Papurau Newydd Cymru

Chwiliwch 15 miliwn o erthyglau papurau newydd Cymru

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3 erthygl ar y dudalen hon

THURSDAY.

Newyddion
Dyfynnu
Rhannu

THURSDAY. The Social Science Section of the Eisteddfod met this morning, at nine o'clock, in St. George's Hall, the chair being occupied by Hugh Owen, Esq., London. Mr. HARTLEY, of Manchester, then read the following paper. Mr. President, Ladies, and Gentlemen,—Any observer of the events at present passing in the Principality can hardly have failed to observe that they give rise to an extraordinary number of problems of a most curious kind. Our national resources in elate, coal, iron, cop- per, and gold, and the railways that will give facilities to commerce to develope these resources, and the changes they are likely to make in the country, and in our na- tional language, which is perhaps more widely identified with the Welsh people than any other manifestation of our character and country, unless we except our barren mountains and ancient castles. Our mountains are the richest in the three kingdoms, but they want develop- ing. Our castles are the most ancient, but useless for the present age. Still, we should be sorry to see them levelled to the ground, unless they are in the way of railways and other signs of commercial progress. Our ancient cherished language is every year getting more useless for all commercial purposes, but none would like to see it dying out; still we must be convinced that if Wales is to'rise as a commercial country, she must adopt the commercial language of Great Britain—namely, the English language a language, in the words of Creu- ddynfab, that embraces within its own comprehensive- ness the touching pathos of the Hebrew, the gorgeous eloquence of the Greek, the stern impressiveness of the Latin, the tremulous tenderness of the Italian, the soft blandness of the French, and the rugged grandeur of its own. The Welsh children labour under great disad- vantages when they are sent to school in not having any previous knowledge of English. They learn their lessons as a parrot learns to talk, without any perception of their meaning. Again, the Welsh children, when at home, at play, or in the street, speak the Welsh lan- guage. They are sent to school to learn their lessons in English, consequently whatever instruction they receive at school cannot possibly take so strong a root in their mind as it would if it was imparted to them in their native tongue. Once more, what a drawback,deficiency in the English language, it is to young persons when leaving their country to reside in England. They find a greater difficulty in procuring situations; they cannotconlmand the same amount of respect; neither are they as well re- munerated for their labour. After learning their trade in Wales, when they go to England they have to learn the language-even the very names of the tools they use. Hundreds of young women leave the Principality every year as domestic servants though good servants, their deficiency in English prevents them for many years getting much more than half the wages they are worth and it is the exception if there is a place of worship in the Welsh language within their reach. There are at present in England thousands of young men and women who have been religiously brought up, who are without the means of hearing the Word of God from one year to the other in a language they understand, and they may as well be in China, instead of enlightened England, as regards the impression that any minister of the Gospel in the English language can make upon them. Human nature is very prone to vice, and the want of that in- struction that they have been brought up to in their youth in Wales, and which lays at their doors in Eng- land, if they did understand the English language, has been, indeed, the cause of many thou- sands of the fair daughters of Cambria turning the day of worship into the day of pleasure, and losing their fair names and their virtue, and also of her sons committing acts that procure them admission into the unproductive establishments of Great Britain, or to leave their country for their eoantry's good. It Is of the jreatwt Importanee to the Welsh, as a nation, that Welsh parents should endeavour to teach their children English, If they want them to make their way in life, and ulao that they may know the advantages they neg- lect to make of their time, the value they Bhould put on wealth, and the way to sell their labour—whether of the head or the hand-to the best advantage, and to provide for their present and future wants; for disguise it as you will, this is one of the greatest lessons of life, which all parents ought to be anxious to teach their children. The Welsh press, and those platform