The North Wales Chronicle and Advertiser for the Principality

TUESDAY. I At half-past nine o'clock, the members of the local committee, ovates, bards, &c., met opposite the Commis- sioners' Office, in Church Walks, and proceeded to the ■ Goreedd, in an opeu space near the Parade, where Gwalchmai officiated in the usual manner. Here the circle was formed with great care and veneration, the stones forming the circle, twelve in number, being placed in their proper position so as to receive their ancient < symbolic meaning. The iron railings that surround it, w. are told, did not form part of the circle proper, but were.intended to protect its sacredness against the intru- sion of the unitiated multitude. We find that the stones formed a circle, with a very large atone in the centre, and other three stones ruuuing out of the circle -ta)wards the east. The large stone in the centre repre- aeoted the aun, the twelvesmallerBtonesforming the circle were thesyruboisof the twelve signs of the zodiac, and the three stones leading out of the circle were intended to represent the sun in the summer solstice, in the winter solstice, and in the vernal and autumnal equinox, form. ing the bartiie symbol seen at the head of all bills and -manais connected with the Eisteddfod. Tie meaning of the word Gorsedd is a throne, and as its name would signify, it was the source of all authori- ty. Among our ancestors, the circle and throne consti- tuted their Parliament, in which the laws were consi- dered, and received the sanction which made them binding on all the subjects of the Gorsedd. Laws were enacted, criminals tried, and questions of law decided; and the bardic customs were also regulated and promul- gated in it. A division of labour took place in more modern times. The Imperial Parliament takes place first, the various Courts of Law administer the function of the second, and the third, to which the bards and minstrels were invited to swell the songs in honour of the brave, and to celebrate the chronicles of their native land, was the Eisteddfod, the usage of which, in a modi- Led form, it still retains. Here aspirants tohonourable fame presented themselves Jor bardic and other degrees, having undergone a pre- rious examination by the appointed examiners. The orders are three in numbervateø, bards, and druids. The first direct their attention more especially to prose writing; the second to poetry; and the third to the fcaduax ei the principles of morality and religion. The following having passed the requisite examination, were declared worthy of the distinction which they eougbt, according to the profioiency which they may have manifested under examination:— SartU: Tlioouas Jones; F. W. Kittermaster, (Rho- t :wrsodd o AMen); W. Williams, (Creuddynfab); It Haberts, (lorwerth Olan Aled). (hatet: J. Williams, hiv.ffl, O. Maqhuo); Sior Felton, (Caowaflon); Thomas Parry, (Cattwg); O. Griffith, and D. Williams. DruicU: Dr. Thomas Nicholas, (((wyddqn Dyfed); R. F. Ed- wardIs, (Biswrt Ddu o Wyosdd). Arck Druid: Bar, J. Xcffia. "i'i aus U .:J- ■■ After 16 proton had returned to )[OIiynt, I the ?mb?' of the geneml and local oommittem, bardn ovates, druM? minstrels, & went to escort the p_i.. dent of the day, W. Bulkeley Hugh«, Esq. to tho¡ pavillion, the I'enrhyn Koyal Brass Band lMaing, and the 8tr«.tB m?uwhUe being crowded with Mriou.  tato". numbers of whom were English vi?." to L)M d' After the hi' ? P AiWr tb r. i4 ?,Jr.P. hie a. a fe"i nMMM)'yt?HmiMr!Mh&db&t!ng?'iMM??, The K?. ? Mo?At, rector of Llandudno, and chM_r- MM of the local committee, rose and r?d the !o??'"E ?dre? which was b?uUfut!y written in Loured ch? racters, by a Loudou Firm, and ?hMh WM very greatly admired :— "TO WILLIAM BULKELEY HUGHES, Esq., "C/ P? M?, ???c.v, <H Pr<?t V  dav of the National ?t«M/o<i held "< ?1(49tdudn%, 1864. c, Sir,-The council desire to express their heartfelt pleasure and sincere gratitude for the honour you have conferred upon them by consenting to preside or the proceedings of this congrem--one of the most ancient literary institutions in the known world, which has for its object the diffusion of useful knowledge, the eliciting of native talent, and the cherishing of love for homo and honourable fame by the cultivation of poetry, music, and art, "Representing as you do one of the most noble branches of ancient ancestry, descended as you are in direct line from the powerful chieftain, Llywarch ab Braa, and the lords of 'Comot 3[enai _while acknow- ledging this, they feel proud also to recognise traces of true nubility in your public and private life, and exten- sive local usefulness. 4. Although they are not accnatomed to language of l'todulation, they feel constrainerl on the present occasion to express themselves in strong term., and to indulge in the enthusiasm of one of the Welsh barde, Sion Brwynog, more than three centuries ago, when address- ing his country with an allusion to one of your fore- fathers— Alarch o Lywarch a l lya, A p Bran yn nhop yr yuys," Of I.lywarch'w princely race the pride, Thy Mona'a guardian aud her guide." "Permit them, sir, further to add, that they rejoice in the fact that the real object of Eisteddfodau is now so well understood and appreciated by the country at large, proving as they do, by their novelty--or rather .1.