Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-08-12
THE EISTEDDFOD.
A Notable Revival of the Celtic Ian
guage and Literature.

II. NJ. j. writes from Cardiff 70 the
New York Evening Post:
A very notable demonstration in behalf
of the Celtic language and literature.
and, indeed, the Celtic race, was con-
cluded here to-day It was the Welsh
National Festival, the Eisteddfod. which
began on the 18th, and has been main
tanned with great spirit for four days.
The Eisteddfod is sacred in the eyes or
the Welsh as a gathering OF prtssts
bards, and literau. They regard IL wi,a
great seriousness, and have been proud
this year TO present it with much Of the
old ceremonial. In the fine grounds OF
the Cashay Park, part Of the estate OF
the Marquis Of Butte, but now to be ac-
quired by the city of Cardiff, a circle OF
druidical stones had been erected, so that
the "Gorsedd OF the Bards OF the Isle OF
Britain could be properly held. These
were in two clrcles-the outer OF erect
stone. feet or more in height; the inner
of others lying fiat with the central one
of all; the maenllog. forming a platform
for the arch-druid; the sword-Dearer, ana
speakers. The ceremonies OF the Gorsedd
were held in the early morning, and those
who took part stood facing the east ano
uncovered. Crowds OF spectators sur
rounded the enclosure.
The Eisteddfod prayer, however. was
held in a great pavilion, built for the
purpose, In the same park, capable ~
holding some 1000 people. On a wide and
deep platform at one end the competitors
I'm music vocal and Instrumental, In fe-
citation, etc, appeared before the audi
ences. The Edisteddfod is meant prima-
rily for the encouragement Of literature.
poetry, and music, and the earnestness
of those who take part in these IDEAS
is Impressive even 10 the cynical observer.
II is conceded that this Is one Of the
! finest ever held. The opening, Tuesday
with the ceremonies Of the Gorsedd. was
! declared 10 be with greater enthusiasm
| than has probably ever been witnessed
within the memory Of any now living.
| More intense interest was added by the
presence OF large delegations from Other
! celtic branches. There were Gaelic deic-
| gates from the Highlands OF Scotland
| IN national garb, Mackays, MacIntoshea.
| Macbrides. Nspiers, and others, with q
| harpist and six pipers. From France
| came a full score OF Breton delegate
among whom were several members OF
! the French Chamber the Marquis de
| YEstourbellon, Comte de Fusson, Mar
| ouis Lionel Padiguet. or the Association
! Bretonne several journalists, and otners'
| With 'DlnOUStC UurlltuiN III lic bf'N'l
costume. From Ireland there We're other
Gaels. prominent among them Lord Cas-
tletown and Count Plunket. and from me
isle of Man a delegation headed by Ar
| Moore. Speaker OF the House Of Keys.
| distinction was added 20 the ceremoue s
! of the Gorsedd by the presentation by Mr.
| Hubert Herkomer. the artist. OF great
| state sword. six feet or more In length
| representing the lost "excalibur' OF Ar
! thur. and also the gift by Lord Nedege n
| OF a beautiful "Hirlas horn" Lord Nede-
| ger Is the Lord Lieutenant OF the County
| OF Monmouth, and Earl Windsor, who was
| the honorary president OF the whole Els
| ,eGdfod. is L0rd-Lieutenant OF the County
| OF Gamorgan .U..
! In the numerous speeches and address,
g.. at the GOrsedd circle and within the
pavilion. many illusions were made 70 a
| prospective Celtic unity OF action. LORD
| Nedeger alluded with satisfaction to the
children OF one family coming together
for tho great festival Of the Celtic race