
ning of February next ; the exhibition to consist of portraits of deceased
persons, especially of those who have been connected with Glasgow —
with its University and other public institutions — with its municipality,
manufactures, and trades. This proposal was approved of by the Town
Council on the 5th December. The Exhibition of Portraits was opened
on the 18th February, 1868, and consisted of three hundred and ninety-
seven pictures in oil, twenty-seven in water colours, fifteen in crayons,

SIR JAMES LUMSDEN, LORD PROVOST, 1866-69. 255
and twenty-six were busts or medallions. By far, the greater number
of the portraits were paintings of the Scottish school.
15th December, 1867. — A Fenian scare took place. The local autho
rities had been warned that a rising of the Fenians was to take place on
that day (Sunday). The Fenians were to meet in the Glasgow Green.
The magistrates and special constables, along with the police, turned out,
and were ready for any emergency. The military were confined to the
Barracks, in readiness to be called out. The police, after parading to
the Green and waiting, found that the Fenians had thought better of it,
or this was a false report that had been got up, for no Fenian appeared,
to disturb the peace of the city.
1st May, 1868. — The Town Council voted a congratulatory address to
her gracious Majesty the Queen on the escape of his Royal Highness the
Duke of Edinburgh from being assassinated by a Fenian at Sydney.
3rd July, 1868. — Admiral Famagert, of United States Navy, arrived
in Glasgow.
5th August, 1868. — Lord Clyde's memorial statue was unveiled. The
Lord Provost, magistrates, and councillors, the Sheriff and the sub
scribers met in the Council Chamber, Wilson Street, and proceeded to
George Square, where it was unveiled and handed over to the Corpora
tion. After the ceremony, the company returned to the Council HalL
where cake and wine were served. Mr. Foley executed the statue.
13th August, 1868. — A copy of the following rules by the Secretary
of State, for the guidance of the Local Authorities for the Execution of
Criminals, in pursuance of the powers contained in the Capital Punish
ment Amendment Act, 1868 : — "For the sake of uniformity, it is recom
mended that executions should take place at the hour of eight a.m. on
the first Monday after the intervention of three Sundays from the day
on which the sentence is passed. The mode of execution, and the cere
monial attending it. to be the same as herebefore in use. A black flag
to be hoisted at the moment of execution, upon a staff placed on an
elevated and conspicuous part of the prison, and remain displayed for
one hour. The bell of the prison, or, if arrangements can be made for
that purpose, the bell of the parish or other neighbouring church, to be
tolled for fifteen minutes after the execution.''
26th August, 1868. — The foundation-stone of the Mossbank Reforma-

256 SIR JAMES LUMSDEN, LORD PROVOST, 1866-69.
tory School was laid by the Right Honorable the Earl of Dalhousie, as
the Grand Master Mason of Scotland.
17th September, 1868. — Admiral Warden, C.B., Admiral Ryder, and
the officers of the Channel Squadron, on the invitation of the Lord Pro
vost, Magistrates, and Council of Glasgow, went on board of the steam
ship Marquis of Abercorn, at the Custom House Quay, Greenock, and
steamed up to Glasgow. During the voyage, they had lunch on board ;
they visited many places of interest in the city. The officers were enter
tained at a subscription ball in the evening. On the 19th instant, the
Lord Provost entertained the officers of the Channel Squadron to luncheon,
in a marquee at Auchinheglish, Loch Lomond side, near Arden, his
property. 8th October, 1868. — The Prince of Wales arrived in Glasgow by the
North British Railway, accompanied by the Princess of Wales — the Prince
to lay the foundation-stone of the College, Gilmorehill, and to receive the
freedom of the city ; the Princess to receive an address. They were met
at the railway station by the Lord Provost, the magistrates, and the
representatives of the University. Immediately after being presented
to their Royal Highnesses, the gentlemen proceeded to their carriages,
and moved on to the City Hall as directed, and proceeded to the plat
form. The Lord Provost, magistrates, the Sheriff, the Lord Rector, and
the Principal, accompanied the Royal party to the platform. On the
conclusion of the ceremony of presenting the freedom of the city and the
address in the City Hall, the parties forming the procession at once pro
ceeded to their carriages. The procession was re-formed, and proceeded
by Stirling Street, High Street, Trongate, Argyll Street, Main Street,
Anderston, Dumbarton Road, and Kelvingrove Street, to Kelvingrove
Gate of the Kelvingrove Park, through the Park, and across the Kelvin
by the new bridge, to the University Building. After the ceremony of
laying the foundation-stone of the University, the procession re-formed
in the same order, and returned by the same route — across the Kelvin,
turning to the left through the Park and by Park Gardens Gate, thence
by Park Gardens, Claremont Crescent, Woodside Terrace and Crescent,
Sauchiehall Street, Douglas Street, and Bath Street, to the Lord Pro
vost's house, where the procession ceased.
After luncheon at the Lord Provost's house, their Royal Highnesses
proceeded down Bath Street, on to the North British Railway Station,

SIR JAMES LUMSDEN, LORD PROVOST, 1866-69. 257
and returned to Edinburgh. A banquet was held in the Corporation
Hall, at 6-30. About one hundred and twenty gentlemen sat,
3rd November, 1868. — James Lumsden, Lord Provost of Glasgow, had
the honour of Knighthood conferred on him by letters patent.
The November election of councillors for 1868 was postponed till the
first Tuesday of December, on account of the extension of the Franchise
Act coming in force, and to allow the roll of electors to be made up, in
terms of that Act.
17th November, 1868. — The first election of three members of Parlia
ment for Glasgow took place.
9th February, 1869. — An address was presented, in the City Hall, by
the Lord Provost, Magistrates, and Council, to the Honorable Reverdy
Johnson, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary from the
United States of America to the Court of St. James. Mr. Johnson was
entertained to a public dinner in the Corporation Halls, in the evening.
2nd April, 1869. — Lord Stanley was entertained to a banquet, as Lord
Rector, in the City Hall. His Lordship visited the Cathedral and
Randolph and Elder's Works. On the 3rd, he visited Napier's Works, the
Lancefield Fcrge, and the Cooking Depot, Jamaica Street.
16th June, 1869. — His Royal Highness Prince Arthur arrived in the
Royal yacht at the Broomielaw, at five p.m., and left by the London
train at 9-10. None of the authorities were aware of his Highness
coming, and in consequence none of them met him.

17

258 SIR JAMES LUMSDEN, LORD PROVOST, 1866-

THE HON. THB LOED PEOYOST,
1866-69.

Sir James Lumsden was born in 1808, and was son of Mr. James
Lumsden, the well-known citizen who filled the office of Lord Provost
during the years 1843 — 6. He received his early education at the
Grammar School of Glasgow, now the High School, with which his name
is still associated in connection with the Lumsden E :irsary. Thereafter
he passed through the curriculum of the Glasgow University, at the close
of which he became connected with' the firm of James Lumsden & Son,
stationers, of which his father was then the head, and which was founded
by his grandfather about the close of last century. For many years he
was actively engaged in the management of the establishment, earning
for himself the reputation of a shrewd, energetic, and successful man of
business, while his frank, genial, kindly manner made for him hosts of
friends. Following in the footsteps of his father, Mr, James Lumsden
took, from his early days, a lively interest in public business. For many
years he occupied a prominent position in the Merchants' House, and in
1861 and 1862 he represented that body in the Town Council as Lord
Dean of Guild. On his retirement from that office in the end of 1862,
he was returned to the Town Council by the electors of the Seventh
Ward. When he had served only a year, his colleagues marked their
sense of his capacity by electing him to the important position of City
Treasurer. The duties of that office he discharged with fidelity for two
years, when he was elected Lord Provost ; and for the usual term of
three years he presided over the deliberations of the Council with much
acceptance. The most important event of his civic reign was the laying
of the foundation stone of the new University Buildings at Gilmorehill,
on the 8th October, 1868, and the visit to the City on that occasion of
the Prince and Princess of Wales. Sir James took a prominent part in
the ceremony, and he had the honour of entertaining their Royal High-

SIR JAMES LUMSDEN, LORD PROVOST, 1866-69. 259
nesses at his residence during their stay in Glasgow. It was in connec
tion with the auspicious event then celebrated that he received at the
hands of her Majesty, the honour of knighthood on the 22nd of Novem
ber of the same year. In virtue of his office of Lord Provost, Sir James
also presided over the Clyde Trust, and at that time important works
for the improvement of the navigation of the river and the accommoda
tion of shipping were in progress, the chief amongst these being the
construction of Kingston Dock, which was completed while he was
chairman. In all of these Sir James took an active interest.
As chairman of the various Trusts under the management of the Town
Council, he discharged the multifarious duties of the office with marked
ability, and on his retirement he carried with him the esteem of his col
leagues and the gratitude of the general body of the community. His
public services were not limited to those done as a member of the Town
Council. For more than thirty years he took an active part in the pro
motion of railway enterprise, more especially in connection with the
Glasgow and South Western Railway Company, of which in 1849,
he was elected a Director, and Chairman in 1871. He was also
one of the directors of the Clydesdale Bank for a number of years
and more than once filled the office of chairman. In the different
benevolent institutions of the city Sir James took a hearty interest. The
Royal Infirmary, especially, received a large share of his attention, and
he was one of the founders of the Glasgow Benevolent Society. From
the year 1850 Sir James lived during the summer months at Arden, on
the banks of Loch Lomond — first as tenant and latterly as proprietor of
the estate. He was one of the Commissioners of Supply for Dumbarton
shire, and latterly took an active interest in the affairs of the county.
He was a deputy-lieutenant of Lanarkshire and of Dumbartonshire. In
politics, Sir James was known throughout his life as a staunch Liberal,
but he seldom took a prominent part in political affairs. He was an
attached Churchman, and a member of Park Church, under the ministry
of the Rev. Donald M'Leod.
For about a twelvemonth it was known to the more intimate friends
of Sir James that he was in somewhat impaired health. After the death
of his wife, which took place in August of 1878, the illness from
which he was suffering assumed a more aggravated character. With the
object of recruiting his health, he made a short visit to Buxton, in the

260 SIR JAMES LUMSDEN, LORD PROVOST, 1866-69.
end of the year, and on his return he thought himself that he had
derived considerable benefit from it. The improvement, however, was
of short duration. Symptoms of jaundice soon afterwards manifested
themselves, and for some months he was almost wholly confined to the
house. Though only faint hopes were entertained of his recovery, his
death came somewhat suddenly. On Thursday night a serious change
took place, and he sank rapidly, expiring about nine o'clock on the
evening of Saturday, March 22nd, 1879, at his residence, 194 Bath
Street. Sir James married Miss Pinkerton, daughter of James Pinker'
ton, Esq., Grain Merchant, by whom he had three daughters and one
son, now Mr. James Lumsden of Arden.
During the civic reign of Sir James Lumsden the Scottish Reform
Bill passed into law. Previous to 1868 Glasgow had only two repre
sentatives in parliament, but by this Bill an additional member was
given. All male householders in burghs, who were entered in the
valuation roll, and who were not exempted from payment of poor rates,
were entitled to vote in the election of members of parliament. This
new arrangement had the effect of, at once, increasing the number of
electors in Glasgow from 18,361 to the large number of 47,854. A
general election took place at the end of the year, when four candidates
entered the field, viz. Messrs. Robert Dalglish, William Graham, George
Anderson, and Sir George Campbell of Garscube, this last mentioned
gentleman being the only Conservative. The result was that, although
an elector could vote for only two candidates, the three Liberals were
returned by large majorities. As a matter of course the influence of
Mr. Lumsden was exercised on the side of the Liberals, but it was said
that towards the close of his career he was inclined to depart from the
hereditary faith.

^<C&sCC4 £&**. — ,

WILLIAM RAE ARTHUR, LORD PROVOST* 1869-71. 261

MEETING OF TOWN COUNCIL.
NOVEMBER, 1869.

ELECTION OF COUNCILLORS.

The first meeting of the Town Council as newly constituted was held
November 5th, 1869. At the commencement of the proceedings Bailie
William Taylor presided. The Rev. Mr. Niven of the Tron Church
opened the meeting with prayer.
The Chairman said — The first business we have before us to-day is
the election of a successor to our respected Lord Provost, Sir James
Lumsden, and I have very great pleasure in proposing a gentleman who,
I am sure, will meet with the hearty and unanimous assent of the
Council. I refer to Mr. William Rae Arthur. (Applause.) Mr. Arthur
has been looked forward to for some time as the gentleman who was
likely to occupy the chair of this Council, and I am sure those who have
been associated with him in conducting the public affairs of the city for
some time must be well satisfied that he is thoroughly qualified to dis
charge the very onerous and important duties of the office. Mr. Arthur
has been for twelve years a member of the Council, and during that
time he has taken a very prominent part in its deliberations and in all
matters connected with the public affairs of the city, and he has dis
charged all the duties which have been incumbent upon him in these
several positions in a manner calculated to reflect great honour upon
himself, and to confer great advantage upon the general community.
Mr. Arthur occupied the position of Deputy and River Bailie, and he
afterwards discharged the duties of Burgh Magistrate for three years.
He has been connected with the most important committees of the
Council and the police, and in all these various capacities he has dis
charged his duties with an ability and a zeal which has gained for him
the respect and esteem of his fellow-citizens. '(Applause.) There is no

262 WILLIAM RAE ARTHUR, LORD PROVOST, 1869-71.
public duty which I have been called upon to discharge as a magistrate
in this city that has given me greater pleasure than this my last in that
capacity, in moving, as I have now great pleasure in doing, that Mr.
William Rae Arthur be promoted to the high and honourable position
of Lord Provost of this city. (Applause.)
Mr. James Watson — Concurring as I do in everything that has been
said in regard to Mr. Rae Arthur, I have great pleasure, indeed, in
seconding the nomination. Mr. Arthur, as the chairman has mentioned,
has filled very many important offices already in the Town Council, and
he has done so satisfactorily and well ; so that I think we may have the
most ample confidence that he will equally well discharge the duties of
Lord Provost of the city. (Applause.) We have been peculiarly fortu
nate in having a succession of excellent Lord Provosts, and I have no
hesitation in expressing my firm belief that Mr. Arthur will be found
to be not the least valuable of any of the gentlemen who have preceded
him. (Applause.)
Mr. James Moir — Before the vote is taken, I am sure you will agree
with me when I say that it is desirable this election should be unani
mous, if possible. I think it is a misfortune at any time and all times
when a Chief Magistrate is appointed with a difference of opinion exist
ing in regard to his election. I am sorry, sir, that Mr. Arthur has given
occasion to complain of some observations made by him at the close of
his election, which has given rise to a great deal of bitterness and ill-
feeling, and I am sorry to say that the explanation made by him is not
accepted as sufficient. I am sure Mr. Arthur, on reflection, must see
that it is advisable not to give any offence even to the very poorest of his
fellow-citizens, whether they have a shirt or not; and I am quite satisfied
that it would answer the purpose a great deal better, if he would just
kindly retract the expressions used, and express his regret for ever
having used them at all. That would be full and complete. No man
can doubt the fact that, supposing every one of those persons referred to
had been dressed in superfine black cloth, with a white linen shirt on
his back — as white as that worn by Sir John Dean Paul, before he was
tried — if his reputation had been no better than Sir John Dean Paul's,
I guess the white shirt and the superfine black coat would not have
made him more respected, and therefore we cannot at all recognise the
principle of judging a man's integrity by the appearance of his coat,

WILLIAM RAE ARTHUR, LORD PROVOST, 1869-71. 263
A very poor and a very honest man may have a very old, worn
coat. I make these observations, sir, with the view of affording an
opportunity to Mr. Arthur to retract the language complained of, and at
the same time of affording us the opportunity of agreeing to his election
unanimously. The Chairman — I suppose, gentlemen, this nomination is unanimously
agreed to. (Applause.)
Mr. Moir — I beg leave to have my dissent recorded.
Mr. Arthur then took the oath, and having been invested with the
chain of office took possession of the chair.
The Lord Provost said — I beg to return very sincere and cordial
thanks for the great honour that the Council has this day conferred
upon me. As a native of Glasgow, and one whose interests have been
bound up for a long period of years with all its prosperity, I cannot but
feel that while it is a great honour to fill the chair in this assembly, it
imposes very great and onerous responsibilities. The honour, no doubt,
is one that might well be coveted by any man, and is a reasonable and
just object of ambition, more especially to any citizen of our thriving
community, but the responsibilities require time, talent, and great assi
duity, to perform the duties that attach to the office in a manner either
satisfactory to one's own conscience, or to the public in whose interests
they are undertaken. (Applause.) No doubt, I have had a certain term
of years, a pretty long one, in which I may have been expected to acquire
so much knowledge of the duties of a Town Councillor or a magistrate
as gradually to prepare me for taking any other office ; but the office of
Lord Provost, as I have seen it exercised heretofore, has claims upon the
person holding it, of a character, indeed, very much heavier and different
from those which fall to the lot of any other man in the Town Council.
I would ask you therefore to bear with me very much throughout the
period of the reign that I have now entered upon. Three years ago,
when so many of you did me the honour to call me forward to this office,
I felt that it was then in deference to a pretiy generally expressed wish
of the Council, and I at once acceded to the call as a matter of duty. I
certainly accept the chair now with more satisfaction than I could have
accepted it then, as it has been on this occasion so nearly unanimous,
and I hope that before I have said all I would desire to say to-day . I shall
Lave given you reason to believe that it ought to be entirely unanimous,

264 WILLIAM RAE ARTHUR, LORD PROVOST, 1869-71.
so far as that matter is concerned. (Applause.) While I would at this
time bespeak your help in all matters, I would in one matter especially
desire that you should bear with me, and that is, not to draw too largely
upon the time that I must necessarily give to public work. I do not
think it judicious that the president of this Town Council should put his
hand to everything, and seek to manage everything. (Hear, hear.) I
hold, indeed, quite the reverse opinion — (hear, hear) — that while there
are large matters coming before departments of the Council of which he
must necessarily make himself well aware, and perhaps take a leading
part in them, it is the foundation of the education of the best men in
this Council for public life, that they should be left in their committees
of which they may have charge, or of which they may be members, to
take upon themselves the responsibility of the position belonging to their
committees. (Hear, hear.) While open at all times to give such assist
ance as may be wished of me, I shall desire to be relieved, in great
measure, of any actual work on these committees ; and I am satisfied
that, although bringing upon the conveners more responsibility, such a
course will give them more satisfaction with the work they have on hand.
And now, gentlemen, I might in ordinary course have concluded my
observations at this time, but for what has been said by Mr. Moir. I
perfectly understand that Mr. Moir has no unfriendly feeling to myself
or to any gentleman in this Council — (hear, hear) — and I take it kind
of him, indeed, that he has brought this matter up, for the reason that
it does seem to me, from to-day's newspapers, as if, notwithstanding my
endeavours to stand right with the public as to what I meant to say, I
had not accomplished all I desired. If I dare venture on another quota
tion, it seems as if I had "shot my arrow o'er the house and hurt
my brother.'' I had no intention ; and I hope no man who knows any
thing of me will impute to me any intention of wounding the feelings of
any person whatever. (Hear, hear.) Poverty is no reproach to any man
— (hear, hear) — and no more unmanly thing — if I may not indeed say, no
more sinful thing — could scarcely be done by any person than to impute
their poverty as a reproach to any class of society. In the heat of the
moment it (a well-known quotation from Shakespeare, descriptive of
Falstaff's soldiers) may have been injudiciouslyselected as an illustration,
and may have been, even as a joke, a barren and pointless one. With all
that I may be chargeable, but I absolutely deny in the most emphatic way,

WILLIAM RAE ARTHUR, LORD PROVOST, 1869-71. 265
that I ever meant to characterise the followers of my opponent as in any
respect less worthy of esteem than those who voted for myself. (Hear,
hear.) It has been a thing I have all my life contended for, that the charter
which every man possessed, and which gave him a right to utter senti
ments of his own, was alike possessed by those who were in direct oppo
sition to him — (hear, hear) — and on that broad and liberal ground I
desire to be acquitted of imputing that any opposition in this last election
was not as well founded in principle as was the action of my own friends,
or that the poverty (which seems to have been the interpretation put
upon my words) belonged to any one class, or was in any sense a reproach
to it. Having said this much, which I believe to be the fullest retrac
tation of my intention to wound the feelings of any class, I hope it will
be accepted by all here, and I desire you to accept it in this sense.
(Applause.) Mr. James Morrison — Perhaps Mr. Moir will now withdraw his
dissent. Mr. Moir — As your Lordship has been pleased to retract the senti
ments complained of, and to express your regret for having used them, I
beg leave to withdraw my dissent. (Hear, hear.)
The Lord Provost — We have now to proceed to the appointment of
four magistrates. As you are aware, we lose the services, by retirement
in the order of things, of Bailie William Taylor and Bailie Neill, and of
Bailie Murray and Bailie Anderson, who have withdrawn from the
Council. I am sure you will allow me to express for you, as I do for
myself, the respect we have for these gentleman, and the regret with
which we part from them in their high office. In place of Bailie Taylor,
the retiring bailie, I beg to nominate Mr. William Brown, at present the
head of the River Bailie court.
Bailie Millar — It affords me much pleasure to second the nomination
of Mr. Brown, who is a consistent and upright man, and a man of very
sound judgment.
The nomination was unanimously agreed to»
The Lord Provost — I have next to nominate Mr. James Watson
Several years ago, Mr. Watson filled the position of a magistrate for
twelve months, but was unfortunately obliged to give it up. I believe
you all recognise in him great ability for the post, and I hope his appoint
ment will be also unanimous.

2S6 WILLIAM RAE ARTHUR, LORD PROVOST, 1869-71.
Bailie Millar — I have pleasure in seconding the nomination.
Mr. Morrison — It is my desire to support your Lordship in everything
which I conceive to be right and fair, but I must submit an amendment
to what you have suggested. Mr. Watson is one of our old magistrates ;
and he certainly filled the position with great credit to himself and satis
faction to the general community. He has, however, already discharged
the duties, and I do think he ought to be relieved from any further labour
in. connection with the magistracy, more especially as we have amongst
us young men who are quite prepared to undertake the task. I desire
to propose, not out of any feeling of disrespect to Mr. Watson, but I
think I might almost venture to say with his concurrence, that Mr.
James Hamilton be appointed.
The Lord Provost — It is desirable to keep in mind that Mr. Watson
was only a magistrate for one year.
Mr. Morrison — I did not know that before. The same objection will
apply to Mr. Salmon — (a voice, " Two years") — who is to be proposed, I
believe. The Lord Provost — It is generally understood that three years consti
tute the term of office, but, as I mentioned, Mr. Watson only acted for
one year.
Mr. Watson — It was only as a matter of public duty that I responded
to the very urgent call made upon me, to allow myself to be nominated ;
and unless the thing is heartily and unanimously gone into by the
Council, I will have nothing whatever to do with it.
Mr. Simpson — I would like to hear the names of the other gentlemen
whom your Lordship intends nominating.
The Lord Provost — The other two gentlemen I propose to nominate
are Mr. Salmon and Mr. Burt.
Mr. Watson — -I see there is dissatisfaction, and I request you to with
draw my name. (" No, no.")
The Dean of Guild — There can be no doubt that it will be a credit to
the Council to get a gentleman of Mr. Watson's position to fill the office.
(Hear, hear.)
Mr. Morrison — When I proposed Mr, Hamilton, it was under the
impression that Mr. Watson had served the full time.
Mr. Watson — I request that your Lordship would withdraw my name.
(No, no.) I have no. wish for the post.

WILLIAM RAE ARTHUR, LORD PROVOST, 1869-71. 267
The Deacon Convener — I hope Mr. Watson will allow his name to be
proposed. (Applause.)
Mr. Malcolm M'Ewen — I do not wish that the Council or the public
should misunderstand my feeling in regard to this matter. My feeling
is with my friend Mr. Hamilton, and I think it wrong for Mr. Watson
to insist that the proposed election should be unanimous.
Mr. Couper — Of course it is open to any member of Council to pro
pose any gentleman he may think proper. You, my Lord, have been
placed in the chair unanimously ; and while it is, of course, the fact that
the appointments rest with the Council, I think it would be a pity if
anything should take place to disturb the arrangements you propose.
(Hear, hear.) It would be courteous, I think, to strengthen your hands
in the selections you have made after due consideration. (Hear, hear.)
Mr. Simpson — I was not aware, either, that Mr. Watson had only
served for one year. That fact would considerably remove any objection
I might have, inasmuch as I think that men who have talent and ex
perience ought to be distributed, if I may so speak, instead of being kept
on one side of the house.
Mr. Watson was then appointed to the magistracy, as proposed by the
Lord Provost.
The Lord Provosts — I have next to nominate Mr. James Salmon to
the magistracy. I think there are few gentlemen in the Council who
have done more earnest and satisfactory work than was performed by
Mr. Salmon during the two years he was previously a bailie. For reasons
personal to himself, he then retired ; but I think we should call upon
him to assume the position for the second time. (Hear, hear.)
Bailie Osborne^-It affords me pleasure to second the nomination. Mr.
Salmon will make a most efficient magistrate.
Mr. M'Intyre — I think it looks strange, and rather foolish, that we
should be obliged to go back so much on old men. There are young men
here who have not yet acted at all, but who are willing to act ; and it
is only fair we should have a little infusion of new blood. I beg most
strongly to propose Mr. Hamilton.
Bailie Osborne — This year we have only four magistrates to elect, but
next year we will have six ; and I think it is most important therefore
that we should have two gentlemen like Bailie Watson and Mr. Salmon,
who have done some little service on the bench before. (Hear, hear.)

268 WILLIAM RAE ARTHUR, LORD PROVOST, 1869-71.
Mr. Salmon was then elected.
The Lord Provost — I have to nominate in the fourth place our friend
Mr. Burt — (applause) — and I am sure it will be a very popular
nomination. Bailie M'Donald seconded the nomination, which was at once agreed
to. Mr. Mathieson was eleeted Senior Bailie of the River, and Mr. M'Onie
Deputy-Bailie of the River.
The newly-elected magistrates then took the oath of fealty to the
Throne, and were invested with the insignia of office.

WILLIAM RAE ARTHUR, LORD PROVOST, 1869-71.

List of the Names of the MemDers of the Town Council during
Mr. William Rae Arthur's Provostship, 1869-71.
1869-70.

William Rae Arthur, Lord Provost.
William Millar, Bailie.
William Miller, do.
Alexander Osborne, do.
Archibald Gray Macdonald^o.
William Brown, do.
James Watson, do.
James Salmon, do.
John Burt, do.
William M'Ewen, Dean of Guild.
Thomas Warren, Deacon Convener.
James Brown, Treasurer.
John Mitchell, Master of Works.
Thomas Adam Mathieson, Bailie of the
River and Firth of Clyde.
William M'Onie, Depute Bailie of the
River and Firth of Clyde.
Alexander Harvey, Bailie of Provan.
Angus Turner and Alexander Munro,
S.S.C, Town Clerks. _
William West Watson, City Chamberlain.

James Nicol, Accountant.
William Gibb, Cashier.
John Carrick, City Architect and Super
intendent of Works.
John Lano, Procurator Fiscal in Police
Courts-
Robert Macfarlane, Joint Fiscal River
Bailie Court.
Alexander Young, George Black, Gor
don Smith and Peter Taylor Young
Assessors and Clerks in Police Courts-
James Mutrhead, Assessor and Clerk to
River Bailie Court.
James Donaldson, Assessor under the
Lands Valuation Act, and Assessor
under the Registration of Voters Act.
Peter Ferguson, Warden of Burying
Grounds.
James Brown, Council Officer.
James Killin, Chamber Keeper.

1869-70.

WARD FIRST.

John M'Intyre.
Malcolm M'Ewen.
The Lord Provost.

WARD SECOND.
John Burt, Bailie.
James Moir.
John Moncuh.
WARD THIRD.
William Millar, Bailie.
Thomas Duncan.
Thomas A. Mathieson.

WARD FOURTH.
William Brown, Bailie.
Matthew Dick.
Archibald Neilson.
WARD FIFTH.
James Couper.
William Collins.
Walter Bannerman. WARD SIXTH.
Alexander Osborne, Bailie.
Alexander M'Laren.-
Samuel M'Culloch.

270

WILLIAM RAE ARUHUR, LORD PROVOST, 1869-71.

WARD SEVENTH.
Alexander Collie.
Richard G. Ross.
Robert Lochore, Tertius.
WARD EIGHTH.
Robert D. Roberton.
James Watson, Bailie.
James Brown.
WARD NINTH.
William Millar, Bailie.
John Chalmers.
William Taylor.
WARD TENTH.
James Morrison.
Peter Dallas.
James Torrens.
WARD ELEVENTH
Allan H. M'Lellan.
William Walls.
James Salmon, Bailie.

WARD TWELFTH.
Archibald G. Macdonald, Bailie.
William Whyte.
James Bain.'
WARD THIRTEENTH
John Ure.
John Young.
James Hamilton.
WARD FOURTEENTH.
John Hutchison.
Hugh Lamberton.
John Craig.
WARD FIFTEENTH.
John Mitchell.
William Scott.
Robert Neill.
WARD SIXTEENTH.
William M'Onie.
Robert Simpson.
John Taylor, Jr.

1870-71.

William Rae Arthur, Lord Provost.
James Watson, Bailie.
James Salmon, do.
Archibald GrayMacdonald,cZo.
Thomas Adam Mathieson, do.
James Bain, do.
James Hamilton, do.
James Morrison, do.
Allan Houston M'Lellan, do.
Alexander Ewing, Dean of Guild.
Thomas Warren, Deacon Convener.
James Brown, Treasurer.
John Mitchell, Master of Works.
William M'Onie, Bailie of the River and
Firth of Clyde-
William Walls, Depute Bailie of the
River and Firth of Clyde.
Alexander Harvey, Bailie of Provan.
Angus Turner and Alexander Munro,
S.S.C., Town Clerks.
William West Watson, City Chamberlain.

James Nicol, Accountant.
William Gibb, Cashier.
John Carrick, City Architect ancl Super
intendent of Works.
John Lang, Procurator Fiscal Police
Courts.
Robert Macfarlane, Joint Fiscal River
Bailie Court.
Alexander Young, George Black, Gor
don Smith and Peter Taylor Young,
Asscssoi's and Clerks of Police Courts.
James Muirhead, Assessor and Clerk to
River Bailie Court.
James Donaldson, Assessors under the
Lands Valuation Act, and Assessor
under the Registration of Voters Act.
Peter Ferguson, Warden of Burying
Grounds.
James Brown, Council Officer.
James Killin, Chamber Keeper.

WILLIAM RAE ARTHUR, LORD PROVOST, 1869-71.
1870-71.

271

WARD FIRST.

Malcolm M'Ewen.
The Lord Provost.
John M'Intyre.

WARD SECOND.
James Moir.
John Moncur.
James Steel. WARD THIRD.
Thomas Duncan.
Thomas A. Mathieson, Bailie-
William Millar, Jr.
WARD FOURTH.
Matthew Dick.
Archibald Neilson.
James Martin. WARD FIFTH.
William Collins.
Walter Bannerman.
James L. Lang.
WARD SIXTH.
Alexander M'Laren.
Samuel M'Culloch.
Alexander Osborne.
WARD SEVENTH.
Robert Lochore, Tertius.
Andrew Fergus.
James Sharp. WARD EIGHTH.
James Watson, Bailie.
James Brown.
David Dreghorn.

WARD NINTH.
John Chalmers.
William Taylor-
William Miller.
WARD TENTH.
Peter Dallas.
James Torrens.
James Morrison, Bailie.
WARD ELEVENTH.
William Walls.
James Salmon, Bailie.
Allan H. M'Lellan, Bailie.
WARD TWELFTH.
William Whyte.
James Bain, Bailie.
Archibald G. Macdonald, Bailie.
WARD THIRTEENTH.
John Young.
James Hamilton, Bailie.
John Ure.
WARD FOURTEENTH.
Hugh Lamberton.
John Craig.
John Hutchison.
WARD FIFTEENTH.
William Scott.
Robert Neill.
John Mitchell.
WARD SIXTEENTH.
4
Robert Simpson.
John Taylor, Jr.
William M'Onie.

272 WILLIAM RAE ARTHUR, LORD PROVOST, 1869-71,

A FEW OF THB EVENTS WHICH TOOK PLACE DUBING WlLLIAM RaE
Aethue's PROVOSTSHIP.

3rd June, 1870. — A banquet in the Corporation Hall, on the occasion
of laying the foundation-stone of the Albert Bridge, and presentation of
the freedom of the city to the Right Honourable the Earl of Dalhousie.
The Lord Provost occupied the chair.
Plan of the ceremonial on the occasion of laying the foundation-stone
of the Albert Bridge across the Clyde, at Glasgow : —
Brother Murdoch Mackenzie, Chief Grand Marshal for Masons'
portion ; Brother Alexander M'Call, Grand Marshal for civic portion ;
the Magistrates and Council, the Bridge Trustees, and' the other gentle
men who were invited, met in the Lady Chapel of the Cathedral, at
1 1-30 o'clock a.m., previous to taking their places in the choir of the
Cathedral. The Grand Lodge clothed and opened in the Chapter House
of the Cathedral, the other lodges clothed and opened in their respective
halls, and afterwards assembled in the nave at 11-30 a.m. The Church
service was performed by the Rev. Dr. Burns, Provincial Grand
Chaplain. Programme : —
Military band.
Detachment of Fifth Fusiliers.
Chief Constable.
Police officers, and officer carrying civic banner.
Town Officers, with halberts.
The Lord Provost and Magistrates.
The Town Council (not members of the Bridge Committee^)
Judicial and Civil officers of Corporation.
Police officers.
The Sheriff of the County.
Members of Parliament.
Military officers.

WILLIAM RAE ARTHUR, LORD PROVOST, 1869-71. 273
The President and members of the Faculty of Physicians and Surgeons.
Dean and members of the Faculty of Procurators.
President and members of the Institute of Engineers.
Lord-Lieutenant, Deputy-Lieutenant, and J. P.s for the County.
Police-constables.
The chairman and members of the Bridge Committee and County
Trustees.
Chief Engineer.
Treasurer and Local Engineer.
River police-constables.
Chairman and members of River Trust.
Dean of Guild and directors of Merchants' House.
Deacon Convener and members of Trades House.
President and directors of the Chamber of Commerce.
Detachment of Fifth Fusiliers.
Mason lodges, the junior in front.
The Grand Lodge of Scotland.
Detachment of Fifth Fusiliers.
The whole body civic and Masons, four and four.
The procession proceeded down Upper High Street, along George
Street to Buchanan Street, down Buchanan Street, then eastward along
Argyle Street and Trongate, down Saltmarket, to the site of the bridge.
The Grand Chaplain, Rev. Dr. Arnott, offered up prayer. The Right
Honourable the Earl of Dalhousie, Grand Mason, laid the foundation-
stone. Shortly before five o'clock, the Lord Provost, Magistrates, and
Council assembled in the reception-room of the Corporation Galleries,
Sauchiehall Street, and presented the freedom of the city to the Earl of
Dalhousie. At the conclusion of the presentation ceremony, the Lord
Provost and the members of the Bridge Trustees entertained the Earl
of Dalhousie, the members of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, and a
number of gentlemen, to dinner in the Corporation Galleries. The Lord
Provost presided, supported, on the right, by the Earl of Dalhousie,
Capt. Gordon, R.N., Capt. Colt, Rev. Dr. Burns, Sir James Campbell,
Sir Peter Coats, and ex-Lord Provost Blackie; and, on the left, by
Sheriff Bell, Lord Rosehill, Col. Gordon, Col. Moore, Rev. Donald
M'Leod, Sir James Lumsden, and ex-Lord Provost Clouston. The
croupiers were Bailie Millar and John Mitchell.
18

274 WILLIAM RAE ARTHUR, LORD PROVOST, 1869-71.
We may here refer to a rather unpleasant incident which took place
after the opening of the Grand Lodge. It appears that the brethren of
the Glasgow St. John's Lodge, No. 3 Bis., claimed the privilege, as the
oldest operative Lodge in the district, of carrying the working jewels
of the Grand Lodge — a privilege, however, which was given to the
Journeymen Lodge, No. 8, Edinburgh. R. W. M. Baird, St. Jthn's
Lodge, protested against this arrangement, maintaining that the rules of
the Grand Lodge only provided for the Journeyman Lodge carrying the
jewels in question in Edinburgh and its neighbourhood. The result of
this misunderstanding was, that the brethren of St, John's Lodge, to the
number of about 120, took no part in the proeeedings, but returned to
their Lodge-room in Buchanan Street. Before leaving the Cathedral
Brother Baird had a consultation with Brothers Sir Archibald Alison
and Bell as to the legality of this arrangement, and both the learned
sheriffs gave it as their opinion that Brother Baird was in the right; and
for his spirited conduct on this occasion he afterwards received a suit
able presentation from his Lodge. It may be added that Brother Baird
has done noble work for the craft in the west, and now, in 1883, he is
the Grand Architect for the Grand Lodge of Scotland.
2ith August, 1870. — A meeting was called by the Lord Provost, to
organise a committee to raise and take charge of subscriptions for the
relief of the wounded in the French and Prussian armies.
1th November, 1870. — A dinner in honour of the Principal and pro
fessors of the University. The opening of the new university at Gil
morehill was celebrated by a sumptuous banquet given, in the Corpora
tion Rooms, to the senate, by the subscribers of £100 and upwards to
the building funds. About 200 gentlemen were present. The chair was
occupied by the Honourable William Rae Arthur, Lord Provost — E. S.
Gordon, M.P., croupier. Among those present were Principal Barclay,
the Marquis of Bute, Lord Justice General, the Duke of Montrose, the
Lord Justice Clerk, the Lord Advocate, Sir Thomas Edward Colebrooke,
Bart., M.P.; Sir Michael R. Shaw Stewart, Bart.; Sir A. Grant, Bart.;
the Right Honourable the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Sheriff Bell,
Robert Dalglish, M.P., Sir James Lumsden, Sir Peter Coats, Sir A.
Fairbairn, Colonel Campbell, Colonel Buchanan, Prof. Allen Thomson,
Rev. Dr. N. M'Leod, Professor Buchanan, Dr. Rainy, William Graham,

WILLIAM RAE ARTHUR, LORD PROVOST, 1869-71. 275
M.P., Principal Fairbairn, Sheriff Dickson, Sheriff Shand, and H. E.
Crum Ewing, M.P.
13th January, 1871. — The Lord Provost called a public meeting in
the Council Hall of parties inclined to co-operate in organising a com
mittee to raise and take charge of subscriptions for the relief of the
peasantry of France, rendered destitute by the war.
6th February, 1871. — Model Lodging House, Drygate, opened— the
Lord Provost in the chair. Tea and coffee, cake and wine, were served.
21st March, 1871. — A soiree musicale was given in the City Hall in
honour of the marriage of her Royal Highness the Princess Louise and
the Marquis of Lome. The Lord Provost occupied the chair at 6-30 p.m.
A full dress conversazione and promenade was given in the Corporation
Halls from 9 till 11 o'clock.
6th May, 1871 — The Lord Provost attended the Queen's Birthday
Drawing-room at Buckingham Palace, along with Mrs. Arthur, Bailies
Watson, Bain, and Salmon, also Mr. Turner, Town Clerk.
3lst May, 1871.- — The Corporation entertained to dinner the officers
of the Fifth Fusiliers and those of the Black Prince, in the Corporation
Halls, on their leaving Glasgow — the Lord Provost occupied the chair.
About sixty gentlemen were present.
21st June, 1871. — The Albert Bridge was opened for public traffic at
6 a.m., without any ceremony.
9th August, 1871. — A splendid assembly met in the City Hall, and
celebrated the centenary of Sir Walter Scott — Lord Provost Athur in
the chair. His Lordship had only twenty-four hours' notice that he
would require to take the chair, notwithstanding which, in proposing the
memory of Sir Walter, he gave an eloquent address. The other speakers
were Robert Monteith, Esq., Sheriff Bell, Rev. Professor Jowett, Mar
quis of Bute, Rev. Dr. Norman M'Leod, Sir E. Colebrooke, Col. Mure,
and A. Orr Ewing, Esq., M.P.
10th August, 1871. — The foundation-stone of the Western Infirmary
was laid. The Lord Provost and Magistrates, attended in their official
capacity, proceeding from the Queen's Rooms to the site.
2\st August, 1871. — The Town Council sent an address of congratula
tion to the Marquis of Lome and her Royal Highness the Princess
Louise on their arrival in Scotland. The address was sent them to
Roseneath.

276 WILLIAM RAE ARTHUR, LORD PROVOST, 1869-71.
29th August, 1871. — Freedom of the city conferred on the Earl of
Shaftesbury. The noble earl was accompanied to the platform, in the
City Hall, by the Lord Provost, Lord Lawrence, the Honourable Arthur
Kinnaird, M.P., the Honourable Evelyn Ashley, Sir Henry Parkes, Mr.
George Burns, Mr. John Burns, &c. The Lord Provost, in presenting
the Burgess ticket, made a very effective speech, congratulating the
noble lord on his long and useful career in the cause of every good and
philanthropic object. He said, " There are few associations having for
their object, to raise the moral or better the physical condition of the
masses, in which you have not taken a prominent part; and I believe it
may safely be said, that it is to your endeavours chiefly that we owe the
establishment of those industrial schools which everywhere in the
country have been doing so much good." Lord Shaftesbury made a very
appropriate and happy reply, in the course of which, in speaking of the
evils of war, he related an anecdote of the Duke, of Wellington. He
and the duke were travelling in a carriage through a beautiful part of
the country ; the duke remained silent for some time, then said, '' I have
been contemplating this beautiful country, and I have been thinking
what a curse war is. Suppose I had to take military possession of this
district, I would have to lay low every beautiful thing that you now see.
Take my word for it, if you had seen but one day of war, you would
pray to Almighty God that you might never see such a thing again."
After the ceremony and luncheon, the noble earl proceeeded to Lenzie
Junction, where he laid the foundation-stone of the new Convalescent
Hospital. 22nd September, 1871. — The Acting Chief Magistrate and the chairman
of the Tramway Committee invited a number of gentlemen to be present
at the commencement of the tramway at the junction of Park Street and
Great Western Road, and afterwards to luncheon in the George Hotel.
9th October, 1871.— Alexander Munro, S.S.C., Town Clerk of Glasgow,
died.

WILLIAM RAE ARTHUR, LORD PROVOST, 1869-71. 277

THE HON. THE LORD PROVOST,
1S69-7J.L

William Rae Arthur is a native of Glasgow, and was born in the
Gallowgate, which then embraced a fair proportion of the respectable
middle classes amongst its residents. He had the benefit of a good educa
tion before being ushered into the business world, being first sent to St.
James's parish school, then under the charge of Mr. Allan Macnab, a
noted teacher of those days. Afterwards, he went to the High School,
which was at that time, as it long continued to be, one of the best schools
in the city. He was early put to business, and as a boy was for some time
connected with the wholesale drapery establishment of Messrs. Leslie,
Reid, & Co. He afterwards entered the house of Messrs. Macdonald and
Mackay, turkey-red dyers and calico printers at Cochno, Dumbarton
shire, and Wellpark in Duke Street of this city, and in this connection
he continued for some years. In the year 1838, he entered the old
established house of Messrs. Muir, Brown, & Co., whose dyeing and
calico printing works, as many can well remember, were then situated
in North Street, Anderston. Nine years after Mr. Arthur joined this
firm, in 1847, he was assumed as a partner, which fact goes to show that
his superior business capabilities, even at this comparatively early stage
of his career, had been discovered and appreciated. Since 1855, he has
been head partner of this well-known dyeing and printing firm, whose
very extensive works are situated at Strathclyde, on the banks of the
river, near Dalmarnock.
Mr. Arthur entered the Town Council as one of the members for the
First Ward in 1857, which ward he continued to represent during the
fourteen years he was in the Council. In 1858, he was elected Deputy
River Bailie; in the following year he became River Bailie, and in 1860
was elected a magistrate of the city. Having thus passed rapidly the
preliminary steps to the bench, he was in 1866 appointed treasurer to

278 WILLIAM RAE ARTHUR, LORD PROVOST, 1869-71.
the Corporation, and at various periods acted as convener to the High
School Committee, Finance Committee, Parks and Galleries Committee,
and in all the principal and important divisions of Town Council duty.
So well and usefully did he acquit himself in these important positions
that, in 1866, he was put forward, in opposition to Sir James Lumsden,
for the highest civic honour, and was defeated by only one vote; but at
the close of Sir James's term of office, in 1869, Mr. .Arthur was unani
mously elected Lord Provost of the city.
As to his fitness for this honourable and onerous position, none of his
predecessors came forward with claims more strongly supported by their
colleagues in the Council. This will be seen by reference to the reports
of the Council proceedings of November, 1866 and 1869, which are given
in former pages of this work. None have been more highly, few so
highly, eulogised ; and we may take it for granted, that these commen
dations were sincere, as the councillors of those days had no feeling of
false delicacy to prevent them from speaking their minds very freely.
There was, indeed, objection attempted to be raised to his appointment,
on the grounds of some disrespectful remark alleged to have been made
by him in the heat of a municipal election contest, with regard to the
social standing of his opponent's supporters. Mr. Arthur, however,
emphatically denied any intention of saying anything disrespectful,
and gave such explanation as satisfied even Mr. Moir himself, who made
the objection.
The anticipations which had been formed of Mr. Arthur were fully
realised in the able and efficient manner in which he discharged the
duties of the high position to which he had been called. Unfortunately,
he was not allowed to complete the usual term of office, as business
exigencies compelled him to resign before he had been more than two
years occupant of the civic chair. The year 1871 was one of com
mercial gloom, and, like many others, the firm of Muir, Brown, & Co,
was under the necessity of suspending payment. From that period he
has devoted his time and energies to business, and, happily, it is said,
with considerable success. We may further add that, in politics, Mr.
Arthur is a staunch Conservative and, as a matter of course, a warm
supporter of the Established Church. He is also a ready and liberal
subscriber to all movements of a benevolent nature, and takes an active

WILLIAM RAE ARTHUR, LORD PROVOST, 1869-71. 279
interest in whatever tends to the moral or material benefit of the
working classes. Mrs. Arthur is a daughter of the late T. Boyd, Esq.
Mr. Arthur has scarcely yet advanced beyond what is called middle
age, is vigorous and active, and from his extensive experience, tact, and
power of giving correct and effective expression to his opinions and views
on public matters, it is possible that he may yet do valuable service to
the community.
Mr. Arthur is a brother craftsman, and a special incident in his civic
reign was the part he was called on to assume at the ceremony of laying
the foundation stone of the Albert Bridge, more particularly referred to
• in page 273. The Bridge may be said to be his memorial, as the
inscription which it bears will carry his name down for many generations.
It runs thus —
ALBERT BRIDGE, GLASGOW.
From the continued increase of the population of Glasgow
And the surrounding districts, and in order
To provide more ample means of communication between
The north and south banks of the Clyde,
Hutchesontown Bridge,
Erected Anno Domini 1830, has been taken down
And
By the favour of Almighty God, in the presence of the
Hon. William Rae Arthur, Lord Provost of the city,
And the public bodies of the city,
The Right Hon. The Earl of Dalhousie, G. M. M.,
Assisted by
The Grand Masonic Lodge of Scotland, and numerous other Lodges,
Laid the foundation stone of this Bridge,
To be called
The Albert Bridge of Glasgow,
On Friday the Third day of June mdccclxx.,
Era of Masonry, 5870,
In the thirty-third year of the Reign of our most Gracious
Sovereign, Queen Victoria.

280 SIR JAMES WATSON, LORD PROVOST, 1871-74

MEETINGS OF TOWN COUNCIL,
NOVEMBER, 1871.

ELECTION OF COUNCILLORS.
The first meeting of the Town Council was held on the 10th Novem
ber, 1871 — Bailie Watson presiding. The Rev. Mr. Barclay of St.
George's Church opened the proceedings with prayer.
Bailie Watson then said — The time has now expired during which, to
the best of my ability, I have endeavoured to fill up the gap caused by
the resignation of our late Lord Provost, Mr. Arthur. The first business
which now devolves upon you is to appoint a successor to Mr. Arthur.
If I had consulted my own feelings, I would have left the chair, in a
matter of this kind, but our legal assessor tells me that the magistrates
are bound to keep their places until their successors are appointed. I
trust, however, that the circumstance of my being in the chair will not
in any way influence the decision of the Council in this matter.
(Applause.) Bailie Salmon, on rising, said — Gentlemen, a very important task
devolves upon me as senior Magistrate of the city, but, fortunately for
us who are members of this Council and for the citizens generally, the
task, though important, is surrounded with no difficulties whatever; for,
in proposing Bailie Watson to be the civic head of this great community
and to be the chairman of this Council, we have brought before us a
gentleman whose name has been almost a household word in Glasgow
for the greater part of half a century, and whose doings in this Council
are a book which we all have read. I think I am justified in saying
that, during that long period, there has been no movement for the good
of this great community or for the good of other communities in which
Bailie Watson has not taken a prominent share. (Hear, hear.) Whether
with his council, with his labours, or, when it was necessary, with his

SIR JAMES WATSON, LORD PROVOST, 1871-74. 281
important contributions, Bailie Watson has been conspicuous for that
long period, for a longer period than that, indeed — but I speak of him
in a manner suitable to his character — since he became a public man.
With his labours in this Council we are all familiar : as a Councillor, as
a convener of some of our most important committees, and as a Magis
trate, he has fulfilled his duties with real abundance of judgment, with
unwearied industry, and with an open frankness and kindness, which
have won, I think, the regard of us all. No doubt, I could say a great
many other things about my friend Bailie Watson, but I think you
will agree with me that there is a certain degree of forbearance required
when we speak in the presence of him who is the subject of eulogy, and
so I forbear. I may, however^ further say that, during that long period
to which I have already referred, Bailie Watson has been most intimate
with all commercial business, with all business connected with merchan
dise, with money and with general policy, and has occupied a prominent
position in these, as he did in connection with all philanthropic and
charitable institutions. I believe, then, that I shall carry the universal
voice and suffrage of this Council when I propose for your acceptance
Bailie Watson to be the civic head of the city and the chairman of this
Council. (Applause.)
Bailie Macdonald seconded the motion.
Mr. James Martin — I would, with the greatest pleasure at the present
time, give all the support that I am able to put forth, were I to be of
opinion that I would be supported in so doing, in behalf of another gen
tleman who is one of the present Bailies ; but I have not consulted the
gentleman, and I question if he would allow his name to be put forward
on the present occasion — I mean our very worthy and excellent friend
Bailie Bain — a man who is young in years, and fitted in every capacity
to occupy the chair with honour to himself and credit to the city of
Glasgow. If I was sure Bailie Bain would allow his name to he put
forward, I would most heartily propose that he be called upon to occupy
the chair as our Chief Magistrate.
Bailie Bain said — Perhaps it will shorten the time of the Council, if
you will allow me one word of remark. Of course, I most highly appre
ciate the remarks made by Mr. Martin, as I would those of any Coun
cillor ; but if he had been aware of certain circumstances, he would not
have made these remarks to-day. Perhaps the Council will allow me to

282 SIR JAMES WATSON, LORD PROVOST, 1871-74.
explain that more than a month ago I was waited upon by several
members of this Council — some of them members of ten or twenty years'
standing, and whose opinions were worthy of consideration — to ask me
to allow myself to be nominated for this office. I said that to be nomi
nated to such an office was an honour which any man, native born of
Glasgow, as I am, might consider very high indeed ; but, at the same
time, I considered Bailie Watson had prior and preferable claims — (hear,
hear) — and that if he was willing to accept office, on no consideration
would I stand. (Hear, hear.) A mutual friend — an ex-Lord Provost,
whom we all admire and respect— -had seen Bailie Watson, and ascer
tained from him that he was willing to take the office ; and I myself
thereafter had a conversation with Bailie Watson, which came about
incidentally, when he told me that he was ready to take the office if it
was offered to him. In these circumstances, I did not think for an
instant of standing against him. (Applause.) I think it is of great
importance in insuring a degree of confidence in all matters connected
with the Council that, when it is at all possible, the office of Lord Provost
should be filled up by the unanimous vote of the Council, and I should
never think of doing anything to prevent that. Perhaps Bailie Watson
will allow me to add that I have had the pleasure of knowing him for
twenty years at least. I have often met him publicly and privately, and
I feel perfectly sure that, in electing him to fill the chair of this Council,
he will fill it with honour to himself and with advantage to the com
munity. (Applause.)
Bailie Salmon — I suppose the nomination is unanimously carried.
(Applause.) Bailie Watson then took the oaths, and was invested with the chain
of office.
The Lord Provost — Gentlemen, I have now to return you my" warmest
thanks for the honour you have conferred upon me, and for the confi
dence which, by your unanimous vote, you have placed in me. I very
much fear that you have formed too good an opinion of me, but all I
can say is, that I shall do my best to merit the good opinion which has
now been expressed, and faithfully to discharge the duties of the office.
I feel that, while this is a very honourable position, it is also a very
responsible one. It is a very great strain both upon the mind and the
body, and it is attended with a certain amount of domestic discomfort •

SIR JAMES WATSON, LORD PROVOST, 1871-74. 283
but, at the same time, it is a position which, when the duties are faith
fully discharged, may be productive of great benefit to the community.
I am quite sensible of my own shortcomings and deficiencies, but I trust
that with your support I shall be able to manage the business entrusted
to us in such a way as to bring no discredit upon the city. In the course
of our discussions, it is obvious that differences of opinion must arise,
but I do trust that the deliberations of this Council will continue to be,
as they have been, with one exception, during the whole period I have
been connected with it, conducted with a degree of moderation, gentle
manly feeling, and good sense— a characteristic which has distinguished
this Council from many Councils in Scotland. There are certain standing
orders connected with the discussions which I would recommend to the
attention of everyone. I may say further that I shall endeavour, on all
occasions, to take care that both sides shall have a fair and impartial
hearing. I think that a chairman should be very much a neutral party
wliere discussions take place ; that he should take care not to show the
least partiality, but should let everyone have free expression of opinion.
I think I shall be able, certainly I shall endeavour, to put no limit to
free discussion, which I consider to be the birthright of every man and
the glory of our country. (Applause.)
The standing orders having been held as read, the Council proceeded
to fill 'up the other offices.
The Lord Provost — There was a vacancy in the magistracy through
the retirement of Bailie Morrison, and he proposed that Mr. William
Walls should be appointed.
Bailie Mathieson seconded the nomination.
The motion was unanimously adopted.
The Lord Provost said he had to propose for the other vacancy in the
magistracy a gentleman who had been a long time connected with the
Council, namely, Mr. James Moir. (Applause.)
Bailie Bain seconded the nomination,
Mr. Osborne — I do not intend to offer much opposition to the appoint
ment of Mr. Moir, as I can appreciate the many services he has rendered
to this town, as a member of the Council, during the last twenty years ;
but I cannot forget, at the same time, while I admire his many good
qualities and many of his excellent services, that he, some years ago,
when out of the Council — stumping, between the City Hall and Canning

284 SIR JAMES WATSON, LORD PROVOST, 1871-74.
Street, on the Greenhead Improvement question — gave utterance to
many expressions regarding the Town Councillors of that day ; and I
wish to know whether Mr. Moir still holds the views he then held.
Speaking, not with reference to the Provost and other members as indi
viduals, but in a general way of the Town Council, as if they were
actuated entirely by selfishness, and that everyone of them was a tyrant
at heart.
Mr. M'Ewen — How long ago was that 1
Mr. Osborne — In 1868. There are seven of the members of the
Council of that day who will occupy seats as Magistrates on the bench
with Mr. Moir, and there are many other members of that Council who
are still members. What I wish to know, and on Mr. Moir's answer will
depend the course I shall adopt — what I wish to know is, whether Mr.
Moir still holds the same opinion of those gentlemen who were then
members of the Council, and still in office, and believes that they are
actuated by selfishness, and that everyone of them is a tyrant at heart 1
Mr. Lang — I do not know that I ever heard a member of this Council,
at any time, put questions such as those which have now been proposed.
(Hear, hear.) Since 1868, there have been a good many changes in this
world, a good number of changes in Glasgow; and to put a person, who
had expressed possibly a strong and decided opinion at that time, upon
his trial in 1871 for what he had then said, assuming that he did make
use in 1868 of these expressions, and assuming also that we are to take
these expressions quoted by Mr. Osborne, without the context, is a most
extraordinary thing. To ask in 1871, Do you still hold these senti
ments'! This is something new to me, and I must say for myself per
sonally, that I should feel exceedingly pained at being cross-questioned
in 1871 without any premonition, as to what I uttered in 1868 ; for I
candidly confess that my opinions undergo a change very often.
(Laughter.) I get more light, and I hope I shall continue to learn to
the end of the chapter ; and the idea of being cross-questioned in this
way is, I think, somewhat derogatory. To put such questions in the
Council without a single previous hint, and without the slightest pretext
for doing it, is uncalled for and discourteous, and should not by this
Council be allowed. If parties wish to vote against Mr. Moir, by all
means let them do so. There is another remark which has just been
suggested to me by Councillor Morrison. Had these statements been

SIR JAMES WATSON, LORD PROVOST, 1871-74. 285
made at the Council, they would then and there have been called in
question, and explanations would then and there have been asked ; but
are we within the Council here to be held bound to answer questions in
regard to matters which have taken place out of the doors of the Council
altogether, certainly statements made by a person not in the Council 1
(Hear, hear.) -I am not going to say to you how old I am — (a laugh) —
I answered that question very reluctantly in the census return, but I
know that a good many years have passed over my head ; and if I am to
be called in question before your Lordship and the members of the
Council for all that I have said and done out of the Council during these
years, I shall retire. (Laughter.)
Mr. Dreghorn — I think this would be a very dangerous precedent to
set„ because everyone of us here to-day will be proposed for some com
mittee or other, and if we were to go on the same principle, we would
be quite justified, before the election of every member to a committee,
in putting the question : What have you been doing out of the Council ?
I think that would be a most outrageous thing ; and I hope our friend
Mr. Moir will not answer the question.
The Lord Provost — Is there any amendment to be made? (No, no.)
Then I must declare Mr. Moir duly elected. (Applause.)

286

SIR JAMES MAISON, LORD PROVOST, 1871-74.

List of the Names of the Members of the Town Council during
Mr. James Watson's Provostship, 1871-74.
1871-72.

James Watson, Lord Provost.
James Salmon, Bailie.
Archibald Gray Macdonald, do .
Thomas Adam Mathieson, do.
James Bain, do.
James Hamilton, do.
Allan Houston M'Lellan, do.
William Walls, do.
James Moir, do.
Alexander Ewing, Dean of Guild.
James Neilson, Deacon Convener.
James Brown, Treasurer.
John Mitchell, Master of Works.
James Sharp, Bailie of the River and
Firth of Clyde.
John Craig, Depute Bailie of the River
and Firth of Clyde.
Alexander Harvey, Bailie of Provan.
Angus Turner, Town Clerk.
William West Watson, City Chamberlain.

James Nicol, Accountant.
William Gibb, Cashier.
John Carrick, City Architect and Super
intendent of Works.
John' Lang, Procurator Fiscal.
Robert Macfarlane, Joint Fiscal in
River Bailie Court.
Alexander Young, George Black, Gor
don Smith and P. T. Young,
Assessors and Clerks of Police Courts.
James Muirhead, Assessor and Clerk to
River Bailie Court.
James Donaldson, Assessors under the
Lands Valuation Act, and Assessor
under the Registration of Voters Act.
Peter Ferguson, Warden of Burying
Grounds.
James Brown, Council Officer.
James Killin, Chamber Keeper.

1871-72.

WARD FIRST.
John M'Inttre.
William Bryce Garvie.
Alexander Waddel.
WARD SECOND.
John Moncur.
James Steel.
Malcolm M'Ewan.
WARD THIRD.
Thomas A. Mathieson, Bailie.
William Millar, Jr.
John Brown.

WARD FODRTH.

Archibald Neilson.
James Martin.
James Moir, Bailie.

WARD FIFTH.

Walter Bannerman.
James L. Lang.
William Collins.

WARD SIXTH.

Samuel M'Culloch.
Alexander Osborne.
Matthew Pinkerton.

SIR JAMES WATSON, LORD PROVOST, 1871-74.

287

WARD SEVENTH.
Andrew Fergus.
James Sharp.
Robert Lochore, Tertius:
WARD EIGHTH.
James Brown.
David Dreghorn.
The Lord Provost.
WARD NINTH.
William Taylor.
William Miller.
John Chalmers. WARD TENTH.
James Torrens.
James Morrison.
Alexander Mackenzie.
WARD ELEVENTH.
James Salmon. Bailie.
Allan H. M'Lellan, Bailie.
William Walls, Bailie.

WARD TWELFTH.
James Bain, Bailie.
Archibald G. Macdonald, Bailie.
WnxiAM Whyte.
WARD THIRTEENTH
James Hamilton, Bailie.
John Ure.
John Young.
WARD FOURTEENTH.
John Craig.
John Hutchison.
Peter Stewart.
WARD FIFTEENTH.
Robert Neill.
John Mitchell.
Edward J. Scott.
WARD SIXTEENTH
John Taylor, Jr.
William M'Onie.
Hugh Macbain.

1872-73.

James Watson, Lord Provost.
Archibald Gray Macdonald, Bailie.
Allan Houston M'Lellan, do.
William Walls, do.
James Mom, do.
James Bain, do.
James Hamilton-, do.
James Sharp, do.
John Craig, do.
Walter Bannerman, do.
William Millar, do.
Patrick Playfair, Dean of Guild.
James Neilson, Deacon Convener.
William Miller, Treasurer.
John Mitchell, Master of Works.
John Young, Bailie of. the River and
Firth of Clyde.
James Toreens. Deputy Bailie of the
River and Firth of Clyde.
Alexander Harvey, Bailie of Provan.
Angus Turner, Town Clerk.

William West Watson, City Chamberlain.
James Nicol, Accountant.
William Gibb, Cashier.
John Carrick, City Architect and Super
intendent of Works.
John Lang, Procurator Fiscal.
Robert Macfarlane, Joint Fiscal River
Bailie Court.
Alexander Young, George Black, Gor
don Smith and Peter T. Young,
Assessors and Clerks of Police Courts.
James Muirhead. Assessor and Clerk to
the River Bailie Court.
William Campbell, Assessor under the
Lands Valuation Act, and Assessor
under the Registration of Voters Act.
Peter Ferguson, Warden of Burying
Grounds.
James Brown, Council Officer.
James Killin, Chamber Keeper.

288 SIR JAMES WATSON, LORD PROVOST, 1871-74.
1872-73.

WARD FIRST.
William Bryce Garvie.
Alexander Waddel.
James Eadie, Sen.
WARD SECOND.
James Steel.
Malcolm M'Ewen.
John Moncur.
WARD THIRD.
William Millar, Bailie.
John Brown.
Thomas A. Mathieson.
WARD FOURTH.
James Martin.
James Moir, Bailie.
James Thomson.
WARD FIFTH.
James L. Lang.
William Collins.
Walter Bannerman, Bailie.
WARD SIXTH.
Alexander Osborne.
Matthew Pinkerton.
John Neil. WARD SEVENTH.
James Sharp, Bailie.
Robert Lochore, Tertius.
Andrew Fergus.
WARD EIGHTH.
David Dreghorn.
The Lord Provost.
James Brown. ,

WARD NINTH,
John Chalmers.
William Taylor.
William Miller.
WARD TENTH.
James Morrison.
Alexander Mackenzie.
James Torrens.
WARD ELEVENTH.
Allan H. M'Lellan, Bailie.
William Walls, Bailie,
James Salmon.
WARD TWELFTH.
Archibald G. Macdonald, Bailie.
William Whyte.
James Bain, Bailie.
WARD THIRTEENTH.
John Ure.
John Young.
James Hamilton.
WARD FOURTEENTH.
John Hutchison.
Peter Stewart.
John Craig.
WARD FIFTEENTH.
John Mitchell.
Edward J. Scott.
John Laing.
WARD SIXTEENTH.
William M'Onie.
Hugh M'Bean.
John Taylor.

SLR JAMES WATSON, LORD PROVOST, 1871-74.

289

1873-74.

James Watson, Lord Provost.
William Walls, Bailie.
James Moir, do.
James Bain, do.
James Hamilton. do.
John Craig, do.
Walter Bannerman, do.
Wdlliam Millar, do.
John Young, do.
James Morrison, do.
William Collins, do.
Patrick Playfair, Dean of Guild.
William Smith, Deacon Convener.
William Miller, Treasurer.
John Mitchell, Master of Works.
James Torrens, Bailie of the River and
Firth of Clyde.
Edward John Scott, Depute Bailie of
the River and Firth of Clyde.
Alexander Harvey, Bailie of Provan.
James David Marwick, Town Clerk.

Andrew Cunningham, Depute Town
Clerk.
William West Watson, City Chamberlain.
James Nicol, Accountant.
William Gibb, Cashier.
John Carrick, City Architect and Super
intendent of Works.
John Lang, Procurator Fiscal.
Robert Macfarlane, Joint Fiscal in
River Bailie Court.
Alexander Young, George Black, Gor
don Smith and Peter T. Young,
Assessors and Clerks of Police Courts.
James Muirhead, Assessor and Clerk
to River Bailie Court.
William Campbell, Assessor under the
Lands Valuation Act, and Assessor
under the Registration of Voters A ct.
Peter Ferguson, Warden of Burying
Grounds.
James Brown, Council Officer
James Killin, Chamber Keeper.

1873-74.

WARD FIRST.

Alexander Waddel.
James Eadie, Sen.
William B. Garvie.

WARD SECOND.
John Moncur.
John Brownlie.
William Clark.
WARD THIRD.
John Brown.
Thomas A. Mathieson.
Wdlliam Millar, Bailie.
WARD FOURTH.
James Moir, Bailie.
James Thomson.
John Finlay. jg

WARD FIFTH.
William Collins, Bailie-
Walter Bannerman, Bailie.
Hugh Lamberton.
WARD SIXTH.
Matthew Pinkerton.
John Neil.
Alexander Osborne.
WARD SEVENTH.
Andrew Fergus.
Henry Grierson.
James Sharp. WARD EIGHTH.
The Lord Provost.
James Brown.
David Dreghorn.

290 SIR JAMES WATSON, LORD PROVOST, 1871-74.
WARD NINTH. WARD THIRTEENTH.

William Taylor.
William Miller.
John Chalmers, WARD TENTH.
Alexander Mackenzie.
James Torrens.
James Morrison, Bailie.
WARD ELEVENTH.
William Walls, Bailie.
James Salmon.
Allan H. M'Lellan.
WARD TWELFTH.
James Bain, Bailie.
William Drow.
Archibald G. Macdonald.

John Young, Bailie.
James Hamilton, Bailie.
John Ure.
WARD FOURTEENTH.
Peter Stewart.
John Craig, Bailie.
John Burt.
WARD FIFTEENTH.
Edward J. Scott.
John Laing.
John Mitchell.
WARD SIXTEENTH.
Hugh M'Bean.
John Taylor, Jr.
James Adams.

a few op the events which took place during sle james watson's
Pbovostship.
27th February, 1872. — The Lord Provost attended the thanksgiving
service in St. Paul's, London, for the recovery of H.R.H. the Prince of
Wales. 6th June, 1872. — James Young of Kelly formally handed over the
statue of Thomas Graham, F.R.S., Master of the Mint — executed by
William Brodie, R.S.A., Edinburgh, and erected in George Square — to
the Town Council as the property of the city in all time coming. On
the same date the Council accepted of the gift.
20th June, 1872. — The Magistrates, in their official capacity, attended
the funeral of the Rev. Dr. Norman M'Leod. They walked with the
cortage from the Cathedral to Sighthill. The interment took place at
Campsie. 9th July, 1872. — The Lord Provost entertained the officers of the
Channel Squadron to lunch at Broomknowe, Row.

SIR JAMES WATSON, LORD PROVOST, 1871-74. 291
18th July, 1872. — An Act to Amend the Law relating to the Proce
dure of Parliamentary and Municipal Elections was passed. (The Ballot
Act.) lith August, 1872. — At the request of the Lord Provost and the
Committee on Parks and Galleries, a number of gentlemen met in the
Kelvingrove Park to inaugurate the Loch Katrine Memorial Water
Fountain. After the ceremony, the company had cake and wine in the
Kelvingrove Museum.
19th August, 1872. — The tramways were opened for public traffic.
The company present after the opening ceremony had lunch in the Cor
poration Halls.
16th September, 1872. — The Corporation entertained the Burmese
Embassy to lunch in the Corporation Halls.
26th September, 1872. — The freedom of the city was presented to the
Right Honourable Robert Lowe, Chancellor of the Exchequer.
10th October, 1872. — The Corporation entertained the Japanese Am
bassadors and suite to lunch in the Corporation Halls.
16th October, 1872. — At a meeting of the Town Council, Mr. Angus
Turner, in exchange for a bond, by the Magistrates and Council, for his
retiring allowance, handed the Lord Provost a formal resignation of the
office of Town Clerk and other relative offices held by him, as vacant
at 31st December next.
23rd October, 1872. — The Corporation entertained H. M. Stanley, the
African explorer, to lunch in the Corporation Halls.
8th November, 1872. — Under the Glasgow Municipal Act, 1872, the
number of Magistrates was increased from eight to ten.
31st December, 1872. — A vote of thanks, by the Town Council, was
awarded Angus Turner for his long services. Andrew Cunninghame
was appointed Town Clerk, ad interim, for three months.
6th February, 1873. — A bust of Thomas Campbell the poet, executed
by E. H. Bailey, was presented to the Corporation by James M'Clelland,
to be. placed in the Corporation Galleries.
12th February, 1873. — Ex-Lord Provost Blackie died. The Magis
trates attended his funeral in their official capacity, on the 17th inst.
28th February, 1873.— The Magistrates attended Principal Barclay's
funeral in their official capacity; they also attended at his funeral sermon,
preached, in the College chapel, on the 9th March, 1873.

292 SIR JAMES WATSON, LORD PROVOST, 1871-74.
10th March, 1873. — James David Marwick, Town Clerk of Edinburgh,
was appointed Town Clerk of Glasgow. Mr. Marwick accepted of his
appointment at the Council meeting, 28th March, 1873.
Andrew Cunninghame resigned his ad interim appointment as Town
Clerk, and was awarded a vote of thanks.
25th March, 1873.— The first election of the School Board for Glas
gow, under the Education Act, 1872, took place. The Lord Provost
was the presiding officer.
2A\th May, 1873. — The Magistrates attended at the review in the
Glasgow Green.
20th June, 1873. — The Lord Provost attended the reception and ball,
given by the Lord Mayor to the Shah of Persia, in the Guildhall,
London. 25th September, 1873. — The Lord Provost attended a banquet at York,
given by the Lord Mayor of York and the Mayors of England and
Wales to the Lord Mayor of London.
ith November, 1873. — The Marquis of Lome and H.R.H. the Princess
Louise arrived in Glasgow, and resided with the Lord Provost at his
house. They were entertained by his Lordship to dinner, along with a
select party, then went to the City Hall, and opened the musical festi
val. They left the following day.
19th November, 1873. — The Right Honourable Benjamin Disraeli,
M.P., wa-s installed as Lord Rector of the University, on which occasion
he delivered an eloquent address to the students, on "Self Knowledge,"
as a means to the proper appreciation of the spirit of the age. In the
evening, Mr. Disraeli was entertained at a banquet in the City Hall,
under the presidency of the Lord Provost, who proposed the hon. gentle
man's health. Mr. Disraeli responded in a non-political speech, in which
he specially referred to the monetary question. Principal Caird, in reply
to the toast of " The Universities," made an eloquent speech. On the
20th, Mr. Disraeli was presented with the freedom of the city, and on
the 23rd he addressed a large meeting in the afternoon, in the City Hall,
under the auspices of the Conservative Associations — Mr. Baird of
Auchmedden, in the chair. On Sunday, Mr. Disraeli attended the
University chapel, when Principal Caird preached.
In December, 1873, Bailie Bain presented a drinking fountain to the
city, and it was erected on the Glasgow Green.

SIR JAMES WATSON, LORD PROVOST, 1871-74. 293
8th December, 1873. — The new Fish Market, East Clyde Street, was
opened. Cake and wine were handed round.
7th January, 1874. — Henry Glassford Bell, Sheriff of Lanarkshire,
died. On the 12th inst. the Magistrates attended his funeral in their
official capacity. The interment took place in the Cathedral. Mr. Bell
was born in Glasgow in 1805. Received the rudiments of his education
in the High School, then proceeded to Edinburgh, where he entered on a
course of instruction at the University, with a view to a literary career.
Here he mixed with such men as Sir Walter Scott, De Quincey,
Sir William Hamilton, Francis Jeffrey, James Hogg, and John Wilson,
better known as " Christopher North." With the two last mentioned
his friendship was most intimate. Bell wrote poems, sketches, and
reviews, and for a time was editor of the " Edinburgh Literary Journal.''
In 1832 he was admitted a member of the Faculty of Advocates. In
1 836 he was one of four candidates for the Logic Chair in Edinburgh
University, but was unsuccessful, Sir William Hamilton receiving the
appointment. In 1839 Mr. Bell' was appointed by Sheriff Alison a
Sheriff-Substitute of Lanarkshire, and on Sir Archibald Alison's death
in 1867, succeeded him as Sheriff-Principal. He discharged his pro
fessional duties in a highly satisfactory manner, and was otherwise of
great service to the city on public occasions. He was an authority on
all subjects of taste, and, as in the case of his predecessor, when a great
speech was required on any of the fine arts; or on literary subjects,
Sheriff Bell was the man solicited to make it. He was long predeceased
by his wife, by whom he had one son and four daughters. One of the
latter is the wife of Professor Nichol, Glasgow.
8th January, 1874. — The Corporation entertained the Right Honour
able Sir Bartle Frere, K.C.B., to lunch in the Corporation Hall.
23rd January, 1874. — Rejoicing in Glasgow, on the occasion of the
marriage of his Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh and her Royal
Highness the Grand Duchess Marie of Russia. Flags floated from the
Municipal Buildings, the Post Office, the baiSis, the Royal Exchange.
The vessels in the harbour were gaily decked; the city bells rang a
merry peal at midday. A large company met in the City Hall ; cake
and wine were handed round; a large bridescake was cut up, and handed
to the company. The health and happiness of her Majesty and the
members of the Royal family, and the young couple, were given and

294 SIR JAMES WATSON, LORD PROVOST, 1871-74.
heartily responded to. In the evening, a service was held in the City
Hall, which was crowded. Tea and coffee were served, and three
large bridescakes were exhibited and cut up, and a piece handed to each
present, so that each received a dainty souvenir of the meeting.
2nd March, 187 A. — The honour of knighthood was conferred on James
Watson, Lord Provost of Glasgow, by her Majesty, at Windsor.
6th May, 1874. — Messrs. J. & J. Boyd, writers, intimated to the Town
Clerk Mr. Stephen Mitchell's settlement for the establishment and
endowment of a public library in Glasgow.
1st August, 1874. — The Lord Provost invited the admirals and cap
tains of the Channel Squadron to inspect Stirling Castle. His Lordship
had them conveyed in carriages to his house, and entertained them to
dinner. 30th September, 1874. — The National Association for the Promotion
of Social Science met in Glasgow, the Right Honourable the Earl of
Rosebery presided. The Lord Provost entertained the members to a
reception conversazione in the University Halls, Gilmorehill, on the 1st
October. The Local Committee gave a conversazione in the Corporation
Halls, on the 6th October.
2ith October, 1874. — The City Chambers were removed from Wilson
Street to Ingram Street. They were removed from 1 Clyde Street
to Wilson Street on 12th January, 1844.
2nd November, 1874.^ — Robert Dalglish, M.P., was entertained to a
banquet in the Corporation Halls, on the occasion of the presentation
of his portrait, by the Corporation.

SIR JAMES WATSON, LORD PROVOST, 1871-74. 295

THB HON. THB LOKD PEOVOST,
1871-74.

Sir James Watson has unquestionable claims to be esteemed and hon
oured by the citizens of this our "no mean city.'' His uprightness and
integrity of character, his business tact and ability, his sound judg
ment, and his rare administrative talents place him on an eminence
rarely attained. Having received his education at Glasgow University,
Mr. Watson entered a mercantile house in the city, where he remained
for some years, and in which he acquired a considerable business experi
ence. Subsequently he was connected with the Thistle Bank, which, some
of the elder citizens will recollect, was ultimately incorporated with the
Union Bank of Scotland. From the Bank he proceeded to the establish
ment of Messrs. John M'Call & Co., who were at that time among the
largest grain merchants in Glasgow, and for some years Mr. Watson
presided over their provision department — then of very considerable ex
tent. When he assumed the profession of a stockbroker, there were no
representatives of that business in. the city. It is perhaps the most
interesting feature in Mr. Watson's career that he was the first stock
broker in Glasgow; and it is no less interesting to contrast this fact
with the position of the Glasgow StoCk Exchange at the present time,
when it occupies one of the finest buildings in the. city, and its member
ship numbers not less than thirty large and influential firms. Besides
these, -there are fully a dozen firms of stock and sharebrokers not mem
bers of the Exchange. The first Stock Exchange in Glasgow was estab-
two or three years after Mr. Watson commenced business in this capacity,
its first local habitation being a building situated in Buchanan Street,
on the site now occupied by the Bedford Hotel. Previous to that time
there were very few joint stock' companies in existence — investors being
satisfied for the most part with the sweet simplicity of three- per-cent.
Indeed, the only local companies that could lay any claim to the name

296 SIR JAMES WATSON, LORD PROVOST, 1871-74.
of joint-stock or limited liability, were the Banks, the Gas and Water
Companies, and the Garnkirk Rail way. Mr. Watson continued the only
stock and sharebroker in Glasgow for nearly two years, and in 1833 he
took a prominent part in the establishment of the Glasgow Stock Ex
change, of which he was the first chairman. For 22 years he continued
to preside over the Stock Exchange, while that institution was laying
the foundation of the high character and exceptional prestige which it
has since acquired, and through which it regulates in no small degree
the price of stocks and shares in other markets throughout the world.
We may mention, also, that the Stock Exchange in Glasgow commenced
its career with only twelve or fourteen members, and from this small
nucleus it has continued to grow until it is now one of the most flourish
ing institutions of the kind in the three kingdoms.
About 25 years ago Mr. Watson's services were called into requisi
tion in connection with the winding up of the Ayrshire Iron Company,
of which he was a shareholder. The bankruptcy of this company, as
many gentlemen on 'Change will well remember, was induced by the
mismanagement of its affairs. The works ofthe company were extended
far too rapidly and, in order to compel business, iron was bought upon
credit and sold for cash at a ruinous sacrifice. The result was that the
concern became insolvent, with liabilities to the extent of £250,000,
and without a copper in the shape of assets except the works at Dairy.
It was a terrible dilemma, and very few of the shareholders were equal
to dealing with the emergency. Mr. Watson, however, undertook the
labour of extricating the company from its awkward position, and his
efforts were ably seconded by those of the late Mr. James Dennistoun
and Mr. Mansfield, accountant, Edinburgh, assisted by one or two other
gentlemen in Glasgow. On the bankruptcy of the company being an
nounced, Mr. Watson called a meeting of subscribers, at which the late
Mr. W. Brown, of the Standard office, was appointed to act as secretary.
Time was allowed by the creditors, the money was called up by separate
instalments, and with the aid of £60,000 borrowed from the British
Linen and the Bank of Scotland Banking Companies the name of the
concern was kept out of the Gazette. After a period of five or six years
the whole affairs of the company were wound up, and the plant and pre
mises were disposed of to the Messrs. Baird, of Gartsherrie, for the sum
of £20,000, or fully £70,000 less than they liad originally cost. Mr,

SIR JAMES WATSON, LORD PROVOST, 1871-74. 297
Watson's efforts, his patient plodding industry ahd commercial skill in
connection with this insolvency, were greatly commended at the time ;
and, indeed, as the affairs of the company were in a state of the greatest
confusion, it required more than ordinary tact and perseverance to place
them on an intelligible and proper footing.
It would be unpardonable to omit reference to Mr. Watson's intimate
connection with the railway system in the West of Scotland. He was
the first interim secretary of the Glasgow and Ayrshire Railway, which
was promoted in 1836, and he continued to act in that capacity until
1839. Afterwards he became secretary of the Glasgow and Edinburgh
Railway, in the promotion of which he was associated with Mr. Andrew
Bannatyne, the late Dean of Faculty, and the first solicitor to the com
pany. It may be remembered that the first bill of the Edinburgh and
Glasgow Railway was thrown out of Parliament in 1837 owing to the
strong opposition raised against it. In 1838, however, the bill was re
introduced, and passed — -Lord Wm. Bentinck, the then member for
Glasgow, being chairman of the committee. Ultimately Mr. Watson
relinquished the office of railway secretary, but he continued to be
associated in the management of the Edinburgh and Glasgow and
Glasgow and South- Western lines with such men as the late Mr. M'Call,
of Daldowie, chairman of the Ayrshire company; Mr. Fleming, of Clare-
mont; Mr. T. D. Douglas, Mr Leadbetter, and Mr. A. Smith, who now
lives on the Gareloch, and who, we believe, is the sole survivor of the
original directorate. Prior to the establishment of the direct- railway
communication with England, Mr. Watson was concerned with the pro
jection of a line of steamers between' Ardrossan and Fleetwood — the
the railway only having been carried the length of Sir Hesketh
Fleetwood's estate at the time. By means of this arrangement, in
which Mr. Watson had the cordial co-operation of the directors of the
Ayrshire Railway, passengers leaving London at 10 o'clock forenoon
could break the journey, and obtain the relief of a night's rest in the
boat, arriving at Glasgow at 12 o'clock next day. The vessels on this
station were "Her Majesty" and the "Royal Consort," but they were
discontinued when the direct line of railway to Carlisle was opened up.
The first model lodging-houses established in Glasgow, about 35 years
a^o owe their existence to the efforts of Mr. Watson, assisted by ex-
Provost Blackie, who, with a number of other directors, afterwards carried

298 SIR JAMES WATSON, LORD PROVOST, 1871-74.
on these establishments, very much to the benefit of the community
at large. There were originally three of these model lodging-houses,
situated respectively in Carrick Street, M'Alpine Street, and Greendyke
Street, and the very large extent to which they were taken advan
tage of by those for whose benefit they were built is the best possible
justification of their origin. Others have since been erected.
Mr. Watson's services in connection with the various charitable
institutions in the city are too well known to require comment or eulo-
gium at our hands. Both in season and out of season he has always
been ready to aid the dissemination of charity and philanthropy, and
perhaps no gentleman in the city is more closely or more generally
indentified with institutions of this kind.
In 1863 Mr. Watson commenced his municipal career, having
suceeeded Mr. Thomas Buchanan as representative of the Eight Ward.
Two years afterwards he was appointed a bailie, Mr. Blackie, then Lord
Provost, having invited his co-operation and assistance in the carrying
out of the City Improvement Scheme, which was then in process of being
hatched. Mr. Watson was the first deputy-chairman of the City Im
provement Trust, and he continued to fulfil that onerous and important
office up to the period of his election as Lord Provost, in November
1871. From the very outset he has been a staunch and eloquent advo
cate of the improvement scheme, against which, however, there was a
great outcry raised, and maintained for some time after its adoption
by the Council. Of the usefulness and sanitary importance of the
Improvement Scheme, even those who were its most determined oppo
nents can scarcely now entertain a doubt. By the demolition of badly-
ventilated and miserable dwellings in the lowest parts of the town, the
Trustees have quickened the supply of low rented-houses for the working
classes, so that within the few years prior to 1872 there had been erected
within the municipal boundaries 1728 houses of one apartment, 3921 of
two apartments, and 1368 of three apartments. It is not too much to
say that from the outset, or at least since Mr. Blackie left the Council,
Bailie Watson has been the head and front of the Improvement Scheme.
He has taken the utmost pains both in and out of the Council to incul
cate its obvious advantages, and it is largely due to his lucid and
practical explanations that the public has been reconciled to the Act.

