Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1891-03-05
The Eisteddfod.

AS announced in our last issue the
town was full of strangers on Monday
last, it being the day set apart for the
holding of the grand eisteddfod.
Early in the morning those near here
began to arrive, and when the special
train from Wilkes-Barre arrived the
town presented an animated appearance.
The morning session was opened by
I. j. Edwards, of Mahanoy City, who,
in his own peculiar style, made neat
and telling speech, captivating his au-
dience and holding them under subjec-
ton during the balance of the day. On
the platform was Prof. Harrison, Supt
of Schools of Luzerne County; Prof
j. w. Parson Price. of New York
Each of these gentlemen made an ad-
dress. The programme was then taken
up and carried through with the fol-
lowing result: Piano solo, by Prof
Rhys Herbert, of Hazleton. The Trio,
Peace to the Souls of the Heroes" was
rendered by two parties. There was no
award. Power of Habit" was recited
by Miss Edmunds, of Drfton, and Jane
Cars0,ns: of Mahanoy City; The prize
was divided. dying Child" by Lizzie
Roberts and Maggie Davis, of Nanticoke.
nv pii iHS eo'pp, WAC ulNIutu.
The afternoon session was opened bv
William Z. Williams, who sang Peace
on the Deep" The Soprano solo, "Eva's
Lamentations" four competitors entered.
The prize was awarded Mrs. Elizabeth
Watkins, of Miners Mills The Piano
solo competition, ''Whisperings of Love-"
four competitors entered. The prize,
$500, was given to Maggie Ashman, of
Upper Lehigh. The Duet, 'rhe Two
Bards," prize, $500, was awarded to
David James and Richard Williams, of
Nanticoke, Prof Robert STEINER being
the only competitor for the cornet solo
he was awarded the prize of $500. The
competition for choirs, "When Winds
Breathe Soft" Three choirs entered
Nanticoke, Glen Lyon and Miners Mills
Prize of 800 was awarded to the Miners
Mills choirs.
Evening session was opened with
Tenor solo. "The White Soual." Prize
divided between Richard James, of
Kingston, and David Elias, of Plymouth.
The Quartette, "Ti Wyddost Beth Ddy-
wed Fly NehaIon;' four competitors, the
Miners Mills party taking the prize of
$500. The Beavan family give grand
exhibition of singing, and then the COM
petition singing stanza, with piano. prize
S4.00, went to Thomas Parry, of Plains.
The competition, The Light House."
prize $50, was won by the Nantcoke
party. By special request Conductor 7.
j, Edwards recited "The Charge of the
Light Brigade" and was heartily APP
plauded at the finish.
The most Interesting part of the days
programme was now taken up, being the
competition on the grand chorus "Hal-
lelujah." Prize, $3.50. Glen Lyon,
Miners Mills and Nanticoke choirs en-
tered The rendition by the three choirs
was such that the Adjudcator divided
the prize between Miners Mills and
Nanticoke choirs.
AT the close of the above competition
the Conductor, Mr.. L. J. Edwards, took
the floor and made a neat speech in
which he urged his audience to remain
faithful to their natural love of singing
and at all times to he on the side of
American liberty. He then paid glow
ing tribute to General Hastings, whom
he introduced to the audience amid
thunders of applause. The General, in
his address, traced the history of this
country from its discovery to the present
time, showing the active part the people
of Wales had taken in the formation of
the government at the time of the revo-
luton and in the late rebellion. He |
also went on to state that it was not
necessary for a man to be born rich that
he might shine in American history or
to be endeared in the hearts of his coun-
trymen. He spoke at length on this
subject, citing as a good illustration the
names of Lincoln, Garfield, Grant Sheri-
dan and the late lamented Sherman. I.
He concluded his address by saying
that this was not a country for any one
class of people, but country for all,
where all should possess and enjoy the
benefits and blessings of liberty, and
snould defend it with their lives if neces-
sary During the address he was fire.
quently greeted with rounds of applause.
NOTES.
Prof J. w. Parson Price was very i'm
partial in his decisions and frequently
gave the contestants some very good adj
vice Especially so was this in the case
of the unsuccessful competitors. To
them he gave words of encouragement,
and pointed out to them many ways
wherein they could improve. All of
this, and more too, was said without
giving offence.
Too much praise cannot be given to
the committee and those having charge
of the affair for the admirable manner
in which the programme and the other
laborious duties connected with the en-
tertainment, were carried through. On
the whole it was splendidly conducted
and will live in memory as one of Free
lands gala days.
At the close of the evening entertain
ment reception was given by the COM
mittee TO Gen. Hastings in the parlor of
the Cottage Hotel, where pleasant
time was spent until the early hours of
morning, when all retired to their home
feeling that the day had been well spent.