PURCHASE OF CRYSTAL PALACE.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1742, 6 May 1913, Page 5

PURCHASE OF CRYSTAL PALACE.

FOR TRANSFER TO THE PUBLIC By TcteEraph—Press Association—OonyrigM London, (May 1. 'Die Earf of Plymouth has purchased tile Crystal Palace: His intention is to transfer it to the public at the same prico as ho paid for it. LORD PLYMOUTH'S GENEROSITY. A great mam once said one of the most famous of mortal men, seeks the good opinion of the world and (ho esteem of posterity; ambition and enjoyment of high oiiiee do not constitute his happiness and satisfaction. Thoso words surely appropriate to the care of tho Earl of Plymouth (stated the "Westminster Gazette"), in recognition of the splendid work which lie has done in trying to proservo the Crystnl Palaco for the nation. Whether that work is to ho successful rests with the public; lut if the Palace and its grounds remain as a .magnificent air-lung for London's teeming millions or not, Lord Plymouth luis certainly gained the esteem of posterity and the good opinion at least of the British-speaking portions of the world. Earl Grey, itlie chairman at a. banquet to the E.irl of Plymouth, reminded his hearers of what Lord Plymouth had done in the matter of his purchase of tho Palaco and grounds. The object of the dinner was to give expression to tho admiration which was felt for the public spirit ant! magnificent conduct' of Lord Plymouth. It was well known that the grounds of the Palace would have been put up for auction if a large sum of money, .£220,0011. had not been iound. The man who found that money was Lord Plymouth; mid posterity would not forget his generous aerion. , Tho Earl of Plymouth received a rowsinc; wclcome. lie is a modest mail, mid just told the satnoriug that he thought London would lie tho poorer if the Palace and its past history vera not. preserved, llis "(leeixst interest und most profound desire" had been, to see if tho I'alaco and its site could not be saved, and spared from falling into the hands of the builder. Earl Grey made the interesting announcement that 'lie had received anoiiyinously (lie offer of a gift ol J,', l il),000 towards'def raving the co«t which Ijord Plymouth had made himself responsible for. Tho Crvstal Palaco gardens and park cover 200 'acrcs. The Palaco did not pay for some time, and tho company became hopelessly insolvent.