SIR JAMES WATSON, LORD PROVOST, 1869-71. 299
When Lord Provost Arthur retired from the active discharge of his
official duties, in the autumn of 1871, Mr Watson was acting as Chief
Magistrate. He continued to discharge the duties of the office in a
satisfactory and efficient manner until the November election, when he
was requested by the unanimous voice of the Council to allow himself
to be nominated for election to the position of Chief Magistrate.
The honour, was none of Mr. Watson's seeking. His time had
more than an adequate demand made upon it in other ways; but he
was induced to set aside his own large and important business for the
good of the city. During the time he sat in the Chief Magistrate's
seat, Mr. Watson exhibited a marked capacity for public business. .In
March, 1874, Her Majesty, at Windsor, conferred upon him the honour
of knighthood.
When his term of Provostship expired Sir James retired from the
Council ; but still continued to take a warm interest in public matters.
A close friendship and intimacy has long subsisted between him and
the present Premier, the Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone, who, on his
visit to Glasgow in 1880, to be installed as Lord Rector of the Univer
sity, resided with Sir James at Woodside Terrace. As a mark of esteem
for his great public services, as well as for his stainless personal character,
many of his friends in the Council and out of it, subscribed to have his
portrait painted for presentation to the Corporation. On the 1st.
August 1882, a numerously attended meeting of the subscribers was
held in the Corporation Galleries for the purpose of handing the portrait
over to the proper authorities. This duty was entrusted to Mr. James
King of Levernholm, who, in the course of an able and interesting
address said, that "this list of subscribers included men of different
ranks and every shade of political and religious opinion."
Sir James bore a leading part in the founding of the Mechanics In
stitution, the first of its kind in Britain, his ally in that, and in the
organization and carrying on of a Sunday school, being the now venerable
Sheriff Barclay of Perth. <

^^

300 JAMES BAIN, LORD PROVOST, 1874-77.

MEETINGS OF TOWN COUNCIL,
NOVEMBER, 18 7 4.

ELECTION OF COUNCILLORS.

The first meeting of the newly-elected Glasgow Town Council was
held 6th November, 1874 — Sir James Watson, Lord Provost, presiding.
The proceedings were opened with prayer by the Rev. Mr. Somerville,
College church.
Mr. Marwick (Town Clerk) stated that, under the 10th section of the
Municipal Act of 1872, the Lord Provost of the burgh remained in office
for the discharging of all Magisterial duties till the induction in office of
his successor. Sir James Watson having been Lord Provost at the time
when the act was passed, the provision referred to applied to him, and
he had accordingly acted as returning officer throughout the various
stages of the election which had just concluded.
Bailie Hamilton said that, as senior Magistrate, it fell to him to
nominate a gentleman to fill the chair which Sir James Watson had so
long occupied with credit to himself and with the approbation of the
Council and the city. (Applause.) The gentleman he was about to
propose was no stranger, and therefore little required to be said in intro
ducing him to the Council. Bailie Bain, whom he was about to propose
as Chief Magistrate, had taken an active part in most of the principal
committees and trusts connected with the Corporation. He had been
four years a magistrate, and, of course, had passed through the various
grades of the Council. Those who knew him best could testify to the
time, and ability, and energy, which he had devoted to every committee
and trust with which he had been connected. (Applause.) No one
knew better than Sir James Watson did, the amount of time that

JAMES BAIN, LORD PROVOST, 1874-77. 301
required to be devoted by any gentleman who aspired to be Lord
Provost of the city of Glasgow ; because no one, perhaps, had given
more time and attention to the office than he had done. (Applause.)
The fact was, that he had been not only the head of the Corporation,
but the servant of all. He had been called upon to exercise liberality,
and also hospitality to a very large extent, and he had done so to the
honour of the city and of himself. Bailie Bain was in a position to
follow Sir James Watson in these respects, and what was more, he was
willing to do so. The city would be honoured by his appointment as
Lord Provost, and he therefore begged to move accordingly. (Loud
applause.) Bailie Craig seconded the motion. He agreed with every word that
had been said by Bailie Hamilton with reference to their esteemed f riend
Sir James Watson, and also with regard to Bailie Bain. He was certain
of this, that they were getting a gentleman as the head of the Town
Council of Glasgow that would carry on its affairs with satisfaction to
the Council and with great honour to himself. Like his predecessors,
Bailie Bain was a gentleman of easy access by any person in the city
wishing to consult with him, and to receive from him encouragement or
counsel. The Lord Provost then put the motion to the meeting, when it was
carried unanimously.
The usual oath of fidelity was taken by the new Lord Provost, who
was afterwards invested with the chain of office, and took the chair,
which was vacated by Sir James Watson.
The Lord Provost said he hoped Sir James Watson would honour the
Council by continuing with them for a little. He felt highly honoured,
indeed, and he appreciated very greatly the distinction they had con
ferred upon him in electing him to the Lord Provostship of his native
city. In any circumstances, it was a high honour, but he felt that it
was specially so on this occasion, when it had been conferred upon him
spontaneously, unanimously, and without a dislentient voice. (Hear,
hear.) His only fear was, that he might be unable to fulfil the duties
of the office to their satisfaction. When he looked back upon the long
list of eminent men who had filled the office, he felt there were some
grounds for that feeling. When he thought of the work done by his old
friend Sir James Watson, who held office thirty-four years ago, and

302 JAMES BAIN, LORD PROVOST, 1874-77.
who had told him that it was an object of ambition to which it was
laudable to aspire; when he thought also of the sturdy independence and
sound common sense that distinguished Mr. Galbraith, the sagacity of
Mr. Clouston, the far-seeing judgment of Mr. Blackie, whose services for
the improvement of the city he hoped would be signalised by some fitting
memorial at the hands of the Improvement Trustees ; the urbanity and
important qualifications of Sir James Lumsden, the eloquence of Mr.
Arthur, and, above all, the active and business-like ability, he might
add, the versatility of talents, which had been displayed by Sir James
Watson, his predecessor — (hear, hear) — he felt that the task which lay
before him was by no means an easy one. At the same time, he would
not give way to any of his predecessors in an earnest desire to promote
the honour, dignity, and welfare of the city. (Applause.) He felt
assured that, with the aid of the gentlemen who had been chosen to re
present the citizens in the management of municipal affairs, they would
be able to do what was right for the good of the community; and he
hoped that they would be able, not only to maintain, but to add to the
privileges already possessed, and also that, in whatever they might do
for the benefit and advantage of it, the old motto, " Let Glasgow
flourish," would still continue to be their guiding incentive.
Sir James Watson then retired, receiving three hearty cheers as he
left the Council Hall.
The Lord Provost said that, looking to his own deficiencies for the
first year that he would occupy the chair, it was essential for the advan
tage of the Council and for his comfort and convenience in the prosecu
tion of the public business, that he should be surrounded by gentlemen
who had had some experience as Magistrates. The Lord Provost then
moved that Bailies Collins and Young be returned, and that Councillors
Torrens, Sharp, and Burt be also made Bailies.
The motions were unanimously agreed to, Mr. James Martin entering
his dissent from the election of Mr. Burt to the Magistracy.
On the motion of the Lord Provost, Bailie Scott was chosen River
Bailie. The Lord Provost afterwards moved that Mr. Hugh M'Bean be
appointed Depute River Bailie, which was seconded by Bailie Hamilton.
Mr. James Martin said his Lordship had expressed a wish to be sur
rounded by those who had some experience of the Magistracy, seeing

JAMES BAIN, LORD PROVOST, 1874-77. 303
that he was new to the situation, and therefore he would propose that
Mr. William Wilson, who had some experience of the Magistracy, should
be elected Depute River Bailie.
The Lord Provost remarked that Mr. Wilson had already filled the
offices of Depute River Bailie and River Bailie, and it would not do to
send him back to the same position, for he deserved something better.
(Applause.) Mr. Lamberton said he had to propose that Mr. James Thomson
should be appointed River Bailie. That gentleman had a good deal of
experience ; and he could not understand how he should be passed over.
He had no objection to Mr. M'Bean, but he thought, if seniority had
anything to do with the appointment, Mr. Thomson deserved some con
sideration at the hands of the Council.
Mr. William Miller seconded the nomination of Mr. Thomson.
Twenty-two voted for Mr. M'Bean, and twenty for Mr. Thomson.
The newly-elected Magistrates then took the oaths and their seats.

304

JAMES BAIN, LORD PROVOST, 1874-77.

List of the Names of the Members of the Town Council during
Mr. James Bain's Provostship, 1874-77.
1874-75.

James Bain, Lord Provost.
James Hamilton, Bailie.
John Craig, do.
Walter Bannerman, do-
William Millar, Jr., do.
James Morrison, do.
William Collins, do.
John Young, do.
James Torrens, do.
James Shjrp, do.
John Burt, do.
James King, Dean of Guild.
William Smith, Deacon Convener.
William Miller, Treasurer.
John Mitchell, Master of Wmks.
Edward John Scott, Bailie of the River
and Firth of Clyde.
Hugh MacBean, Depute Bailie of the
River and Firth of Clyde.
Alexander Harvey, Bailie of Provan.
James David Marwick, Town Clerk.

Aotrew Cunninghame, Deputy Town
Clerk.
William WestWatson, City Chamberlain.
James Nicol, Accountant.
William Gibb, Cashier.
John Carrick, City Architect and Super
intendent of Works.
John Lang, Procurator Fiscal.
Archibald Sinclair, Joint Fiscal River
Bailie Court.
Alexander Young, George Black, Gor
don Smith and Peter Taylor Young,
Assessors and Clerks of Police Courts.
James Muirhead, Assessor and Clerk to
River Bailie Court.
William Campbell, Assessor under ihe
Lands Valuation Act, and Assessor
under the Registration Act.
Peter Ferguson, Warden of Burying
Grounds.
James Brown, Council Officer.
James Killin, Chamber Keeper.

1874-75.

WARD FIRST.
James Eadie. Sen.
William Bryce Garvie.
Alexaxder Waddel.
WARD SECOND.
John Brownlie.
William Clark.
James Martin, Sen.
WARD THIRD.
Thomas A- Mathieson.
William Millar, Jun., Bailit-
James Fulton.

WARD FOURTH.

James Thomson.
John Finlay.
Hugh Colquhoun. WARD FIFTH.
Walter Bannerman, Bailie.
Hugh Lamberton.
William Collins, Bailie.
WARD SIXTH.
John Neil.
Alexander Osborne.
Matthew Pinkerton.

JAMES BAIN, LORD PROVOST, 1874-77.

305

WARD SEVENTH.
Henry Grierson.
James Sharp, Bailie.
John Hugh Watt.
WARD EIGHTH.
James Brown.
James Dreghorn.
William Rae Wilson Smith.
WARD NINTH.
William Miller.
John Chalmers.
John Farquhar. WARD TENTH.
Jameb Torrens, Bailie.
James Morrison, Bailie.
Alexander Mackenzie.
WARD ELEVENTH.
James Salmon.
Allan H. M'Lellan.
William Walls.

WARD TWELFTH.
William Dron.
Archibald G. Macdo>ald.
The Lord Provost.
WARD THIRTEENTH.
James Hamilton, Bailie.
John Ure.
John Young, Bailie.
WARD FOURTEENTH.
John Craig, Bailie.
John Burt, Bailie.
William Wilson.
WARD FIFTEENTH.
John Laing.
John Mitchell.
Edward J. Scott.
WARD SIXTEENTH.
Johh Taylor Jun.
James Adams.
Hugh Macbean.

1875-76.

James Bain, Lord Provost.
James Morrison, Bailie.
Wdlliam Collins, do.
John Young, do.
James Sharp, do.
John Burt, do.
James Torrens, do.
Edward John Scott. do.
William Walls, do.
John Ure, do.
William Clark, do.
James King, Dean of Guild.
Archibald Gilchrist, Deacon Convener.
Alexander Osborne, Treasurer.
John Mitchell, Master of Works.
Hugh MacBean, Bailie of the River and
Firth of Clyde-
James Thomson, Depute Bailie ot the
River and Firth of Clyde.
Alexander Harvey, Bailie of Provan.
James David Marwick, Town Clerk.
20

| Andrew Cunninghame, Deputy Town
Clerk. ' '
WilliamWest Watson, City Chamberlain.
James Nicol, Accountant.
William Gibb, Cu shier.
John Carrick, City Architect and Super
intendent of Works.
John Lang, Procurator Fiscal.
Archibald Sinclair, Joint Fiscal River
Bailie Court.
Alexander Young, George Black, Gor
don Smith and Peter Taylor Young
Assessors and Clerks of Police Courts.
Jambs Muirhead, Assessor and Clerk to
River Bailie Court.
William Campbell, Assessor under the
Lands Valuation Act, and Assessor
under the Registration of Voters Act.
Peter Ferguson, Warden of Burying
Grounds.
James Brown, Council Officer.
James Killin, Chamber Keeper.

306

JAMES BAIN, LORD PROVOST, 1874-77.

1875-76.

WARD FIRST.
William Bryce Garvie.
Alexander Waddel.
William Brown.
WARD SECOND.
William Clark, Bailie.
James Martin, Sen.
William Ure.
WARD THIRD.
William Millar, Jun.
David Fulton.
Thomas A. Mathieson.
WARD FOURTH.
John Finlay.
Hugh Colquhoun,
James Thomson. WARD FIFTH.
Hugh Lamberton,
William Collins, Bailie.
James Landells Selkirk.
WARD SIXTH.
Alexander Osborne.
Matthew Pinkerton.
John Neil. WARD SEVENTH.
James Sharp, Bailie.
John Mowat.
Henry Grierson.
WARD EIGHTH.
Archibald Dunlop.
William R. W. Smith.
James Brown.

WARD NINTH.
John Chalmers.
John Farquhar.
Wdlliam Miller.
WARD TENTH.
James Morrison, Bailie.
James Moir.
James Torrens, Bailie.
WARD ELEVENTH.
Allan H. MacLellan.
William Walls, Bailie.
James Salmon.
WARD TWELFTH.
Archibald G, Macdonald.
The Lord Provost.
William Dron.
WARD THIRTEENTH.
John Ure, Bailie.
John Young, Bailie.
James Hamilton.
WARD FOURTEENTH.
John Burt, Bailie,
William Wilson
James Downie.
WARD FIFTEENTH.
John Mitchell.
Edward J. Scott, Bailie.
John Laing.
WARD SIXTEENTH.
James Adams.
Hugh MaoBean.
John Taylor, Jr,

JAMES BAIN, LORD PROVOST, 1874-77-
1 876-77.

307

James Bain, Lord Provost.
William Collins, Bailie.
John Young, do.
James Torrens, do.
Edward John Scott, do.
William Walls, do.
John Ure, do.
Hugh Lamberton, do.
Hugh MacBean, do.
Wdlliam Wilson, do.
James Adams, do.
Sir James Watson, Dean of Guild.
Archibald Gilchrist, Deacon Convener.
Alexander Osborne, Treasurer.
John Mitchell, Master of Works.
James Thomson, Bailie of the River and
Firth of Clyde.
John Laing, Depute Bailie of the River
and Firth of Clyde.
Alexander Harvey, Bailie of Provan.
James David Marwick, Town Clerk.

William Cunninghame, Deputy Town
Clerk.
William West Watson, City Chamberlain.
James Nicol, Accountant.
William Gibb, Cashier.
John Carrick, City Architect and Super
intendent of Works.
John Lang, Procurator Fiscal.
Archibald Sinclair, Joint Fiscal in
River Bailie Court.
Alexander- Young, George Black, Gor
don Smith, and Peter T. Young,
Assessors and Clerks of Police Courts.
James Muirhead, Assessor and Clerk to
the River Bailie Court.
William Campbell, Assessor under the
Lands Valuation Act and Assessor
under the Registration of Voters Act.
Peter Ferguson, Warden of Burying
Grounds.
James Brown, Council Officer.
James Killin, Chamber Keeper.

1876-77.

WARD FIRST.
Alexander Waddel.
William Brown.
vYdlliam Bryce Garvie.
WARD SECOND.
James Martin, Sen.
William Ure.
Wdlliam Clark.
WARD THIRD.
David Fulton.
Thomas A. Mathieson.
William Millar, Jr.
WARD FOURTH.
Hugh Colquhoun
James Thomson.
,1ohn Finlay.

WARD FIFTH.
William Collins, Bailie.
James Landells Selkirk.
Hugh Lamberton, Bailie.
WARD SIXTH.
John Neil.
Alexander Osborne.
Matthew Phjkerton,
WARD SEVENTH.
John Mowat.
Henry Grierson.
William Smith.
WARD EIGHTH.
William B. W. Smith.
James Brown.
Archibald Dunlop.

308 JAMES BAIN,
WARD NINTH.

LORD PROVOST, 3 874-77.
WARD THIRTEENTH.

John . Farquhar .
William: Miller.
Andrew Blackwood Stewart.
WARD TENTH.
James Moir.
James Torrens, Bailie.
James Morrison.
WARD ELEVENTH
William Walls, Bailie.
James Salmon.
Allan H. MacLellan.
WARD TWELFTH.
The Lord Provost.
William Dron.
Archibald G. Macdonald.

John Young, Bailie.
James Hamilton.
John Ure, Bailie.
WARD FOURTEENTH.
William Wilson, Bailie.
James Downie.
John Burt.
WARD FIFTEENTH.
Edward J. Scott, Bailie.
John Laing.
John Mitchell.
WARD SIXTEENTH.
Hugh MaoBean, Bailie-
Sons Taylor, Jr.
¦ James Adams, Bailie.

A FEW OF THE EVENTS WHICH TOOK PLACE DURING Mr JAMES
Bain's Provostship.
13th November, 1874. — The convener of the Sub-Committee on Gal
leries received a letter from Mr. Daniel Macnee offering a portrait,
painted by him, of Horatio M'Culloch, from Mr. R. M. Smith, in Edin
burgh or Leith, who was a great admirer of Mr. M'Culloch, and wished
that his native city should have the portrait, which was graciously
accepted by the Town Council.
3rd December, 1874. — Mr. A. B. Stewart, of Montreal, a native of
Glasgow, intimated, through Councillor Salmon, a gift to the city of
Glasgow of a large painting of a view of the city of Montreal, which was
received, and placed in the Corporation Galleries.
9th December, 1874. — The Lord Provost entertained the members of
the Town Council and their ladies and a number of other guests to
dinner in the Corporation Halls.
16th December, 1874. — At a meeting of the Council it was resolvod,
that the Lord Provost, Magistrates, and Town Clerk, should have robes,
to be used on occasions of public ceremonials.

JAMES BAI.W LORD PROVOST, 1874-77. 309
18//* December, 187-4. — The Lord Provost received a letter from Pro
fessor Dickson, of Glasgow University, on behalf of the senate, offering
several thousands of valuable books, to be deposited in the Reference
Library proposed to be established by the Town Council, under Mr.
Mitchell's bequest. The Town Council accepted of the gift.
19//* December, 1874. — The foundation-stone of the City Industrial
Museum, in the West End park, was laid by the Lord Provost. After
the ceremony, the company adjourned to the Queen's Rooms, and had
cake and wine.
17th January, 1875. — The Magistrates, in their official capacity,
attended St. Andrew's Church, being the opening of the -church after
alterations. 2nd February, 1875. — The Glasgow and South Western Railway
Company agreed to provide a church on site in Westercraigs Street, in
lieu of the College church, according to plans by Mr. Campbell Douglas.
A-th February, 1875. — The first meeting of the Town Council in new
Council Hall, Ingram Street.
8/7* February, 1875. — A complimentary dinner was given by the Parks
Committee, in M'Lean's hotel, to the officers of the Volunteer corps, for
their kindness in permitting the bands of the regiments to play in the
public parks.
3rd March, 1875. — The Lord Mayor of Liverpool entertained the
Lord Mayor of London and provincial Mayors. The Lord Provost
of Glasgow, being one of the guests, appeared in his official robe.
17//* May, 1875. — James White, of Overtoun, made the Corporation
the gift of a statue of an " Oriental Slave," for the Galleries.
19/7* May, 1875. — The Magistrates attended the funeral of the Rev.
Dr. Buchanan, of the Free Church, in their official capacity.
22nd May, 1875. — The memorial-stone of the Glasgow Public Halls
in Granville Street was laid by the Provincial Grand. Master.
Captain Alexander M'Call, Grand Marshal for civic portion.
Robert Robb, Provincial Grand Marshal for Masonic portion.
The committee of the Public Halls Company met in the lower hall of
the Queen's Rooms, Clifton Street, and received the Magistrates and
Councillors and others who' took part in the ceremony.

310 JAMES BAIN, LORD PROVOST, 1874-77.
Programme of procession : — Band of music.
Chief Constable.
Officers of police.
Town officers, with halberts.
The Lord Provost and Magistrates.
Judicial and Civil officers of Corporation.
Dean of Guild.
Deacon Convener.
Police officers.
^Sheriff of Lanarkshire and Sheriffs-Substitute.
Clergy.
Police officers.
Chairman and directors of Chamber of Commerce.
Chairman and members of the Public Halls Committee.
Inspector of Works and contractors.
Officers of police.
Knight Templars.
The Masonic lodges — junior in front.
Band of music.
Provincial Grand Lodge.
Officers of police.
The procession proceeded through the West End Park, Park Terrace,
Woodside Terrace, Scotland Street, Woodside Crescent, North Street,
St. Vincent Street, Cleveland Street, to the site of the buildings in
Granville Street.
31s/ May, 1875. — The Lord Provost and Miss Bain entertained the
managers of reformatory institutions to a conversazione in the Corpora
tion Halls.
24/A June, 1875. — The market in Greendyke Street,for disposing of old
clothes, was opened. Lunch of cake and wine was served in the market.
15th July, 1875. — At a Council meeting it was agreed that the Lord
Provost and Town Clerk should officially represent the Corporation at
the international banquet, given by the Lord Mayor of London, at the
Guildhall, on the 29th inst. They attended, and were also present at
a ball in the Guildhall, on the 30th, and at a concert in the Alexandra
Palace, on the 31st.

JAMES BAIN, LORD PROVOST, 1871-74. 311
26//* July, 1875. — The Magistrates granted a site in the north-east
corner of George Square for the statue of James Oswald, which was
formerly at the corner of Woodside Crescent and Sauchiehall Street.
The Magistrates agreed that a prominent site should be given in George
Square for the Burns Statue, to be fixed upon when the statue was nearer
completion. 31s/ August, 1875. — D. R. Rankine, Carluke, made a gift to the Cor
poration of a bust of Thomas Aitkinson.
2nd September, 1875. — The Lord Provost stated that, in reply to an
invitation to H.R.H. Prince Leopold to receive an address from the
Town Council, during his visit to Colonel Campbell of "Blythswood, he
had received the following communication, through Colonel Campbell,
from his Highness's secretary, viz. : — ¦
" The Prince feels and appreciates the kind wishes expressed in your
letter, but, having only lately recovered from a long and severe illness,
his Royal Highness feels himself unable to receive the proposed address.
I have to express to you the Prince's thanks for the kindness and good
will expressed through you on behalf of the city of Glasgow."
His Royal Highness visited Glasgow on the 24th inst., and went to
the Cathedral, Royal Exchange, and the College, Gilmorehill. The Lord
Provost received a communication from the secretary to his Royal High
ness, on the 7th October, conveying the thanks of the Prince, for the
attention shown him when in Glasgow.
25/7* November, 1875. — The Magistrates, in their official capacity,
attended the funeral of the late Councillor Dreghorn, who was interred
at Govan.
11th December, 1875. — The Salterscroft Dock of the Clyde Trustees
was opened at 10-45 a.m. Entertainment of cake and wine was served
at 12 o'clock. The Anchor Line steamer "Ethiopia" was admitted into
the dock for repairs, at the opening.
12/A February, 1876. — The Lord Provost laid the foundation-stone of
the new Blackfriars Church at Westercraigs Street.
12th April, 1876. — Daniel Macnee, P.R.S. A, was entertained to dinner
in the Corporation Halls — Ex-Lord Provost Lumsden, in the chair
Archibald Orr Ewing, M.P.. and Robert Daldish, M.P., croupiers.

312 JAMES BAIN, LORD PROVOST, 1874-77.
1 8/7* April, 1876. — A conversazione was held in the new Museum,
Kelvingrove, in honour of the ceremonial of handing over the completed
buildings to the Corporation, by the subscribers.
28th April, 1876. — The Magistrates, in their official capacity, attended
on the occasion of the closing address in the University. Principal
Caird officiated, and addresses were given by several of the Professors.
11 th May, 1876. — The Town Council unanimously resolved to present
a loyal and congratulatory address to the Queen and Prince of Wales on
the return of His Royal Highness from India. The Lord Provost
intimated to the Council that, subject to their approval, he intended
visiting America on the occasion of the approaching Centennial Exhibi
tion at Philadelphia. The Town Council unanimously approved of his
Lordship's intention, and wished him a pleasant journey and a safe
return. His Lordship left Glasgow per the Anchor Line steamer
" Anchoria," on 27th inst. The United States Centennial Commission
alloted to the United Kingdom and Colonies (exclusive of Canada)
eighteen judges. The Lord Provost was appointed a judge for one of the
departments. His Lordship returned on 8th August; and at the first
meeting of Council thereafter (31st August) he referred, before proceeding
to the ordinary business, to his visit to America, and expressed his
gratification at again meeting the Magistrates and Council.
7th June, 1876. — The Magistrates, in their official capacity, attended
;he funeral of the Rev. Dr. Eadie, of the U.P. Church.
10th August, 1876. — John Gemmel, lately Procurator-Fiscal for the
Lower Ward of Lanarkshire, presented a commission by the Right Hon
Richard Assheton Cross, one of her Majesty's principal Secretaries of
State, appointing him Police Magistrate of the city and Royal Burgh of
Glasgow, at a salary of £1,000 by the year, payable quarterly by the
Board of Police. The Lord Provost administered the usual oaths to Mr.
Gemmel, and installed him as Police Magistrate for the Central Police
Court. 17/A August, 1876. — The Lord Provost and Magistrates went to
Edinburgh, and were present at the unveiling of the Prince Consort's
Statue by her Majesty the Queen.

JAMES BAIN, LORD PROVOST, 1874-77. 313
31s/ August, 1876. — At a meeting of the Magistrates, the Lord Pro
vost stated that, as arranged, he had written General Knollys, inviting
the Prince of Wales to lay the foundation-stone of the new Post Office,
and that he had received a reply stating that the Prince's present
arrangements in the north rendered it impossible at present for his
Royal Highness to say when it would be convenient to perform the pre
scribed duties, but that it might probably be towards the end of October.
At the Council meeting thereafter, it was remitted to the Lord Provost
and Magistrates, with the Dean of Guild, Deacon Convener, Treasurer,
arid Master of Works, to make the necessary arrangements they might
consider to be most suitable for giving his Royal Highness a reception
worthy of the city.
9th September, 1876. — Angus Turner, late Town Clerk, was drowned
while bathing at Wemyss Bay.
10th September, 1876. — Sir James Campbell, ex-Lord-Provost, died at
Stracathro. 12th September, 1876. — The Lord Provost entertained the Members of
the British Association to dinner in the Corporation Halls.
2nd October, 1876. — Richard Assheton Cross, M.P., Home Secretary,
was presented with the Freedom of the City in the City Hall, and
entertained to dinner in the Corporation Halls.
5th October, 1876. — At a meeting of the Magistrates it was agreed to
give a contribution to the Volunteer officers, for distribution by them
towards travelling expenses and refreshments, of £100 for each 1,000
Volunteers who are brought from the country, and are present at the
Review on Glasgow Green on the 17th inst. The contribution to be
paid in respect of every 1,000 Volunteers above 5,000 who are present,
but not to exceed £500 in all.
9th October, 1876. — The Lord Provost attended the banquet given by
the Lord Mayor of London to the Mayors and Provosts of provincial
cities. 17th October, 1876. — Foundation stone of New Post Office laid by
His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. The following is a copy of
the published Programme of proceedings, which was strictly carried
Out : —

314 JAMES BAIN, LORD PROVOST, 1874-77.
The Prince and Princess of Wales, with the Princes Albert Victor and
George, and Prince John of Glucksburg, and suite, will arrive at St.
Enoch Square Station from Blythswood House about 10 minutes to
11 o'clock a.m. Their Royal Highnesses will be received on their
arrival by the Lord Provost and Magistrates. Sir Thomas Edward
Colebrooke, H.M. Lieutenant for Lanarkshire, and W. Gillespie Dickson,
Esq., Sheriff of the County, will also be in attendance. Colonel and
Lady Campbell of Blythswood, Sir Michael Robert Shaw Stewart, Bart.(
Grand Master Mason of Scotland, and Lady Octavia Shaw Stewart, with
a Party from Blythswood, will arrive by the same train.
The Lord Provost will present the Magistrates to their Royal
Highnesses. Immediately after the Presentation, the Magistrates,
Blythswood Party, and Sheriff will enter their Carriages. The Lord
Provost and Sir Thomas Edward Colebrooke will then escort the Prince
and Princess of Wales, with their Children, and Prince John of
Glucksburg, to the Royal Carriage, and the Members of the suite will
enter their Carriages.
The Lord Provost will enter his Carriage, Sir Edward Colebrooke will
mount his charger, and thereafter the Prince and Princess and party
will proceed to the Grand Stand, in the King's Park, Glasgow Green,
the Carriages being arranged in the following order : — The Magistrates'
Carriages, those of the Blythswood Party, &c, the Sheriff's Carriage, the
Lord Provost's Carriage, the Royal Carriage, and an escort of the 7th
Hussars, Sir T. E. Colebrooke and Major-General Stuart, on Horseback ;
the Carriages of the Suite.
The route to the Green will be by Argyle Street, Trongate, and
London Street.
The Royal Carriage and the Carriages of the Suite will halt at the
west end of the Grand Stand until the Prince of Wales, Prince John of
Glucksburg, and the gentlemen of the Suite who are to accompany his
Royal Highness to the Review on horseback have mounted their chargers,
His Royal Highness and his Staff will then precede the Royal Carriage,
passing in front of the Grand Stand, where he will receive the Royal
Salute, and afterwards riding down the line from right to left. After
passing the left of the line, the Royal Carriage will drive to the Royal
Gallery in the Grand Stand, from which the Princess of Wales and the
Royal Children will witness the March Past.

JAMES BAIN, LORD PROVOST, 1874-77. 315
At the conclusion of the Review, the Royal Party, preceded by the
Lord Provost and Magistrates, and accompanied by the party who are
invited to meet the Prince and Princess at luncheon, will drive from the
Grand Stand to the Lord Provost's house in the same order as that
followed in the procession from St. Enoch Square to the Green. The
route from the Green to the Lord Provost's house will be as follows : —
London Street, Trongate, Argyle Street, Main Street (Anderston),
Elderslie Street, India Street, Claremont Gardens, along the Low
Carriage Drive in the West-End Park to the gate fronting Park Street
(West), Park Street (West), and Park Circus to the residence of the
Lord Provost in Park Terrace.
The Grand Lodge of Scotland and the Daughter Lodges will assemble
in Burnbank Park, Glasgow, where they will be arranged in the order
in which they are to march in procession. When the Prince and
Princess of Wales have reached the Lord Provost's residence, the
Masonic Procession will, upon a given signal, march from Burnbank
Park to George Square, by Woodlands Road, Lynedoch Street, Park
Street (East), and Park Circus, Park Street (West), Park Terrace, Kel
vingrove Park, Park Gardens, Claremont Terrace, Woodside Terrace,
Woodside Crescent, Sauchiehall Street, West Nile Street, St. Vincent
Street, and St. Vincent Place.
When the Masonic Procession has reached George Square it will halt
and take open order, so that the Grand Lodge may pass between the
ranks. The whole line of Brethren will stand fast in their ranks until
the Prince and Princess have returned to St. Enoch Square, when the
order to disperse will be communicated along the line by the Grand
Marshal. After the Luncheon, the Lord Provost and the Luncheon Party (with
the exception of the Suite of their Royal Highnesses, and the Grand
Master), will leave the Lord Provost's house and drive between the
ranks of the Brethren to George Square. The Members of the Lunch
eon Party (other than the Lord Provost) will proceed along the west
and north sides of George Square, George Street, and John Street, to
the entrance to the platform at the Foundation-Stone in Cochran Street,
and will immediately take their places on the platform. The Lord
Provost will await the arrival of the Royal Party at the Grand Entrance
to the Gallery in George Square. As soon as the Luncheon Party have

316 JAMES BAIN, LORD PROVOST, 1874-77.
left their carriages at Cochran Street, the carriages will proceed to the
north-east corner of the Square, where they will be arranged in the order
they are to take in returning to St. Enoch Square.
As soon as the Lord Provost and the Luncheon Party have left the
Lord Provost's residence, the Grand Master will take his place with the
Grand Lodge, and precede the Prince and Princess with their Suite to
George Square. The Band of the 7th Hussars will march before the
Grand Lodge till it arrives at George Square. On arriving at George
Square, the Grand Lodge will proceed by the South Side of the Square
to the Foundation-Stone, and immediately take up its position, waiting
the arrival of the Prince and Princess. Their Royal Highnesses with
their Suite will drive along the West and North Side of George Square
to the Grand Entrance, at which they will be received by the Lord
Provost, who will conduct them along the Gallery to the Foundation-
stone. Immediately after their Royal Highnesses have taken their
position the Lord Provost will ask the Prince of Wales to receive the
Address from the Corporation. The Address will then be read by the
Town-Clerk and handed to the Lord Provost, who will present it to the
Prince of Wales. The Ceremony of laying the Foundation-Stone will
then be proceeded with in the usual manner. When the Stone has been
laid the Prince of Wales will address the Lord Provost intimating that
the Stone has been duly laid. The Lord Provost will reply, thanking His
Royal Highness for having performed the Ceremony, and asking his
acceptance of the Trowel used on the occasion. Thereafter their Royal
Highnesses, with their Suite, conducted by the Lord Provost, will return
to their Carriages. So soon as they have taken their seats, Sir Thomas
Edward Colebrooke, the Sheriff of the County, and the Blythswood
Party will pass along the Gallery to their Carriages at the North Side
of the Square, and after they have taken their seats the Procession will
drive to St. Enoch Square, along St Vincent Place and Buchanan Street.
The Carriages will be arranged in the following order: — The Carriages
of the Blythswood Party, &c, the Sheriff's Carriage, the Lord Provost's
Carriage, the Royal Carriage, Sir T. E. Colebrooke and' Major-General
Stuart, on Horseback, The Carriages of the Suite. The Royal Carriage
will be escorted by a party of the 7th Hussars. As soon as the Royal
Party reach their Carriages at the North Side of the Square, after the
Conclusion of the Ceremony, the Magistrates will leive the Platform and

JAMES BAIN, LORD PROVOST, 1874-77. 317
proceed to the corner of Cochran Street and John Street, where Car
riages will be waiting them to take them to St. Enoch Square Station
by Glassford Street, Stockwell Street, and Jackson Street. On arrival
at the Station, they will take up their position on the Railway Platform
to receive the Prince and Princess. After the Prince and Princess have
left George Square, the Grand Lodge will leave the Platform and pro
ceed along the Gallerj to the North Side of George Square, and
thence by George Street and John Street to the City Chambers, Ingram
Street, where the Grand Lodge will be closed. The Grand Marshals
will communicate the order to the Brethren along the whole line to dis
perse as soon as the Royal Party has reached St. Enoch Square on its
return to Blythswood. The persons on the Platform at the Foundation-
Stone, and in George Square, will not leave their places till the Grand
Lodge has left the Square. George Street east of George Square will be
kept clear throughout the entire Ceremony for the Carriages of the
Royal Party, and for the exit of the Grand Lodge after the Ceremony.
The cost to the Corporation of the visit of the Prince was nearly
£7,000. 25/A January, 1877. — Burns' Statue in George Square unveiled by
Lord Houghton. The Corporation gave a luncheon in the Council
Hall; there was also a dinner in the Crown Halls in the evening at
which Lord Houghton presided.
kthJuly, 1877. — " No man's land " was formed into an independent
Burgh, under the name of Govanhill. t A year or so previous to this a
keen and protracted struggle took place in Parliament between the Cor
poration of Glasgow and the suburban burgh of Crosshill, for the annex
ation of this territory. Rival bills were promoted, and in the House of
Commons Glasgow was defeated. The fight was then transferred to the
House of Lords, when Crosshill was defeated, and " No man's land " left
to take care of itself This struggle cost the city about £10,000
5th July, 1877. — The Emperor and Empress of Brazil visited Glasgow.
26th July, 1877. — The Alexandra Park Swimming Pond opened.
29th August, 1877. — Marine Engineers' Dinner in Corporation Halls.
12/A September, 1877. — General Grant ex-President of the United
States arrived and after driving through the city dined at the Lord
Provost's house. The Freedom of the city was conferred on the General
on the 13th inst., after which he was entertained to luncheon in the

318 JAMES BAIN, LORD PROVOST, 1874-77.
Council Hall, and in the evening to a dinner in the Corporation Halls,
by the Corporation. He was presented with the Freedom of the Burgh
of Ayr on the 14th inst., and was entertained to dinner by the Lord
Provost at his country residence, Sundrum, near Ayr. Mrs. Grant
accompanied the General on his tour.
18th September, 1877. — The Stobross Docks were opened and named
the "Queen's Docks." Lunch of cake and wine was served in one of
the sheds, and the Clyde Navigation Trustees entertained a large
comjiany to dinner in the Corporation Halls in the evening.
9th October, 1877. — A Conversazione held in the Corporation Galleries
on the occasion of the opening of the " Graham Gilbert " Collection of
Paintings, and the Loan Collection of Captain Harrel consisting of
Paintings, Enamels, Drawings, &c.
12th October, 1877. — Mr. Carrick, City Architect, was presented
with his portrait, painted by Mr. Daniel Macnee, in the Council Hall.
Cake and wine were served. The subscriptions were limited to two
guineas each.
1st November, 1877.— The Mitchell Library was opened by the Lord
Provost, Magistrates and Council. After the opening ceremony cake
and wine were served.
5th November, 1877. — The Marquis of Hartington, after being enter
tained to lunch in the Council Hall, was presented with the Freedom of
the City in the City Hall. Among those present were the Earl of
Rosebery, Sir Edward Colebrooke Bart., M.P., Mr. George Anderson
M.P., Mr. William Holms M.P., Mr. J. W. Barclay M.P., Mr. Ramsay
M.P., Sheriffs Clark, Murray and Lees, Sir James Watson, Ex-Lord
Provost Galbraith, &c. In making the presentation the Lord Provost
said, the Corporation were conferring upon his Lordship the highest
honour they had in their power to bestow, in no party spirit, but, in
recognition of his public services, his eminent qualities as a statesman,
and the acknowledged position which his high character has secured for
him in the Councils of the nation. Lord Hartington replied in a very
effective speech.

JAMES BAIN, LORD PROVOST, 1874-77. 319
THE HON. THE LORD PROVOST,
1874-77;

Sir James Bain is a native of Glasgow, and was born in the year
1818. After receiving a good education, he, in 1835, entered as a clerk
in the office of Messrs. William Baird & Co., of Gartsherrie Ironworks.
In this connection he remained till 1863, when he entered the Town
Council representative of the Twelfth Ward, as successor to Lord
Provost Clouston. About the same time he was appointed a member of
the Clyde Trust ; became deputy-chairman of the Trust in 1867, and was
elected a Bailie the same year. In 1874, as successor to Sir James
Watson, he was appointed to the honourable position of Lord Provost,
the important duties of which high office he discharged during the stated
term of three years with efficiency and dignity, and to the entire satis
faction of all classes of the community. He always took an active
interest in every question that came before the Council, and his know
ledge and business experience were of great service in cases of doubt and
difficulty. In conj unction with Bailie Couper, he proposed the purchase
of the Gas Works by the Corporation; and as chairman of the Tramway
Committee of the Town Council he, with great tact and judgment, suc
ceeded in arranging matters with the Tramway Company, who had fore
stalled the Corporation in securing an act of Parliament.
In the Clyde Trust, Sir James suggested the purchase of additional
ground to increase the extent of the proposed Stobcross Dock. The
purchase being made, the effect was to give no fewer than 3,334 yards
of quayage, whereas the original Stobcross scheriSe embraced only 1,458
yards. The whole is now comprehended under the designation of the
Queen's Dock.
Anticipating the necessity that would before long arise for dock
accommodation in addition to the Queen's, Sir James Bain suggested to
Sir James Lumsden, then Lord Provost, the propriety of buying the

320 JAMES BAIN, LORD PROVOST, 1874-77.
vacant ground of Cessnock and Middleton, lying between tho Paisley
and Govan Roads. Knowing from experience that if the Trust appeared
as purchasers a ransom price would be asked, he and Sir J. Lumsden
privately bought the ground, and offered it to the Trust at the purchase
price. As might have been expected, the Trust gladly accepted the
offer, and will, no doubt, shortly utilise the ground for dock purposes.
Sir James Bain was one of the members who advocated the removal
of the weir in the river, at the lower Green ; and this he did in the
interests of navigation, and the sanitary condition of the river itself.
The propriety of the removal was warmly discussed, but Sir James
argued that an increased quantity of tidal water, equal to about forty-
two acres, eight feet deep, would " sweeten " the river, and go a great
length in preventing those offensive exhalations which were so much
complained of. The weir was removed, and though the propriety of the
act is still a matter of dispute, there can be little doubt that the view
held by Sir James was substantially correct, as complaint of the dis
agreeable smells is now seldom heard. The engineer of the Trust, Mr.
Deas, reports that the sewage of the city reaches the sea in five days,
instead of five weeks, as was the case before the removal of the weir;
which fact is powerful testimony in favour of the removal.
During his Provostship, Sir James had more than the usual opportu
nities for receiving, and showing hospitality to distinguished strangers.
Lord Hampton, at the meeting of the Shipwrights' Company ; Lord
Houghton and his family, on the occasion of the unveiling of the Burns
Statue ; General and Mrs. Grant, on their visit to Scotland ; the presi
dent of the British Association for the advancement of science; Com
mander Cameron, and Sir Richard Cross : all did Sir James the honour
of residing with him. The Prince and Princess of Wales, the youn<*
Princes, and Prince John of Glucksburg, the Duke of Buccleuch, and
others, partook of luncheon at his private residence, on the occasion of
the laying of the foundation-stone of the new Post Office in 1876.
In the same year, the Government appointed Sir James one of the
jurors to the Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition. In May of that year,
he, accompanied by his daughter, Miss Bain, and attended by Mr. James
Brown, the Council officer, crossed the Atlantic, and received great
attention and courtesy from our American cousins. Sir James and his
amiable companion, with James Brown on the box of the carriage, took

JAMES BAIN, LORD PROVOST, 1874-77, 321
part in the grand procession on Independence Day ; and although the
Emperor of Brazil and other notables were there, none of them attracted
more attention than the cortege containing the British Jurors.
Before the expiry of his term of office, Sir James received a communi
cation from the Prime Minister informing him that he was commanded
by the Queen to offer his Lordship the honour of knighthood " in consi
deration of eminent public services." The offer was accepted, and he
was knighted by the Queen, at Windsor, in December, 1877.
Sir James purchased property in Cumberland ; and in the grant of
Arms given him by the Heralds College, he is described as " of Croft-
head," in that county. In these arms, in addition to the wolf's head of
the Bains, is introduced a salmon, to denote his connection with
Glasgow. Sir James married a daughter of John Dove, Esq., of Glasgow. This
lady died in 1864, leaving six children. Two sons are at his works in
Cumberland, three daughters are married, and the remaining one, Miss
Bain, ably assisted Sir James in the duties and hospitalities of the
Provostship — winning golden opinions from all for her kindness and
urbanity. At the close of her father's civic career, the Corporation
presented Miss Bain with his portrait. They also had a portrait of him
painted for the Corporation Halls, being the first instance of such form
of respect paid to a Lord Provost of Glasgow. Both portraits are full
lengths, life size, and were painted by the late Sir Daniel Macnee,
P.R.S.A. Sir James has always taken a lively interest in scientific and literary
matters, and has been a contributor to several of our well-known maga
zines. He is not at all lacking in titles of distinction that come in as
tail-piece, such as F.R.G.S., F.R.S.E., F.S.A., &c. &c. He is also an
enthusiastic craftsman, his mother lodge being Glasgow St. John's,
No. 3 bis.
Sir James contested the representation of Glasgow, in the Conserva
tive interest, in 1880, but was unsuccessful. He is a correct, fluent, and
attractive speaker, and, being still vigorous and active, may make his
ripe experience useful to his native city and his country for many years
to come.
Nor are his experiences limited to his own country. Lately, Sir
James made a voyage round the world, in his course visiting various

322 JAMES BAIN, LORD PROVOST, 1874-77.
countries; and in letters to the ' Glasgow Herald, and reports to the
Chamber of Commerce, of which he is a director, he has given consider
able information, especially in- regard to the trade and resources of
Japan and India.- As a disinterested testimony to ¦ the value of these
papers, and to the correct and acute perceptions of Sir James, we give
the following from The Indian Agriculturist, a journal published ¦ in
India: — "We are in the habit of looking on globe-trotters with the
utmost contempt, at least on those members of the great family who go
sightseeing and return home having seen nothing. We have come across
men who had travelled in .many countries but who practically knew
nothing about them, men who had roamed abroad with their eyes^their
mental eyes — firmly closed. There is'another class, equally contempt
ible, those who hurry through a country arid fancy themselves thereafter
animated cyclopaedias of information on the subject of that country and
its peoples. We have recently, however, come across a member of the
genus globe-trotter, who. is. clearly, an exception, and who must have
made good use of the short time at his disposal. Last cold weather, Sir
.James Bain, ex-Lord Provost of Glasgow, was_ among us, and although
we cannot say how long he -was in- India, we know his stay was short,
possibly a couple of months covered it. Here, then, is what he says to
the Chamber of.. Commerce of his- own city with reference to this
country : — ' India is the great and valuable country of the East. With
all degrees and variations of climate, capable of growing all kinds of
crops; with great rivers, a large extent of rich alluvial soil, equal in
quality to any in America, and requiring no fertilizers, a numerous and
industrious population able and willing to live at a very small cost, arid
now within a distance in time not more than America was thirty years
ago, India requires only the judicious application of capital to railways
ar d irrigation to enable it to develop its great natural riches, and become
a great exporting country from which we could draw the cereals we
require at as cheap or a cheaper cost than from any other part of the
globe. India is a country of immense natural resources. It has soils
capable of growing every kind of crop in profusion. What is required
is judicious irrigation in 3ome districts, and a very considerable increase
of railway accommodation to transport the produce. The Valley of the
Indus could grow all the grain our country requires to import, and
deliver it in England at less cost than is done from America if the means

JAMES.BAIN, LORD PROVOST, 1874-77. 323
of transit were sufficient.' Now/, had' Sir James lived in India for a life
time, he could not have described .the country more correctly. We have
been crying for light railways running at a slow rate of speed to bring
produce tp the main lines, and thence to the seaboard.; but one Secretary
of State does not see his way to borrow, and- another suggests that rail
ways be built out of the surpluses. This might possibly mean covering
India with the railways she needs in about 5,000 years from now. At
the present moment money is going a-begging in England, but we must
not utilise any of it. There may, be differences of opinion as to the gauge
most suitable for our railways, as there .is regarding the relative merits
of wells and canals for irrigation, and until these moot points are dis
cussed- we must not be allowed- to do anything, but must sit with folded
hands, while America monopolises the wheat-Supplying trade of Great
Britain. Sir James emphasises his previous remarks by saying: — 'Good
wholesome grain can be got within two hundred miles of Calcutta at
one-fifth of a penny a pound, equal to 8s. per quarter, but the want of
means of transit prevents it being brought to market.' He is clearly
referring to the central provinces in this statement. The anomaly
existing in that great province during the time the great famine was
ravaging the south of India must be fresli iri our memories. When
hundreds of thousands of people were dying in Madras from want of
food, thousands of acres of splendid wheat iri the "central provinces were
allowed to rot uncut, because the current price .would not have paid for
the labour of harvesting. The price then was 72 seers -per rupee, which
is equal to 6s. 8d. per qr., and that district, Raepore, is only 500 miles,
as the crow flies, from the districts which were decimated by famine."

(Z4AA? .

824 WILLIAM COLLINS, LORD PROVOST, 1877-80.

MEETING OF TOWN COUNCIL.
NOVEMBER, 1877.

ELECTION OF COUNCILLORS.

The first meeting of the Town Council of Glasgow, as newly con
stituted was held on the 9th November, 1877. Bailie Torrens presided
at the opening of the meeting. The Rev. Dr. Jamieson engaged in
prayer. The first step in the business was on the suggestion of Mr.
Marwick, to hold the standing orders of the Council read. Thereafter,
the Town Clerk recapitulated the results of the elections on the preced
ing Tuesday, and subsequently submitted minutes of Thursday's meeting
at which the new members accepted office and made the required declar
ation. These were approved of and the Council then proceeded to the
ELECTION OF LORD PROVOST.
Bailie Torrens said — Gentlemen, it devolves upon me as Senior
Magistrate to take the chair at the commencement of the proceedings
to-day, and I have to crave your indulgence for a few minutes while I
endeavour to submit for your acceptance a motion, of very great import
ance. We are called upon to-day to elect a gentleman to the office of
Lord Provost of the city. When we look to the many interests that
require attention, and the varied and onerous duties to be discharged by
the civic head of this corporation, it will be admitted that it is not every
man that can take the position. It requires one who will devote him
self to the duties of the office with a due sense of resjDonsibility, and
who is determined to follow up the many able men who have filled the
chair, and rendered such good service to the city. The gentleman whom
I have to propose for your acceptance has been long known to me ;
indeed I have enjoyed his personal friendship for the long period of 30
years, during which we have been associated together in various depart
ments of christian and philanthropic work.

WILLIAM COLLINS, LORD PROVOST, 1877-80. 325
The gentleman I have to propose is the son of one who was conspicuous
in this city in his day for the active interest he took in many good works,
and it is gratifying to find the son endeavouring to follow in his father's
steps. With regard to his public career and his municipal experience it
is not needful that I should say one word. To most of you, gentlemen,
these are as well known as to myself. You know how assiduously he
has applied himself to the discharge of the duties of every office and
position he has held, and how he has spared neither time nor efiort in
the public service. When I mention the name of Bailie Collins
(Applause) I am sure that the Council will agree with me that in elevating
him to the office of Lord Provost we are electing one who will, to the
best of his ability, endeavour to maintain the credit and honour of this
city. I would only repeat what was said the other day by our able
retiring Lord Provost, that the man who does his best can do no more.
Gentlemen, without further remark I have great pleasure in proposing
that Bailie William Collins be elected Lord Provost of the City of
Glasgow. (Applause).
Bailie Walls said — I have great pleasure indeed in seconding the
motion which you have just now made — namely, that Bailie William
Collins be elected to the office of Lord Provost of Glasgow. In electing
him to that important office I think we are doing not only an honour to
him but an honour to ourselves and an honour also to the community at
large. I entered the Town Council with Bailie Collins, now nine years
ago, and I know no man who has devoted so much time, so much assidu
ity and care, to the interests of the corporation and the community at
large, as he has done. (Applause.) I know of no man who has exerted
himself to so great an extent in order to economise the various funds
connected with the corporation of Glasgow, and I know of no man
better qualified than he is to fill the important office to which I hope he
is about to be elected. It is an honour to which he is well entitled. I
have great pleasure iri seconding the nomination of Bailie Collins.
(Applause). Mr. Marwick addressing Bailie Collins said — Is it your pleasure to
accept the office of Lord Provost to which you have just been elected?
Bailie Collins intimated his acceptance of the office, and having taken
the oath he was invested with the Chain of office, and took the chair.
The Lord Provost: — -After the too flattering riianner in which you,

326 WILLIAM COLLINS, LORD PROVOST, 1877-80.
sir, have referred to my qualifications for the high and honourable posi
tion to which you have been pleased to nominate me, and the kind and
cordial manner in which that proposal has been received, I feel that any
words of mine are inadequate to express my sense of the very high
honour you have conferred on me. It has been truly said that property
has its duties as well as its rights. I think it may with equal truth be
said that position has its responsibilities as well as its privileges, and if
this position of being at the head of this great corporation is one of
which any man may be proud, knowing as I do, the onerous duties
devolving on those who occupy even a subordinate position in the man
agement of its affairs, I cannot help feeling and saying that the
responsibility inseparably connected with the proper administration of
its affairs is of no ordinary kind. If anything, gentlemen, could add
to my sense of the importance of the duties which I have ventured, with
your approval, to undertake, I have only to look to the past in order to
recall how these duties have been discharged by the gentlemen who have
preceded me in this chair, not to speak of those who have passed the
chair before I entered the Council, and who are still with us enjoying
the ease and dignity to which they are so well entitled, and whose
qualifications are known to not a few here better than to myself. In a
word, however, I may be permitted to refer to the memory of one who
has passed from our midst, and who gave the first impulse to that move
ment which has done much in clearing from our midst those wynds and
closes which were a by-word and reproach to our city, and in providing
houses for our industrial classes, in wide streets where they can inhale
the pure air and enjoy the bright sunshine of heaven. I might now, in
natural course, dilate on how these duties have been discharged by those
chiefs under whom it has been my own privilege to serve in various
capacities. I do not, however, require to recall, for you have witnessed
for yourselves the capacity of a Lumsden, or the readiness and aptitude
of an Arthur, or the many gifts of one who is still with us, and who
also was a co-worker with Mr. Blackie in his Improvement Scheme, and
I am sure we all trust Sir James Watson will be spared to give us the
benefit of his matured experience for years to come. (Applause.) Least
of all do I require to refer to the varied ability, tact, and courtesy of
him who has just vacated the chair I now occupy ; and if anything were
wanting to mark the distinguished manner in which the duties of this

WILLIAM COLLINS, LORD PROVOST, 1877-80. 327
chair have been discharged by my immediate predecessors, it will be
found in the fact, that no fewer than three of their number have had
conferred on them special marks of their gracious sovereign's approbation
for the ability with which they have discharged their public duties.
(Applause.) My predecessor lately said that he had only to look to the
example of those who had preceded him, both to guide and stimulate in
the discharge of his duty. To these examples to which he referred he
has now added his own, which I will venture to say, is equally well
fitted both to guide and stimulate those who may follow him. But,
gentlemen, the power of influence, of a great example, is one thing, yet
it is another, and very different and difficult thing, to be able to copy it.
While it will be my aim and ambition so to discharge those duties you
have imposed on me, as in some measure to justify your choice, I fear I
may fall short of what you are entitled to expect ; but I have at all times
received such kindness at your hands as to encourage me to hope that any
failings of mine will also receive your indulgent consideration.
Leaving the past, I feel sure you will join with me not only in extend
ing a welcome to our old friends, whose faces I see around me, but also
to those gentlemen who are with us to-day for the first time. Much is
sometimes said of the advantages of infusing from time to time new
blood into our municipal and public bodies. We have not only obtained
some new blood, but I feel satisfied it will be found good blood. Some
of these gentlemen it has been my privilege to number among my friends
for years, and should any of them be comparative strangers to any
present, I feel certain you only require to make their acquaintance in
order to appreciate their abilities, and also to extend to them the hand
of friendship.
His Lordship then briefly referred to some of those questions which
would require immediate consideration, such as the sanitary condition
of the city, the new Municipal Buildings and the Extension of the
tramway system. ELECTION OF MAGISTRATES.
The Lord Provost — I take the liberty of following the course that has
been adopted by my predecessors for some time at least, in the first
place naming those gentlemen whom I intend to propose for the respons
ible position of Magistrates. There are two gentlemen who have
formerly held that office, who have been returned to the Council at this

328 WILLIAM COLLINS, LORD PROVOST, 1877-80.
time — Bailie Scott and Bailie MacBean. I intend to propose both of
these gentlemen for re-appointment. I intend also to propose that Bailie
Thomson and Bailie Laing, who have respectively filled the position of
River Bailie and Depute-River Bailie, shall be appointed Bailies of
the burgh. Then, two years ago there was a gentleman who for reasons
which we all regretted, felt obliged to retire for one year at least, from
the Magistracy. It has been a great satisfaction to me, and I am sure
to all in the Council, that Mr. Clark is willing to return and occupy the
position he formerly held. For the remaining appointment I propose to
nominate a gentleman who I know is held in universal esteem in this
Council, and who represents a very large district in the city, Mr.
Waddel. The Lord Provost then proceeded to nominate the gentlemen
he had named, seriatim. First he nominated Bailie Scott for re-election;
Bailie Lamberton seconded, and the motion was unanimously agreed to.
The Lord Provost — I now propose that Bailie MacBean be re-elected;
he has also been returned and I now move that he be re-elected to the
magistracy. (Applause).
Mr. Morrison — I have been asked to second the nomination of my
esteemed friend Bailie MacBean, and I do so with a great amount of
pleasure. The usual course has been departed from on this occasion, of
the magistrates doing this duty, because of the many vacancies which ex
ist in the magistracy, and therefore they require, it is felt, some assist
ance from their colleagues. I have known Mr. MacBean for something
like 25 years now, long before either of us was connected with the
Council; and I can say that during all that time I have known no man in
the city, probably, who has acted with more conscientious rectitude than
has Bailie MacBean. He has devoted himself to a-great and good work
which will yet bear glorious results, so far as he is able to bring about
that, in connection with the extension of the parks and museums. (Ap
plause.) Some members of the community I know, have spoken some
what adversely of Bailie MacBean in the matter of one or two of his
sentences as a magistrate — sentences which they regard as having been
extremly severe. I do not think it is a part of our duty to criticise the
actions of a magistrate; but it is to anticipate any such objections that
may be made, that I would like to be allowed to refer to this matter.
I say it is scarcely fair of the community to criticise the actions of any
magistrate unless they have been present in the Court, and have -got a

WILLIAM COLLINS, LORD PROVOST, 1877-80. 329
knowledge of the whole facts of the case. If my friend should have un
consciously been severe in one or two of his decisions, I am quite sure
at least, that he thought that was the proper course for him to adopt
in the cases that were brought before him. I understand that his nom
ination is likely to be challenged, but I hope that after the explanation
I have given, the threatened opposition will not take place. (Cheers).
Mr. Martin — I rise for the purpose of putting in an appearance on
the opposition side. I do not for one moment alio w myself to be thought
as having any particular objection to Bailie MacBean's private character
but I take decided exception to Bailie Morrison's trying to palm it off
upon this assembly of intelligent men, and even the citizens of Glasgow,
that Bailie MacBean has erred on one or two occasions. The thing is pre
posterous and ridiculous; I will give you what sort of an idea even the
magistrates have of Bailie MacBean. When walking along the parks.
examining them one day of last summer, there was a large plot of flowers,
and in the centre was a large thick-leaved plant. (At this point Mr.
Martin exclaimed: — I wish you would keep order; I wish to hear what I
say and I wish it to be printed. )
The Lord Provost — Are you going to move an amendment.
Mr. Martin — Yes, I will close with an amendment. In connection
with this large plot of flowers there was a large thick-leaved plant stuck
in the very middle of it. Mr. M'Lellan, who has the charge of the
parks, was asked the reason why it was so much broken and destroyed. He
replied that 'the crows came down and stole it away.' 'Oh!' says one of
the Bailies, 'the crows come down and steal it — why don't you get a hold of
them and bring them up before Bailie MacBean, and they will get £5 or
60 days?' That is the idea the Bailies themselves held of Bailie MacBean ;
and to say that you should have the audacity to propose Bailie MacBean
after the large minority that voted against him upon these very grounds;
his injustice, his inhumanity, and altogether his unfitness for the pur
pose of sitting upon the bench, and being unable to distinguish between
right and wrong, is not right. In all cases he cah say nothing but £5 or
60 days, or £3 or so many days. I think it is wrong that we should
have such men sitting on the bench. Let us pick out men amongst us
that are perfectly qualified to sit on the bench. There is my honoured
opponent that I beat in the Fourth Ward, it would be a credit to you to
have proposed him for the Bailieship — that is Mr. Brown. He is a

330 WILLIAM COLLINS, LORD PROVOST, 1877-80.
most intelligent man, and a man who would do credit to it. But to pro
pose such a man — I cannot away with it. My blood curdles and "biles
up" when I think of his whole inhumanity, his injustice, and his want of
judgment, for all through the cases it has been universal blundering.
I would propose my worthy friend, and I tell you that I respect him
although I fought with him. I honour him, and have great pleasure
even although he is a teetotaler — -what do I care for that ? in proposing
that Mr. Brown be accepted instead of Bailie MacBean, who should
retire into the position he is best fitted for — private life.
Mr. Brown — I beg to decline.
The Lord Provost— Is Mr. Martin's motion seconded? After waiting
a moment, his lordship added — As the motion is not seconded, it falls to
the ground.
Mr. Martin — I must enter my dissent.
Mr. Burt — I hold that what has been said of members —
Mr. Martin — The thing is settled.
Mr. Burt — Mr. Martin is in the habit of alluding to what has Been
said by magistrates. I beg to say that it is to throw out insinuations
against a body of men. If any individual magistrate, or member of
Council has said anything that Mr. Martin wishes to refer to let him
name the responsible party,
The Lord Provost — Oh ! it is unnecessary to refer to that, it is evident
that Mr. Martin cannot appreciate a joke.
The Lord Provost afterwards proposed that Bailies Thomson and
Laing should be raised from the River Bailieship to the office of Burgh
Bailies; and also that Messrs Clark and Waddel should be appointed
Bailies, making reference to the excellent services which these gentlemen
had rendered to the city in the positions they previously held.
The nominations were unanimously agreed to.
The Lord Provost said — This makes up the list of Burgh Bailies.
We have now to proceed to the election of River Bailies and Depute
River Bailies, and I propose that Mr. Farquhar be elected River Bailie.
Mr. Osborne seconded.
Mr. Martin said — I rise again to protest, and I mean to propose an
other gentleman. Mr. Farquhar has occupied his place for the last three
years, and the only thing I know he has done was to make himself busy
in trying to be the protector of a certain Bailie against whom a fama

WILLIAM COLLINS, LORD PROVOST, 1877-80. 331
got up, which caused that bailie to leave. The only other thing I know-
he did was to propose an amendment with regard to what is commonly
called the Improvement Trust Scandal, and if these are things that
entitle a gentleman to be put upon the bench, we are come to a very low
pitch. I observe a gentlernan present who has served the Council
quietly and decently, and is as well an intelligent man. I propose the
appointment of Mr. Dron, a man I have sat beside with great pleasure.
The motion was not seconded, and Mr. Farquhar was appointed
River Bailie.
The Lord Provost — The last appointment refers to a gentleman we
all respect. Mr. Pinkerton has served for a period of six years in the
Council, and I have the greatest pleasure in proposing that he should be
appointed Deputy River Bailie.
Mr. Martin seconded.
The motion was unanimously agreed to.
The gentlemen appointed being all present, severally made the statu
tory declarations, and were each invested with the chain of the office.

332

WILLIAM COLLINS, LORD PROVOST, 1877-80.

List of the Names of the Members of the Town Council during
Mr. William Collins' Provostship, 1877-80.
1877-78.

William Collins, Lord Provost.
James Torrens, Bailie.
John Ure, do.
Hugh Lamberton, do.
James Alams. do.
Edward John Scott, do.
Hugh M'Bean, do.
James Thomson, do.
John Laing, do.
William Clark, do.
Alexander Waddel, do.
Sir James Watson, Dean of Guild.
Eobert Alexander Bogue, Deacon
Convener.
Alexander Osborne, Treasurer.
John Mitchell, Master of Works.
John Farquhar, Bailie of the River and
Firth of Clyde.
Matthew Pinkerton, Depute Bailie of
¦ the River and Firth of Clyde.
James Couper, Bailie of Provan.
James David Marwick, Town Clerk. ¦

and
Procurator

City
Joint Fiscal

Asdrew Cunninghame, Depute Town
Clerk.
William West Watson, City Chamberlain.
James Nicol, Accountant.
AVilliam Gibb, Cashier.
John Carrick, City Architect and Super
intendent of Works.
John Lang, Clerk to
Council, (Police)
Fiscal.
Archibald Sinclair,
River Bailie Court.
Alexander Young, George Black, Gor
don Smith and Peter T. Young,
A ssessors and Clerks of Police Courts.
James Muirhead, Assessor and Clerk
to River Bailie Court.
William Campbell, Assessor under the
Lands Valuation Act, and Assessor
under the Registration of Voters Act.
James Brown, Council Officer
James Killin, Chamber Keeper.

1877-78.

WARD FIRST.
William Brown.
William Bryce Garvie.
Alexander Waddel, Bailie.
WARD SECOND.
William Ure.
William Clark, Bailie.
James Martin.
WARD THIRD.
Thomas A. Mathieson.
William Millar, Jr.
James Reid.

WARD FOURTH.

James Thomson, Bailie.
John Finlat.
Hugh Colquhoun.
WARD FIFTH.
James Landells Selkirk.
Hugh Lamberton, Bailie.
The Lord Provost.
WARD SIXTH.
Alexander Osborne.
Matthew Pinkerton.
John Neil,

WILLIAM COLLINS, LORD PROVOST, 1377-80. 333
WARD SEVENTH. ' WARD TWELFTH.

Henry Grierson.
Thomas Watson.
John Mowat. WARD EIGHTH.
James Brown.
Archibald Dunlop.
William E. W. Smith.
WARD NINTH.
William Miller.
Andrew B. Stewart.
John Farquhar.
WARD TENTH.
James Torrens, Bailie.
James Morrison.
James Mom.
WARD ELEVENTH.
James Salmon.
Allan H. M'Lellan.
William Walls.

William Dron.
Archibald G. Macdonald.
James H. Dickson.
WARD THIRTEENTH.
James Hamilton.
John Ure, Bailie.
John Young.
WARD FOURTEENTH.
James Downie.
John Burt.
William Wilson. ,
WARD FIFTEENTH.
John Laing, Bailie.
John Mitchell.
Edward J. Scott, Bailie.
WARD SIXTEENTH.
John Taylor.
James Adams, Bailie.
Hugh MacBean, Bailie.

1878-79.

do. do.
do. do. do. do.do.
do. do.

William Collins, Lord Provost.
John Ure,
Hugh Lamberton,
James Adams,
Edward John Scott,
Hugh MacBean,
William Clark,
Alexander Waddel
John Laing,
James Thomson,
John Farquhar,
Patrick Playfair, Dean of Guild.
Eobert Alexander Bogu'e, Deacon
Convener.
James Hamilton, Treasurer.
John Mitchell, Master of Works.
Matthew Pinkerton, Bailie of the River
and Firth of Clyde.
John Mowat, Deputy Bailie of the
River and Firth of Clyde.
James Couper, Bailie of Provan.
James D. Marwick, LL.D., Town Clerk.

Andrew Cunninghame, Deputy Town
Clerk..
William West Watson, City Chamberlain.
James Nicol, Accountant.
William Gibb, Cashier.
John Carrick, City. Architect and Super
intendent of Works.
John Lang, Procurator Fiscal of Burgh
and D. G. Courts, and Clerk to
Magistrates and Council (Police.)
Donald M'Phee, Polici- Procurator Fiscal.
Archibald Sinclair, Joint Fiscal River
Bailie Court.
Alexander Young, George Black, Gor
don -Smith and Peter T: Young,
A ssessors and Clerks of Police Courts.
James Muirhead. Assessor and Clerk to
the River Bailie Court.
William Campbell, Assessor under the
Lands Valuation Act, and Assessor
under the Registration of Voters Act.
James Brown, Council Officer.
James Killin, Chamber Keeper.

334 WILLIAM COLLINS, LORD PROVOST, 1877-80.
1878-79.

WARD FIRST.
William Bryce Garvie.
Alexander Waddel, Bailie.
William Brown.
WARD SECOND.
William Clark, Bailie.
James Martin.
James Wallace.
WARD THIRD.
William Millar. Jr.
James Eeid.
Thomas A. Mathieson.
WARD FOURTH
John Finlay.
Hugh Colquhoun.
James Thomson, Bailie.
WARD FIFTH.
Hugh Lamberton, Bailie.
The Lord Provost.
James L. Selkirk.
WARD SIXTH.
Matthew Pinkerton.
John Neil.
Alexander Osborne.
WARD SEVENTH.
Thomas Watson.
John Mowat.
Henry Grierson. WARD EIGHTH.
Archibald Dunlop.
William R. W. Smith.
James Brown.

WARD NINTH,
Andrew B. Stewart.
John Farquhar, Bailie.
William Miller.
WARD TENTH.
James Morrison.
James Moir.
James Torrens.
WARD ELEVENTH.
Allan H. M'Lellan.
William Walls.
George Jackson.
WARD TWELFTH.
Archibald G. Macdonald.
James H. Dickson.
William Dron.
WARD THIRTEENTH.
John Ure, Bailie.
John Young.
James Hamilton.
WARD FOURTEENTH.
John Burt.
William Wilson.
James Struthers Hamilton.
WARD FIFTEENTH,
John Mitchell.
Edward J. Scott, Bailie.
John Laing.
WARD SIXTEENTH.
James Adams, Bailie.
Hugh MacBean, Bailie.
William M'Onie.

WILLIAM COLLINS, LORD PROVOST, 1877-80.
1879-80.

335

William Collins, Lord Provost.
Edward John Scott, Bailie.
Hugh MacBean, do.'
Alexander Waddel, do.
John Laing, do.
James Thomson, do.
John Farquhar, do.
William M'Onie, do.
John Mowat, do.
Hugh Colquhoun, do.
Archibald Dunlop, do.
James Buchanan Mirrlees, Dean of
Guild.
Andrew M'Onie, Deacon Convener.
James Hamilton, Treasurer.
John Mitchell, Master of Works.
John Finlay, Bailie of the River and
Firth of Clyde.
James Landells Selkirk, Depute Bailie
of the Rimer and Firth of Clyde.
James Couper, Bailie of Provan.
James D. Marwick, LL.D., Town Clerk.

Andrew Cunninghame, Deputy Town
Clerk.
William West Watson, City Chamberlain.
James Nicol, Accountant.
William Gibb, Cashier.
John Carrick, City Architect and Super
intendent of Works.
John Lang, Procurator Fiscal of Burgh
and D. G. Courts and Clerk to
Magistrates and Council (Police).
Donald M.'PREE,Police Procurator Fiscal.
Archibald Sinclair, Joint Fiscal in
River Bailie Court.
Alexander Young, George Black, Gor
don Smith and Peter T. Young,
Assessors and Clerks of Police Courts.
James Muirhead, Assessor and Clerk to
River Bailie Court.
William Campbell, Assessors under the
Lands Valuation Act, and Assessor
under the Registration of Voters Act.
James Brown, Council Officer.
James Killin, Chamber Keeper.

1879-80.

WARD FIRST.
Alexander Waddel, Bailie.
William Brown.
William M'Nesll Stuart.
WARD SECOND.
James Martin.
James Wallace.
Andrew Stewart Bryce.
WARD THIRD.
James Eeid.
Thomas A. Mathieson.
John Filshili..
WARD FOURTH.
Hugh Colquhoun, Bailie.
James Thomson, Bailie.
John Finlay.

WARD FIFTH.

The Lord Provost.
James L. Selkirk.
Hugh Lamberton. WARD SIXTH.
John Neil.
Alexander Osborne.
Alexander M'Laren.
WARD SEVENTH.
John Mowat; Bailie.
Henry Grierson.
Thomas Watson.
WARD EIGHTH.
William R. W. Smith.
James Brown.
Archibald Dunlop, Bailie.

336

WILLIAM COLLINS, LORD PROVOST, 1877-80.

WARD NINTH.
John Farquhar, Bailie.
James Shaw.
Peter Bertram.
WARD TENTH
James Moir.
James Torrens.
James Gray.
WARD ELEVENTH.
William Walls.
George Jackson.
Matthew Fairley.
WARD TWELFTH.
James H. Dickson.
William Dron.
Duncan M'Pherson.

WARD THIRTEENTH.
John Young.
James Hamilton.
John Ure.
WARD FOURTEENTH.
William Wilson.
James Struthers Hamilton.
David Eichmond.
WARD FIFTEENTH.
Edward J. Scott, Bailie.
John Laing, Bailie.
John Mitchell.
WARD SIXTEENTH.
Hugh MacBean, Bailie.
William M'Onie, Bailie.
James Adams.

A FEW OF THE EVENTS WHICH TOOK PLACE DURING
Mr. William Collins' Provostship.

12th December, 1877. — The Honour of Knighthood was conferred on
James Bain, Ex-Lord Provost, by Her Majesty at Windsor.
20th December, 1877. — The Lord Provost entertained a large company
at a Conversazione in St. Andrew's Hall.
28th December, 1877. — Thomas Campbell's Statue in George Square
was unveiled and handed over to the Lord Provost, Magistrates and
Town Council. It was executed by Mr. John Mossman.
13th January, 1878. — (Being Sunday) H.R.H. the Prince of Wales
arrived at Hamilton Palace on a shooting expedition. On the 15th inst.,
the Lord Provost and Mrs. Collins attended a grand Ball in Hamilton
Palace, given by the Duke in honour of H.R.H. Prince of Wales.
16th January, 187d — H.R.H. the Crown Prince of Austria visited
Glasgow. 21st February, 1878. — The Lord Provost entertained a large party
at a Conversazione in the St. Andrew Halls.

WILLIAM COLLINS, LORD PROVOST, 1S77-80. 337
29th March, 1878. — Sir James Bain Ex-Lord Provost, was presented by
the Corporation, with his Portrait painted, by Sir Daniel Macnee.
There was luncheon in the Council Hall.
29th March, 1878. — The Lord Provost, entertained a large party at a
Conversazione in the St. Andrew's Hall.
6th August, 1878. — Maharajah of Coochbarah visited Glasgow, and
inspected a number of public works &c.
2nd October, 1878.— The City of Glasgow Bank failed. The failure
ruined most of the Shareholders and many others. The Directors and
the Manager were tried at the High Court and sentence passed on them.
21st and 22nd October, 1878. — The Chinese Ambassador arrived in
Glasgow on the 21st and visited a number of public works, &c, during
the two days.
lith December, 1878.— H.R.H. The Princess Alice died; the City Bells
were tolled on the day of demise and on the day of the funeral.
13th March, 1879. — Lunch in the Council Hall on the occasion of
H.R.H. the Duke of Connaught's Marriage.
19th March, 1879. — Dr Livingstone's Statue, George Square, unveiled
and handed over to the Lord Provost and Magistrates for the Citizens
of Glasgow. Mr. Mossman was the Sculptor.
22nd March, 1879. — Sir James Lumsden, Ex-Lord Provost, died ; the
Magistrates attended his funeral in their official capacity, on the 27th
inst. 25th August, 1879. — Hydepark Model Lodging House opened.
26th August, 1879. — Dinner at the opening of the Dead Meat Market,
Moore Street.
18th October, 1879.— H.R.H. Field Marshal the Duke of Cambridge
reviewed the Troops in the Barracks.
21st October, 1879. — His Excellency the Chinese Ambassador visited
Glasgow. 5th December, 1879. — William Ewart Gladstone was installed Lord
Rector of the University. At mid-day the Rectorial Address was given
to the students in the Kibble Palace, Botanic Gardens. In the even
ing a great Political Meeting was held in the St. Andrew's Halls, at
which the Earl of Breadalbane presided. Mr Gladstone addressed the
meeting at great length. Later on, the honourable gentleman proceeded
to the City Hall for the purpose of being presented with an address
22

338 WILLIAM COLLINS, LORD PROVOST, 1877 -SO.
from the Corporation. The hall was crowded to overflowing. Present
in the Lesser Hall for the purpose of receiving Mr. Gladstone were the
Lord Provost and Magistrates in their robes of office, and the members
of the Town Council, Mrs. and Miss Collins, Dr. Marwick and Mrs.
Marwick, Mr. William West Watson, Mr. W. Rae Arthur, Mr. George
Anderson M.P., and Mrs. Anderson, Dr. Cameron M.P., and Mrs.
Cameron, Professor Jebb, and Ex-Bailie Morrison.
The Lord Provost entered the large hall with Mrs. Gladstone, Mr. Glad
stone following with Mrs. and Miss Collins, Sir James Watson with Miss
Gladstone, and Mr. R. T. Middleton with Miss Watson; the party hav
ing in this order walked round the hall, returned to the Platform, when
the Lord Provost gave an introductory address, after which the Town
Clerk Mr. Marwick read the address from the Corporation. Mr-
Gladstone replied with his usual ability and effectiveness. During
his visit Mr. Gladstone resided with Sir James Watson, in Woodside
Terrace. 16th December, 1879. — A Conversazione was given in the Corporation
Galleries on the occasion of inaugurating the Exhibition of H.R.H.
the Prince of Wales' Indian Collections, kindly lent by the Prince.
28th December, 1879. — The Tay Railway Bridge fell. The catastrophe
occurred on the evening of Sunday during a terrible storm of wind and
rain. The usual express train from Edinburgh to Dundee and the
North had reached Newport about 7 p.m. It was then seen from the
Dundee side to enter the bridge, but not making its appearance in due
time fears were awakened, which were afterwards proved to be only
too well founded. The breadth of the frith is about two miles, and
when the train had reached midway across it appears that the force of
the wind acting on the train and the iron heavy girders erected at that
portion of the structure, caused the bridge to give way, the consequence
being, that the entire train with its living freight of about 100 human
beings, plunged into the water, and not one escaped to tell the tale.
Nothing so disastrous and distressing had occurred in the history of
railway travelling in this country.
29th December, 1879. — The Lord Provost entertained a large party
at a Conversazione in the St. Andrew Halls.

WILLIAM COLLINS, LORD PROVOST, 1877-80. 339
20th March, 1880 — The Cope Stone of the Queen's Dock was laid
by the Lord Provost. After the ceremony luncheon was served in one
of the sheds.
9th June, 1880 — The Magistrates by invitation from the Lord Provost,
visited the Island of Slmna. The Lord Provost's yacht met them at the
Crinan and landed them on the Island, afterwards they went by the
yacht to Oban to his Lordship's summer residence.
7th July, 1880. — The Grand Duke Alexis visited Glasgow.
8th to 18th September, 1880. — The first Competitive Designs of eleva
tion of the New Municipal Buildings were Exhibited in the Corporation
Halls. 22nd September, 1880. — A number of the Lanarkshire Volunteers and
others assembled in the Corporation Halls to witness the handing over
of the China Cup and the Caledonian Shield to the safe keeping of the
Corporation. 2nd October, 1880. — The Provost laid the foundation stone of the
New Bridge at Kelvingrove Park, and the company afterwards met
in the Pillar Hall of the Queen's Rooms where cake and wine were
served. 29th October, 1880. — The Magistrates attended in their official capacity
the Funeral of the late Rev. Dr. Jamieson, and on the Sunday 31st,
they attended St. Paul's Church at his Funeral Sermon.
1st November, 1880. — The Corporation entertained a number of gen
tlemen connected with the Marine Engineers' Exhibition, to dinner in
the Council Hall, and the Parks and Galleries Committee and the
Committee of the Naval and Marine Engineers' Exhibition entertained
a large company to a Conversazione in the Corporation Galleries at the
inauguration of the Exhibition.