orators, who advocate the Welsh, only for the Welsh people, are onlv advising them to commit a national suicide. They argue that if we lose our language we should lose our nationality. HaiScotland or Ireland lost their na- tionality by adopting the English 1-had Burns, Moore, Scott, Macailly, and others, written in Gaelic, the world would never have known them. We are often asked by strangers if any clever genius was born in Wales. If Bardd Cwsg, Eben Vardd, Goronwy Owen, Twm o'r Nant, a chant besides ot our living poets around us here, had written in the language spoken by the million all over the globe, instead of the few in Wales, this foolish question would never be asked. Reform has of late made great progress in our National Eistedd- fod, yet much more remains to be done in developing national talent, and in encouraging Bound English instruction. More encouragement ought to be given to our young poets to write in English, where their works would be read by the million instead of the few, and where there would be more prizes for English essays. The Eisteddfod oiators, in many instances, have striven more to make their hearers pleased with themselves for the hour by praising the country and flattering the peo- ple and their language. These mealy-mouthed speakers who in the place of washing out stains, paint us over with oily speeches, and varnish us with Oes y byd i'r iaith Gymraeg," must give way to truth, and they must tell us our faults, whether it pleases us or not; though people do not always like to hear the truth, because it is not always pleasing. I believe that many of our leading men in the Principality are now convinced, when they observe how other national languages have given way to the English, that it is a folly to fight against the inevitable order of things, and that they would best consult the interest of their native land by advising their countrymen to learn the English language, which is adapted to the requirements of the present age. A wise conviction is like a ray of light. It gradually dawns in men's minds until they receive it as a sound truth and I hope the morning twilight will rise from the mist of our love for iaith ein tadau into brightest day to en. large our minds and to shine again upon our native hills, and make us a nation worthy of the national objects our land possesses, and worthy of its wealth and importance to Great Britain. The discussion of the previous day was then continued, as to the best method of promoting Middle Class Education. Among the speakers were the Rev. Hugh Owen, Llanerchymedd; Canon Williams; Dr. Nicholas, Car- marthen; Rev. J. Griffith, Neath; Glan Alun; Rev. Owen Jones, Manchester; the Lord Bishop of Bangor, (who came in about the middle of the discussion, and was loudly cheered); and the Chairman. All the speakers agreed upon this—that the means at present afforded to the middle class—that is the farmers and shopkeepers—were inadequate to provide a good, Bound, and useful education for their children; but they differed as to the means to be employed in provid- ing a better system. Glan Alun advocated what may be termed the Voluntary System, namely, the establish- ment of good private schools throughout the country; whilst Dr. Nicholas, Mr. Griffith, and others, ridiculed the present private schools, the conductors of which issued prospectuses, the promises of which were never fulfilled", and which, in fact never could be fulfilled in any private establishment whatsoever. What they re. commended was, that in every county there should be a Proprietary School with a capital of some f.20,000 or BO, to be subscribed in shares, and which, if the Bchool were properly and judiciously managed, they believed would pay a fair dividend upon the capital, after all ex- penses were paid. It was stated that the middle class Schools must be conducted upon the self-supporting principle, because it was clearly proved by the recent withdrawal and restrictions of the Educational Grant that the Government were determined not to assist in the educating of those parties in the State, who are in a position to pay for it themselves, and in this category were included the farmers and tradesmen. This was considered to be decisive on that point. Under these circumstances, and with these facts before them, Dr. Nicholas suggested that in each county a capital of £ 20,000 be raised in shares of R200 each, which he considered would be a sum which would answer all purposes; and also that a school of the kind should be established in every county in Wales. Mr. Griffith, in a most able and eloquent speech, ad- vocated the same opinion, substantially, and urged upon the landed proprietors to come forward in the matter, to assist their tenants, as the Welsh tenantry were amongst the