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Gohebiaethau.

Newyddion
Dyfynnu
Rhannu

Gohebiaethau. THE NATIONAL DINNER AT THE HOTEL CECIL. To the Editor of CYMRO LLUNDAIN A'R CELT. Sir,—The convivialities of the annual Welsh dinner at the Hotel Cecil on St. David's Day were marred by an unpleasant incident. This gathering will, I think, be chiefly remembered for the very straight- forward address of Professor Henry Jones, and the subsequent unfortunate comments of Mr. Ellis J. Griffith, M.P, the chairman. Let me recall the circumstances. Sir Alfred Thomas and Professor Henry Jones were the guests of the evening, and both responded to the toast of Wales," given by the Chairman in a speech which had been carefully prepared and written, and which was duly read to the assembly. I did not hear Sir Alfred's speech, which, I believe, consisted largely of praise for the chairman. I, however, carefully noted the Professor's address. To most Welshmen there is magic in the name of Henry Jones. He is a living example of what we may attain by indomitable perse- verance enabling one to undergo a long sustained effort to conquer difficulties. On this occasion he evidently felt that he had a message to deliver to us. This he did, with no attempt to conceal his real opinions, or to cajole us with the usual dose of flattery. It is not for me to give the substance of his address, as, no doubt, it has been reported elsewhere. Suffice it to say that he fearlessly told us the truth, which is often unpalatable, as in this instance. When he commenced I feared that some of his hearers were unsympathetic, but as the speaker proceeded he gradually wore down all semblance of opposition, and there were loud cries of "go on when he was about to resume his seat. The Chairman, in replying to the toast of his health, went out of his way to traverse and criticise some of the statements made by Professor Jones. He did so, heatedly and scornfully, and such action from the chair was quite inexcusable. It is difficult to understand how a gentleman in Mr. Ellis J. Griffith's position could have so far forgotten his duty to his guests. One can only conclude that he had com- pletely lost control of himself in his anxiety to score off Professor Jones. The latter, however, managed tolget in the last word, and I hope Mr. Ellis J. Griffith was satisfied with his retort. I pass over Mr. Griffith's reference to the Church Commission, which he knows was highly improper at this dinner. Our Chairman may have subsequently settled matters with the Professor, but I submit that an explanation is due to everyone present. Before concluding, Mr. Editor, I wish, with your permission, to say a few words in a general way about this dinner. Mr. Griffith recalled with evident pride that he had presided for four or five years in succes- sion. I should have liked him to inform us by whom he had been so often selected for this honour. Most of us know that this dinner was organised by an improvised and self-constituted committee. Those who were responsible for the arrangements deserve every credit for not allowing the dinner to fall through. It is, however, essential to put the organisation of the annual celebration on a proper basis. I fail to see why an executive cannot be appointed which fairly represents those London Welshmen who, by their presence at the banquet, evince a desire to celebrate the occasion in this way. I offer the suggestion that, before the annual event the last year's secretary should, by circular and through the Press, invite all those who were at the last banquet to a general meet- ing. Those present would elect the chairman, the guests of the evening, and the executive in order to carry out the details. I claim no originality for this proposal, as it is practically the method of procedure adopted by our Irish brethren in regard to the St. Patrick's banquet.—With apologies, yours &c., D. OWEN EVANS. National Liberal Club, March 4th, 1907.

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