340 WILLIAM COLLINS, LORD PROVOST, 1877-80,

THE HON. THE LORD PROVOST,
1877- 80.
 + 
Sir William Collins was born at Glasgow, 12th October, 1817. His
father Mr. William Collins, publisher, was a highly respected citizen,
well known far and wide by his affective advocacy of the temperance
cause, of which he was one of the original promoters in this country,
and also for his devoted labours in connection with the comprehensive
and successful scheme for Church Extension throughout Scotland.
His mother Jane Barclay, was a lady of great amiability, and the family,
besides the subject of this notice, consisted of a son and daughter, both
of whom died in early life. Mr. Collins was educated in his native city
and at a comparatively early age was entered as an apprentice in his
father's business. In 1848 he was admitted as a partner, when, to the
business of publishing was added that of Manufacturing Stationers.
After his father's death in 1853 Sir William continued the business
on his own account, till 1865, when he assumed as partners two of his
assistants who had for many years been engaged in the management.
Three years later his two elder sons joined as partners, and the business
was then carried on under the designation of William Collins, Sons & Co.,
with a branch house under the same firm in London. Under this man
agement the business continued to expand with great rapidity till 1880,
when it was reconstructed in accordance with "The Companies Act" under
the title of William Collins, Sons & Co., (Limited,) as publishers, printers,
bookbinders and manufacturing stationers, and has continued its growth
till it is now the largest establishment of the kind out of London. The
shares are all held by Sir William and his family, and those who have
been associated with him in the management. This large establishment
is situated in Stirling Road, and comprises a series of substantial
buildings which have also frontage in Taylor Street and St. James' Road,

WILLIAM COLLINS, LORD PROVOST, 1877-80. 341
Sir William entered the Council in 1868 as a representative of the
fifth ward, and as the best possible proof of his faithfulness and ability
it is sufficient to say that he has been four times unanimously returned
by the same ward. In 1873 he was elected a Magistrate, and four
years later, in 1877, the Council did him the honour to elevate him to
the chief seat, as Lord Provost of Glasgow.
However gratified his friends in the Council might be by this well
bestowed mark of esteem and confidence, his temperance friends,
not only in Glasgow but all over the country, were in the highest
degree jubilant. They considered it a great triumph to the cause which
he and they had so much at heart, as Sir William was the first total ab
stainer that had the honour to be elected to the dignity of Lord Provost of
"the second city of the empire." A few years earlier it was considered
that an abstainer had not the remotest chance of being made even a Bailie ;
now, not only the Bench had its quota of abstainers, but the civic
throne itself was in possession of one of their order. It is but justice to
say, however that, as chairman of the Council, his Lordship discharged
the duties with firmness and impartiality, and with great tact and
judgment. Even under very trying circumstances, to which in common
with all his predecessors, he was occasionally subjected, he always suc-
ceded in preserving his equanimity and never allowed himself to give
way to an angry or disrespectful expression. Outside the Council many
duties devolved on him to tax his time and social and mental resources,
and on all occasions he sustained his position with becoming dignity
and propriety.
A marked feature in the history of the country, concurrent with the civic
reign of Sir William, was the visit of the Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone to
Scotland, as a candidate for the representation of Mid-Lothian. No party
denies that his public utterances on that occasion were the greatest
oratorical displays, whether in regard to their immediate effects or
subsequent results, that had ever been known in this country. But
whether the results were for good or for evil parties were and still are,
by no means agreed. While the Conservatives regard them as eminently
disastrous to the best interests of the country, the Liberals take the very
opposite view, and with politicians the question must still be left. Before
leaving Scotland Mr. Gladstone came to Glasgow to fulfil the duty attend
ant on his previous election as Lord Rector of the University, of

342 WILLIAM COLLINS, LORD PROVOST, 1877-80.
addressing the students; which he did in the Kibble Palace, Botanic
Gardens. In the evening of the same day he addressed an immense
assemblage in the St. Andrew's Halls, on political matters ; the Earl of
Breadalbane, on the motion of Lord Provost Collins, having been called
to the chair. Later on the same evening, Mr. Gladstone proceeded to
the City Hall for the purpose of being presented with an address from
the Corporation, when the Lord Provost presided, and made a very neat
and appropriate introductory address in which the character and abilities
of the great statesman were discanted on in felicitous and highly
eulogistic terms.
Immediately after his elevation to the chief seat Sir William gave
proof of his generosity by instituting, and with assistance of Lady Collins,
successfully carrying out, a series of social meetings of quite a novel
description, and specially adapted to the entertainment of the various
classes of the community. The first was a grand musical and scientific
festival in the St. Andrew's Halls in December, 1877, which was attend
ed by about 1600 of the leading citizens. The second was on the new-
year's day following, when the poor of the city, to the number of 1500,
were substantially entertained in the City Hall. In February, 1878, a
second Conversazione was held in the St. Andrew's Halls, and was
attended by about 1600 of the Christian workers in the city. Again in
March another Conversazione was held in the same halls, which was
attended by about 1400, including the professional classes and others,
who were addressed on the temperance question by Dr. W. B.
Richardson, F. R. S., London; and this was followed by a great meeting
of the industrial classes in the City Hall, which was crowded from floor
to ceiling — this meeting was also addressed by Dr. Richardson. At all
these meetings temperance refreshments, as well as high-class music,
were liberally provided.
All this was no doubt the fruit of his zeal for the spread of those
temperance principles, which he had by inheritance from his honoured
father, as well as from his own personal convictions. Sir William has,
during the whole of his career, been a staunch adherent to, and an indefatig
able advocate of, total abstinence from intoxicating drinks. He has often
been charged with running to extremes on that subject, but, as a Magis
trate and otherwise he has had ample opportunities for witnessing the
terrible evils that arise from excess, and has the conviction that there is

WILLIAM COLLINS, LORD PROVOST, 1877-80. 343
no hope of a radical cure but in abstinence, which is not to be adequately
effected by moral suasion alone. En a movement of that nature where
vast pecuniary interests are involved, a strong opposing feeling is natur
ally excited, which is not always very courteous in its expression, and
of this kind of opposition Sir William has not been without his share.
No one however, has laboured more earnestly and unweariedly in pro
moting what he conceives to be for the public welfare, and he may well
be excused even by those who conceive that his zeal urges him into
an extreme position. Apart altogether from this question, he
has given ample proof of a humane and christian spirit, by his efforts in
behalf of the poor and the suffering. That very year to which we have
just referred, viz. 1878, was one of great commercial depression,
aggravated by the disastrous failure of the City Bank, no fewer than
30,000 persons having been for some months dependent on public charity.
During that crisis Sir William's personal beneficence and public influence
and exertions went a great length in mitigating distress and averting
other evils that usually spring from it.
It is pleasing, however, to know that during his active and useful life
Sir William's worth and services have not been unappreciated. For
instance, as a proof of how he was regarded by his professional brethren it
is enough to say that the Incorporation of Stationers, of which he had
been president, presented him with an illuminated address, signed by
members of the company, and enclosed in a silver gilt casket, on the
occasion of his elevation to the civic chair. Again, his employes, in
congratulating him on his attainment of fifty years in business, also pre
sented him with an illuminated address, enclosed in a silver casket.
Shortly after the expiry of his term of office as Lord Provost, in
1880, the Corporation presented Lady Collins with a full length
portrait of Sir William, and at the same timo Sir William was
presented with a full length portrait of Lady Collins, the portraits being
subscribed for by members of the Council and other public Trusts.
Again, on the 29th October of the same year, a handsome public Fountain,
designed and executed by Mr. John Mossman, and erected at the Green
near the Old Justiciary Hall, as a tribute from his temperance friends,
was inaugurated in presence of an assemblage of 50,000 persons, con
siderable numbers of them being delegates from the various temperance
organizations throughout the country. A. H, M'Lean Esq , in name of

344 WILLIAM COLLINS, LORD PROVOST, 1877-80
the subscribers, handed it over to the Corporation ; and in accepting it
Lord Provost Ure made a happy speech highly eulogistic of his predecessor
in the civic chair. To cap this pile of well won honours, locally un
precedented, he the- same year received the honour of knighthood at
Holyrood palace, on 26th August, from Her Majesty Queen Victoria.
Although the term of office as Lord Provost expired in 1880, Sir
William did not adopt the usual course and retire altogether from the
Council. He still retains his seat, and his wide experience is highly
useful to his colleagues who have been entrusted with the management of
public business.
In joolitics Sir William is an advanced Liberal, and in ecclesiastical
matters he- is an adherent of the Free Church. He has been twice
married, first to Annabella, daughter of Alexander Glen, Esq., Glasgow,
and secondly to Helen, daughter of Robert Jamieson, Esq., Glasgow.
We cannot close these remarks without recording a meed of praise to
lady Collins, who not only superintended the domestic hospitalities, but
also gave her presence and attention to the more public entertainments,
not only to the rich but also to the poor.
To show the estimate which had been formed of Mr. Gladstone by the
Lord Provost and the Council we take the following from the speech
delivered by Sir William Collins on the occasion already referred to : — ¦
"It is now 14 years since the Corporation did itself the honour of
adding your name to the illustrious men who preceded you as freemen
burgesses of our ancient city. While we cannot but feel we have a
special interest in you as a distinguished citizen, we believe that millions
of your countrymen, to whom your name is a household word, also look
up to you as a representative of all those qualities which go to make up
what has been described as the noblest work of God, "an honest man."
I deem it to be a high honour to be the mouthpiece of this Corporation
in again expressing not only those sentiments of esteem and respect
which we entertain towards you personally, and which I think I may
say, are shared by the great body of your fellow citizens, but our con
tinued and increasing admiration of those talents which have gained for
you a world-wide renown."

<>C<J

JOHN URE, LORD PROVOST, 1880-83. 345

MEETINGS OF TOWN COUNCIL,
NOVEMBER, 1880.

ELECTION OF COUNCILLORS AND MAGISTRATES.

The first Meeting of the newly constituted Town Council of Glasgow
was held on the 11th of November, 1880, the proceedings being opened
by prayer by the Rev. Mr. Dickson of St. David's Parish. Bailie
Laing, Senior Magistrate, occupied the chair, and all the members were
present with the exception of Councillor Moir.
The Standing Orders having been held as read, the Chairman said —
The next part of our proceedings to-day is the election of Lord Provost,
and as Senior Magistrate it falls to my lot to nominate a Member of
Council for that office. I do so with very great pleasure, feeling assured
that the gentleman I am about to name will be received by you, not
only with unanimity, but with great cordiality. The City of Glasgow
has been most fortunate in the election of gentlemen to fill that high
and important office as far back as I can remember; gentlemen who have
occupied the chair with great credit to themselves, with satisfaction to
the Council, and have jealously guarded and maintained the honour and
dignity of this great city, and I am sure you will agree with me in saying
that Ex-Bailie John Ure (applause) is not one whit behind any of his
predecessors in point of position, ability and experience in council matters.
(renewed applause) Gentlemen, it seems almost unnecessary that I should
say a single word by way of enforcing the claims of Mr. Ure to this
important office. He is known intimately to the most of you, but per
haps I may be pardoned if, for the sake ofthe newer members of Council,
I refer very briefly to one or two of the more important offices he has
occupied since he entered the Council in 1856, now twenty-four years
ago. In 1859 he was elected Depute River Bailie, in 1860 River Bailie,

346 JOHN URE, LORD PROVOST, 1880-83.
and in 1861 a Burgh Magistrate. Again in 1875 at the earnest request
of Sir James Bain he consented to accept office as a Burgh Magistrate
for the second time, and I venture to say there was not a more popular
appointment to that office and I have reason to know that Sir James
was exceedingly gratified. He continued in the magistracy till the end
of 1879, in which latter year he was the Senior Bailie, and we all know
that he discharged the responsible duties of these appointments with
very great ability. Among the various committees of which he has
been a prominent member there is one committee to which I will more
particularly refer, and in which he has taken a peculiarly deep interest —
I refer to the Health Committee.
As I have already said, Mr. Ure entered the Council in 1856, after
the third great invasion of this country by Cholera in 1854. All the
matters relating to public health were just at this time uppermost in the
minds of the legislature and the people. One of the results was the
passing of the Nuisance Removal (Scotland) Act, 1856, under which in
the first year of Mr Ure's service as a Councillor, a " Committee on
Nuisance" was constituted, of which he was made a member. The first
meeting was held on sixth April 1857; in 1858 Bailie Clouston became
Lord Provost, and Mr. Ure was promoted to the Chairmanship. This
elevation so early to a position of so much importance in the Council is
evidence that in the business of this committee he had found something
thoroughly congenial to the bent of his mind, and had made himself
conspicuous. During all these twenty-two years he has been at the head
of the sanitary administration of the city and associated with every
measure for the improvement of public health. It is rare indeed, in
municipal history, for a man to drop at once into a new sphere of action
in the service of the public which so exactly suits him, and to which he
is able to devote himself so long and with so mnch succesg. As Mr.
Ure's claims to the gratitude of the citizens of his native city, and to the
highest honours, rest to a large extent upon his services as the head of
our sanitary administration, I shall endeavour very briefly to give you
some idea of the nature and extent of these services. Immediately after
his appointment as chairman of the Nuisance Committee, he called the
attention of the Police Board to the sanitary condition of the city, and
to existing arrangements which the provisions of the act, to quote his
own words, "neither that act nor the Police Act then gave authority to

JOHN URE, LORD PROVOST, 1880-83. 347
appoint a medical officer who shall specially have the care of the public
health. I was therefore forced to inquire what other means might,
under these acts, be available for the improvement of our sanitary
condition." He accordingly submitted a draft of a department for the
supervision of nuisances, which was remitted to a Special Committee of
the Board. This Committee advised that Mr. Ure, along with Mr.
Marwick, Mr. Carrick, and Captain Smart, should visit some of the
large towns in England and Ireland to enquire into their sanitary
organisations. Suffice it to say an elaborate report was submitted, and
most of the suggestions contained therein were adopted in the Police
Act of 1862. A Sanitary Committee was at once appointed under the
act, with Mr. Ure as chairman, and at their request he drew out a
general scheme for the new organisation, which clearly shows how
thoroughly he had studied and comprehended the requirements of the
public health in large cities. Practically the scheme was adopted as it
came from the chairman's pen. A medical officer was appointed in 1863,
in 1865 the Parliamentary Road Hospital established, and the Board
assumed the entire management of epidemic diseases. In 1868 an
Inspector of Cleansing was appointed, and the cleansing of the city was
also taken in hand by the Board. Both these important steps were
adopted. After experience has afforded abundant evidence that the
only satisfactory way of dealing with the outbreaks of fever which were
so frequently occurring, and securing proper attention to the conditions
of health in the cleansing of the city, was by doing the work in both
cases under the direct control of the local authority. Certain amend
ments which were introduced in the Police Act of 1866 facilitated these
changes. In like manner experience of the working of the new sanitary
association had shown that some alterations were necessary. In 1869
Mr. Ure again led a deputation into England to note the improvements
effected in the ten years which had intervened since his former tour of
inspection. The result was printed in what is known as the "Bristol
Report,'' and is full of most important suggestions. The details of the
sanitary administration had during these years been the subject of much
criticism, and, after prolonged discussion, the organisation as it presently
exists took shape. The present Sanitary Inspector was appointed in 1870,
and the present Medical Officer in 1872. The sanitary and cleansing
departments were then conjoined, under Mr. Ure's chairmanship, and

348 JOHN URE, LORD PROVOST, 1880-83.
the name which he had suggested in his opening speech in 1859, namely,
the Health Committee, was now given to the complete organisation,
which, for the last ten years, has been so successful in operation.
Without entering further into the development of the present sanitary
organisation of Glasgow, and having seen that we were destitute of even
the rudiments of such an organisation when Mr. Ure took charge of the
old Committee on Nuisances in 1858, I may remind you of what it now
is. First, we have a sanitary inspector and medical officer of health,
with a staff of some forty-three subordinate officers, for the various
departments of work bearing upon the health of the community — such
as nuisances, lodging-house inspection, suppression of over crowding, the
control of infectious diseases, including vaccination, the inspection of
dairies and milk shops, and vital statistics. Second, we have well
appointed hospitals providing accommodation for between six hundred
and seven hundred patients. Third, we have a reception-house for
taking into quarantine the healthy members of families invaded by
infectious diseases, whose circumstances are such that only this measure
will secure the proper purification of their persons and houses. Fourth,
we have under the direct control of the sanitary inspector, a washing-
house, for cleansing infected clothing, with between 40 and 50 hands
employed in those operations and in disinfecting infected houses.
Fifth and lastly, Consolidated under the committees of health we have a
general cleansing and scavengering department which is at the present
moment on the point of overcoming the enormous difficulty of this all
important branch of sanitary work by adopting the newest appliances to
facilitate the disposal of the vast mass of refuse matter which has accum
ulated from day to day, as a necessary result from the life of a community of
over half a million of inhabitants. It may be said without exaggeration,
and without the slightest desire to disparage the efficient co-operation of
many members of the present and past Town Council — a disparagement
which it would be in the highest degree foreign to the nature of Mr.
Ure to encourage— that this ample provision for the protection of the
health of the city is essentially the outcome of his own untiring perse
verance. Nor need it be said that in the working out of this satisfactory
result many hard fights had to be fought, and many periods of anxiety,
approaching to despair, had to be encountered. That this should be so,
is of the nature of government by a representative body in which all

JOHN URE, LORD PROVOST, 1880-83. 349
shades of opinion must exist, and in whose deliberations all interests
must be considered and conciliated. I think the Council will bear me
out in the assertion that no one could have carried out those negotiations
and so persistently prosecuted the various schemes with greater urbanity>
with more untarnished popularity, and with such good feeling. I am
quite sure that, while holding to his own cherished opinions from first
to last, amid opposition both within and without the Council, the chair
man has never made an enemy either within these walls or among the
community at large. (Applause.) I have told how Mr. Ure found the
state of the city as to sanitary matters in 1858, and how it stands now.
Had time permitted I might have brought the results of those labours
more fully before you. Suffice it to say that if we take the city as to
mortality and prevalent infectious diseases in the first ten years of that
period and the last, between 1856 and 1865 and between 1870 and 1879,
the death-rate in the former period was 30 \, and in the latter period 28,
being a saving of life during the last ten years of about 13,000 persons ;
and the benefits of our sanitary efforts are evidently now only developing,
for the death-rate in the most recent period of five years averages only
25 \. I do not, neither does Mr. Ure, claim for the Health Committee
all the credit for the reduction of the death-rate, for there is no doubt
the introduction of Loch Katrine water and the operations of the
Improvement Trust, which are great health measures; are each entitled
to a share of the credit; but I submit that these operations of the Health
Committee have been by far the most important factor in lessening the
death-rate of the city. The fever epidemics of Glasgow are matters of
history. They break out periodically and are associated with our years
of highest mortality. The death-rate from fever during the first period
of ten years was more than double what it was during the last period of
ten years. In like manner the death-rate from small-pox was three and
a half times greater in the first than in the second period. These,
gentlemen, are only so many of the advantages which seem to have
accrued to the community from the operations' of the department to
which Mr. Ure has devoted the best energies of his public life — a life
devoted to the best interest of his fellow citizens. As I have said, the
benefits of our sanitary efforts are only now developing. We hope to
reap further benefits from what has been done, for no doubt much
remains to do in following up what has been so profitably begun. It is

850 JOHN URE, LORD PROVOST, 1880-83.
somewhat remarkable also that just at the time when I ask you to
elevate to the position of chief magistrate one who is identified with
sanitary practice, there should be emerging into a position demanding
attention subjects which are eminently of a sanitary nature.' I refer
more particularly to that hardest of all problems in municipal manage
ment, the sewage question. It must be satisfactory to us all that a
question which involves so many grave issues as regards our health,
should be pressing for a practical solution under the prospective reign of
a Lord Provost who is so well fitted to consider it in a health aspect ;
and I may here inform you that Mr. Ure will retain, with your permis
sion, the chairmanship of the Health Committee.
Gentlemen, I could say much more, but I refrain. The motion which
I now submit is merely a matter of form : for is it not the fact that you
have already selected Mr. Ure as your Lord Provost, and is it not the
fact that his fellow citizens have approved your selection 1 I have not
heard one dissenting voice either within or without the Council.
Gentlemen, in honouring Mr. Ure you are doing great honour to your
selves. I beg formally to move that Ex-Bailie John Ure be elected
Lord Provost of this his native city for the next three years. (Applause.)
Bailie Thomson — I rise with great pleasure to second the nomination
of Mr. Ure for the office of Lord Provost, and after the very excellent
address in which the Chairman has proposed his appointment it is not
necessary for me to say more. I have simply to add that I think both
the Council and the people outside are proud that Mr. Ure has so frankly
acceded to the wishes of thc Council. (Applause.)
Mr. Collins — It may seem to be unnecessary to add anything to what
you have said so well as to the claims and qualifications of Ex-Bailie
Ure for the high position to which it is now proposed to appoint him,
but probably you will allow me in a few words to express my great
gratification at the near prospect of Mr. Ure occupying that position
which it was my privilege to hold for the last three years. (Applause.)
And, speaking as I can from personal knowledge of the onerous and
arduous duties he will be called upon to discharge, not only within but
without the Council, I feel if you only afford him the same measure of
cordial support and co-operation which you have been kind enough to
accord to myself, you will to a considerable extent lighten those burdens,
and make the discharge of them more pleasant. I am quite assured from

JOHN URE, LORD PROVOST, 1880-83.' 351
my experience of the Members of the Council, that not only will they
willingly do so, but that it will be to them a pleasure to do everything
in their power to make the discharge of these duties agreeable. The
duties of- the Chair are sufficiently onerous sometimes as well as slightly
unpleasant, and I think it is the duty of his colleagues to make the
acceptance of that office as pleasant and as agreeable as possible. I do
not need to say very much after what has been already said as to Mr
Ure's -high qualifications for the Chair. His large experience in Muni
cipal work as well as the ability which he has brought to the discharge
of the special duties entrusted to him, are sufficient guarantees that the
higher duties of the Chair to which we are about to raise him will be
performed, not only with credit to himself, but with credit to this large
city. (Loud Applause.)
The nomination was then agreed to with acclamation.
The Chairman then said — I have the greatest pleasure, my Lord
Provost, in investing you with this chain and insignia of office, and I do
hope you will be spared to the city long after your term of office has
expired. (Applause.)
The Lord Provost in taking the chair, said — I beg to offer you my
best thanks for the distinguished position in which ydii have this day
placed me. In electing me to be the chief magistrate of this my native
city you have conferred the highest honour to which any citizen can
aspire — the very highest which you have in your power to bestow. It
should also be very gratifying to us all to be informed that your
selection has the general approval of the citizens ; but, whilst that fact
may in some measure lessen your responsibility, I feel that it increases
mine, and will cause a wide spread disappointment if I fail, as I fear I
must, to discharge satisfactorily the various important duties of the high
office to which you have now elected me. I accept with gratitude the
assurance of support and assistance given me so generally by the
Members of the Council, and by none more heartily given or by by me
more gratefully accepted, than from my much esteemed predecessor in
this chair, whose return I had so anxiously desired, not less for the full
knowledge of our affairs which he possesses, than for that kind geniality
which his presence here is calculated to continue amongst us. Gentle
men, with all the assistance which he and you can give me, I am well
aware that there are many duties belonging to the Chief Magistrate's

352 JOHN URE, LORD PROVOST, 1880-83.
office which none but the Lord Provost can discharge. It is with some
regret that I have observed of late years a tendency to multiply unduly
the occasions on which the Chief Magistrate was called to take part, and
most frequently a leading part, in matters which I humbly think were
somewhat foreign to his office, and if I decline to continue a practise
which the able men who have preceded me may have found a matter
of comparative ease to follow, I hope my declinature may not be
misinterpreted. I hope it may be understood to be as much in the
interest of those who may succeed me in office and in your interest as
in my own ; for, if the duties already so numerous be made too burden
some by this added outside work, you may at some time find it difficult
to get any one to undertake them. Of course I am well aware that
there are certain duties outside the Council that the citizens may
reasonably expect the Chief Magistrate to perform, and these, to the
extent of my ability, and with the assistance of the Magistrates, I shall
willingly undertake. I have in this connection mentioned the Magistrates,
because I think there are many occasions on which the citizens would
accept their presence instead of mine, and in the performance of work
which they are well able to discharge, the Magistrates would earn for
their office a grace and dignity to which it is richly entitled. As regards
the duties here I am less concerned. I know the earnest desire of my
colleagues to do the work which their fellow citizens have entrusted
them with. That we will differ in our views regarding it I am quite
prepared to expect. Indeed, I would deplore the dead monotony of
continuous unanimity. I only look for a sound reliable judgment
on important matters when all sides have been presented to us ; and,
therefore, I shall, as far as reasonable, extend the fullest liberty of
speech. Mere waste of time by irrelevant talk I shall do my utmost to
prevent — (hear, hear,) — and I expect in the interest of free and fair
discussion that you will also assist me in maintaining such order and
decorum as becomes a deliberative assembly. Bailie Laing has very
flatteringly referred to my lengthened service amongst you. Often in
the course of it I have felt that my place might have been better filled
if I had left it empty; but I liked the work, and enjoyed the inter
course of those who were engaged in it along with me, and, my
constituents being satisfied, I have remained, and this is what it has
come to. I am pleased that Bailie Laing has not put length of service

JOHN URE, LORD PROVOS'l, 1880-83. 353
forward as the only ground for my preferment. I myself have never
regarded length of service as giving a perfect claim for magisterial
office, and least of all, for the office of Chief Magistrate. Length of
service in some instances only serves to disclose unfitness for these
appointments. In my own case, I have sat under nine Lord Provosts,
only three of whom were in the Town Council before me. The election
of the other six had my most cordial concurrence, and as you all know.
they had each my loyal support; nay more, if at the election of any of
them the high honour had been proffered to me I would not on any
account have accepted it. If you ask me why I accept it now? I answer
because I see in the near future, work to do in that department of the
public service in which I have been engaged throughout my whole
public career — the question of sewage disposal, and that even more
important question relating to building regulations. I am not unaware
that to deal with these questions satisfactorily it would be a matter of
the highest importance to have the co-operation and concurrence of our
neighbours around us. Take for instance the sewage question. We
cannot with any satisfaction deal with that if they continue to pollute
the river ; nor can it avail for us to restrain the cupidity of those
within our own territory who would build over every available inch
of ground, if all around our borders there is perfect freedom for builders
to build as they please. Whatever in years past may have been the
obstacles to friendly co-operation between us and the local authorities by
whom we are surrounded, it must soon become apparent to us all that
in those matters their interests and ours are identical ; and it will be
most gratifying to me if a scheme of federation can be devised which,
while it preserves to them by a fair representation their independence,
will thus unite us in a common bond of brotherhood where our interests
are the same. Another and hardly less important question than that I
have touched upon, is that relating to our new Municipal Buildings, the
erection of which in a style befitting the second largest city in the king
dom I hope we shall agree upon. There is still also the consolidation of
our Trusts to be dealt with, regarding which Mr. Walls, the able Con
vener of the committee that has had the matter in hand, will early have
something of importance to set before us as the result of diligent
inquiries he has quite recently been making at corporations in England,
which have already effected that operation. In addition to these
23

354 JOHN URE, LORD PROVOST, 1880-83.
weightier matters to which our attention must soon be devoted there
are questions of minor interest, not a few of which await solution in the
immediate future. Indeed it is not given to every session of our local
parliament to be signalized as you have the opportunity of signalising
this, You have it in your power to restore our noble river to compar
ative purity so that our citizens may have once more the pleasure which
their grandsires enjoyed, of wandering by its banks and breathing there
the pure uncontaminated air of heaven. You may have it in your
power so to regulate the future building of Glasgow that health may be
possible where sickness can be expected now; you may have it in your
power to erect Municipal Buildings that will carry down to generations
yet unborn the evidence that you foresaw the future greatness of our
city, and wisely provided for it. You may have it also in your power
to unite interests that have hitherto been for the most part opposed, and
to bring together that great community which is bound to us even now
by so many ties. Before sitting down, I welcome back my old
colleagues who have been here before — I welcome also those new mem
bers who are come for the first time amongst us. Some of them are well
known as having interested themselves in other departments of our city's
affairs. All of them, I am sure, have come here like ourselves, intend
ing to serve faithfully our fellow citizens.
¦ The first duty I call you to is to make certain important appoint
ments. I ask you to consider my proposals in the light of what will
best conduce to the welfare of our great community. I can hardly
exaggerate the importance of the Magistrate's office in this city. To
them is entrusted many duties which the ordinary Town Councillor
never has to perform. The most onerous of them no doubt is presiding
in the Police Courts. It is of the greatest consequence that we select
for that office men of prudence and sagacity, on whose judgment we can
rely, never forgetting that the means, the character and the liberty of
large numbers of our fellow citizens are in their power, and that any
injudicious exercise of that power would bring discredit on our Muni
cipal Government. Youthful offenders are more frequently brought
before the Police Courts than before any other tribunal, and such cases
demand the honest discrimination of the circumstances attending first
offences. My own experiences as a Magistrate warrants me to say that
advice and assistance often more than punishment are required in deal-

JOHN URE, LORD PROVOST, 1880-83. 355
ing with them, so I take leave to counsel my brother Magistrates to bear
in mind the words of the great dramatist: —
" Well, believe this—
No ceremony that to great ones 'longs,
Not the King"s crown, nor the deputed sword,
The Marshal's truncheon, nor the Judge's robe,
Become them with one half so good a grace
As mercy does."
The names 1 will present to you of gentlemen who have consented at
this time to accept office, I am sure will be a guarantee that the high
standing of the bench will still be maintained
The Lord Provost said — The first duty I have to ask you to under
take is the election of Magistrates ; I therefore name Mr. William
Wilson, Mr. John Mowat, Mr. John Farquhar, Mr. Hugh Colquhoun,
Mr. James Hunter Dickson, and Mr. Thomas Watson. The first on
my list is Mr. William Wilson, I need not inform you that Mr. Wilson
has been 1 2 years connected with the Town Council, and he has done
very great and important services for us in connection with the Bath
Committee, and if for no other thing I think I could claim for him the
commendation of the Council and the highest honour they can give him.
Mr. Wilson has been one of your Magistrates before and I ask him now
to give us three years' additional service. (Applause.)
Mr. Laing — I have great pleasure in seconding the nomination of Mr.
Wilson. The motion was agreed to unanimously.
The Lord Provost — The next gentleman I have to propose for your
acceptance is Mr. John Mowat. He has already been one year a River
Bailie and one year a Burgh Magistrate, I have the very greatest pleasure
in bearing testimony to the way in which he has discharged his duties.
Mr. Mowat is one who will bring no discredit to the bench but rather do
it credit. (Applause.)
Bailie Thomson seconded the nomination, which was agreed to unan
imously. The Lor! Provost — The next gentleman whom I desire to come back
to the benA is Mr. John Farquhar. He has been re-elected by his
Constituents for three years. He has already served two years as a
Maoistrate and I propose that he should be re-elected.
Bailie M'Onie seconded the motion, which was unanimously agreed to.

356 JOHN URE, LORD PROVOST, 1880-S3.
The Lord Provost — The next gentleman I ask you to appoint is Mr.
Hugh Colquhoun. We have had Mr. Colquhoun's service for one year; he
only desires to go back for one year, (applause) and with the greatest
pleasure I ask you to appoint him to that office.
Bailie Dunlop seconded, and the motion was unanimously adopted.
The Lord Provost then said — Another on my list is Mr. J. Hunter
Dickson, a name which I hope will be cordially accepted by the Council-
Mr. Dickson, during the three years he has been with us, has done good and
faithful service, and I have no hesitation in asking you to elect him to
the office of Magistracy.
Mr. Mitchell seconded, and said he was sure Mr. Dickson would make
an excellent Magistrate.
Mr. M'Laren said, he was very sorry to differ from his Lordship in
the nomination he had made; but in looking back he found that River
Bailie Finlay had been overlooked. He had served in the capacity of
River Bailie, and he understood it was the usual custom when gentle
men had done so that they be raised in due course to the Burgh Magis
tracy. Mr. Finlay had discharged the duties of River Bailie in a very
able manner.. He was a gentleman who had now retired from business
and was well qualified to discharge the onerous duties of a Magistrate
of the Burgh. He quite appreciated the fitness of Mr. Dickson, but
in the circumstances he held it to be his duty to nominate Mr. Finlay,
who had discharged the duties of River Bailie in a manner no one could
object to.
Mr. W. Brown seconded the amendment, and held that there was no
reason why they should deviate from the old practice of promoting the
River Bailie to the Burgh Magistracy.
Mr. Neil supported the amendment, and was also of opinion that
they should not depart from the custom which had been referred to bv
Mr. Brown.
Mr. Finlay said, he believed that one reason for the course which was
followed by the Lord Provost was the circumstance that already there
were two members of the Magistracy representatives of the Fourth
Ward, and it was not desirable that all the representatives should be
Burgh Magistrates. He would personally prefer to remain in the River
Bailieship, and he would wait for another year

JOHN URE, LORD PROVOST, 1880-83. 357
The Lord Provost — Mr. Finlay has stated one reason why he should
not be raised to the Burgh Magistracy at this time; but there is another.
My experience is that the gentlemen who sit as River Bailies remain
there for two years, and I feel that matters of greater importance come
before the River Bailie Court than ever come before the Central
Courts of the city. You will therefore see at once that it is desirable that
we should keep gentlemen there who understand the duties which they
are so well able to perform. (Applause.)
As there seemed to be some doubt as to whether the amendment of
Mr. M'Laren should go to the vote.
The Lord Provost asked Mr. M'Laren if he pressed his amendment.
Mr. M'Laren — I leave it entirely in Mr. Finlay's own hand.
The Lord Provost — Bailie Finlay, this matter has been left in your
hands. Mr. Finlay — I will take the River Bailieship. I may add that I am
very much gratified by the proposal of Mr. M'Laren, but I am willing
to withdraw from it.
The amendment was accordingly withdrawn, and the election of Bailie
Dickson was therefore unanimous.
The Lord Provost, before making the next nomination, said — I have
to correct an error I should have stated to you earlier, that there are
two gentlemen that, I know, the Members of Council were extremely
desirous should be put into the Magistrate's Chair, but who find it im
possible at the present time to accede to that proposal. These are Mr
Reid and Mr. Grierson. Mr. Thomas Watson has agreed to become a
Magistrate in the event of you sanctioning the nomination I have now
to make. He has been a member of the Town Council for the last three
years, and during that time has done very faithful work. I may say
this more for Mr. Watson, that a large portion of the work which you,
his brother Councillors, have never seen, is in connection with the River
Trust to which you have sent him and where he is Convener of the
Finance Committee; at the same time he is doing the City's work, and
I think he is entitled to all the honours we can give him. I have now
to nominate Mr. Thomas Watson to the office of Bailie. (Applause,
Treasurer Hamilton — I beg leave to second the nomination of Mr.
Watson as a City Magistrate. I have had the pleasure of meeting with
Mr. Watson for a great many years in connection with the Western

358 JOHN URE, LORD PROVOST, 1880-S3.
Infirmary, as well as in the River Trust, and I can assure you that he
has taken a very active part in both of these Institutions. (Applause.)
Mr. William Brown — There is a gentleman who has been eight years
in the Council who has taken great interest in city matters — a gentle
man who has done a great deal for the library, in giving us a hall, and
is very anxious to do all he can for the benefit of his fellow citizens.
I refer to Mr. John Neil, an upright man, who will do what is right
between man and man. Mr. Neil has also a great deal of time on his
hands, having really nothing to do. I have therefore, considering these
facts and his qualifications for the office, to nominate Mr. Neil, as one
of the Magistrates in opposition to Mr. Watson. I know Mr. Watson
very well, he is a very respectable man, but I think Mr. Neil has claims
which ought to he recognised.
Mr. M'Laren — I rise to second the nomination which Mr. Brown has
just made. I would have liked, however, that the opposition to Mr.
Watson had not really taken place. I consider that in nominating Mr.
Watson as one of your Magistrates you have been doing the right thing;
but I have to look at what I consider my duty to my colleagues in the
Sixth Ward. Mr. Neil has been returned to the Council by that Con
stituency time after time. I am quite aware that sometimes this
Council has taken particular note of, and put its paw upon, as it were,
certain gentlemen, and kept them back time after time. Looking round
the table beside your Lordship, I see gentlemen who were spotted and
kept back, time after time, in the very same manner as Mr. Neil has
been. Our much esteemed friend Mr. Moir was long years spotted, and
not allowed to come forward, but when Mr. Moir was appointed he dis
charged the duties in a manner that was an honour to the Council. In
that way it was shown that the desire to keep back a gentleman well
qualified for office was not always a very proper thing. I beg then
to second, out of a sense of duty; not on the ground that Mr. Watson is
not a fit and proper person; the nomination of Mr. Neil.
The Council then divided when Mr. Watson was elected by thirty
three to thirteen votes.
Mr. John Finlay was elected River Bailie and Mr. Selkirk Deputy
River Bailie.
The gentlemen nominated then declared their acceptance of office, took
the oaths, and were invested with the Chains of office.

JOHN URE, LORD PROVOST, 1880-83.

359

List of the Names of the Members of the Town Council during
Mr. John Ure's Provostship, 1880-83.
1880-81.

John Ure, Lard Provost.
John Laing, Bailie.
James Thomson, do-
William M'Onie, do-
Archibald DuNLor, do.
William Wilson, do.
John Mowat, do.
John Farquhar, do.
Hugh Colquhoun, do.
James Hunter Dickson, do.
Thomas Watson, do.
James Buchanan Mirrlees, Dean of
Guild.
Andrew M'Onie, Deacon Convener.
James Hamilton, Treasurer.
John Mitchell, Master of Works-
John Finlay, Bailie of the River and
Firth of Clyde.
James Landells Selkirk, Dpevte Bailie
of the River ..and Firth of Clyde.
James Couper, Bailie of Provan,
James David Marwick, LL.D., Town
Clerk.

William Cunninghame, Deputy Town
Clerk.
William West Watson, City Chamberlain.
James Nicol, Accountant.
William Gibb, Cashier.
John Carrick, City Architect and Super
intendent of Works.
John Lang, Procurator Fiscal of Burgh
and Dean of Guild Court, and Clerk
to Magistrates and Conncil (Police.)
Donald M'Phee, Police Procurator Fiscal.
Archibald Sinclair, Joint Fiscal in
River Bailie Court.
Alexander Young, George Black, Gor
don Smith, and Peter T. Young,
Assessors and Clerks of Police Courts.
James Muirhead, Assessor and Clerk to
the River Bailie Court.
William Campbell, Assessor under the
Lands Valuation Act and Assessor
under the Registration of Voters Act.
James Brown, Council Officer.
James Killin, Chamber Keeper.

1880-81.

WARD FIRST.
William Brown.
William M'Neil Stuart.
Alexander Waddel.
WARD SECOND.
Andrew S. Bryce.
William Urt.
John E. Millar. WARD THIRD.
Thomas A. Mathieson.
John Filshill,
James Keid.

WARD FOURTH.

James Thomson, Bailie-
John Finlay.
Hugh Colquhoun, Bailie.
WARD FIFTH.
James L. Selkirk.
Hugh Lamberton.
William Collins.
WARD SIXTH.
Alexander Osborne.
Alexander M'Laren,
John Neil.

360 JOHN URE,
WARD SEVENTH.
Henry Grierson.
Thomas Watson. Bailie.
John Mowat, Bailie.
WARD EIGHTH.
James Brown.
Archibald Dunlop, Bailie-
William K. W. Smith.
WARD NINTH.
James Shaw.
Peter Bertram.
John Farquhar, Bailie.
WARD TENTH.

James Torrens.
James Gray.
James Morrison.
WARD ELEVENTH.
George Jackson.
Matthew Fairley.
William Walls.

LORD PROVOST, 1880-83.
WARD TWELFTH.
William Dron.
Duncan M'Pherson.
James Hunter Dickson, Bailie.
WARD THIRTEENTH.
James Hamilton.
The Lord Provost.
John Young.
WARD FOURTEENTH.
James S. Hamilton.
David Richmond.
William Wilson, Bailie.
WARD FIFTEENTH.
John Laing, Bailie-
Ion's Mitchell.
Peter Stewart.
WARD SIXTEENTH.
William M'Onie, Bailie-
William Kenny Watson.
John L. K. Jamieson.

188 1-8 2.

John Ure, Lord Provost.
Archibald Dunlop, Bailie.
William Wilson, do-
John Mowat, do.
John Farquhar, do.
Hugh Colquhoun, do.
James Hunter Dickson, do.
Thomas Watson, do.
William M'Onie, do.
John Finlay, do.
James Struthers Hamilton, do.
Alexander Stephen, Dean of Guild-
Thomas Reid, Deacon Convener.
William Walls, Treasurer.
John Mitchell, Master of Works.
James L. Selkirk, Bailie of the River
and Firth of Clyde-
William Dron, Depute Bailie of the
River and Firth of Clyde.
James Couper, Bailie of Provan.
James D. Marwick, LL.D. Town Clerk.
.Andrew Cunninghame, Deputy Town
Ckrk.

William West Watson, City Chamberlain.
James Nicol, Accountant.
William Gibb, Cashier.
John Carrick, City Architect and Super
intendent of Works.
John Lang, Procurator Fiscal for the
Burgh and Dean of Guild Court,
and Clerk to the Magistrates and
Council (Police.)
Donald M'Phee, Police Procurator Fiscal.
Archibald Sinclair, Joint Fiscal River
Bailie Court.
Alexander Young, George Black, Gor
don Smith and Peter Taylor Young,
Assessors and Clerks of Police Courts.
James Muirhead, Assessor and Clerk to
River Bailie Court.
William Campbell, Assessor under the
Lands Valuation Act, and Assessor
under the Registration A ct.
James Brown, Council Officer.
William M'Leod, Chamber Keeper.

JOHN URE, LORD PROVOST, 1880-83.

361

1881-82.

WARD FIRST.
William M'N. Stuart.
Alexander Waddel.
William Brown.
WARD SECOND.
Wllliam Ure.
John R. Miller.
James Martin. WARD THIRD.
John Filshill.
James Reid.
Thomas A. Mathieson.
WARD FOURTH.
John Finlay, Bailie.
Hugh Colquhoun, Bailie.
James Thomson.

WARD FIFTH.

Hugh Lamberton.
Sir William Collins.
James L. Selkirk.
WARD SIXTH.
Alexander M'Laren.
John Neil.
Alexander Osborne.
WARD SEVENTH.
Thomas Watson, Bailie-
John Mowat, Bailie.
Henry Grierson.
WARD EIGHTH.
Archibald Dunlop, Bailie.
William R. W. Smith.
James M. Forrester.

WARD NINTH.
Peter Bertram,
John Farquhar, Bailie.
James Shaw.
WARD TENTH.
James Gray.
James Morrison.
James Torrens.
WARD ELEVENTH.
Matthew Fairley.
George Jackson.
Wllliam Walls.
WARD TWELFTH.
Duncan M'Pherson,
James H. Dickson, Bailie-
Wdlliam Dron.
WARD THIRTEENTH.
John Young.
The Lord Provost.
James Hamilton.
WARD FOURTEENTH.
David Richmond,
William Wilson, Bailie.
James S. Hamilton, Bailie.
WARD FIFTEENTH.
John Mitchell.
Peter Stewart.
John Laing. WARD SIXTEENTH.
William Renny Watson.
John L. K. Jamieson.
William M'Onie, Bailie.

JOHN URE. LORD PROVOST, 1880-83.

John Ure, Lord Provost.
William Wilson, Bailie-
John Farquhar, do.
James Hunter Dickson. do.
William M'Onie, do.
James Struthers Hamilton, do.
Thomas Watson, do.
William Ure, do.
Duncan M'Pherson, do.
David Richmond, do.
Peter Bertram, do.
Alexander Stephen, Dean of Guild.
Thomas Reid, Deacon Convener.
William Walls, Treasurer.
John Laing, Master of Works.
James L. Selkirk, Bailie of the River
and Firth of Clyde.
William Dron, Depute Bailie ot the
River and Firth of Clyde.
James Couper, Bailie of Provan.
James D. Marwick, LL.D., Town Clerk.
Andrew Cunninghame, Deputy Town
Clerk.

James Nicol, City Chamberlain.
William Gibb, Cashier.
John Carrick, City Architect and Super
intendent of Woi'ks.
John Lano, Procurator Fiscal of Burgh,
River Bailie, and Dean of Guild
Courts, and Clerk to the Magistrates
and Council (Police.)
Donald M'Phee, Police Procurator
Fiscal.
Archibald Sinclair, Joint Fiscal River
Bailie Court.
Alexander Young, George Black, Gor
don Smith and Peter Taylor Young
Assessors and Clerks of Police Courts.
James Muirhead. Assessor and Clerk to
River Bailie Court.
William Campbell, Assessor under the
Lands Valuation Act, and Assessor
under the Registration of Voters Act.
James Brown, Council Officer.
William M'Leod, Chamber Keeper.

1882-83.

WARD FIRST.
Alexander Waddel.
Henry Burt Wilson.
Hugh Steel Thomson.
WARD SECOND.
John R. Miller.
James Martin.
William Ure, Bailie.
WARD THIRD.
James Reid.
Thomas A. Mathieson.
John Filshill. WARD FOURTH.
Hugh Colquhoun.
James Thomson.
James Macfarlane. WARD FIFTH.
Sir William Collins.
James L. Selkirk.
David Morrin.

WARD SIXTH.

John Neil.
Alexander Osborne.
Alexander M'Laren.
WARD SEVENTH
John Mowat.
Henry Grierson.
Thomas Watson, Bailie.
WARD EIGHTH.
William R. W. Smith.
J. M. Forrester.
Archibald Dunlop.
WARD NINTH.
John Farquhar, Bailie.
James Shaw.
Peter Bertram, Bailie.
WARD TENTH.

James Morrison.
James Torrens.
James Gray,

JOHN URE, LORD PROVOST, 1880-83
WARD ELEVENTH.

363

George Jackson.
William Walls.
Malcolm Campbell.
WARD TWELFTH.
James H. Dickson, Bailie-
William Dron.
Duncan M'Pherson, Bail'e.
WARD THIRTEENTH.
The Lord Provost.
James Hamilton.
John Young.

WARD FOURTEENTH.
William Wilson, Bailie.
James S. Hamilton, Bailie.
David Richmond, Bailie-
WARD FIFTEENTH.
Peter Stewart.
John Laing.
Cunison D. Rankin.
WARD SIXTEENTH.
J. L, K. Jamieson.
William M'Onie, Bailie.
William Renny Watson.

A FEW OF THB EVENTS WHICH TOOK PLACE DURING Mr JOHN
Ure's Provostship.
1st December, 1880. — Councillor James Moir died, and on the 4th
inst. the Magistrates and Councillors in their official capacity attended
his funeral.
18th March, 1881. — The Town Council voted an Address of Condol
ence to Her Majesty the Queen and H.R.H. the Duchess of Edinburgh
on the assassination of the Emperor of Russia.
5th July, 1881. — Ex-Lord Provost Collins' portrait painted by R.
Herdman, R.S.A. for the Corporation was unveiled in the Corporation
Halls. Cake, wine, tea and coffee were handed round.
5th July, 1881. — The Town Council voted an Address of Sympathy
with the American people on the attempted assassination of President
Garfield. 15th August, 1881. — The first Circuit Court held under the new
arrangement of holding six courts in the year in Glasgow.
PRESENTATION TO MR. JAMES BROWN.
19th August, 1881. — The testimonial consisted of an address most
beautifully transcribed and embellished, and a cheque for £260. The
Hon. Lord Provost Ure presided, and amongst others present were : —
Ex-Lord Provost Galbraith, ex-Lord Provost Clouston, ex-Lord Provost

364 JOHN URE, LORD PROVOST, 1880-83.
Rae Arthur, ex-Lord Provost Sir James Bain ; Treasurer Hamilton,
Preceptor Mathieson, Bailies William Wilson, M'Onie, Colquhoun,
Dickson and Finlay ; ex-Bailies A. G. Macdonald, Morrison, E. J. Scott,
Wm. Millar (Cross), and Waddel ; Deacon-Convener M'Onie, Councillors
W. R. W. Smith, M'Laren, Fairley, and Peter Stewart.
Bailie Wilson said — The pleasing duty devolves upon me, in name of
the subscribers, to present this memorial to Mr. Brown, as a mark of
the great respect in which we hold him. I regret that Bailie Watson,
who discharged the duties of secretary to the subscribers, is not here to
day to share the pleasure we now have in presenting this mark of respect.
He would have been much pleased to have been with us. I need not
detain your lordship in giving any detailed account of the origin of this
movement. Indeed, it scarcely had any origin. It grew spontaneously
from among the gentlemen round this table and others who unfortu
nately have been prevented by absence from the city being present with
us to-day. Letters received in connection with it shows the high esteem
in which Mr. Brown is held. The work of art — for it is a work of art
— to be presented to Mr. Brown, is from the establishment of our friend
Bailie Macdonald, and is not to be surpassed by any work he has pro
duced. The purse of 260 sovereigns has been subscribed by all the ex-
Provosts now alive, by magistrates and ex-magistrates, members of the
Town Council and the Clyde Trust, and a few private friends. Had
we extended the circle we might have increased the sum, but coming
from whom it does it will be more esteemed by Mr. Brown. I may say
£100was the sum originally aimed at, but it grew to £260. We give
this into your hands, my Lord Provost, with the very kindliest regard,
in order that you may present it to Mr. Brown as the expression of our
feelings. The Lord Provost — It is a source of very great pleasure to me to
have the privilege of presenting this memorial to Mr. Brown. It is
probably more the accident of my position as Chief Magistrate than any
active part in connection with the object that brings us together to
wliich I am indebted for the honour of being your mouthpiece on this
occasion, and yet it may well be said that it is undue modesty on my
part to put it so. Not one, I am sure, of the gentlemen present has been
so long associated with Mr. Brown as I have. Indeed, with one excep
tion, I have been longest associated with Mr. Brown in an official

JOHN URE, LORD PROVOST, 1880-83. 365
capacity, of all our citizens — the exception being ex-Bailie Mitchell, and
he, I am sorry to say, is so unwell as not to be able to be with us to-day,
otherwise; it would, I am sure, have given him the highest gratification
to be here to do honour to one whom he, in his capacity of Town
Councillor, took part in appointing to the office which he has so faithfully
filled during the last 40 years. It tlierefore devolves upon me to make
the presentation, although the honour of initiating and carrying through
this memorial belongs to others — to none more than to Bailie Wilson.
I may say, however, that I am entitled to the credit of selecting this
day for the presentation. It was originally intended, as the address
bears, to present it on the 30th July, but circumstances intervened to
make it impossible to carry out our intentions, and by mere chance I
hit upon to-day. A day or two ago I saw the minute containing Mr.
Brown's appointment, and was astonished so find that on the 19th
August, 1841, he was appointed to the office he has since held. It is a
strange coincidence that on this day 40 years ago Mr. Brown first
entered into official connection with the city. I have obtained from
some of our officials interesting statistics showing how the city has grown
since that time. They show that the services Mr. Brown had to dis
charge in the early part of his career were a mere bagatelle compared to
those that fall to his lot now. At an early part of my career the merits
of Mr. Brown were prominently brought before me. When I entered
the Town Council I was sent to the Police Department, and as very few
meetings of the Town Council were then held, I had not much personal
intercourse with Mr. Brown. To Lord Provost Galbraith we are indebted
for the monthly meetings of the Council, and it was in connection with
Lord Provost Galbraith that Mr. Brown's merits were brought to my
notice. Some matter, 1 forget what, was under discussion, and most of
the magistrates, along with the Town-Clerk, were of one opinion, but
Lord Provost Galbraith held out against them, "Why are you so
stubborn to-day, Provost?" Bailie Clouston said. The reply was —
'"Because I know you are all wrong." "How do you know that?"
" I have consulted James, and he tells me so. " The Town-Clerk
examined the minutes and found James was right, and from that day I
have had the highest respect for Mr. Brown. The Lord Provost, turning
to Mr. Brown, expressed the pleasure he had in presenting him with a
purse containing a cheque for £260, and a beautiful tablet recording

366 JOHN URE, LORD PROVOST, 1880-83.
the esteem entertained for him by the members, past and present, of
the Town Council of Glasgow. The inscription is as follows : —
" Presented to Mr. James Brown, along with a purse of 260 sovereigns,
contributed by a large number of the present and former members of
the Town Council of Glasgow and of the Clyde Navigation Trust, in
testimony of their sincere respect and esteem, and in recognition of the
zealous and faithful services rendered by him to the Corporation and its
various municipal trusts, in the onerous position of Council Officer, for
the long period of forty years, under fifteen Lord Provosts, and in all
that time it may be truly said that he never lost a friend nor made an
enemy. ' Honour and shame from no condition rise ;
Act well your part : there all the honour lies. '
"The Honourable John Ure, Lord Provost of
the City of Glasgow, chairman.
" Bailie William Wilson, treasurer.
" Bailie Thomas Watson, secretary.
" Glasgow, 30th July, 1881. "
Mr. Brown in replying said — My Lord Provost and gentlemen, —
When I look back on my past life I fail to conceive what action of mine
has merited this generous, spontaneous act of yours towards me. Favours
that are least expected are more apt to affect us. I feel greatly em
barrassed how to express my feelings at the present moment for this
kind act of yours. You have thought kindly of me. You have spoken
kindly of me. You have acted kindly towards me. I have long lived
amongst you, and have been highly privileged and no less honoured in
being permitted to hold the situation of Council Officer for a very
lengthened period. I have this day been forty years in that situation.
During that time I have frequently felt that I came far short of doino
the duties of the office in so efficient a manner as many others would
have done had they been placed in my position. I have received much
kindness and no small indulgence from you and all the councillors ex-
Lord Provosts, ex-councillors, and Clyde Trustees I have served under.
You have this day, my Lord Provost, amidst your arduous, multifarious
duties, in their name condoned all my shortcomings by the kind and far
too complimentary words you have spoken of me, and by this substantial
gift and this congenial address you have so handsomely bestowed on me.

JOHN URE, LORD PROVOST, 1880-83. 367
I sincerely and gratefully thank you all for the munificent token of your
respect towards your humble servant. I need not tell you how highly
I prize them. It may interest some of you to know how many individual
members of Council have been elected during the last forty years.
These amount to 288. Of these, 15 have been Lord Provosts, 135 bailies
of the burgh or bailies of the river and harbour, 21 deans of guild, 23
deacon conveners, and no less than 154 have been called to rest from their
labours. I have seen six town-clerks, 2 city chamberlains, 5 treasurers,
and 5 engineers for the Clyde Trust ; 1 secretary and 2 engineers for
the Water Commissioners ; 5 procurator-fiscals, 3 clerks, and 3 treasurers
for the Police Board ; 5 superintendents of police, 3 city assessors, 4
collectors of assessments, and 5 governors of prisons. There are only
two officials alive who were in the Town Clerk's office when I was
appointed. When I think of this I feel that I also must soon follow.
My Lord and gentlemen, please excuse me, for I cannot find words to
express my gratitude for all this kindness and honour you have so
bountifully bestowed on me. I again sincerely thank you all.
Ex -Lord Provost Galbraith thanked the Lord Provost for presiding
on an occasion of so much interest, and said he felt indebted to Mr.
Brown for valuable assistance when bailie and Lord Provost. In short,
he received more information about the Town Council from Mr. Brown
than he got from the Town Clerk. Mr. Brown was always obliging,
and certainly never made an enemy. He always knew his duty,
delighted to do it, and did everything with a smile. He helped greatly
to keep the councillors right in their official work.
Ex-Lord Provost Clouston expressed his pleasure in corroborating
what the Lord Provost and Mr. Galbraith had said. He had been struck
with the complete system of organisation with which Mr. Brown carried
on his work. He never found him in the wrong place or at the wrong
time. He referred to the great esteem in which Mr. Brown was held
by the Council when he (Mr. Clouston) was in it, and especially to the
regard which Sir James Campbell had for him.
Ex-Lord Provost Rae Arthur, in the course of a few remarks, said
that he sometimes had wondered that so good a man could be in so
comparatively humble a position.
The Lord Provost asked Sir James Bain to speak to Mr. Brown's
merits and services on the only occasion that he had been absent from

36S JOHN URE, LORD PROVOST, 1880-83.
the city for a lengthened time, when he accompanied Sir James to
America, and Sir James related several incidents connected with the
visit which displayed Mr. Brown's discerning character, and the deep
respect in which he was held by Sir James and everyone with whom he
came in contact on that occasion.
7th September, 1881. — The Corporation entertained the King of
Hawii to dinner in the Corporation Halls.
September, 1881. — William Collins Ex-Lord Provost had the honour
of knighthood conferred on him by Her Majesty.
19th September, 1881. — President Garfield of the United States died.
25th October, 1881. — The Right Honourable Sir William Vernon
Harcourt, Bart., was entertained to lunch in the Council Hall by the
Corporation, and the Freedom of the City was conferred on him in the
City Hall.
26th October, 1881. — The late Dr. Norman M'Leod's statue opposite
the Barony Church was unveiled.
27th October, 1881. — A Conversazione was held in the Corporation
Halls on the occasion of presenting Sir William and Lady Collins with
their portraits — both by E. Patalano.
29th October, 1881. — Sir William Collins' Memorial water fountain in
front of the Court House, foot of Saltmarket, was unveiled.
5th December, 1881. — Councillor John Mitchell died in the 96th year
of his age, and 44th year of his Councillorship for the City of Glasgow.
Mr. Mitchell was for some years one of the Bailies for the Barony of
Gorbals. In all he had served the community for about 50 years. On
the 9th instant the Magistrates and Councillors attended his funeral in
their official capacity.
19th December, 1881. — A Conversazione was held in the Corporation
Hall at the opening of the Oriental Fine Art Exhibition.
26th December, 1881. — The Magistrates and Council inaugurated the
Cross Steeple New Musical Bells.
27th January, 1882. — The Centenary of the "Glasgow Herald" was
celebrated by a Public Banquet in St. Andrew's Halls, the invitations
to which were issued in name of the proprietors. Covers were laid for 230
gentlemen : the chair was occupied by J. H. Stoddart, editor of the Herald.
1st May, 1882. — The Town Council voted an Address of congratulation
to Her Majesty the Queen, on the occasion of the Marriage of His

JOHN URE, LORD PROVOST, 1880-83. 369
Royal Highness Prince Leopold to Her Royal Highness the Princess
Helen Frederia Augusta of Waldeck, and also similar addresses to the
Prince and Princess.
The Plans and Designs in the final competition for the New Municipal
Buildings were exhibited in premises in East Ingram Street, from 31st
July, to 10th August, 1882, the Design bearing the motto " Viola, "
being the first in order of merit, was found to be by William Young, 4
Lancaster Place, Strand, London, W.C., was with the advice of Messrs
Charles Barry and John Carrick approved of.
1st August, 1882. — Sir James Watson was presented with his Portrait,
painted by Robert Herdman, R.S.A., and subscribed for by the citizens.
in the Corporation Galleries. The portrait was presented to the Corpor
ation. The Lord Provost accepted of the gift.
5th September, 1882. — -Ex-Lord Provost Galbraith was presented with
his portrait (painted by Norman Macbeth, R.S.A.) in the Corporation
Galleries. It was subscribed for by a few of his friends and presented
to the Corporation to be hung in the Galleries. Mr. Galbraith was also
presented with an address in commemoration of the occasion of his
portrait being presented to the Corporation. The Lord Provost accepted
the portrait for the citizens.
oth October, 1882. — The Corporation entertained Sir Stafford North-
cote. Bart, in the Council Hall to lunch, and presented him with the
Freedom of the City in the City Hall. Lord Provost Ure presided.
On the preceding day Sir Stafford was present at a conference of the
National Union of Conservative Associations in the Merchants' House,
when there was a large attendance of the leading Conservatives of
Scotland ; and in the course of his address urged Conservatives to or
ganize so as to diffuse true political information, and refute the fallacies
of the radical press. In the evening he addressed a large assemblage
iri St. Andrews' Halls, and among the other speakers were the Duke of
Montrose and the Earl of Dalkeith. Sir Stafford was accompanied by
Lady Northcote, and during their visit, were the guests of Sir Archibald
and Lady Campbell of Blythswood.
14^j October 1882. — The Scotch Branch of the Royal School of Art
Needle Work, 137 Bath Street was opened by their Royal Highnesses
the Duke and Duchess of Albany. Their Royal Highnesses were the
miests of Sir Archibald C. Campbell, Bart., of Blythswood. The royal
° ' 24

370 JOHN URE, LORD PROVOST, 1880-83.
party arrived by Railway from Blythswood at St. Enoch Station at 11
o'clock, a.m. They were received by the Lord Provost and Dr. Mar
wick, and proceeded in carriages up Buchanan Street and Bath Street,
to the premises of the Art Needle Work. From thence they proceeded
to St. Andrew's Halls where the Royal Party opened the sale of needle
work for the benefit of the school. The Royal party afterwards met in
one of the side halls and was introduced to the Magistrates and Ex-
Provosts, &c, and then proceeded to the large hall where the freedom
of the city was conferred on His Royal Highness. After the ceremony
they proceeded to the Corporation Halls, where they were entertained
to lunch along with a select company of ladies and gentlemen. The
Royal Party returned to Blythswood at 4 o'clock.
18th December, 1882.— The Right Honourable William E. Forster,
M. P., was presented with the Freedom of the City in the City Hall,
and thereafter entertained to lunch in the Council Hall. The Lord
Provost presided. On the 14th Mr. Forster presided at the dinner of
the Gladstone Club, of which he had been recently elected Honorary
President The dinner took place in the Grand Hotel, Charing Cross.
On the evening ofthe 15th a great liberal demonstration was held in
St. Andrews' Halls, at which the Earl of Elgin presided, and which
was addressed at considerable length by Mr. Forster, During his stay
the Hon. gentleman visited various schools in Glasgow and neigh
bourhood, and expressed himself highly satisfied with the system of
teaching and the progress of the pupils. He was accompanied by Lady
and Miss Forster, and were the guests during their visit, of Charles
Tennant M.P.
22nd December, 1882. — The Parks and Galleries Trustees entertained
a large company at a Conversazione in the Corporation Galleries on the
occasion of the opening of the Italian Art Loan Exhibition. Lord
Balfour of Burleigh presided. Sir Philip Cunliffe Owen, C.B., Director
of South Kensington Museum was also present.
22nd March, 1883. — The Hon. John Bright delivered his Inaugural
Address as Lord Rector of the University, to the Students in St.
Andrew's Hall. On the following day the freedom of the city was pre
sented to him in the City Hall, the Lord Provost presiding. At the
close of Mr. Bright's address, Lord Rosebery made a pleasing
speech. At 2 o'clock Mr. Bright was entertained to lunch by the

JOHN URE, LORD PROVOST, 1880-83. 371
Corporation in the Council Hall, In the afternoon the Hon. gentleman
proceeded, per Helensburgh train, to Cairndhu House, the residence of
Lord Provost Ure, where he was entertained to dinner ; same evening
he returned to Glasgow where, during his visit, he was the guest of Mr.
Charles Tennant, M.P.
3rd April, 1883. — The annual sittings of the Convention of Royal
and Parliamentary Burghs were opened in Glasgow, 179 years having
elapsed since the Convention had previously held any meeting in that
city. The members assembled within the City Chambers at eleven
o'clock, where they were received by the Hon. The Lord Provost and
Magistrates. A procession was then formed, and, preceded by the Lord
Provost, Magistrates and Town < )fficers of Glasgow, the Commissioners
marched to the church recently used by the Wesleyan Congregation in
John Street. The proceedings having been opened with prayer by the
Rev. Dr. Lees, St. Giles, Edinburgh, the Lord Provost of Glasgow was
appointed president, and took the chair. His Lordship was supported
by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Lord Provost of Perth, Provost of
Dundee and Provost of Greenock.
In the evening the Corporation entertained the members of the Con
vention to a grand banquet in the City Hall, which was superbly
decorated for the occasion. The Lord Provost presided, and was sup
ported by Lord Balfour of Burleigh, Lord Shand, Sir James Watson,
John Ramsay, M.P. Sir William Thomson, &c. The Convention re
sumed on Wednesday, on which day the proceedings were brought to
a close, when Lord Provost Harrison, Edinburgh said, the Conven
tion owed very much to the Lord Provost and the other members of
the Corporation of Glasgow. The warmness and kindliness of the re
ception they had received could not have been exceeded, and it had
made this one of the most pleasant and profitable meetings that the
Convention had ever had. (Applause.) In addition to the Lord
Provost, the Convention were especially indebted to Councillor
Dunlop, Mr. Nicol the City Chamberlain, and "Mr. Brown the city
officer. (Applause.) An address had been drawn up, which he would
read. The address, which was enclosed in scroll form in a handsome
case, ran as follows : —
" To the Honourable John Ure, Lord Provost of the City of Glasgow. —
My Lord Provost — We, the Commissioners of the Royal and

372 JOHN URE, LORD PROVOST, 1880-83.
Parliamentary Burghs of Scotland, in Convention assembled in the city of
Glasgow, for' the first time since the year 1704, deem the occasion a
fitting one to express to the city, through your lordship, the feelings of
gratification and pride which animate the whole members of Convention
in observing on every hand those remarkable evidences of commercial
and industrial development and social progress which have elevated the
city to that of being now, next to London itself, the largest centre of
trade and commerce, and most populous city in the Empire. This
result, the members of Convention feel, must in no small degree be due
to those of the leading citizens of Glasgow who for the past century
and a half have conducted its municipal affairs. The Commissioners of
the Burghs embrace the present opportunity to acknowledge the perfect
arrangements which the Town Council of Glasgow has made for the
meeting of the Convention, and the sumptuous hospitality and attention
bestowed on the members of Convention during their stay in the city ;
and respectfully request your lordship to be the medium of conveying
to the Corporation their hearty thanks for the handsome reception
accorded to them. To your lordship personally the Convention desires
to offer its most grateful acknowledgments for the able, impartial, and
dignified manner in which you have presided over its deliberations, and
for the courtesy you have throughout the sittings of the Convention
extended to all its members. They beg to assure your lordship that
they carry away with them feelings of sincere and respectful regard for
your lordship, and to express an earnest hope that you may be long
spared to exercise for the good of the great community over which you
so worthily and acceptably preside the high qualities which have
adorned your municipal reign, and that you may be long spared to enjoy,
in public and in private life, what you presently possess and have so
well merited, the high esteem and confidence and affection of your
fellow-citizens. — Signed, sealed, and delivered on behalf of the Conven
tion, at Glasgow, this 4th day of April, 1883, by George Harrison,
Lord Provost of Edinburgh. "
In handing the address to his lordship, Lord Provost Harrison said—
I have very much pleasure indeed, my Lord Provost, in presenting you
with this mark of our esteem and gratitude on behalf of the Convention
of the Royal Burghs of Scotland. (Applause.)
The Lord Provost— My Lord Provost and gentlemen— On behalf of

JOHN URE, LORD PROVOST, 1880-83. 373
the Corporation of Glasgow and myself, I return you our very warmest
thanks for the appreciation you have shown of the services that we have
tried to render to you. They have not been so complete as I could
myself have desired, and I believe that if your visit to Glasgow had
been five or six years hence we could then have accommodated you in a
hall belonging to the city very much more commodious than that which
we now occupy. I am sure that to the other members mentioned by
Lord Provost Harrison, my colleague Bailie Dunlop, the City Chamber
lain, and the Council Officer, to them all it has been quite a labour of
love to endeavour to make this Convention a success. (Applause.)
The expression of regard for myself I must hold in the very highest
esteem, because, whilst it is truly the case that my fellow-citizens
apparently are satisfied with the manner in which I discharge the duties
of my office, it surely is even a higher compliment that you, the Provosts
at a distance, knowing the duties that belong to such a position, and
being able from your own experience to estimate what mine must be,
ruling over this large community, with its multifarious interests — it
surely is to me very much greater gratification to have the esteem and
confidence and the respect which you have shown me. (Applause.) I
can assure you, gentlemen, amongst all the kindness which have been
shown me by my fellow-citizens, and in other quarters, that not one of
them can be ranked higher than that which the Convention of Royal
Burghs has paid me to-day. (Loud applause.)

374 JOHN URE, LORD PROVOST, 1880-83.
THE HON. THE LORD PEOVOST.
18SO-S3:

We have now come to the last, but by no means the least esteemed
in the series of Chief Magistrates whose respective official and personal
careers we have undertaken to record. Of the preceding seventeen
there is not one of whom Glasgow has any reason to be ashamed, as all
of them discharged the duties connected with the high position in a
manner which showed superior business capacity, and a sincere regard
for the honour of the city, and the welfare of the community. In the
course of those fifty years great changes have been wrought on the ex
ternal features of the city ; great schemes have been propounded with a
view to promote the general health and comfort, and if all our Chief
Magistrates have not been originators they have at least the credit of
having advanced every useful measure which they inherited from their pre
decessors. The subject of our present notice was an energetic worker
in the public interests long before he was elevated to the highest honour.
That honour was conferred on him under the warmest commendations
of his colleagues, and if much was then expected of him more has been
realized. Mr. Ure is a native of Glasgow, born at the west end of Bridgegate
Street, on the 19th July, 1824. At the present day this is by no means
an inviting locality, but the time was, and at no very distant date, when
Bridgegate was the aristocratic quarter of the city. In this street wras
situated the Merchants' House and Guildhall with its noble tower or
steeple and curious clock of burnished brass, the whole being capped by a
copper ship which takes the place of the usual weather cock. Here were
held the gay assemblies of a byegone age, when it was not beneath the
dignity of Duchesses to lead off the dance. The steeple remains but the
house itself, with its beautiful flower gardens, has been swept away.
In this street stood the elegant mansions of Sir John Bell, Provost Aird,
Bailie Gilmour, Campbell of Blythswood, Robert Dreghorn, and George
Johnston; that of the last mentioned gentleman having lately been

JOHN URE, LORD PROVOST, 1880-83. 37S
appropriated by the Union Railway. Some of these houses still exist,
but it is scarcely necessary to say that the occupancy is very different
from that of the olden time. The street retained something of its old
dignity when in 1817 John Ure, father of the subject of these remarks,
married Jane Ure, who, although of the same name was no blood rela
tion; and there also he .commenced business as a master baker. He had
come from Stirlingshire, his father being a farmer and miller on the
banks of the Carron, near Denny. By the mother's side the Ure family
have been long associated with the baking business, as her great grand
father's name appearsjn the Directory of a century ago as a baker, and
her grandfather and father in succession carried on the business in the
same shop situated in the Bridgegate. When our future Lord Provost was
a youth the Clyde was a pure stream, and much of his recreation con
sisted in wading, and sailing tiny boats on its waters. This species of
enjoyment, however, nearly cost him his life. In 1833, when eight
years old, he and some companions while wading near the wooden bridge
then erected on the site of the now Hutcheson bridge, he stumbled into
a deep cutting of- which he had not been aware. His companions seeing
him disappear were frightened and ran off. It so happened, however,
that the son of the bridge toll-keeper, looking from the window of the
toll-house, saw first an arm and then a leg appear above the water, and
instantly running to the rescue succeeded in bringing the boy to land
in an unconscious state. Medical aid, in the person of the famous
Dr. M'Corkindale, was readily secured, but a full half-hour elapsed
before his recovery was complete. Two other narrow escapes
for his life complete the list of his youthful mishaps. While
he was thus repeatedly in danger of having his own career brought to
an early close he has happily been the means of saving others from an
untimely end. Once he saved a school companion from being drowned
in Port Eglinton canal ; and on a subsequent occasion, when only fifteen
years of age, he succeeded in rescuing a man who had fallen into the
river at Mavisbank, before the quay had been there erected. A notice
of this occurrence appeared in the newspapers of those days, under the
heading "Heroic Conduct." The Humane Society of which his Lord
ship is now president, has medals and certificates for the meritorious in
saving life, but whether he and the toll-keeper's son were recipients we
have not learned.

376 JOHN URE, LORD PROVOST, 1880-83.
Being naturally of a fearless and daring disposition, it early developed
into a strong craving for the exciting features of a seafaring life, and
not unfrequently the anxieties of his friends were aroused by his
adventures while yachting. He preferred much a rough tumble of
weather to a landsman's breeze, and on several occasions has either come
home dismasted, or with bulwarks broken, or has lain quietly over night in
some cozy bay, when there was no help for it, but much to the
consternation of his friends. By and by, however, they came to have
such confidence in his skill, that their fears for his safety considerably
subsided. Had he been allowed the full bent of his inclination in all
probability his choice of a profession would not have been that of a
merchant. Higher motives influenced him. A strong affection subsisted
between him and his sisters, who, having lost their mother in early life,
naturally clung to him as their protector, and this, combined with the
long continued ill health of their father, had much to do with his
decision to continue the business of his father, but only as a flour
merchant. Shortly after his father's death he centred all his energies
in that particular branch by which his firm is now so well known.
Mr. Ure never was ambitious of extensive commercial enterprise, but
he kept pace with the gradually developing improvements that have all
along so specially characterized the milling trade. His mind was too
scientific in its nature to be satisfied with mere money making,
although in that respect his success has been very decided. He has
always been freely generous in giving a helping hand to any good or
worthy cause, or in a quiet way assisting the needy. The same open
truthfulness that marks his public career has also been a feature in his
commercial operations ; and never during his long course of extensive
dealings has he had recourse to legal proceedings in any disputed
transaction. Prior to the erection of his present extensive mills in
Washington Street (the Crown Flour Mills), his work was done by
contract at the Bakers' Incorporation Mills at Bunhouse and Clayslap
at Partick.
His present works in Washington Street, erected over twenty years
ago, were completed with all the modern appliances of the time, but
such have been the changes made in the mode of manufacturing wheat
into flour, that, with the exception of the buildings, engines and boilers,
the vast intricate machinery has been almost wholly changed, and

JOHN URE, LORD PROVOST, 1880-83. 377
some of it more than once. Much has been expended not only in
advanced improvements, but also for patent rights, and by this means
the firm has always kept in the " van " of progress.
It was in connection with the old mills that our future Lord Provost
made his first public speech. The operative millers had sent in a request
to the Deacon of the Corporation for a rise of wages. The Deacon, not
approving of the movement, delayed to lay the request before the
Master Court, and so, at the end of a month, as there had been no reply,
the men of the two mills, Bunhouse and Clayslap, resolved to remain
out until their request should be considered. It so happened that, on the
morning of the day the men came out, Mr. Ure had occasion to be at
the mills and to his surprise found them stopped, none but the managers
being on the premises. On learning the cause, and being told that the
men of the two mills were holding a joint meeting in an adjoining field,
thither he went, had conference, and addressed the men from the top of
a dyke. So successful was this maiden speech that at its close the men
took off their caps and gave three cheers for the young orator, who had
promised that their grievance should be considered ; then all of them
went straightway to their work. Another incident in Mr. Ure 's career
connected with the calling to which he belongs may be mentioned here.
At the outset of the volunteer movement, about the year 1860, at a
time when relations were strained between this country and France, Mr.
Ure took an active and leading part in the formation of a volunteer
corps composed of members of the grain trade. In a stirring and
patriotic speech he moved the first resolution at a meeting of members
of the Trade called to inaugurate the movement. On the formation of
the corps shortly afterwards, he was elected captain. For some time
he held the post and discharged its duties, for which his long connection
with the Queen's Own Regiment of Yeomanry Cavalry well fitted him.
At an early stage of his business career Mr. Ure was elected by the
Incorporation a member of the Master Court, soon afterwards he was
appointed Collector, and ultimately Deacon, which office he has twice
filled. His really first appearance before a Glasgow audience was in the City
Hall in the winter of 1855, as chairman of the grain and provision trade
soiree, then a most numerous and influential gathering. His address
on that occasion was an exceedingly happy one, and being reported
25

378 JOHN URE, LORD PROVOST, 1880-83.
in extenso in the papers of the day, brought him prominently before the
public, which resulted in his being brought forward as a candidate for
the Council.
For many years he was in the management of the Bakers' Incorporation,
and remained in it till he entered the Town Council in 1 85 6, a representative
of the Fifth Ward. This position he maintained till November, 1865,
when he was returned by the Fourteenth Ward, (now the Thirteenth),
by which he has since been five times returned and still continues to
represent. Mr. Ure became Depute-bailie of the River in 1859 ; Bailie
of the River in 1860, and Bailie of the Burgh in 1861. He was
unanimously elected Lord Provost in November, 1880.
How he demeaned himself as a councillor and magistrate was very
fully and truly spoken to by Bailie Laing and others on the occasion of
his election to the Provostship. While he had given due attention to
all departments of Council business, his specialty was Sanitary improve
ment, and certainly no object could be more worthy the consideration
of a Town Councillor of Glasgow. For the long period of quarter of
a century he has held the office of Chairman of the Sanitary Committee.
It may here be said that the subjects of sanitation and ventilation were
his special hobbys long before he entered the Town Council. The
evils of excessive hours of labour and the overcrowding of lodgings
got his special attention ; and even by way of satisfying himself of these
matters he has been known to start at midnight on an
expedition through some of the densest parts of the City.
In order to supplement his own ideas and acquire imformation he
visited many of the larger cities in England and Ireland, and although
his laborious investigations have yielded some good fruit, more is desir
able, and there is reason to believe that more will be forthcoming. His
acquirements in that department of science were recognised by the Sani
tary Institute of Great Britain which in 1879 presented him with a
diploma and conferred on him the the title of Fellow. Tlie greater por
tion of a year has still to run of his civic reign, and if all cannot be accomp
lished during that time, others will enter into his labours and, no doubt,
carry them to a successful issue. Although only two years in the chief seat
it has been his Lordship' slot to preside on manyimportantpublic occasions.
Five times has he been privileged to confer the freedom of the city on illus
trious visitors. First on Sir William V. Harcourt in October 1881

JOHN URE, LORD PROVOST, 1880-83. 379
second on Sir Stafford Northcote in October of last year; third on
H.R.H. Duke of Albany in the same month, fourth on the Right
Hon. W. E. Forster in December following, and lastly on the
Right Hon. John Bright in March, 1883. On all these occasion
his Lordship acquitted himself in a manner highly creditable to himself
and to the position he was called on to sustain. With Sir Stafford's
political creed he could have little sympathy, but that occasioned him no
embarrassment either in word or utterance, nor in any respect to betray
in the least the spirit of the partisan. With Mr. Forster's creed he
was more in harmony, but he equally avoided any expression that
could justly be objected to by the conservative portion of the auditory.
In the case of the Prince the same prudence and sound judgment was
apparent in respect to expressions of loyalty, which even in these clays
are so apt to be carried to fulsome excess. While there was nothing
said that could not be truly and honestly said, at the same time all was
said that a wise prince could desire to hear.
Equally happy has his Lordship been on other occasions when called
on to speak. For instance, at the presentation to the Corporation, of
the portrait of ex-Provost Galbraith, and also when similar honours
were paid to Sir James Watson and Sir William Collins, his addresses
although apparently "off hand" wrere admirably adapted to the respect
ive occasions, full of local and personal incident and pervaded by a
genuine feeling of brotherly kindness and generosity. But even in the
course of his official career it has not all along been plain and pleasant
sailing. He has had difficulties and contentions, for which all must lay
their account who are called on to occupy the high places in public
service. With regard to the framing of a new Police Bill, lately under
discussion in the Council, there has been strenuous opposition to some of
the clauses which his Lordship, in no very plastic spirit, was desirous
to promote. The consequence was that his Lordship was by certain parties
charged with something of the imperious, Bismarck spirit, which should
not in a free country and in enlightened communities such as ours, be
submitted to. It is possible that his Lordship may have manifested
mind and will of his own not sufficiently accommodating to the wishes
of all; but it has also to be remembered that the yielding spirit is allied
¦ to weakness, and has never succeeded when important changes are called
for. Personally, Lord Provost Ure is one of the most courteous and

380 JOHN URE, LORD PROVOST, 1880-83.
kindliest of men; one who has retained the unaffected simplicity and
urbanity of his nature under a degree of worldly success which would
have inflated minds cast in a smaller and weaker mould.
We have already recorded the Annual Meeting of the Convention of
Royal Burghs, held in Glasgow, when his Lordship presided over the
deliberations of that ancient assembly. This visit of the Convention to
Glasgow, although on the invitation of the Town Council, is regarded as
a personal compliment to the Lord Provost, move than a century having
elapsed since the Convention last met in this City. And there is still
in the immediate future other important public work before his Lord
ship, the Annual Congress of the Sanitary Institute of Great Britain
being fixed for September next in this City.
In addition to the other duties, more or less directly connected with
the Municipal Chair, which Mr. Ure has been called upon to discharge,
it is proper here to notice that in the summer of 1882 he was appointed
one of the seven Commissioners nominated by the Crown for the work
ing out of the Educational Endowments (Scotland) Act. The important
and onerous work connected with this Act will extend over a period of
five years.
Mr. Ure, senior, father of the Lord Provost, died in 1849. On
7th February, 1850, his Lordship married Miss Gibb, daughter of Mr.
John Gibb, master baker, Gallowgate Street. They have had five chil
dren, four sons and one daughter, all of whom survive. The three elder
sons are married and in business — two of them partners with their
father, while the other son is an advocate at the bar, in Edinburgh.
Mr. Ure's residence is Cairndhu House, a palatial mansion, delight
fully situated on the banks of the Gareloch, a short distance west of
Helensburgh. No more stately and commanding mansion is to be seen
in this part of the country, and the grand external aspect is only in
keeping with the internal accommodation, and extreme elegance and sub
stantiality of the furnishings. Before proceeding to build, we are
assured that Mr. Ure thought long, and visited many localities, before
fixing on a site, and it is not easy to conceive of a locality which could
surpass that which he has chosen, in point of convenience, and beauty
of the surrounding scenery. Here the hospitalities are dispensed also
in a style and on a scale commensurate with the architecture and with
the liberality shown by its owner on all occasions when any benevolent

JOHN URE, LORD PROVOST, 1880-83. 381
or useful end is to be served. Although a keen and careful business
man Mr. Ure is not a slave to the office and the exchange. He is fond
of travel, and has been over nearly all the Continent of Europe. His
favourite recreation is yachting, in which he indulges much during the
summer months.
Among the important events of the years of Mr Ure's tenure of the
Civic Chair, we must not omit to mention the commencement of the
new Municipal Buildings. The arrangement of the conditions of the
competition— a task the difficulty and delicacy of which may be
estimated from the fact that the first attempt made some time previously
had completely broken clown — was one of the first pieces of im
portant work which fell to Mr. Ure to perform. The success of
the mode of conducting the competition and of selecting the designs
ultimately adopted, proved the soundness of judgment which guided the
Council's deliberations at that critical stage of the undertaking. No
doubt the laying of the foundation stone of the magnificent pile of
buildings which is soon to be raised under the eye of the chosen architect
Mr. Young, will have to be chronicled among the notable events
by which Mr. Ure's term of office will be marked.
The best possible testimony to the ability and efficiency with which
Mr. Ure has discharged the duties of chief magistrate has just been
given in the fact that the Town Council unanimously requested him to
allow himself to be re-elected as Lord Provost for other three years.
To this request his Lordship declined to accede, and although it was
pressingly repeated by the Council all was of no avail. His Lordship's
term of office concludes in November of the present year — 1883.
In 1882 Mr. Ure was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of Lanarkshire,
and is a Commissioner of Supply and Justice of the Peace for Dum
bartonshire.