best in the world, to give their children education, which, in his opinion, ought to be a classical one, as a foundation. He also thought it futile and il- lusory to expect Government to render pecuniary assist- ance. The Lord Bishop of Bangor, in a brief speech, approv- ed generally, of the views propounded by the above two gentlemen; but expressed an opinion that the shares ought to be less than X200, and for two reasons: first, he thought the sum required would be more readi- ly obtained if the shares were less than that; and, se- condly, it would enlist the sympathies of a greater number in the success of the proposed schools. The discussion was a most able and eloquent one, but the above i the gist of the points argued. At the conclusion and at the suggestion of the Chair- man, It was moved by W. BULKELEY HUGHES, Esq., se- conded by the Rev. HUGH OWEN, that the Council of the Eisteddfod be respectfully requested to allow and set apart, in the future, more time for the discussion of such subjects as the above, and which were of vital importance to the welfare of the entire community. The resolution was carried unanimously. The Social Science Meeting then broke up. At eleven o'clock precisely, the meeting of the Gen- eral Eisteddfod commenced, the President of the Day being the Lord Bishop of Bangor, who was loudly cheer- ed on his taking the chair The Conductor for the day (a most efficient, one) was Clwydfardd, who, in the usual manner, opened the pro- ceedings. The Local Secretary, Mr. John Williams, of Bodafon, then read the following Address, beautifully written in ornamental characters: "TO THE RIGHT REVEREND FATHER IN GOD THE LORD BISHOP OF BANGOR, "As President of the Third Day of the National Eistedd- fod, held at Llandudno, 1864. My Lord Bishop,—It is with feelings of the deepest gratitude the Council avail themselves of this oppor- tunity of expressing their acknowledgment of your kind- ness in consenting to take the presidential chair of this great congress, and extending the patronage of your influential name to the objects of this literary and scien- tific association. Some of the best scholars and most useful ministers of religion in our land have recorded their testimony to the aid they obtained by the encouragement of Eistedd- fodau, which proved their stepping stone from the humble position of peasants to places of trust and nse- fulness among their countrymen, whose genius without some such means for the development of their natural powers, for ever would have been consigned to oblivion. While they rejoice in your perfect sympathy with Cambrian feelings and Cambrian usages, and more es- pecially in your cultivation of the ancient British lan- guage, thereby enabling you to teach the common people in their own tongue the wonderful works of God," they cannot conclude without adding their prayer to Heaven that you may long live to fill the high position to which Providence has appointed you, and that you may be richly endowed from the treasures of Divine wisdom and grace to serve your generation according to the will of God. Given under the seal of the Council, this 25th day of August, 1864." His LORDSHIP then rose and said:- Gentlemen,—Ac- cept my warmest thanks for the honour you have done me in appointing me to fill the Presidential chair on one of the days through which your Eisteddfod is continued. It is with no feigned feeling that I respond to the hopes and aspirations of the Council, that the revival of this time-honourd institution may be drawing out genius which might otherwise have lain dormant, as well as by exciting intellectual activity, and generally promote the best interests of the Principality. (Cheers) For my- self, I shall only say, that having liTel amongst you in holy things from the very commencement of my min- isterial course, it has been my earnest desire to identify myself completely with my adopted countrymen. It is with much gratitude that I acknowledge the constant kindness which has made this so easy, and most humbly do I trust, that when our earthly nationalities are superseded, we shall be found in Christ, fellow- members of Him by whom the whole family of heaven and earth is named. (Cheers). His LORDSHIP then turned to the enormous assem- blage in the pavilion, and addressed them in an able and lengthened speech, which, we are sorry to say, want of space precludes the possibility of our giving but the merest outline. It was with some diffidence, he said, that he rObe to address them, surrounded as he was by some of the ablest scholars and men of literature which their native land could produce. He laboured, too, under the disadvantage of not having been present at their previous meetings, being prevented by professional engagements, and he had also to follow the able gentlemen and accomplished osholaru who had occupied the chair on the previous days. He must say that he was proud to be present at a meeting of the Eisteddfod. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) It was an ancient institution —so ancient that ita origin was lost in the far distance of time. They knew but little of it in its early child- hood, only when it had arrived at its maturity. One thing, however, was certain, that at an early age it was taken into the service of Christianity upon its first in- troduction into this country. He then referred to the merits of the Welsh bards, who, as a rule, drank in their inspiration not from any local Helicon but from the purer water of Siloa's stream. (Cheers.) It would, perhaps, be invidious in him to mention any particular person, but he could not help alluding to that wonderful man who was enthroned on the bardic chair at Aber- ffraw. He then proceeded to draw the attention of the audience to the circumstances under which they had met together on that occasion, and to Eisteddfodau, as thev are now conducted bv the committee of manaze- ment. He was glad to find, his Lordship proceeded to say, that a spirit of improvement had been imparted to Eisteddfodau, and that subjects connected with social science had been introduced, which, under the blessing of God, would tend to import useful knowledge, and improve the condition of the people. He then rapidly glanced at the history of the country, and said that they formed a part of a mighty empire, and the present occupant of the throne was descended from the line of Tudor, whose mansion was in the neighbouring Isle of Anglesey. He made a passing remark in reference to the spot in which they were assembled, and said that in former times there had been a city as well as a Castle at Deganwy, and which now was only a little village. He then alluded to the love of country, which he high- ly eulogised and defended and also to the opposing habits and thoughts of men and nations, which gene- rally proved advantageous in the long run. He sketched the peculiarities of the Celtic race as compared with the Saxon, and argued that their union had won such fields as that of the Alma, and that the soldiers who fought and triumphed there were urged on to struggle for vic- tory by the thoughts of what would be said and thought of them in the smaller circle of their friends at home. After a most able and patriotic speech, which was often loudly applauded, his Lordship sat down amidst pro- longed and renewed cheering. Poetical addresses were delivered by Owain William s, Waenfawr O. Cetbin Jones, Alltud Eifion, and Bardd Berw. Adjudication by Professor Griffith on the Geology of Wales; the Cambria and Silurian Rocks of North Wales —English and Welsh. Prize, Ten Pounds and a Medal. Only one composition was received, but it was said to contain such merits as to be fully entitled to the prize. The author was Mr. J. E Thomas, Surveyor, Rhayadr. Invested by Mrs. Osborne Morgan. Adjudication by Llawdden and Ceiriog upon the best elegy to the lamented bard and patriot, Alaw Goch. Prize, ten pounds and a medal. Best, Mr. John Hughes, National School-master, Vaenol, near Bangor. II e was invested with the badge by Mrs. Morgan, the Rectory, Llandudno. Competition on Pennillion singing. Prize, R2. Five competed. The prize was divided between David Lloyd and Edward Jones.. Adjudication on the "Canon," for three voices, similar in length and character to "Non Nobis Domini." First prize, three pounds; second, one pound ten shillings. The real name of the successful candidate did not tran- 1 spire, Adjudication by the Rev. Canon Williams and the Rev. John Owen, Tynllwyn, upon the Agriculture of Wales," its present state, and the best means for im- proving it, including the application of chemistry, and the use of agricultural machinery. There were three competitors; but that of Dr. Jesse Conway Davies, of Holywell, was deemed the best. The essay was very highly spoken of by the adjudicators. The author was invested by Miss Campbell, of the Palace, Bangor. TALHAIARJJ then came forward and addressed the meeting in Welsh, which caused great laughter and ap- plause. There were no competition for the prize of fifteen pounds offered to the best, and seven pounds to the se- cond best by choirs of mixed voices of not fewer than forty. Rev. MORRIS WILLIAMS (Nicander) then rose to read the adjudication of Emrys and himself upon the chair subject—" John in the Isle of Patmos "—the prize being X20 and a medal. There were seven competitors, but the judges were unanimous in adjudicating the prize to the one signed Baracle." The learned critique care- fully examined and pointed out the faults of each com- petition, and spoke favourably of "Baracle's," which