- .l.L- the renovation of dormant customs -attractive w UD rank and intellect of the English branch of the descen- dants of the Ancient Britons, who now visit us in kindly spirit, participating in our national gatherings, and rejoicing in the happier days of peace, unity, and mutual go 0d. ? May vou be blessed from on High with & long life of usefulness and happiness; and that your name may be handed down to posterity as a Cymro o galon, the distinguished ornament of your age and country, we assure you, sir, is the united desire of every individual composing this immense assembly. Given under the seal of the council, this 23rd day of August, 1861. The PRBSIDKNT theu, amid general applause, rose and Baid,—Rev. and Dear Sir,—Ladies and Gentlemen,—I esteem it the greatest honour that could have been con- ferred upon me to receive this address, more especially coming, as it does, from the hauds of on3 whom 1 greatly respect, and who is generally respected in this place. You have heard in the language generally known and spoken in this country, the address delivered to me —an address which, I am perfectly aware, I do not ele. serve. But, at the same time, knowing the quarter from whence it comes, I am constrained to feel that the observations just addressed to me must be those of truth and sincerity. (Hear, hear.) I accept them, therefore, as a Welshman should, as the spontaneous I feelings of my friend, being devoid of undue adulation or words which they do not think or feel. It has been alluded to in-, he address that I have descended from an ancient house which is true, and of which I am proud. But, I ask what is birth and ancestry with. out a man rendering himself useful to his country? (Cheers.) What I have done, I know falls far short from what I desire to do. Still, I may have done some good. I have desired to do so; and as long as I live I hope to cherish a similar desire in the future. But whether I have proved myself useful or not in connec- tion with this or any other institution, I shall endeavour, by every means in my power, to support Eisteddfodau. The origin of this institution, I believe, was the Gersedd —a council of bards—who were a council that made laws and regulations, not only for themselves, but, at that time, for the whole country. The Gorsedd ceased to exist 60 years after the birth of our Saviour, and the Eisteddfod succeeded the Gorsedd. It is a singular co- incidence that, within one mile from this place the first Eisteddfod was held, presided over by the then King of North Wales. At that Eisteddfod Taliesin, and Mael- ewyn Gwynedd's bards, were assembled there in poetical contest. That would date, I think, 1,200 years ago, and since that time it has continued, with little interruption till this day, and I hope that it will con. tinue for 1,200 years longer. (Cheers.) Latterly Eis- teddfodau have been based upon a new system or prin- ciple; but this is the first Eisteddfod which has been held in North Wales since the establishment of the National Council. I know that there are men of genius and of learning who dispute the fact of the antiquity of the Eisteddfod, and the genuiness of our original poetry. But whether that be so or not, here we are, in the 19th century, endeavouring to afford social, rational, and intellectual amusement to the people, which I hope you will receive at this meeting. There is too common an idea prevalent, that in keeping up these Eisteddfodau it is the desire and object of those who support them to perpetuate the Welsh language, to the exclusion of the English. I am sorry to say that such an idea still exists in the minds of few, and only of a few. But that notion is fast diminishing. The really intellectual and sober- minded men do not entertain that notion, and are per- fectly convinced, as I am myself, that that is not the object of Eisteddfodau. (Hear, hear.) Our intention is, whilst we desire to cherish and perpetuate the Welsh language—and we do desire it—as I believe it to be the most beautiful and expresisve in the known world. (Hear and cheers.) That may excite a smile; but if you knew it even as imperfectly as I do, I think you would be convinced of the truth of that observation. But our intention is not, as I have said before, to perpetuate the Welsh language to the exclusion of the English; and in proof of that assertion I may say that last year we had the honour of witnessing the Eisteddfod held at Swan- sea, under the presidency of a spiritual lord, who por trayed the rational and intellectual objects of our meet- ing. The day after to-morrow I expect the Bishop of Bangor will preside over the proceedings of this National Gathering. We have other gentlemen who will occupy this chair after me, who will still continue to advocate the objects we have in view, and I trust we shall be able to give every satisfaction and delight to those who have assembled together on this great occasion, ins i resi- dent then went on to enumerate what they had to enjoy in prospect, in