SIR WILLIAM M'ONIE, LORD PROVOST, 1883-86. 383

MEETING OF TOWN COUNCIL.
NOVEMBER, 1883.

ELECTION OF MAGISTRATES.

The first meeting of the Town Council, as newly constituted, was
held on 9th November, 1 883. At the outset the chair was occupied
by Bailie M'Onie. The Rev. David Brown, of St. Enoch's, opened the
meeting with prayer.
After the transaction of some formal business,
Dr. Marwick (Town-Clerk) said — I have now to state that the office
of Lord Provost has become vacant by the retirement of John Ure, Esq.,
in the order of rotation. There are also three vacancies in the
Magistracy, caused by the retirement in order of rotation of Bailie
Wilson, Bailie Farquhar, and Bailie Dickson. The first business of
the Council is to proceed to fill up the vacant office of Lord Provost.
Bailie Hamilton then said — As Senior Magistrate it is my duty
to-day to propose a successor to Lord Provost John Ure, whose long
and able service in this Council has terminated at this time. It is well
for this city that the civic chair has been so frequently filled by
gentlemen who have devoted their time, their energy, and abilities to
promote its interest and welfare, even at much personal sacrifice. The
fruits of those labours are now the possession of every citizen. For
example, abundance of pure water, increased number of open spaces in
the city, as well as parks in its vicinity, and last, and certainly not
least, the protection to the health of the comnrunity by that efficient
sanitary organisation that, for a quarter of a century, has been the
unwearied work and must ever be associated with the name of Lord
Provost John Ure. To occupy the chair of those who have so
nobly and so effectually laboured for their fellow -citizens is a high
and most responsible distinction. The gentleman whom I am about
26

384 SIR WILLIAM M'ONIE, LORD PROVOST, 1883-86.
to name for this important office has been for many years a highly-
respected member of Council — I refer to Bailie M'Onie. As there
are several new members present on this occasion, permit me very
briefly to note the offices he has held. In 1867 he was elected a
member of the Council, in 1869 he was appointed Depute River Bailie,
and in 1870 River Bailie. Business engagements having necessitated
his withdrawal for a time from public duty, he retired in 1872, but in
1878 again returned to the Council. In 1879 he was appointed a
Burgh Magistrate, and that office he has held ever since. In addition
to those municipal duties he has discharged several other important
public duties, having been a member of Govan Parochial Board
for some years, and on three occasions the Council has honoured him
as their representative in the General Assembly of the Church of
Scotland. During the long period he has been discharging public
duties he has had ample opportunity of becoming conversant with the
varied and important interests of the city and the arrangement of
public business in the several departments. The duties of his various
offices have always been thoroughly and satisfactorily discharged.
In those committees having charge of the large works of the Corpora
tion his special practical knowledge, calm consideration, and ready
grasp of the essential points of business questions have been much
appreciated by his colleagues. Nor has he ever failed to gain from all
that have been associated with him the most cordial esteem. At the
present time he is senior partner of one of those large engineering
establishments that have done so much to give employment to our
citizens, as well as advance the fame and prosperity of the city, and he
is also an influential supporter of commercial and mercantile enter
prises of considerable importance to the community. Need I say more
to indicate his eminent fitness for the civic chair, both from his
experience in public service and his business position and ability?
Like several who have attained this high office, Bailie M'Onie,
though long resident in the city, is not a native of it. Perhaps it will
be interesting to note that his friend, the late Sir James Campbell, who
some forty-three years ago was honoured by the office now proposed,
was, like Bailie M'Onie, a native of the parish of Port-Menteith.
Therefore, in the period mentioned, this beautiful district has given to
this city two worthy and public-spirited gentlemen to guide and aid its

SIR WILLIAM M'ONIE, LORD PROVOST, 1883-86. 385
progress. As a native of this city I sincerely hope that such careers of
great industry, high integrity, worthy private, and active useful public
life, will stimulate and cheer by their example those youths who may,
like them, have come as strangers to our city to build up an honest and
successful business life, and that as time rolls on a portion of their time
and energy will also be devoted to maintain in vigour the municipal
life of the city, and, following in the footsteps of their predecessors
in the civic chair, shed additional lustre upon its annals by their
labours for the public good. Permit me to say, in conclusion, having
perfect confidence that Bailie M'Onie will be watchful of the city's
interests, earnest and judicious in all its business affairs, and maintain
with firmness and dignity the honour and credit of the city, I now
formally propose that he be elected Lord Provost for the ensuing three
years. Mr. William Wilson said — A very great honour has been conferred
upon me since I came into this room — that is, in having been asked to
second the nomination that has been so ably spoken to by my friend
Bailie Hamilton. Bailie M'Onie is a gentleman so well known to the
city of Glasgow that to say anything in his praise in your presence
might be invidious on my part. The fact is that for a man not to
know Bailie M'Onie is to be himself unknown. He has spent the
most of his life in Glasgow, and his career has been one of continued
prosperity. No dishonourable act can ever be laid to his charge, and I
may almost venture to say that a more honest, upright, and honourable
man is not in the city of Glasgow. When I state in addition to this
that he came forward at the request of friends around this table
in the most patriotic manner to fill the Lord Provost's chair when we
were in considerable difficulty, I can asure you we, as well as the
citizens, owe him a debt of gratitude that will not be easily repaid. A
gentleman at his age — although he does riot look so old as myself, but
in point of fact he is one of those who never appear to get old — might
well have thought of retiring into honourable repose, but I tell you he
came forward in the most patriotic manner to place himself in the
hands of his friends. I am quite sure he will meet with your entire
approval. Our late distinguished chief was a man of deeds as well as
words — of words as well as deeds — he was distinguished both for his
deeds and for his words at this Council table. I am not going to claim

386 SIR WILLIAM M'ONIE, LORD PROVOST, 1883-86.
for my friend that he is a man of words, but I will" say this; and I say
it with perfect honesty and perfect sincerity, that no man will ever fill
the chair who will be more anxious by his general conduct and his
actions to do his very best for his adopted city. I might say a great
deal more in favour of my friend, but I now simply sit down by saying
that I think the Council and the city must feel proud that they have
got such a gentleman as Bailie M'Onie to offer himself to-day for your
acceptance. I have great pleasure in seconding his nomination.
Dr. Marwick — Gentlemen of the Council, a certain motion has been1
made and seconded. Is it your pleasure, Bailie M'Onie, to accept'
the office of Lord Provost ?
Bailie M'Onie— It is.
Dr. Marwick then administered the oath de fideli to Lord Provost
M'Onie, and having been invested with the chain of office his Lordship
took the chair amidst the applause of the Council.
The Lord Provost, who was cordially received, said — Gentlemen,
after the very complimentary way that my friend Bailie Hamilton has
addressed you regarding me, I need only assure you that the position I
am now to occupy is a very difficult and trying one. Most of you, I
daresay, are aware that I had no early training to prepare me for the
very high and honourable position I am now called upon to fill in the
city of Glasgow. This honour, however, has not been of my seeking,
for all my ambition in public life had previously been fully satisfied,
and up till a few weeks ago I intended to retire from the Magistracy
at this time. I am not unconscious of my own deficiencies to occupy
worthily this chair in the Town Council of Glasgow, more especially
coming as I do immediately after Lord Provost Ure, a man who dis
charged every public duty, not only with credit to himself, but to the
entire satisfaction of the whole community. Seeing that my election
has been unanimous, I cordially accept the honour, and return you my
sincere thanks for the same. It is one that very few men have
attained to. I can only assure you that as Lord Provost I shall know
no sect or party, nor shall I be influenced by any private friendships
whatever. In this way I hope we shall be able to carry on the
municipal affairs of the city to the satisfaction of our constituents.
With the able assistance of my colleagues in the Magistracy I know of
nothing to prevent this ; and speaking here for them as well as for

SIR WILLIAM M'ONIE, LORD PROVOST, 1883-86. 387
myself, I beg to assure you that no effort on our part shall be awanting
in the endeavour to promote the well-being and prosperity of this great
city of which we are all proud. I can only again thank you all for the
very High honour you have conferred on me this day.
The Lord Provost — We shall now proceed to the election of four
Burgh Magistrates. And, first, I have much pleasure ini nominating
my friend Bailie Dickson, a man of whom I need not say anything to
you. You all know him as well as I do, and I beg to nominate him.
Bailie Struthers-Hamilton — I beg to second the nomination.
The appointment of Bailie Dickson was unanimously agreed to.
The Lord Provost — I have now to nominate Bailie Selkirk as a
Burgh Magistrate. He has been a River Bailie for some time, and is
conversant with all our affairs.
Bailie Watson seconded the motion, which was unanimously
agreed to.
The Lord Provost — I beg to nominate for the Magistracy an old
ex-Bailie who has 'done good work for the city, and is known to you all.
I refer to Councillor Torrens.
Bailie Ure seconded the motion.
The Lord Provost — Is it your pleasure that Councillor Torrens
should be a Burgh Magistrate?
Mr. James Martin — Again I rise in the same position and to the
same purpose as I did yesterday. I consider for my own part that the
re-election of ex-Bailie Torrens is an insult to those who have been
members of the Council for a long . series of years. For what reason
is he to be elected? Because, we are told, it takes so much sound
judgment and so much knowledge and painstaking to fill the office of
Magistrate, plainly telling those who have been thirteen or fourteen
years in the Council that they have neither the intelligence nor the
capacity nor the painstaking to fill an office of this kind. I look upon
it as nothing but an insult. If you wish peace in the Council cease
such action, and, if it is honour that you wish to confer, say so, and do
not try to make us believe it is because of superior intelligence. I
know for my own part that, although it may be called egotistic, I would
'no more think of comparing myself  (Laughter, the sentence
remaining unfinished). When a statement was made with reference to
: myself on a previous occasion, Bailie Ure got up and said, backing up

388 SIR WILLIAM M'ONIE, LORD PROVOST, 1883-86.
the Lord Provost — " Oh, he's just giving his opinion about the
Councillors and their ability for work." Well, I am doing that just
now. I have never found Bailie Torrens to work to any better purpose
than other Councillors. He has done his part, and, as I told you
before I tell you again, that I was the very party that seconded his
nomination on a previous occasion as being a man well fitted for the
position. But why should we go on perpetually bringing in the old
" rump " 1 Why should we appoint them to places that ought to be
filled up by men of as good intelligence, to say the least of it, and as
able to fill the place as Bailie Torrens or any Bailie now sitting on
the bench ? It is not, remember, according to years of servitude
that men get into this position. For instance, here is Bailie Richmond.
He gave you a little bother for a year or two, and you put him into a
Bailieship, and he has been very quiet since. He gave you some bother
about gas and you put him on the bench, and he has since kept very
quiet. I would propose Mr. Filshill, a gentleman who has shown great
aptitude and ability for doing work. There is just one fault that
might be brought against him, and that is that he took an active part
against a good deal of the things that were in the proposed Police Bill.
There is one that is proposed for election at the present time, and I can
look upon it as nothing else but a reward for the undeviating and
steadfast support that he gave to the Lord Provost in regard to every
obnoxious clause that was in that bill.
The Lord Provost — Permit me to ask you to keep to the point.
Mr Martin — I am at the point. I am talking about the qualities of
the Councillors, and what, to my tuind, is the inducing cause for putting
them into Bailieships. I had always the courage of my opinions, and I
shall have it to-day, and I propose Mr. Filshill. He has been a great
deal longer in the Council than many that have got seats round the
Chair during the time that I have had the honour of a seat in this
Council. The Lord Provost — Does any one second the nomination of Mr.
Filshill? Dr. Wilson — I second the nomination. I protest against the way
that this return of Magistrates is being brought about at this time, and
I do not think it is a principle you should encourage. Mr. Filshill has
done good work, and is just as intelligent a man as any one. As for

SIR WILLIAM M'ONIE, LORD PROVOST, 1883-86. ' 389
Mr. Torrens, I admire him and think a great deal of him, but on
principle alone I shall support Mr. Filshill.
Mr. Filshill — This is rather too bad of Mr. Martin. I came along
in the car with him to-day and he did not tell me he was going to
propose my name. After the remarks which I made yesterday, I think
it would be the height of presumption for me to allow this to go any
further. I think Mr. Martin might see his way to withdraw the
nomination. I have not asked a single individual in this Council
whether I was to be proposed or not, and I have not the slightest
inclination for such an office, more particularly as it did not come from
the source which I would have considered worthy of all consideration.
I thank Mr. Martin very much for his good wishes, but I would very
much deprecate a vote being taken,
The Lord Provost — I understand, Mr. Filshill, that you withdraw.
You do not consider yourself to be nominated ?
Mr. Filshill — I decidedly object to my name being introduced.
The Lord Provost — Then Mr. Torrens is elected.
Mr. Martin — Stop a little. It does not follow that because one does
not accept we cannot propose another.
The Lord Provost — Very well. Do you wish to nominate another
gentleman ?
Mr. Martin — No, I have another to propose against a later nominee,
but I think Mr. Filshill has got nothing to say on this question. I did
not consult Mr. Filshill, and when I do anything here, I consult no
person. I do what I do because it appears to my mind to be right, and
when I find that my mind approves of what I am going to do, I do it
fearlessly. Mr. Filshill ought to think the more of it that I stood up
and proposed him for an office of the kind without giving him intimation.
Mr. Grierson — I take it that the mover and seconder of a motion
have a right to insist on a vote. At the same time, I do not think it
would be judicious on this occasion to insist on such a right.
The Lord Provost — No, no. You cannot force an honour on any
man that he does not want.
Dr. Marwick — Bailie Torrens is now elected.
Mr. Martin — Stop a little. I do not know that that is right, I
would ask the Town-Clerk a question that formerly he was not disposed
to answer. I will ask the question to-day, and I hope he will answer

390 SIR WILLIAM M'ONIE, LORD PROVOST, 1883-86.
it. Is it legal that when an individual is proposed and seconded for an
office he can put a stop to the sense of the House being taken upon it ?
Mr. James Thomson — My Lord Provost —
Mr. Martin — It is not Bailie Thomson but Dr. Marwick that is asked
the question.
Dr. Marwick — In all my experience of municipal life, extending over
25 years, I have never known a case in which a vote was taken when a
gentleman was proposed for election to an office, and absolutely declined
to accept it. I am sure Mr. Martin will be satisfied with this explanation.
Mr. Filshill — It will be agreeable to myself that the motion should
be withdrawn.
Mr. Martin — Under the circumstances I withdraw the motion.
The election of Mr. Torrens was then confirmed.
The Lord Provost — The next gentleman I have to propose for the
office of Burgh Magistrate is Mr. George Jackson. He has been a good
many years in the Council, and I do not know any man who has done
more work more faithfully. I shall not detain you by any eulogy on
Mr. Jackson, and I beg to propose him as Burgh Magistrate.
Bailie Macpherson seconded the nomination.
The Lord Provost — Is that agreed to ]
Mr. Martin — No, it is not, and I am certain if the same game had
been tried in the Eleventh as in the Tenth Ward you would not
have had your choice, I cannot for the life of me see how you
can compare the services of Mr. George Jackson with those of Mr. Neil,
unless it be that Mr. Neil has acted an independent part. I have no
hesitation in saying that any man that could have given undivided
support to every abominable clause in the Police Bill, that could have
backed the Lord Provost upon every clause of it, if that is why he is to
be ushered into a position over Mr. Neil, I say it will not be approved
of out of doors. Mr. Shaw, Mr. Neil, and others had a number of
amendments to the Police Bill. How many of the Magistrates had an
amendment upon the bill during the whole of the discussion? I
question if there were ten amendments proposed by the whole bailiedom.
I propose that we elect Mr. Neil as a Burgh Magistrate, instead of
sending him to a subordinate position.
The Lord Provost — I understand that Mr. Jackson is now elected a
Bailie.

SIR WILLIAM M'ONIE, LORD PROVOST, ' 1883-86. 391
The Lord Provost then said — The next business is the election of a
River Bailie and a Depute-River Bailie. I beg to propose that Mr.
Dron be elected River Bailie.
Bailie Richmond — I beg to second the proposal that Mr. Dron be
elected River Bailie.
The Lord Provost — That is agreed to, I understand.
The Lord Provost — The next proposal I have to make is that Mr.
Neil be elected Depute-River Bailie. I have just to say there is no
man in the Town Council so well fitted for the office, and I am glad to
say he has agreed to accept of it.
Bailie Bertram — I second the motion.
The motion was then agreed to unanimously.
The newly-elected Bailies having declared their acceptance of office,
the oath was administered ; and, having been invested with the chains
of office, they took their seats at the Magistrates' table.
Bailie Dickson — My Lord Provost, as you have been so kind as to
accept the office you have done, I feel that I can only be loyal to you to
accept the position which you have thought it right to place me in. I
beg to thank the members of the Council for the honour they have
done me.
The other Magistrates bowed their acknowledgments.
Mr. Laing — I have been asked to propose a successor to myself in
the office of Master of Works. I beg to propose Mr. James Hamilton
for this position. He is so well known to the Council, and has done
such good work, that it is not necessary to say a single word in his
favour. Treasurer Walls seconded the motion.
Mr. Gray — I am very much surprised at this, though I need hardly
be surprised at anything, seeing that there is so much going back on
the old hands. Mr. James Hamilton has had the round of the honours.
He has been Bailie and Treasurer ; and I think if there is any little
honour it ought to be given to those who have done good work. There
is a gentleman who, in the opinion of some of us, has been overlooked ;
and I have much pleasure in proposing my friend Mr. M'Laren, a
gentleman who is universally respected in the Council, and who has
done honest and faithful work.
Mr. Macfarlane seconded the motion.

392 SIR WILLIAM M'ONIE, LORD PROVOST, 1883-86,
Treasurer Walls— This office has always been held by an
ex-Magistrate, and I see no reason on the present occasion why there
should be any change. But for that I would have had great pleasure
in supporting Mr. M'Laren's nomination.
Mr. James Hamilton — I think it would be invidious in me to stand
in the way of Mr. M'Laren. I think the fact that Mr. M'Laren has
admittedly done good work is sufficient to show that if there is any
honour in the office of Master of Works, I ought to decline it in his
favour. This was ultimately agreed to, and Mr. M'Laren, having been
invested with the chain of office, took his seat at the Magistrates' table.

SIR WILLIAM M'ONIE, LORD PROVOST, 1883-1

393

List of the Members of the Town Council and Principal Officials
during1 the Lord Provostship of Sir Wilham M'Onie.
1883-84.

Th is Hon. William M'Onie, Lord Provost.
Jambs Struthers Hamilton, Bailie.
Thomas Watson, do.
William Ure, do.
Duncan M'Pherson, do.
David Richmond, do.
Peter Bertram, do.
James Hunter Dickson, do.
Jambs Landells Selkirk, do.
James Torrens, do.
George Jackson, do.
William M'Ewen, Dean of Guild.
Hugh Kennedy, Deacon Convener.
William Walls, Treasurer.
Alexander M'Laren, Master of Works.
William Dron, Bailie of the River and
Firth of Clyde.
John Neil, Deputy Bailie of ihe River
and Firth of Clyde.
James Couper, Bailie of Provan.
James David Marwick, LL.D., Town
Clerk.
Andrew Cunninghame, Deputy Town
CUrk.

James Nicol, City Chamberlain.
Thomas Eaton Robinson, C.A.,
Accountant.
William Gibb, Cashier.
John Carrick, City Architect and
Superintendent of Works.
John Lang, Procurator ¦ Fiscal in
Burgh, River Bailie, and Dean of
Guild Courts.
Donald M'Phbe, Police Procurator-
Fiscal.
Archibald Sinclair, Joint Fiscal of
River Bailie Court.
Alexander Young, George Black,
Peter Taylor Young, and
Wllliam Veitch Orr, Assessors
and Clerks of Police Courts.
James Muirhead, Assessor and Clerk
ofthe River Bailie Court.
James Henry, Assessor under the Lands
Valuation Act, and Assessor under
the Registration of Voters Act.
James Brown, Council Officer.
William M'Leod, Chamber Keeper.

1883-84.

FIRST WARD.
Henry Burt Wilson.
Hugh Steel Thomson.
Alexander Waddel.
SECOND WARD.
James Martin.
William Ure, Bailie.
James Henderson Martin.
THIRD WARD.
Thomas Adam Mathieson.
John Filshill.
Michael Simons.

FOURTH WARD.

James Thomson.
James MacFarlane.
Hugh Caldwell. FIFTH WARD.
Jambs Landells Selkirk, Bailie.
David Morrin.
Thomas Duncan. SIXTH WARD.
Alexander Osborne.
Alexander M'Laren.
John Neil, Deputy River Bailie.

394 SIR WILLIAM M'ONIE,
SEVENTH WARD.
Henry Grierson.
Thomas Watson, Bailie.
Joseph Gardiner, Sen.
EIGHTH WARD.
James Merry Forrbster.
Archibald Dunlop.
William Rae Wilson Smith.
NINTH WARD.
James Shaw.
Peter Bertram, Bailie.
James Colquhoun. TENTH WARD.
James TorreUs, Bailie.
James Gray. ,
Robert Crawford.
ELEVENTH WARD.
William Walls.
Malcolm Campbell.
George Jackson, Bailie.

LORD PROVOST, 1883-86.
TWELFTH WARD.
William Dron, River Bailie.
Duncan M'Pherson, Bailie.
James Hunter Dickson, Bailie.
THIRTEENTH WARD.
James Hamilton.
John Young.
Hugh Wallace.
FOURTEENTH WARD.
James Struthers Hamilton, Bailie.
David Richmond, Bailie.
William Wilson.
FIFTEENTH WARD.
John Laing.
Cunison Deans Rankin.
William Stevenson.
SIXTEENTH WARD.
William Renny Watson.
John Shearer, Jun.
William M'Onie, Sen.

18 8 4-85.

The Hon. William M 'Onie, Lord Provost
William Ure, Bailie.
Duncan M'Pherson, do.
David Richmond, do.
Peter Bertram, do.
James Hunter Dickson, do.
George Jackson, do.
John Filshill, do.
John Neil, do.
James Gray, do.
John Shearer, do.
William M'Ewen, Dean of Guild.
Hugh Kennedy, Deacon-Convener.
Alexander Waddel, Treasurer.
James Mariin, Master of Works,
James Shaw, Bailie of the River and
Firth of Clyde.
Hugh Steel Thomson, Deputy Bailie
of the River and Firth of Clyde.
James Couper, Bailie of Provan.
James David Marwick, LL.D., Town
Clerk.
Andrew Cunninghame, Deputy Town
Clerk.

James Nicol, City Chamberlain.
Thomas Eaton Robinson, C.A., Regis
trar under Loans Act and City
Accountant.
Wm. Gibb, Cashier.
John Carrick, City Architect and
Superintendent of Works.
John Lang, Procurator- Fiscal of Burgh,
River Bailie, and D. G. Courts.
Donald M'Phee, Police Procurator-
Fiscal.
Archibald Sinclair, Joint Fiscal in
River Bailie Court.
Alexander Young, George Black,
Peter Taylor Young, and Wm.
Veitoii Orr, Assessors and Clerks
of Police Courts.
James Muirhead, Assessor and Clerk to
River Bailie Court.
James Henry, Assessor under the Lands
Valuation Act and Assessor under
the Registration of Voters Act.
James Brown, Council Officer.
William M'Leod, Chamber Keeper.

SIR WILLIAM M'ONIE, LORD PROVOST, 1883-86.
1884-85.

395

FIRST WARD.
Hugh . Steel Thomson, Deputy River
Bailie.
Henry Burt Wilson.
Alexander Waddel.
SECOND WARD.
William Ure, Bailie.
James Henderson Martin.
James Martin.
THIRD WARD.
John Filshill, Bailie.
Michael Simons.
David Logan.
FOURTH WARD.
James Macfarlane.
Hugh Caldwell.
James Thomson. FIFTH WARD.
David Morrin..
Thomas Duncan.
Robert M'Farlane Mitchell.
SIXTH WARD.
Alexander M'Laren.
John Neil, Bailie.
Alexander Osborne.
SEVENTH WARD.
Thomas Watson.
Joseph Gardiner, Sen.
Henry Shaw Macpherson,
EIGHTH WARD.
Archibald Dunlop.
William Rae. Wilson Smith.
Thomas Cumming.

NINTH WARD.
Peter Bertram, Bailie.
James Colquhoun.
James Shaw, River Bailie:

TENTH WARD.
James Gray, Bailie.
Robert Crawford.
Robert Graham.
ELEVENTH WARD.
Malcolm Campbell.
George Jackson, Bailie.
William Walls.
TWELFTH WARD.
Duncan M'Pherson, Bailier
James Hunter Dickson, Bailie.
John M'Farlane.
THIRTEENTH WARD.
John Young.
Hugh Wallace.
Arthur Mechan.
FOURTEENTH WARD.
David Richmond, Bailie.
William Wilson.
James Struthers Hamilton.
FIFTEENTH WARD.
William Stevenson.
David Bowman.
John Laing.
SIXTEENTH WARD.
John Shearer, Bailie.
William M'Onie, Sen.
Walter Paton.

396

SIR WILLIAM M'ONIE, LORD PROVOST, 1883-86.

1885-86.

The Hon .William M 'Onie, Lord Provost
James Hunter Dickson, Bailie.
John Neil, do.
David Richmond, do.
James Gray, do.'
John Shearer, do.
James Macfarlane, do.
Robert Crawford, do.
Alexander M'Laren, do.
James Shaw, do.
Malcolm Campbell, do.
Walter Graham Blackie, Ph. D., Dean
of Guild.
Wilt.iam M'Lean, Jun., Deacon
Convener.
Alexander Waddkl, Treasurer.
John Filshill, Master of Works.
Hugh Steel Thomson, Bailie of the
River and Firth of Clyde.
Robert M'Farlane Mitchkll, Deputy
Bailie ofthe River and Firth of Clyde.
James Hannan, Bailie of Provan.
James David Marwick, LL.D., Town
Clerk.
Robert Renwick, Deputy Town Clerk.

James George Monro, Deputy. Town
Clerk.
James Nicol, City Chamberlain.
Thomas Eaton Robinson, C.A., Regis
trar under Loans Act, and City.
Accountant.
William Gibb, Cashier.
John Carrick, City Architect, and
Superintendent of Works.
John Lang, Procurator-Fiscal of Burgh,
River Bailie, and D. G. Courts.
Donald M'Phee, Police Procurator-
Fiscal.
Archibald Sinclair, Joint-Fiscal in
River Bailie Court.
Alexander Young, Peter Taylor
Young, Wm. Veitch Orr, and
George Paterson, Assessors and
Clerks of Police Courts.
James Muirhead, Assessor and Clerk
to the River Bailie Court.
James Henry, Assessor under the Lands
Valuation Act, and Assessor under
Registration of Voters Act.
James Brown, Council Officer.
William M'Leod, Chamber Keeper.

18 85-8 6.

FIRST WARD.

Henry Burt Wilson.
Alexander Waddel.
Hugh Steel Thomson, River Bailie.

SECOND WARD.
James Henderson Martin.
James Martin.
William Ure.
THIRD WARD.
Michael Simons.
David Logan.
John Filshill. FOURTH WARD.
Hugh Caldwell.
James M'Lennan.
James Macfarlane, Bailie.

FIFTH WARD.

Thomas Duncan.
Eobert M'Farlane Mitchell,
Deputy River Bailie.
David Morrin. SIXTH WARD.
John Neil, Bailie.
Alexander Osborne.
Alexander M'Laren, Bailie.
SEVENTH WARD.
Joseph Gardiner, Sen.
Henry Shaw MacPherson.
Thomas Watson.
EIGHTH WARD.
William Rae Wilson Smith.
Thomas Cumming.
Archibald Dunlop.

SIR WILLIAM M'ONIE, JLORD PROVOST, 1883 86.

397

NINTH WARD.
James. Colquhoun.
James Shaw, Bailie.
Peter Bertram.
TENTH WARD.
Robert Crawford, Bailie.
Robert Graham.
James Gray, Bailie.
ELEVENTH WARD.
William Walls.
William Pettigrew.
Malcolm Campbell, Bailie.
TWELFTH WARD.
James Hunter Dickson, Bailie.
John M'Farlane.
Duncan M'Pherson.

THIRTEENTH WARD.
Hugh Wallace.
Arthur Mechan.
John Young.
FOURTEENTH WARD.
William Wilson.
James Struthers Hamilton.
David Richmond, Bailie.
FIFTEENTH WARD.
David Bowman.
John Laing.
William Stevenson.
SIXTEENTH WARD.
William M'Onie, Sen.
Walter Paton.
John Shearer, Bailie.

Some of the more Interesting Events during the tenure op
Office of Sir William M'Onie.
3rd November, 1883. — A great fire occurred in Buchanan and Mitchell
Streets, a number of buildings, including Messrs. Wylie & Lochhead's,
being burned to the ground and damage done to the extent of £200,000.
8th November, 1883. — Mrs. John Elder, of Govan, gifted to the Senate
of Glasgow University, the sum of £12,500 to establish a Professorship
of Naval Architecture, to be called — "The John Elder Chair of Naval
Architecture." 12th November, 1883. — A public meeting was held in St. Andrew's
Hall, in connection with the Luther celebrations, at which the Lord
Provost presided. Professor Lindsay, the Rev. Dr. Lang, and Mr.
James A. Campbell, M.P., addressed the meeting.
15th November, 1883. — Mr. Fawcett was elected by the students
Lord Rector of Glasgow University.
20th November, 1883. — The first sod of the supplementary reservoir at
Craigmaddie was cut by Lord Provost M'Onie.

39S SIR WILLIAM M'ONIE, LORD PROVOST, 1883-86.
29th November, 1883. — Mrs. John Elder purchased thirty-five acres of
land at Fairfield to provide a public park for the people of Govan.
11th December, 1S83.'— A violent storm swept over the country and
considerable damage was done to property in Glasgow. In the provinces
several fatalities occurred. The velocity of the wind on this occasion
was 42 miles an hour, being equal to that of the storm in 1879, when
the Tay Bridge was destroyed.
13th December, 1883. — The Marquis of Lome paid a visit to the City
and in the evening was entertained to dinner in the Grand Hotel, by
the leading County gentlemen of Argyllshire, and on the 18th December
was presented with the freedom of the City.
19th December, 1883. — Sir Philip Cunliffe Owen opened a French Art
Loan Exhibition in the Corporation Galleries.
21st December, 1883. — Mr. Francis Elgar was appointed to the "John
Elder Chair of Naval Architecture " in Glasgow University.
22nd December, 1883. — Mr. Michael Connal, as Chairman of the
School Board, was invested with a gold chain and badge of office,
to be worn in turn by each successive Chairman.
22nd December, 1883. — The Rev. Dr. King, Minister of Greyfriars'
U.P. Church, Glasgow— from 1833 to 1855— died.
9th January, 1884. — The Right Honourable A. J. Mundella, M.P.,
Vice-President of the Committee of Council on Education, visited the
City, and on 13th January he was presented with an address from the
Glasgow Branch of the Educational Institute of Scotland.
1st February, 1884. — The Bute Hall in Glasgow University was
opened. 9th March, 1884. — Mr. James White of Overtoun died, and on
13th March, by the command of the Lord Provost and Magistrates,
the bells were tolled in Glasgow between two and three o'clock, the
hour of his funeral.
12th March, 1884. — The Lord Provost presided at a meeting held in
the Merchants' House, when it was decided to recognise the services of
Mr. William M'Ewan to the City by requesting him to allow his portrait
to be painted and presented to the Merchants' House. Mr. M'Ewan
had been twice Lord Dean of Guild.
ith April, 1884. — A special meeting of the Town Council was held
to vote addresses of condolence to H.M. the Queen and H.R.H. the

SIR WILLIAM M'ONIE, LORD PROVOST, 1883-86. 399
Duchess of Albany, on the death of H.R.H. Prince Leopold, Duke of
Albany. 17th April, 1884. — Ex-Lord Provost Ure declined the honour of
knighthood. 16th June, 1884. — Mr. Reith, the General Manager of the Clyde
Trust, was presented with his portrait by the Lord Provost, on behalf
of past and present members of the Trust.
5th August, 1884. — Raja Mansur, son of Sultan Abdullah Mohomed,
Shah of Perak, and Raja Idris, Chief Justice of Perak, accompanied by
Sir Hugh Low, Resident at Perak, visited the city. The distinguished
strangers, accompanied by the Lord Provost, visited a number of
important public works, and also the Royal Exchange, where they
inscribed their names in the distinguished visitors' book.
20th August, 1884. — The Lord Provost, Magistrates, and Town
Council, under the guidance of Mr. Gale, the Engineer, inspected the
preliminary operations in connection with the new reservoir at
Craigmaddie. 6th September, 1884. — A great Demonstration was held in Glasgow
in favour of the Franchise Bill. A procession was formed in the West
End Park and made its way to Glasgow Green, where the crowds were
addressed by Mr. George Anderson, M.P., and Dr. Cameron, M.P.
About 35,000 persons took part in the procession, and nearly half a
million watched its progress. Public meetings were also held in the
City and St. Andrew's Halls, that in the latter being addressed by Sir
George O. Trevelyan, Bart.
1st November, 1884. — A serious disaster occurred in the Star Music
Hall. Some persons raised a cry of fire, when a general panic took
place, and in the stampede no fewer than fourteen persons were
trampled to death and eighteen injured. This was the means of very
stringent bye-laws being introduced to prevent similar occurrences
being possible in places of public entertainment in the future.
23rd November, 1884. — St. George's-in-the-Fields Parish Church was
totally destroyed by fire.
25th November, 1884. — A Grand Fancy Fair in aid of the funds of
the Glasgow Hospital for Sick Children, was opened in St. Andrew's
Hall by the Duke of Montrose. The large Hall was fitted up to
•represent an English Market-place of the 14th century. The Fair was
27

400 SIR WILLIAM M'ONIE, LORD PROVOST, 1883-86.
opened on succeeding days by the Marquis of Breadalbane, the Hon.
Lord Provost M'Onie, the Earl of Glasgow, and Sir Archibald Campbell,
and was closed on Saturday, 29th November, by the Lord Provost.
The total drawings amounted to £19,911.
8th December, 1884. — Mr. H. M. Stanley visited the City and in the
evening addressed a meeting in St. Andrew's Hall, when the Glasgow
Geographical Society was inaugurated. Lord Rosebery occupied the chair.
21st December, 1884. — A Military ceremony took place in Glasgow
Cathedral, at which the old colours of the 74th Regiment were handed
over by General Bruce. The Lord Provost on behalf of the Corporation,
and Dr. Burns as Incumbent of the Cathedral, accepted their custody.
A Tablet erected in memory of members of the Regiment was unveiled
at the same time.
26th December, 1884. — The Lord Provost opened an Art and
Industrial Exhibition in Main Street, Gorbals.
29th December, 1884. — -Proceedings opened at Westminster in con
nection with a claim made by Lord Blantyre against the Clyde Trustees
for £100,000 for injury done to his Erskine and Glenarbuck estates
by dredging and deepening operations on the Clyde.
8th January, 1885. — The Corporation moved congratulatory addresses
to H.M. the Queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and to Prince
Albert Victor of Wales, upon the coming of age of the latter.
28th January, 1885. — A fatal fire occurred at Rutherglen Bridge
Cotton Mill, owned by Messrs. Andrew Scott <fc Co. Four workers
were burned, and the damage was estimated at £30,000.
11th February, 1885. — The proprietors of the Evening Times issued
and disposed of 127,000 copies of the portrait of General Gordon in
consequence of the great interest exhibited by the people in the fall of
Khartoum and in the fate of its defender.
17th February, 1885. — An influential meeting of the citizens was
held in the City Hall, under the presidency of Ex-Lord Provost Ure,
to consider as to the adoption of the Public Libraries Act.
ith March, 1885. — Mr. George Anderson, M.P., resigned from the
representation of the City in Parliament, and on 10th March, Mr.
Thomas Russell was returned, unopposed.
26th March, 1885. — Professor Lushington, LL.D., D.C.L., installed
Lord Rector of the University in succession to the late Mr. Fawcett.

SIR WILLIAM M'ONIE, LORD PROVOST, 1883-86. 401
31st March, 1885. — At a meeting presided over by the Lord Provost,
Mr. George Anderson, late M.P. for the City, was presented with an
address and cheque on his leaving the country to fill the office of
Deputy Master of the Mint at Melbourne.
23rd May, 1885. — The memorial stone of the new church for the
Parish of St. George's-in-the-Fields was laid by the Lord Provost.
27th June, 1885. — The Elder Park, Govan, was opened by Lord
Rosebery. 2nd July, 1885. — The honour of Knighthood was conferred upon
Mr. Michael Connal, ex-Chairman of the Glasgow School Board.
10th July, 1885. — The old College gateway was removed from High
Street to Gilmorehill. The gateway now forms part of a structure
consisting of a janitor's house and two class-rooms, and the cost of the
removal, amounting to between £2,000 and £3,000, was defrayed by
Mr. William Pearce, of Messrs. John Elder & Co., Govan.
16th July, 1885. — Mr. William Graham, who represented the city in
Parliament from 1865 to 1874, died in London. His funeral took
place on 21st July. The city bells were tolled by order of the Lord
Provost and Magistrates, and all day the flag on the Corporation
Buildings remained at half-mast.
1st September, 1885. — The Hon. the Lord Provost, Bailies Ure,
M'Pherson and Richmond, and Dr. Marwick visited Balmoral Castle
and presented to H.M. the Queen and to H.R.H. the Princess Beatrice
addresses of congratulation passed by the Council on the occasion of the
marriage of Princess Beatrice.
2nd September, 1885. — The annual meeting of the Iron and Steel
Institute was opened in the Corporation Galleries. The members of
the Institute were welcomed to the city by Bailie Bertram (representing
the Lord Provost who was absent at Balmoral) and by Lord Glasgow
on behalf of the West of Scotland generally. The meetings closed on
the 3rd and on that evening the members were entertained to a
conversazione in the Galleries.
7th September, 1885. — Prince Khalid of Johore, brother of the
Maharajah of Johore, accompanied by Inchi Abdullah of Johore, aide-
de-camp, and Mr. George Armstrong, interpreter, visited the City and
were received by the Lord Dean of Guild. In the course of the day the
party visited the Royal Exchange and a number of public works.

402 SIR WILLIAM M'ONIE, LORD PROVOST, 1883-86.
2ith September, 1885. — The claim made by Lord Blantyre against the
Clyde Trustees for damage done to his property in consequence of
certain dredging operations on the Clyde, was settled. His Lordship
was awarded £12,500 and expenses. The original claim was for
£100,000. 27th September, 1885. — The Channel Squadron arrived at the Tail of
the Bank. The last visit of the Fleet was in 1874.
29th October, 1885. — The portrait of ex-Lord Provost Ure was un
veiled in the Corporation Galleries.
1st November, 1885. — Unemployed Relief Works opened.
3rd April, 1886. — A destructive fire occurred in South Hanover
Street, the warehouses of Messrs. Wm. M'Laren, Sons, <fe Co. being
destroyed, and damage done to the extent of £25,000.
3rd May, 1886. — The first sod of Mugdock Reservoir in connection
with the new Loch Katrine Aqueduct was cut by the Lord Provost.
6th May, 1886. — The Edinburgh International Exhibition was opened
by H.R.H. Prince Albert Victor of Wales.
19th May, 1886. — Ex-Deacon Convener M'Onie died. The deceased
gentleman was a brother of the Lord Provost, and had held several
important offices in the city.
25th May, 1886. — The Marquis Tseng, Chinese Minister Pleni
potentiary to Great Britain, visited the city and inspected a number of
local industries during his stay, which lasted three days.
28th June, 1886.— The Lord Provost and Magistrates agreed to
forward a congratulatory address to H.M. the Queen on her entering
upon the 50th year of her reign.
29th July, 1886. — His Highness Rajah Pertat Singh, of Marsingarh,
Central India, accompanied by his Minister and aide-de-camp, visited
the City. The distinguished visitors, who carried a letter of introduction
to the Lord Provost from Lord Kimberley, were in the absence of Lord
Provost M'Onie conducted over the City by Mr. Nicol, the City
Chamberlain. 26th August, 1886. — One hundred and fifty ladies and gentlemen,
consisting of Native Indian and African dignitaries and others of British
extraction from all parts of Her Majesty's foreign dominions, who had
been visiting the Indian Exhibition in London, arrived in the City and
were received by representatives of the Town Council. They visited

SIR WILLIAM M'ONIE, LORD PROVOST, 1883-86. 403
the Cathedral, University, and several important public works, and in
the evening were entertained to dinner by the Lord Provost and
Corporation in the St. Andrew's Hall.
31st August, 1886. — Cathkin Braes Park was presented to the City
by Mr. James Dick of Greenhead.
2ith September, 1886. — Mr. Andrew Cunninghame, late Depute Town
Clerk of Glasgow, died.
2&th September, 1886. — Count Saigo, the Japanese Minister of Marine,
accompanied by a suite of Naval and Military officers, arrived in Glasgow
and inspected several of the principal shipbuilding yards on the Clyde.
In the evening the distinguished strangers were entertained to dinner
by the Lord Provost and Magistrates. Their visit concluded on the
28th September.
25th September, 1886. — A disastrous accident occurred at Crarae
Quarries, Lochfyne. In honour of the jubilee of the Statute Labour
Committee of the Town Council, Messrs. A. and J. Faill, principal
members of the firm of Messrs Wm. Sim & Co., owners of the quarries,
arranged an enormous blast of gunpowder, and a party numbering
about one thousand, amongst whom were many members of the Town
Council, visited the scene of operations. Incautiously entering the
quarry too soon after the blast, a number of the party were overcome
by the choke damp and six died in the first moments. The dead
included Councillor Thomas Duncan, Mr. Matthew Waddell, Mr.
James Shaw (son of Bailie Shaw), and Councillor John Young (who
died on the following day), all of Glasgow. The occurrence caused
intense excitement in Glasgow and in the different coast towns to
which the party belonged.
29th September, 1886. — Public funeral of Councillors Young and
Duncan, attended by the Lord Provost, Magistrates, and Town Council
and representatives of other public bodies.
ith October, 1886. — At a meeting of the Town Council it was
unanimously agreed to forward letters of sympathy and condolence to the
families of the four city gentlemen who lost their lives in the disaster
at Crarae Quarries.
13th October, 1886. — The new Clyde Trust Graving Dock at Govan
was formally opened by the Lord Provost.
19th October, 1886. — The Lord Provost and Magistrates inspected

404 SIR WILLIAM M'ONIE, LORD PROVOST, 1883-86.
the new wharves at Yorkhill and Shieldhall, constructed for the foreign
cattle trade.
21st October, 1886.— Lord Provost M'Onie delivered his valedictory
address at the Town Council meeting.
29th October, 1886. — The Lord Provost presided at a public meeting
of the citizens in connection with the proposed Exhibition in 1 888.
2nd November, 1886. — At a meeting of the Clyde Trust, Lord
Provost M'Onie was awarded a vote of thanks for his services as
chairman.

Sir William M'Onie.

SIR WILLIAM M'ONIE, LORD PROVOST, 1883-86. 405

THE HON. THE LORD PROVOST,
1883-1886.

Sir William M'Onie was born at Gartmore, in the County of Perth,
and came to Glasgow early in life. While still a young man he and
his elder brother, Peter, started business as engineers in Scotland
Street as P. & W. M'Onie, and some time afterwards, as their business
extended, their brother Andrew became their manager. Later on
William and Andrew started separately under tbe style of W. & A.
M'Onie, engineers, etc., now known, after an amalgamation, as M'Onie,
Harvey, & Co., Ltd., while Mr. Peter M'Onie was joined by Mr. J. B.
Mirrlees, the old firm becoming M'Onie & Mirrlees, now known as the
Mirrlees, Watson Co., Ltd. Having prospered in business, Sir William
resolved to devote some of his time and energy to the service of the
public, and so long ago as 1867 he was elected to the Town Council as
one of the representatives of the old Sixteenth Ward. Three years later
he was appointed Depute Bailie of the River and Firth of Clyde,
and afterwards he sat on the bench as a Magistrate of the city from 1879
to 1883. All through these years he rendered excellent public service,
especially in connection with departmental and committee work. He
was not much given to public speaking, but, essentially a man of
action, he preferred to do things rather than talk, and when he put his
hand to any task all difficulties gave way. This thoroughgoing
persistency, moreover, was well-directed. Unresting, he was also
unhasting. He did not leap at things, but made up his mind
deliberately. When in 1883 he was requested to succeed Mr. John
Ure as Lord Provost of the city he hesitated before agreeing to the
nomination. No one questioned his business capacity or his knowledge
of public affairs but he was a shrewd judge of himself as well as of
other men, and he shrank from a position which entailed public

406 SIR WILLIAM M'ONIE, LORD PROVOST, 1883-86.
appearances that were distasteful to him. His colleagues in the Town
Council, however, would take no denial, and Sir William became Lord
Provost for the customary term of three years. He presided over the
deliberations of the Town Council with firmness and high intelligence.
Scarcely twenty years have elapsed since Sir William M'Onie's
occupancy of the civic chair, but in that period have been born many
of the municipal enterprises that to-day bulk largely in the public eye,
attracting the attention of the world to Glasgow, and which were then
in the embryonic state ; some of them, indeed, would then have even been
deemed outside the scope of a municipality. The expansion of our great
cities within that comparatively short period, with the increasing pressure
of great social problems clamouring for some solution ; the growth of a
keener social conscience ; the recognition of the fact that much of the
work of social regeneration can best be undertaken, not by the Imperial
Parliament, but by local bodies, which has led to a readiness to grant
to municipalities greatly increased powers, have all tended, and will
increasingly do so, to make municipal enterprise more varied and
complex than before.
But while this is so, it is not less true that to no small extent do we
owe it to the work of the far-seeing men who preceded us that we in
Glasgow to-day have been able to turn attention to the solution of these
newer problems as they have come within the sphere of " practical
politics," instead of having to put them aside for what may appear the
more common-place but imperative necessities of a great city. What,
for instance, is more vital to the health of a community than a plentiful
supply of pure water 1 And that Glasgow has been able for so many
years to boast of this blessing it owes to the foresight of those who were
not content with making provision for the city's immediate requirements,
but, with far-seeing wisdom, dealt with the question with the needs of
future generations in view. Thus, while other cities have still to wrestle
with this question, to Glasgow its water supply is to-day only a question
of the increase and development of its already existing sources of
supply. When Sir William M'Onie first entered the Town Council the Loch
Katrine supply had been only some seven or eight years in operation
but before he left it the great extension of the works, still uncompleted
had been resolved on. During his Lord Provostship  in 1885  power

SIR WILLIAM M'ONIE, LORD PROVOST, 1883-86. 407
was obtained to raise Loch Katrine other 5 feet, making 12 feet in all
that may be drawn upon for the supply of the city ; to take a further
60,000,000 gallons of water per day for the supply of the city and
suburbs ; to construct a duplicate line of aqueduct and service reservoir,
with lines of pipes to the city ; and to raise Loch Arklet 25 feet above
its present level, and lead the water from this loch. into Loch Katrine
by a tunnel. Before leaving this department of municipal work it is
interesting to note that the first important public act of Sir William as
Lord Provost was his cutting of the first sod of the supplementary
reservoir at Craigmaddie.
One of Sir William's last official acts before demitting office as Lord
Provost was to preside over a public meeting of the citizens to consider
the propriety of holding an International Exhibition in Glasgow in
1888. It was left to his successor, Sir James King, to carry to a
successful conclusion the proposal which was then adopted. It was,
however, fitting that Sir William should receive the honour of knight
hood at the hands Her late Majesty on the occasion of her visit to the
city in 1888 in connection with the Exhibition.
After that date he did not appear much in public, but his interest in
the city and all that concerned its welfare remained to the last
undiminished. Prior to entering the Town Council Sir William was a
member of the Govan Parochial Board, and he added to his commercial
responsibilities, as chief partner of the firm of M'Onie, Harvey, & Co.,
those of Chairman of the British and African Steam Navigation
Company. In politics he was a Conservative, and, as a loyal son of
the Church of Scotland, he had more to do than most men with the
building of churches. He was at one time a member of St. Enoch's
Church, but the distance between that church and Pollokshields, where
he resided, was a serious obstacle in the way of attendance in inclement
weather. Moreover, the southern suburbs were expanding, and their
ecclesiastical needs were making themselves felt. Accordingly, on 12th
November, 1863, Sir William and his brother Andrew, along with the
late Bailie William Wilson and two or three other well-known citizens
of that day, met in Sir William's drawing-room and talked over the
advisability of having a place of worship, connected with the Church of
Scotland erected in the vicinity. This was the beginning of Maxwell
Parish Church, which was opened a couple of years later under the

408 SIR WILLIAM M'ONIE, LORD PROVOST, 1883-86.
ministry of the Rev. Archibald Scott, afterwards of St. George's,
Edinburgh, who was succeeded by the Rev. Andrew Gray, afterwards
of the East Church, Dalkeith, who in turn was followed by the Rev.
Dr. W. W. Tulloch, who recently retired from the pastorate. But Pollok-
shields continued to grow rapidly, and Sir William and his friend,
Bailie Wilson, along with others, concluded that in the interests of the
district and the Church of Scotland another church was needed further
west. Accordingly, during Mr. Gray's occupancy of Maxwell pulpit a
movement in this direction was originated which resulted in the
building of Pollokshields Parish Church. It may be mentioned in this
connection, that until his death Sir William remained one of the
trustees of Maxwell Parish Church.
Sir William died on 3rd February, 1894, at his residence, Heath-
bank, Pollokshields, but several years previously he had purchased the
estate of Ballochneck, Buchlyvie. Lady M'Onie still survives.

SIR JAMES KING, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1886-89. 409

MEETING OF TOWN COUNCIL,
NOVEMBER, 1886.

ELECTION OF MAGISTRATES.

The first Meeting of the newly-constituted Town Council was
held on 5th November, 1886. Bailie Richmond, the Senior Magistrate,
occupied the chair. Rev. Mr. Henderson, St. James' Church, in
accordance with custom, opened the meeting with prayer.
The list of the Council having been adjusted and read by the Town-
Clerk, (Dr. Marwick,) and the standing orders adopted, the Chairman
said — Our next duty 'is to elect a Lord Provost in succession to
Mr. M'Onie, who three years ago accepted the Chief Magistracy at the
call, of public duty, and has performed its varied and responsible
functions with a devotion and a transparent honesty of purpose which
those who know him best most confidently anticipated, and with a
degree of public acceptance which has grown as he became more widely
known. Fortunately, the selection of his successor is a matter on
which not only the Corporation but the entire community are agreed.
Since it became necessary some months ago to anticipate to some
extent the proceedings of to-day, there has been absolute unanimity
here as to the gentleman who should be invited to 611 this chair for the
next three years, and that unanimity has been reflected by public
opinion outside. Everyone here felt and general expression has been
given to the feeling, that if Mr. James King, of Campsie, could see his
way to fill this chair the best traditions of this old and honourable
office would be thoroughly sustained. Like a loyal and dutiful son of
Glasgow, he yielded to the call then made upon him, and in response
to a requisition signed by every member of the Council, he intimated
some time since, that if the representatives of the city were pleased
to-day to call him to the Chief Magistracy he would feel bound to

410 SIR JAMES KING, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1886-89.
undertake it. In these circumstances it is with equal pleasure and
confidence that I now propose Mr. King for election as Lord
Provost. In his presence I do not feel myself free to do more than
simply allude to his varied qualifications for the office. Of his general
culture we have the best evidence in the fact that the University of
Glasgow some time since elected him to the academic office of Dean
of Faculties — an office which has been invariably held by men of wide
intelligence and prominent social position, and that it has since marked
its sense of the ability with which he discharged the duties of the office
by conferring on him its highest academic degree of Doctor of Laws.
His wide business experience is attested by the appreciation in which
he is held by our foremost men who are charged with the administra
tion of leading banks, railways, and commercial undertakings in the
city. With the direction of many of them Mr. King has long been
closely associated, and the energy, the shrewdness, the ability, and the
unvarying courtesy which has distinguished him in relation to them, as
well as the confidence which is universally felt in the soundness of his
judgment, and in the firmness of his action, eminently fit him for the
duties which will devolve upon him as Chief Magistrate of Glasgow.
Nor is he unacquainted with the business of the Town Council. For
two years he held, with universal acceptance, the office of Lord Dean
of Guild, and took an active part in all the business of the Corporation
and its trusts. He thus carries with him to the discharge of the duties
of the Chief Magistracy qualifications and experience of the highest
order and most general character. We feel confident that all the
varied actions which he may be called upon to undertake will be
distinguished by the courtesy and refinement of a gentleman, as well as
by the intelligence and the experience of the business man trained and
accustomed to deal with large, difficult, and important transactions.
I beg now formally to propose that Mr. James King of Campsie be
elected Lord Provost of Glasgow.
Bailie Gray — It is hardly necessary, after the statement that you
have made, to add anything ; and I will only say that if it please the
Council to elect Mr. King to the office, he will bring sound judgment
and ripe experience, which will be of the greatest possible advantage
in presiding over the deliberations of the Corporation and its various
trusts, not only so, but in representing the city in a competent manner

SIR JAMES KING, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1886-89. 411
on all public occasions. The citizens have long looked forward to
Mr. King* occupying some one of the various prominent representative
positions, and there is no field of usefulness that he could be called
upon to fill more honourable or more useful than that he is now called
upon to day — the position of the first citizen of the second city of the
empire. I have much pleasure in seconding the resolution which you,
Mr. Chairman, have submitted.
The motion was put to the Council, and unanimously agreed to.
Mr. King then accepted office, and, having taken the oath, he was
invested by Bailie Richmond with the chain of office, and took the
chair. The Lord Provost, who was received with applause, said — Gentlemen,
allow me to express my hearty and sincere thanks for the high honour
you have conferred upon me, in unanimously electing me to be Lord
Provost of Glasgow, and also to express to my friends Bailie Richmond
and Bailie Gray my warm acknowledgments of the too kind and too
flattering manner in which they spoke of any small qualifications I
possess for filling so honourable an office. To one who is proud to be
a native of Glasgow, who knows well how varied are its industries,
and how important are its interests, who has, during his whole life,
watched with interest the rapid strides which it has made in population,
in eminence, and in material prosperity, there can be no distinction,
indeed, so grateful as to be chosen to be the civic head of this commun
ity. But this honour, in my case, is invested with a peculiar and
special value, inasmuch as a few months ago you expressed the desire
that I should come among you with a view of bestowing on me in due
time the office which I now assume. Actuated, not by ambition, but
by a desire to be useful, I have acceded to your wishes, and cordially
place my services at your disposal. Through your kindness, I entered
the Council, and during the interval, my observation has shown me
how much I have to learn, and how difficult the task is which
I now assume. I enter upon my work heartily and hopefully,
assured that you will recognise my efforts to serve, and accept,
where I fall short, the will for the deed. Gentlemen, there are
several considerations which help to strengthen me to-day, and to one
of those, you, sir, have alluded. I feel I am no stranger among you,
for during two years as Dean of Guild I had the honour of occupying

412 SIR JAMES KING, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1886-89.
a seat in this Council, and I was always deeply interested in civic
affairs. I find, indeed, that since I was here before the work has
greatly increased, but at least it has not changed in character. Then
again, I am encouraged by knowing from the cordiality with which
I have been received by the whole bench of Magistrates that I
can trust to their hearty co-operation. I am sure if at some of
the meetings over which as Chief Magistrate I may be invited to
preside, I, from time to time, appeal to them for assistance, or to take
my place, I shall not appeal in vain. But, thirdly and chiefly, I am
encouraged by the remembrance of your cordial invitation ; and your
confidence emboldens me to believe that those errors which may
proceed from inexperience will not be too severely criticised, and
that you will always be ready to support me, at least as long as
I am actuated by an earnest desire to do right. In occupying
this chair it will be my endeavour to maintain intact the dignity of the
office and the privileges belonging to the city. In presiding over the
debates I shall endeavour to act with fairness and firmness. I shall never
endeavour to stifle debate. I think it is wholesome, and I shall always
be ready to give every member of this Council the fullest opportunity
of explaining his views in regard to the question at issue ; and if at any
time — which I hope may not be the case — any gentleman should
depart from that, and either go outside the matter, or indulge in
personalities, I am sure that I shall have the support of this
corporate body. We have much important work before us. In
every department and in every trust great and important questions are
to be considered. But there are among us plenty of eager and able
workers. So far as I have been able to gauge the Council, it seems
to me that they are as a body characterised by an earnest desire to
undertake any work, however difficult, however complicated, and
it seems to me, with a thorough resolution to set their face against
anything that is underhand or dishonourable. So long as that is
the case, the community may safely trust the management of their
affairs to their representatives. In conclusion, allow me to express
the hope that when my term of office expires I may retire with
the feeling in your minds that I have not been altogether useless
and that I carry with me both the respect and friendship of every
man at this Council.

SIR JAMES KING, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1886-89. 413
The Town-Clerk (Dr. Marwick) said the next business was to proceed
to the election of three Bailies.
1 The Lord Provost — In entering upon this very important matter, I
have great pleasure in proposing that the first on the list be Mr. Hugh
S. Thomson, who, for the last two years has successively filled the
offices of Depute River Bailie and of River Bailie with great accept
ance, and I feel assured that I have only to name Mr. Thomson in
order to secure his cordial acceptance by you. I propose the election
of Mr. Thomson
Bailie Richmond — I have the greatest pleasure in seconding the
nomination of Mr. Thomson.
Mr. Thomson's appointment was unanimously agreed to.
The Lord Provost — Then I beg to propose the election of Councillor
James Colquhoun. Mr. Colquhoun is well known to all of you as a
man of ability and of culture, well acquainted with public business, and
a useful member of the Council. I think it particularly fortunate in
securing Mr. Colquhoun's services, and I have great pleasure in
proposing his election.
Bailie Gray — I have much pleasure, my Lord Provost, in seconding
the proposal.
This motion was unanimously agreed to.
The Lord Provost — Next on the list, I beg to move the election of
Councillor Hugh Wallace as a Bailie of the Burgh. Mr. Wallace
has been known to me for some time, and I hold him in very high
esteem for sterling qualities which will eminently qualify him for the
delicate and responsible duties pertaining to the office of a burgh
Magistrate. Mr. Wallace has successfully managed his own business,
and although he has not been so much a public man as Mr. Colquhoun,
I feel sure he has only to come forward, as we now invite him to do,
in order to prove he is well worthy of the distinction which I ask you
to confer on him. I beg to move the election of Councillor Hugh
Wallace. Bailie Shearer seconded the motion.
Mr. Martin moved the previous question, but the motion was not
seconded, and Mr. Wallace was unanimously elected.
The Lord Provost next moved that Mr. Robert M. Mitchell, who
has been for the last year Depute River Bailie, should be appointed

414 SIR JAMES KING, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1886-89.
River Bailie. He is a gentleman, he said, who must recommend him
self to you all as being well qualified for the office. Indeed, he has
proved it by the ability with which he has discharged the duties of
Depute River Bailie during the past year.
Bailie Macfarlane seconded, and the motion was adopted.
The Lord Provost next nomiuated Mr. William Stevenson as Depute
River Bailie of the Firth of Clyde. Mr. Stevenson, he said, is well
known as a shrewd, intelligent business man, who has been the
architect of his own fortune. He bears a very high character, he has
had large experience of public business, not only in the Council, but
also in county districts, and School Boards, and I feel sure you may
with confidence entrust him with the duties of Depute Water Bailie.
Bailie M'Laren seconded, and the motion was carried.
The gentlemen appointed then took oath, and were invested by the
Lord Provost with the chains of office, and, having received the
congratulations of their fellow members, took their seats at the
Magistrates' Table.

SIR JAMES KING, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1886-8

415

List of the Members of the Town Council and Principal Officials during
the Lord Provostship of Sir James King, Bart., LL.D., of Campsie.

1886-87.

The Hon. Jambs King, LL.D-.,Lord Provost.
David Richmond, Bailie.
Jambs Gray, do.
John Shearer, do.
James M'Farlane, do.
Alexander M'Laren, do.
James Shaw, do.
Malcolm Campbell, do.
Hugh Steel Thomson, do.
James Colquhoun, do.
Hugh Wallace, do.
Walter Graham Blackie, Ph.D.,
Dean of Guild.
William M'Lean, Jun. , Deacon Convener
Alexander Waddel, Treasurer.
James Henderson Martin, Master of
Works.
Robert M'Farlane Mitchell, Bailie
ofthe River and Firth of Clyde.
William Stevenson, Deputy Bailie of
the River and Firth of Clyde
Jam us Hannan, Bailie of Provan.
James David Marwick; LL.D., Tenon
Clerk.
Robert Renwick, Deputy Town Clerk.

James George Monro, Deputy Town
Clerk.
James Nicol, City Chamberlain.
Thomas Eaton Robinson, C.A , Regis
trar under Loans Act, and City
Accountant.
William Gibb, Cashier.
John Carrick, City Architect and
Superintendent of Works.
John Lang, Procurator- Fiscal of Burgh,
River Bailie, and D. G. Courts.
Donald M'Phbe, Police Procurator-
Fiscal.
Archibald Sinclair, Joint Fiscal in
River Bailie Gowrt.
Alexander Young, Peter Taylor
Young, William Veitch Orr,
and George Paterson, Assessors
and Clerks of Police Courts.
James Muirhead, Assessor and Clerk
to the River Bailie Court.
James Henry, Assessor under the Lands
Valuation Act, and Assessor under
the Registration of Voters Act.
Jambs Brown, Council Officer.
William M'Leod, Chamber-Keeper.

188 6-8 7.

FIRST WARD.
Alexander Waddel.
Hugh Steel Thomson, Bailie.
Henry Burt Wilson.
SECOND WARD.
James Martin.
William Ure.
James Henderson Martin.
THIRD WARD.

John Filshill.
Hugh Brechin.
Michael Simons. 28

FOURTH WARD.

James M'Lennan.
Jambs M'Farlane, Bailie.
Hugh Caldwell. FIFTH WARD.
Robert M'Farlane Mitchell.
David Morrin.
William M'Kellar.
SIXTH WARD.
Alexander Osborne.
Alexander M'Laren.
John Neil.

416 SIR JAMES KING, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1886-89.

SEVENTH WARD.
Henry Shaw Macpherson.
Thomas Watson.
James King, LL.D.
EIGHTH WARD.
Thomas Cumming.
Archibald Dunlop.
William Rae Wilson Smith.
NINTH WARD.
James Shaw.
Peter Bertram.
James Colquhoun. TENTH WARD.
Robert Graham.
Jambs Gray.
Robert Crawjord.
ELEVENTH WARD.
William Pettigrew.
Malcolm Campbell.
John Muir.

TWELFTH WARD.
John M'Farlane.
Duncan M'Pherson.
James Hunter Dickson.
THIRTEENTH WARD.
Arthur Mechan.
William Bilsland.
Hugh Wallace.
FOURTEENTH WARD.
James Struthers Hamilton.
David Richmond.
William Wilson.
FIFTEENTH WARD.
John Laing.
William Stevenson.
David Bowman.
SIXTEENTH WARD.
Walter Paton.
John Shearer.
John Ure Primrose.

1887-88.

The Hon. Sir James King, Bart., LL.D.,
of Campsie, Lord Provost.
James Gray, Bailie.
John Shearer, dp.
James M'Farlane, do.
Alexander M'Laren, do.
Hugh Steel Thomson, do.
James Colquhoun, do.
Hugh Wallace, do.
Robert M'Farlane Mitchell, do.
William Stevenson, do.
Michael Simons, do.
William Walls, Dean of Guild.
James Thomson Tullis, Deacon Convener
David Richmond, Treasurer.
Thomas Watson, Master of Works.
James M'Lennan, Bailie of the River
and Firth of Clyde.
James Henderson Martin, Deputy
Bailie ofthe River and Firth of Clyde.
James Hannan, Bailie of Provan.
James David Marwick, LL.D., Town
Clerk.
Robert Renwick, Deputy Town Clerk.
Jamvs George Monro, do.

James Nicol, City Chamberlain.
Thomas Eaton Robinson, C.A., Regis
trar under Loans Act and City
Accountant.
William Gibb, Cashier.
John Carrick, City Architect and
Superintendent of Works.
John Lang, Procurator-Fiscal of River
Bailie, Burgh, and Dean of Guild
Courts.
Donald M'Phee, Police Procurator-
Fiscal.
Archibald Sinclair, Joint Fiscal in
River Bailie Court.
Alexander Young, Peter Taylor
Young, William Veitch Orr,
George Paterson, Assessors and
Clerks of Police Courts.
James Muirhead, Assessor and Clerk to
River Bailie Court.
James Henry, Assessor under Lands
Valuation and Registration of Voters
Acts.
James Brown, Council Officer.
William M'Leod, Chamber- Keeper.

SIR JAMES KING, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1886-89.
1887-88.

417

FIRST WARD.
Hugh Steel Thomson.
Henry Burt Wilson.
Alexander Waddel.
SECOND WARD.
William Ure.
James Henderson Martin.
James Martin. THIRD WARD.

Hugh Brechin.
Michael Simons.
John Filshill.

FOURTH WARD.
James M'Farlane.
Hugh Caldwell.
James M'Lennan. FIFTH WARD.
David Morrin.
William M'Kellar.
Robert M'Farlane Mitchell.
SIXTH WARD.
Alexander M'Laren.
John Neil.
Alexander Osborne.
SEVENTH WARD.
Thomas Watson.
Sir James King, Bart., LL.D.
Henry Shaw Macpherson.
EIGHTH WARD.
Archibald Dunlop.
Wllliam Rae Wilson Smith.
Thomas Cumming.

NINTH WARD.
Peter Bertram.
James Colquhoun.
Thomas Cochrane Guthrie.
TENTH WARD.
Jambs Gray.
Robert Crawford.
Robert Graham.
ELEVENTH WARD.
Malcolm Campbell.
John Muir.
William Pettigrew.
TWELFTH WARD.
Duncan M'Pherson.
James Hunter Dickson.
John M'Farlane.
THIRTEENTH WARD.
William Bilsland.
Hugh Wallace.
Arthur Meghan.
FOURTEENTH WARD.
William Wilson.
John Paterson.
David Richmond.
FIFTEENTH WARD.
William Stevenson.
David Bowman.
Walter Wilson.
SIXTEENTH WARD.
John Shearer.
John Ure Primrose.
Walter Paton.

418

SIR JAMMS KING, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1886-89.

18 8 8-89.

Th6 Hon. Sir James King, Bart. , LL.D.,
of Campsie, Lord Provost.
James Colquhoun, Bailie.
Hugh Wallace, do.
Robert M'Farlane Mitchell, do.
Michael Simons, do.
Hugh Steel Thomson, do.
William Stevenson, do.
James M'Lennan, do.
Thomas Comming, do.
Henry Shaw Macpherson, do.
Walter Paton, do-
William Walls, Dean of Guild.
James Thomson Tullis, Deacon-
Convener.
David Richmond, Treasurer.
James Hunter Dickson, Master of
Works.
James Henderson Martin, Bailie of
the River and Firth of Clyde.
David Morrin, Deputy Bailie of the
River and Firth of Clyde.
Thomas Adam Mathieson, Bailie of
Provan.
Sir James David Marwick, LL.D.,
Town-Clerk
Robert Renwick, Deputy Town-Clerk.

James George Monro, Deputy Town-
Clerk.-
James. NicOl, City Chamberlain.
Thomas -Eaton Robinson, C.A., Regis
trar under Loans Act, and City
Accountant.
William Gibb, Cashier.
John Carrick, City Architect and
Superintendent of Works.
John Lang, Procurator of Burgh, River
Bailie, and Dean of Guild Courts.
Donald M'Phee, Police Procurator-

Archibald Sinclair, Joint-Fiscal in
River Bailie Court.
Alexander Young, Peter Taylor
Young, William Veitch Orr,
George Paterson, Assessors and
Clerks of Police Courts.
James Muirhead, Assessor and Clerk
to the River Bailie Court.
James Henry, Assessor under the
Lands Valuation and Registration
of Voters Acts.
James Brown, Council Officer.
William M'Leod, Chamber-Keeper.

1888-8 9.

FIRST WARD.
Henry Burt Wilson.
Alexander Waddel.
Hugh Steel Thomson.
SECOND WARD.
James Henderson Martin.
James Martin.
William Ure.
THIRD WARD.

Michael Simons.
John Filshill.
Hugh Brechin.

FOURTH WARD.

Hugh Caldwell.
James M'Lennan.
Archibald Neilson.

FIFTH WARD.

William M'Kellar.
Robert M'Farlane Mitchell.
David Morrin. SIXTH WARD.
John Neil.
Alexander Osborne.
Alexander M'Laren.
SEVENTH WARD.
Sir James King, Bart., LL. D.
Henry Shaw Macpherson.
Thomas Watson.
EIGHTH WARD.
Thomas Cumming.
William M'Lean, Jr.
Archibald Dunlop.

SIR JAMES- KING, BART., LORD PROVOSjT, 1886-89. 419

NINTH WARD.
James Colquhoun..
Thomas Cochrane Guthrie.
James Parnie. TENTH WARD.
Robert Crawford.
Robert Graham.
James Gray.
ELEVENTH WARD.
John Muir.
William Pettigrew.
Samuel Chisholm.
TWELFTH WARD.
James Hunter Dickson.
John M'Farlane.
James Alexander.

THIRTEENTH WARD.
Hugh Wallace.
Arthur Meghan.
William Bilsland.
FOURTEENTH WARD.
John Paterson.
David Richmond.
William Wilson.
FIFTEENTH WARD.
David Bowman.
Walter Wilson.
William Stevenson.
SIXTEENTH WARD.
John Ure Primrose.
Walter Paton.
John Shearer.

Some of the more interesting events during the tenure of
office of Sie James King, Bart.
26th November, 1886. — The Glasgow and West of Scotland Technical
College founded.
' 2nd December, 1886. — The Patrons of Hutchesons' Hospital offered
to the Corporation the space known as Hutcheson Square, on the
condition that it be retained always as an open space, and on 3rd
February, 1887, the Parks Committee of the Town Council accepted the
offer and decided to convert the square into a playground for children.
3rd December, 1886. — A serious fire occurred at the Blind Asylum,
and damage was done to the extent of £10,000.
8th December, 1886. — Professor Berry was appointed Sheriff-Principal
of Lanarkshire, in room of the late Sheriff Clark. ¦»
\6th December, 1886.— Relief Works for the unemployed opened.
6th January, 1887. — The Town Council received a deputation of
prominent gentlemen in support of a scheme to provide an Infirmary
for the South Side of the city, the erection being intended to commem
orate the Jubilee of H.M. the Queen.

420 SIR JAMES KING, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1886-89.
7th January, 1887. — The Memorial Stone of the new Athenseum in St.
George's Place was laid by Mr. James A. Campbell, M.P., of Stracathro.
9th January, 1887. — A gas explosion took place in a house in
Barrowfield Street. Four houses were wrecked and ten persons were
injured. 20th January, 1887. — At the Town Council meeting the Lord
Provost referred in sympathetic terms to the death of Lord Iddesleigh,
which occurred suddenly on the 12th inst. The deceased nobleman
was an honorary burgess of the city.
lith February, 1887.— A public meeting was held, on the call of the
Lord Provost, to consider a proposal to establish an Imperial Institute
for the United Kingdom and our Colonial and Indian dependencies, in
commemoration of the Jubilee of H.M. the Queen. A Committee
was appointed to deal further with the matter.
7th March, 1887. — The Glasgow Subway Bill was passed by the
Select Committee of the House of Lords.
22nd March, 1887. — A fatal accident occurred on the Glasgow and
Paisley Joint Railway, at Ibrox Station. Five men who were unaware
of its approach were run down by a Glasgow and South- Western Rail
way train from Kilmarnock and killed.
29th March, 1887.— The Clyde Navigation Bill passed.
30th March, 1887. — In connection with the prospective International
Exhibition in 1888, the plans were adjudicated and prizes awarded as
follows : — 1st prize, 150 guineas, Messrs. Campbell Douglas <fc Sellars ;
2nd prize, 100 guineas, Messrs. John Burnet, Son & Campbell;
3rd prize, 50 guineas, Messrs. Peter Smith & H. E. Clifford.
1st April, 1887. — The Town Council took possession of the Botanic
Gardens. 2nd May, 1887. — The first sod of the Glasgow International
Exhibition of Industries, Science and Art, 1888, was cut by the
Lord Provost.
2i-th May, 1887. — Lord Coleridge, Lord Chief Justice of England,
visited Glasgow and, on the following evening, delivered an address to
the members of the Glasgow Juridical Society. Next evening the
Lord Chief Justice was entertained to a banquet by the legal profession
of Glasgow. Lord Coleridge was the guest of the Lord Provost and
Mrs. King during his stay.

SIR JAMES KING, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1886-89. 421
29th May, 1887. — The Memorial Stone of the Institute erected in
Collins Street by Sir William Collins, for the benefit of his employees,
was laid by Lady Collins. Lord Provost King took part in the
proceedings. 29th May, 1887. — A fatal explosion occurred at Udston Colliery,
near Hamilton, by which 75 lives were lost. A total of 158 men
descended the shaft to begin work at 6.30, and all went well until
half-past nine, when a terrific report was heard and flames shot up the
shaft. The work of rescue was speedily begun. A message of
sympathy was received from the Queen.
16th June, 1887. — The Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Victoria was
celebrated in the city. Glasgow has always been a most loyal city, and
it did not belie its reputation in showing love and respect for an
exemplary sovereign. A solemn and impressive service was held in
the Cathedral in the morning ; a review of the regulars and volunteers
took place on the Green ; 6,000 poor persons were entertained to a
substantial dinner ; a banquet and ball were held in St. Andrew's Halls ;
illuminations and music in the public parks closed a busy day. £7,404
was subscribed to the Imperial Institute Fund, and a Jubilee memorial
sculpture was placed on the pediment of the Municipal Buildings to
commemorate the event. The children were not forgotten, for on the
10th of the following September a fete was held on the Green attended
by 37,000.
17th June, 1887. — A serious explosion occurred at Partick by which
18 children were injured. Some boys, while playing near Muirhead
Street, found a canister, into which one of their number put gun
powder, which he afterwards exploded.
20th June, 1887. — On the occasion of the Queen's Jubilee Mr. Wm.
Pearce, M.P., was created a baronet, and knighthoods were conferred
on the Hon. James King, Lord Provost of Glasgow; Mr. Andrew
M'Lean, Provost of Partick; Professor G. H. B. M'Leod; and
Mr. John Neilson Cuthbertson, Chairman of the Glasgow School
Board. 31st August, 1887. — Ex-Bailie Dunlop laid the foundation stone of
the working men's dwelling houses in Saltmarket, erected by the City
Improvement Trust.
7th September, 1887. — The City Improvement rate, which was 6d,

422 SIR JAMES KING, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1886-89.
per pound when it was first imposed in 1866, was now reduced from
l|d. to Id. per pound.
lith September, 1887. — The Channel Fleet paid a visit to the Clyde,
and the officers were entertained to a ball by the Corporation of Glasgow.
18th September, 1887. — A Commission was appointed, to inquire into
the boundaries of the City of Glasgow.
30th September, 1887. — Lord Balfour of Burleigh opened the new
premises added by the School Board to the High School in Elm bank Street.
5th October, 1887.— The new Glasgow Liberal Club in Buchanan
Street was opened by Mr. James .Campbell of Tullichewan.
6th October, 1887. — The tower on the Municipal Buildings was
completed. 7th October, 1887. — The Lord Provost and Magistrates entertained
to dinner Preceptor Alexander Osborne on the completion of twenty-
five years of public service.
18th November, 1887. — Lord Lytton was elected Lord Rector of
Glasgow University. The candidates were Lord Lytton and Lord
Rosebery, and the result of the voting by the students was an equality
of votes. The Earl of Stair, Chancellor of the University, decided in
favour of Lord Lytton.
18th November, 1887. — The Collins Institute in Townhead was
opened by Sir William Collins.
15th December, 1887. — Lord Provost Sir James King unveiled the
portrait of ex-Lord Provost M'Onie.
22nd December, 1887.— The Maharajah Gaekwar of Baroda and
suite visited the city. They were received by the Lord Provost, and
spent the day in visiting some of the more important public ware
houses and works.
5th January, 1888. — At a meeting of the Town Council it was
decided to name the piece of ground, gifted to the city by Mr. James
Dick, the "Cathkin Braes."
19th January, 1888. — Ex-Bailie Laing, who had for sixteen years
been a representative of the Fifteenth Ward in the Town Council was
entertained to dinner. The Lord Provost presided and during the
evening Mr. Laing was presented with a service of silver plate.
23rd January, 1888. — The new Athenaeum in St, George's Place was
opened by the Marquess of Bute.

