The Emporia weekly news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1881-1889, 1885-12-31
TIE EISTHDDFOD.
The Usual Annual Family Gather
ing Of the Welsh.
A Most Interesting and:Dshghtful
Occasion.
Grand Chorus. ouartetts, TrlOs,
Solos,
Addresses, Essays, Declarations;

"Wales, Wales, my mothers sweet homo Is
in Wales.
Till death be passed.
Ny IoVe.shAll last.
ny longing, my hfraeth tor Wales"
The Welsh national festival, called
the "Eisteddfod," lie of uncertain origin.
Certain it is, that the earliest literature
records it as an established custom, and
legend places its existence contomporan-
eous with the Druid PERIOD What
ever the inspiration of Its origin, its
present prominent Characteristic is edu-
cstional, judging from the program
numbers of the EIsteddtod just closed
competition in literature, oratory aud
music, with instructive adjudication,
being the conspicuous features. But there
IL something deeper than these mere sur
face indications of existence, which will
hold an intelligent audience of six hun
dred men, women and children three
solid hours. three times in one day, In
even so comfortable an audience room
as the Whitley opera house. What is it!
Where is the bard who can fathom Ahis
mystery? Is 1t the love OF home-of ma
tive land! Is il the commIngling of
manly, intellectual and happy race.
where annually, are raised the spirits Of
an ancestry going back into the remotest
ages? What inspiration of the heart
common to each of tho vast thrOng,
which YIELDS them in so great q
gathering? 1t must be over and beyond
the mere song. the defamation, the ad-
dress of orators, or amateur essay.
The day opened gloriouslY-no such
Christmas morning has Kansas seen be-
fore In the memory of the Oldest citi-
zens. There was breath OF spring in
the air, and the blue grass lawns OF EN-
poria were as green and bright and cheer
full as the enVIed valleys of the Cam
brian Hills. Early as the sun the nice
ly dressed groups began to move; later,
large delegations from the Welsh settle
ments OF Lyon, Usage and other coun-
ties began to arrive. Every railroad
train brought its quota from near and
distant points, and these friends we're
distributed to the many pleasant homes
of our Welsh population.
The entertainment was opened rather
late for so long q program, still the
patience of the audience was not ex-
hausted 80 eminently social was the &C.
casion. Taking their places on the stage
the prominent off1ciary soon commanded
silence. and Edward Owen was called to
stage to lead the audience in singing the
opening song, "The Land of our
Fathers" Mr.. Owen sang the stanzas
and the vast audience, standing,
joined In the chorus in wonderful
unison. 1t seemed that every one
felt deeply the words uttered, and tears
stood in the eyes of many as the elo-
quent words recalled the land of their
fathers.
The song and chorus lett deep I'M
preston upon every listener. 1t was
something to remember. The time was
perfect, the harmony matchless, and the
expression, of course, taultless.
Following the solemn tones of the ma
tional hymn, came q few words in Welsh
from the conductor, L. w. Lewis, Esq,
and then the poetic addresses of the bards
were given, one Of them causing ripple
of merriment to pass over the assem-
blage.
Passing this number, which was also
IN Welsh, the Conductor again stepped
to the front, and closed his remarks
by introducing the president, Hon. P. B
Plumb, United States senator elect.
The honorable senator came forward
amid Recommendations of approval and
high regard.
The senator opened his address with
an allusiOn to his lack of familiarity
with the Welsh language, He thought
there might DO some compensation on
the part of his audience If they could
not understand HIM. Laughter and ap
plause.l He then paid a high tribute to
the patriotism of the Welsh. and spoke
enthusiastically of their manifest love OF
America, her flag, and her institutions
He attributed the steadfastness of the
. Welsh people largely to love of ances-
try. They took pride in father and
mother. There was nothing which SO
steadied a man IN the tumult of life, and
kept him true to himself and his coun.
try, as a reverence for an honored an.
cestry.
After dwelling upon this theme for
some time with great eloquence and ev-
, ident deep feeling, the senator stunt led
upon the word "Eisteddiod." He paused
, moment without attempting its pro.
nunciation, and then said he had hunted
the dictionaries, the encyclopedias, and
the books of learning generally, but
could not find that word. He believed
the Welsh thought they had got q good
/ thing 10 that, and were bound to keep
IL. Laughter After further pleasan-
tries the senator finally gathered him.
self for the attempt, and pronounced the
word with an air of evident anxiety.
HIS attempt WAS met by roars of laugh
ter in which the senator Joined as heart.
lily as any one.
Following this most amusing episode.
Senator Plumb got down again TO bust.
ness when he began to tell the history
OF the early Welsh settlements OF this
and adjoining counties, and of his Der
sonsl acquaintance. The audience lis
tened with intense interest as he read
the names of the early settlers, whose
children and grand children sat before
him, aad paid them high tribute as he
showed how they had left their Impress
upon this country. both material and
moral. In illustration of this idea
he mentioned United States Senator
John p. Jones Of Nevada who sits but a
few seats from him In the United States
senate, a Welshman ''to the manner
born.n
His closing was an eloouant
appeal to the best convictions of his
audience, andlhe resumed his seat amid
an outburst of enthusiasm as general as
1t was heartfelt and appreciative.
The first competitive musical contest
was now called. 1t. was number 8 on
the programme, but time was flying
rapidly-a duet. when We Were Bows
Together" The names Of the competi-
tors for the prize had been sent in
through the mails, the names being dc-
titious, and it was not until these flctl-
tious names were called. and the parties
responded by going forward, that any
knew who they were. Five couples re.
sponded,and each in turn sang the piece.
The adjudicator was Prof G wllym Evans.
of the Conservatory of Music of Tin.