184 
however, 
dent, 
occurred, 
which induced him to 
cha,_n_ge his opinion of the utility of the fine arts. 
At the anniversary dinner, in 181Q, before the 
opening of the Academy, he was present, with 
other public characters. On the right hand 
of the President was seated the LOIC1 Chancelloiz 
Eldon, 
OI1 
his 
left Lord Liverpool, 
and 
QI1 
the 
right 
of 
the 
Chancellor 
Mr. Percival. 
A 
con- 
versation 
took 
place, 
naturally 
inspired 
by the 
circumstances 
of 
the 
meeting, 
in 
which 
West 
often 
recapitulated what. he had formerly so; 
urged; and Mr. Perc_ival,, perceiving the 
impression 
which 
his 
observations 
made 
011. 
those to whom they were particularly addressed, 
requested him to put his ideas on the subject in 
wri_ting,_ and he would lay it before the Prince 
Regent. This took place on "Saturday; on 
VVednesday Mr. West delivered his memorial; 
on 'the Friday following Mr. Percival was assas- 
sinated; and sinc_e that time 
has been done in the business. 
nothing 
fhrthe: 
It is perhaps necessary to notice here, that 
when it was first proposed to the King tee;