SIR JAMES KING, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1886-89. 423
26th January, 1888. — A report was issued by the Central Relief
Committee of the fund for the relief of the shareholders of the City of
Glasgow Bank, from which it appeared that a total sum of £432,595 had
been collected. It was considered likely that the committee would
finish their work at the end of 1888, that being the tenth year from
the date of the bank's failure.
13th February, 1888. — At a public meeting called by the Lord
Provost the destitution in the Island of Lewis was under notice. A
relief committee was appointed, and subscriptions invited.
16th March, 1888. — In respect to the memory of the late Emperor
William of Germany, who died on the 9th March, the city bells were
tolled for two hours, and at the hour of the funeral in Berlin a
requiem service was conducted in the Cathedral, at which the Lord
Provost and Magistrates and members of various public bodies in the
city attended.
19th March, 1888. — The Lord Provost intimated that the Prince and
Princess of Wales would open the International Exhibition on the
8th of May, and the day was fixed as a general holiday.
29th March, 1888. — Chief Constable M'Call, who had been in failing
health for some time, died. The deceased was associated with the
Glasgow Police for many years, and held the office of Chief Constable
from 1870. The funeral was a public one, and was attended to the
Necropolis by the Lord Provost and Magistrates.
5th April, 1888. — Mr. John Boyd was appointed Chief Constable ol
Glasgow. 8th May, 1888. — The Glasgow International Exhibition was opened
by H.R.H. the Prince of Wales. The Prince was accompanied by the
Princess of Wales and a distinguished party. The Royal visitors were
received by Sir James King at the Central Station, and drove to the
Council Chambers in Ingram Street. The Lord Provost presented an
address of welcome to the Prince, who replied and complimented
Glasgow on her commercial progress. The Royal party were then
driven to the Lord Provost's house in Claremont Terrace and enter
tained to luncheon. The ceremony of opening the Exhibition was
performed at 2 o'clock. The proceedings were opened with prayer by
the Rev. Dr. Donald Macleod, after which, Sir Arch. Campbell, on
behalf of the Executive of the Exhibition, presented their Royal

424 SIR JAMES KING, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1886-89.
Highnesses with an address. A lengthy and generous speech was made
in reply by the Prince. Their Royal Highnesses were the guests of
Lord Hamilton of Dalzell, and at the conclusion of the ceremony
returned to Hamilton. The proceedings were successfully conducted,
and a total of 48,335 persons visited the Exhibition during the day.
16th May, 1888. — Sir James King, Lord Provost, was elected
Chairman of the Glasgow District Board of Lunacy.
24th May, 1888. — The Lord Provost presided at a dinner in the
Council Chambers, to celebrate the 69th birthday of H.M. the Queen.
25th May, 1888. — The Bishop's Castle at the Exhibition was opened
by the Duke of Montrose. The exhibits in the building related specially
to Glasgow, being articles having historical connection with Scottish
personages and events.
18th June, 1888. — The Lord Provost despatched a telegram of
sympathy to Her Majesty the Queen on the death of His Imperial
Majesty the Emperor Frederick of Germany.
21st June, 1888. — A special meeting of the Town Council was held,
when it was decided, on the motion of the Lord Provost, to forward
addresses of sympathy to Her Majesty the Queen and to the German
Imperial Family on the death of His Imperial Majesty the Emperor
Frederick. At the same time arrangements were made to ask Her
Majesty the Queen to open the new Municipal Buildings in George
Square on the occasion of her visit to Glasgow.
2nd July, 1888. — A meeting, presided over by the Lord Provost,
was held in the Council Chambers, to consider the question of the
defences of the Clyde in the event of war. Statements were made by
Admiral Sir Richard V. Hamilton and General Sir Lothian Nicholson,
who were, at the instance of the War Secretary, making a tour of the
seaport towns of Scotland. A committee was appointed to act with the
Government in a scheme for the defence of the Clyde.
4th July, 1888. — The Society of Chemical Industry and the Sanitary
Association of Scotland visited Glasgow.
4th July, 1888. — The first sod of the Victoria Infirmary was cut by
Sir Renny Watson.
10th July, 1888.— The Relief Fund for the sufferers by the failure of
the City of Glasgow Bank was wound up. After providing annuities
for certain shareholders there remained a balance of £6,000 to £7,000

SIR JAMES KING, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1886-89. 425
and it was decided to distribute this sum amongst those shareholders
who had originally received donations and not pensions, and who were
still in need of help.
24th July, 1888. — The Institute of Naval Architects visited Glasgow.
24th July, 1888. — The Annual Show of the Highland and Agricul
tural Society was held on Glasgow Green.
28th July, 1888. — The Marquis of Lothian, Secretary for Scotland,
unveiled the John Elder Memorial Statue in the Elder Park, Govan.
5th August, 1888. — In connection with the Naval Manoeuvres some
exciting scenes took place on the Clyde. H.M.S. Spider bombarded the
towns of Rothesay and Greenock, and great consternation was exhibited
by the inhabitants, who at the time were proceeding to church. The
Lord Provost of Glasgow received a dispatch in the evening from
Captain Foley, of H.M.S. Spider, apprising him of his actions.
6th August, 1888. — The Incorporated Institute of British Carriage
Manufacturers visited Glasgow.
7th August, 1888. —The British Medical Association began its
meetings at the University. Professor Gairdner was elected President.
The meetings extended to the 10th, on which day the members of
the Association were invited to the Exhibition, and in the evening
a conversazione was held. A number of excursions were taken part in
to places of interest round Glasgow on the 11th.
22nd August, 1888. — Her Majesty the Queen visited Glasgow, and
was the guest of Sir Archibald Campbell, of Blythswood. The Queen
was received at Sb. Enoch's Station by the Lord Provost and, on driving
to the Municipal Buildings which she formally opened, was presented
with an address of welcome by the Lord Provost. Afterwards the
Royal procession visited the Exhibition, where they passed through the
more interesting sections. In connection with her visit to the city,
Her Majesty intimated her intention to confer a baronetcy on Sir
James King, Lord Provost, and also conferred knighthoods on Dr.
Marwick, the Town Clerk, and ex-Lord Provost M'Onie.
24th August, 1888. — Her Majesty paid a second visit to the city,
and Queen Margaret College was honoured with a call.
30th August, 1888. — The British Archaeological Association visited
Glasgow. 30th August, 1888. — Mr. Peter Clouston, ex-Lord Provost of the

426 SIR JAMES KING, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1886-89.
city, died. He entered the Council in 1854 and was Lord Provost in
1860. On 4th September the Lord Provost and many prominent
citizens attended the funeral. The city bells were tolled at the hour
of burial.
4th September, 1888. — The annual meeting of the Library Association
of the United Kingdom opened at the University. The members were
welcomed to Glasgow by the Lord Provost. In the afternoon the
Cathedral was visited, and in the evening a reception was given by the
Corporation. 14th September, 1888. — The Duke of Cambridge, accompanied by
Major-General Lyttleton Annesley and Major-General Sir Redvers
Buller, visited Glasgow and inspected the troops at Maryhill. His
Royal Highness afterwards visited the Exhibition and was entertained
to luncheon in the Royal Reception Room. The special object of the
Duke's visit was the inspection of the Clyde, with a view to offering
further suggestions for its protection. During his stay the Duke was
the guest of Mr. John Burns, of Castle Wemyss.
17th September, 1888. — A bequest of £20,000 was made to Glasgow
Royal Infirmary by the late Mrs, Margaret M'Ara, who died at
Georgetown, British Guiana.
14th October, 1888. — A disastrous fire occurred in Buchanan Street,
the buildings adjoining Argyle Arcade, owned by Messrs. R. Wylie
Hill & Co., being destroyed and damage done amounting to £100,000.
18th October, 1888. — On the motion of the Lord Provost, the Town
Council decided to purchase the Partick, Hillhead, and Maryhill Gas
Works, at a price of £172,870.
30th October, 1888. — The Princess Louise and the Marquis of Lome
arrived in Glasgow and visited the Municipal Buildings and the
Exhibition. The Executive of the Exhibition entertained the
distinguished visitors to luncheon in the Royal Reception Room. On
the day following H.R.H. and the Marquis, who were the guests of Sir
Archibald Campbell, at Blythswood, again came to the city, when the
Princess formally opened the winter session of Queen Margaret College,
of which she was President.
2nd November, 1888. — The Committee entrusted with the adminis
tration of the Relief Fund in connection with the City of Glasgow Bank
failure issued their final report.

SIR JAMES KING, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1886-89. 427
9th November, 1888. — The Right Hon. Lord Lytton, Lord Rector of
the University, delivered his inaugural address.
10th November, 1888. — The Glasgow Exhibition closed. ' The atten
dance on the last day was 117,901, and drawings £2,235. The total
attendance during the course of the Exhibition was 5,748,379, and the
total drawings £113,266. The Lord Provost addressed the people at
the Exhibition and congratulated the citizens on its great success.
12th November, 1888. — The Exhibition was formally closed by Sir
Archibald Campbell, who was presented by the Lord Provost with a
gold key with which to close the door and as a souvenir of the occasion.
14th November, 1888. — Mr. Phelps, the American Ambassador to
Great Britain, paid a visit to Glasgow. His Excellency, who was the
guest of Sheriff Berry, visited the Sheriff Appeal Court and several of
the shipbuilding yards near Glasgow, and in the evening was enter
tained to dinner in the Council Hall by the Lord Provost and
Corporation. 17th December, 1888. — Sir Wm. Pearce, M.P. for Govan, and of the
firm of Messrs. John Elder & Co., died.
31st December, 1888. — The Glasgow Boundaries Bill was introduced
to Parliament by Mr. J. G. A. Baird, M.P., and supported by all the
members for the city.
18th February, 1889.— The Clyde Industrial Training Ship " Cum
berland " was destroyed by fire.
27th March, 1889. — The New Barony Parish Church was formally
opened. 31st May, 1889. — The Lord Provost laid the Memorial Stone of the
Anderson's College Medical School in Partick.
12th June, 1889. — The Annual Congress of the Shopkeepers and
Merchants of the United Kingdom was held in Glasgow.
18th July, 1889. — The Shah of Persia visited Glasgow. He was
accompanied by the Duke and Duchess of Montrose, and on arrival at
Queen Street Station was met by the Lord Provost. The party at once
drove to the Municipal Buildings, where His Majesty was presented
with an address and shown over the buildings. They next visited the
Royal Exchange and were, later on, entertained to luncheon in the
Corporation Galleries. His Majesty, during the term of his visit, was
the guest of the Duke of Montrose, at Buchanan Castle.

428 SIR JAMES KING, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1886-89.
27th July, 1889. — On the occasion of the marriage of H.R.H. the
Princess Louise of Wales and the Duke of Fife, the city bells were
tolled and flags displayed on the prominent buildings in the city.
The Lord Provost and Lady King attended a Reception held at
Marlborough House on the invitation of the Prince of Wales.
1st August, 1889. — On the motion of the Lord Provost it was agreed
to forward congratulatory addresses to H.M. the Queen and to Their"
Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales, on the occasion of
the marriage of the Princess Louise.
11th August, 1889. — Sir James Roberton, LL.D., Professor of
Conveyancing in the University and a distinguished lawyer and citizen
of Glasgow, died.
14th August, 1889. — Sir James Watson, who was Lord Provost of
Glasgow in 1871 and at a later period was Lord Dean of Guild, died,
and on 17th August, 1889, the funeral was attended by Lord Provost
King and the Magistrates. At the hour of burial the city bells were
tolled, and the flags of the City Chambers remained at half-mast.
2nd September, 1889. — The new Municipal Buildings were thrown
open to the public for one week. A vast number of the citizens took
advantage of the privilege.
10th October, 1889. — The Town Council met in the new City
Chambers, George Square, for the first time.
23rd October, 1889. — St Mungo's College was opened.
28th October, 1889. — At the meeting of the Town Council, Sir James
King made a valedictory address, in which he referred to the pleasing
advancement in municipal affairs during the last few years.
1st November, 1889. — A serious disaster occurred in William Street,
Greenhead. A large factory belonging to Messrs. John & James
Templeton, which was in course of erection, collapsed and fell through
the roof of the weaving shed, where a number of women were at work,
with the result that 29 were killed and a great many injured. A fund
in aid of the injured was largely subscribed to. On 5th November,
1889, a public meeting was held in the Council Chambers to express
sympathy with the injured and bereaved by the disaster. The Lord
Provost presided, and Mr. James A. Campbell, M.P., moved a vote of
condolence, which was unanimously passed.

Sir James King, Bart. [Photo, ly An

SIR JAMES KING, BART,, LORD PROVOST, 1886-89. 429

THE HON. THB LOKD PROVOST,
1886-1889.  »?• 
As Sir William M'Onie's tenure of office was nearing completion,
the Town Council found themselves in somewhat of a difficulty as to his
successor. As on the occasion when Sir William was elected to the
chair, several members of the Corporation were approached with a view
to allowing themselves to be nominated for the office ; but it was found
impossible to secure a suitable candidate within the Council. Efforts
had accordingly to be made to obtain the services of some prominent
citizen outside the Council, and the attention of all the members
instinctively turned in the direction of Mr. (afterwards Sir) James King.
With the exception of two years, when, as Lord Dean of Guild, he sat
in the Town Council from 1874 to 1876, Sir James had not taken any
active part in the work of the Municipality, although he identified
himself with great energy and acceptance with every movement which
had for its object the progress and development of the City. Keeping
in view therefore the excellent work which Sir James had discharged
in various capacities outside the Council, and relying upon his loyalty
towards his native City when his services were in request, the Council
confidently approached him and asked him to enter the Town Council
with a view to his election to the civic chair in succesion to Sir William
M'Onie. Negotiations were accordingly opened with him in 1886, and
the Council found that the estimate which they had formed of the
public spirit which animated him had not been misplaced, as the
following correspondence between him and the Town Clerk will
show : — City Chambers,
Glasgow, 8th July, 1886.
James King, Esq., LL.D.,
of Levernholme,
My Dear Sir, With reference to the interview which the Lord Provost
and other members of the Town Council had with you on Thursday

430 SIR JAMES KING, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1886-89.
last in Callander, and to the invitation then given you to come into the
Town Council with a view to your election as Lord Provost of Glasgow
in November next, I have now the pleasure to enclose the document
which was then submitted to you. Since that time the signatures of
the few members of Council which ' were necessary to complete the
document have been adhibited, and it now bears the signature of every
member of the Town Council. There are at present two vacancies
occasioned by death, and these will, I presume, be filled up at the first
meeting of Council next week. Yours very truly, J. D. MARWICK.

115 Wellington Street,
Glasgow, 9th July, 1886.
J. D. Marwick, Esq., LL.D.,
City Chambers.
My Dear Sir, I have had the pleasure of receiving your letter of
yesterday, accompanied by the requisition which was presented to me
last week, and has now been signed by- every member.. of the Town
Council. This invitation to enter the Town Council with the view of
succeeding the Lord Provost in his honourable and important office
I regard as a high honour, and feeling assured that I can safely reckon
on the support and co-operation of gentlemen who have spontaneously
and unanimously bestowed on me this special mark of their confidence,
I shall use my best exertions, when the time comes, to justify their
choice. Believe me to remain, Yours very truly, JAMES KING.

To James King, Esq., of Levernholme. 30th June, 1886.
You are aware that the present Lord Provost retires from office in
November next. It would be a matter of gratification to us personally
if you could become a member of the Town Counoil and accept that

SIR JAMES KING, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1886-89.

431

responsible office. We feel assured your doing so would conduce to
the interests of the City, and would confer an obligation on the great
body of the Citizens.

William M'Onie.

Thomas Duncan.

James H. Dickson, ]

Magistrate.

Walter Paton.

John Neil,

do.

Michael Simons.

David Richmond,

do.

David Bowman.

James Gray,

do.

William Wilson.

John Shearer,

do.

Archibald Dunlop.

James MacFarlane,

do.

H. Wallace.

Robert Crawford,

do.

James M'Lennan.

Alex, M'Laren,

do.

Duncan M'Pherson.

James Shaw,

do.

William Ure.

Hugh S. Thomson,

do.

Arthur Mechan.

R. M. Mitchell,

do.

Robert Graham.

W. G. Blackie, D.G

David Morrin.

Alexander Waddel.

James Martin.

Alex. Osborne.

J. H. Martin.
William Walls.
Peter Bertram.
Wm. R. W. Smith.
John Filshill.
Thomas Watson.
John Young.
John Laing.
James Colquhoun.
Hugh Caldwell.
Malcolm Campbell.
William Pettigrew.
H. S. Macpherson.
Thomas Cumming.
William Stevenson.
Henry B. Wilson.
William M 'Lean, Deacon-
John M'Farlane.
Convener.
In response to the foregoing requisition Sir James agreed to enter the
Town Council, and was appointed in July, 1886, to fill an ad interim
vacancy which had occurred in the representation of the 7th Ward.
He was re-elected in November following, and immediately afterwards
was unanimously chosen as Chief Magistrate. To elect to the highest
civic office and to entrust the control of the administration of the
Municipality to one who was not possessed of any recent preliminary
experience of the work of the Town Council was a step which, under
ordinary circumstances, could not be taken without some misgivings ;
29
432 SIR JAMES KING, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1886-89.
but the manner in which Sir James King acquitted himself as Lord
Provost, and the grasp which he at once took of the numerous and
intricate ramifications of Town Council work, at once disabused the
minds of any who had such misgivings as to his fitness for the position
or his ability and tact for the discharge of its many delicate and
important functions. His tenure of office was coincident with many
important events in national and local history, and on all occasions
when called upon to represent the City and speak on behalf of the
citizens, he did so with a dignity and appropriateness which commanded
the admiration of his fellow-citizens, and which redounded to the
honour and credit of the City which he at all times worthily
represented. He was born on 13th July, 1830, He was educated at first by
private tutor, and afterwards at the High School and University of
Glasgow ; he is a Justice of the Peace and Deputy-Lieutenant of the
Counties of Lanark and Stirling and the County of the City of Glasgow.
He has taken a deep interest in the affairs of Glasgow University for
a long period of years, and has occupied positions in connection with
its administration. From 1879 to 1882 he was Dean of Faculties,
an office at present held by Lord Kelvin. In recognition of his services
to the University, he received in 1885 the honorary degree of Doctor
of Laws. In 1887 he was appointed by the Chancellor (The Earl of
Stair) his Assessor in the University Court, an office which he
still holds.
He is identified with almost every important public institution in
the City, and hears a record for public service in connection with them
which would bear comparison with that of any of his contemporaries.
He became a member of the Merchants' House in 1856, was elected
a Director in 1859, and became Chairman of the House as Dean of
Guild in 1875, an office which he held for th6 usual period of two years.
Again, on. the death of Mr. James Reid of Auchterarder, in 1894,
Sir James, as the senior surviving ex-Dean, was asked and consented
to complete Mr. Reid's tenure of office. In 1863 he became a member
of the Chamber of Commerce, and in the same year was elected a
Director, an office which he almost continuously held till 1892. He
represented the Chamber on the Clyde Trust from 1866 to 1868, and
was President from 1878 to 1880.

SIR JAMES KING, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1886-89. 433
He has for twenty-four years been a Director of the Caledonian
Railway, and has been Deputy-Chairman since 1888. He has been a
Director of the Clydesdale Bank since 1867, and Chairman for about
twenty years. He is Chairman of the Commissioners of Income Tax
for the City of Glasgow, a Trustee of Ferguson's Bequest Fund, and
Chairman of the Trustees of the Bellahouston Bequest. He was
elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 1876.
¦' He occupied the civic chair during a period of peculiar importance
both in national and local history. The Jubilee of Her late Majesty
Queen Victoria took place in 1887, Sir James receiving the honour
of knighthood on the occasion. In 1888 he was called upon to
receive not only Their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess
of Wales (now Their Majesties the King and Queen), but also Her
late Majesty Queen Victoria, who honoured the City with visits
in connection with the International Exhibition of 1888. Sir
James was created a Baronet on the occasion of the Queen's visit,
being the first Lord Provost of.the City to whom that distinction
was accorded. The honour was gazetted on 10th October, 1888. He
took a deep interest in the Crofter destitution in Lewis in 1887, and
was the means of raising a considerable sum in Glasgow to relieve the
distress. He was appointed a member of the Crofters' Colonisation
Board in 1887, which was charged with the duty of making provision
for the Highland Crofters in the colonies across the seas. The office
which he thus received was of an ex officio character, but his services to
the Board were viewed in such a favourable light that on demitting
office as Lord Provost he was appointed a permanent member of the
Board, an office which he still holds. The knowledge which he thus
possessed of the condition of the Highlands was taken advantage of by
the Government when they appointed him in 1889 a member of the
Royal Commission, of which Sir Spencer Walpole was Chairman, and
which was appointed to report on the industries, roads, railways,
harbours, piers, etc., of the West Highlands. The work of this
Commission extended over a lengthened period and involved the visita
tion of about seventy places and the taking of evidence from an
immense number of persons. The result of the report of the Com
missioners was the construction of several railway extensions to the
districts visited, and several other less important but beneficial works.

434 SIR JAMES KING, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1886-89.
Sir James is the senior partner of the Hurlet and Campsie Alum
Co., which was established in 1797, and of which his father,
John King of Levernholme, became sole surviving partner in 1848.
Some years previously the company had absorbed the business of
Messrs. George Macintosh & Co., whose works were at Dunchattan,
now part of the district of Dennistoun. The principal industry carried
on by the firm was the manufacture of cudbear, a dye-stuff formerly
largely used in colouring silk and woollen fabrics of every shade of
colour from scarlet to purple. It was extracted from a lichen or rock
moss first obtained in Scotland, but afterwards imported from Sweden
and Norway. In connection with the manufacture of this article,
Sir James King's firm were the first contractors for the residual
products at the Glasgow gas-works. The business was first established
in 1773, about the same time as another notable firm closely connected
with the civic administration of Glasgow, viz.: that of Messrs. James
Finlay & Co., East India Merchants, which has given two Lord Provosts
to the city in the persons of Mr. Kirkman Finlay and Sir John
Muir, Bart. Indeed, it is a somewhat curious coincidence that one
of the first partners of Mr. George Macintosh was a brother of the
founder of the latter firm, viz.: Captain John' Finlay of the Royal
Engineers, the other partner being Mr. Glassford of Dougaldstoh.
Mr. Macintosh was a scion of the Macintoshes of Macintosh, and
retained an ardent admiration for the Highlanders. To such an extent
did this admiration influence him that he would employ none mit
Highlanders in his "cudbear'' works at Duke Street, and, with rare
exceptions, the men so employed were unable to speak any language
but Gaelic. Mr. Macintosh expected by this means to prevent the
secret of manufacture from being divulged. This result, however, was
not accomplished, as the secret was somehow conveyed to General John
Churchill, a member of the great Marlborough family, who established
a rival manufactory in Westminster. This action heralded a period of
active business rivalry, which after a time was allayed and the firms
became friendly. In 1848 Sir James King's father became sole partner
of both businesses by the death of Mr. George Macintosh, grandson of
the founder and son of Mr. Charles Macintosh, F.R.S. The old interest in
the former firm then disappeared, and it was wound up in 1 850. The manu
facture of "cudbear" was afterwards superseded by the new aniline dyes.

SIR JAMES KING, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1886-89. 435
Sir James was invited in 1880 to become a candidate for the
Parliamentary representation of Stirlingshire in the Conservative
interest agamst his friend the late Mr, J. C. Bolton. At the close of
his term of office as Lord Provost he was urged to contest the College
Division of Glasgow against Sir Charles Cameron, but on both occasions
declined, having no ambition for Parliamentary honours.
His tenure of office was marked by many epoch-making events, the
most notable being that already referred to, viz., the jubilee of Her
late Majesty Queen Victoria. In the national rejoicings which
that historic event evoked, Glasgow took an abundant share. On
16th June, 1887, the local celebrations took the form of dinners
to the poor, a review on Glasgow Green, a banquet in the
Corporation Galleries, and a reception in the St. Andrew's Halls.
The Lord Provost, accompanied by the Senior Magistrate, attended
at Windsor and presented an address of congratulation to Her
Majesty. His Lordship was present also in his robes of office at
the service held in Westminster Abbey, on 29th June. Glasgow
further co-operated with other parts of Her Majesty's dominions in the
erection of the Imperial Institute as a national memorial of the Jubilee,
with the result that the largest contribution outside of London was sent
from Glasgow, and the Lord Provost was appointed a member of the
Organizing or Executive Committee entrusted with the duty of
erecting the building. This committee was of the most august and
distinguished composition; His Majesty the King (then Prince of
Wales) was Chairman, and the Lord Chancellor, the Archbishop of
Canterbury, the Duke of Fife, the President of the Royal. Society, the
President of the Royal Academy, and other eminent personages were
members. The International Exhibition of 1888, which was projected and
carried to a successful conclusion, entailed upon Sir James and Lady
King duties of a most delicate and onerous character. On the occasion
of the opening of the Exhibition on 8th May, 1888, by the Prince and
Princess of Wales, now the King and Queen, Sir James and Lady King
were honoured by their Royal Highness and the whole royal party
taking lunch at his residence at 12 Claremont Terrace. Sir James had
the honour of being invited to dine with the royal party at Dalziel House,
where they were residing as the guests of Lord Hamilton of Dalziel.

436 SIR JAMES KING, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1886-89.
Sir James was called upon to represent the city on a still more
noteworthy occasion, on the visit of Her late Majesty Queen Victoria to
the city on 20th August, 1888, when she was received with enthusiastic
loyalty, and performed a series of gracious acts which evidenced her
interest in the city, including the opening of the new Municipal
Buildings in George Square, and the visitation of the Exhibition. It
is gratifying to recall numerous evidences which Her late Majesty gave
of her interest in the Exhibition ; not only did she graciously consent
to lend her priceless collection of jubilee gifts for exhibition, but,
without any overtures on the part of the Corporation, she intimated
her intention of visiting the Exhibition before its close. In addition
to her official visit on 20th August, she paid a private visit two days
later and made several purchases at the stalls.
The first steps which culminated in the passing of the City of Glasgow
Act of 1891, for the extension of the city boundaries, were taken on
16th September, 1887, when intimation was received from the Marquis
of Lothian, then Secretary for Scotland, of the appointment of a
Commission to enquire into the matter. That Commission, of which
the Right Honourable J. H: A. Macdonald, now Lord-Justice
Clerk, was Chairman, held numerous sittings, heard witnesses
representative of different interests and carefully considered the
matter in all its bearings, with the result that they reported that in
their opinion all the surrounding Police Burghs and Districts should be
included within the city of Glasgow. It was generally expected that
the Government would carry out the report of the Commissioners by
introducing a measure to effect the amalgamation. This the Govern
ment, however, declined to do. It was then arranged that a private
Bill should be introduced, but the requisite facilities were not afforded
for its passage through Parliament, and after many vexatious delays the
end desired was at last accomplished by the passing of the City of
Glasgow Act of 1891. In the negotiations which preceded this
step and which extended over a period of years, Sir James took a
prominent part, and although it was left to his successors in the Chair
to reap where he had sown, the citizens gratefully remember that it was
he who bore the heat and burden of the day.
On 10th October, 1889, the Town Council held for the first time its
meetings in the new City Chambers, so that Sir James King had the

SIR JAMES KING, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1886-89. 437
honour, towards the close of his term of office, of seeing the Municipal
Departments of the City accommodated in a manner befitting their
increased importance.
Towards the close of his term of office the Council requested Sir James
to sit for his portrait in his official robes, for the art collections of the
city in the Corporation Galleries. The artist selected was Mr. E. A.
Walton, and he was commissioned also to paint a half length replica
for presentation to Lady King.
Since he retired from office Sir James has continued to evince the
liveliest interest in all that pertains to the welfare of the city and his
ripe experience and wise counsel are ever at the command of his
successors in the Chair and the city generally.
Sir James was married on 20th August, 1861, to Marian, youngest
daughter of William Westall, Esq., of Streatham Common, Surrey,
Their family consists of four sons and a daughter. His eldest son is a
partner in his business, and is Colonel of the Stirlingshire regiment of
volunteers (Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders). At the death of his
father, in 1875, Sir James succeeded to the Estate of Campsie, in
Stirlingshire, and in August, 1899, he purchased the Estate of Carstairs,
near Lanark, where he now resides.

/fan^A^c**^/

438 SIR JOHN MUIR, LORD PROVOST, 1889-92.

MEETING OF TOWN COUNCIL.
NOVEMBER, 1889.

ELECTION OF MAGISTRATES.

The first meeting of the Town Council as newly constituted was held
on 8th November, 1889 — Bailie Mitchell, Senior Magistrate, presiding.
The meeting was opened with prayer by the Rev. Mr. Paton of St.
Paul's. Sir James Marwick submitted a letter from Bailie Thomson, resigning
his appointment as a Burgh Magistrate. He then said that the next
business would be the election of Lord Provost.
The Chairman expressed the hope that in the proceedings everything
would be done to reflect credit upon the Council. He understood there
were to be two proposed. It was arranged there should be only one
speech each by the proposers and the seconders,
Mr. M'Laren asked who had made such an arrangement. The mem
bers would do what they thought proper, independently of any
arrangement. The Chairman — It was an understanding to prevent the meeting
being protracted.
Mr Osborne begged to propose that Mr. Muir be elected Lord Provost
of this City for the next three years. He explained for Mr. M'Laren's
information, that no speech would be made by him. He simply moved
the appointment of Mr. John Muir as Lord Provost.
Mr. Crawford said the privilege had been accorded him of seconding
the motion that Mr. Muir be elected Lord Provost ; this he did with
great pleasure. Circumstances had occurred that made it necessary he
should offer a few words. He referred to the scheme for a new art
gallery and museum for Glasgow.

SIR JOHN MUIR, LORD PROVOST, 1889-92. 439
Mr. Martin" — I wish that to be stopped. It will only stir up bad
feeling. The Chairman — Mr. Crawford has no intention of saying anything to
offend anybody.
Mr. Crawford thought that a sense of fairness and justice on the part
of the Council would make the members see that a few words from him
were necessary. He wished only to state the facts. It would be quite
understood he was interested, being chairman of the scheme for art
galleries and a museum. At the conclusion of the Exhibition it was
felt by many, and among others by Mr. Muir, that the sum of £50,000
would not be sufficient. Mr. Dickson at one of the meetings referred
to some friend of his who would give £10,000 if other £90,000 was
subscribed by the citizens. At that time Mr. Muir expressed his anxiety
to bring the idea to a successful issue, and also to take part in the
scheme. In fact, Mr. Muir was willing to head the subscription with a
large sum which would at once show his appreciation of the object and
the generosity of his heart. That was before any question of his support
or the support of any member of Council was raised. The position
to-day was exactly the same. He had done nothing more notwithstanding
all that had been said. Mr. Muir was also still in the same position.
Any observation which would make one disposed to think that Mr. Muir
had bought his support or the support of any gentleman in the Council,
or had in any way pledged himself, was entirely unworthy. There was
no foundation for such a statement. Mr. Muir had stated long ago
his intention to support the scheme with a large sum. Mr. Muir was
sincere, and he could contradict the statement if it was not true. He
was in the same position without any condition whatever. Mr. Crawford
hoped there would be no more of this as it certainly discouraged gentle
men like Mr. Muir who were anxious to forward great and important
schemes for the public benefit.
Mr. Simons — I can assure you that I rise with a very full sense of
responsibility to propose that Bailie Macpherson should be elected to the
civic chair for the next three years. It has been said that the contest,
if contest it can be called, for this high and honourable position has
elicited considerable feeling. For my own part, I beg to disclaim the
truth of that statement. I and those who are with me to-day are
actuated only by one feeling, and that is to establish a precedent worthy

440 SIR JOHN MUIR, LORD PROVOST, 1889-92.
of the best traditions of this Corporation. I trust that in advancing
the claims of Bailie Macpherson, I shall be able to do so in the best
manner possible, and that whatever I may say will be acceptable to you,
no matter whether you are his supporters or whether you are not. It
has been a satisfaction, I am sure, to the members of this Council to
listen to the statement which has just fallen from the lips of Councillor
Crawford. What Councillor Crawford is capable of you all know.
But I think that I may be permitted to say as one of his most intimate
friends, and perhaps I am in a position to say what he is incapable of,
and I say assuredly and positively and with all my heart, that he is
incapable of doing anything that would besmirch his own honour or
trail the reputation of the Corporation of Glasgow in the mud.
It is an unfortunate necessity of the position in which I am now placed
that something by way of contrast should be put before the members of
this Town Council. But I hope I shall be able to do so, and to show
that the old axiom about comparisons being odious is in this instance
not well founded. We are asked to place Mr. John Muir in the
chair after having been a member of this Town Council for three years,
out of which he has only been able to attend to his duties for two.
During even these two years he has not occupied any position of
responsibility in connection with the affairs of the City. On the
other hand, we have here a gentleman in the person of Bailie
Macpherson, who has been for five years a member of this Town
Council, who has done his full share of work, who has occupied
a position in connection with the Magisterial bench, and who
has had the experience of a couple of years at the Clyde Trust, over
which body it is well known the Lord Provost for the time is bound to
preside. Mr. Muir has not been a member of the Trust, and it cannot
be said, therefore, that he can bring to bear that practical knowledge
of its affairs which, I think, it is highly desirable the chairman of that
body should possess. These are the views which animate my friends
and myself in nominating Bailie Macpherson. We contend that it is
the duty of this Corporation to recognise length of service and
competency, and nothing beyond that. I trust, therefore, that I have
said nothing out of place in connection with this subject, and that we shall
decide it in a manner that will be satisfactory to the Corporation and
no less satisfactory to the citizens at large. I, therefore, beg to propose

SIR JOHN MUIR, LORD PROVOST, 1889-92. 441
that Bailie Macpherson should occupy the civic chair for the next three
years. Let me add that no matter who occupies that chair he will find
at my hands, and at the hands of my friends, the most cordial support.
The choice of the Council having once been made, we consider it our
bounden duty to do all we can to strengthen that position, and to
uphold the honour and dignity of the Council.
Mr. Graham seconded the motion.
Bailie Macpherson said that the position of a candidate for the office
of Lord Provost had been entirely unsolicited by him. If the Council
in its wisdom thought him qualified for the office and elected him, he
would in the fulfilment of the duties, do his best to serve the Council
and the public. Should the Council think otherwise, he begged to
assure them he would be well pleased to remain in his present position,
and that without the least feeling towards Mr. Muir.
The Council then divided.
For Mr. Muir there voted — Bailies Stevenson and Paton, Lord Dean
of Guild Ure, Treasurer Richmond, Councillors Bilsland, Bowman,
Brechin, Chisholm, Colquhoun, Crawford, Cumming, Dickson, Dunlop,
Gray, J. H. Martin, Mechan, Morrin, M'Kellar, Osborne, Pettigrew,
Primrose, Shearer, Thomson, Waddel, Walter Wilson, William Wilson,
—26. For Bailie Macpherson there voted — Bailie M'Lennan, Deacon-Con
vener Mason, Councillors Alexander, Burt, Filshill, Graham, Guthrie,
James Martin, Murdoch, Macfarlane, M'Laren, Maclean, M'Phun,
Neil, Neilson, Parnie, Simons, Tait, Ure, Wallace, — 20.
The following gentlemen declined to vote : — Bailies Mitchell and
Macpherson, Councillors Muir and Watson.
The Town-Clerk intimated to Mr. Muir that he had been elected
Lord Provost, and the latter thereupon signified his acceptance of office,
and took the oath.
Bailie Mitchell thereafter invested the Lord Provost with the
insignia of office, and addressed a few words of welcome, assuring him
of the loyal support of himself and of his colleagues in the Council.
The Lord Provost, on taking the chair, said — Gentlemen, I thank
you most sincerely for the great honour you have just conferred upon
me. Permit me to say that it will be my earnest endeavour to serve
you to the very best of my ability, and to do all in my power to

442 SIR JOHN MUIR, LORD PROVOST, 1889-92.
forward the interests of my native City. The admirable manner in
which Sir James King performed every duty connected with the office
has raised to a high standard the general expectation of what the Lord
Provost of Glasgow should be, and ought to do, and I must crave your
kind indulgence and forbearance if, as I fear, you may find me in many
respects to fall short of your expectations. When I entered the Town
Council, I had no intention or expectation of ever filling the chair. I
was one of those who strongly pressed Sir James King to accept office,
and when he said in reply, "Well, if I do so, will you become a member
of the Town Council ? " I felt he had a right to ask me to do so, for
his term of three years. When, therefore, the Eleventh Ward elected
me unanimously, I willingly accepted the nomination, intending to
retire at this time. However, early last year, two of the oldest and
most respected of my colleagues informed me that they and others had
been considering as to who should be nominated as next Lord Provost,
and their choice had fallen on me. While gratified at this communica
tion, I declined at first to entertain it, as my time was already fully
occupied, and I felt that I had no gift for speech- making. I have
always believed more in action than speaking. My friends combated
my objections at subsequent interviews, and I finally agreed to leave
myself in their hands — my only stipulation being that too much would
not be required of me, and that I should not be expected to ask any of
my colleagues for support. Even after my candidature was announced,
and my friends assured me they had pledges which rendered my election
certain, I asked first the one and then the other of these two friends to
allow me to retire in his favour, but they both firmly declined, and
pressed me to leave myself entirely in the hands of my supporters. It
is now exactly 77 years since a former managing partner of my firm
filled this chair. I refer to Mr. Kirkman Finlay of Castle Toward,
who, for nearly 50 years— dating from 1793 — was our senior partner,
and in 1812 was elected Lord Provost of Glasgow. Several of my
friends have asked me to refer to several incorrect statements which
appeared in the Daily Mail of 6th inst., regarding a meeting of some
of my supporters, held in the Religious Institution Rooms, at which
seventeen were present in addition to myself. I will confine my
remarks to the incorrect statement, that any reference was made at
that meeting to my giving a subscription to the City under any

SIR JOHN MUIR, LORD PROVOST, 1889-92. 443
circumstances whatever. No such reference was made at the meeting
by anyone. The facts, in so far as I am concerned, briefly stated, are
the following : — The Rev. Dr. F. L. Robertson, who has been acting
most ably as the honorary secretary of our International Exhibition,
and is very desirous that a museum and art gallery worthy of the City
should be erected in Kelvingrove Park, had several conversations with
me on the subject about twelve months ago. The matter was resumed
five or six months afterwards, when he mentioned that, provided a sum
of £90,000 was raised for that purpose, he understood a friend had
promised £10,000, so as to make up £100,000. Dr. Robertson,
knowing I am favourable to the scheme, and willing to contribute,
inquired how much I would subscribe, and if I would take up the
matter heartily, and endeavour to get others to do so. I willingly
consented, and said that, provided the Kelvingrove site was fixed on,
and other citizens would subscribe liberally, I would give £12,000;
but I stipulated that our conversation should be held as strictly
confidential, and only communicated, in confidence, to one gentleman,
Mr. Crawford, who had also taken an earnest and prominent part with
us and others in matters connected with our Exhibition, and who was
anxious to do all in his power to promote the scheme for having a
museum and art gallery really worthy of the City. I did not wish the
amount I intended to give to be made known in the meantime, as I
hoped to be able to induce some of our liberal citizens, who are much
more wealthy that myself, to begin with £15,000, or even £20,000; and I
much regret that what was in contemplation has prematurely become
known. But I hope we may yet succeed in inducing some others to
begin with larger sums than I have myself agreed to give. Before
sitting down I desire to thank you for the great honour you have
to-day bestowed on me.
The Council thereafter proceeded to the election of five new Magis
trates. The Lord Provost nominated Bailie Cumming,
Bailie M'Lennan seconded, and the motion was agreed to.
The Lord Provost nominated Bailie J. H. Martin.
Mr. William Wilson seconded.
Mr. Filshill inquired if he would be allowed to ask a question at this
stage.

444 SIR JOHN MUIR, LORD PROVOST, 1889-92.
Sir James Marwick said it depended what the question was.
Mr. Filshill said he wished to ask the new Magistrates whether or
not they were going to vote against all new licenses?
Sir James Marwick thought that was a question which could not
competently be put to the Magistrates. No member of the Council
had any power to interfere with the judgment of the Magistrates.
Such a question should -be asked privately.
Mr. Gray differed from the Town-Clerk. When Mr. Hastie was
being elected Lord Provost, a member of the Council asked if, in the
event of Mr. Hastie being appointed, would he support a certain action
at the Board of Supervision, of which, as Lord Provost of Glasgow, he
would be a member. The question was answered by Mr. Hastie before
he was appointed Lord Provost. He thought, perhaps, Mr. Filshill
would be dealt with a little unfairly if he was not given an opportunity
of putting his question.
Ex-Preceptor Osborne agreed with the Town-Clerk's ruling. The
Magistrates must be left to administer the law according to their
consciences, and it would be unfair, and altogether unworthy, to ask
any gentleman how, if appointed a Bailie of the Burgh, he would
deport himself in that position.
Mr. Filshill wished the information because he might set up another
gentleman. He was in the awkward predicament of putting one
candidate against another. It would be far better for Bailie Martin
to say what he would do.
Bailie Mitchell said they all knew Mr. Filshill was acting from a
conscientious motive. He should pursue the course he thought
best. Mr. Chisholm said that while the Town-Clerk was right that they
had no right to dictate to members of the Bench, nevertheless, when
candidates were nominated for a certain office, members had a right to
know what their opinions were on certain points. What he wished to
know along with Mr. Filshill, was not how Bailie Martin or any other
man would act in a given case, but what his opinions were on general
principles. He was unable to vote for any man for the office of
Magistrate, unless he knew his opinions as to whether additional
licenses should be granted in the City. He did not ask them to decide
on any particular case. Some gentlemen appointed had expressed their

SIR JOHN MUIR, LORD PROVOST, 1889-92. 445
dissatisfaction with the state of the law. Well, he asked whether, in
the event of satisfactory arrangements being made —
Mr. M'Laren — I wish to know whether Mr. Chisholm is going to
propose an amendment.
The Lord Provost — I have made it my duty, in nominating these
gentlemen, to inquire into their views. I am satisfied these three
gentlemen are what, I think, you would consider sound on the question.
Mr. Filshill — That is all I want. If I had got that at first, I would
have been satisfied at once.
River Bailie Martin was then unanimously appointed a Burgh
Magistrate. Deputy River Bailie Morrin was also unanimously appointed a
Burgh Magistrate.
Messrs. Graham, Macfarlane, Mechan and Bowman were all nomin
ated Burgh Magistrates.
For Mr. Graham there voted 17 ; Mr. Macfarlane, 10; Mr. Mechan,
7; Mr. Bowman, 12; the lowest was struck off.
The next division was — Mr. Graham, 18; Mr. Macfarlane, 14;
Mr. Bowman, 13.
The final division was — Mr. Graham, 28 ; Mr. Macfarlane, 17 ; five
declining to vote. Mr. Graham was accordingly elected.
Messrs. Macfarlane, Bowman, and Mechan were proposed for the
remaining vacancy in the Burgh Magistracy. The division was —
Mr. Macfarlane, 17; Mr. Bowman, 15; Mr. Mechan, 11; two
declined. The next division was — Mr. Macfarlane, 27; Mr. Bowman, 16
Mr. Macfarlane was accordingly elected Burgh Magistrate.
For the office of River Bailie, 28 voted for Mr. Bowman, and 16 for
Mr. Mechan, two declined. Mr. Bowman was therefore elected.
Messrs. James Martin, Mechan, and Pettigrew were nominated for
the office of Deputy River Bailie. But as the feeling of the Council
was in favour of Mr. Martin, Messrs. Mechan and Pettigrew gracefully
withdrew, and Mr. Martin was unanimously elected.
Committees and representatives to the various public bodies were
then appointed, and the Council adjourned.

446 SIR JOHN MUIR, LORD PROVOST, 1889-92.
A meeting of the Town Council was held on 15th November, 1889,
the Hon. Lord Provost Muir presiding.
On taking the chair, the Lord Provost said — Before entering on the
regular business of the day, I desire, with your kind permission and
indulgence, to make a few remarks. At a meeting of the Town Council
held last Friday, you elected me to occupy this chair, and I knew I
had the full confidence, and could rely on the support of the majority
of your number, and it is extremely gratifying to me to be now able to
state that, since my appointment, those who formed the minority have
also given me a most generous and kindly welcome, and have assured
me of their hearty support and co-operation in promoting the best
interests of the City. I thus feel almost as much gratified as I would
have been if the appointment had been made unanimously, which
some of my friends anticipated might be the case, when they first
asked me to consent to being nominated. I, therefore, desire to tender
to the recent minority, equally with the majority, my most sincere and
hearty thanks for the present satisfactory position of matters. It will
be my constant and anxious endeavour to act justly towards every one
of my colleagues ; and I earnestly trust that the friendly feeling which
now exists will continue among us while I occupy this chair. The
present appears to me a fitting time to state that I have resolved, in
so far as politics are concerned, to follow the course adopted by my
predecessor, Sir James King, viz. : — to attend no political meetings
within the city of Glasgow during my term of office, and I will, therefore,
resign the chairmanship of the Liberal Unionists of the Central
Division, and any other political positions I hold within the City. In
so far as Perthshire and Ayrshire are concerned, where I have large
interests, my friends in these counties are of opinion there is no reason
for my resigning the positions I presently hold, or altering my
procedure there. My earnest wish is to keep politics outside of this
Town Council, and that the full energies of everyone should be devoted
to promote the best interests of the City we all love so much. Before
closing these few remarks, I would like to add that since my appoint
ment last Friday, I began to realise more fully the enormous amount
of work performed so ably by our late Lord Provost. My time and
strength will, I find, be more heavily taxed than I had anticipated, but
I have been encouraged by numerous friends who have called to

SIR JOHN MUIR, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1889-92. 447
express their good wishes, and by the large number of congratulatory
letters which have reached me from all shades of political opinion.
Permit me to give a brief extract from one of these letters : — " I trust
you may succeed in discharging the onerous duties of the Provostship
in a manner becoming a good citizen and a Christian man, ever and
above all remembering that he that ruleth over men must be just,
ruling in the fear of God." Gentlemen, these are the words of one
who has long lived in our midst, and who is now well advanced in years.
If, in our respective positions, we all act in the manner he has
indicated, we may look for the blessing of the Almighty, and trust
that He will establish upon us the work of our hands, and that thus
our City may continue to prosper.

30

448 SIR JOHN MUIR, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1889-92.

List of the Members of the Town Council and Principal Officials during
the Lord Provostship of Sir JOHN MUIR, Bart.

18 8 9-90.

The Hon. John Muie, Lord Provost.
Robert M'Farlane Mitchell, Bailie.
William Stevenson, do.
James M'Lennan, do.
Henry Shaw Macpherson, do.
Walter Paton, do.
Thomas Gumming, do.
James Henderson Martin, do.
David Morrin, do.
Robert Graham, do.
John M'Farlane, do.
John Ure, Dean of Guild.
Thomas Mason, Deacon-Convener.
David Richmond, Treasurer.
John Shearer, Master of Works.
David Bowman, Bailie oj the River and
Firth of Clyde.
James Martin, Deputy Bailie of the
River and Firth of Clyde.
Thomas Adam Mathieson, Bailie of
Provan .
Sir James David Marwick, LL.D.,
Town Clerk.
Robert Renwick, Deputy Town Clerk.
James George Monro, do.

James Nicol, City Chambeilain.
Thomas Eaton Robinson, C.A., Regis
trar under Loans Act, and City
Accountant.
William Gibb, Cashier.
John Carrick, City Architect and
Superintendent of Works.
John Lang, Procurator-Fiscal, River
Bailie, and Dean of Guild Courts.
Donald M'Phee, Police Procurator-
Fiscal.
Archibald Sinclair, Joint Fiscal in
River Bailie Court.
Alexander Young, Pkter Taylor
Young, William Veitch Orr,
and George Paterson, Assessors
and Clerks of Police Courts.
James Muirhead, Assessor and Clerk
to the River Bailie Court.
James Henry, Assessor under the
Registration of Voters Act, and Ass
essor under the Lands Valuation Act.
James Brown, Council Officer.
William M'Leod, Chamber- Keeper.

18 8 9-90.

FIRST WARD.
Alexander Waddel.
Hugh Steel Thomson.
John Pollock M'Phun.
SECOND WARD.
James Martin.
William Ure.
James Henderson Martin.
THIRD WARD.

John Filshill,
Hugh Brechin.
Michael Simons.

FOURTH WARD.

James M'Lennan.
Archibald Neilson.
Peter Burt. FIFTH WARD.
Robert M'Farlane Mitchell.
David Morrin.
William M'Kellar.
SIXTH WARD.
Alexander Osborne.
Alexander M'Laren.
John Neil.

SIR JOHN MUIR, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1889-92.

449

SEVENTH WARD.
Henry Shaw Macpherson.
Thomas Watson.
Robert Murdoch. EIGHTH WARD.
William M'Lean, Jun.
Archibald Dunlop.
Thomas Cumming.

NINTH WARD.
Thomas Cochrane Guthrie.
James Parnie.
James Colquohoun. TENTH WARD.
Robert Graham.
James Gray.
Robert Crvwpord.
ELEVENTH WARD.
William Pettigrew.
Samuel Chisholm.
John Muir.

TWELFTH WARD.
John M'Farlane.
James Alexander.
James Hunter Dickson.
THIRTEENTH WARD.
Arthur Mechan.
William Bilsland.
Hugh Wallace.

FOURTEENTH WARD.
David Richmond.
William Wilson.
Henry Tait.
FIFTEENTH WARD.
Walter Wilson.
William Stevenson.
David Bowman.
SIXTEENTH WARD,
Walter Paton.
John Shearer.
John Ure Primrose.

18 90-9 1.

The Hon. John Muir, Lord Provost.
William Stevenson, Bailie.
Thomas Cumming, do.
James Henderson Martin, do.
David Morrin, do.
James M'Lennan, do.
Walter Paton, do.
Robert Graham, do.
John M'Farlane, do.
David Bowman, do.
James Martin, do.
John Ure, Dean of Guild.
¦ Thomas Mason, Deacon-Convener.
Thomas Watson, Treasurer.
James Gray, Master of Works.
William Pettigrew, Bailie of the
River and Firth of Clyde.
Hugh Brechin, Deputy Bailie of the
River and Firth of 'Clyde.
Thomas Adam Mathieson, Bailie of
Provan.
Sir James David Marwick, LL.D.,
Town Clerk.
Robert Renwick, Deputy Town Clerk.
James George Monro, do.

James Nicol, City Chamberlain.
Thomas Eaton Robinson, C.A., Regis
trar under Loans Act, and City
Accountant.
William Gibb, Cashier.
A. B. M'Donald, City Engineer.
John Lang, Procurator- Fiscal of Burgh,
River Bailie, and Dean of Guild
Courts.
William Shaw, Interim Police Pro
curator-Fiscal.
Archibald Sinclair, Joint Fiscal in
River Bailie Court.
George Young, Peter Taylor Young,
William Veitch Orr, and George
Paterson, Assessors and Clerks of
Police Courts.
Jambs Henry, Assessor under the Lands
Valuation Act, and Assessor under the
Registration of Voters Act.
James Brown, Council Officer.
Hector M'Leod, Assistant Council
Officer.
William M'Leod, Chamber-Keeper.

450 SIR JOHN MUIR, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1889-92.

1890-91.

FIRST WARD.
Hugh Steel Thomson.
John Pollock M'Phun.
Alexander Waddel.

SECOND WARD.
William Ure.
James Henderson Martin.
James Martin.

THIRD WARD.

Hugh Brechin.
Michael Simons.
James Millar Jack.

FOURTH WARD.

Archibald Neilson.
Peter Burt.
James M'Lennan.

FIFTH WARD.
David Morrin.
William M'Kellar.
Robert M'Farlane Mitchell.

SIXTH WARD.

Alexander M'Laren.
John Neil.
Alexander Osborne.

SEVENTH WARD.
Robert Murdoch.
Henry Shaw Macpherson.
Thomas Watson.

EIGHTH WARD.

Archibald Dunlop.
Thomas Cumming.
James Bell.

NINTH WARD.

James Parnie.
James Colquhoun.
Thomas Cochrane Guthrie.
TENTH WARD.
James Gray.
Robert Crawford.
Robert Graham.
ELEVENTH WARD.
Samuel Chisholm.
John Muir.
William Pettigrew.
TWELFTH WARD.
James Alexander.
James Hunter Dickson.
John M'Farlane.
THIRTEENTH WARD.
William Bilsland.
Hugh Wallace.
Angus Campbell.
FOURTEENTH WARD.
William Wilson.
Henry Tait.
David Richmond.
FIFTEENTH WARD.
William Stevenson.
David Bowman.
Walter Wilson.
SIXTEENTH WARD.
John Shearer.
John Ure Primrose.
Walter Paton.

SIR JOHN MUIR, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1889-92.

451

1891-92.

The Hon. John Muir, Lord Provost.
Thomas Cumming, Bailie.
James Henderson Martin, do.
James M'Lennan, do.
Walter Paton, do.
Robert Graham,. do.
John M'Farlane, do.
David Powman, do.
James Martin, do.
David Morrin, do.
William Pettigrew, do.
Hugh Brechin, do.
John Ure Primrose, do.
William Bilsland, do.
Thomas Cochrane Guthrie, do.
John Guthrie Smith, Dean of Guild.
William Robertson Copland, Deacon-
Convener.
Thomas Watson, Treasurer.
William Ure, Master of Works.
William, Hamilton, Bailie of the
River and Firth of Clyde.
James Brown Fleming, Deputy Bailie
of the River and Firth of Clyde.
Thomas Adam Mathieson, Bailie of
Provan.
Sir James David Marwick, LL.D.,
Town Clerk.
Robert Renwick, Deputy Town Clerk.

James George Monro, Deputy Town
Clerk.
James Nicol, City Chamberlain.
Thomas Eaton Robinson, C. A., Regis
trar under Loans Act, and City
Accountant.
William Gibb, Cashier.
Alexander Beith M'Donald, City
Engineer and Surveyor.
John Lang, Procurator-Fiscal of the
Burgh, and of the Dean of Guild and
Provan Courts, and Joint Procurator-
Fiscal in River Bailie Court.
George Neilson, Police Procurator-
Fiscal.
Peter Taylor Young, William
Veitch Orr, George Young,
Daniel M. Alexander, Robert
G. Ross, and George W. T.
Robertson, Assessors and Clerks
of Police Court.
Archibald Sinclair, Joint Procurator-
Fiscal in River Bailie Court.
James Muirhead, Assessor and Clerk
to the River Bailie Court.
James Henry, Assessor under the Lands
Valuation Acts, and under the Regis
tration of Voters Acts.
Hector M'Leod, Council Officer.
William M'Leod, Chambir-Keeper.

18 91-92.

FIRST WARD.
John Pollock M'Phun.
Alexander Waddel.
George MacFarlane.

SECOND WARD.
James Henderson Martin.
James Martin.
William Ure.

THIRD WTARD.

Michael Simons.
James Millar Jack.
Hugh Brechin.

FOURTH WARD.

Peter Burt.
James M'Lennan.
Robert Starke.

FIFTH WARD.
William M'Kellar.
Robert M'Farlane Mitchell.
David Morrin.

SIXTH WARD.
John Neil.
Alexander Osborne.
William Frm

452

SIR JOHN MUIR, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1889-92.

SEVENTH WARD.
Henry Shaw MacPherson.
Thomas Watson.
Robert Mdrdoch. EIGHTH WARD.
Thomas Cumming.
James Bell.
Thomas Mason. NINTH WARD.
James Colquhoun.
Thomas Cochrane Guthrie.
James Parkie. TENTH WARD.
Robert Crawford.
Robert Graham.
James Gray.
ELEVENTH WARD.
John Muir.
William Pettigrew.
Samuel Chisholm.
TWELFTH WARD.
James Hunter Dickson.
John M'Farlane.
James Alexander.
THIRTEENTH WARD.
Hugh Wallace.
Angus Campbell.
William Bilsland.
FOURTEENTH WARD.
Henry Tait.
David Richmond.
John Battersby.FIFTEENTH WARD.
David Bowman.
Walter Wilson.
William Stevenson.

SIXTEENTH WARD.
John Ure Primrose.
Walter Paton.
John Shearer.
SEVENTEENTH WARD.
James Hunter.
Alexander M'Cutcheon.
John Garey.
EIGHTEENTH WARD.
Robert Anderson.
Hugh Mayberry.
James Robert Paton.
NINETEENTH WARD.
Matthew Algie.
William Maclay.
Alexander Sinclair.
TWENTIETH WARD.
William Hamilton.
James Steele.
Alexander Murray.
TWENTY-FIRST WARD.
John Cassels.
John Murray.
Morris Carswell.
TWENTY-SECOND WARD.
Alexander William Hope.
John Pirrie.
James Dick.
TWENTY-THIRD WARD.
James M'Intybe Thomson.
James Brown Fleming.
Archibald Campbell Holms.
TWENTY-FOURTH WARD.
James Wilson Dick.
Edward William Langlands.
Charles John Cleland.

TWENTY-FIFTH WARD.
Archibald Jeffrey Hunter.
John Breeze.
John King.

SIR JOHN MUIR, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1889-92. 453

Some op the more interesting Events dueing the tenure of
Office of Sir John Muir, Bart.
25th November, 1889. — Mr. George Reith, Manager of the Clyde
Trust, died.
5th December, 1889. — The Town Council decided to purchase the
St. Andrew's Halls from The Glasgow Public Halls Company, who
accepted their offer of £37,500 on 27th January, 1890.
11th February, 1890. — Mr. J. Parker Smith was elected Member of
Parliament for Partick Division, in succession to Mr. A. Craig-Sellar,
who died on 17th January.
14th February, 1890. — The new Victoria Infirmary was formally
opened by the Duke of Argyll.
11th March, 1890. — A ball was given in the City Chambers by the
Lord Provost and Mrs. Muir. The ball was a suitable inauguration
of the new City Chambers.
18th March, 1890. — Lord Rowton, one of the Trustees of the
Guinness Bequest for model houses for the poor, inspected the
Corporation artisan houses in the Saltmarket, in company with the
Lord Provost and several members of the Town Council.
24th April, 1890.— The Earl of Glasgow died.
2nd May, 1890. — Mr. John Carrick, City Architect of Glasgow,
died. He had been m the service of the Corporation since 1814.
12th June, 1890. — Mr. H. M. Stanley, the explorer, was presented
with the freedom of the city in the City Hall, and afterwards enter
tained to luncheon in the City Chambers.
10th July, 1890. — The City and Marine Police were amalgamated.
15th July, 1890. — A provisional order was granted to the Corpora
tion for supplying electric light. ,,
22nd August, 1890. — A Commission, appointed by the Corporation
of London, visited Glasgow to enquire into the sources of the water
supply of the city. The object in view was to place under a public
trust the water supply of London, at present in the hands of eight
different Companies.

454 SIR JOHN MUIR, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1889-92.
27th August, 1890. — The Lord Provost and Members of the Town
Council inspected the public parks of the city. At Glasgow Green
Sir Henry Doulton formally presented a fountain to the city, and at
Cathedral Square a similar ceremony wa» performed by Mr. Hugh
Steven, of Messrs. M'Dowall <te Steven. Both fountains had been
features of the Glasgow Exhibition of 1888.
17th September, 1890. — The Napiershall Street Public School was
opened by Mr. James A. Campbell, M.P.
1st October, 1890. — H.R.H. The Duke of Cambridge visited Glasgow
and inspected the troops garrisoned at Maryhill.
6th October, 1890. — Mr. John Whyte was appointed Master of
Works, and on 13th October, 1890, Mr. Alex. B. M'Donald was
appointed City Engineer.
6th October, 1890. — Lord Provost and Mrs. Muir entertained to
dinner, in the City Chambers, Vice Admiral Sir Michael Seymour and
the Officers of the Channel Fleet, then on a visit to the Clyde.
7ih October, 1890. — The St. Andrew's Halls were formally opened
by Treasurer Richmond, after being acquired by the Corporation.
10th October, 1,890. — The freedom of the city was presented to the
Earl of Rosebery.
13th October, 1890. — Glasgow Cancer Hospital was opened by the
Duchess of Montrose.
25th October, 1890. — The first meeting of the Governors of the
Buchanan Retreat, Bearsden, took place.
31st October, 1890. — The new Mugdock Tunnel was opened.
22nd December, 1890. — The Marquess of Lothian was entertained
to dinner in the City Chambers, and the following day he opened the
East End Industrial Exhibition at Dennistoun. His Lordship was
accompanied by the Lord Provost and Magistrates of the City.
15th January, 1891. — A disastrous explosion occurred at Dawsholm
Gas Works, when two large Gasometers were totally wrecked. Some
days later the scene of the explosion was examined by experts with a
view to finding the cause. As a result of this inspection the experts
decided that an outrage had been perpetrated, and at a meeting of the
Gas Committee of the Town Council, presided over by the Lord
Provost, a reward of £1000 was offered for the discovery of the
miscreants.

SIR JOHN MUIR, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1889-92. 455
30th January, 1891. — A new Hospital, in Elmbank Place, for
women's diseases, was opened by Lady Aberdeen.
30th January, 1891. — A bronze replica of the bust of the late
Sir James Roberton, which was executed for the Glasgow Faculty of
Procurators, was gifted to the University.
20th February, 1891.— Lord Provost and Mrs. Muir entertained a
large and brilliant company at a ball in the City Chambers.
23rd March, 1891. — Mr. James Brown, Council Officer, died. Mr.
Brown was in his 79th year, and had been in the employment of the
Corporation for fifty years.
26th March, 1891. — Messrs. James & Alexander Allan, owners of
the Allan Line of steamers, purchased the vessels of the State Line
Company. 21st April, 1891. — The Glasgow East End Exhibition was closed by
the Earl of Aberdeen. The Exhibition was open on 104 days, was
visited by 746,107 persons, and resulted in a surplus of between £3000
and £4000.
26th April, 1891. — In the census returns, now made known, the
population of the city was found to be 564,975, and including Partick,
Govan, Maryhill, and Shawlands, 757,066.
4th May, 1891. — The Glasgow Boundaries' Bill was read for the
third time in the House of Lords, and passed.
6th May, 1891. — The new Dalmarnock Bridge over the River Clyde
was opened.
20th May, 1891. — Lord Salisbury was presented with the Freedom
of the City in St. Andrew's Hall.
12th June, 1891. — The International Trophy Teams, competing at
Darnley, were entertained at a Reception^ and Conversazione by the
Corporation. 3rd July, 1891. — The Royal Assent was given in the House of
Lords to the Glasgow Corporation (Partick, Hillhead, and Maryhill)
Gas Bill. ,
20th July, 1891. — The Envoys of King Gungunhana of Gazaland
visited Glasgow, accompanied by Mr. Dennis Doyle, of the British
South African Company, and Mr. William Ewing, of the African Lakes
Company. They waited on the Lord Provost, who gave them a cordial
welcome to the city, and afterwards visited several places of interest.

456 SIR JOHN MUIR, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1889-92.
28th July, 1891. — The Corporation decided to open the Royal
Botanic Gardens to the public, free.
17th August, 1891. — The Right Hon. The Lord Mayor of London,
Sir Joseph Savory, Bart., and Lady Savory, accompanied by Sheriff
Farmer and Lady Farmer, and Sir Augustus Harris and Lady Harris,
arrived in Glasgow, and were met by the Lord Provost and Magistrates
of the city. On the following day the Lord Mayor and his party
visited the Cathedral and other places of interest, and one or two of
the more iaiportant public works. In the evening a banquet was
given in the City Chambers by the Corporation. On the 20th, the
Lord Mayor and party inspected the Glasgow Water Works at Loch
Katrine, and in the evening, on the invitation of Messrs. Howard and
Wyndham, they witnessed the performance of " Marmion " at the
Theatre Royal. On the following day the party left the city for
Deanston, there to be the guests of Lord Provost Muir.
21st August, 1891. — A statue of the late Mr. James White, of
Overtoun, was unveiled in Cathedral Square by Sir James King, Bart.
1st September, 1891. — The Lord Provost formally opened an Inter
national Photographic Exhibition in the Corporation Galleries.
8lh September, 1891.— The Delegates of the Scottish National
Conference of the Y.M.C.A. were received by the Lord Provost and
Mrs. Muir, in the City Chambers, and welcomed to the city. The
membership in Glasgow was the largest of any in the world, and
numbered 9,008 young men.
9 th September, 1891. — The Corporation, on the invitation of Captain
Boyle, paid a visit to H.M.S. Superb, at Greenock, and viewed the
discharge of a torpedo, and an explosion of submarine mines.
22nd September, 1891. — H.R.H. The Duke of Cambridge visited
Glasgow and inspected the garrison at Maryhill.
25th September, 1891 — The portrait of Ex-Lord Provost Sir James King,
Bart., LL.D., in the City Chambers, was unveiled by Lord Provost Muir.
29th September, 1891. — The Lord Provost opened the new bridge
over the River Kelvin, in Great Western Road. The cost of the
bridge was about £45,000.
6th October, 1891. — The first sod of the Lanarkshire and Dumbar
tonshire Railway was cut, in a field to the north of the Maryhill
Barracks, by Mr. J. H. Collins, Chairman of the Company.

SIR JOHN MUIR, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1889-92. 457
7th October, 1891. — The Marquess of Bute was presented with the
Freedom of the City, and later in the day he opened the buildings in
Millar Street, prepared for the Mitchell Library.
1st November, 1891. — The city was extended by the annexation
of the suburban burghs, except the burghs of Govan, Partick,
and Kinning Park, which had a population of 113,525. The new
territory annexed consisted of Govanhill (14,339), Crosshill (3,798),
Pollokshields East (6,681) and West (3,028), Hillhead (7,738), Mary
hill (18,313), Polmadie (2,675), Mount Florida, Langside and Cross-
myloof (8,161), Shawlands (2,660), Strathbungo (2,951), Bellahouston
(144), Kelvinside (5,526), Possilpark (7,853), Springburn and Barnhill
(7,350), and Westhorn (15), total population, 91,232; acreage, 5,750;
rental, £596,645. The population of the city was thus raised from
565,714 to 656,946; acreage to 11,861; and rental to £4,052,155.
An alteration of the representation on the Town Council was also
necessitated,., and in November, 1896, the city was divided into twenty-
five wards, each of which was allowed three representatives.
3rd November, 1891. — Sir James Bain retired from the Clyde Trust.
Sir James was the oldest member of the Trust, and a resolution,
expressing regret at his resignation, was passed.
6th November, 1891. — The first meeting of the newly-constituted Town
Council was held. The new representatives were cordially welcomed
by the Lord Provost, and four additional Magistrates were appointed.
26th November, 1891.— The Right Hon. A. J. Balfour, M.P., First
Lord of the Treasury, was installed as Lord Rector of the University,
to which he had been elected in November, 1890. The degree of LL.D.
was conferred upon him.
27th November, 1891. — The Right Hon. A. J. Balfour unveiled, in
the Merchants' House, the portrait of Sir William Thomson, in
commemoration of his election as President of the Royal Society.
Later in the day Mr. Balfour opened the premises of the Junior
Conservative Club, in West Nile Street. ,
14th December, 1891. — The Centenary of Stirling's and Glasgow
Public Library was celebrated.
22nd December, 1891. — The first official dinner to the members of
the Town Council of the enlarged city was given by the Lord ProVost
and Mrs. Muir. The company numbered about 200.

458 SIR JOHN MUIR, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1889-92.
1st January, 1892. — The dignity of a peerage was conferred on
Sir William Thomson, D.C.L., President of the Royal Society. The
peerage was gazetted on 23rd February, 1892. The title chosen was
that of Lord Kelvin of Largs.
7th January, 1892. — The Town Council agreed to forward a
congratulatory address to the Queen and their Royal Highnesses the
Prince and Princess of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of Teck. the
Duke of Clarence and Avondale and Princess Mary of' Teck, on
the approaching marriage of the two latter. It was decided also
that the day be observed as a holiday, and that 10,000 people should
be served with dinner in the large halls of the city.
14th January, 1892. — The Lord Provost despatched telegrams of
sympathy to H.M. the Queen and the Prince and Princess of Wales,
on the death of the Duke of Clarence and Avondale.
17th January, 1892. — An illuminated address and cheque for £360
was presented to Dr. Morrison, Principal of Glasgow Free Church
Training College, on his having completed forty years' service as
Principal. 17 th January, 1892. — A granite monument, erected to the memory
of the late Alex. G. Murdoch, Scottish poet and novelist, was unveiled
by Dr. Cameron, M.P., in Sighthill Cemetery.
18th January, 1892. — The Town Council voted addresses of condol
ence to H.M. the Queen and the Prince and Princess of Wales on
the death of the Duke of Clarence and Avondale.
20th January, 1892. — The Town Council and Magistrates attended
a service held in the Cathedral, at the hour of the funeral of the
Duke of Clarence and Avondale. In the city, business generally was
suspended. 23rd January, 1892. — A public meeting of the citizens was held in
connection with the persecution of the Jews in Russia, and a fund in
aid opened.
23rd January, 1892. — Mr. Thomas Nisbet, C.E., was appointed
assistant to Mr. Whyte, Master of Works.
1st February, 1892. — Mr. Francis Braid was appointed Postmaster
at Glasgow, in succession to Mr. Richard Hobson.
8th February, 1892. — The Earl of Glasgow was appointed Governor
of New Zealand.

SIR JOHN MUIR, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1889-92. 459
24th February, 1892. — As it had been proposed that Glasgow Post
Office should be subordinate to Edinburgh, and so change the system
of administration, a deputation, headed by the Lord Provost, waited
on the Postmaster General (Sir James Fergusson) and sought the
continuance of the present system. This was granted by the Post
master General.
11th March. 1892. — Lord Provost and Mrs. Muir gave a ball in the
City Chambers which had been postponed from 5th February on
account, of the death of the Duke of Clarence and Avondale. The
ball was attended by about 1,200 persons, including the Lord Mayors
of London and York, and the Mayors and Provosts of the principal
English and Scotch Towns.
13th May, 1892. — Lord Rosebery addressed a public meeting in
St. Andrew's Hall, in connection with the association for improving
the social condition of the people.
15th May, 1892. — Purchase of Springburn Park.
27th May, 1892. — The Duke of Devonshire visited Glasgow and was
the guest of the Lord Provost.
27th June, 1892. — Purchase of Ruchill Park.
6th July, 1892. — Polling in the seven divisions of Glasgow took
place, when four Liberal and three Unionist members were returned.
6th July, 1892. — A statement was published showing that the cost
of the new Municipal Buildings in George Square amounted to
£529,909 7s. 8d.
12th July, 1892.— The Hon. George R. Dibbs, Premier of New
South Wales, accompanied by some friends, paid a visit to Glasgow,
and was conducted over the new Municipal Buildings.
14th July, 1892. — Mr. George Readman, for many years manager of
the Clydesdale Bank, presented £5,000 to Lord Provost Muir for
distribution amongst the various Glasgow charities.
14th July, 1892. — A public meeting was held in connection with
the disastrous fire at St. John's, Newfoundland,.
3rd August, 1892. — The annual meeting of the National Veterinary
Association was held in Glasgow.
30th August, 1892. — Lord Eglinton died. The deceased peer was
the fourteenth of his line.
31st August, 1892. — Sir George H. B. MacLeod, Professor of

460 SIR JOHN MUIR, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1889-92.
Surgery in Glasgow University, and Surgeon-in-ordinary to the Queen,
died. He was a son of the late Rev. Dr. Norman MacLeod, of
St. Columba, Glasgow.
1st September, 1892. — At a luncheon in the City Chambers, the
Lord Provost was congratulated by the members of the Town Council
on his receiving the dignity of a Baronetcy.
3rd September, 1892. — The City Hall was re opened after having
undergone considerable alterations.
3rd September, 1892. — The City Improvement Trust assessment was
reduced from Id. to £d. per £.
8th September, 1892. — In connection with the meeting of the Trades'
Congress in Glasgow, the Lord Provost entertained the delegates and
their friends to a conversazione in the City Chambers.
12th September, 1892. — The members of the Institute of Journalists
were entertained, at a banquet in the City Chambers, by the Lord
Provost and members of the Town Council.
31st September, 1892. — H.R.H. the Duke of Cambridge, Commander-
in-chief of the army, visited Glasgow and inspected the garrison at
Maryhill. 11th October, 1892. — The memorial stone of the new Institute of
the Canal Boatmen's Friendly Society, in Dobbie's Loan, was laid by
the Lord Provost.
19th October, 1892. — A bronze bust of the late Mr. John Carrick
was placed in the Corporation Galleries.
20th October, 1892.— Sir Johu Muir, Bart., the retiring Lord
Provost, made a valedictory speech at the meeting of the Town Council,
when he reviewed the principal business conducted by the Town
Council during his term of office.
25th October, 1892.— Professor Robert Grant, Professor of As
tronomy in Glasgow University, died.
27th October, 1892. — On the invitation of Lord Provost Sir John
Muir and Lady Muir, the directors, staff, and nurses of the hospitals
in the city, were entertained to a conversazione in the City Chambers.

Sir John Muir, Bart. [Photo, by An

SIR JOHN MUIR, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1889-92. 461

THE HON. THE LORD PROVOST,
1889-1892.

Sir John Muir, Bart., of Deanston, is the senior partner of the firm
of James Finlay & Company, East India Merchants. Founded in the
year 1750 by Mr. James Finlay, the firm has always occupied an
eminent position in the commercial world of Glasgow. The firm has
enjoyed a lengthened and prosperous career and has successively given
to the city citizens who have been distinguished for their administrative
ability and high business qualities. Mr. James Finlay who established
the firm died in 1792 and was succeeded by his son, Mr. Kirkman
Finlay, who was at one time Lord Provost of the City, and who
was Member of Parliament for the City from 1812 to 1818. He also
represented Malmesbury from 1818 to 1820.
By the election of Sir John Muir, Bart., to the civic chair in 1892
in succession to Sir James King, the firm of James Finlay & Company
for the second time gave to the City a Chief Magistrate well qualified
to perpetuate the highest traditions of that dignified office. Sir John
has played no small part in the acquisition of the reputation which our
City enjoys of possessing one of the most enlightened municipalities in
the kingdom which has taught many other cities both at home and
abroad what really good and advanced municipal government means.
Sir John Muir will be remembered not merely as the head of one of
the largest commercial enterprises of Glasgow, but more particularly
for the work he has devoted to the City itself. He has always

462 SIR JOHN MUIR; BART., LORD PROVOST, 1889-92.
exhibited the greatest interest in all that pertains to the welfare of
Glasgow, and his term of office as Lord Provost will long be remembered
for the conscientious manner in which he discharged the varied and
arduous duties of the position. The City recognised at the conclusion
of his term of office that it was a fitting recognition of the services he
had rendered when Her late Majesty Queen Victoria was graciously
pleased to confer on bim the honour of a Baronetcy.
Sir John Muir is almost as well known in India and Ceylon as in
Scotland, for besides being the head of the firm of James Finlay &
Company, in Glasgow, he is also head of the firm of Messrs. Finlay,
Muir & Company, of Calcutta, Bombay, Kurrachee, and Colombo. He
has visited India on no fewer than seven different occasions, and his
philanthropic instincts have been equally manifested there as in his
native country. When, in 1886-87, his attention was specially
directed to the important scheme which was then being instituted
by the wife of the then Viceroy, the Countess of Dufferin, at
the request of her late Majesty, the Empress Queen, for supplying
medical aid to the women of India, he first contributed 10,000
rupees, and after further examination of the scheme au additional sum
of 20,000 rupees. His name afterwards appeared on the list of life-
councillors as the donor of the largest amount given by an Englishman.
Sir John took a prominent part in the Glasgow International
Exhibition, held in 1888, as well as in the Exhibition of 1901. Not
only was he Vice-President and one of the largest guarantors, but he
was Convener of the Indian and Ceylon Section of both Exhibitions.
It was mainly due to his efforts that the Indian Section of the 1888
Exhibition was such a success. He devoted much time and attention
while in Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras, in 1886, to the necessary
arrangements for obtaining a full representation of all the industries of
India, and, in consequence of his efforts, the Indian Section became one
of the most attractive features of the 1888 Exhibition.
As will be remembered, the Glasgow Exhibition of 1888 proved a
financial success, leaving a surplus of £46,000. It was decided that
this sum should form the nucleus of a fund to be raised for the
erection of New Art Galleries, Central Hall, Museum and School of
Art, in Kelvingrove Park, on the site of the Exhibition, at a cost of
£150,000, and Sir John Muir headed the list of subscriptions with

SIR JOHN MUIR, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1889-92. 463
the handsome donation of £15,000. He was appointed chairman of
the association entrusted with the duty of erecting the building, and
his efforts, in conjunction with those of his fellow workers, stand as a
lasting monument to him and to the city of Glasgow. It was after the
Association had developed the Scheme, and it was seen that the citizens
were in earnest in the matter, and were desirous of having a memorial
that should be worthy of the city, that the Corporation took over
control of the project, and carried it to a successful issue. There is
no doubt that the Art Museum in the centre of the Exhibition of 1901
was not merely the most prominent feature of the Exhibition, but is a
permanent institution in which any city in the world might feel the
greatest pride.
Sir John is a native of Glasgow, and was born on 8th December,
1828. He was educated at the High School and University of
Glasgow. In 1860 he married the eldest daughter of Alexander
Kay, Esq., of Cornhill, Lanarkshire. Two of his sons are mainly
resident in India, and look after the interests of the Calcutta firm.
They are also partners in the home firm.
One of his daughters is Lady Hamilton, wife of the' famous soldier,
Major-General Sir Ian Hamilton, K.C.B. Another married the late
Thomas George Harry Moncrieffe, Esq., second son of the late
Sir Thomas Moncrieffe, of Moncrieffe, Bart. The third is married to
Alexander M'Grigor, Esq, only son of the late A. B. M'Grigor, Esq.,
of Cairnoch, Stirlingshire. Another daughter, now deceased, was
married to W. A. Coats, Esq., of the world-famous Paisley house.
In addition to the various other offices which he holds, Sir John is
Deputy-Lieutenant of the Counties of Lanark and Ayr, and of the
County of the city of Glasgow, and is Honorary Colonel of the
4th Battalion Cameronians (Scottish Rifles).
The firm of James Finlay & Company is a typical example of
the enterprise and perception of Glasgow's commercial citizens. Not
content with the success which attended their operations as East India
Merchants, the firm in 1798 became mill-owners, purchasing in that
year the Balihdalloch works, where they commenced cotton-spinning.
So successful was the conduct of these works that in 1801 the firm
increased their interest in the cotton trade by the purchase of the
Catrine Spinning Mills, near Mauchline, on the banks of the river Ayr.
31

464 SIR JOHN MUIR, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1889-92.
In 1805, they commenced power-loom weaving at Catrine, and in that
year also they further extended their cotton business by purchasing the
Deanston works, on the banks of the river Teith, near Doune, Perth
shire. Both these works have been largely extended since their
acquisition, and at both places they give employment to a large
number of tradesmen. The whole of the village of Deanston belongs
to the firm, and a considerable portion of the village of Catrine.
The history of the progress of the firm of James Finlay & Company
is, indeed, really the history of the cotton industry of the country. It
was their progress in this industry that first caused them to turn their
attention to foreign countries as a market for their productions. They
first opened up connections with the Continent of Europe, where for
many years they carried on extensive trading operations at Dusseldorf
and Frankfort-on-the-Maine, and were long the principal exporters
from this country to Germany and other parts of the Continent of
cotton-yarn ; and before this trade had assumed any proportions in
Manchester they were the largest shippers of yarns purchased in that
market, where they, in 1 800, established a branch house.
During the time that Napoleon the First was endeavouring to crush
the trade of Great Britain, and trouble was constantly ensuing between
this country and France, James Finlay & Co., finding their trade on
the Continent much disturbed, and that they were excluded from their
ordinary channels of commerce, resorted to other expedients, and
opened branch establishments in Heligoland, Malta, and Gibraltar, from
which points they carried on their operations with both North and
South Europe. At this period, and to facilitate their complicated and
difficult Continental business they, in 1809, in conjunction with Mr.
John Hodgson, father of the late Mr. Kirkman Hodgson, M.P., Governor
of the Bank of England, opened a house in London, under the style of
Finlay, Hodgson & Co. That firm, after enjoying a successful career of
more than half-a-century, was amalgamated with Baring Bros. & Co.,
now Baring Bros. <fc Co., Ltd.
Another important departure in the firm's history took place in 1806,
when James Finlay & Co. took over the business of Easton,
Alston & Co., who were extensive exporters of cotton and other goods
to Nassau, New Providence, in the Bahama Islands, for the supply of
the Spanish, West India, and South American markets. This connection

SIR JOHN MUIR, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1889-92. 465
led to the establishment of houses at New York, New Orleans, and
Charlestown in the United States of America for the sale of goods and
the purchase of cotton wool, and these operations were, carried on for
many years on a very extensive scale.
It was in 1816 that the firm of James Finlay & Co. first turned their
attention to India, which has since become their great trading centre.
They were the first house in Scotland to open up direct connections
with India, and quite early in the last century they established a branch
house in Bombay. Since that time other branches have been opened,
and to-day they have four establishments in the East.
The tea estates of the firm in India are situated in Assam, Sylhet,
Cachar, Dooars, Darjeeling, Travancore and Ceylon, and are carried on
with a capital of upwards of £5,500,000. They have 270,000 acres of
land of which about 77,000 acres are planted with tea, &c, giving
employment to about 70,000 of the natives of India, in addition to a
large staff of superintendents, managers, and assistants sent out from
Scotland. Besides sending Indian tea to the United Kingdom on a
large scale, they have, during recent years, specially devoted themselves
to the introduction of Indian tea to America, Australia, Russia, and
other parts of the Continent. For many years they have conducted on
the banks of the Hooghly, near Calcutta, two jute mills for spinning
and weaving jute, giving employment to other 5000 of the inhabitants
of India. They manage the Hydraulic Pressing Company in Calcutta,
for pressing and assorting jute for the London, Dundee, and Continental
markets. Sir John is a well-known Free Churchman, and has always taken
a deep and warm interest in the welfare, not only of the Church
at large, but also of the United Free Church Congregation at Deanston,
and St. George's United Free Church, Glasgow, in the latter of which
he is a member of Session. In all his public duties, Sir John has been
ably seconded by the sympathy and support of Lady Muir, whose
name and active help are always to be relied on in the promotion of
every good cause in the West of Scotland.
Several works of great importance to the city were inaugurated or
brought to a conclusion during Sir John Muir's tenure of office, but
perhaps the most important event marking his civic reign was the
extension of the boundaries of the city, which was accomplished under

466 SIR JOHN MUIR, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1889-92.
the "City of Glasgow Act, 1891." His tenure of office was further
distinguished by the numerous examples of hospitality which he
exhibited ; but perhaps the entertainment which touched the hearts of
the people most was the conversazione which he gave, before he
demitted office, to the nurses in the various infirmaries in the city.
It was a purely felicitous acknowledgment of honourable ahd valuable
service, which was keenly appreciated by the recipients.

c^C^w.

SIR JAMES BELL, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1892-96. 467

MEETING OF TOWN COUNCIL,
NOVEMBER, 1892.

ELECTION OF MAGISTRATES.

