KENSINGTON PALACE

" London, August 31st., 1898. " Dear Sir,

" It is a very real regret to me that I am unabie to ocoept thé invitation to the inauguration of the Monument to Champlain. I beg you to accept yourself and to tender ta the Com.mittee my appréciation of the courtesy shovrn in sending to me the invitation to the oeremony.

" I remain,

" Dear Sir,

" Youra faithfully,