was decidedly the best. The candidate, upon being called, proved to be Mr. R. Foulkes Edwards (Rhisiart Ddu o Wynedd), Independent College, Bala. The Chaired Bard was addressed with complimentary englynion by the Conductor and Alltud Eifion. RHISIAD DDU also addressed the assembly in a very appropriate speech. Singing glees: one to each part-" Wheu winds breathe Boft" (Webb), and Snowdon on Mona calls (Dr. Crotch). Prize, five pounds. Only one party came forward, and they were deemed unworthy of the prize. Adjudication of Ceiriog and Liawdden-elegy to the late lamented Carn Ingli." Prize, two guineas by Melancthon, which the council increased to £ 10 and me dal. Best, Mr. J. W. Jones (Dyfedon), Rhydlewis, Cardiganshire. Competition-playing on the triple harp Welsh airs. Prize. E5 and a medal. Each player to select his own piece. Lewis Williams, Dowlais, and John Elias Davies, Bangor, competed. The prize was awarded to the first —Mr. Oldfield, Abergele, handing a sovereign to the un- successful candidate. There was no competition for Lady Taunton's prize of four guineas for choral singing, Mr. J. C. Rowland, School of Art, Carnarvon, said there were no competitors for the prize—ten guineas, offered for the best Historical Painting-the poetical contest between Taliesin and the Bards of Maelgwyn Gnynedd. Adjudication on the extempore compositions given out on Tiiesd-,ty-the best upon the Englyn to Dr. Morgan, one of the translators of the Welsh Bible, for which Mr. Thos. Richards, Bangor, offered a prize, was awarded to Mr. Hugh Hughes (Cetbin), Liverpool. Competition—playing on the triple harp Welsh airs. Prize-five pounds. Mr. OSBORNE MOBOAN proposed, and the Rev. John Griffith seconded, a vote of thanks to the Bishop for presiding, Which was caried by acclamation. The BISHOP acknowledged the motion in a Welsh speech. There cheers were then given to the ladies, the Con- ductor, Talhaiarn, &c., and the meeting terminated shortly after three o'clock. THE EVENING CONCERT. The concert of this evening was, by far, the best attended meeting of the whole Eisteddfod. The build- ing, extended as it is, was completely filled, so that there must have been at least 6,000 persons present. The first part consisted of singing the Cantata-" The Siege of Harlech," which was the first time of its per- formance. The following was the cast of the characten: King Edward—LlewLlwyvo; Ap Einion-Owain Alaw Herbert-Eos Bradwen; and Cordelia-Miss Edith Wynne. All we can say of this Cantata is, that if it possess any great distinguishing feature or musical excellence, we certainly failed to discover it. There was something like a little spirit in the concluding part, and that was all. Part the second commenced with a song by the choir, "The Fairies," which was rendered very pleasingly, a band of harps accompanying. A solo on the pianoforte was then played by Miss Kate Roberts, who was cheered at its conclusion, which was followed by a duett by Miss Edith Wynne and Mr. Lewis Thomas -"Now Moon- light Gems," which was loudly applauded; "David the White Stone was next sung by Mr. Cummings; but if "David" was half as dull as the son which bears his name, he would not have been, we should think, a very agreeable or inviting companion. The "Dawn of Day," by Miss Kate Wynne, was of a precisely similar charac- ter, which even this gifted singer could make nothing of It was encored, nevertheless, or rather Miss Wynne herself was encored. The next performance was of a different role, consisting of a trio upon the pianofoote and two harps, the performers being Messrs. J. B. Chat- terton, John Thomas, and H. V. Lewis. This perfor- mance was loudly encored. "Land of the Minstrel and the Bard" was next sung, very nicely, by Miss Edith Wynne, which was followed by a Welsh song-" Black Sir Harry," by Llew Llwyvo, who was encored. Mr. Ellis Roberts next played a solo on the harp consisting ef Irish airs, and was applauded. Chorus by the choir, "Glory to the men of old," which was very spiritedly rendered, and which was encored. Oh ruddier than the cherry," by Mr. Lewis Thomas, was encored en- thusiastically. Miss Edith Wynne was encored in the "Bells of A berdovey" but did not respond, as it was becoming late. Mr. Mathews next played the "Carnival of Venice" on the cornet, and in such style as we never heard surpassed on that instrument. This was followed by a trio, "This magic wore scarf," which was tastefully sung by Miss Edith Wynne, Messrs. Cummings, and Lewis Thomas. A solo on the violin, by Mr. E. W. Thomas, "Nedi Jones," by Mr. John Owen, and "Glan Medd'dod Mwyn," by the choir, brought the concert to I a close. TUs concert, in point of excellence, was very flat and ull, and far behind the one which was given on Tuesday evening.

FRIDAY.I

WEDNESDAY. I