The first meeting of the newly-constituted Town Council was held
on 4th November, 1892. Bailie M'Lennan, the Senior Magistrate, took
the chair, and, according to custom, prayer was offered by the Rev.
Mr. Millar, St. John's.
The Standing Orders having been held as read, and the Minutes of
the last meeting having been read and approved,
The Chairman said the first business they had to discharge was to
fill the vacant office of Lord Provost.
Bailie Graham — I rise for the purpose of proposing a gentleman for
the honourable and onerous position of Lord Provost of the City of
Glasgow. Any gentleman, to properly fill this position, must be a man
of ability and experience very much greater than that which the ordinary
Bailies or the ordinary Town Councillors possess. He must be a man
who is accustomed to large affairs, so as to be able to take charge of the
great and complex business of the city of Glasgow ; he must be a man with
a knowledge of men, so as to be able to preside in the chair which he
occupies with gentleness and dignity, yet with firmness ; he must be a
man who is able to guide us when we are inclined to let passion get
the better of judgment. It is not an absolute necessity that he should
be a man of high social position, though it is a distinct advantage
should he be so, because there are many occasions on which social duties
will fall on him. He must, above all things, be a man thoroughly in
sympathy with the people. Now, I believe that in the gentleman that
I mean to propose for this position we have a man who is possessed
of all these qualifications, who will discharge the duties of the high

468 SIR JAMES BELL, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1892-96.
position with dignity, and to the satisfaction of the citizens of Glasgow.
The gentleman whom I am going to name may not have been associated
with Town Council affairs as long as some of us would like, but during
the time he has been here he has shown a grasp of the business that
will enable him to discharge with satisfaction all the duties he will be
called upon to fulfil. He will also be thoroughly in sympathy with the
people ; and I have no doubt whatever, now that we are entering upon
a new era in the history of municipal affairs, and very specially in the
history of the municipality of Glasgow, that the gentleman whom I
will name will go forward in the progressive policy which is one of the
distinctive characteristics of this Town Council. The gentleman whom
I have to propose for this position is Mr. James Bell, one of the repre
sentatives of the Eighth Ward. I believe that Mr. Bell will fulfil all
the requirements of the honourable position. I believe that he will
devote himself to the duties of the chair with an earnestness and a
patience which will not only be a credit to himself, but which will be to
our satisfaction. I do not think it is necessary to say more on this
point, but during the course of the next three years I have no doubt
that there will be large social engagements devolving upon this Town
Council. As a helpmeet, Mr. Bell has a dignified and gracious lady,
who, I am sure, will be one of the most accomplished and popular
ladies who has ever assisted anyone who has filled the office of Lord
Provost. Bailie Primrose — In one word I desire to second the nomination
which has been so gracefully made by Bailie Graham. I am sure I
speak the mind of every colleague in this room when I say that since
Mr. Bell entered this Council he has had many friends. We have ever
found him a man imbued with true municipal instincts. We look
forward during his reign to a period for our loved City of great
progress, and for him personally we look forward to a time of perfect
peace and comfort. I have great pleasure in seconding his nomination.
Bailie M'Lennan — Mr. Bell has been duly proposed and seconded;
is there any other nomination 1
Bailie Fleming — I have no other nomination to make. I must keep
myself right with many friends outside this Town Council. I speak
with no disrespect to Mr. Bell ; indeed, I have every regard for him
and for his qualities as a member of Council who would be perfectly

SIR JAMES BELL, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1892-96. 469
able to occupy the position of Lord Provost perhaps three or six years
after this. I think we should be acting on a wrong principle if we
allowed a man who had only recently entered the Council to jump over
the heads of other men who had done much further service. I just
wish to keep myself right with my friends.
Bailie M'Farlane — I also wish to keep myself right.
Bailie M'Lennan said that as there was no other nomination he had
to declare Mr. Bell duly elected Lord Provost.
Mr. Bell signified acceptance of the office, made the usual declaration,
and was invested with the insignia of office, the members meanwhile
rising to their feet and loudly cheering.
Lord Provost Bell afterwards said — Allow me to thank you most
sincerely for the great honour you have just conferred upon me. In
accepting the high honour of Lord Provost of the city of Glasgow, I do
so with no light heart, well knowing the great responsibilities I under
take ; but I am encouraged by your unanimity, and I feel certain you
will deal generously with my shortcomings. The many duties that
fall on the occupant of this chair I shall endeavour to fulfil that the
dignity of the City shall not suffer at my hands. From every member
of this Council since I entered it I have received many courtesies,
and I have formed many friendships here that will endure with life.
But in fulfilling the duties of the chair I don't propose to know any
private friendship, any political party, any religious sect, or anything
beyond the duties of my office, and fairness and courtesy to every man.
Sir John Muir, in his valedictory address, gave an interesting resume
of the work of the Council for the past three years. In the coming
year we have seemingly nothing very eventful before us, but we can
never be without important and useful work, not the less important,
perhaps, because it does not come largely before the public. As you
are aware here, although it may not be so well known to the public
outside, there are many occasions when, after weeks, and months, and
years of labour, your duties may be contained in five or six lines,
and pass probably without remark. You appointed a committee
some months ago to report on the organisation of committee work.
Our ward representative committees — since our Council was increased
in numbers — are so large that there is possibly a danger of the
committee feeling being lost, and perhaps some method may be devised

470 SIR JAMES BELL, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1892-96.
by which these may be made smaller, and the feeling of personal
interest and personal responsibility — the true committee feeling — be
increased. Without these our larger committees develop into small
councils, and lose the characteristics of a committee, which ought in
every instance to be to search into matters of routine and detail. On
the motion of Bailie Graham you resolved that a bill be promoted in
Parliament to make Glasgow a county. This has been received by our
fellow-citizens with great acceptance. All our members of Parliament
being in favour of it, we may reasonably expect to get it passed this
coming session of Parliament. We have a strong argument in its
favour, and if this bill is passed we shall not only have a measure
capable of doing great good, but a measure capable of removing great
abuses. Our other Parliamentary work is of a minor character,
and will, I hope, be all passed in an Omnibus Bill, and as we have
no stirring Parliamentary contests, it will leave us and our oldest
and most experienced members free to devote ourselves to the routine
work of our committees, enable us to give them every attention,
and keep them in a high state of efficiency ; and, as the work in the
extended area is overtaken, we may perhaps see whether economy may
not be practicable without any sacrifice of efficiency, and, let us hope,
with taxation reduced. In our Council we have to look not only to the
present, but to the future, making broad our foundations, and allowing
fully for the extension of a great city, carrying on our work in such a
way that our successors in office will look back on our labours, as we
do on those who have gone before us, and feel that not only for the
passing day, but looking to the future we acted wisely and well.
At the present time there is a great desire abroad amongst the
people for further opportunities of innocent enjoyment, and we
can in some degree foster and help this movement, although our first
duty is to wisely administer the Trusts and finances committed
to our care. Yet while administering these Trusts, we can do a great
deal that will not only tend to the material, but also to the moral and
social improvement of the city. Working inside our power and Acts of
Parliament, we cannot attempt anything heroic in regard to the social
improvement of the people; but we can show our sympathy with those
who are working with this object, and, by providing open spaces, parks,
etc., do active work ; and in speaking thus I know I am speaking for all

SIR JAMES BELL, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1892-96. 471
around me, that so far as lies within its power, this Council is always
earnestly desirous of doing what is best for the highest interests of the
qity and the citizens. In a community like this, with its great popula
tion, we must have a great amount of misery and disease. You have
done much to remove unhealthy houses and unhealthy conditions of
life, and in preventing so-called preventible diseases — if they are
entirely preventible they should not exist among us — and you are
working on with this hope and object in view. Your efforts have been
crowned with a great measure of success. We have three great things
before us to do. We have to administer our Trusts wisely and well,
we have to administer the affairs of our city so that the health of the
citizens shall be improved, and the social conditions of their life
bettered. In a great community like this, life is hard for many of our
fellow-citizens, but let us go on with our work, feeling that if we
cannot have the country in the town, we can at least make our
conditions of life as pure and as good as it is in the power of any
municipality to do. I have to thank Bailie Primrose and Bailie
M'Lennan for the too courteous and kind words uttered by them with
regard to me personally. Bailie Graham has placed an ideal before me
which I fear I can never attain to, but by earnest striving and the
giving of the best of my time and the best of my gifts to the city of
Glasgow, I hope I may at least travel on the road which he has pointed
out to me. Before proceeding with the ordinary Council duties,
allow me again to thank you for the honour you have done me, and
when my term of office is completed, I trust it will be with our respect
and friendship strengthened and deepened, and that we will be able
together to look back on our labours, feeling that we have contributed
in some degree to the prosperity of our city, and that when our works
become civic history, they may be judged not unworthy of ranking
alongside the work of those who in the past have helped to make
Glasgow the great city it is to-day.
The Lord Provost then proposed that Bailie Primrose be re-elected
a Bailie of the Burgh.
Bailie M'Lennan seconded, and the motion was carried unanimously.
The Lord Provost proposed that River Bailie Hamilton should be
elected a Bailie of the Burgh.
Bailie Paton seconded, and the motion was carried.

472 SIR JAMES BELL, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1892-96.
The Lord Provost nominated Mr. Chisholm as a Bailie of the Burgh.
Bailie Graham seconded.
Bailie Fleming— May I ask through you a question at Mr. Chisholm.
It is currently reported in the public prints, whether true or not, that
if Mr. Chisholm is elected a Bailie he will not allow any new licenses.
I say for a man to be put on a court which the Legislature has provided
for the purpose of deciding whether a license shall be granted or not on
its merits, to make such an assertion is as bad as for a man to go upon
it who says he will grant every license.
Mr. Dickson— I don't think such a question should be put to Mr.
Chisholm. Bailie Fleming — I move that Mr. Chisholm is not a fit and proper
person to be elected as a Magistrate.
The Lord Provost — Is there any seconder 1
The motion was then declared carried, and Bailie Fleming entered
his dissent.
The Lord Provost proposed that Mr. Alexander be appointed a
Magistrate. Mr. George M'Farlane seconded, and the motion was unanimously
agreed to.
The Lord Provost moved that Mr. M'Kellar be appointed River
Bailie. Bailie Morrin seconded, and the motion was unanimously adopted.
The Lord Provost moved that Depute River Bailie Fleming be
appointed to that office. Bailie Pettigrew seconded.
Mr. J. R. Paton said that while there was an understanding that
the Council should adhere to the decisions come to at the private
meeting at which he had, at the request of a number of gentlemen,
withdrawn a nomination, he had been urged to make anew his proposal
of the previous day. The circumstances were somewhat changed. The
gentleman who, they thought, had made injudicious remarks at the
private meeting, had thought fit to break through the agreement, and
to make some observations at the present meeting. In these circum
stances, it was perhaps the duty of the Council now to give expression
to their opinion as to whether they approved or not of the action of
the present Depute River Bailie. He begged to submit for that office
the name of Mr. M'Cutcheon. Mr. Steele seconded.

SIR JAMES BELL, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1892-96. 473
Mr. Crawford said that the public as well as the Council should
understand that the Lord Provost in the nomination that he had made
for this office was faithfully carrying through the agreement made by
the Town Council on the previous day, and that, so far as his Lordship
was concerned, he had no responsibility whatever in making the
nomination. Whatever the result might be it was not in any sense
a departure from anything for which the Lord Provost was at all
responsible. Bailie M'Lennan — It will be in the recollection of the Council that
it was made an express condition that the results arrived at yesterday
at the private meeting would be adhered to to-day. However we might
differ from the position that may have been taken up by the Depute
River Bailie, he has not moved any amendment to what was done
yesterday. A Member — He has done worse.
Bailie M'Lennan — I think it would be a departure from the honour
able understanding to which we came yesterday if a vote was taken
on this appointment. I am expressing my own opinion. I suppose
I am at liberty to do so.
Mr. Mitchell — Yesterday I said that the decisions come to at the
private meeting on former occasions had in my experience been
frequently altered, but while none of us have any sympathy with an
individual- opinion which has been expressed, it would be much better
that the nomination should now be allowed to proceed without any
exhibition of feeling in the matter.
Mr. Shearer — While it is no doubt the case that the Council yester
day unanimously agreed to adhere to the decisions that were come to,
there is to-day, however, a different aspect of things altogether. I
think a Magistrate should not only be judicial, but judicious, and I
think the latter quality does not shine in our friend the present Depute
River Bailie.
Mr. Campbell — I regret exceedingly that on the first occasion on
which I have the pleasure of addressing the present Lord Provost in
the office he now adorns it should be in the direction of raising a
jarring note. No one in this Council can regret more deeply the
language and attitude of my friend Bailie Fleming than I do —
language injudicious, uncalled for, and in the very worst possible

474 SIR JAMES BELL, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1892-96,
taste. While I say that, I think an honourable understanding
is being proposed to be broken, and a dangerous precedent is being
made. However, as it is the will of the Council to accept the nomina
tion of Mr. M'Cutcheon, to whom, personally, I take no exception
whatever, I think this affords me an opportunity of making a departure
in a new direction. I have the greatest possible pleasure in proposing
for the Depute River Bailieship my friend Councillor Jack. He has
peculiar claims on our consideration. He represents the labour
interests of the community in a marked degree. He is a man of
breadth of view, intelligence, and capacity, and in point of service at
this Council has claims which at least Mr. M'Cutcheon cannot pretend
to. The departure from the understanding which has been made in
relation to Bailie Fleming warrants the nomination I have now made,
and it would be a distinct compliment, not only to Mr. Jack, but to the
large section of the community which he represents.
Mr. J. H. Martin — I intended yesterday, if the opportunity had
occurred, to propose Mr. Jack for this office. I have known Mr. Jack
for a very long time in the eastern district of Glasgow, and know how
he is respected there. He is a hard working member of the Council,
and he has been here longer than Mr. M'Cutcheon. I think we ought
to place in the Magistracy those who have served some time here.
Bailie Paton — I am going to propose another name. I of course
fell in with the understanding that was come to yesterday that
Depute River Bailie Fleming should be re-elected, but it is apparent
that this is not going to be done unanimously. In that case I think
we ought to go back to use and wont and elect the man to this office
who, all things considered, has the best claim upon the consideration of
the Town Council. Other things being equal, the man who has been
longest in the Council, and who has done the best service in the
Council, is the man who ought to be elected to this office. Seeing that
we have departed from the usual plan I think that the man who is
most entitled to this office is Mr. Walter Wilson. During the time Mr.
Wilson has been in the Council he has done good work, and he has
taken an active interest in everything with which he has been con
nected, and I think it is unfair to put over his head a member who has
been a shorter time at the Council.
Treasurer Watson seconded.

SIR JAMES BELL, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1892-96. 475
Bailie Primrose — Before we proceed further, I wish to say that I
think, in our desire to resent what we think was an injudicious act,
we are allowing our feelings to carry us rather far. I think, after all
that has transpired to-day, and the manner in which the Council has
repudiated the action of Bailie Fleming, we would be doing a thing
unworthy of us as a Town Council if we proceeded to carry out what
I can only characterise as vengeance. In making this repudiation we
have served the public interest, and having done that I think the
Council should accept the nomination of Mr. Fleming.
Mr. Jack — Yesterday we said as honourable men that we would
stand by him, (Bailie Fleming,) and I hold, as an individual, having
been one of those agreeing to that compact, that I am only doing my
duty in standing firmly by him. I am going to do so, and while doing
so allow me to thank Mr. Campbell and Mr. Martin for having
nominated me to this office ; but I wish to withdraw from it, having
been a party to that contract which was made yesterday. I wish
therefore that my name should not go before the Council.
Mr. Campbell, with the consent of Mr. J. H. Martin then withdrew
the nomination of Mr. Jack.
Mr. Walter Wilson said that after what had taken place on the
previous day he could not think of opposing Bailie Fleming. He was
surprised that the matter should have been again brought up. Next
year the position of matters might possibly be different.
Mr. Ure strongly supported Bailie Primrose's contention. Supposing
Bailie Fleming had in some measure departed from the understanding
arrived at on the previous day, that was no reason why the other
seventy-six of them should depart from the agreement. He hoped
that in this matter the Council would act so that perhaps they would
be an example to Bailie Fleming in the future.
Mr. Dickson said that the honourable understanding come to ought
to be carried out. An injudicious act on the part of. one member was
no reason why they should depart from an agreement deliberately
come to, and Bailie Fleming ought to be appointed unanimously.
The Lord Provost appealed to Mr. J. R. Paton to withdraw the
nomination of Mr. M'Cutcheon.
Mr. Paton said he was in the hands of the Council, but his feeling was
that in the circumstances the nomination ought to be allowed to stand.

476 SIR JAMES BELL, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1892-96.
Mr. Mason appealed to Mr. M'Cutcheon to withdraw and endorse
the nomination of Bailie Fleming. He thought that although that
gentleman had gone out of his way to question Mr. Chisholm as to his
views on the licensing question — because the Council a year ago
expressed their disapproval of what Mr. Chisholm did on that occasion
by questioning Magistrates — Mr. Chisholm had just got a taste of what
he inflicted on others last year. It was quite clear they were all
morally bound by the resolution which the Council came to on the
previous day. However Bailie Fleming might have misbehaved himself
that day, there was no allegation that he had misbehaved himself when
sitting in his judicial capacity on the Bench.
Mr. Neil said a good deal had been made of the compact that was
entered into, but he wanted to know who had broken that compact.
It was not the Town Council as a body. It was an individual who,
along with the others, came to a compact. Having done so, he should
not now expect them to keep to any arrangement when he himself had
put his foot in it.
Mr. Steele thought it was too bad that Mr. M'Cutcheon should be
made the shuttlecock of the Council. On the previous day he was put
up and withdrawn, and he was put up and withdrawn again.
Mr. A. Murray considered that although what Bailie Fleming had
done was in bad taste, the Council would also be acting in bad taste
if they broke through the compact.
Mr. M'Cutcheon remarked that the Council had been justifiably
irritated at the conduct of Bailie Fleming, but he desired to withdraw.
Bailie Fleming was thereupon declared unanimously re-elected. It
was proposed not to insert in the minutes any reference to the opposing
votes which had been made.
Mr. J. R. Paton said that if that were done Bailie Fleming should
be called on to withdraw his dissent to the election of Bailie Chisholm.
The Magistrates in a bodv then took the oath of office.

SIR JAMES BELL, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1892-96.

477

List of the Members of the Town Council and Principal Officials
during the Lord Provostship of Sir James Bell, Bart.
189 2-93.

The Hon. James Bell, Lord Provost.
James M'Lennan,
Walter Paton,
Robert Graham,
John M'Farlane,
James Maetin,
David Morrin,
William Pettigrew,
Hugh Brechin,
William Bilsland,
Thomas Cochrane Guthrie,
John Ure Primrose,
William Hamilton,
Samuel Chisholm,
James Alexander,
John Guthrie Smith, Dean of Child.
William Robertson Copland, Deacon
Convener.
Thomas Watson, Treasurer.
Robert Crawford, Master of Works.
Wllliam M'Kellar, Bailie ofthe River
and Firth of Clyde.
James Brown Fleming, Deputy Bailie
of the River and Firth oj Clyde.
Thomas Adam Mathieson, Bailie of
Provan.
Sir James David Marwick, LL.D.,
Town Clerk.
Robert Renwick, Deputy Town Clerk.
James George Munro, do.

do. do.do.
do.do. do.
do. do.do.do.do. do.do.

James Nicol, City Chamberlain.
Thomas Baton Robinson, C.A.,
Registrar under Loans Act, and City
Accountant.
William Gibb, City Cashier.
Alexander Beith M'Donald, City
Engineer and Surveyor.
John Lang, Procurator-Fiscal of the
Burgh, and of the Dean of Guild
and Provan Courts, and Joint Pro
curator Fiscal in River Bailie Court.
Geo. Neilson, Police Procurator- Fiscal.
Peter Taylor Young, George Young,
Daniel M. Alexander, Robert
G. Ross, George W. T. Robert
son, and Alexander. Hamilton
Aiton, Assessors and Clerks of
Police Courts.
Archibald Sinclair, Joint Procurator
Fiscal in River Bailie Court.
James Muirhead, Assessor and Clerk
to the River Bailie Court.
James Henry, Assessor under the Lands
Valuation Acts, and under the
Registration of Voters Acts.
Alexander Johnston Walker, Chief
Inspector of Weights and Measures,
and Officer under Petroleum Acts.
Hector M'Leod, Council Officer.
William M'Leod, Chamber Keeper.

1892-93.

FIRST WARD.
Alexander Waddel.
George Macfarlane.
John Pollock M'Phun.

SECOND WARD.
James Martin.
William Ure.
James H. Martin.
THIRD WARD.
James Miller Jack.
Hugh Brechin.
John "Davidson.

FOURTH WARD.
James M'Lennan.
Robert Starke.
Peter Burt. FIFTH WARD.
Robert M'Farlane Mitchell.
David Morrin.
William M'Kellar.

SIXTH WARD.
Alexander Osborne.
William Fife.
John Neil.

478 SIR JAMES BELL, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1892-96.

SEVENTH WARD.
Thomas Watson.
Robert Murdoch.
John Ewing Neilson.
EIGHTH WARD.
Thomas Mason.
Thomas Cumming.
James Bell. NINTH WARD.
Thomas Cochrane Guthrie.
James Parnie.
James Colquhoun. TENTH WARD.
Robert Graham.
James Gray.
Robert Crawford.
ELEVENTH WARD.
William Pettigrew.
Samuel Chisholm.
Daniel Macaulay Stevenson.
TWELFTH WARD.
John M'Farlane.
James Alexander.
James Hunter Dickson,
THIRTEENTH WARD.
Angus Campbell.
William Bilsland.
Hugh Wallace.
FOURTEENTH WARD.
David Richmond.
John Battersby.
Donald Hamilton.
FIFTEENTH WARD.
Walter Wilson.
William Stevenson.
William Fleming Anderson.

SIXTEENTH WARD.
Walter Paton.
John Shearer.
John Ure Primrose.
SEVENTEENTH WARD.
Alexander M'Cutcheon.
John Garey.
Kdward Watson.
EIGHTEENTH WARD.
Hugh Mayberry.
James Robert Paton.
Robert Anderson.
NINETEENTH WARD.
Wllliam Maclay.
Alexander Sinclair.
Donald Stewart.
TWENTIETH WARD.
James Steele.
Alexander Murray.
William Hamilton.
TWENTY- FIRST WARD.
John Murray.
Morris Carswell.
John Cassells.
TWENTY-SECOND WrARD.
John Pirrie.
James Dick.
Alexander William Hope.
TWENTY-THIRD WARD.
James Brown Fleming.
Archibald Campbell Holms.
James M. Thomson.
TWENTY-FOURTH WARD.
Edward William Langlands.
Charles John Cleland.
James Wilson Dick.

TWENTY-FIFTH WARD.
John Breeze.
John King.
Archibald Jeffrey Hunter.

SIR JAMES BELL, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1892-96.

479

1893-91

The Hon. James Bell, Lord Provost
David Morrin,
Hugh Brechin,
William Bilsland,
John Ure Primrose,
William Hamilton,
Samuel Chisholm,
James Alexander,
William Pettigrew,
Thomas Cochrane Guthrie,
James Parnie,
William M'Kellar,
Walter Wilson,
Robert Murdoch,
John Murray,
James Reid, Dean of Guild.
James M'Lennan, Deacon-Convener.
James Gray, Treasurer.
John M'Farlane, Master of Works.
John Pollock M'Fhun, Bailie of the
River and Firth of Clyde.
Alexander M'Cutcheon, Deputy Bailie
of the River and Firth of Clyde.
Thomas Adam Mathieson, Bailie of
Provan.
Sir James David Marwick, LL.D.,
Town Clerk.
Robert Renwick, Deputy Town Clerk.
James George Monro, do.
James Nicol, City Chamberlain.

do.
do. do.
do.
do.do.do.do.do.do.do.do.do.

Thomas Eaton Robinson, C.A., Regis
trar under Loans Act and City
Accountant.
Wm. Gibb, City Cashier.
Alexander Beith M'Donald, City
Engineer and Surveyor.
John Lang, Procurator-Fiscal of the
Burgh, and of the Dean of Guild
and Provan Courts, and Joint Pro
curator-Fiscal in the River Bailie
Court.
George Neilson Police Procurator,-
Fiscal.
Peter Taylor Young, George Young,
Daniel SI. Alexander, Robert G.
Ross, George W. T. Robertson,
and Alexander Hamilton Aiton,
Assessors and Clerks of Police Courts.
Archibald Sinclair, Joint Procurator-
Fiscal in River Bailie Court.
James Muirhead, Assessor and Clerk to
River Bailie Court.
James Henry, Assessor under the Lands
Valuation Acts and under the
Registration of Voters Acts.
Alexander Johnston Walker, Chief
Inspector of Weights and Measures,
and Officer under Petroleum Acts.
Hector M'Leod, Council Officer.
William M'Leod, Chamber Keeper.

18 9 3-94.

FIRST WARD.
George Macfarlane.
John Pollock M'Phun.
Alexander Waddel.

.SECOND WARD.
William Ure.
James Henderson Martin.
John Dunn.

THIRD WARD.
Hugh Brechin, Bailie.
John Davidson.
James Millar Jack.
32

FOURTH WARD.

Robert Starke.
Peter Burt.
John Ferguson.

FIFTH WARD.
David Morrin, Bailie.
Wh.liam M'Kellar, Bailie.
William Finlay.

SIXTH WARD.
William Fife.
James Mackenzie.
Alexander Osborne.

480 SIR JAMES BELL, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1892-96.

SEVENTH WARD.
Robert Murdoch, Bailie.
John Ewing Nelson.
Thomas Watson.
EIGHTH WARD.
Thomas Cummisg.
James Bell, Lord Provost.
Alexander Andrew Cuthbert.
NINTH WARD.
James Parnie, Bailie.
James Colquhoun, LL. D.
Thomas Cochrane Guthrie, Bailie.
TENTH WARD.
Robert Crawford.
Robert Graham.
James Gray, City Treasurer.
ELEVENTH WARD.

Samuel Chisholm,
Daniel Macaulay Stevenson.
William Pettigrew, Bailie.
TWELFTH WARD.
James Alexander, Bailie.
James Hunter Dickson.
John M'Farlane.
THIRTEENTH WARD.
William Bilsland, Bailie.
Hugh Wallace.
Angus Campbell.
FOURTEENTH WARD.
John Battersby.
Donald Hamilton.
David Richmond.
FIFTEENTH WARD.
William Stevenson.
William Fleming Anderson.
Walter Wilson, Bailie.

SIXTEENTH WARD.
John Shearer.
John Ure Primrose, Bailie.
Walter Paton.

SEVENTEENTH WARD.
John Garey.
Edward Watson.
Alexander M'Cutcheon.
EIGHTEENTH WARD.
James Robert Paton.
Robert Anderson.
John Lumsden Oatts.
NINETEENTH WARD.
Alexander Sinclair.
Donald Stewart.
William Maclay.
TWENTIETH WARD.
Alexander Murray.
William Hamilton, Bailie.
James Steele.
TWENTY-FIRST WARD.
Morris Carswell.
John Cassells.
John Murray, Bailie.
TWENTY-SECOND WARD.
James Dick.
Alexander William Hope.
John Pirrie.
TWENTY-THIRD WARD.
Archibald Campbell Holms.
James M'Intyre Thomson.
Robert M'Farlane Mitchell.
TWENTY-FOURTH WARD.
Charles John Cleland.
James Wilson Dick,
Edward William Langlands.

TWENTY-FIFTH WARD.
John King.
Archibald Jeffrey Hunter.
George Baillie Main.

SIR JAMES BELL, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1892-96.

481

18 9 4-95.

The Hon. James Bell, Lord Provost.
John Ure Primrose, Bailie.
Wllliam Hamilton, do.
William Pettigrew, do.
Thomas Cochrane Guthrie, do.
William M'Kellar, do.
Walter Wilson, do.
John Murray, do.
Samuel Chisholm, do.
James Alexander, do.
James Parnie, do.
John PolloCk M'Phun, do.
James Dick, do.
Alexander Murray, do.
Morris Carswell, do.
Hugh Brown, Dean of Guild.
James M'Lennan, Deacon Convener.
James Gray, Treasurer.
Alexander Waddel, Master of Works.
Alexander M'Cutcheon, Bailie of tlie
River and Firth of Clt/de.
Petkr Burt, Deputu Bailie ofthe River
and Firth of Clyde.
Thomas Adam Mathieson, Bailie of
Provan.
Sir James David Marwick, LL.D.,
Town Clerk.
Robert Renwick, Deputy Town Clerk.
James George Monro, Deputy Town
Clerk.

James Nicol, City Chamberlain.
Thomas Eaton Robinson, C.A., Regis
trar under Loans Act, and City
Accountant.
William Gibb, City Cashier.
Alexander Beith M'Donald, City
Engineer and Surveyor.
John Lang, Procurator-Fiscal of the
Burgh, and of the Dean of Guild
and Provan Courts, and Joint
Procurator- Fiscal in River Bailie
Court.
George Neilson, Police Procurator-
Fiscal.
George Young, Daniel M. Alexander,
Robert G. Ross, George W. T.
Robertson, Alexander Hamilton
Aiton, and Thomas M'Quaker,
Assessors and Clerics of Police Courts.
Archibald Sinclair, Joint Procurator-
Fiscal in River Bailie Court.
James Muirhead, Assessor and Clerk
to the River Bailie Court.
James Henry, Assessor under the Lands
Valuation Acts, and under the Regis
tration of Voters Acts.
Alexander Johnston Walker, Chief
Inspector of Weights and Measures
and Officer under Petroleum Acts.
Hector M'Leod, Council Officer.
William MacLeod, Chamber Keeper.

18 9 4-95.

FIRST WARD.
John Pollock M'Phun.
Alexander Waddel.
James Willock. SECOND WARD.
James Henderson Martin.
John Dunn.
William Ure.

THIRD WARD.
John Davidson.
James Millar Jack.
Hugh Brechin.

FOURTH WARD.

Peter Burt.
John Ferguson.
David M'Lardy.

FIFTH WARD.

William M'Kellar.
William Finlay.
David Morrin.

SIXTH WARD.
James Mackenzie.
Alexander Osborne.
William Fife.

482 SIR JAMES BELL, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1892-96.

SEVENTH WARD.
John Ewing Nelson.
Thomas Watson.
Robert Murdoch. EIGHTH WARD.
James Bell.
Alexander Andrew Cuthbert.
Archibald Stewart.
NINTH WARD.
James Colquhoun, LL.D.
Thomas Cochrane Guthrie.
James Parnie. TENTH WARD.
Robert Graham.
James Gray.
Robert Crawford.
ELEVENTH WARD.
Daniel Macaulay Stevenson.
William Pettigrew.
Samuel Chisholm.
TWELFTH WARD.
James Hunter Dickson.
John M'Farlane.
James Alexander,
THIRTEENTH WARD.
Hugh Wallace.
Angus Campbell.
William Bilsland.
FOURTEENTH WARD.
Donald Hamilton.
David Richmond,
John Battersby. FIFTEENTH WARD.
William Fleming Anderson.
Walter Wilson.
William Stevenson.

SIXTEENTH WARD.
John Ure Primrose,
Walter Paton.
John Shearer.
SEVENTEENTH WARD.
Edward Watson.
Alexander M'Cutcheon.
John Garey.
EIGHTEENTH WARD.
Robert Anderson.
John Lumsden Oatts.
James Robert Paton.
NINETEENTH WARD.
Donald Stewart.
William Maclay.
Alexander Sinclair.
TWENTIETH WARD.
William Hamilton.
James Steele.
Alexander Murray.
TWENT7-FIRST WARD.
John Cassells.
John Murray.
Morris Cars well.
TWENTY-SECOND WARD.
Alexander William Hope.
John Pirrie.
James Dick.
TWENTY-THIRD WARD.
James M'Intyre Thomson.
Robert M'Farlane Mitchell.
Archibald Campbell Holms.
TWENTY-FOURTH WARD.
James Wilson Dick.
Edward William Langlands.
Charles John Cleland.

TWENTY-FIFTH WARD.
Archibald Jeffrey Hunter,
George Batllie Main.
John King.

SIR JAMES BELL, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1892-96.

483

189 5-9 6.

The Hon. James Bell, Lord Provost.
William Pettigrew, Bailie.
Walter Wilson, do.
John Murray, do.
Samuel Chisholm, do.
James Alexander, do.
James Parnie, do.
James Dick, do.
Alexander Murray, do.
Morris Carswell, do.
John Pollock M'Phun, do.
Alexander M'Cutcheon, do.
Peter Burt, do.
James Millar Jack, do.
James M'Intyre Thomson, do.
Hugh Brown, Dean of Guild.
James Gray, Treasurer.
Robert Ramsey, Deacon Convener.
David Richmond, Master of Works.
James Robert Paton, Bailie of the
River and Firth of Clyde.
Alexander Sinclair, Deputy Bailie
ofthe River and Firth of Clyde.
Thomas Adam Mathieson, Bailie of
Provan.
Sir James David Marwick, LL.D.,
Town Clerk.
Robert Renwick, Deputy Town Clerk.
James George Monro, do.
James Nicol, City Chamberlain.

Thomas Eaton Robinson, C.A., Regis
trar under Loans Act and City
Accountant.
William Gibb, City Cashier.
Alexander Beith M'Donald, City
Engineer and Surveyor.
John Lang, Procurator-Fiscal of the
Burgh, and of the Dean of Guild
and Provan Courts, and Joint
Procurator- Fiscal in River Bailie
Court.
George Neil30N, Police Procurator-
Fiscal.
George Young, DanielM. Alexander,
Robert G. Ross, George W. T.
Robertson, Alexander Hamilton
Aiton, and Thomas MacQuaker,
Assessorsand Clerks of Police Courts.
Archibald Sinclair, Joint Procurator-
Fiscal in River Bailie Court.
James Muirhead, Assessor and Clerk to
River Bailie Court.
James Henry, Assessor under the Lands
Valuation Acts and under the Regis
tration of Voters Acts.
Alexander Johnston Walker, Chief
Inspector of Weights and Measures
and Officer under Petroleum Acts.
Hector M'Leod, Council Officer.
William MacLeod, Chamber-Keeper.

189 5-9 6.

FIRST WARD.
Alexander Waddel.
James Willock.
John Pollock M'Phun.
SECOND WARD.
John Dunn.
George Mitchell.
James Henderson Martin.
THIRD WARD.
James Millar Jack.
Hugh Brechin.
John Davidson.

FOURTH WARD.
John Ferguson.
; David M 'Lardy.
Peter Burt. FIFTH WARD.
William Finlay.
David Morrin.
William M'Kellar.
SIXTH WARD.
Alexander Osborne.
William Fife.
Archibald Sliman.

484 SIR JAMES BELL, BART,, LORD PROVOST, 1892-96.

SEVENTH WARD.
Thomas Watson.
Robert Murdoch.
John Ewing Nelson.
EIGHTH WARD.
Alexander Ardrew Cuthbert.
Robert Sorley.
Sir James Bell, Bart.
NINTH WARD.
Thomas Cochrane Guthrie.
James Parnie.
James Colquhoun, LL.D.
TENTH WARD.
James Gray.
Eobert Crawford.
Robert Graham.
ELEVENTH WARD.
William Pettigrew.
Samuel Chisholm.
Daniel Macaulay Stevenson.
TWELFTH WARD.
John M'Farlane.
James Alexander.
James Hunter Dickson.
THIRTEENTH WARD.
Angus Campbell.
William Bilsland.
Hugh Wallace.
FOURTEENTH WARD.
David Richmond.
John Battersby.
Peter Gordon Stewart.
FIFTEENTH WARD.
Walter Wilson.
William Stevenson.
William Fleming Anderson.

SIXTEENTH WARD.
Walter Paton.
John Shearer.
John Ure Primrose.
SEVENTEENTH WARD.
Alexander M'Cutcheon.
John Garey.
Edward Watson.
EIGHTEENTH WARD.
John Lumsden Oatts.
James Robert Paton.
Robert Anderson.
NINETEENTH WARD.
William Maclay.
Alexander Sinclair.
Donald Stewart.
TWENTIETH WARD.
James Steele.
Alexander Murray.
William Hamilton.
TWENTY-FIRST WARD.
John Murray.
Morris Cars well.
John Cassells.
TWENTY-SECOND WARD.
JOBN PlRRIE.
James Dick.
Alexander William Hopr
TWENTY-THIRD WARD.
Robert M'Farlane Mitchell,
Archibald Campbell Holms.
James M'Intyre Thomson.
TWENTY-FOURTH W7ARD.
Edward William Langlands.
Charles John Cleland.
James Wilson Dick.

TWENTY-FIFTH WARD.
George Baillie Main.
John King.
Archibald Jeffrey Hunter.

SIR JAMES BELL, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1892-96. 485
Some of the more Interesting Events during the tenuee op
Office of Sie James Bell, Bart.
18th November, 1892. — Bailie James Martin died at his residence in
ToUcross. His funeral was attended on the 22nd by representatives of
the Town Council.
22nd November, 1892. — Lord Provost Bell opened a bazaar in the
St. Andrew's Hall, in aid of the funds of Queen Margaret College. A
sum of £10,000 was desired. The bazaar was open for five days, and
was opened successively by Lady Alice Shaw Stewart, Principal Caird,
Mrs. Elder (founder of the College), and Mr. James A. Campbell, M.P.
A total of £11,800 was drawn.
2nd December, 1892. — Relief works for the unemployed opened.
6th December, 1892. — The first residents of the Buchanan Retreat,
Bearsden, were received there by Lord Provost Bell and a number of
the Magistrates.
11th December, 1892. — Dr. F. L. Robertson, of St. Andrew's Parish
Church, and Secretary of Educational Endowments' Board, died.
19th December, 1892. — Lord Provost Bell was entertained, at a
complimentary banquet in the Windsor Hotel, by the shipowners of
Glasgow, in honour of his election to the Lord Provostship.
19th December, 1892. — The Town Council accepted the gift of a fountain
to be placed in Phoenix Park, by Messrs. John Buchanan & Brothers.
21st December, 1892. — The Lord Provost and Mrs. Bell entertained
the members of the Municipal Ward Committees at a conversazione in
the City Chambers.
27th December, 1892. — Her Majesty the Queen, through the Lord
Provost, presented a facsimile of " The Queen's letter to the Nation,''
consequent on the death of the Duke of Clarence and Avondale, to each
indoor patient of the Infirmaries of Glasgow, as a Christmas gift.
19th January, 1893. — Mr. James Dunlop, of ToUcross, died.
31st January, 1893. — The death took place of Sir James M'Culloch,
K.C.M.G., a native of Glasgow, and at one time Premier of Victoria,
in Australia, whither he had gone to establish a business branch for his
firm, Messrs. J. & A. Dennistoun, of Glasgow.
23rd February, 1893. — The electric current was switched on the
streets of Glasgow.

486 SIR JAMES BELL, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1892-96.
27th March, 1893.-^The Lord Provost and Mrs. Bell gave a conver
sazione, in the City Chambers, to the ladies and gentlemen who, during
the winter, were engaged in social work in the city.
28th March, 1893. — Councillor Alexander Waddel was presented
with his portrait and an address.
20th April, 1893. — The degree of LL.D. was conferred upon Coun
cillor James Colquhoun, and he was presented by the Incorporation of
Fleshers with the robes pertaining to the degree, and a silver salver.
2nd June, 1893. — A Peerage was conferred upon Mr. John Campbell
White, of Overtoun, and a Baronetcy upon Dr. Charles Cameron, M.P.
2nd June, 1893. — H.R.H. Princess Christian and party arrived in
Glasgow and visited the City Chambers and several public Institutions
in the city.
4th July, 1893, — A Relief Fund was opened by the Lord Provost in
connection with the loss, by collision in the Mediterranean, of H.M.S.
Victoria, when 36 officers and 336 men were drowned.
6th July, 1893. — Sir Michael Connal died.
6th July, 1893. — A public holiday was held in Glasgow on the
occasion of the marriage of H.R.H. the Duke of York and Princess
Victoria Mary of Teck. The Corporation despatched telegrams of con
gratulation to H.M. the Queen, T.R.H. the Prince and Princess of
Wales, and the Duke and Duchess of Teck. Various entertainments
were provided in the city, and in the evening a banquet was given in
the City Chambers by the Lord Provost and Mrs. Bell. The ladies of
Glasgow presented a string of pearls to the Duchess of York.
10th July, 1893. — The Lord Provost opened the Lady Hozier Con
valescent Home, which was gifted to the Directors of the Western
Infirmary by Sir William W. Hozier of Mauldslie.
12th July, 1893. — The Lord Provost opened the Kelty and Duchray
Aqueducts at Blairuskin.
26th July, 1893. — Sir James King, Bart., unveiled a bronze statue
of the late Mr. James Arthur, of Arthur & Co., Ltd., in the Necropolis.
28th July, 1893. — Lord Roberts was presented with the Freedom of
the City.
3rd September, 1893. — The Lifeboat Saturday Movement was inaug
urated in Glasgow, when a procession through the principal streets was
the most important feature of the day's proceedings.

SIR JAMES BELL, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1892-96. 487
21st September, 1893. — Mr. John Gemmel, Stipendiary Magistrate of
Glasgow for seventeen years, died.
22nd September, 1893. — The Lord Provost and Mrs. Bell gave a
reception and conversazione, in the City Chambers, in connection with
the meeting of the Council of the Boys' Brigade.
6th October, 1893. — Lord Provost Bell laid the memorial stone of the
Coplawhill dep6t for the Corporation tramways.
25th October, 1893. — The Lord Provost unveiled a portrait of
Sir John Muir, Bart., in the City Chambers.
31st October, 1893. — The final copestone of the north basin of the
new Cessnock Docks was laid by Mr. David Richmond, Convener
of the Works' Committee.
4th November, 1893. — The stained glass windows presented to
Glasgow University, in memory of the late Alex. B. M'Grigor, LL.D.,
were unveiled.
13th November, 1893. — At a meeting of the Police Commissioners it
was decided to re-erect Glasgow Bridge at a cost of £80,000.
17th November, 1893. — Sir John E. Gorst was elected Lord Rector of
Glasgow University.
22nd November, 1893. — A Bazaar, in aid of the Association
for the Relief of Incurables in Glasgow, was opened in St. Andrew's
Hall by Her Grace the Duchess of Montrose. The bazaar remained
open till the 25th, and was opened successively by the Countess of
Eglinton, Sir James King, Bart., and Sir John N. Cuthbertson, Bart.
The total drawings were £10,929.
28th November, 1893. — Sir Archibald Orr-Ewing, Bart., died. Sir
Archibald was a prominent merchant of Glasgow, and held various
public offices in the city.
30th November, 1893. — Creation of the City and Royal Burgh of
Glasgow into the dignity of a County.
1st December, 1893. — Lord Provost Bell was appointed Her Majesty's
Lieutenant of the County of the City of Glasgow. r
19th December, 1893. — Mr. Wm. M'Ewen died. He was a well-
known citizen, and twice held the office of Lord Dean of Guild.
11th January, 1894. — Deacon Convener and Mrs. M'Lennan gave a
ball, in the Trades' Hall, to the members of the Trades' House and
other friends.

488 SIR JAMES BELL, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1892-96.
17th January, 1894. — The Freedom of the City was conferred on
Sir George O. Trevelyan, Bart., M.P., Secretary for Scotland, in the
City Hall.
23rd January, 1894. — The new wharf at Pointhouse for American
cattle was opened by Bailie Morrin.
23rd January, 1894. — A ball was given, in the City Chambers, by
the Lord Provost and Mrs. Bell.
4th February, 1894. — Sir Wm. M'Onie died at his residence in
Pollokshields. He was Lord Provost of Glasgow from 1883 to 1886.
The funeral on the 9th was attended by the Lord Provost and the
Magistrates, and at the hour of burial the city bells were tolled.
19th February, 1894. — The Lord Provost entertained, at a conver
sazione in the City Chambers, the members of the School Boards of
Glasgow, Govan, Springburn, Maryhill, Cathcart, and Eastwood.
5th March, 1894. — In connection with the Centenary of the Royal
Infirmary, the Lord Provost and Mrs. Bell entertained the nurses of
the various institutions of the city at a conversazione in the City
Chambers. 30^ March, 1894.— Sir John Stirling Maxwell, Bart., of Pollok,
presented a piece of ground, in the Pollokshields district, to the
Corporation. 2nd April, 1894. — Dr. Samuel J. Moore died. Dr. Moore left
the residue of his estate to found and support an Institution, to
be called "The Dr. Samuel Johnston Moore Convalescent Home for
Nurses." 21st April, 1894. — Lord Wolseley visited Glasgow and fulfilled
several engagements in the city, the principal of which was the
inspection of the Boys' Brigade at Yorkhill.
23rd June, 1894. — Mr. James Reid, Lord Dean of Guild and
Chairman of the Glasgow Tramway Company, died suddenly at
St. Andrews, and on 24th June the Lord Provost and Magistrates
attended his funeral.
26th June, 1894. — The Lord Provost and Corporation gave a ball
to the officers of the Channel Fleet, then on a visit to the Clyde.
1st July, 1894. — The Corporation took possession of the tramways in
the city and opened the service. Mr. John Young, late of the Cleans
ing Department, had been appointed General Manager.

SIR JAMES BELL, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1892-96. 489
10th July, 1894.— The Old Glasgow Exhibition, illustrative of the
history and progress of the city, was opened in the Fine Art Galleries
by the Lord Provost.
21st July, 1894. — Private Rennie, of the 3rd Lanark Volunteer
Regiment, won the Queen's Prize at Bisley.
8th August, 1894. — The Lord Provost formally opened the Building
Trades' Exchange of the City and District of Glasgow, Limited.
25th September, 1894. — Provost Caird laid the foundation stone of
the new Burgh Buildings in Partick.
6th October, 1894. — Lord Kelvin unveiled a statue of the late
Sir Wm. Pearce, Bart., erected at Govan.
20th October, 1894.— Mr. John Guthrie Smith, of Mugdock Castle,
and late Lord Dean of Guild, died.
2nd November, 1894. — Sir John E. Gorst, M.P., was installed Lord
Rector of the University.
2nd November, 1894. — A company of, about 1,500 ladies and gentle
men attended a conversazione in the City Chambers, given by the
Lord Provost and Mrs. Bell, in celebration of the Jubilee of the
Scottish Temperance League.
4th November, 1894. — The Lord Provost opened the Hall of Resi
dence which had been established in connection with Queen Margaret
College in Bute Gardens.
16th November, 1894. — The Lord Provost opened an Industrial
Shelter for homeless men at 60 Kyle Street, Port Dundas.
21st November, 1894. — The memorial stone of the Family Home
in St. Andrew's Street was laid by the Lord Provost, in piesence
of a large attendance of Magistrates, members of the Town Council,
and prominent citizens. A luncheon was given later in the City
Chambers by the Convener and Committee of the City Improvement
Trust. 8th December, 1894. — Centenary of the Royal Infirmary. The
memorial stone was laid in 1792.
17th December, 1894. — Deacon-Convener M'Lennan was presented in
the Trades' Hall with hisportrait. TheLordProvost made the presentation.
21st December, 1894. — Mr. James Deas, the Engineer of the Clyde
Trust, was presented with an address and a purse of sovereigns, along
with a diamond pendant for Mrs. Deas, to celebrate his Semi Jubilee

490 SIR JAMES BELL, BART, LORD PROVOST, 1892-96.
in the service of the Trust. The gifts were from the employees of the
Trust and his business friends.
20th February, 1895. — Sir William Collins, an Ex-Lord Provost of
Glasgow, died. His funeral on the 23rd was attended by the Lord
Provost and Magistrates.
1st March, 1895. — The Theatre Royal in Hope Street was completely
destroyed by fire.
21st March, 1895. — The Corporation purchased the Bunhouse
grounds at a cost of £30,000.
29th April, 1895. — The Earl of Dudley opened the new premises of
the Junior Conservative Club in Renfield Street.
30th May, 1895. — The Hydraulic Power Station in Cathedral
Square was opened.
13th June, 1895. — The Shahzada Nasrullah Khan, second son of the
Ameer of Afghanistan, arrived in Glasgow and was met at the Central
Station by Lord Provost Bell. The Prince was driven through the
principal streets of the city, and in the course of the drive, which
extended to Kelvingrove Park and the University, the Shahzada had
the honour to open the new stone bridge over the Kelvin. There was
no distinct ceremony, a silken cord stretched across the bridge beiDg
sundered by the horses in passing. In the evening his Highness was
entertained at a banquet in the City Chambers, and presented with an
address. On the day following the Shahzada visited the Fairfield Ship
building Company's yard at Govan, and in the evening attended a recep
tion given in his honour in the City Chambers, by the Lord Provost,
27th June, 1895. — At the Annual Inspection of Glasgow Harbour
by the Clyde Trustees, Ex-Lord Provost Ure formally inaugurated the
hydraulic installation of cargo cranes at Cessnock Docks.
30th June, 1895. — A Baronetcy was conferred upon Lord Provost
Bell by Her Majesty the Queen.
8th July, 1895. — A tunnel underneath the Clyde at Finnieston,
constructed for the Glasgow Harbour Tunnel Company, was opened for
passenger traffic. On the succeeding Monday, the 16th, vehicular
traffic commenced.
17th July, 1895. — In connection with the Parliamentary General
Election, the polling in Glasgow resulted in the return of five Unionists
and two Liberals.

SIR JAMES BELL, BART, LORD PROVOST, 1892-96. 491
25th July, 1895. — Sir James Bell was presented with an address
by Mr. Osborne, signed by all the members of the Town Council,
expressing appreciation pf his services and earnestly desiring him to
retain the Lord Provostship for another year. At the end of Sir James
Bell's term of office in the coming November an entire re -arrangement
of Wards was to take place, and it was desired that the city might
complete this eventful era in her history under the control of Sir James
BelL Sir James acceded to the request.
1st August, 1895. — The members of the Institute of Mechanical
Engineers visited a number of public works in Glasgow and district,
and in the evening attended a conversazione given in their honour by
the Lord Provost and Lady Bell.
29th August, 1895. — -Lady Bell laid the memorial stone of the New
Corporation Hospital for Infectious Diseases at Ruchill Park.
9th September, 1895. — The new Theatre Royal was opened.
1st October, 1895. — Mr. James A. Campbell opened the new St,
James' Public School.
24th October, 1895. — King Khama, of Bamangwato, and two Chiefs
of Bechuanaland named Sebele and Batheon arrived in Glasgow. They
were met at Queen Street Station by several of the Magistrates and
immediately thereafter drove to Parkhead, where they inspected
Messrs. Beardmore's Works. A reception was given in the afternoon
in the City Chambers by the Lord Provost, and in the evening King
Khama was presented with an address by the Directors of the Scottish
Temperance League. During their stay in Glasgow the African Chiefs
visited the University and a number of public works. The visit
terminated on the 26th, and King Khama and his friends expressed
themselves much pleased with their reception and with what they had
seen in Glasgow.
4th November, 1895. — Relief Works for the unemployed opened.
26th November, 1895. — Sir Charles Cameron, Bart., LL.D., was pre
sented with his portrait in the Corporation Galleries, in recognition of
his services to the city while member for College Division. Lord
Provost Bell made the presentation.
27th November, 1895. — The Glasgow Crematorium at Maryhill was
formally opened by Sir Charles Cameron, Bart.
28th November, 1895, — Purchase of Bellahouston Park.

492 SIR JAMES BELL, BART, LORD PROVOST, 1892-96.
5th December, 1895. — The Lord Provost, at the business meeting of
the Town Council, presented ex -Bailie Primrose with his portrait as a
token of the esteem in which he was held by his colleagues.
10th December, 1895. — Mr. Andrew Stewart, of 17 Park Terrace,
presented a sum of £15,000 to Glasgow University, to endow a chair of
political economy, to be called " The Adam Smith Chair of Political
Economy." 11th December, 1895. — The Lord Provost and Lady Bell entertained
the members of the various Ward Committees at a conversazione in the
City Chambers.
14th January, 1896. — The Freedom of the City was presented to the
Right Hon. A. J. Balfour, First Lord of the Treasury.
25th January, 1896. — The death took place of the Rev. George
Stewart Burns, D.D., Minister of Glasgow Cathedral.
27th January, 1896. — The Corporation decided, on the motion ofthe
Lord Provost, to record their sorrow at the bereavement sustained by
the Royal Family through the death of H.R.H. Prince Henry of
Battenburg. It was agreed to forward a copy of the minute to the
Queen and Princess Henry of Battenburg.
6th February, 1896. — A gift of ten valuable oil paintings from the
collection of the late Lord Dean of Guild Reid was made to the city by
the sons of the deceased gentleman. The gift was cordially accepted by
the Lord Provost and Council.
17th March, 1896. — In connection with the launching of H.M.S.
Dido from the yard of the London and Glasgow Engineering Co., at
Govan, the vessel stuck on the ways, and although repeated efforts were
made to free her, it was not until the morning of the 20th that the
Dido was successfully launched.
21st March, 1896. — Lady Overtoun laid the foundation stone of the
Young Men's Christian Association Club (Limited), in Bothwell Street.
30th March, 1896. — A Labour Bureau was established in Glasgow.
2nd April, 1896. — Lord Balfour of Burleigh, Secretary for Scotland,
formally opened the new Dowanhill Public School, which had been
erected for the Govan Parish School Board.
14th April, 1896. — At the graduation ceremony marking the close of
the winter session at the University, the honorary degree of LL.D. was
conferred upon Mr, John Ure, an ex-Lord Provost of the City.

SIR JAMES BELL, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1892-96. 493
7th May, 1896.— The late ex-Bailie A. G. Macdonald gifted to the
Corporation his Art Collection, consisting of 50 pictures by various
eminent artists.
13th May, 1896.— The Rev. P. M'Adam Muir, D.D., was elected
minister of Glasgow Cathedral, to which he was inducted on 6th August.
11th June, 1896. — The Town Council, after an animated discussion,
decided not to endow the chair of the Lord Provost.
5th June, 1896.— Her Majesty the Queen was pleased to command
that the Glasgow Institute of the Fine Arts would in future be styled
the Royal Glasgow Institute of the Fine Arts.
llih June, 1896. — Ex-Bailie Osborne, the Convener of the Water
Committee of the Town Council, performed the ceremony of turning on
the water at the new Service Reservoir at Craigmaddie.
15th June, 1896. — In connection with the celebration of Lord
Kelvin's Jubilee as Professor of Natural Philosophy in Glasgow
University, a conversazione was held at the University. There were
2,500 guests present, including the Lord Provost and Magistrates in
their robes of office, the members of the Senate of the University, and
representatives from the principal Universities of Europe, America, and
the Colonies. The guests were received by the Senate, and the Lord
Provost and Magistrates, in the Randolph Hall. Many congratulatory
messages were received by Lord and Lady Kelvin. On the following
evening Lord Kelvin was entertained by the Corporation and University
of Glasgow at a banquet in St. Andrew's Hall.
22nd June, 1896. — In the House of Lords the Glasgow Corporation
(General Powers) Bill was passed.
30th June, 1896. — The full length portrait of the Lord Provost, Sir
James Bell, which had been painted by Mr. Herkomer, R.A., was un
veiled in the Corporation Galleries. Treasurer Gray presided. Bailie
Pettigrew presented a replica to Lady Bell.
15th July, 1896. — In commemoration of the centenary ofthe death
of Robert Burns, an Exhibition of Burns Relics was opened in the
Royal Glasgow Institute of the Fine Arts, by Mr. A. J. Kirkpatrick,
the President.
22nd July, 1896. — Lord Rosebery delivered an address in St.
Andrew's Hall on Robert Burns.
23rd July, 1896. — The annual Congress of the Institute of Public

494 SIR JAMES BELL, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1892-96.
Health was opened in Glasgow. The Lord Provost received the
members in the Randolph Hall at the University, and as President-
Elect delivered an address. The delegates during the course of their
stay visited several of the Municipal works in the City.
29th July, 1896. — The Tramway Committee of the Town Council
agreed, by the casting vote of the chairman, to recommend to the
Council the adoption of the overhead system of electric traction on the
Springburn to Mitchell Street route.
7th August, 1896. — The new bridge over the Clyde at Rutherglen
was formally opened by Lady Bell.
10th August, 1896. — The Glasgow Central Railway was opened for
passenger and goods traffic.
17th August, 1896. — His Excellency, Li Hung Chang, the Chinese
statesman and Ex-Viceroy, arrived in Glasgow. He was met at the
Central Station by the Lord Provost and Magistrates, attired in their
robes of office, and drove to the Windsor Hotel. On the following
day his Excellency, accompanied by the Lord Provost, Bailie
Pettigrew, and one or two others, visited the works of Messrs.
Beardmore, at Parkhead, the Hydepark Locomotive Works, Messrs.
Singer's works at Kilbowie, and Messrs. Thomson's Yard at Clydebank.
The company afterwards sailed up the Clyde to Finnieston Quay, and
drove to the City Chambers, where the Ex -Viceroy was entertained to
luncheon by the Corporation.
9th September, 1896. — The new buildings of the Glasgow Samaritan
Hospital for Women were formally opened by Lady Bell.
16th September, 1896. — The Corporation decided to purchase from
the Glasgow Tramway Company the lease of the Govan and Ibrox Tram
way lines, together with the Pollokshaws stables, for the sum of £7,500.
17th September, 1896. — The Autumn meeting of the Incorporated
Institution of Gas Engineers took place in Glasgow. The members
were received in the City Chamers by Councillor R. M. Mitchell
Convener of the Gas Committee, and later On they drove to Tradeston
Gas Works, Fairfield Shipbuilding Yard, and Dawsholm Gas Works,
In the evening the members were entertained at dinner by the
Corporation. Ex-Bailie Mitchell presided in Lord Provost Bell's
absence. 23rd September, 1896. — A public meeting, called by the Lord

SIR JAMES BELL, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1892-96. 495
Provost, was held in St. Andrew's Hall, to give the citizens an
opportunity of expressing their views with regard to the outrages on
Armenians by the Turkish Government. Bailie Chisholm moved a
resolution praying the British Government to use every means in
their power to end the reign of terror and bloodshed upon Armenian
Christians. The resolution was seconded by Dr. Donald Macleod
and unanimously passed. Other prominent citizens took part in the
proceedings. 8th October, 1896. — The foundation stone of the new Glasgow bridge
was laid by the Lord Provost with full Masonic honours. A banquet
was held in the evening in the City Chambers.
7th ¦ October, 1896. — The Glasgow Parks Committee decided to
recommend the Corporation to purchase about 82 acres of ToUcross
Estate for a new Public Park, at a cost of £20,000.
22nd October, 1896. — Her Grace the Duchess of Montrose opened
the new Cancer Hospital in Hill Street, Garnethill.
24th October, 1896. — A book entitled "Glasgow, its Municipal
Organisation and Administration " was published. The book was the
joint production of Lord Provost Sir James Bell and Mr, James
Paton. 31st October, 1896. — The Right Hon. Joseph Chamberlain was
elected Lord Rector of the University.
2nd November, 1896. — Lord Provost Sir James Bell, Bart., bade
farewell to the Council on the expiry of his term of office.

33

496 SIR JAMES BELL, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1892-96.

THE HON. THE LORD PROVOST.
1892-1896.

Sir James Bell is a partner of the firm of Messrs. Bell, Bros., &
M'Lelland, steamship owners. He is the son of Mr. John BeU, who at
one time held the office of Collector to the Trades' House. A native of
Glasgow, he was born on the I6th January, 1850, and educated at
Glasgow Academy and the High School. He was elected in November,
1890, without opposition to the Town Council, as a representative of
the old eighth ward, and two years after his entrance into the Town
Council he was unanimously chosen to the high office of Lord Provost
of the city in succession to Sir John Muir, Bart.
In 1888 Sir James stood as one of the ratepayers' candidates for the
Clyde Trust, at a time when public interest was pecuUarly acute in the
affairs of the Trust, and the esteem in which he was held by his brother
shipowners is evidenced by the fact of his having been elected at the
top of the poll, the result of the voting being as follows : — Sir James
Bell, 747 ; George Smith, 665 ; George Browne, 521 ; G. W. Clark,
430; John McNeill, 378.
On his election to the Town CouncU in 1890, Sir James had to
vacate his seat in the Clyde Trust, but in the following year he was
appointed one of the Council's representatives on the Trust, a position
which he held until as Lord Provost he assumed the chairmanship
ex officio, in 1892. Although Sir James had but two short years
of Council work before undertaking the duties of the chair, it was
found that he had applied himself so diligently to the task of
mastering the forms of the House and the intricacies of the municipal
machine, that when he came to preside over the deliberations of the
Council he had a grip of the necessary details, not excelled by that
possessed by any of the old "parliamentary hands." He took office with

Sir James Bell, Bart.

[Photo, by Annan.

SIR JAMES BELL, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1892-96. 497
a determination to contribute to the city's welfare along the broad lines
settled by the wisdom of the past, and to solve during his reign what
appeared to him to be the most pressing problems of the hour. He set
his face to the solution of two in particular, viz. : — the purification of
the river and the unification of the Corporation and Police Depart
ments. Reference to these events will be found in the subsequent
pages. Owing to an interesting circumstance in the City's history, viz. : —
the extension of the municipal boundaries and the consequent redivision
of the Wards, Sir James enjoyed the unique distinction of being twice
elected unanimously Lord Provost of the City, first in 1892 and again
in 1895. Under the City of Glasgow Act, 1891, by which the former
Police Burghs of Govanhill, Crosshill, Pollokshields, Pollokshields East,
Hillhead, and Maryhill, and a number of suburban areas were annexed
to the City, provision was made for the redivision of the several wards
of the City, which, by the Act, were increased from 16 to 25, as soon as
might be after 1st January, 1896. This duty was entrusted to three
Commissioners, who, according to the Act, consisted of the Lord
Provost of the City, the Sheriff of Lanarkshire, and a third, to be
appointed by the Secretary for Scotland. In terms of this provision,
Sir Colin Scott Moncrieff, K.C.M.G., Under-Secretary for Scotland,
was associated with the other two Commissioners. They held numerous
meetings, and finally issued an order, dated 21st and 23rd April, 1896,
dividing the City into twenty-five wards. The Act further provided
that on the first Tuesday of November, 1896, the electors in each of
the twenty-five wards into which the City was to be divided should
each elect three Councillors. This provision involved the retiral, in
November, 1896, of the entire Town Council, preparatory to the
election of a new Council. Under these circumstances, Sir James
Bell's tenure of office as Lord Provost, expiring in November, 1895,
the Lord Provost who would then have been elected as his successor
could only have held office for one year, and as it was felt to be of -
great importance at such a transition period to have in the civic chair
a gentleman conversant with all the details of the Municipality, a
unanimous feeling expressed itself among the Lord Provost's colleagues
that it would be in the best interests of the City if he could see his way
to permit his re-election to the Chief Magistracy for another year.

498 SIR JAMES BELL, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1892-96.
By statute Sir James was compelled to retire from the Council in
1895, and if he acceded to the wishes of his colleagues would require
to seek re-election as a Councillor. The following memorial, signed
by all the members of the Town Council, was presented to the
Lord Provost, and he, in the most public-spirited manner, acceded to
the request which it contained.
To the Honourable James Bell, Lord Provost of the City, and Lord
Lieutenant of the County of the City of Glasgow.
We, the undersigned members of the Town Council of Glasgow,
desire to express our appreciation of the admirable manner
in which you have for nearly three years discharged the
important and varied duties of Lord Provost of the City,
On the expiry of your Statutory term of office in November next,
the City will enter on a year unique in its history, during
which there will require to be carried out a re-arrangement of
the Municipal Wards, followed by the election of the entire
representative body in November, 1896.
We are desirous that the City should, at this period of transition,
enjoy the advantage of your tried ability and experience, and
we therefore earnestly beg you to permit yourself to be
nominated for the office of Lord Provost for this special year,
so that the City may complete under your reign an eventful
era in her history.
Your colleagues and the citizens are well aware of the many
sacrifices which have been entailed upon you in the performance
of the ordinary duties of the Chief Magistrate of the City, as
well as of much other work, which your high ideal of public
service has brought within the scope of the office ; and it is
with full and grateful acknowledgment of your eminent
services that we would urge you to consent, for the benefit of
your native City, to accept the Civic Chair for another year.
Alex. Osborne. Robert Anderson. George B. Main.
Alex. Waddell. Wm. Finlay. James M. Jack.
James H. Dickson. Alex. Stewart. W. Fleming Anderson.
William Ure. Angus Campbell. James R. Paton.
John Ure Primrose. John Garey. Edward Watson.
W. Hamilton. Don. Hamilton. Wm. Stevenson,

SIR JAMES BELL, BART, LORD PROVOST, 1892-!

499.

Wm. Pettigrew.
T. C. Guthrie.
Walter Wilson.
John Murray.
Samuel Chisholm.
Morris Carswell.
Alex. Murray.
J. P. M'Phun.
James Alexander.
James Dick.
James Parnie.
Alex. M'Cutcheon.
Wm. M'KeUar.
James Colquhoun.
Robert Graham.
Alex. W. Hope.
John E. Nelson.
James Mackenzie.
Peter Burt.
David Morrin.

Chas. J. Cleland.
James W. Dick.
Hugh Brechin.
R. M. Mitchell.
James Steele.
Wm. Maclay.
John King.
Robert Crawford.
John Davidson.
John McFarlane.
William Bilsland.
H. Wallace.
James M. Thomson.
A. J. Hunter.
James Willock.
A. C. Holms.
Robert Murdoch.
John Dunn.
D. M. Stevenson.

Walter Patoc
Alex, A. Cuthbert.
William Fife.
John Shearer.
John Ferguson.
David M'Lardy.
John Pirrie.
J. H. Martin.
Thomas Watson.
Alex. Sinclair.
James Gray.
John Battersby.
E. W. Langlands.
J. Lumsden Oatts.
David Richmond.
John Cassells.
Hugh Brown, D.G.
James M'Lennan, D.C.

Donald Stewart.
Sir James was duly returned to the Town Council as a representative
of the eighth Ward,.and in November, 1895, was unanimously re-elected
Lord Provost. An important epoch in the history of the City during his
tenure of office was the elevation of Glasgow to the dignity of a County
of a City. After negotiations on the subject had taken place between
the Secretary for Scotland and the Corporation, a Bill was introduced
by the Government into the House of Commons on 24th April, 1893,
which received the Royal assent on 24th August following. Under
the Act, the Secretary for Scotland was empowered to prescribe a date
on which the Act should come into operation, and this day was
appropriately fixed for St. Andrew's Day, viz. : — 30th November.
The various steps in the history of the City are interesting, and may
be here recalled. Glasgow was created a Burgh of Barony in the reign
of King William the Lion, a Burgh of Regality on 20th April, 1450,
a Royal Burgh in 1636, the free election of Magistrates was granted
to the Town Council in 1833, and now the latest development of its
prestige is accomplished by its erection into a County of a City,

500 SIR JAMES BELL, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1892-96.
Many important privileges accompanied this new dignity. It carried
with it the appointment of a Lord-Lieutenant, Deputy-Lieutenants,
and a separate Bench of Justices of the Peace. It had, further, an
important bearing on the administration of the Licensing Acts, as
appeals under these Acts would, in future, be heard by the Justices
of the Peace of the new County. This constituted no inconsiderable
advantage, as it ensured that the decisions would be those of gentle
men familiar with the City, and therefore possessing considerable
knowledge of the local conditions affecting the matters brought before
them. The Lord Provost was appointed the first Lord Lieutenant of
the new County, and immediately after receiving his commission a
number of Deputy-Lieutenants and Justices of the Peace were
appointed. In respect of the services which the Right Hon. Sir
George Otto Trevelyan, Bart., rendered to the city, as Secretary
for Scotland, in connection with the passing of the County of the
City of Glasgow Act, he received the freedom of the City on 17th
January, 1894.
Sir James was one of the first in Glasgow to interest himself, in a
practical way, with the introduction of electricity as an illuminant.
and he illustrated his faith in it by introducing it into his dwelling-
house. The success which attended this departure encouraged him to
strenuously advocate the general adoption of electricity as a method
of public illumination. He soon persuaded his colleagues in the
Town Council to espouse his view and it was mainly through his
exertions that they secured from the Board of Trade a Provisional
Order empowering them to supply electric light, and he was appointed
the first Convener of the Electric Light Committee of the Corporation.
It was appropriate, therefore, that Sir James should have the honour,
on 25th February, 1893, of switching on the current of the arc
lamps in several important thoroughfares in the centre of the City,
and thus inaugurate the installation of electric light in Glasgow.
Since that date the development of the policy of the Corporation in the
matter of electricity has made considerable strides, till, at the present
moment, it is fast becoming the universal medium of illumination for
public purposes.
Another important step in municipal progress which was fore-

SIR JAMES BELL, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1892-96. 501
shadowed in his inaugural speech on his election to the chair was taken
during his Lord Provostship, by the opening, on 2nd May, 1894, of
the Eastern District Sewage Purification Works at Dalmarnock
Sir James laid the foundation stone of these works on 8th March
1893, thus marking the first step towards the solution of the
problem for the purification of the Clyde, by the interception
and treatment of the sewage of the City at the works under notice.
The success which has attended the experiment thus begun, by
which the sewage effluent after being carefully treated goes into
the Clyde a pure and comparatively innocuous liquid has warranted
the Corporation in proceeding with the erection at Dalmuir and Brae-
head of similar works, which will ultimately overtake the purification
of the entire sewage of the City, and restore the river Clyde as far
as possible to its pristine purity.
Through Sir James' personal instrumentality the Corporation were
enabled to acquire, as a public park, the Bellahouston Estate, in
Paisley Road, containing 178 acres of ground, at the price of £50,000.
This purchase enabled the Corporation to accomplish a much-needed
development of their policy, in the acquisition of public parks and
open spaces for the recreation of the citizens.
Perhaps one of the most important events in the Corporation's history
was the taking over by them, on 1st July, 1894, on behalf of the citizens,
of the working of the tramways. Up to this time the tramways of the
City had been leased to the Glasgow Tramway and Omnibus Co., Ltd.,
but as the lease was approaching a termination, public opinion had been
gradually pointing to the expediency of the Municipality themselves
assuming the working of this indispensible adjunct to life in the City.
The subsequent history of the management of the tramways under
Corporation auspices has amply justified the step which was thus taken.
This is not the place in which to enlarge on the various phases of the
working of this important enterprise, but it is enough to say that it
has in every sense merited and received the encouragement and support
of the entire body of the citizens.
The amalgamation of the Corporation and the several municipal
Trusts was another of the schemes which Sir James wished to see
accomplished, and it took effect on the 5th November, 1895, under the
powers conferred by the Glasgow Corporation Police Act of that year, by

502 SIR JAMES BELL, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1892-96.'
the provisions of which there was swept away many of the anomalies
of local municipal administration of bygone times, and which brought
the various departments of the Municipality into one cohesive entity,
to be in future known as the Corporation of the City of Glasgow, and
thereby contributed to the efficiency and economy of municipal govern
ment. Up to that date the administration was divided into a number
of distinct and separately governed departments known as the Police
Commissioners, Gas and Electric Light Commissioners, the Parks
Trustees, the Markets and Slaughter-house Commissioners, the Improve
ment Trustees, the Water Commissioners, and the Local Authority
under the "Contagious Diseases Animals Acts." For many years
the experience of the Council had been persistently pointing to the
unification scheme. This, however, could not be accomplished in a
day, and after complicated and delicate negotiations the Act of 1895
was ultimately passed.
Sir James has contributed in no unimportant degree to the literature
of the history of Glasgow. On becoming Lord Provost he felt the
want of some connected and permanent record of each year's new and
special work, and accordingly instituted the issue of an annual resume"
of the more important features of the work performed by the Corpora
tion during the preceding twelve months. In addition to the ordinary
and regular administrative work which the Corporation has, as a
matter of course, to perform, they are .called upon to inaugurate new
schemes, discuss new enterprises and enter upon fresh responsibili
ties. These proposals necessarily come before the Town Council
in a fragmentary manner through the departmental minutes. It is
accordingly difficult to obtain a complete or comprehensive view of
what has been carried out or undertaken within a specified period.
It was therefore to supply this want that Sir James conceived the idea
of preparing an annual resume', which was continued by him during
his four years of office, and constitutes, in brief narrative, an important
and valuable compendium of accessible information containing the
salient points of a record, which, under other circumstances, would
have to be searched for among a multiplicity of documents. Sir
James also plaeed the future historian of Glasgow under obliga
tion by the ambitious work which, along with Mr. James Paton,
the Superintendent of the Corporation Art Galleries, he prepared

SIR JAMES BELL, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1892-96. 503
before demitting. office in 1896 on " The Municipal Organisation and
Administration of Glasgow." This work has proved of immense value
to all students of local history.
Sir James is a skilful and enthusiastic yachtsman, and has held in
succession the offices of Rear-Commodore and Vice-Commodore of the
Royal Clyde Yacht Club. In 1887 he was chairman of the syndicate
which built the famous yacht "Thistle" which unsuccessfully competed
against General Pain's " Volunteer "' for the possession of the America
Cup. Although the " Thistle " did not win the Cup, the patriotic spirit
which Sir James showed in entering for the race did much to encourage
the interest in yachting and to attract to the Clyde the attention of
yachtsmen all over the world. Sir James subsequently purchased the
" Thistle " from his co-owners and raced her for a season or two,
ultimately seUing her to the Emperor of Germany by whom she was
re-named the " Meteor."
In all matters concerning Art Sir James has taken and still takes a
deep and cultured interest. He has had a long connection with the
Royal Glasgow Institute of Fine Arts, and has held the offices of Hon
orary Secretary for two years, 1887-88 ; Chairman for three years,
1889-91; Vice-President for three years, 1892-94; and President for
four years, 1895-98. In all these capacities his business ability, tact
and knowledge were of the greatest service to the Institute, and his
experience of Art and knowledge of Pictures were of the very greatest
benefit to the Corporation in directing the policy which regulated their
frequent purchases and additions to their Art collections.
Sir James is a Deputy Lieutenant and Justice of the Peace for the
County of Lanark and the County of the City of Glasgow, and a
Commissioner on Income Tax for Glasgow ; he is Chairman of the City
of Glasgow Life Insurance Company ; Deputy-Chairman of the Glasgow
and South- Western Railway Company ; and a Director of the Clydesdale
Bank, Limited. On 29th August, 1895, he received the dignity of a
Baronetcy at the hands of Her Late Majesty, Queen Victoria, and has
recently purchased the residential estate of Montgrennan in Ayrshire,
where he resides.
Sir James Bell's tenure of office was overshadowed by considerable
depression of trade, and relief works, had to be inaugurated by the
Corporation for the benefit of the unemployed. He took a deep

504 SIR JAMES BELL, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1892-96.
interest in this work and gave evidence with reference to it before the
Parliamentary Committee on the Relief of the Unemployed.
An unfortunate dispute involving the suspension of work in the
Belfast and Clyde Engineering establishments was satisfactorily brought
to a settlement through Sir James's instrumentality, and the following
communication which he received from the Joint Committee of the
Federated Engineering Employers of Glasgow, Greenock and Belfast,
bears testimony to the efficiency of his intervention : — ¦
To Sir James Bell, Bart., Lord Provost of the City of Glasgow.
We, the undersigned Members of the Joint Committee of the
Federated Engineering Employers of Glasgow, Greenock and
Belfast, congratulate your Lordship on the settlement of the
recent Clyde and Belfast Engineering dispute, which has been
effected by the mediation of the Right Honourable Lord James
of Hereford, and of yourself, after a suspension of work in the
Belfast and Clyde Engineering establishments of fifteen and
twelve weeks respectively.
Your Lordship's endeavours, as Civic head of the City of Glasgow,
to stay and if possible to avert the extension of the dispute to
the Clyde, your valued services in connection with the Con
ference held in December, the anxious concern with which you
watched the subsequent course of events, and the indefatigable
and unremitting efforts made by you throughout to further a
settlement, we recall with feelings of gratitude.
We now therefore tender to you, with pleasure, our sincere thanks
for the services thus rendered by you in the great cause of
Industrial Peace.
February, 1896, Signed, in pursuance of a unanimous Resolution
of the Employers, by the Members of the Joint Committee, to whom
were entrusted the negotiations in connection with the dispute.
R. Sinclair Scott, of Messrs. The Greenock Foundry Co., Greenock,
Chairman of the Joint Committee.
A. P. Henderson, of Messrs. D. & W. Henderson & Co., Ltd., Glasgow,
President, Glasgow District Engineers' and Boilermakers' Association.
Pateick T. Caied, of Messrs. Caird & Co., Greenock, Chairman,
> Greenock and Port-Glasgow Engineers and Boilermakers Employers'
Association.

SIR JAMMS BELL, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1892-96. 505
George S. Clark, of Messrs. Workman, Clark & Co., Ltd., Belfast,
Chairman, Belfast Employers' Association.
John G. Dunlop, of Messrs. Jas. & Geo. Thomson, Ltd., Clydebank.
G. Stkachan, of Messrs. The Fairfield Shipbuilding & Engineering
Co., Ltd., Govan.
Walter H. Wilson, of Messrs. Harland & Wolff, Ltd., Belfast.
Abeam Combe, of Messrs. Combe, Barbour & Combe, Ltd., Belfast.
D. J. Dunlop, of Messrs. D. J. Dunlop & Co., Port Glasgow.
Thomas Biggart, Secretary to the Joint Committee.
A number of important social functions took place during Sir James's
tenure of office, the most notable being the celebration of the marriage
of H.R.H. The Duke of York to Princess Victoria May of Teck, on 6th
July, 1893. The day of the marriage was observed as a general holiday,
in the forenoon a military review was held in Glasgow Greea, and later
in the day a military tournament, while in the evening musical
performances were given in all the parks. Besides these outdoor
manifestations of loyalty, the Corporation entertained at dinner about
10,000 of the poorer citizens in halls in various districts of the City,
and in the evening the Lord Provost entertained a brilliant company
at a banquet in the City Chambers.
The jubilee of Lord Kelvin's prof essorship in the Glasgow University
was celebrated in June, 1896, by a series of functions under the
auspices of the University and the Corporation. These were taken
part in by eminent scientists from all parts of Europe, from India,
from the Colonies, and from America, and they found a fitting climax
in a banquet in the St. Andrew's Halls, on the evening of 16th June,
1896, at which Lord Kelvin was the guest of the Corporation and of
the University. A great and representative company was present on
the occasion.
Any reference to the important services which Sir James Bell has
rendered to the City would be incomplete without allusion being made
to the manner in which he was ably assisted in the^performance of his
multifarious and onerous duties by Lady Bell, who, during the period
of her husband's term of office, took the deepest personal interest in all
the philanthropic and social movements in Glasgow, and has since
maintained her active connection with every scheme that relates to the
welfare of the people.

506 SIR JAMES BELL, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1892-96.
Sir James and Lady Bell suffered a sad bereavement, through
the South African War, in the death of their second son, James Bell,
who was a volunteer in the Scottish Horse Imperial Yoemanry, and
who was killed in the engagement of Bakenlaaghte, on 30th October,
1901. He met his death under peculiarly pathetic circumstances.
After conducting himself with conspicuous bravery, he was surrounded
by overwhelming numbers of the enemy, and refusing to surrender was
shot. The intelligence of this unhappy termination to a career full of
promise evoked expressions of heartfelt sympathy from the numerous
friends of his family. • As a tribute of respect to and sympathy with
Sir James and Lady Bell, the officers of the 1st Lanark Rifle
Volunteers, of which Sir James is Honorary Colonel, on learning of
the sad intelligence, postponed a projected function in connection with
the presentation of the prizes of the Regiment.

SIR DAVID RICHMOND, LORD PROVOST, 1896-99. 507

MEETING OF TOWN COUNCIL,
NOVEMBER 1896.

ELECTION OF COUNCILLORS.

