The Prince of Wales next gave "The Army, Navy, and Reserve Forces," saying, in doing so, that every Englishman was proud of the land and sea forces of his country, and he always hoped they were in a highly efficient state. At the same time the Prince sincerely trusted that the occasion might never arise in which the Army and Navy might be called forth to battle with those countries so many of whose representatives were present that evening.
General Sir William Knollys made a brief reply. The Prince of Wales then gave as the toast of the evening: "Prosperity to the German Hospital." He said:--
"I can only regret that a toast of so much importance as this is has not fallen into better hands than mine, but, whatever my shortcomings, I am sure you will take the will for the deed. This toast has been given for a great many successive years, and the few remarks that I have to make to you will not be new to the great portion of the vast assembly who are gathered here this evening. At the same time, as I am your chairman, I think it my duty to make a few observations in connexion with the German Hospital.
"As most of you are doubtless aware, it has 103 beds generally full, and last year the total in-and out-patients amounted to about 18,000. Of these there were 1300 in-patients, of whom 240 were English. Besides the hospital there is a sanitarium, to which 42 persons were admitted. The rooms there are unfortunately limited in number, but the occupants are rather of a well-to-do class, such as professors, governesses, clerks, and others, who, in return for the services rendered to them, give a small sum of money towards defraying the necessary costs. Last year the expenses of the hospital were very heavy, amounting to £6500, exclusive of £600 for improvements. This, I hear, is likely to be increased considerably in the next accounts, owing to the continuous rise of prices. Fortunately, I am able to announce to you that the receipts nearly covered the expenditure. The fixed income, however, can only be put down at £1200 or £1300 a year, and the authorities of the hospital, to carry it on successfully and to keep it out of debt, have to collect annually between £4000 and £5000.