The first meeting of the newly -elected Town Council was held
6th Nov., 1896. Sir James Bell occupied the chair. The proceedings
were opened with prayer, offered by the Rev. Dr. M'Adam Muir of the
Cathedral. The new Members took the oath as Burgesses.
Sir James Bell said that under the City of Glasgow Act, of 1891,
members were aware that the city was largely extended in its area,
and under the provisions of that Act the wards were also re-arranged
this year. They were there that day as a new Council to elect a
successor to the office which he now held. It was fifty years ago since
the Lord Provost of Glasgow had the privilege of inducting his succes
sor, and it was a special honour to him that he should have that
privilege. He felt sure that whoever they, might choose to fill the
chair, he would fill it with honour to the city and give dignity to the
position, and that the interests of the city would in no way l>e impaired.
His lordship concluded by asking for nominations.
Mr. Osborne, who was almost inaudible at the press table, said that
it was unnecessary for him to say a single word in nominating Mr.
David Richmond to occupy the position of Lord Provost of the city.
He might be allowed, however, to congratulate the Town Council, and
also Mr. Richmond, on the unanimous feeling that was displayed on
the previous occasion in regard to his nomination. The Lord Provost
ship was a position of very great responsibility, and it was an honour of
such a character as any citizen might be proud to aspire to. He had
always looked upon the Lord Provostship of Glasgow as a higher

508 SIR DAVID RICHMOND, LORD PROVOST, 1896-99.
position than that of a member of parliament. Mr. Richmond had
deserved the position. Under his able management the extension of
the city was carried through five years ago, and it was fitting, in view
of the part that he had taken in connection with the measure, that he
should be called upon to occupy the civic chair. For some time past
the highest noblemen in the land had aspired to the position of the
head of corporations in different parts of the country. The Corporation
of Glasgow were now ennobling Mr. Richmond by electing him to the
chair, and he felt sure that Mr. Richmond would do credit to the office
as his predecessor had done. During his time Glasgow had always
been fortunate in the men it had appointed as Lord Provost. They
had all risen to the occasion, and he trusted that the system of
electing the Lord Provost which had worked so well in the past would
remain undisturbed.
Bailie Chisholm, who was received with loud applause, said that it
was with very great pleasure that he rose to second the nomination
which had been so fittingly made by the " father " of the Council. It
was no light thing to oocupy the chair. At no time was the presidency
of the Council a sinecure, but at such a time as this, when the Corpora
tion had for four years been presided over with such distinguished
ability and grace by Sir James Bell, whose absence from the CouncU
would be long felt, it was a matter of peculiar difficulty. But he
thought the Council had done wisely when they looked to one of so
much experience as Mr. Richmond to occupy the chair which Sir James
Bell was about to vacate. He came first in contact with Mr. Richmond
in connection with the bill to which Mr. Osborne had referred, namely,
the Extension of the City Boundaries, and he was very much struck, as
they must all have been, with the firm and thorough grasp not only of
the great principles but of the details of every matter connected with
the multifarious arrangements involved in that measure. He was
subsequently in the Parliamentary Bills Committee, and he had very
frequent occasion to watch Mr. Richmond's distinguished business ability.
He had therefore every confidence that, with the support and loyalty
of the members of the Council, on which every occupant of the chair
could ever depend, Mr. Richmond's tenure of office would be one of
comfort to himself and happiness and prosperity to the city.
The Lord Provost asked if there was any other nomination, and none

SIR DAVID RICHMOND, LORD PROVOST, 1896-99. 509
being forthcoming, his lordship said he had great pleasure in declaring
Councillor David Richmond elected to the office of Lord Provost of the
city. Mr. Richmond then proceeded to the town clerk's table, and having,
in answer to Sir James Marwick, intimated his acceptance of office, he
took the oath and signed the roll. Sir James Bell then invested the
newly elected Lord Provost with the chain of office. The members of
the Council rose to their feet meanwhile and cheered again and again.
Sir James Bell asked to be allowed in a single word to congratulate
his successor in the chair. He felt sure from the hearty way in which
the nomination had been received, and evident determination to get
through the work in a business-like way, that the work of the year
would be pleasant and profitable to them all.
The Lord Provost, who was received with applause, said he thanked
his colleagues most heartily for the distinguished honour they had
conferred upon him that day. He felt the responsibility — the very
great responsibility — of the office which he had taken in hand. So
much did he feel that responsibility that the words almost failed to come
to his tongue in returning thanks. Mr. Osborne and Mr. Chisholm had
been good enough to speak of his efforts as a town councUlor of Glasgow
in the years gone by. That work to him had always been a labour of love,
and it would still be so, if he was spared to take part in it along with
his colleagues. Reference was made to some work, which, it was hoped,
would have a lasting impression on the city of Glasgow. It was a great
satisfaction to him that he had a hand in the extension of the boun
daries of the city, and it was likewise a satisfaction to him that he and
the members of the Parliamentary Bills Committee had left their
imprint on the legislation of the last six or seven years. He
did not take the chair under the obligation of promises made to
carry out any great or new works in the city. They had important
measures before them which were not yet fully considered, but he
hoped to see them carried through at a very early date. They had an
Improvement Bill, and in another year they would require to promote
in Parliament a bill for an extensive scheme of sewage. These two
bUls he looked upon as the most important they could possibly have
anything to do with during his reign. He did not, however, promise
to do more than this, that, as in the past, so in the future, he would

510 SIR DAVID RICHMOND, LORD PROVOST, 1896-99.
do his duty to this great city to the very be3t of his ability. He had
had great experience of Corporation and Municipal work, and if the
members would bear with him — bear with his possible abruptness —
and help him in the work to which they were all called, he had no
fear but that they would manage to get along well, and be able to
leave the imprint of their work on the affairs of the City of Glasgow.
He could say nothing more, but again thank them for their confidence
in him.
Mr. Dickson said that before the Lord Provost proceeded to the
other work before them, he would like, with the permission of the
Council, to make reference to his lordship's predecessor in that
chair. There had been in his time, as well as in that of Mr.
Osborne, a great many men who had filled the chair which Sir James
Bell now left with great distinction ; but he was pretty sure that he
expressed the minds of the Council when he said that no one could have
filled that chair with more distinction than Sir James Bell himself.
In leaving the Council, Sir James carried with him, not only
for himself, but for Lady Bell —to whom Sir James owed a great
deal — the kind wishes of all, and the desire that they might long live
to feel in their hearts the good-will, love, and esteem of the members of
the Town Council. He hoped that Sir James would yet, in a higher
position in parliament, distinguish himself, as Mr. Chamberlain had done,
by his knowledge of municipal affairs, and thus be a credit to the
city of Glasgow.
The Lord Provost said he had hoped that he would have had the
pleasure of making the speech which had just been made by Mr. Dickson;
but who had done it better than himself. At the same time he could
not allow Sir James Bell to leave the meeting without expressing his
views of the excellent manner in which his friend Sir James Bell had
conducted the work of the city. He had had considerable experience
of former Lord Provosts, and he desired to express thus fully the great
pride and satisfaction he had had in the conduct of municipal affairs
during the last four years under Sir James Bell's guidance. But for
his guiding hand, and but for his manner of smoothing over difficulties,
there might have been some awkward predicaments. But with the
great ability which Sir James undoubtedly possessed he looked back on
the last few years of his reign with the greatest pride and satisfaction.

SIR DAVID RICHMOND, LORD PROVOST, 1896-99. 511
He could not aUow Sir James Bell to leaVe without, in the name
of his colleagues, thanking him for the arduous labours of the last four
years, and along with the thanks of his colleagues he thought he was
entitled to offer these on behalf of the whole community of Glasgow.
He had also to thank Sir James Bell for the duties he had so
well performed in connection with the election. Under the Act
of 1891, to which Sir James had referred, the Lord Provost and
magistrates retained their offices until their successors had been
appointed. Sir James had been good enough not only to perform the
duties of Lord Provost, but also that of returning officer on the day of
election, and for the masterly way in which he carried that out no one
could have been present in the city hall on Tuesday evening without
feeling that the work could not have been carried out in a better
manner than it had been by Sir James Bell and Sir James Marwick.
He would now ask. his colleagues to give Sir James Bell a hearty vote
of thanks.
Sir James Bell said as this was likely to be the last time his voice
would be heard in that hall, he desired to thank them one and all most
sincerely and gratefully for the loyalty they had extended to him during
his term of office — not only during the time he had been in the chair,
but also for the whole time he had been a member of Council. He had
never asked any member to withdraw an expression but that had been
done without any unpleasantness arising therefrom. And on looking
back on these four years of office he could look back on steady and
progressive work in the city. He would like to take that opportunity
of expressing his grateful thanks to the officials of the Corporation.
Many members of the Council might not come into such close contact
as he had done with the heads of the various departments, and he
desired to thank them for their loyalty, and for the zeal, care, and
ability they displayed in carrying out the details of the work of the
Corporation. He would now take leave of the Council, and in his
own name and in that of his wife, he desired again to thank them for
all their kindness. She had taken her share of the work. In every
member of the old Council he felt that he had a personal friend.
Sir James Bell then withdrew, the members of the Council remaining
standing as he left the chamber.
The Lord Provost said that it was now his duty to nominate for the
34

512 SIR DAVID RICHMOND, LORD PROVOST, 1896-99.
position of Senior Magistrate, Bailie Chisholm. Bailie Chisholm had
had a very long and valuable experience of the duties of the Magistracy.
His lordship further stated that the understanding was — and Bailie
Chisholm had asked him to mention it — that the appointment was for
one year. Mr. Alexander seconded.
The Lord Provost nominated Bailie Alexander Murray as a
magistrate of the city. Mr. Pettigrew seconded.
The Lord Provost nominated Bailie James Dick as a magistrate of
the city. Mr. M'Lennan seconded.
The Lord Provost nominated Bailie Alexander Sinclair as a
magistrate of the city. Preceptor Dickson seconded.
The Lord Provost nominated Bailie J. R. Paton as a magistrate of
the city. Bailie James Dick seconded.
The Lord Provost proposed that Mr. Robert Anderson should be
elected a magistrate of the city. Dr. Colquhoun seconded.
The Lord Provost nominated Bailie Alexander M'Cutcheon as a
magistrate of the city. Mr. J. C. Robertson seconded.
The Lord Provost moved that Mr. William Fife should be elected
a magistrate of the city. Bailie Alexander Murray seconded.
The Lord Provost moved that Mr. A. J. Hunter be elected a
magistrate of the city. Mr. Bilsland seconded.
The Lord Povost nominated Mr. C. J. Cleland as a magistrate of the
city. Mr. T. C. Guthrie seconded.
The Lord Provost moved that Bailie J. P. M'Phun should be elected
a magistrate of the city. Mr. Willock seconded.
The Lord Provost moved that Bailie J. M'Intyre Thomson be elected
a magistrate of the city. Mr. R. M. Mitchell seconded.
The Lord Provost nominated Mr. Battersby as a magistrate of the
city. Mr. Primrose seconded.
The Lord Provost proposed that Bailie J. M. Jack should be elected
a magistrate of the city. Mr. Brechin seconded.
All the nominations were unanimously approved.
The Lord Provost moved that Dr. Colquhoun should be appointed
the Treasurer of the City. Ex-Treasurer Gray seconded, and the motion
was adopted.
The Lord Provost nominated Mr. W. Fleming Anderson as the
River Bailie.' Mr. Steele seconded.

SIR DAVID RICHMOND, LORD PROVOST, 1896-99. 513
The Lord Provost proposed that Mr. A. A. Cuthbert should be
elected Depute-River Bailie. Mr. J. H. Martin seconded.
The nominations were agreed to unanimously.
The Magistrates and Treasurer, together with the River Bailies then
•took the oath, and they were invested with the chains of office by the
Lord Provost.

514 SIR DAVID RICHMOND, LORD PROVOST, 1896-99.

List of the Members of the Town Council and Principal Officials during
the Lord Provostship of Sir David Richmond.
18 9 6-97. James Nicol, City Chamberlain.
Thomas Eaton Robinson, C.A., Regis
trar under Loans Act, and City
Accountant.
William Gibb, City Cashier.
Alexander Beith M'Donald, City
Engineer and Surveyor.
John Lang, Procurator-Fiscal of the
Burgh, and of the Dean of Guild
and Provan Courts, and Joint
Procurator- Fiscal in River Bailie
Court.
George Neilson, Police Procurator-
Fiscal.
George Young, Daniel M.Alexander,
Robert G. Ross, George W. T.
Robertson, Alexander Hamilton
Aiton, and Thomas MacQuaker,
Assessors and Clerks of Police
Courts.
Archibald Sinclair, Joint Procurator-
Fiscal in River Bailie Court.
James Muirhead, Assessor and Clerk
to the River Bailie Court.
James Henry, Assessor under the Lands
Valuation Acts, and under the Regis
tration of Voters Acts.
Alexander Johnston Walker, Chief
Inspec'or of Weights and Measures,
. and Officer under Petroleum Acts.
Hector M'Leod, Council Officer.
William Macleod, Chamber-Keeper.

The Hon. David Richmond, Lord
Provost.
Samuel Chisholm, Bailie.
Alexander Murray, do.
James Dick, do.
Alexander Sinclair, do.
James Robert Paton, do.
Robert1 Anderson, do.
Alexander M'Cutcheon, do.
William Fife, do.
Archibald Jeffrey Hunter, do.
Charles John Cleland, do.
John Pollock M'Phun, do.
James M'Intyre Thomson, do.
John Battersby, do.
James Millar Jack, do.
Donald Graham, CLE., D.L., Dean
of Guild.
Robert Ramsey, Deacon Convener.
James Colquhoun, LL.D., Treasurer.
Walter Paton, Master of Works.
William Fleming Anderson, Bailie
of the River and Firth of Clyde.
Alexander Andrew Cuthbert, Deputy
of the River and Firth of Clyde
Thomas Adam Mathieson, Bailie of
Provan.
Sir James David Marwick, LL.D.,
Town Clerk.
Robert Renwick, Deputy Town Clerk.
James Georgk Monro, Deputy Town
Clerk.

189 6-9 7.

FIRST WARD.
John Pollock M'Phun.
John Cronin. i
James Willock. SECOND WARD.
Boyd Stewart Brown.
James M'Lennan.
John Ferguson. THIRD WARD.
James Hamilton.
James Shaw Maxwell.
George Mitchell.

FOURTH WARD.
John Dunn.
David Willox.
James Henderson Martin.
FIFTH WARD.
James Millar Jack.
Hugh Brechin.
Thomas Moffat Cunningham.
SIXTH WARD.
William Cochran.
George Baillie Main.
William Dougan.

SIR DAVID RICHMOND, LORD PROVOST, 1896-99.

515

SEVENTH WARD.
Archibald Jeffrey Hunter.
Richard Browne.
John King. EIGHTH WARD.
David Morrin.
William Findlay.
Norman Macleod Thomson.
NINTH WARD.
William Fife.
Adam Morton Dunlop.
Alexander Osborne, D.L.
TENTH WARD.
James Robert Paton.
Thomas Watson.
Robert Murdoch.
ELEVENTH WARD.
Robert Anderson.
Robert Sorley.
James Colquhoun, LL.D.
twelfth: ward.
Alexander Andrew Cuthbert.
Peter Hutchison.
Thomas Cochrane Guthrie.
THIRTEENTH WARD.
John Walker.
Hugh Wallace.
William Bilsland.
FOURTEENTH WARD.
James Alexander.
John M'Farlane.
James Hunter Dickson.
FIFTEENTH WARD.
Robert Paterson.
Alexander Brown.
Joseph Currie Robertson.

SIXTEENTH WARD.
John Car swell.
James Gray.
Simon Dallas.
SEVENTEENTH WARD.
Daniel Macaulay Stevenson.
William Pettigrew.
Samuel Chisholm.
EIGHTEENTH WARD.
John Battersby.
Peter Gordon Stewart.
David Richmond.
NINETEENTH WARD.
William Stevenson.
James Ramsay Sandilands.
William Fleming Anderson.
TWENTIETH WARD.
John Shearer.
John Ure Primrose.
Walter Paton.
TWENTY-FIRST WARD.
Thomas Calderwood.
Alexander M'Cutcheon.
John Garey.
TWENTY-SECOND WARD.
John Lumsden Oatts.
Alexander Sinclair.
William Maclay.
TWENTY-THIRD WARD.
James Steele.
Alexander Murray.
Morris Carswell.
TWENTY FOURTH WARD.
James M'Intyre Thomson.
Robert M'Farlane Mitchell.
James Dick.

TWENTY-FIFTH WARD.
Archibald Kerr.
Charlks John Cleland.
James Wilson Dick.

516

SIR DAVID RICHMOND, LORD PROVOST, 1896-99.

18 9 7-98.

Richmond, Lord

Bailie. do. do.do.do.do.do. do.do.do.
do.do.
do. do.

The Hon. David
Provost.
Alexander Murray,
James Dick,
Alexander Sinclair,
Alexander M'Cutcheon,
Charles J. Cleland,
Robert Anderson,
William Fife,
Archibald Jeffrey Hunter,
James M'Intyre Thomson,
John Battersby,
Morris Carswell,
William Fleming Anderson,
James Steele,
John King,
Donald Graham, CLE., D.L., Dean of
Guild.
John Fulton Miller, Deacon-Convener.
James Colquhoun, LL.D., Treasurer.
John Ure Primrose, Master of Works.
Alexander Andrew Cuthbert, Bailie
of the River and Firth of Clyde.
William Maclay, Deputy Bailie ofthe
River and Firth of Clyde.
Thomas Adam Mathieson, Bailie of
Provan.
Sir James David Marwick, LL.D.,
Town-Clerk.
Robert Renwick, Deputy Town-Clerk.
James George Monro, Deputy Town-
Clerk.
John Bowers, Deputy Town-Clerk.

City

James Nicol, City Chamberlain.
Thomas Eaton Robinson, C.A.,
trar under Loans Act, and
Accountant.
William Gibb, City Cashier.
Alexander Beith M'Donald,
Engineer and Surveyor.
John Lindsay, Procurator-Fiscal of the
Burgh and City, and of the Dean of
Guild and Provan Courts, and Joint
Procurator-Fiscal of River Bailie
Court, all ad interim.
George Neilson, Police Procurator-
Fiscal.
George Young, Daniel M.Alexander,
Robert G. Ross, George W. T.
Robertson, Alexander Hamilton
Aiton, and Thomas MacQuaker,
A ssessors and Clerks of Police Courts;
Archd. Alison Young, Interim
Assessor and Clerk of Police Courts.
Archibald Sinclair, Joint Procurator-
Fiscal of River Bailie Court.
James Muirhead, Assessor and Clerk
to the River Bailie Court.
James Henry, Assessor under the
Lands Valuation Acts and under the
Registration of Voters Acts.
Alexander Johnston Walker, Chief
Inspector of Weights and Measures,
and Officer under the Petroleum Acts.
Hector M'Leod, Council Officer.
William MacLeod, Chamber-Keeper.

189 7-9 8.

FIRST WARD.
John Cronin.
James Willock.
John Pollock M'Phun.
SECOND WARD.
James M'Lennan.
John Ferguson.
Boyd Stewart Brown.
THIRD WARD.
James Shaw Maxwell.
George Mitchell,
James Hamilton.

FOURTH WARD.
David Willox.
James Henderson Martin.
Archibald Campbell Holms.
FIFTH WARD.
Hugh Brechin.
Thomas Moffat Cunningham.
George Taggart. SIXTH WARD.
William Dougan.
James Johnstone.
Patrick O'Hare.

SIR DAVID RICHMOND, LORD PROVOST, 1896-99. 517
SIXTEENTH WARD.

SEVENTH WARD.
Richard Browne.
John King.
Archibald Jeffrey Hunter.
EIGHTH WARD.
William Finlay.
Norman MacLeod Thomson.
William Forsyth.
NINTH WARD.
Adam Morton Dunlop.
Alexander Osborne, D.L.
William Fife.
TENTH WARD.
Thomas Watson.
Robert Murdoch.
Robert Graham.
ELEVENTH WARD.
Robert Sorley.
James Colquhoun, LL.D.
Robert Anderson.
TWELFTH WARD.
Peter Hutchison.
Thomas Cochrane Guthrie.
Alexander Andrew Cuthbert.
THIRTEENTH WARD.
Hugh Wallace.
Wiixiam Bilsland.
John Walker.
FOURTEENTH WARD.
John M'Farlane,
James Hunter Dickson, D.L.
James Alexander.
FIFTEENTH WARD.
Alexander Brown.
Joseph Currie Robertson.
Robert Paterson.

James Gray.
Simon Dallas.
John Carswell.
SEVENTEENTH WARD.
William Pettigrew.
Samuel Chisholm.
Daniel Macaulay Stevenson.
EIGHTEENTH WARD.
Peter Gordon Stewart.
David Richmond.
John Battersby.
NINETEENTH WARD.
James Ramsay Sandilands.
William Fleming Anderson.
William Stevenson.
TWENTIETH WARD.
John Ure Primrose.
Walter Paton.
John Shearer.
TWENTY-FIRST WARD.
Alexander M'Cutcheon.
John Garey.
Thomas Calderwood.
TWENTY-SECOND WARD.
. Alexander Sinclair.
William Maclay.
John Lumsden Oatts.
TWENTY-THIRD WARD.
Alexander Murray.
Morris Carswell.
James Steele.
TWENTY-FOURTH WARD.
Robert M'Farlane Mitchell.
James Dick.
James M'Intyre Thomson.

TWENTY-FIFTH WARD.
Charles John Cleland.
James Wilson Dick.
Archibald Kerr.

518

SIR DAVID RICHMOND, LORD PROVOST, 1896!

1898-99.

Richmond, Lord

Bailie. do.do.
do.do.
do.do. do.
do.
do.do.

The Hon. David
Provost.
James Dick,
Robert Anderson,
William Fife,
Archibald Jeffrey Hunter,
James M'Intyre Thomson,
John Battersby,
William Fleming Anderson
James Steele,
John King,
Alexander Sinclair,
Charles J. Cleland,
Alexander Andrew Cuthbert, do.
William Maclay, do.
James Wilson Dick, do.
Sir James BELL,Bart., D. L.,Dean of Guild.
John Fulton Miller, Deacon-Convener.
James Colquhoun, LL.D., Treasurer.
Thomas Cochrane Guthrie, Master
of Works.
John Lumsden Oatts, Bailie of the
River and Firth of Clyde.
Robert Sorley, Deputy Bailie of the
River and Firth of Clyde.
Thomas Adam Mathieson, Bailie of
Provan.
Sir James David Marwick, LL.D.,
Town Clerk.
Robert Renwick, Deputy Town Clerk.
James George Monro, do.
John Bowers, do.
James Nicol, City Chamberlain.

Thomas Eaton Robinson, 0, A., Regis
trar under Loans Act and City
Accountant.
William Gibb, City Cashier.
Alexander Beith M'Donald, City
Engineer and Surveyor.
John Lindsay, Procurator -Fiscal ofthe
Burgh and City and of the Dean of
Guild Courts, and Joint Procurator-
Fiscal of the River Bailie Court —
all ad interim.
George Neilson, Police Procurator-
Fiscal.
George Young, Daniel M.Alexander,
Robert G. Ross, George W. T.
Robertson, Alexander Hamilton
Aiton, and Thomas MacQuaker,
Assessors and Clerks of Police Courts;
Archibald Alison Young, Interim
Assessor and Clerk of Police Court.
Archibald Sinclair, Joint Procurator-
Fiscal of River Bailie Court.
James Muirhead, Assessor and Clerk
to the River Bailie Court.
James Henry, Assessor under the Lands
Valuation Acts, and under the Regis
tration of Voters' Acts.
Charles M'Donald, Chief Inspector of
Weights and Measures, and Officer
under the Petroleum Acts.
Hector M'Leod, Council Officer.
William MacLeod, Chamber Keeper.

1898-99.

FIRST WARD.
James Willock.
John Pollock M'Phun,
Hugh Alexander. SECOND WARD.
John' Ferguson.,
Boyd Stewart Brown.
William Bow.
THIRD WARD.
George Mitchell.
James Hamilton.
James Shaw Maxwell.

FOURTH WARD.
James Henderson Martin.
Archibald Campbell Holms.
David Willox. FIFTH WARD.
Thomas Moffat Cunningham.
George Taggart.
Hugh Brechin. SIXTH WARD.
James Johnstone.
Patrick O'Hare.
William Dougan.

SIR DAVID RICHMOND, LORD PROVOST, 1896-99.

519

SEVENTH WARD.
John King.
Archibald Jeffrey Hunter.
Richard Browne.
EIGHTH WARD.
Norman Macleod Thomson.
William Forsyth.
William Finlay.
NINTH WARD.
Alexander Osborne, D.L.
William Fife.
Adam Morton Dunlop.
TENTH WARD. .
Robert Murdoch.
Robert Graham, D.L.
Thomas Watson.
ELEVENTH WARD.
James Colquhoun, LL.D.
Robert Anderson.
Robert Sorley.
TWELFTH WARD.
Thomas Cochrane Guthrie.
Alexander Andrew Cuthbert.
Peter Hutchison.
THIRTEENTH WARD.
William Bilsland.
John Walker.
James Erskine.
FOURTEENTH WARD.
James Hunter Dickson, D.L.
James Alexander.
John M'Farlane.
FIFTEENTH WARD.
Joseph Currie Robertson.
Robert Paterson.
Alexander Brown.

SIXTEENTH WARD.
Simon Dallas.
John Carswell.
James Gray.
SEVENTEENTH WARD.
Samuel Chisholm.
Daniel Macaulay Stevenson.
William Martin.
EIGHTEENTH WARD.
David Richmond.
John Battersby.
Peter Gordon Stewart.
NINETEENTH WARD.
William Fleming Anderson.
William Stevenson.
James Ramsay Sandilands.
TWENTIETH WAED.
Walter Paton.
John Shearer.
John Ure Primrose.
TWENTY-FIRST WARD.
John Garey.
Thomas Calderwood.
Alexander M'Cutcheon.
TWENTY-SECOND WARD.
William Maclay.
John Lumsden Oatts.
Alexander Sinclair.
TWENTY-THIRD WARD.
Morris Carswell.
James Steele.
Alexander Murray.
TWENTY-FOURTH WARD.
James Dick.
James M'Intyre Thomson.
Robert M'Farlane Mitchell.

TWENTY-FIFTH WARD.
James Wilson Dick.
Archibald Kerr.
Charles John Cleland.

520 SIR DAVID RICHMOND, LORD PROVOST, 1896-99.
Some of the more Interesting Events during the Tenure of
Office of Sir David Richmond.
8th November, 1896. — An' ancient custom, that of "churching" the
Town Council, which had fallen into desuetude, was revived by the new
Lord Provost, Magistrates, and several members of the Town Council
attending divine service in the Cathedral.
9th November, 1896. — The East-End Industrial Exhibition was opened
by Mr. J. G. A. Baird, M.P.
24th November, 1896. — Mr. John Lang, Clerk to the Police Board
died. Mr. Lang held this office since 1855. The funeral on the 27th
was attended by the Lord Provost and Magistrates in their official
capacity. 1st December, 1896. — The mural tablets erected in the University in
memory of Lord Sandford and Professor Veitch were unveiled. Lord
Balfour of Burleigh handed over the Sandford tablet, and Lord Napier
and Ettrick that in memory of Professor Veitch. The ceremony took
place in the Bute Hall, and was presided over by Lord Kelvin in the
absence of Lord Stair, the Chancellor, and Principal Caird, the Vice-
Chancellor. 8th December, 1896. — Mr. John Young, General Manager of the
Corporation Tramways, and Mr. Wm. Clark, the Engineer, who had
visited several cities in America for the purpose of acquiring information
relative to the various forms of tramway traction, reported the result of
their observations to the Tramway Committee, and recommended that
the Springburn-Mitchell Street route be immediately equipped for over
head traction.
14lh December, 1896. — In the City Chambers ex-Councillor Crawford
was presented with a silver dinner service, and a diamond brooch and
pendant for Mrs. Crawford, in recognition of his services to Glasgow
and his efforts with regard to public health. The gifts were from the
members of the Corporation, and the presentation was made by Sir
James Bell, Bart., Lord Provost Richmond presiding.
14th December, 1896.— The Glasgow District Subway was opened.
1st January, 1897. — The honour of knighthood was conferred upon
Mr, William Laird.

SIR DAVID RICHMOND, LORD PROVOST, 1896-99. 521
20th January, 1897. — Lord Provost Richmond, at the request of a
number of citizens, opened a fund for the relief of sufferers by famine
in India.
15th February, 1897. — Dr. Nansen lectured in St. Andrew's Hall,
giving an account of his voyage on the Fram to the North Pole. The
lecture was in connection with the Royal Scottish Geographical Society.
5th March, 1897.— A Children's Fancy Dress Ball was given in the
City Chambers by Lord Provost and Mrs. Richmond.
6th March, 1897. — Professor Candlish, of the Free Church College,
died. 10th March, 1897. — -Professor Henry Drummond, Professor of Natural
Science in the Free Church College, died.
14th March, 1897. — A Public Meeting was held in the City
Chambers, under the chairmanship of the Lord Provost, to consider
how the Queen's Diamond Jubilee could best be celebrated in Glasgow.
It was decided to send a loyal congratulatory address to Her Majesty ;
and, on the motion of Sir John Muir, seconded by Lord Dean of Guild
Graham, it was also decided to make an addition to the Royal
Infirmary, and to invite subscriptions from the public. £100,000 was
the sum aimed at.
16th March, 1897. — In connection with the launch of a Spanish
torpedo boat at Clydebank, the Spanish Ambassador to London (Conde
de Casca Valencia) visited Glasgow with his suite. His Excellency
was received in the City Chambers by Lord Provost aDd Mrs.
Richmond, and was entertained to tea in the Mahogany Salon.
31st March, 1897. — A deputation from Glasgow Town Council
waited- upon the Duke of Norfolk, Postmaster-General, in London, and
asked that a license be granted to the Corporation to establish
and conduct a telephone system in the city. The Duke of Norfolk
promised an answer on a later day. The members of the Council who
formed the deputation were Bailies Alexander and Chisholm, Treasurer
Colquhoun, and Messrs. Walter Paton and John Macfarlane.
20th April, 1897. — An interesting ceremony was conducted in the
City Chambers when Lord Provost Richmond opened the jars which were
recovered from the foundation stone of the Old Glasgow Bridge, laid in
1833. A number of ancient coins and documents were enclosed in the
jars.

522 SIR DAVID RICHMOND, LORD PROVOST, 1896-99.
15th June, 1897. — The Prime Ministers of the various Colonies, who
were in Great Britain in connection with the celebration of the Diamond
Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen, paid a visit to Glasgow. The
distinguished strangers were met by Lord Provost Richmond, the
Magistrates, and others. During the day the Cathedral and the West
End Park were visited, and a short sail on the Clyde was enjoyed. In
the afternoon luncheon was served in the City Chambers, when
addresses were given by the Hon. W. Laurier, of Canada, and the
Hon. R. J. Sedden, of New Zealand. The Party left for Liverpool in
the evening.
19th June, 1897. — Lord Provost Richmond formally opened the new
Park at ToUcross, which was recently acquired by the Corporation at a
cost of £30,000.
21st June, 1897. — The dignity of a peerage was conferred upon Sir
John Burns, who assumed the title of Lord Inverclyde.
22nd June, 1897. — The Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen
was celebrated throughout the country. In Glasgow a great military
tournament took place at Queen's Park. In the evening a banquet
was held in the City Chambers, and was attended by many of the
prominent citizens of Glasgow. About 5000 of the poor were enter
tained to dinner in the different public halls of the city. The streets
were gaily decked, and at night displays of fireworks, and illuminations,
took place.
26th June, 1897. — In honour of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee the
children of Glasgow were entertained in the various parks and open
spaces. Over 90,000 children were present, and each was presented
with a small diamond-shaped medal as a souvenir of the occasion.
2nd July, 1897. — In commemoration of Her Majesty's Diamond
Jubilee Sir James Bain, an ex-Lord Provost of Glasgow, gave a sum of
£3000 to local charities.
30th July, 1897. — A meeting was held in the City Chambers for the
purpose of making arrangements to invite the British Association to
hold their annual meeting in Glasgow in 1901. The Corporation in
sending the invitation had the cordial support of the various scientific
and literary bodies of the city.
17th August, 1897. — The Parks Committee decided to purchase 43A
acres of ground, situated between the River Clyde and Rutberglen

SIR DAVID RICHMOND, LORD PROVOST, 1896-99. 523
Road, for the purpose of enlarging Glasgow Green. The cost was
£1,000 per acre.
17th August, 1897. — Two Indian noblemen, named Raja Ajit Singh
and Rajhumax Singh, arrived in Glasgow. On the following day they
visited several places of interest in Glasgow and district, and in the
afternoon were entertained to luncheon in the City Chambers by the
Corporation. 31st Auyust, 1897. — In the Banqueting Hall of the City Chambers
a portrait of Councillor Osborne was presented to the Corporation, and
a replica of the portrait to Mrs. Osborne. Lord Provost Richmond,
who made the formal presentation, stated that Mr. Osborne had sat in
the Council for 35 years, and had held every position of municipal
dignity save that of Lord Provost, which office Mr. Osborne had never
seen his way to accept. Ex-Bailie Shearer accepted the portrait on
behalf of the Corporation, and Bailie Chisholm handed the replica to
Mrs. Osborne. Mr. Osborne thanked the Corporation for the honour
they had paid him.
3rd September, 1897. — Mr. Wm. Rae Arthur, a former Lord Provost
of Glasgow, died.
7th September, 1897. — The Young Men's Christian Association Club
was formally opened by Lord Overtoun. The ceremony was attended
by several of the delegates to the meetings of the British Conference of
Y.M.C. Associations.
10th September, 1897. — The Duke and Duchess of York arrived in
Glasgow, from Ireland, by the Royal Yacht Victoria and Albert.
The Magistrates went on board the yacht at Stobcross Quay and
presented an address of welcome to the Duke and Duchess. Their
Royal Highnesses then proceeded to the New Dock at Cessnock, where
an address was presented by the Clyde Trustees. The Duchess poured
a bottle of wine into the dock and named it Prince's Dock. The Duke
then laid the last copestone. The Royal party then sailed to the
Broomielaw in the steamer Duchess of Rothesay, and afterwards
drove to the City Chambers, where a large party were assembled on the
invitation of the Town Council to meet the Duke and Duchess at
luncheon. In the afternoon the Duke and Duchess were driven
through the principal streets to Kelvingrove Park, where his Royal
Highness laid the foundation stone of the new Art Galleries. Much

524 SIR DAVID RICHMOND, LORD PROVOST, 1896-99.
enthusiasm was exhibited all along the route, and the Royal couple
were very heartily cheered. They left by special train for Dalmeny on
a visit to Lord Rosebery, and arrived there at six o'clock.
21st September, 1897. — The new wing of Glasgow High School was
formally opened by Sir Henry Craik, Secretary to the Scottish
Educational Department.
22nd, September, 1897. — His Highness Sir Bhagvat Sinhgi, K.C.I.E.,
Thakore Sabefe of Gondal, and party, paid a visit to the City
Chambers. 23rd September, 1897. — Lord Wolseley was presented with the
Freedom of Glasgow in the City Hall. At night Lord Wolseley
formally opened the new Drill Hall of the 1st L.R.V. in West Princes
Street. 29th October, 1897. — The extension of the Sewage Works at Dal-
marnock was inaugurated by Lord Provost Richmond.
3rd November, 1897. — The Right Hon. Joseph Chamberlain was
formally installed Lord Rector of the University. The ceremony was
conducted in St. Andrew's Hall. The degree of LL.D. was at the same
time conferred upon the Right Hon. gentleman. On the following
night Mr. Chamberlain was entertained at a Banquet by the Glasgow
University Conservative Club in St. Andrew's Hall.
3rd November, 1897. — The Rev. Dr. Fergus Ferguson, minister of
Montrose Street E.U. Church, died. He had ministered in the city for
53 years, and took a very prominent part in temperance work. He
was also a member of Glasgow School Board for a period of six years.
8th November, 1897. — The freedom of the city was conferred upon
the Right Hon. Joseph Chamberlain in St. Andrew's Hall. Lord
Provost Richmond made the presentation, and eulogised Mr.
Chamberlain'3 work as a Minister of the Crown. Mr. Chamberlain
was afterwards entertained at dinner in the City Chambers.
18th November, 1897. — Messrs. Reid, of Hydepark Locomotive
Works, intimated their intention to present to the Corporation a
portrait of their late father, ex-Dean of Guild Reid. The Corporation
accepted the gift.
18th November, 1897. — The British Association accepted- the invita
tion of Glasgow Corporation to hold their annual meeting in Glasgow
In 1901.

sir David Richmond, Lord provost, 1896-99. 525
1st January, 1898. — The honour of a K.C.B. was conferred upon
Professor William T. Gairdner, of Glasgow University. At the same
time the honour of knighthood was conferred upon Mr. Thos. J. Lipton.
7th January, 1898. — A fatal fire occurred in the premises of Messrs.
W. & R. Hatrick & Co., wholesale chemists, Renfield Street. The fire
broke out at three o'clock in the morning, and some little time later an
explosion took place, causing the roof, upon which a number of firemen
were standing, to fall in. Four of the number were killed, their names
being — James Hastie, John Battersby, David Smith, and Charles Orr.
11th January, 1898. — The Lord Provost and Magistrates attended
the funeral of the four firemen who lost their lives on the 7th inst.
The arrangements for the funeral were conducted by the Corporation.
Representatives of most of the important Scottish fire brigades attended,
and took part in the mournful procession to the Necropolis.
22nd January, 1898. — The People's Palace, which had been erected
in Glasgow Green, was formally opened by Lord Rosebery. Lord
Provost Richmond presided at the ceremony, and Bailie Bilsland made
a statement regarding the history of the building. Lord Rosebery was
afterwards entertained at luncheon in the City Chambers.
4th February, 1898. — At a meeting of the Executive Council of the
Glasgow International Exhibition, 1901, Mr. H. A. Hedley, who was
general manager of the 1888 Exhibition, was again appointed to the
same post, and the various committees were also appointed.
25th March, 1898. — The Martyr's stone at the Cathedral was restored
and erected within the building. For many years the stone lay against
the north wall in a state of decay. It was previously repaired and
lettered in 1827.
4th April, 1898. — The Public Baths and Wash-houses erected by the
Corporation in Springburn were formally opened by the Lord Provost.
5th April, 1898. — The annual meeting of the Convention of Royal
Parliamentary and Police Burghs of Scotland took place in Glasgow.
The Convention was welcomed to the city by Lord Provost Richmond,
and in the evening the members were entertained at dinner in the City
Chambers. 6th April, 1898. — The late Mr. Adam Teacher, of Glasgow^ bequeathed
a aura of £50,000 to local charities, and gifted his collection of pictures
to the Corporation.

526 SIR DAVID RICHMOND, LORD PROVOST, 1896-99.
25th April, 1898. — Death of Sir James Bain. Sir James entered
the Town Council in 1863 as a representative of the Twelfth Ward,
and was elected Lord Provost of Glasgow in 1874. In 1891 he was
returned to Parliament as Conservative member for Whitehaven. The
deceased Knight was associated with many learned societies and
charitable movements in Glasgow. The Lord Provost and Magistrates
attended service in the Cathedral in connection with the funeral of
Sir James Bain on 28th April.
11th May, 1898. — A new wing which had been added to the East
Park Home for Infirm Children, at Maryhill, was formally opened by
Her Grace the Duchess of Montrose.
22nd May, 1898.-^In all places of worship in Glasgow and throughout
the kingdom sympathetic reference was made to the death of the Right
Hon. W. E. Gladstone, which took place on the 19th inst.
25th May, 1898. — The memorial stone of the new Glasgow School of
Art, in Renfrew Street, was laid by Sir Renny Watson. Lord
Provost Richmond presided at the ceremony.
30th May, 1898. — -The Corporation Baths at Maryhill were formally
opened. 31st May, 1898. — The Jubilee of the Spoutmouth Bible Institute,
which was founded by Sir Michael Connal, was celebrated.
31st May, 1898. — The new buildings erected in Grserne Street in
connection with the Cleansing Department were formally opened.
8th June, 1898. — The Corporation entertained to luncheon Commander
Count Victor Jenik Zasadsky and other officers of the Austrian cruiser
Donau, then on a visit to the Clyde. Lord Provost Richmond pre
sided, and expressed the pleasure it gave the Corporation to receive the
visitors. 9th June, 1898. — The Very Rev. Principal Caird intimated his resig
nation of the Principalship of the University. Principal Caird was at
the time of his retirement in his 78th year, and had held the position
since 1873.
15th June, 1898. — The Lord Provost cut the first sod on the feuing
ground adjacent to Cardonald Station, which was recently acquired
by the Cardonald Feuing Company.
27th June, 1898.— The Rev. Dr. Story was appointed Principal of
the University.

SIR DAVID RICHMOND, LORD PROVOST, 1896-99. 527
7th July, 1898. — At the monthly meeting of the Corporation a letter
was read from a firm of lawyers intimating that a client of theirs was
prepared to gift a sum of £12,000 to erect a public hall in Springburn
on condition that the Corporation advanced a sum of £10,000 to furnish
a winter garden in Springburn Park. The matter was remitted to the
Parks Committee for consideration. The Lord Provost proposed that
the anonymous donor be cordially thanked for his offer.
30th July, 1898.— The Very Rev. John Caird, D.D., LL.D., late
Principal of the University, died at Greenock. Lord Provost Richmond
attended the funeral, which took place on 3rd August at Greenock.
19th August, 1898. — His Highness the Rajasahib of Vankaner, Kat-
Chiawar Bombay Presidency, visited Glasgow, and paid visits to several
public works. He was entertained at luncheon in the City Chambers,
when Bailie Murray presided. On the following day the Rajasahib
journeyed to Deanston on a visit to Sir John Muir, Bart.
31st August, 1898. — The memorial stone of the new bridge over the
River Cart at Millbrae Road was laid by Councillor John M'Farlane.
The cost of the bridge was defrayed by the Corporation of Glasgow and
the County Council of- Renfrew.
9th September, 1898. — Mr. Cameron Corbett, M.P., presented to the
Corporation Galleries a portrait of Mr. A. J. Balfour, First Lord of the
Treasury. 18th September, 1898. — The Foundation Stone ofthe new Municipal
buildings at Govan was laid by Provost Kirkwood of Govan.
22nd September, 1898. — The Corporation decided, on the casting vote
of the Lord Provost, to accept the offer of Messrs. Stewart & M'Donald,
for the widening of Buchanan Street at Argyle Street corner, in
consideration of a payment of £8,000.
28th September, 1898. — The Earl of Crawford presented to the
Mitchell Library a set of valuable reproductions of early maps of the
world. 10th October, 1898.— Dr. Russell, Chief Medical Officer of the city,
resigned on his receiving the appointment as Medical Member of the
Local Government Board. Dr. Russell's resignation was accepted
by the Lord Provost and Corporation with much regret.
13th October, 1898. — The Electric Tramway Service was formally
inaugurated. A party of about two hundred assembled at the power
35

528 SIR DAVID RICHMOND, LORD PROVOST, 1896-99.
station in KeppochhiU Road, where a brief ceremony took place. The
Lord Provost opened the proceedings, and Mr. Baldwin of the Westing-
house Electric Company presented Mr. Paton, the Convener of the
Tramway Committee, with a loving cup as a souvenir of the occasion.
Mr. Paton then turned the main steam valve and set the machinery in
motion. The party returned to the Mitchell Street terminus on several
of the cars.
17th October, 1898. — The new Bible Training Institute in Bothwell
Street was opened by Lord Overtoun.
18th October, 1898. — Amalgamation ofthe City and Barony Parishes.
1st December, 1898. — First meeting of the Parish Council of the new
Parish of Glasgow, on the amalgamation of the City and Barony
Parishes. 2nd January, 1899. — The honour of Knighthood was conferred upon
Lord Provost Richmond.
23rd January, 1899. — The electric cars started running between
Springburn and Glasgow Cross.
13th February, 1899. — The Electricity Committee of the Corporation
agreed to purchase the buildings, plant, and rights of the Kelvinside
Electricity Company for a sum of £30,000.
15th February, 1899. — A meeting of citizens was held in the City
Chambers to consider the propriety of organising a subscription for the
erection in the city of a statue of the late Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone.
Lord Provost Sir David Richmond presided. Lord Overtoun moved,
and Sir James Bell seconded, a resolution to the effect that a statue of
Mr. Gladstone should be placed in George Square. This was agreed to
without dissent, and a Committee was appointed to carry out the
scheme. 5th-14th March, 1899. — Missionary Loan Exhibition held in
St. Andrew's Halls.
10th March, 1899. — The Lord Provost and Lady Richmond gave a
Juvenile Fancy Dress Ball in the City Chambers at which 450
children were present.
20th March, 1899. — In the House of Lords the Glasgow District
Subway Bill was read a third time, and passed.
22nd April, 1899. — Sir David Richmond, Lord Provost, cut the first
sod of the foundations of the 1901 Glasgow International Exhibition.

SIR DAVID RICHMOND, LORD PROVOST, 1896-99. 529
His lordship was presented with a massive silver salver as a memento
of the occasion by Mr. R. B. Shaw, the contractor.
8th May, 1899. — Colonel Hector Macdonald arrived in Glasgow and
was entertained to luncheon in the City Chambers. Lord Provost Sir
David Richmond proposed the toast of " Our Guest,'' to which Colonel
Macdonald replied. On the following day Colonel Macdonald was
presented with a sword of honour from the Clan Macdonald. The
Right Hon. J. H. A. Macdonald (Lord Kingsburgh) made the presen
tation. He was afterwards entertained at dinner by the Macdonald
Society. During the term of his visit to the city Colonel Macdonald
was the guest of ex-Bailie Shearer at Dowanhill.
16th May, 1899. — In connection with the construction of the Glasgow
Western district sewage scheme, the first sod was cut by the Lord
Provost. 24lh May, 1899. — A special meeting of the Corporation was held for
the purpose of voting an address of congratulation to H.M. the Queen.
After this had been done the Lord Provost, Magistrates, and Councillors
proceeded to Jamaica Street, where the New Bridge across the Clyde
was formally opened by Lady Richmond.
27th May, 1899. — Children's Day was celebrated in Glasgow, when
over 100,000 children attended fStes in the public parks.
13th July, 1899, — Lord Kelvin retired from the Chair of Natural
Philosophy in the University.
6th September, 1899. — The annual meeting of the Association of
Cleansing Superintendents of Great Britain took place in the Burgh
Court Hall, City Chambers. Bailie James Dick, in the absence of Lord
Provost Richmond, welcomed the delegates to the city.
27th September, 1899. — Lord Provost Richmond formally opened the
Richmond Park, which is situated opposite Glasgow Green, on the
south side of the Clyde.
21st October, 1899. — In connection with the War in South
Africa, a detachment of Seaforth Highlanders, to the number of 917
officers and men, left Glasgow for the scene of war on board
the Mongolian. Several of the magistrates went on board the
troopship, and Bailie Dick addressed the soldiers. Funds for the
relief of the wives and children of soldiers were opened by the
Lord Provost.

530 SIR DAVID RICHMOND, LORD PROVOST, 1896-99.
28th October, 1899. — Lord Rosebery was elected Lord Rector of the
University. 2nd November, 1899. — Lord Provost Sir David Richmond delivered
his valedictory address to the Corporation. He sketched the progress
of the city during the twenty years he had been a member of the
Council. 6th November, 1899.- — The portrait of Sir David Richmond, painted
for the Corporation by Mr. Sargent, was unveiled.

\

Sir David Richmond. [Photo, by Wameuke.

SIR DAVID RICHMOND, LORD PROVOST, 1896-99. 531

THB HON. THB LORD PROVOST,
1896-1899.

After devoting seventeen years to the service of the city as a
member of the Town Council, Sir David Richmond's lengthened public
career found a fitting climax by his appointment in November, 1896, as
Lord Provost of the city in succession to Sir James Bell, Bart.
From the time of his election in 1879, Sir David had been identified
with every notable development of Corporation enterprise, and had held
in succession almost every important office. He first entered the Town
Council as a representative of the old 14th Ward in 1879, and con
tinued to represent that constituency until his retiral in November,
1899. He was elected a Bailie of the burgh in 1882, and occupied the
Magisterial Bench until 1886, becoming Senior Magistrate of the city
in 1886, when Sir William M'Onie was Lord Provost. He was
Treasurer of the city from 1887 to 1890, and held the important office
of Convener of the Parliamentary Bills Committee for a number of years.
It is difficult to condescend on any one specific department of the
Municipality in connection with which Sir David Richmond rendered
signal service in respect of the fact that his interest and influence were
manifested in all the more important developments of the Corporation's
undertakings; but perhaps his name will be associated more with the
Parliamentary work of the city than with any other committee, and
when we have said that we have indicated the close connection which
Sir David has had with every movement having for its object
the better equipment of the Municipality and the progress of the city,
because it is only after Parliamentary sanction has been obtained that
any new departure can be launched and any new scheme inaugurated.
The progress of the city since 1879, when Sir David entered the Town
Council, as compared with its condition when he retired in 1899 will be

532 SIR DAVID RICHMOND, LORD PROVOST, 1896-99.
seen from the following statistics : — In 1879 the area of the city was
6,111 acres; the population was 505,000; the valuation of lands and
heritages, £3.432,112; the municipal constituency, 63,477;. and a
penny per £ on the rates yielded £11,250; while in 1899 the area of
the city was 12,688 acres; the population, 740,222; the valuation of
lands and heritages, £4,780,000; the municipal constituency, 130,400;
and a penny per £ on the rates yielded £18,360.
During these twenty years the work of the Corporation had increased
at even a greater rate than is shown by these figures. New depart
ments — such as tramways, electricity, baths and wash-houses,
municipal buildings, and sewage disposal — had been created, and the
operations of the older departments had grown to an astonishing
extent. Sir David Richmond was the first Lord Provost to be elected after
the re-constitution of the Town Council of " Greater Glasgow," which
followed some time after the extension of the city. The whole Town
Council having retired and a new Council having been elected under the
City of Glasgow Act, 1891, a very large proportion of its members were
new to the duties, and it was fortunate that there was called to the Civic
Chair at such an important period of the City's history one so well qualified
for the office, because possessed of a varied and extensive experience of
municipal affairs — one whose past services were sufficient guarantee of
the unselfish public spirit which animated him and the devotion which
impelled him to place his best labours at the disposal of his fellow-
citizens. A^mong the subjects of an important character illustrating the
phenomenal activity which characterised the city during Sir David's'
tenure of office, the following may be specially referred to, viz. : — The
promotion in Parliament of important bills to obtain powers to carry
out works in connection with the city improvements, tramways, gas,
sewage, and other departments, which involved an expenditure of two
or three millions sterling, the continued development of the tramways
of the city, and the preliminary steps for their conversion from horse
haulage to electric traction, the opening of ToUcross Park and Rich
mond Park, the erection and opening of the- People's Palace on Glasgow
Green, the rebuilding of the congested areas in the poorer districts
under the control of the City Improvements Department, the practical

SIR DAVID RICHMOND, LORD PROVOST, 1896-99. 533
completion of the duplicate aqueduct from Loch Katrine, the obtaining
of powers for the erection, at an estimated cost of a million sterling, of
the large new Provan Gas- Works, the erection of the Port-Dundas and
Pollokshaws Road Power Stations for the Electricity Department, and
the acquisition of the undertaking of the Kelvinside Electricity Company,
the completion of the Police Station at Queen's Park, the erection of
the new Central Fire Brigade Station, the opening of the new Glasgow
Bridge, the extension of the electric lighting of the city, the erection of
the Haghill Refuse Despatch Works, etc., the opening of the new
Sanitary Offices in Cochrane Street, the providing of additional baths
and wash-houses and public halls, the commencement of the Western
District Sewage Works, etc.
Sir David Richmond is managing director of Messrs. David Richmond
& Company, Limited, manufacturers of iron tubes, etc. • His firm have
works in Rose Street, Hutchesontown, and Govan, and conduct a
large trade both at home and abroad. A few years ago the firm
was converted into a limited liability company. He is a Justice of
the Peace and a Deputy-Lieutenant of the County of Lanark and
the County of the City of Glasgow. Sir David's reputation as a
man of sound judgment was recognised by the Government when, on
the appointment of a small Commission to proceed to South Africa
during the war to enquire into the allegations made in Parliament by
Mr. Burdett-Coutts, M.P., as to the condition of the hospitals at the seat
of war, they selected him as one of the Commissioners, and again on
his appointment as a member of the extraordinary panel nominated
under the Local Government (Scotland) Act to consider applications
from Scotland for Provisional Orders. He received the honour of
knighthood at the hands of Her late Majesty on 1st January, 1899.
During the period when he was a member of the Town Council, he
took an active interest in the affairs of the Clyde Navigation Trustees,
and prior to his election as Lord Provost, when he assumed the Chair
manship of the Trust ex officio, he was for many years^ one of the Town
Council representatives. On demitting office as Lord Provost, his con
nection with the Trust was not severed, as he was elected one of the repre
sentatives thereon of the Chamber of Commerce, and continues to take a
lively interest in its affairs ; and since the death of Mr. John Ure there
is probably no member with a greater grasp of the extensive undertakings

534 SIR DAVID RICHMOND, LORD PROVOST, 1896-99.
of the Trust. He is Deputy-Chairman of the Committee of
Management and of the Law and Parliamentary Bills Committee.
He is a member of the Incorporation of Hammermen, and enjoyed
the unique distinction of wearing the chain of office as Deacon of
that Incorporation simultaneously with the badge of office as Lord
Provost. The three years constituting Sir David Richmond's term of office
formed a period of great prosperity throughout the United Kingdom,
and in that prosperity Glasgow fully shared. The numerous and varied
industries which find their home in Glasgow and the valley of the Clyde
were well employed, and there was consequently a steady and increasing
demand for all classes of labour. Sir David was not called upon to
repeat the experience of Sir James Bell by organising relief works for
the unemployed, and his term of office was the second triennial period
since his entrance to the Town Council in 1879 during which the
Corporation were not under the necessity of providing relief for the
unemployed within the city's boundaries.
The most important event in national history which occurred during
Sir David's term of office was the completion by Her late Majesty Queen
Victoria of the 60th year of her illustrious reign. It was celebrated
with loyal enthusiasm throughout the Empire, and Glasgow entered into
it in unstinted measure, extending its celebrations over four days. The
Lord Provost was one of the recipients of the Diamond Jubilee Medal
which was struck at the command of the Queen to celebrate the impor
tant event. With a view to place itself in line with the other large cities
in the kingdom by inaugurating a memorial of a public character to
commemorate the unique event in national history, the Lord Provost
convened a conference on 20th February, 1897, to exchange ideas as to
the permanent form in which the august event might most fittingly be
commemorated by the citizens of Glasgow. At this and at the subsequent
meetings which were held in the same connection a number of sug
gestions were made as to the scheme which should be proposed.
The proposal which had occurred to the mind of the Lord Provost
which would be a worthy, conspicuous, and lasting monument to
the Queen's long and beneficent reign, and at the same time meet
an urgent local necessity, was the reconstruction of the Glasgow Royal
Infirmary.

SIR DAVID RICHMOND, LORD PROVOST, 1896-99. 535
This proposal was duly considered, and at a public meeting held on
12th March, 1897, the following resolution was unanimously adopted,
viz. : — "That, to commemorate this unique event in British history in a
manner becoming a city which has greatly prospered during
Her Majesty's rule, the meeting resolves to raise a fund by
subscription for the reconstruction of the older portion of our
time-honoured Royal Infirmary, believing that such a scheme,
while meeting a local necessity, reflects the noble characteristics
of Her Majesty, who has ever entered with sympathy into the
the sufferings of her people, and is an ardent encourager of
every effort for alleviating distress."
The fund which was, in accordance with the foregoing resolution,
started, stood at £86,000 when Sir David Richmond retired from office.
An event, second only in point of national interest to that of the
Queen's Diamond Jubilee, was the death of the Right Hon. William
Ewart Gladstone, on 19th May, 1898. The universal mourning
throughout the Empire which this event evoked was shared in by
Glasgow, and a funeral service was held in the Glasgow Cathedral on
28th May, simultaneously with the service in Westminster Abbey.
Soon after Mr. Gladstone's death a desire sprung up to have erected in
our city by subscription some permanent memorial to the illustrious
statesman's life-long services to the nation. After consultation with a
few gentlemen, the Lord Provost convened a meeting of the citizens at
which it was resolved to erect a statue to Mr. Gladstone's memory, and
within a brief space of time £4,000 were received. The commission
for the work was accordingly placed in the hands of Mr. Hamo
Thorneycroft, R.A., and a statue will ultimately be placed in George
Square. Several relief funds were inaugurated by the Lord Provost, notably
that to mitigate the sufferings caused by the severe famine which visited
large tracts of Central India in 1897, when a total contribution from
Glasgow and district of £57,983 14s. was sent through the Viceroy to
the Central Relief Committee in Calcutta. A sum of £3,633 17s. 7d.
was also raised in response to an appeal by the then Sirdar of Egypt,
Lord Kitchener, for funds to found a college at Khartoum, in memory
of the late General Gordon, for the education of the Soudanese youth.

536 SIR DAVID RICHMOND, LORD PROVOST, 1896-99.
The Convention of Royal, Parliamentary, and Police Burghs of
Scotland departed from their invariable practice of meeting in Edin
burgh, and held their annual meeting in Glasgow in 1898, when the
Lord Provost was appointed chairman.
The only Royal visit to the city during Sir David's tenure of office
was that of the Duke and Duchess of York on 10th September, 1897,
when they performed two functions of lasting interest to the city —
viz., the naming of the Princes Dock, and the placing of the last cope-
stone of the New Govan Dock, and the laying of the memorial stone of
the New Fine Art Galleries, Kelvingrove Park.
An important event in the parochial administration of the city took
place by the union of the Barony and City Parishes, which was effected
in September, 1898, an event which has proved of great advantage
both to the ratepayers and to the poor of the city. The Lord Provost
acted as Returning Officer at the election of the new Council for the
combined parishes, which took place on 28th December, 1898.
In continuation of their policy of providing public parks, open spaces,
and recreation grounds for the citizens in all parts of the city, the
Corporation made two important purchases of large tracts of ground in the
Eastern district of the city — viz., ToUcross Park and Richmond Park, the
former of which the Lord Provost opened on 19th June, 1897, and which
extends to 83 acres, and is one of the most picturesque parks belonging to
the city. The second, viz., the Richmond Park, contains 44 acres, and was
opened by the Lord Provost on 27th September, 1899. This property,
which is situated adjacent to the Ward which the Lord Provost repre
sented for twenty years in the Town Council, was one which for many
years he desired to see in the hands of the Corporation. In recognition
of the interest which the Lord Provost showed in the negotiations for
its purchase, the Corporation asked him to allow his name to be
identified with the ground in all time coming.
When Sir David became Lord Provost, it had come to be regarded
as one of the duties of that office to issue an annual resume" of the work
undertaken and the enterprises carried out from year to year. Instead,
however, of following the example set by Sir James Bell and issuing a
yearly resume", Sir David being of opinion that however valuable a
yearly statement might be, the object in view would be better served by
dealing with the progress made in the work of the various departments

SIR DAVID RICHMOND, LORD PROVOST, 1896-99. 537
during the triennial period from 1896-97 to 1898-99, with special
reference to the inauguration of any new schemes for the benefit of the
citizens or the extension and development of existing lines of policy.
He accordingly prepared and presented to the Corporation at a meeting
held on 2nd November, 1899, notes of the Municipal work for the
period mentioned, which form a valuable and convenient companion to
the re"sume"s of Sir James Bell, and which enabled not only the members
of the Corporation but the public at large to obtain a clearer and more
comprehensive view of the various departments of civic life for the
period under review.
Mention should not be omitted to be made of the great assistance
rendered to her husband and the City by Lady Richmond. Although
not in the most robust state of health, she never spared herself in the
performance of those social duties which fall to the lot of the Chief
Magistrate's wife. Lady Richmond most worthily perpetuated the
traditions for courtesy, tact, and dignity which have always charac
terised the ladies who have been called upon in the past to share with
the Lord Provost the cares and anxieties of his important office.

^^f^Oty /y&C^£tst^>~Z**~<}

538 SAMUEL CHISHOLM, LORD PROVOST, 1899-1902.
MEETING OF TOWN COUNCIL.
NOVEMBER, 1899.

ELECTION OF MAGISTRATES.

The first meeting of the Glasgow Corporation as newly constituted
was held on 10th November, 1899 — Bailie Robert Anderson, the
Senior Magistrate, presiding. Rev. Robert Dickson, St. David's
Church, opened the meeting with prayer.
The Town Clerk, Sir James Marwick, represented that Mr. A. W.
Buchanan, who had been elected as representative of the Twelfth
Ward, claimed to be entered as a Burgess, under the provisions of the
Burgesses (Scotland) Act, 1860, and had paid the entry-money fixed by
the Corporation. It was agreed that Mr. Buchanan should be admitted
to the status of a burgess, and he was afterwards inducted into office as
a member of Council, and subscribed the prescribed declaration.
The Chairman — I have the honour to propose a name for the office
of Lord Provost, which I feel sure will be received with universal
favour — I refer to ex-Bailie Samuel Chisholm. The Lord Provostship
of Glasgow is no sinecure, and it is a position to which we should
elect one of our most experienced and trustworthy members.
Mr. Chisholm, I consider, is peculiarly fitted to occupy that dis
tinguished office from his intimate knowledge uf the whole work of
the Corporation. He will bring to the discharge of the duties of the
chair ripe experience, not only in Municipal matters, but also in
connection with all the public work of Glasgow. When he entered the
Council in 1888 he at once set himself to the task of mastering the
details of the complex machine, and I need not here enlarge on the
manner in which he has discharged his duties as a Councillor, a
Magistrate, and Convener of the City Improvement Committee. The
fact that he is to-day being elected unanimously to the highest office in
our gift is the best tribute we can pay to the efficient and capable
manner in which he has represented his constituents and the citizens

SAMUEL CHISHOLM, LORD PROVOST, 1899-1902. 539
generally. He has been associated with so many important under
takings of the Corporation during the last eleven years that it would
take too much time even to enumerate them. I feel, however, that
this is unnecessary, as you are all familiar with his record, many of you
more so than myself. There can be no doubt that Mr. Chisholm's
elevation to the Chief Magistracy will be received with feelings of
satisfaction by the outside public. His name is well known in the
religious life of our city, and many benevolent organisations owe much
to his enthusiastic and energetic espousal of their causes. I do not intend
to refer to the various spheres of activity with which Mr. Chisholm's
name is identified. It is enough to say that in him the city will have
a Lord Provost who is in entire sympathy with all the reforming work
of the Corporation. He has always shewn his anxiety that our city
should be first as a healthy and sanitary place for the citizens to live in,
and afterwards a model of civic government to other places. His fame
as an administrator has been recognised outwith the sphere of his work
in Glasgow. He was last year appointed a member of the Royal
Commission on Glanders, and, by so appointing him, the Government
shewed their appreciation of the value of his aid in connection with this
complicated matter. We are, I think, reflecting honour on ourselves
in appointing him Lord Provost of Glasgow, and without further
remark I have great pleasure in proposing his election.
Mr. Dickson seconded the motion. After the remarks you have
made, he said, I need offer no argument in support of the motion that
Mr. Chisholm should occupy this position. His ability and his work in
the Council are , known to everyone. His assiduity and his care in
connection with the Improvement Trust reflect honour upon him, and
great credit upon the Council. It seems to me there is one thing
which a Lord Provost requires in a city like Glasgow. We claim to be
the second city in the empire, and the man who occupies the chair of
the Lord Provost should be second to none. I have no doubt that Mr.
Chisholm will prove an efficient Lord Provost. He will not please
everybody. Of the seven Lord Provosts that I have sat under I do not
think that any pleased everybody ; but we must be content to obey the
chair and to make that position as pleasant as we can. I have great
regard for the position that the Lord Provost ought to occupy in
Glasgow; but I have as great a regard for the position the Council

540 SAMUEL CHISHOLM, LORD PROVOST, 1899-1902.
ought to occupy towards the Lord Provost. In his discharge of delicate
duties he has sometimes to take a position that perhaps does not exactly
square with the feelings and with the position of many in the Council.
We are all well known when we come into the Town Council, but it
may be some time before we are very well known. Perhaps you will
allow me to make another remark. When Mr. Chisholm was first
spoken of for this office he was pretty testily taken to task. Some who
did not know Mr. Chisholm — some of our newspapers who, perhaps, would
have been better to have been better informed — thought that as he held so
strong views on temperance he would have difficulty in filling the position
in the way of entertaining and so on. I think those who have known
Mr. Chisholm and the position he has taken in the past know that, if
he were to take any other position as a private member of this com
munity than to uphold the principles he has so long advocated, the
very men who now speak ill of him in the manner to which I have
referred would turn round and fall on him. But we all know that no
man has been more hearty than Mr. Chisholm has been in any enter
tainment that has been given by the city, and no one has been more
hearty than he has been in giving a welcome to guests. In conclusion,
allow me to say one thing more —how much gratified I was at the
beautiful remarks Mr. Primrose made yesterday. Nothing could be
more complimentary to Mr. Primrose himself, and nothing more
complimentary to Mr. Chisholm and to the Town Council ; and my one
object in supporting Mr. Chisholm very heartily was just that he has
come to that time of life when, if he is going to be Lord Provost of
Glasgow he must get the appointment now, while my friend Mr.
Primrose can well afford to wait.
The Chairman — I think I may gather that this nomination is unani
mously received.
Sir James Marwick (addressing Mr. Chisholm) — Is it your pleasure
to accept the office to which you have been elected 1
Mr. Chisholm signified his acceptance of office, and Sir James
Marwick administered the statutory declaration.
The Chairman invested Mr. Chisholm with the civic chain, remarking
that he did so in the full confidence and belief that he would discharge
the onerous and difficult duties of the office to the satisfaction not only
of his colleagues but of the city generally.

SAMUEL CHISHOLM, LORD PROVOST, 1899 1902. 541
Lord Provost Chisholm then took the chair amid the prolonged
applause of the Town Council and of the public who occupied the
galleries. He said — Bailie Anderson, Preceptor Dickson, and gentlemen
: — Even with the crowded agenda before us, you will, I am sure, permit me
to occupy your attention for one or two minutes in making a few
remarks which I think are necessary to the occasion. It must be in
altogether inadequate terms that I endeavour to give utterance to those
feelings which have possessed me ever since I began to realise that the
stream of my colleagues' confidence was setting towards myself, which
has now culminated in the full flood-tide of my unanimous election
to the Lord Provostship of this city. These feelings go out first
of all to you. They go out to the city of Glasgow whose civic head
you have been pleased to appoint me, and whose civic interests are
entrusted to our charge. They go out to the great world of muni
cipalities of which Glasgow forms no uninfluential part. In regard to
you, my dear colleagues, my first and chief feelings are those of
supremest gratitude for the uniform kindness with which I have been
treated ever since I set foot, not within these Council Chambers, but
within the more humble abode in which in other days the Town Council
conducted its work. I have had occasion to meet my colleagues in
many different capacities, and I have endeavoured to associate myself
with them in connection with the various committees and in the
different departments of work, and in all of them I have been treated
with such uniform and absolute kindness and confidence that I cannot
find words to express my gratitude. But that gratitude develops into
confidence for the time to come. I could not look forward to what
Bailie Anderson has so fittingly described as the onerous duties that lie
before the occupant of this chair with any feeling of comfort or confidence
if I did not realise that the Council was loyal, if not to the occupant of the
chair, to the chair itself. I can, therefore, with absolute confidence, rely
on you sustaining me to the extent to which you believe — and I think you
will feel that to be the fullest extent — that I am honestly endeavouring
to discharge my duty without fear or favour, not desiring to offer partial
treatment to any member of the Council, but equally to give a fair
field to the fullest expression of opinion, no matter what opinion that
may be. With regard to myself, gentlemen, I am humbled when
I think of my own inadequacy in my own person for the discharge of

542 SAMUEL CHISHOLM, LORD PROVOST, 1899-1902.
these duties ; and if I were to look forward, as I have already said,
to discharging them in my own strength, and relying on my own
wisdom, then, indeed, I feel I would be weak. But I go forward
looking for sustenance from around and from above, and this I know,
and am sure, will not be withheld. Gentlemen, the confidence with
which I accept this office is deepened when I believe, as the shoals of
congratulatory letters and telegrams which I have received last night
and this morning entitle me to believe, that your proceedings are largely
homologated by the community outside. I am proud to think that from
so many quarters, from many gentlemen and ladies whose very names I
know not, of all the different shades alike of ecclesiastical, municipal,
and imperial politics, I have received the frankest congratulations and
expressions of confidence. And when I think of the confidence that
Glasgow enjoys amongst the municipalities of the world, I feel that there
rests upon this Town Council, and very specially upon its civic head,
a responsibility for maintaining that position, and increasing and
extending the influence for good which I believe in the past Glasgow
has exerted on other civic bodies. Gentlemen, I am sure we are all
united in the one common desire to do what we can in order to make
this city purer in every sense of the word, and happier and more
comfortable for the lives of the great mass of the people. There
is a great work before us. We have done much in the past, but so
long as this atmosphere of ours remains impregnated with foul and
dismal smoke, so long as slums continue to abound in so many quarters
of the city, so long will there remain a large and important work for
the Town Council to perform, and I ask you to join me in going forward
to the work in the simple, humble determination to do what we can,
and to do it to-day, while the day is. I thank you for the honour you
have conferred upon me.
On the motion of the Lord Provost the vacancies in the Magistracy
were filled by the appointment of the following gentlemen in the order
given, namely : — Mr. W. F. Anderson, Mr. John King, Mr. William
Maclay, Mr. J. L. Oattsj Mr. Robert Sorley, Mr. D. M. Stevenson, Mr.
James Willock, Mr. John Ferguson, and Mr. J. R. Sandilands, Mr. N.
M. Thomson and Mr. Alexander Brown being respectively appointed
Bailie and Depute-Bailie of the River and Firth of Clyde.

SIR SAMUEL CHISHOLM, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1899-1902. 543

List of the Members of the Town Council and Principal Officials
during the Lord Provostship of Sir Samuel Chisholm, Bart.
1899-1900.

The Hon. Samuel Chisholm, Lord
Provost.
William Fife, . Bailie.
James Steele, do.
Charles S. Cleland, do.
Alexander Andrew Cumberi, do.
William Fleming Anderson, do.
John King, do.
William Maclat, do.
John Lumsden Oatts, do.
ROBERT SoBLEY, do.
Daniel Macaulay Stevenson, do.
James Willock, do.
John Feeguson, do.
James Ramsay Sandilands, do.
Sir James Bell, Bart., D.L., Dean of
Guild.
James Macfaelane, Deacon-Convener.
Alexander Murray, Treasurer.
William Stevenson, Master of Works.
Norman MacLeod Thomson, Bailie of
the River and Firth of Clyde.
Alexander Brown, Deputy BaiUe of
the River and Firth of Clyde.
Hugh Wallace, Bailie of Provan.
Sir James David Marwick, LL.D.,
Town Clerk.
Robert Renwick, Deputy Town Clerk.
James George Monro, Deputy Town
Clerk.
John Bowers, Deputy Town Clerk.
James Nicol, City Chamberlain.

Thomas Katon Robinson, C.A., Regis
trar under Loans Act, and City
Accountant.
William Gibb, City Cashier.
Alexander Beith M'Donald, City
Engineer and Surveyor.
John Lindsay, Procurator ¦ Fiscal of
Burgh and City, and of Dean of
Guild and Provan Courts, and Joint
Procurator -Fiscal of River Bailie
Court, all ad interim.
George Neilson, Police Procurator-
Fiscal.
George Young, Daniel M. Alexander,
George W. T. Robertson, Alex
ander Hamilton Aiton, Thomas
MacQuaker, and William Gibson,
Assessors and Clerks of Police Court.
Archibald Allison Young, Interim
Assessor and Clerk of Police Courts.
Archibald Sinclair, Joint Procurator-
Fiscal of River Bailie Court.
James Muirhead, Assessor and Clerk
to the River Bailie Court.
James Henry, Assessor under Lands
Valuation Acts, and under Registra
tion of Voters Acts.
Charles M'Donald, Chief Inspector of
Weights and Measures, and Officer
under Petroleum Acts.
Hector M'Leod, Council Officer.
William M'Leod, Chamber-Keeper.

FIRST WARD.
Hugh Alexander.
James Jeffrey Hunter.
James Willock. SECOND WARD.
Boyd Stewart Bkown.
William Bow.
John Ferguson. THIRD WARD.
James Hamilton.
James Shaw Maxwell.
Geoboe Mitchell. 36

1899-1900. FOURTH WARD.
Archibald Campbell Holmes.
David Willox.
James Henderson Maetin.
FIFTH WARD.
George Taggakt.
Hugh Brechin.
Peter Burt. SIXTH WARD.
Patrick O'Hare.
Wilt jam Doug an,
James Johnston.

544 SIR SAMUEL CHISHOLM, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1899-1902.

SEVENTH WARD.
Archibald Jeffrey Hunter.
Richard Browne.
John King. EIGHTH WARD.
William Forsyth.
William Finlay.
Norman MacLeod Thomson.
NINTH WARD.
William Fife.
Adam Morton Dunlop
Alexander Osborne, D.L.
TENTH WARD.
Robert Graham, D.L.
Thomas Watson.
William Burrell.
ELEVENTH WARD.
Robert Anderson.
Eobert Sorley.
James Fulton Miller.
TWELFTH WARD.
Alexander Andrew Cuthbert.
Alfred Wilson Buchanan.
Joseph Paton Maclay.
THIRTEENTH WARD.
John Walker.
James Erskine.
William Bilsland.
FOURTEENTH WARD.
James Alexander.
John M'Farlane.
James Hunter Dickson.
FIFTEENTH WARD.
Robert Paterson.
Alexander Brown.
Joseph Currie Robertson

SIXTEENTH WARD.
John Carswell.
James Gray.
Simon Dallas.
SEVENTEENTH WARD.
Daniel Macaulay Stevenson.
William Martin.
Samuel Chisholm.
EIGHTEENTH WARD.
John Battersby.
Peter Gordon Stewart.
John Cronin.
NINETEENTH WARD.
William Stevenson.
James Ramsay Sandilands.
William Fleming Andebson.
TWENTIETH WARD.
John Sheabee.
John Ube Primbose.
Walter Paton.
TWENTY-FIRST WARD.
Thomas Calderwood.
Alexander M'Cutcheon.
John Garey.
TWENTY-SECOND WARD.
John Lumsden Oatts.
Alexander Sinclair.
William Maclay.
TWENTY-THIRD WARD.
James Steele.
Morris Caeswell.
Alexander Murray.
TWENTY-FOURTH WARD.
James M. Thomson.
Robert M'Farlane Mitchell.
James Dick.

TWENTY-FIFTH WARD.
Archibald Kerr.
Charlks John Cleland.
Abchibald M'Innes Shaw.

SIR SAMUEL CHISHOLM, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1899-1902. 545

1900-1901.

The Hon. Samuel Chisholm, Lord
Provost.
Charles J. Cleland, Bailie.
William Fleming Anderson, do.
John King, do.
William Maclay, do.
Robert Sorley, do.
James Willock, do.
John Ferguson, do.
Daniel Macaulay Stevenson, do.
Norman MacLeod Thomson, do.
Alexander Brown, do.
William Finlay, do.
Joseph Currie Robertson, do.
Simon Dallas, do.
Thomas Calderwood, do.
Robert Gourlay, Dean of Guild.
James Macfarlane, Deacon Convener.
Alexander Murray, Treasurer.
John Garey, Master of Works.
William Dougan, Bailie of the River
and Firth of Clyde.
Adam Morton Dunlop, Deputy Bailie
ofthe River and Firth of Clyde.
Hugh Wallace, Bailie of Provan.
Sir James David Marwick, LL.D.,
Town Clerk.
Robert Renwick, Deputy Town Clerk.
James George Monro, Deputy Town
Clerk.
John Bowers, Deputy Town Clerk.
James Nicol, City Chamberlain.

Thomas Eaton Robinson, C.A..
trar under Loans Act, and City
Accountant.
William Gibb, City Cashier.
Alexander Beith M'Donald, City
Engineer and Surveyor.
George Neilson, Writer, Procurator-
Fiscal of Police, of Burgh and City
and Dean of Guild Courts, and
Provan Court, and Joint Procurator-
Fiscal of River Bailie Court.
George Young, DanielM.Alexander,
George W. T. Robertson,
Alexander Hamilton Aiton, and
Thomas M'Quaker, and William
Gibson, Assessors and Clerks of
Police Courts.
Archibald Allison Young, Interim
Assessor and Clerk of Police Court.
William Millar Douglas, Joint Pro
curator-Fiscal of River Bailie Court.
James Muirhead, Assessor and Clerk
to the River Bailie Court.
James Henry, Assessor under the Lands
Valuation A cts, and under the Regis
tration of Voters Acts.
Charles M'Donald, Chief Inspector of
Weights and Measures and Officer
under Petroleum Acts.
Hector M'Leod, Council Officer.
William MacLeod, Chamber Keeper.

1900-19 01.

FIRST WARD.
James Jeffrey Hunter.
James Willock.
Hugh Alexander.

SECOND WARD.

.William Bow.
John Ferguson.
Roderick Scott.

THIRD WARD.
James Shaw Maxwell.
George Mitchell.
James Hamilton.

FOURTH WARD.

David Willox.
James Henderson Martin.
Hugh Blair. FIFTH WARD.
Hugh Brechin.
Peter Burt.
George Taggart. SIXTH WARD.
William Dougan.
James Johnston.
Patrick O'Hare.

546 SIR SAMUEL CHISHOLM, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1899-1902.

SEVENTH WARD;
Richard Browne.
John King.
Archibald Jeffrey Hunter.
EIGHTH WARD.
William Finlay.
Norman Macleod Thomson.
William Forsyth.
NINTH WARD.
Adam Morton Dunlop.
William Fife.
Henry Steven. TENTH WARD.
Thomas Watson.
William Burrell.
Robert Graham, D.L.
ELEVENTH WARD.
Robert Sorley.
John Fulton Miller.
Robert Anderson.
TWELFTH WARD.
Alfred Wilson Buchanan.
Joseph Paton Maclay.
Edward Watson.
THIRTEENTH WARD.
James Erskine.
William Bilsland.
ROBEET SOMERVILLE BrOWN.
FOURTEENTH WARD.
John M'Farlane.
James Hunter Dickson.
James Alexandeb.
FIFTEENTH WARD.
Alexandeb Brown.
Joseph Currie Robertson.
John Bruce Murray.

SIXTEENTH WARD.
James Gray.
Simon Dallas.
John Carswell.
SEVENTEENTH WARD.
William Martin.
Samuel Chisholm.
Daniel Macaulay Stevenson.
EIGHTEENTH WARD.
Peter Gordon Stewart.
John Cronin.
John Battersby.
NINETEENTH WARD.
William Fleming Anderson.
Archibald Campbell.
Andrew Motherwell.
TWENTIETH WARD.
John Ure Primrose.
Walter Paton.
John Shearer.
TWENTY-FIRST WARD.
Alexander M'Cutcheon.
John Garey.
Thomas Calderwood.

TWENTY-SECOND
Alexander Sinclair.
William Maclay.
James Hunter.

WARD.

TWENTY-THIRD WARD.
Morris Carswell.
Alexander Murray.
James Steele.

TWENTY-FOURTH WARD.
Robert M'Farlane Mitchell.
James Dick.
James M. Thomson.

TWENTY-FIFTH WARD.
Charles John Cleland.
Archibald M'Innes Shaw.
Harry Carvick Webster.

SIR SAMUEL CHISHOLM, BART, LORD PROVOST, 1899-1902. 547

1901-190 2.

do.
do. do.
do.do.do.do. do.do. do.do. do.do.

The Hon. Samuel Chisholm, Lord
Provost
John King,
William Maclay,
James Willock,
John Ferguson,
Daniel Macaulay Stevenson,
Norman Macleod Thomson,
Joseph Currie Robertson,
Simon Dallas,
Thomas Calderwood,
Robert Sobley,
Alexander Brown,
William Finlay,
Adam Morton Dunlop,
Richard Browne,
Robert Gourlay, Dean of Guild.
Matthew White, Deacon Convener.
Alexander Murray, Treasurer.
Hugh Brechin, Master of Works.
John Fulton Miller, Bailie of the
River and Firth of Clyde.
Peter Gordon Stewart, Deputy Bailie
ofthe River and Firth of Clyde.
David Morrin, Bailie of Provan.
Sir James David Marwick, LL.D.,
Town Clerk.
Robert Renwick, Deputy Town Clerk.
James George Monro, Deputy Town
Clerk.
John Bowers, Deputy Town Clerk.
William Johnstone, B.L. do.
James Nicol, City Chamberlain.

Thomas Eaton Robinson, C. A.
trar under Loans Act and
Accountant.
William Gibb, City Cashier.
Alexander Beith M'Donald, City
Engineer and Surveyor.
John Smith Samuel, Secretary to the
Lord Provost.
George Neilson, Writer, Procurator-
Fiscal of Police, of Burgh and City
and Dean of Guild and Provan
Courts, and Joint Procurator-
Fiscal of River Bailie Court.
Geo rge Young, Daniel M. AlexAn der,
George W. T. Robertson,
Alexander Hamilton Aiton,
Thomas Macquaker and William
Gibson, Assessors and Clerks of
Police Courts.
Archibald Allison Young, Interim
Assessor and Clerk of Police Courts,
William Millar Douglas, Joint Pro
curator-Fiscal in River Bailie Court.
James Muirhead, Assessor and Clerk to
River Bailie Court.
James Henry, Assessor .under the Lands
Valuation Acts and under the Regis
tration of Voters Acts.
Charles M'Donald, Chief Inspector of
Weights and Measures and Officer
under Petroleum- Acts.
Hector M'Leod, Council Officer.
William MacLeod, Chamber-Keeper,

1901-1902.

FIRST WARD.

James Willock.
Hugh Alexander.
William Warden.

SECOND WARD.
John Ferguson.
Roderick Scott.
William Bow.
THIRD WARD.
George Mitchell.
James Hamilton.
Alexander Kennedy.

FOURTH WARD.
James Henderson Maetin.
Hugh Blair.
David Willox. FIFTH WARD.
Peter Burt.
George Taggart.
Hugh Brechin. SIXTH WARD.
James Johnston.
Patbick O'Hare.
Andrew Scott Gibson.

548 SIR SAMUEL CHISHOLM, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1899-1902.

SEVENTH WARD.
John King.
Aechibald Jeffeey Hunter.
Richard Browne.
EIGHTH WARD.
Norman Macleod Thomson.
William Forsyth.
William Finlay.
NINTH WARD.
William Fife.
Henry Steven.
Adam Morton Dunlop.
TENTH WARD.
William Bureell..
Robert Graham, D.L.
Thomas Watson.
ELEVENTH WARD.
John Fulton Miller.
Robert Anderson.
Robert Soeley.
TWELFTH WARD.
Joseph Paton Maclay.
Edward Watson.
Thomas Dunlop.
THIRTEENTH WARD.
William Bilsland.
Robert Somerville Brown.
Edward Guest.
FOURTEENTH WARD.
James Hunter Dickson.
James Alexander.
John M'Farlane. FIFTEENTH WARD.
Joseph Currie Robertson.
John Bruce Murray.
Alexander Brown.

SIXTEENTH WARD.
Simon Dallas.
John Carswell.
James Gray.
SEVENTEENTH WARD.
Samuel Chisholm.
Daniel Macaulay Stevenson.
William Martin.
EIGHTEENTH WARD.
John Cronin.
John Battersby.
Peter Gordon Stewart.
NINETEENTH WARD.
Archibald Campbell.
Andrew Motherwell.
William Fleming Anderson.
TWENTIETH. WARD.
Walter Paton.
John Shearer.
John Ure Primrose.
TWENTVFIRST WARD.
John Garey.
Thomas Calderwood.
Alexander M'Cutcheon.
TWENTY-SECOND WARD.
William Maclay.
James Hunter.
Alexander Sinclair.
TWENTY-THIRD WARD.
Alexander Murray.
James Steele.
Morris Carswell.
TWENTY-FOURTH WARD.
James Dick.
James M. Thomson.
Robert M'Farlane Mitchell.

TWENTY-FIFTH WARD.
Archibald M'Innes Shaw.
Harry Carvick Webster.
Charles John Cleland.

SIR SAMUEL CHISHOLM, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1899-1902. 549
Some of the more interesting Events during the Tenure of
Office of Sir Samuel Chisholm, Bart.
12th November, 1899. — The Lord Provost and Magistrates attended
divine service in the Cathedral, in observance of custom on the election
of a new Lord Provost.
18th December, 1899. — In consequence of the necessity for the des
patch of further troops, the British Government made arrangements to
employ in South Africa a carefully selected body of Volunteers. Much
enthusiasm was evinced by Volunteers throughout the country, and in
Glasgow the response of the citizen army was a very large one.
20th December, 1899. — Sir James King formally opened the new
premises of the Glasgow School of Art in Renfrew Street.
29th December, 1899. — Mr. James Deas, Engineer to the Clyde
Trust, died.
2nd February, 1900. — The Corporation entertained to dinner in the
Berkeley and Kent Halls, the volunteers belonging to the various local
regiments, and the members of the Queen's Own Yeomanry, who had
enlisted for active service in South Africa. After dinner, the company
adjourned to the large St. Andrew's Hall, where Lord Provost Chisholm
presented each volunteer and yeoman with honorary burgess tickets
granting them the rights and privileges of guild brethren of the city.
Colonel Rawlins, the officer in command of the Regimental District,
thanked the Corporation for the honour they had conferred upon the
men. The ceremony, which was of an imposing and affecting character,
was brought to a close by the singing of the National Anthem and
" Auld Lang Syne."
12th February, 1900.— Sir Chihchen Lofengluh, K.C.V.O., the
Chinese Ambassador to Great Britain, arrived in Glasgow and proceeded
to the Windsor Hotel. He was there received by the Lord Provost and
Magistrates. The company then drove to the University, the Western
Infirmary, and the Exhibition buildings, and reached the Royal Exchange
about noon, where His Excellency delivered a short address. In the
afternoon the bonded stores of Messrs. Greenlees Brothers and the
iocomotive works of Messrs. Dubs & Co. were visited. In the evening
His Excellency was entertained at a banquet by the Corporation in the

550 SIR SAMUEL CHISHOLM, BART.; LORD PROVOST, 1899-1902.
City Chambers. On the 13th and 14th Sir Chihchen paid visits to
several of the other known public works in the district. His visit
terminated on the 15th, when he departed for Newcastle.
16th February, 1900. — The Postmaster-General granted a telephone
license to the Corporation, which would extend to the year 1913.
23rd February, 1900. — Councillor Alexander Osborne, the oldest
member of the Town Council, died. He was 80 years of age,
1st March, 1900. — On the announcement of the relief of Ladysmith,
the Corporation wired congratulations to the Secretary for War, stating
that the intelligence was received in Glasgow with the greatest
satisfaction. 12th March, 1900. — A meeting of citizens was held in the City
Chambers, when it was decided to open a public fund for the relief of
the sufferers by famine in India. Lord Provost Chisholm presided.
15th March, 1900. — The Corporation resolved to forward a message
of congratulation to Lord Roberts on the occupation by his army of
Bloemfontein. 31st March, 1900. — The Rev. Dr. Marshall Lang, who was for 27£
years minister of Barony Parish Church, Glasgow, was formally installed
as Principal of Aberdeen University.
4th April, 1900. — While H.R.H. the Prince of Wales was journeying
towards Denmark, an attempt was made to shoot him at Brussels
station. The Prince was happily not hurt. The news was received in
this country with great excitement, and thankfulness at the Prince's
escape was everywhere expressed. The Lord Provosts and Provosts of
Scotland, at that time being met in Edinburgh at the Convention of
Royal Burghs, jointly sent a telegram to H.R.H. expressive of their
gratitude at his happy escape. The Corporation of Glasgow, on the
following day, forwarded a message of similar purport to the Prince.
1st May, 1900. — The new Central Fire Station, of the Glasgow Fire
Brigade, situated in Ingram and High Streets, was formally opened by
Lord Provost Chisholm.
4th May, 1900. — Lord Provost Chisholm opened a public fund on
behalf of the sufferers by a great fire which took place in Ottawa,
Canada. 18th May, 1900. — The news of the relief of Mafeking reached
Glasgow, and was the cause of great rejoicing. Crowds of enthusiastic

SIR SAMUEL CHISHOLM, BART, LORD PROVOST, 1899-1902. 551
citizens enlivened the streets till long past midnight. The excitement
was sustained during the following day.
22nd May, 1900. — The honour of knighthood was conferred upon
Professor Hector C. Cameron, M.D.
5th June, 1900. — Official information was received of the occupation
of Pretoria by Lord Roberts' army. Lord Provost Chisholm despatched
a message of congratulation to H.M. the Queen and to Field Marshal
Lord Roberts at Pretoria. A great gathering of citizens took place in
George Square, where the City Chambers were brilliantly lit up. The
Lord Provost addressed the crowd from one of the windows.
9th June, 1900. — Children's Day was observed in Glasgow. About
100,000 children assembled in the various parks.
13th June, 1900. — H.R.H. the Princess Christian visited Glasgow
and formally opened the new Hospital at Ruchill. H.R.H., who
travelled from Balmoral, was met by the Lord Provost and Magistrates
at Buchanan Street, and proceeded by the principal streets to Ruchill.
Princess Christian was present at a luncheon given in the City Chambers
in the afternoon.
13th June, 1900. — Mr. B. W. Seton was appointed Postmaster at
Glasgow, in succession to Mr. Francis Braid, resigned.
28th June, 1900. — Principal Marshall Lang, of Aberdeen University,
and late minister of Barony Church, Glasgow, was entertained to dinner
in the Windsor Hotel by the Presbytery, of Glasgow and other friends.
Lord Provost Chisholm presided, and handed to Principal Lang gifts
from his late congregation and the friends he left behind him in the city.
4th July, 1900. — Members of the Corporation inspected the new
gigantic gasometer at Dawsholm, and afterwards proceeded to Provan,
where Lord Provost Chisholm cut the first sod for the new Gas Works
' in the north eastern district of the city,
12th July, 1900.— Sheriff Spens died.
21st July, 1900. — A serious shipping disaster occurred in Belfast
Lough, through the collision of two steamers belonging to Messrs; G. &
J. Burns. There were no passengers on board 'the Alligator, but the
other vessel — the Dromedary — carried 800, of whom the bulk
belonged to Glasgow. Five deaths occurred, and a large number of
persons were seriously injured. "At the time of the accident a dense fog
prevailed.

552 SIR SAMUEL CHISHOLM, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1899-1902.
26th July, 1900. — On the invitation of the Lord Provost and the
Parks Committee, a number of gentlemen belonging to the city took
part in the annual inspection of the City Parks. The company were
afterwards entertained to luncheon in the Council Hall. The Lord
Provost proposed " Our Guests," and the toast was responded to by Sir
William T. Gairdner.
31st July, 1900. — The Lord Provost and Corporation forwarded a
message of sympathy to H.M. the Queen on hearing of the death of her
son, the Duke of Saxe Coburg and Gotha.
4th October, 1900. — Polling took place in Glasgow, when seven
Unionist members were returned to Parliament to represent the city.
6th October, 1900. — The memorial stone of Springburn Public Hall
was laid by the Lord Provost. At the same time the Reid Winter
Gardens, which was gifted to Springburn district by Messrs. Reid of
Hydepark Locomotive Works, was formally opened by Mr. Hugh Reid.
9th October, 1900. — Mr. Robert Gourlay was appointed Lord Dean
of Guild of the city.
9th October, 1900. — Mr. T. Graham Young presented a sum of
£10,000 to the Glasgow and West of Scotland Technical College as
a donation to the Fund for the erection of new buildings.
22nd October, 1900. — Mrs. Elder, of Govan, presented to that burgh
a sum of £25,000 to build and endow a public library.
4th November, 1900. — Mrs. Samuel Chisholm, wife of the Lord
Provost, died.
16th November, 1900. — Lord Rosebery was formally installed Lord
Rector of the University, and delivered his rectorial address to the
students, taking for his subject the British Empire.
17th November, 1900. — Mr. John Whyte resigned his appointment as
Master of Works of the city. He had been for 51 years associated
with Corporation work. Mr. Thomas Nisbet, C.E., was appointed his
successor. 2nd January, 1901. — The Lord Provost placed in position a memorial
tablet on one of the walls of the new generating station of the Tramways
Department at Port-Dundas.
1 2 th January, 1901. — The memorial window erected in the Bute Hall
of the University in honour of the late Principal Caird was unveiled.
22nd January, 1901. — The news of ihe death of H.M. the Queen

SIR SAMUEL CHISHOLM, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1899-1982. 553
reached Glasgow. All the places of amusement were closed. The
Lord Provost who was present at a social meeting in the City Hall,
made reference to the sad event.
23rd January, 1901. — Mr. Donald Graham, an ex-Lord Dean of
Guild of the city, died.
26lh January, 1901. — The ceremony of proclaiming the accession of
King Edward VII. took place in George Square, and the proceedings
were witnessed by a vast crowd. Sheriff Berry, who was accompanied
on the platform by the Lord Provost and Magistrates, read the
proclamation, after which, cheers were given for the King. The
Company then entered the City Chambers, where the health- of King
Edward was pledged.
2nd February, 1901. — The funeral obsequies of the late Queen were
observed throughout the country. In Glasgow a procession of Munici
pal and Church dignitaries, attended by volunteer, yeomanry, and
police detachments, left the City Chambers for the Cathedral, where a
funeral service was conducted — Dr. M'Adam Muir, Principal Story,
and Dr. Donald Macleod were the officiating clergymen.
7th March, 1901. — Sir Donald Matheson, K.C.B , died. Sir Donald
was for very many years actively associated with the Volunteer move
ment in Glasgow.
7th March, 1901. — The Lord Provost unveiled a series of mural
decorative panels in the Banqueting Hall of the City Chambers.
9th March, 1901. — A number of noblemen and gentlemen dined
in London on the invitation of Sir George Hayter Chubb, vice-Chairman
of the London Committee of Glasgow International Exhibition. The
toast of " Glasgow Exhibition " was proposed by the Lord Mayor, and
responded to by Lord Blythswood and the Lord Provost.
2nd April, 1901. — The Corporation telephone service was begun.
The telephone area contains 143 square miles, and there are nearly 5000
subscribers. 25th April, 1901. — The Press view of the Exhibition took place.
Representatives were present from American and Continental news
papers, and all were entertained at luncheon in the City Chambers.
26th April, 1901. — Lord Provost Chisholm formally opened the new
public school in Willowbank Crescent, West. The school has accommo
dation for 900 scholars.

554 SIR SAMUEL CHISHOLM, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1899-1902.
2nd May, 1901. — Glasgow Exhibition was inaugurated by H.R.H. the
Duchess of Fife and- the Duke of Fife. The Royal party reached St.
Enoch Station from Blythswood at 11.30 a.m., and were met by the
Lord Provost and Magistrates. The company drove to Kelvingrove,
where H.R.H. was presented with a gold key, and performed the opening
ceremony. Later in the day the freedom of the city was conferred upon
the Duke and Duchess, and luncheon was served in the City Chambers.
The Royal party returned to Blythswood House at half-past five. The
Exhibition was opened to the public at three o'clock, and 94,454 persons
visited it.
12th June, 1901. — The celebration of the ninth Jubilee of the
University was begun with a commemoration service in the Cathedral.
Dr. M'Adam Muir, who conducted thc service, referred to the
foundation of the University by Pope Nicholas I., 450 years earlier.
In the afternoon a brilliant company assembled in the Bute
Hall of the University, when congratulatory addresses were pre
sented by delegates from British Colonies and foreign countries. The
proceedings were continued until the 14th. In connection with the
graduation ceremony, the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws was con
ferred upon Lord Provost Chisholm, Mr. Robert Gourlay, Lord Dean of
Guild, and others. In the afternoon of the 14th a reception was held
in the Art Galleries, and in the evening a banquet was given by the
Corporation, the guests numbering about 400.
21s/ June, 1901. — The Loch Katrine tunnel section of Glasgow
Waterworks was formally opened by the Lord Provost.
24th June, 1901. — The annual meeting of the Society of Chemical
Industry took place in the University. The members were entertained
in the evening by the Lord Provost and Magistrates.
25th June, 1901. — The summer meeting of the Institution of Naval
Architects took place in the Corporation Galleries, when about 900
members were welcomed to the city by the Lord Provost. In the
evening the delegates were entertained in the City Chambers.
1st August, 1901. — Mr. John Ure, L.L.D., died. Dr. Ure was Lord
Provost of Glasgow from 1880 to 1883.
6th August, 1901. — The Lord Mayor and Sheriffs of London arrived
in Glasgow. On the 8th the party visited the Loch Katrine Water
works, and on the 9th a state visit was made to the Exhibition. The

SIR SAMUEL CHISHOLM, BART, LORD PROVOST, 1899-1902. 555
Lord Mayor fode in his state carriage,. and was attended by the mace-
bearer and sword-bearer of the city of London.- In the evening the
Mayoral party attended a banquet given by the Corporation in the City
Chambers. 14th August, 1901. — Sir William Laird, of the firm of Messrs.
William Laird & Co., Ltd., and for several years chairman of the North
British Railway Company, died.
15th August, 1901. — Mr. James Campbell of Tullichewan, died.
16th August, 1901. — Mr. Andrew Stewart, LL.D., of Messrs. A. &
J. Stewart <fc Menzies, died. He took a great interest in educational
affairs, and founded the Adam Smith Chair of Political Economy in the
University. 22nd August, 1901. — His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince of
Siam was received at the City Chambers by the Lord Provost.
29lh August, 1901. — The freedom of the city was conferred upon the
Right Hon. R. W. Hanbury, MP., in recognition of his service to the
city in connection with Glasgow's application for a Municipal Telephone
Exchange. The ceremony took place in the Merchants' House.
3rd September, 1901. — The International Engineering Congress met
in Glasgow. About 2,500 members were present at the opening cere
mony in the University. In the evening a reception was given in the
City Chambers by the Corporation.
10th September, 1901. — The freedom of the city was conferred upon
Lord Balfour of Burleigh, and Mr. Andrew Carnegie, LL.D., in St.
Andrew's Hall.
11th September, 1901. — The British Association met in Glasgow at
the University. The. opening address was delivered by the President,
Professor A. W. Riicker, in St. Andrew's Hall. On the following
evening a reception was given in the City Chambers by the Corporation.
On Sunday the 15th special sermons were preached in connection with
the Association in several of the churches. A special service in the
Cathedral was attended by the Lord Provost and Magistrates. Garden
parties at Overtoun and the Botanic Gardens were given by Lord
Overtoun and Lord Blythswood, and a reception in the Art Galleries at
the Exhibition was largely attended. The proceedings closed on the
18tb. 30^/t October, 1901. — A number of ladies and gentlemen met at the

556 SIR SAMUEL CHISHOLM, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1899-1902.
house of Dr. and Mrs. Gourlay, 5 Marlborough Terrace, when resolu
tions were passed and committees appointed to carry out and excite
greater interest in Glasgow in the Indigent Gentlewoman's Society.
30th October, 1901. — A memorial of the late Professor Dickson was
presented to the University. Mr. James A, Campbell, M.P., made the
presentation, which was accepted on behalf of the University by
Principal Story.
9th November, 1901. — The Exhibition was closed after a specially
successful run of six months. Lord Blythswood occupied the chair at
the ceremony. The attendance for the day was 173,266, a total which
eclipsed all past records. The total attendance was 11,497,220.
11th November, 1901. — Gorbals Public Library was opened.
11th November, 1901. — A reception was given in the City Chambers
to the guarantors of the Exhibition by the office bearers and the
Executive Council.
13th November, 1901. — Mr. Matthew White was entertained to a
complimentary dinner by the Glasgow Corn Trade on the occasion of
his election as Deacon-Convener.
14tk November, 1901.— The Lord Provost attended the 220th
annual dinner of the Edinburgh Merchant Company, and proposed the
toast of "The Houses of Parliament," to which the Earl of Rosebery
replied. 16th November, 1901. — H.R.H. the Princess Louise, Duchess of
Argyll, presented the prizes and long service medals to the members of
the 5th Volunteer Battalion Highland Light Infantry, in the St.
Andrew's Halls.
27th November, 1901. — Ex-Deacon Convener James Macfarlane was
presented with his portrait in recognition of the esteem in which he is
held in a wide circle of friends, and of his public services to the city.
4th December, 1901. — The Jubilee of the Glasgow Natural History
Society was celebrated.
6th December, 1901. — Lieut.-General Sir Archibald Hunter, K.C.B.,
visited Glasgow and presented the prizes to the 1st V.B.H.L.I.
11th December, 1901. — The Lord Provost, as Lord Lieutenant, and
as representing the King, presented to the members of the Service
Companies of the Glasgow Volunteer Battalions, South African War
Medals, The ceremony took place in George Square, and was

SIR SAMUEL CHISHOLM, BART, LORD PROVOST, 1899 1902. 557
attended by an immense concourse of spectators. Speeches were
delivered by the Lord Provost, Lord Balfour of Burleigh, Secretary for
Scotland, Mr. St. John Brodrick, Secretary for War, and others.
11th December, 1901. — A public meeting, convened by the Lord
Provost, in connection with the Scottish Branch of the Colonial
Nursing Association, was held in the City Chambers, and was attended
by the Earl of Glasgow, Lord and Lady Balfour of Burleigh, Lord
Lamington, Sir Archibald Hunter, and others.
28th December, 1901.— The Tidal Weir on the Clyde, at Glasgow
Green, was inaugurated by the Lord Provost.
23rd January, 1902. — At a meeting held in the High School it was
resolved to form a Cadet Company, to be attached to the First
Lanarkshire Volunteer Rifle Corps.
31st January, 1902. — A drawing-room meeting was held in the City
Chambers at which the Lord Provost submitted a proposal having for
its object the social elevation of the people.
20th February, 1902. — Miss Marie Corelli lectured in Glasgow under
the auspices of the Scottish Society of Literature and Art.
5th March, 1902. — The new hall in connection with the Glasgow
Soldiers' Home was opened by Colonel Trotter.
11th March, 1902. — A memorial fountain in Kelvingrove Park to the
memory of Professor Henry Drummond, was unveiled by the Countess of
Aberdeen. The fountain was erected by the Earl and Countess of
Aberdeen. 25th March, 1902. — An Artificial Floral Exhibition, promoted by
the Council of the Crippled Girls' Industrial Training Mission, was
opened by the Duke of Argyll.
5th April, 1902. — A disaster, unparalleled in the history of football,
took place at Ibrox Park on the occasion of the thirty-first meeting of
representatives of England and Scotland, when a portion of the
terracing of the stand collapsed, precipitating several hundred spectators
to the ground with the result that nearly 400 persons were injured, of
whom 25 succumbed. The disaster evoked expressions of sympathy from
all parts of the world, and, as the result of a public appeal by the Lord
Provost, a very considerable sum was "subscribed towards the relief of
the sufferers and the bereaved. A message of sympathy was received
from His Majesty the King.

558 SIR SAMUEL CHISHOLM, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1899-1902.
14th April, 1902. — At a meeting held in the City Chambers, the
Lord Provost submitted a scheme for the social elevation of the people,
and it was unanimously resolved to constitute the -" City of Glasgow
Mutual Social Union."
28th April, 1902. — The annual conference of the delegates of the
Church of Scotland Women's Guild was held in Glasgow, and a
reception was given to the members in the City Chambers in the evening.
8th May, 1902. — -The first annual general meeting of the Glasgow
and District Branch of the National Association for the Prevention of
Consumption and other Forms of Tuberculosis was held — the Lord
Provost presiding.
17th May, 1902. — The new Public Baths and Washhouses in White-
vale were formally opened by the Lord Provost.
20th May, 1902.— The General Assembly of the United Free Church
of Scotland, departing from their usual custom, met in Glasgow. The
Corporation gave a reception in the City Chambers to the members.
2nd June, 1902. — The conclusion of hostilities in South' Africa was
announced. In common with other parts of the country, Glasgow
participated in the national rejoicings. A telegram of congratulation
was despatched by the Corporation to the King, who sent a gracious
reply. A religious service was held in the City Chambers.
24th June, 1902. — Intelligence was received in the city that the
Coronation of the King, which was fixed for the 26th June, was post
poned on account of the indisposition of His Majesty, which
involved the undergoing of a serious operation. - The greatest sympathy
was expressed in every quarter at this untoward event, and all the
arrangements for celebrating the Coronation in Glasgow were at once
cancelled. 14th July, 1902. — His Excellency Apolo Kagwa, the Katekiro of
Uganda, visited Glasgow, and inspected several important works.
21s* July, 1902. — His Majesty King Lewanika of Barotsiland, in
Central Africa, visited Glasgow and inspected several places of interest.
28th July, 1902.— The Premiers of the various Colonies of the
British Empire, who were in Britain in connection with the Coronation
of the King, visited Glasgow and were entertained by the Corporation.
29th July, 1902. — A party of distinguished Indians visited Glasgow
and inspected several places of interest.

SIR SAMUEL CHISHOLM, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1899-1902. 559
31st July, 1902. — A large contingent of the Indian and Colonial
Troops, who were in Britain in connection with the Coronation of the
King, visited Glasgow and were entertained by the Corporation. They
gave a demonstration in Celtic Park, which attracted several thousands
of spectators.
9th August, 1902. — The Coronation of His Majesty the King was
consummated in Westminster Abbey. The Lord Provost attended the
ceremony. A luncheon was given in the City Chambers attended by a
number of representative citizens, at which the health of the King was
loyally pledged. A religious service was held in the Cathedral on
Sunday, 10th August, and on Monday, 11th August, conversazioni
were given by the Corporation in the City Chambers and the St.
Andrew's Halls, at which about 7000 guests were present. Owing to
the King's illness and the consequent postponement of the Coronation,
the local festivities were on a much less elaborate scale than was at first
contemplated. 18th September, 1902. — Presentation of Volunteer Ambulance
Challenge Shield to the Glasgow Highlanders and active service medals
to members of the Bearer Company of the Glasgow Volunteer Infantry
Brigade in the City Chambers.
22nd September. 1902. — The united autumnal meetings of. the
Congregational Unions of Great Britain and Ireland were held in
Glasgow, and the delegates were entertained to a Reception in the
City Chambers by the Corporation.
11th October, 1902.— The Statue of the Right Hon. William Ewart
Gladstone, which was erected in George Square, was unveiled by the
Earl of Rosebery, K.G., K.T. A luncheon followed.
24th October, 1902, — The Portrait of the Lord PrOvost, painted for
the Corporation by Joseph Henderson, R.S.A., and the Replica for his
Lordship, were unveiled and handed over.
25th October, 1902. — Glasgow Art Gallery and Museum was formally
opened by the Lord Provost.
27th October, 1902. — The Lord Provost made his valedictory speech
at the meeting of the Corporation.
27th October, 1902. — The Lord Provost was presented with an
address from the members of the various temperance and religious
organizations in the City.
37

560 SIR SAMUEL CHISHOLM, BART., LORD PROVOST,,, 1899-1902.

THE HON. THE LORD PROVOST,
1899-1902.

-•+*-

Sir Samuel Chisholm, Baronet, was unanimously elected Lord Provost
in succession to Sir David Richmond on 10th November, 1899. He
assumed the duties of the Chair with a record of valuable Municipal
service covering a period of eleven years, having entered the Town
Council as a representative of the old 11th Ward in 1888. He was a
Bailie of the" Burgh from 1892 to 1897, and Senior Magistrate in 1897.
He approached every phase of municipal experience with the same zeal
and enthusiasm which he had displayed in the religious and philanthropic
work of Glasgow, with which his name had for many years been
identified. Sir Samuel was born in Dalkeith in 1836. Coming to Glasgow in
1870 he began business in the wholesale grocery trade, in which he is
still engaged, A lifelong abstainer, he is well known as one of the
most fearless and trenchant supporters of the temperance cause, powerful
not only in the eloquence of his platform advocacy, but consistently
striving by act and deed to advance and promote its interests. After
entering the Council he was instrumental in securing the passing of a
resolution by the Corporation that no part of the Corporation property
should be let as public-houses. He has been prominently identified
with many forms of Christian activity. As an elder of Kent Road
United Free Church, where the late Reverend Dr. Joseph Brown was
minister for many years, he has often been sent as a representative to
the United Presbyterian Synod, where he distinguished himself by his
shrewdness and knowledge of ecclesiastical questions, and, since the
Union, has become equally well known in the General Assembly of the
United Free Church. He has long interested himself in work among
lads and girls, having for many years been Chairman of the City Hall
Branch — the largest branch — of the Glasgow Foundry Boys' Religious

P^P*mk3h

Ik. -....aJ

B '^1
Sir Samuel Chisholm, Bart.
SIR SAMUEL CHISHOLM, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1899-1902. 561
Society, and President of the Society for the last ten years. Equally
at home on platform and in pulpit, during his term of office as Lord
Provost he has frequently conducted religious services in Glasgow and
district, and is respected and esteemed for his high Christian character.
In politics, an ardent Liberal, Sir Samuel unsuccessfully contested
the Camlacbie Division of the city in 1895.
An event unparalleled in the history of the Chief Magistrates of
Glasgow befel Sir Samuel as he was nearing the termination of his
first year of office in the death — almost tragic in its suddenness — of
his wife. Sad as such an event would be in any circumstances, in
Sir Samuel's case the stroke was particularly heavy on account
of its having descended with a swiftness entirely unlooked for, cutting
short a valuable life which never spared itself in doing good work
among the poor, and that, too, in the very height of its public usefulness
as the unselfish helpmate of the Chief Magistrate of Glasgow. Mrs
Chisholm's death received added poignancy in that the indisposition
which overtook her, and which had such a fatal issue, occurred when
she was engaged along with her husband in showing her interest in
the public welfare by visiting the various halls in the city on the
occasion of the Corporation Saturday afternoon recitals on 3rd November,
1900. The deepest sympathy was expressed with the Lord Provost in
his bereavement, and from all quarters of the land and every section of
the community, including members of the royal family, noblemen,
members of Parliament, and public bodies innumerable, messages of
sympathy were received. Mrs. Chisholm associated herself with all
philanthropic movements, and was treasurer for many years of the
Zenana fund in connection with Kent Road Church. She took a
personal interest in the work of the Foundry Boys' Religious Society,
and had charge of one of the largest classes in the organisation, which
entailed not only the imparting of religious instruction on Sundays,
but the visiting of the homes of the pupils over almost the entire
area of the city. A month before her death she was presented with a
silver flower-holder at a reunion of the members and workers of the
City Hall Branch of the Foundry Boys' Society. The gift was
presented as a memento of Mrs, Chisholm's connection with the
branch, and a recognition of the work which she had done in connec
tion with it. Nowhere was the sympathy with the Lord Provost in

562 SIR SAMUEL CHISHOLM, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1899-1902.
his bereavement deeper than in the Town Council, which, at a meeting
held on 9th November, 1900, adopted the following resolution, viz.: —
" That the Magistrates and Council, at their first meeting after the
elections for the ensuing year, desire to express the deep sorrow with
which they and the community regard the heavy affliction which has
fallen upon the Lord Provost in the sudden removal of his devoted wife,
while sympathetically engaged with him in his public philanthropic
duty. In his bereavement they desire to offer him the expression of
their warmest and deepest sympathy. In her sphere they rejoice to
know that she, like her husband, was ever instant in good works, seeking
to serve the cause of their common Lord, and that, in this time of his
great sorrow, he can comfort himself with the thought that she has
received the Supreme benediction — ' Well done, good and faithful
servant ! ' "
The -acknowledgment which the Lord Provost made of this resolution
was contained in the following letter, viz. : — 20 Belhaven Terrace,
Glasgow, 8lh November, 1900.
To Sir James Marwick, LL.D.,
Town Clerk.
My dear Sir James,
For the touching resolution of my colleagues in the Town
Council, expressing their sympathy with me in the loss of my wife, and
for your singularly beautiful letter conveying the same, I cannot
sufficiently thank them or you. If human sympathy could lighten the
sense of loss, I. gratefully realise it in unstinted measure. But the heart
knoweth its own bitterness, and there is a note in my sorrow which
sympathy only makes more intense. Do not misunderstand me. I am
no churl. I prizfe above all price the love of my. fellows. But by far
the larger half of all my joy in everything I possessed, and not least, my
joy in the measure of esteem and confidence of others with which I was
blessed, lay in the pride it gave to her. Now she is gone I am tempted
to think I have nothing to live for. But I try to think she is with me
still. Indeed, I still seem to see her and hear her, and I have spoken
more to her during tjhe last few days than I have done in equal time
for many a year. And so I have resolved to go on as she would have

SIR SAMUEL CHISHOLM, BART., LORD PROVOST, 18991902. 563
had me do could her mortal tongue have still spoken the words of
cheer and help she addressed to me so often.
Tell my colleagues that their appreciation of my dear wife is the
highest compliment they have ever paid me, and earns my undying
gratitude. My dear Sir James,
I am, Yours very truly,
SAMUEL CHISHOLM.
Mrs. Chisholm was the daughter of the Rev. J. B. Thomson, Presby
terian minister of Holywell, Cumberland.
Sir Samuel was among the pioneers on the question of the housing
of the poor, and his name will best be remembered in municipal history
in connection with the City Improvement Trust, of which he was
Convener since 1891, in succession to the late ex-Bailie Archibald
Dunlop ; and for the unwearied manner in which he devoted his best
energies to the development of the work of the Trust in the direction of
clearing from the City its slum property, and erecting in suitable
localities commodious and sanitary dwellings for the poorer classes at
moderate rents. On assuming the position of Convener he instituted
the formation of local sub-committees in the. various districts of the
city, thus imparting fresh energy into the work. Proposals to erect
buildings on vacant spaces, to remove insanitary dwellings, and to
erect new and modern buildings in their stead, were one by one
submitted to the Council, and although they met with opposition,
the new policy which they foreshadowed ultimately obtained the assent
of the Council, with what result may be seen in the altered appearance
of Trongate, Saltmarket, and the area adjoining, which is now traversed
by Parnie Street, King Street, and Chisholm Street. The whole neigh
bourhood, from one of the most squalid and pestiferous regions in the
world, has been made sweet and wholesome. Financially, the result of
the new policy was that instead of requiring a *ate of a penny per £
to meet the expenses of the Trust, there was shown a surplus yearly
varying from £1000* to £3000. In the festering radius which
surrounded Glasgow Cross, new buildings and .new streets have sprung
up, transforming what was formerly a series of hovels and dena
of vice into handsome warehouses and comfortable dwellings. He

564 SIR SAMUEL CHISHOLM, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1899-1902.
early appreciated the fact that if the Corporation intended to cope
in a comprehensive manner with the housing question, which had
come to be associated with the Improvement Trust, additional powers
would require to be secured in addition to those contained in the
original Act of 1866. Accordingly, in 1897 the Improvements and
General Powers Bill was successfully piloted first through the Town
Council and thereafter through both Houses of Parliament, in spite of
perhaps the most violent opposition to which any legislative proposal of
the Corporation has ever been subjected. Under this Act King Street,
Nelson Street (City), and High Street above George Street have been
widened and improved, while in several suitable districts in the east of
the City blocks of buildings of an improved and hygienic character at
rents within the reach of the humbler classes have been erected, and a
very interesting experiment is being carried out on the lands of
Kennyhill in the erection of workmen's cottages. The result of these
combined operations of the 1866 and 1897 Acts has been that the
congested areas in the centre of the city have disappeared.
An important development of municipal policy, with which Sir Samuel
Chisholm's name will be identified, is the inauguration of the Corporation
Telephone Department. He was from the first a member of the
Committee which considered the propriety of the Corporation
establishing a municipal telephone exchange, and he -took an active part
in pressing the views of the Corporation on successive Postmasters-
General, with the result that the Corporation obtained the license to
establish a telephone exchange, which was formally opened on 29th
August, 1901, by the Right Honourable R. W. Hanbury, M.P., who,
as Secretary to the Treasury, rendered the Corporation valuable aid in
their application. In recognition of his services in this connection
he received the freedom of the city on the same day.
Any reference to Sir Samuel Chisholm's municipal work would be
singularly defective if no mention was made of the important part he
played in the negotiations with the surrounding Police Burghs and Dis
tricts for the extension of the City boundaries. It is not generally known
that to him is due the honour of setting in motion the overtures
which culminated in the passing of the City of Glasgow Act, 1891, by
which the inclusion of suburban territory within the municipal
boundaries rendered future expansion and development possible in a

SIR SAMUEL CHISHOLM, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1899-1902. 565
manner which under former conditions would have been costly and
vexatious. After the Parliamentary Bills Committee had reported
that they had been unable to condescend on terms for negotiation
which would be agreeable to all parties, Sir Samuel carried a motion
in the Town Council appointing a Special Committee on Boundaries
with power to confer with the authorities of the various Burghs and
Districts. This Committee, after prolonged and delicate negotiations,
were able to formulate proposals for annexation which were regarded
as equitable by all parties. These were embodied in a Parliamentary
Bill and received the sanction of the Legislature in the Act referred to.
The tenure of office of Sir Samuel Chisholm comprehended a period of
special interest in the history of the country. The death of Queen
Victoria ; the Accession and subsequent Coronation of her son and suc
cessor ; his tragic and dangerous illness ; the War in South Africa — all
these events touched the universal heart of the nation, and made it pulsate
and vibrate with varying emotions. Nowhere in the Empire were these
momentous events viewed with greater solicitude than in Glasgow, and
on every occasion when called upon to voice the public sentiments of
grief and sympathy; of congratulation and joy, Sir Samuel did so
with a grace and dignity which evoked expressions of gratification and
pride from the entire body of the citizens.
When he became Lord Provost the War in South Africa
was in progress. In Glasgow its unhappy effects were keenly felt.
The departure of reservists and volunteers for the Seat of War called
forth the loyalty and patriotism of the citizens in a variety of directions.
The public spirit which animated so many young men in placing their
services at the disposal of their country was fittingly recognised by the
Corporation conferring upon them the right of honorary Burgess-
ship, with all the rights and privileges of Guild Brethren of the
City. The ceremony which took place in the St. Andrew's Halls
on 2nd February, 1900, when the Lord Provost handed over their
Burgess Tickets and the men were entertained to dinner, was one
never to be forgotten. His Lordship's subsequent appearances in
connection with the War were no less appropriate, whether it was as
chairman at the numerous philanthropic entertainments organised on
behalf of the wives of reservists, or welcoming home local regiments
towards the close of the War. The public generally had no idea of the

566 SIR SAMUEL CHISHOLM, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1899-1902.
enormous amount of work thrown upon the Lord Provost by the War.
He attended with regularity the weekly meetings of the small Committee
which was appointed to administer the Relief Fund raised on behalf
of the wives and other dependents of the men at the front. During
the entire period of his Lord Provostship these meetings continued,
requiring an amount of thought and attention, and oftentimes
the conducting of delicate negotiations, which made great demands on
the Lord Provost's time. The manner in which the Fund was controlled
and the absence of any disputes or complaints is eloquent testimony of
the thoroughness and efficiency of the Committee over which the Lord
Provost presided.
Another matter intimately connected with the war, and in which the
Lord Provost rendered signal service, was brought under his notice by
Her Royal Highness the Princess Christian, when she visited Glasgow"
for the purpose of opening the new Hospital for Infectious Diseases at
Ruchill. The Princess on that occasion invited the Lord Provost to:
co-operate with her in the raising of funds in Glasgow towards the
erection of Homes for Disabled Soldiers at Bisley. One interesting
feature of this movement was the endowment of beds by the con
tributions of the children of Great Britain. The Lord Provost entered
heartily into the scheme, and was successful in collecting the handsome
sum of £1,500, which was by far the largest contribution received
from any other district in the Kingdom.
The view which all classes in the community entertained that the City
was worthily represented on all occasions by its civic head was greatly
enhanced during the currency of the Glasgow International Exhibition,
1901, when Sir Samuel Chisholm was called upon, on behalf of the
City, to welcome to Glasgow members of the Royal Family and distin
guished visitors from all parts of the world. Owing to the lamented
death of Queen Victoria, King Edward was prevented from fulfilling
the intention which he was graciously pleased to express of opening the
Exhibition in person, and he accordingly delegated this duty to his
eldest daughter, the Princess Louise, and her husband, the Duke of Fife,
The opening ceremony was performed on 2nd May, amid the
liveliest manifestations of loyalty and enthusiasm on the part of the
citizens. Thereafter the Exhibition, which enjoyed a season of
unparalleled success, was visited from time to time by eminent

SIR SAMUEL CHISHOLM, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1899 1902. 567
personages in all walks of life, and was closed on 9th November, 1901,
after having been visited by 11,497,220 persons, as compared with
5,748,379 persons on the occasion of the Exhibition of 1888. During
the six months of its currency the Lord Provost acquitted himself in the
varied and onerous duties of his office in a manner which commanded the
appreciation and admiration of visitors and residents alike. The Exhibi
tion attracted the attention of many important scientific and technical
institutions, who honoured the City by holding their Annual Meetings
within its borders. These included the British Association for the-
Advancement of Science, the International Engineering Congress,
the International Law Association, the Institution of Naval Architects,
the Institution of Chemical Industries, the Universal Peace Congress,
and others.
An event of more than local interest which was also coincident with
the holding of the Exhibition was the celebration of the Ninth Jubilee
of the University. This historic occasion was signalised by a variety
of important gatherings, and attracted the attention of distinguished
savants from all parts of the world. The Universities of all countries
sent delegates to do honour to the occasion. The Corporation heartily
co-operated with the Court and Senate of the University in entertaining
the distinguished visitors. The bonds of friendship and sympathy
which existed between the City and the University were still further
cemented and strengthened by a Banquet given by the Corporation in
honour of the scholars and men of letters who were in the City.
Sir Samuel Chisholm is a Deputy-Lieutenant ofthe County of Lanark.
He was a member of the Commission appointed by the Government in
1898 to enquire into the operation of existing Acts in relation toGlanders.
On the occasion of the celebration of the ninth jubilee of the Glasgow
University in June, 1901, he received the honorary degree of Doctor of
Laws along with a large number of distinguished savants from all parts
of the world who had assembled in Glasgow to do honour to the
University. He is a member of the Carnegie, Educational Trust for
Scotland, and of numerous Philanthropic and Charitable Institutions.
On the expiration of his term of office as Lord Provost in Nov., 1902,
Sir Samuel offered himself for re election as one of the Representatives
of the Woodside Ward, but was defeated by Mr. Andrew Scott Gibson.
It is a curious coincidence that in this he suffered the same fate as

568 SIR SAMUEL CHISHOLM, BART., LORD PROVOST, 1899-1902.
one of his predecessors in office, ex-Lord Provost Blackie, who, when
he sought re-election after demitting the Chair, was also defeated.
The announcement that His Majesty the King had been graciously
pleased to confer the dignity of a Baronetcy of the United Kingdom
on Sir Samuel Chisholm on 9th November, 1902, was received with
manifestations of appreciation from all parts of the country. It was
felt that public services of a high order and extending over a lengthened
period of years had been fittingly rewarded from the fountain of
honour.

^ut^-mLi~C^^~

JOHN URE PRIMROSE, LORD PROVOST, 1902. 569

MEETING OF TOWN COUNCIL,
NOVEMBER. 1902.

ELECTION OF MAGISTRATES.
The first meeting of the newly-constituted Town Council was held
on 7th November, 1902. Bailie Stevenson, the senior Magistrate,
presided at the opening of the meeting. The proceedings were
opened with prayer by the Rev. Dr. M'Adam Muir.
The Town-Clerk (Sir James Marwick) said if it was the pleasure of
the Council he would hold the Standing Orders as read.
Mr. Burgess said he had an amendment to propose. If he allowed
this opportunity to pass, he understood that he would not be able to do
so for 12 months.
The Town-Clerk said he thought Mr. Burgess was under a mis
apprehension. The amendment of the Standing Orders had been under
the consideration of the Council at last meeting. It was then thought
expedient to postpone consideration till the new Council came into
office. He had no doubt Mr. Burgess would have an early opportunity
of bringing forward anything he thought proper.
Mr. Burgess said this was the statutory meeting at which the
Standing Orders were adopted, and he understood that if he did not
take this opportunity he would be thrown out for a considerable time.
Unless he was ruled out of order he must proceed.
The Chairman said he would suggest that Mr. Burgess should give
notice of his amendment, and no resolution would be come to until it
was discussed.

570 JOHN URE PRIMROSE, LORD PROVOST, 1902.
Mr. Gibson asked whether the affirmation of the Standing Orders did
not bind them for the next six months ?
The Chairman said the Corporation would accept notice now.
Mr. Burgess then gave notice that he would move that Standing
Order III., section B, be amended to read: — Minutes and the rubrics
thereof of previous ordinary meeting and of any special meeting shall
be taken as read, corrected, if need be, and signed by the chairman.
Standing Order III., section G, be amended to read: — Minutes of com
mittees and the rubrics thereof shall be taken as read, and the
business arising therefrom disposed of, priority being accorded to each
committee in turn.
Mr. O'Hare said there was a sub-committee on sub-contracting
which had not reported. He wished to know if, after the Standing
Orders were adopted, there would be an opportunity of discussing
this subject.
The Chairman said — The same remarks apply to this case.
The Town-Clerk said he had received a letter from Mr. Russell stating
that, having been elected member of Council for the Park Ward, and
having accepted office, he had to ask to be relieved of his present
contracts for coal which he held with the Tramways and Electricity
Departments, as he could not continue to have business relations with
any department of the Corporation. He asked that his resignation of
these contracts should be intimated in the proper quarters. Sir James
(continuing) said that this raised a very serious question, which,
however, it was not necessary to decide that day.
Mr. W. F. Anderson said that as the letter had been received, and it
had been intimated that serious consequences were involved under the
Act of 1900, surely some intimation might be made regarding it in view
of the appointments to be made immediately.
The Town-Clerk was understood to say that the matter would not
affect the proceedings to-day.
The Town -Clerk then intimated that the next business was the Elec
tion of Lord Provost.
Mr. Thomas Watson said — I have pleasure in proposing that our
friend and colleague, Ex-Bailie Primrose, be elected Lord Provost.
I am satisfied that he will prove a worthy chief,
Mr. M'Cutcheon seconded.

JOHN URE PRIMROSE, LORD PROVOST, 1902. 571
The motion was unanimously agreed to, and Mr. Primrose made
the necessary declaration and took the oath of office.
Bailie Stevenson said — I have great pleasure in declaring that you
have been unanimously elected to the high office of Lord Provost of
the city — the greatest distinction it is in the power of your colleagues
to confer. And I am glad to add that the unanimity of the Town
Council is heartily shared by the citizens at large, and that you enter
upon your onerous duties with the best wishes of all sections of the
community. I have called them onerous duties, because no one knows
better than yourself how erroneous is the popular impression that great
power and privilege are attached to the chairmanship of this Council,
As convener of the great Standing Committee of which you were so
long the head, you certainly were in a position of greater power than
now, and as occupant of the civic chair you will henceforth rather be
the servant of all. But you will have unrivalled opportunities of
maintaining the high standard of devotion to public duty which has
characterised your predecessors, and of setting an example of civic
patriotism which will be an encouragement and an incentive to your
successors. It will be no easy task to follow the last occupant of the
civic throne ; but, knowing your tact, suavity, and sterling honesty of
purpose, we believe that the great traditions of the high office are in
safe keeping.
Lord Provost Primrose, who had meantime been invested with the
chain of office, and taken the chair, then said — Bailie Stevenson and
gentlemen, I thank you for the cordiality and unanimity with which
you have characterised my elevation to this position of responsibility
and trust. I cannot help remembering the long succession of capable
men who have occupied this chair before me, and the record of their
work is one long story of capacity and faithfulness. You will, I trust,
pardon me if at this moment I remember that I bear the name
of one, Mr. John Ure, whose whole lifework was a record of
faithful service, which was to me ever a stimulus and an inspiration.
I have no higher hope at this moment than that I may walk worthily
in his footsteps. Now, gentlemen, will you permit me to express one
or two thoughts ? What presses most powerfully on me at this time is
the duty and responsibility, as well as the honour and dignity, of the
position in which you have now placed me. I feel and know that the

572 JOHN URE PRIMROSE, LORD PROVOST, 1902.
first duty is to preside over the deliberations of this assembly with
courtesy and impartiality. This I will strive to do. But my duty
cannot be limited to merely presiding ; I must necessarily feel, as I do
and ever have, a warm interest in all the details of organisation in
policy in each department ; the summation of which — if in effective
operation — constitutes sound and healthy municipal government.
Naturally, I have been thinking seriously over all questions affecting
our civic well-being, and would like briefly to express my views as to
the work that lies immediately before us. I think you will readily
agree with me that the rapidity with which municipal government has
developed in Glasgow has made enormous demands on the resources of
every department, and called into existence many new ones. Naturally,
the strain and pressure of these demands have not permitted ofthe careful
attention necessary for full development of such detailed organisation
as would ensure complete control and highest economy and efficiency in
results. Might I suggest a period — not of lethargy, not of indifference
to pressing progressive work — but a period mainly devoted to consoli
dation, reorganisation, and — subject to all these — economy — a period
when, pausing for a space, we take a look at the internal machinery of
this great administrative body, and see whether in all respects it is as
effective as it possibly could be made — effective in the sense that the
different parts are so related to one another as to produce as nearly as
possible complete control and efficiency 1 To attain this end it does
seem to me several things are necessary. In the direction of
reorganisation of departments we might profitably examine and readjust.
I do not think anyone will say that in this respect the work of all
departments is so co-ordinated as to produce the most effective results.
Some means by which committees could be brought into closer touch,
and by which schemes involving large expenditure would be viewed in
their relation to the demands and requirements of other committees,
and, viewed in the aspects of proportion and urgency, would be a step
in the direction of reform. And I am sure it is quite within the
power of this Council to devise such means. In conclusion, let me say
that I shall try to prove worthy of the high honour which you have
conferred on me. I shall lean on you for your support in the discharge
of my duties, and in return I shall endeavour by fairness and impar
tiality to merit continued confidence in my office.

JOHN URE PRIMROSE, LORD PROVOST, 1902. 573
ELECTION OF MAGISTRATES.
The Lord Provost then moved that Councillor Simon Dallas be
elected a Bailie of the burgh. Bailie D. M. Stevenson seconded the
motion, and the motion was adopted.
The Lord Provost moved that Councillor John Fulton Miller be elected
a Bailie of the burgh. Bailie Calderwood seconded, and the motion was
adopted. The Lord Provost moved that Councillor Peter Gordon Stewart be
elected a Bailie of the burgh. Bailie Sorley seconded the motion,
which was carried. ,
The Lord Provost moved that Councillor Hugh Alexander be elected
a Bailie of the burgh. Bailie Alexander Brown seconded, and the
motion was adopted.
The Lord Provost moved that Councillor James Hamilton be elected
a Bailie of the burgh. Bailie Finlay seconded the motion, which was
carried. The Lord Provost moved that Councillor George Mitchell be elected
a Bailie of the burgh. Bailie A. M. Dunlop seconded the motion,
which was adopted.
The Lord Provost moved that Councillor Edward Watson be elected
a Bailie of the burgh. Bailie Richard Browne seconded the motion,
and it was adopted.
The Lord Provost moved that Councillor Alexander M'Cutcheon be
elected the Treasurer of the burgh. Councillor Alexander Murray
seconded the motion, which was carried.
The Lord Provost moved that Councillor Archibald M'Innes
Shaw be elected the Bailie of the River and Firth of Clyde. Councillor
Burrell seconded the motion.
Mr. William Martin — I beg to move that Councillor Taggart be
appointed. The Lord Provost — I would point out that you were a party to an
honourable understanding yesterday.
Mr. William Martin — No, my Lord, I was not.
The Lord Provost — You did not intimate any dissent.
Mr. Martin — I did not intimate dissent, but I have a right to speak.
Mr. Alexander Murray — We came to an understanding yesterday

574 JOHN URE PRIMROSE, LORD PROVOST, 1902.
upon that point; and I deprecate very much any proposal of this kind
being made.
Mr. Taggart — I hope Mr. Martin will not press this motion.
Mr. Martin made no further motion, and Councillor Shaw was
accordingly appointed.
The Lord Provost moved that Councillor David Willox be elected
Depute Bailie of the River and Firth of Clyde. Councillor Robert
Anderson seconded the motion, and it was adopted.
The Corporation thereafter appointed the following members, who
have each held the office of Bailie of the city and royal burgh, to act as
judges in the Police Courts of the city and royal burgh during such
time as they respectively continue to be members of the Corporation
without re-election, viz. : — Councillors James Willock, John Ferguson,
James Henderson Martin, William Bilsland, Walter Paton, William
Maclay, Alexander Murray, and James Dick.
On the motion of the Lord Provost Councillor Robert Graham was
nominated and appointed Master of Works for the current year, and
was invested with the insignia of his office.

JOHN URE PRIMROSE, LORD PROVOST, 1902.

575

List of the Members of the Town Council and Principal Officials during
the Lord Provostship of John Ure Primrose.

19 02.

The Hon. John Ure Primrose, Lord
Provost.
Daniel Macaulay Stevenson, Bailie.
Thomas Calderwood, do.
Robert Sorley, do.
Alexander Brown, do.
Wilham Finlay, do.
Adam Morton Dunlop, do.
Richard Browne, do.
Simon Dallas, do.
John Fulton Millar, do.
Peter Gordon Stewart, do.
Hugh Alexander, do.
James Hamilton, do.
George Mitchell, do.
Edward Watson, do.
The Right Hon. The Lord Inverclyde,
Dean of Guild.
Matthew White, Deacon Convener.
Alexander M'Cutcheon, Treasurer.
Robert Graham, Master of Works.
Archibald M'Innes Shaw, Bailie of
the River and Firth of Clyde.
David Willox, Deputy Bailie of the
River and- Firth of Clyde.
David Morrin, Bailie of Provan.
Sir James David Marwick, LL.D.,
Town Clerk.
Robert Renwick, Deputy Town Clerk.
James Georgb Monro, Deputy Town
Clerk.
John Bowers, Deputy Town-Clerk.
William Johnstone, B.L. , do.
James Nicol, City Chamberlain.
FIRST WARD.
Hugh Alexander.
William Warden.
James Willock. SECOND WARD.
Roderick Scott.
William Bow.
John Ferguson, THIRD WARD.
James Hamilton.
Alexander Kennedy.
George Mitchell. 38

Thomas Eaton Robinson, C.A., Regis
trar under Loans Act, and City
Accountant.
William Gibb, City- Cashier.
Alexander Beith' M'Donald, City
Engineer and Surveyor.
John Smith Samuel, Secretary to the
Lord Provost.
George Neilson, Writer, Procurator-
Fiscal oj Police, of Burgh and City
and Dean of Guild and Provan
Courts, and Joint Procurator-
Fiscal in River Bailie Court.
George Young, Daniel M.Alexander,
George W. T. Robertson,
Alexander Hamilton Aiton,
Thomas MacQuaker and William
Gibson, Assessors and Clerks oj
Police Courts.
Archibald Alison Young, Interim
Assessor and Clerk of Police Courts.
William Millar Douglas, Joint Pro
curator-Fiscal in River Bailie Court.
James Muirhead, Assessor and Clerk
to the River Bailie Court.
James Henry, Assessor under the Lands
Valuation Acts, and under the Regis
tration of Voters Acts.
Charles M'Donald, Chiej Inspector of
Weights and Measures, and Officer
under Petroleum Acts.
Hector M'Leod, Council Officer.
William Macleod, Chamber- Keeper.
FOURTH WARD.
Hugh Blair.
David Willox.
James Henderson Martin.
FIFTH WARD.
George Taggart.
Hugh Brechin.
William Wallace.
SIXTH WARD.
Patrick O'Hare.
Andrew Scott Gibson.
James Johnstone.

576

JOHN URE PRIMROSE, LORD PROVOST, 1902.

SEVENTH WARD.
Archibald Jkffrey Hunter.
Richard Browne.
Michael Joseph Connell.
EIGHTH WARD.
William Forsyth.
William Finlay.
Joseph Burgess. NINTH WARD.
Henry Steven.
Adam Morton Dunlop.
James Fraser. TENTH WARD.
Robert Graham.
Thomas Watson.
William Burrell.
ELEVENTH WARD.
Robert Anderson.
Robert Sorley.
John Fulton Miller.
TWELFTH WARD.
Edward Watson.
Thomas Dunlop. '
Joseph Paton Maclay.
THIRTEENTH WARD.
Robert Sommerville Brown.
Edward Guest.
William Bilsland.
FOURTEENTH WARD.
James Alexander.
John M'Farlane.
Alex. Bryce Kirkpatrick.
FIFTEENTH WARD.
John Bruoe Murray.
Alexander Brown.
William F. Russell.

SIXTEENTH WARD.
John Carswell.
James Gray.
Simon Dallas.

SEVENTEENTH WARD.
Daniel Macaulay Stevenson.
William Martin.
Andrew Scott Gibson.
EIGHTEENTH WARD.
John Battersby.
Peter Gordon Stewart.
Jamks Boyd.
NINETEENTH WARD.
Andrew Motherwell.
William Fleming Anderson.
Archibald Campbell.
TWENTIETH WARD.
John Sheaher.
Walter Paton.
John Ure Primrose.
TWENTY-FIRST WARD.
Thomas Calderwood.
Alexander M'Cutcheon.
John Garey.
TWENTY-SECOND WARD.
James Hunter.
Alexander Sinclair.
William Maclay.
TWENTY-THIRD WARD.
James Steele.
Morris Carswell.
Alexander Murray.
TWENTY FOURTH WARD.
James M. Thomson.
Robert M'Farlane Mitchell.
i James Dick.

TWENTY-FIFTH WARD.
Harry Carrick Webster.
Charles John Cleland.
Archibald M'Innes Shaw.

JOHN URE PRIMROSE, LORD PROVOST, 1902. 577

Note. — It will be observed that Mr. Scott Gibson appears in the
foregoing list as a representative of both the VI. and XVII. Wards.
While having two years of his term as a Representative of the VI.
Ward unexpired, Mr. Gibson successfully contested the XVII. Ward
against the retiring Lord Provost (Sir Samuel Chisholm, Bart.), and
thereafter intimated his intention to sit for same, resigning his repre
sentation of the VI. Ward. The Town Clerk took the opinion of the
Court of Session on the legal issues thus raised, and they gave a deliver
ance sustaining the competency of Mr. Gibson's action, thus creating
a vacancy in the VI. Ward, which at date of publication is not yet filled.
In the XV. Ward Mr. W. F. Russell appears as the junior Represen
tative, having been returned at the recent election. Thereafter it
transpired that, under the Town Councils (Scotland) Act, 1900, Mr.
Russell was ineligible, having been nominated while holding a contract
from the Corporation. Consequently he intimated his resignation, and
also requested the Corporation to transfer his contract to another firm,
so as to relieve him from his ineligibility, which they did.
New elections in both the VI. and XV. Wards were ordered to take
place on 23rd December, 1902.

"578 JOHN URE PRIMROSE, LORD PROVOST, 1902.

THE HON. THE LORD PEOVOST
1902.

The Corporation performed a graceful act when they unanimously
elected Mr. John Ure Promroee as Lord Provost, in succession to Sir
Samuel Chisholm. When the latter was elevated to the civic chair in
November, 1899, Mr. Primrose was also nominated, but withdrew
in Sir Samuel's favour. He entered the Town Council in
1886, as one of the representatives of the sixteenth ward and has been
.periodically returned without opposition ever since. He is a partner
in the firm of Messrs. William Primrose & Sons, Flour Merchants
and Millers, Centre Street Flour Mills, Tradeston. It is an interesting
fact that the firm are trading on practically the same spo.t. of ground
in Tradeston, where Mr. Primrose's grandfather founded the business
in 1799, and the fourth generation are now carrying it on.
Mr. Primrose belongs to a family with Municipal traditions of the
most honourable character, and although the principle of hereditary
succession does not apply in Municipal matters, it is a noteworthy
fact that Mr. Primrose now occupies the chair which was at one time
filled with conspicuous ability and success by his uncle, whose name
he bears, the late John Ure, LL.D., who was Lord Provost from 1880
to 1883, and whose services to the City, especially in the department
of public health, have resulted in incalculable benefit to the citizens.
These are mentioned in an earlier portion of this volume and it is
unnecessary to refer to them at length.
It is pleasing to know, however, that the same enterprising and
progressive policy which characterized the public work of his uncle,
inspires Mr. Primrose. Singularly free from fads, his one purpose is to
promote the welfare of the City, and to minister to the many sided
requirements of its complex organism. He has ever been found
espousing liberal and beneficent schemes of administration, considering

JOHN URE PRIMROSE, LORD PROVOST, 1902. 570
first the highest good of the community and subordinating to a secondary
plane considerations of mere pecuniary economy — being always alive
to the altogether too ransom price at which such economy can often be
secured. It is a noteworthy fact that Mr. -Primrose is only the second Lord
Provost within living memory who has been a smoker.
With regard to his personal qualities universal testimony affirms
that his wise and prudent judgement, and the heartiness with which
he throws himself into every duty to which he is called, the continued
endeavour to do his duty without fear or favour, his willingness to help
in all cases of distress, his tender-heartedness, and his sympathy in every
work in which he is associated, have commended themselves to his
colleagues in the Corporation in such a manner, as to inspire in them
the desire to confer on him the highest honour in their gift by electing
him to the civic chair. Outside the Council his work is not less
recognised and appreciated. To every benevolent and philanthropic
and literary Society in Glasgow which had asked his assistance he has
ever frankly and freely given it.
Mr. Primrose was born in Glasgow on October 16th, 1847. He is
the son of the late Mr. William Primrose, one of the typical citizens
of St. Mungo — the number of whom is fast decreasing — who have
made the name of Glasgow synonymous with all that stands for upright
ness and business probity in the commerce of the world.
Mr. Primrose married Miss Anna Wylie, daughter of Mr. A. S.
Wylie, now of Crouchend, London, formerly well known in commercial
circles in Glasgow. The City entertains high expectations of Mrs.
Primrose and of her ability to assist her husbaud in the discharge of
the social duties which devolve upon the chief magistrate. Every
confidence is expressed that she will not only worthily maintain, but
add lustre to the traditions of the long line of Lady Provosts who
have had a more important part than is generally understood in
building up and perpetuating the prestige of the City in the eye3 of the
country. Possessed of a dignified and gracious personality she has
already won for herself golden opinions in many spheres of activity.
She is deeply interested in the welfare of the poor, and as the President
of one of the City divisions of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Help Society
she has welcomed and cheered many a home-sick soldier on his return

580 JOHN URE PRIMROSE, LORD PROVOST, 1902.
from the seat of war, and been instrumental in placing them in a
position to earn an honourable livelihood.
Mr. Primrose is a Justice of Peace and a Deputy Lieutenant of the
County of the City of Glasgow, and a Director of the Yorkshire
Insurance Company. His hobbies are Photography, Music, Bowling,
and Travel. His greatest pleasure for many years has been to travel
around with a Camera, and in the winter evenings it has been a delight
to him to exhibit the works on a screen, and describe the scenery or
incidents which at the moment had hit his fancy. Thousands of
citizens have spent happy hours over these instructive and pleasing
lectures, and large sums of money have by their means been raised
on behalf of many institutions. He is a vocalist of no mean order
and at the Annual " Water Trip " and other Corporation functions,
his services in this direction have been in constant request. He was
for twenty years honorary conductor of the choir of the Ibrox United
Free Church. He was elected a Bailie of the Burgh in 1891, and held
that office for five years — occupying the senior magistrate's chair in
1895. Prior to his entry into the Municipal Council of Glasgow, he
held office as a Commissioner of Police of the Burgh of Govan.
The geniality and devotion to duty displayed by him during his
public career excited amongst his colleagues a desire to acknowledge in
some more tangible way than by mere formal words the deep respect
in which they held him. That determination took definite shape, and
on 5th December, 1895, he was presented with his portrait. It was
subscribed for by members of the Town Council and the Clyde Trust,
and as Sir James Bell stated when making the presentation, the
occasion was entirely unique in the history of Glasgow.
Mr. Primrose was for many years Convener of the Watching and
Lighting Committee. While he held this position he was instrumental
in securing the erection of the present handsomely-equipped Fire
Station in Ingram Street, which took the place of the inconvenient and
obsolete establishment in College Street. Nor did the improvements
which he advocated in this important department of municipal adminis
tration end here. During his convenership New Fire Stations were
erected in the Southern and Northern Districts of the City so that at
the present moment the Fire Brigade is able to cope in an adequate and
expeditious manner with any conflagration which may take place.

JOHN URE PRIMROSE, LORD PROVOST, 1902. 581
It early dawned upon the Lord Provost that many of the more
serious outbreaks of fire which occurred in the City were the result of
defective construction in the buildings affected, and that if the risk of
fire were to be reduced more direct supervision would require to be
•exercised in the erection of buildings. Accordingly, acting on his
advice and that of the Watching and Lighting Committee, the
Corporation promoted in Parliament the Buildings Regulation Bill of
1892, which secured greater control over new buildings and conse
quently less risk of fire. The Bill dealt with a number of nice
questions of building construction, including provisions in the interests
of sanitation against the steady increase of congested areas and against
the perpetuation of old evils in the outskirts of the City. The measure
consequently met with fierce opposition from the landed interest.
Despite that, however, Mr. Primrose and his Committee valiantly
fought all hostile critics, and placed so convincing a case before
Parliament that the Bill received the Royal Assent.
He was one of the Corporation representatives on the Clyde
Trust — a position which he now vacates to assume the Chair
manship of the Trust. His past experience of its affairs will be of
inestimable advantage to the Trust in the immediate future when they
are called upon to consider the serious question of widening and
deepening the river.
The year 1901, constituted a period of special activity in the City
owing mainly to the Glasgow International Exhibition held at Kelvin
grove. This important undertaking which achieved such a conspicuous
financial success attracted distinguished bodies and individuals from all
parts of the world, and the organisation of the various committees of
the Exhibition entailed a very considerable amount of labour on the
conveners and members thereof. In this work Mr. Primrose took his
full share. As Vice-Convener of the Music Entertainments &c.
Committee, his services were in great request and only those who were
familiar with the excellent programmes which were daily submitted during
the entire period of the Exhibition, can appreciate the amount of
thought and time which required to be expended before the results
which commanded the admiration of every visitor were attained.
Among the many distinguished bodies which made Glasgow the locus
of their annual meeting, none evoked greater interest or called forth

582 JOHN URE PRIMROSE, LORD PROVOST, 1902.
more universal manifestations of welcome than the British Association
for the Advancement of Science. It had not visited Glasgow since 1876,
and it was no light task to which the local Executive Committee
addressed themselves to provide in an adequate manner, and worthy of
the traditions of Glasgow for the large number of eminent scientists
from all parts of the world who attended the meeting. It is gratifying
to know that the local arrangements were of the most ample and
successful character, and called forth expressions of appreciation from
the savants for whose benefit they were undertaken. No one took a
greater and more personal interest in these arrangements than Mr.
Primrose, and he was ably assisted by his wife. As convener of the
Excursions Committee he organised a series of trips to many interesting
local places of interest, and displayed a personal responsibility for the
arrangements, which contributed much to the success which attended
them. Accompanied by Mrs. Primrose he took charge of the party to
Loch Lomond and the manner in which they attended to the comfort
and pleasure of the visitors is still the subject of grateful appreciation.
He kept open houpe at his residence, Redholme, Dumbreck, during the
entire period of the meeting, and entertained in the most generous
manner large numbers of the members of the Association. Thus he
placed the local Committee under a debt of obligation which it is
difficult too highly to appraise.
At the period of writing Lord Provost Primrose is only entering on
his tenure of office as Chief Magistrate of the City, but from his high
personal character, his known devotion to duty, and the thoroughness
with which he has discharged every public labour to which he has put
his hand it is easy to prophesy that his occupancy of the' civic chair
will in no respect fall behind the most brilliant epochs of its history
and that in his keeping the honourable traditions of the City will be
worthily maintained.

INDEX.

Act, Ballot, 291.
„ Improvement, of I860, 234.
„ Police, of 1843, 73.
Aitkinson, Thomas, 311.
Albert Bridge, 272, 275, 279.
Albert, Prince, 206.
Albert- Victor, Prince, 400.
Alfred, Prince, 213, 235, 255, 293.
Alice. Princess, 76, 337.
Alison, Sir Archibald, 253.
American Ambassador, 427.
Anderson's College Medical School, 427.
Anderson, George, M.P., 400, 401.
Anderson, Sir James, Lord Provost,
107, 129.
Archaeological Association, British, 425.
Art Gallery, Foundation stone laid, 523 ;
Formal opening of, 559.
Arthur, James, 486.
Arthur, Prince, 257, 337.
Arthur, William Rae, Lord Provost, viii.,
246, 261, 277, 523.
Athenaeum, The, 420, 422.
Bain, Sir James, Lord Provost, ix., 281,
292, 300, 319, 336, 337, 457, 522, 526.
Baird, John, 274.
Balfour, Lord, of Burleigh, 555.
Balfour, A. J., 457, 492, 527.
Bank, Failure of City of Glasgow, 337,
423, 424, 426.
Western, 180.
Bannerman, H. Campbell, M.P., 68.
Barclay, Very Rev. Principal, 291.
Baronv Church, 427, 550.
Bateman, J. F., 163, 188, 190.
Baths, Springburn opened, 525.
Baths, Maryhill opened, 526.
Beaoonsfield, Earl of, 292.
Beatrice, Princess, 401.
BeUahouston Park, 491.
Bell, Sir James, Bart., Lord Provost, 467,
485, 490, 491, 493, 495, 490.
Bell, Henry, 88.
Bell, Sheriff, 293.

Bells, New Musical, 368.
Berry, Sheriff-Principal, 419.
Blackie, John, Lord Provost, 220, 237,
253, 291.
Blind Asylum, 419.
Bloemfontein occupied by Earl Roberts,
550.
Botanic Gardens, 420, 456.
Boyd, Chief Constable, 423.
Boys' Brigade, 480.
Bridge, Kelvingrove Park, 490.
Bright, Right Hon. John, M.P., 87, 234,
370.
British Association, 522, 524, 555.
British Medical Association, 425.
Brougham, Lord, 190.
Brown, James, Council Officer, 363, 455.
Buchanan, Rev. Dr., 209.
Buchanan Retreat, 454, 485.
Buchanan, Walter, M.P., 166, 168, 190.
Bunhouse Grounds, 490.
Burns, Rev. George Stewart, 493.
Burns, Robert, Poet, 181, 317.
Bute, Marquis of, 457.
Caird, Principal, 526, 527, 552.
Cambridge, Duke of, 337, 426, 460.
Cameron, Sir Charles, 486, 491.
Cameron, Dr. Hector, Knighted, 551.
Cameron-Corbett, A., M.P., 527.
Campbell, Sir Colin, 164, 255.
Campbell, Sir James, Lord Provost, 62,
68, 313.
Campbell, James, of Tullichewan, 555.
Campbell, J. A., M.P., 68.
CampbeU, Thomas, Poet, 291, 336.
CampbeU, WiUiam, 68, 70, 95.
Canal Boatmen's Institute, 460.
Cancer Hospital, 454, 495.
Candlish, Prof, died, 521.
Carnegie, Andrew, 555.
Carriage Manufacturers, Institute of, 425.
Carrick, John, 318, 453, 460.
Cathedral, 400, 525.
Cathkin Braes Park, 403, 422.

584

INDEX.

Central Railway (underground) opened,
494.
Cessnock Docks, 487, 523.
Chamberlain, Joseph, 495, 524.
Channel Fleet, 256, 294.
Chemical Industry, Society of, 424, 554.
Children's Day, 522, 529, 551.
Chinese Ambassador, Visit of, 549.
Chisholm, Sir Samuel, LL.D., Lord
Provost, 538, 554, 559, 560.
Cholera, 144.
Christian, Princess, 486, 551.
City Boundaries, 422, 427, 455, 457.
Cleansing Department, 526.
Cleansing Superintendents, Association
of, 509.
Clouston, Peter, Lord Provost, 197, 214,
426.
Clyde Defences, 424.
Clyde Trust, 400, 402, 403, 420.
Cobden, Richard, 73, 87.
Coleridge, Lord Chief-Justice, 420.
CoUege, Old, 234.
CoUins, Sir WiUiam, Lord Provost, ix.,
324, 340, 350, 363, 368, 490.
CoUins' Institute, 421, 422.
Colonial and Indian Troops, Visit of, 559.
Colonial Premiers' Visit, 522, 558.
Colquhoun, James, LL.D., 486.
Congregational Union Meeting, 559.
Congress, Social Science, 190, 294.
Connal, Sir Michael, 398, 401, 486.
Convention of Royal Burghs, 371, 525.
Coronation of King Edward, 559.
Council, Scene in, 148.
County, Glasgow created a, 487.
Court, Circuit, 363.
Crarae Quarries Disaster, 403.
Crematorium opened, 491.
Crimean Army Fund, 158.
„ Banquet, 161.
Cross, Sir Richard A, M.P., 313.
" Cumberland " Training Ship Burned,
427.
Cunninghame, Andrew, 291, 292, 403.
Dalglish, R., M.P., 104, 166, 171, 294.
Dalhousie, Earl of, 272.
Dalmarnock Bridge opened, 455.
Dawsholm Gas Works Explosion, 454.
Deas, James, 489, 549.
Demonstration, Reform, 234.
Dickens, Charles, 106.
Dickson, Professor, 556.
Doulton Fountain, 454.

Dreghorn, David, 311.
Drummond, Prof. Henry, 521, 557.
Dunlop, Henry, Lord Provost, 40, 60.
Dunlop, James, of ToUcross, 485.
Eadie, Rev. Dr., 312.
Eastpark House, 526.
Edward, King, 553, 558, 559.
Elder, John, Chair of Naval Architecture,
397.
Elder Park, Govan, 398, 401.
„ John, Statue, 425.
Electric Lighting, Introduction of, 453,
485, 528.
Elgin, Lord, 163.
Engineering, International Congress, 555.
Eugenie, Empress of French, 204.
Ewing, James, LL.D., Lord Provost, 1.
Executions, Regulations of, 255.
Exhibition (1888), 404, 420, 423, 427.
Exhibition (1901), 525, 528, 553, 554,
556,
Ewing, Sir Archd.-Orr, 487.
Family Home, 489.
Fawcett, Mr., Lord-Rector, 397.
Fenian Scare, 255.
Ferguson, Dr. Fergus, 524.
Ferry Boat upset, 236.
Fire Station, New Central, 550.
Fleet, Visit of, 402, 422, 425, 488.
Fleming, General, 99.
Fleming, Bailie, Joint-Provost, 42, 63, 65.
Forbes, Arthur, 163.
Forster, Rt. Hon. W. E., 370.
Fountain, Kelvingrove Park, 291.
Free (United) Church Assembly, 558.
Franchise BiU, 399.
Frere, Sir Bartle, 293.
Gairdner, Prof. Sir Wm., 528.
Galbraith, Andrew, Lord Provost, 173,
191, 369.
Garfield, President, 363.
Gas Engineers, Incorporated Institution
of, 494.
Gas Works, Partick, purchased, 426, 456.
Gemmel, John. 312.
Gemmel, Stipendiary, 487.
Gilbert, John Graham, 318.
Gilmour, WiUiam, 4, 24.
Gladstone, Rt. Hon. W. E., 234, 337, 526,
528. Statue of, 559.
Glasgow Bridge, 487, 495, 521, 529.

INDEX.

585

Gorbals Library, 556.
Gordon, General, 400.
Gorst, Sir John E., 487, 489.
Gourlay, Robert, LL.D., —
Govan Municipal Buildings, 527.
Graham, Donald, 553.
Grahame, Robt., Lord Provost, 1, 12, 23.
Grahame, Thomas, 12, 13.
Graham, Thomas, F.R.S., 290.
Graham, Wm., 401.
Grant, George, 222.
Grant, General, 317.
Grant, Prof. Robert, 460.
Graving Dock, New, 403.
Green, Glasgow, 522.
Great Western Road Bridge, 456'.
Hamilton, James, 300, 360.
Hanbury, Right Hon. R. W., 555.
Harcourt, Sir W. V., 368.
Hartington, Marquis of, 318.
Hastie, Alexander, Lord Provost, 91, 102,
109, 143.
Health, Institute of Public, 494.
Herald, the. Glasgow, 368.
Highland Agricultural Show, 425.
High School, 422, 524.
„ Cadet Corps, 557.
Hill, Laurence, 14.
Hutcheson Square, 419.
Hospital for Sick Children, 399.
Hozier Convalescent Home, 486.
Ibrox Park Disaster, 557.
Improvement, City, 421, 460.
Indian Famine Fund, 521, 550.
Industrial Shelter, 489.
Infirmary, Western, 275.
Inverclyde, Lord, 522.
Institute of Fine Arts, 493.
Iron and Steel Institute, 401.
Jamieson, Rev. Dr., 339.
Johnson, Hon. Reverdy, 257.
Journalists, Institute of, 460.
Kelvin Estate purchased, 144.
Kelvin, Lord, 458, 493, 529.
Kingston Dock, 254.
King Edward VII., 553, 558, 559.
King, Rev. Dr., 398.
King, Sir James, Lord Provost, 409, 429,
. 456.
Labqur Bureau, 492,

Ladysmith, Relief of, 550.
Laing, John, 345.
Laird, Sir WiUiam, 520, 554.
Lang, Rev. J. Marshall, Principal of
Aberdeen University, 550, 551.
Lawrence, Sir John, 189.
Leopold, Prince, 311, 369, 399.
Liberal Club, 422.
Libraries, PubUc, 400.
Library, Association of the U. K., 426.
Lifeboat Saturday Movement, 486.
Livingstone, Dr., 167, 170, 337.
Lord Mayor of London's Visit, 456, 554.
Lome, Marquis of, 275, 292, 398, 426.
Lowe, Hon. Robert, 234, 291.
Lumsden, James, Lord Provost, 77, 86.
207.
Lumsden, Sir James, Lord Provost, 241,
257, 258, 337.
Lushington, Prof., 400.
Lytton, Lord, 422, 427.
Macaulay, Hon. T. B., 117.
M'Call, Chief-Constable, 423.
M'Culloch, Horatio, 308.
M'Donald, Ex-Bailie A. G:, 493.
M'Donald, Colonel Sir Hector, 529.
M'Ewan, WiUiam, 398, 487.
Macfarlan, Very Rev. Principal, 180.
M'Grigor, A. B., LL.D., 487.
M'Leod, Sir George, 459.
Macleod, Dr. Norman, 290, 368.
M'Lennan, Deacon-Convener, 489.
M'Onie, Sir WiUiam, Lord Provost, 383,
405, 422, 488.
M'Onie, Ex-Deacon Convener, 402.
Macnee, Sir Daniel, 308, 311.
Mafeking, Relief of, 550.
Magistrates' Robes, 308.
Martin, James, 485.
Marwick, Dr., 292.
Matheson, Sir Donald, 553.
Mechanical Engineers, Institute of, 491.
MiUbrae Bridge, Langside, 527.
Mills, William, Lord Provost, 24, 38, 55.
MitcheU, John, 92, 242, 368.
MitcheU Library, 294, 318, 527.
Moir, James, 111, 135, 171, 283.
Moore, Dr. Samuel, 488.
Morrison, Dr., F. C. Training CoUege, 458.
M.P.'s, first time three elected, 257.
Municipal Act of 1846, 101.
MundeUa, A. J., 398.
Municipal Buildings, 339, 369, 422, 428,
459, 553.

586

INDEX.

Muir, Sir John, Lord Provost, 438, 460,
461, 487.
Muir, Rev. P. M'Adam, 493.
Munro, Alexander, S.S.C., 276.
Murray, WiUiam, of Monkland, 181.
Museum, West End Park, 309.
Naval Architects, Institute of, 425, 554.
Northcote, Sir Stafford, 369.
" Orion " S.S. wrecked, 128.
Orr, Sir Andrew, Lord Provost, 152, 169.
Orr, James, 171.
Osborne, Alex., 422, 523, 550.
Oswald, James, 311.
Ottawa, Great Fire at, 550.
Oude, Prince of, 166.
Overtoun, Lord, 486.
Palmerston, Lord, 146, 208.
Parishes, City and Barony amalgamated.
528.
Peace, Announcement of, 558.
Pearce, W.H., 99, 101.
Pearce, Sir WiUiam, 401, 421, 427, 489.
Peel, Sir Robert, 181.
People's Palace opened, 525.
Police, City, 453.
Population, 455.
Post Office, 313, 459.
Pretoria occupied by Lord Roberts, 551.
Primrose, Lord Provost John Ure, 492,
569, 578.
Princess Royal, 71, 180.
Pritchard, Dr., 233.
Provan Gas Works, 551.
Queen Margaret College, 485, 489.
Queen's Park Opened, 207.
Queen's Prize, 489.
Ramage, Dr., 105.
Readman, George, 459.
Reddie, James, LL.D., 5, 41, 143.
Reformation, Tri-Centenary, 205.
Reid, James, 488, 492.
Reith, Mr. George, 399, 453.
Richmond, Sir David, 507, 528, 530, 531.
Richmond Park, 529.
Riots, Glasgow, 100.
Roberton, Sir James, 428, 455.
Roberts, Lord, 486.
Robertson, Rev. F. L., 485.
Rosebery, Earl of, 294, 454, 525, 530, 552,
559.

Royal Infirmary, 426, 489.
RuchiU Park, 459.
Ruchill Hospital, 491, 551.
Russell, Lord John, 87.
RusseU, Dr., Medical Officer, 527
Russia, Emperor of, 363.
Rutherglen Bridge, 494.
Salisbury, Marquis of, 455.
Salmon, James, 245, 267, 280.
Salterscroft Dock, 311.
Samaritan Hospital for Women, 494.
Sandford, Lord, Memorial to, 520.
Sanitary Association of Scotland, 424.
School of Art, 526.
School Board, 292.
Scott, Sir Walter, 275.
Seton, B. W., appointed Postmaster, 551.
Sewage Scheme, 524, 529.
Shaftesbury, Earl of, 276.
Siam, Crown Prince of, 555.
Smart, James, 117.
Smeal, William, 17.
Smith, John Guthrie, 489.
Smith, J. Parker, M.P., 453.
Smith, Madeline H, 167.
South African War, 529, 549, 550, 558.
Spens, Sheriff, Death of, 551.
Springburn Park, 459.
Halls, 527, 552.
„ Winter Garden, 527.
St. Andrew's Halls, 309, 453.
Stanley, Lord, 257.
Stanley, H. M., 291, 400, 453.
Star Music Hall Catastrophe, 399.
Steele, Robert, 172.
Stewart, Robert, Lord Provost, 132, 143,
145.
Stewart, A. B., of Montreal, 308.
Stewart, Andrew, 492, 555.
St. George's-in-the-Fields Church des
troyed by Fire, 399, 401.
Stirling's Library, 457.
St. Mungo's CoUege, 428.
Stobcross Dock, 318.
Story, Principal, 526.
Strang, Dr. John, 89, 163, 233.
Subway, 420, 520, 528.
Tay Bridge, 338.
Teacher, Adam, 525.
Technical CoUege, 419, 552.
Telephones, Corporation, 521, 550, 553.
Templeton's Factory, Disaster at, 428,
Theatre Royal, Dunlop Street, 117. 207.

INDEX.

587

Theatre Royal Burned, 490. Re-opened,
491.
Thomson, Sir WiUiam, 236 (see Lord
Kelvin).
ToUcross Park, 495, 522.
Torrens, James, 324.
Trades' Congress, 460.
Tramways Opened, 291.
Tramways, Corporation, 487, 488, 494,
520, 527.
Trevelyan, Sir G. 0., 488.
Tunnel, Harbour, 490.
Turner, Angus, 291, 313.
Udston Colliery Disaster, 421.
University, New, 256, 274.
University, 398, 401, 520, 554.
Ure, John, LL.D., Lord Provost, x.,
345, 371, 374, 399, 402, 492, 554.
Veitch, Professor, Memorial, 520.
Veterinary Association, National, Visit
Glasgow, 459.
Victoria Bridge, 128, 143.
Victoria Infirmarv, 419, 424, 453.
Victoria, Queen, * 72, 99. 122, 143, 312,
402, 421, 425, 521, 522, 552, 553.
Volunteers Employed on Active Service,
549, 556.

Waddel, Alex., 486.
Wales, Prince of, 71, 76, 182, 207, 256,
312, 313, 336, 550.
WaUace Monument, 206.
Water Works, Gorbals, 234.
„ Loch Katrine, 160, 163.
„ „ Opening of, 182.
Water Supply, 397, 402, 454, 486, 490,
493, 554.
Watson, Sir James, Lord Provost, viii.,
280, 294, 295, 369, 428.
Watson, WUliam West, 233.
Weir, on Clyde, 557-
Wellington, Duke of, 143.
White, James, of Overtoun, 309, 398, 456.
White, John CampbeU, of Overtoun (see
Overtoun).
Whitevale Baths, 558.
Wolseley, Lord, 488, 524.
Women's Diseases Hospital,. 455.
WyUe, HiU & Co.'s Warehouse destroyed
by Fire, 426.
Wylie & Lochhead's Warehouse Destroyed
by Fire, 397.
York, Duke and Duchess of, 486, 523.
Young, James, of KeUy, 290.

1190

1

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