connection with which he mentioned the principal Stars of Wales present at the meeting. He also went on to observe that, probably, some of the com- positions produced at the Eisteddfod did not entirely possess great merit, still, he maintained that the various competitors created a healthful desire to emulate what was good, and would result in great benefit to all classes, and in the diffiusion of useful knowledge amongst the people. Without detaining them any longer he thanked them for the address which they had placed in his hands. He would feel great pleasure in handing it down to those who would follow him, who, he hoped, would also prize it as much as he did. In eonclusion, he expressed a wish that whatever might be his lpt in this world, he should endeavour to do his duty, more than ever, to his couatry. (Loud cheering.) Poetical addresses were then delivered by the follow- ing Bards on the subject of leikiteddfodau, in one or two of which the President was highly complimented :—AU- tud Eifion, R Jones (Glan Conwy), Tudno Jones, and I John Junes; after which the conductor for the day Gwalchmai delivered the following:- ) Yn usawr barch Llywarch ein Llyw,—Llyw ein bro A Din Bran (Idiledryw, Derwy4don o Fon sy'n fyw Yn eu swydd ddawnus heddyw. Ar y Fenai d6r finion-pa IY8 geir Fel y Plus Coch tirion, A oe8 annedd a'i swynion Rydd f wy enwogrwydd i Fon' Ar ei gaerydd mor gywrain,—a'i goedydd Sy'n gauedig lydain, Duw A DDARPAB glln arwain Eu hiawn bryd t'a cywion BRAIK Yn ymyl dwr Moel-y-dou—yr erys Gororau hen gofion, Rhufeinwyr yn dorf union Roesai her wrth groesi hon. Eu nifer a'u gwnai'n hyfion,-nid dewredd, Ond dur eu harfogion, Suetonius at Einion Wyrai i fraw ger ei fron. Ni rifir mwy i ryfel,-neu echrys Ddychryn, fel forthamel; Tuedd Eisteddfod dawel i..„, Yw minio dysg man y d £ I. „ t v, Kid un ygtryw dynai-e«troi»—ar guii;: Vi t Drwy Gemaes gai'r Goron, «wd Gw y BryuMu In i Foa. f I'w gario tel ni gwrqq. Ae oni enwai y CANOW—» hapua spil ken Prythen; ?tt ti.? j MonWrv)A MoW&id Mok" A<t??yr?th«B. -.?-? 1' ] ,T-ifu}) .?? Her. R. PABRT (Gwalchmai) then «MnaMd the [ Bembtage in Wwh He said that the President alluded j to the objections urged against Eisteddfodau, out c* which was that the only object of the promoter* » to perpetuate the Welsh language. Now, to & .'Me brought forward that objection, h? WMh*? '? who premuea were bad ,and k, 0au«lu*l0B to BaY the rottoo?. Their QujM\ WM to e)ev<t? "M tx!n^a er- utruion of 46un(I I\d \l8eM' ,8 the people by the m-isses, anid otst iw 'XnC J £ thrangh ? medium of the lM:u?e best undersotod y .to enooun?Mtiyet?ent and ilidustr y v an d deve' LP industry, and aeve c the unexplored treMurMof Wekh titeMture. iM'?? and perpetuation of a languageis not the wor? ? ?? it belongs to Uod who made ,I one Mood '?[ nations of the earth." Every effort to an- l' hi I a6 a language is certain to produce in a country an a0 £ reaction in its favour, (Hear, hear). There ? a. sort of national je?outy which arises in the breast j of every man who has a spark of patriotism in his heart, ) when an Attempt is made to destroy his mother's tongue, which perhaps would not have otherwise existed. The sturdy Romans who stood the proud conquerors of the then known world attempted to wipe the name of their native tongue from off the page of history; but where are they now? In the 11th century the Normans made a similar unsuccessful attempt, and their descendants were now actually becoming Cymreigyddion. He would not refer to the massacre of the Bards in Beaumaris Castle, which, perhaps, was based upon no very authen- tic authority. The attacks of foes and friends in modern days had equally failed in eradicating frcm the native soil iF hen Frytkoniaith (Hear, hear). A member of Par- liament (Mr Roebuck) lately stated in the House of Commons that Welshmen to this very day detested Englishmen, which was the greatest libel which could have been cast upon the loyal inhabitants of the Princi- pality. Why, what a monstrous idea to hate the very people with whom they were allied by the most sacred ties of friendship and affection—whose interests were their interests—whose laws were their laws—and whose very Qween (God bless her) had more of the Celtic blood in her veins than perhaps that of any other nation ex- tant. (Cheers). After a happy allusion to the loyalty of the Cymry, Mr. Parry sat down amid load applause. Owain Alaw was then requested to sing the Eistedd- fod Song," which he did, in English, the their ( Birken- head) joining in the chorus, as did also a portion of the company. An adjudication on the best song en the following subject—" The Mother to her Firstborn," by LIawdden and Ceiriog. Females only to compete. This prize was awarded to Ellen Prydain, who was not present, but was represented by Lady Chetwoode, who was in- vested by the Chairman amidst loud cheers. Prize, 22 and a medal. There being some delay at this stage of the proceed- ings, the chairman apologised, and explained that the delay arose from the medals having been mislaid but they had been found, and he hoped the company would excuse them a little on the first day. Competition—Singing the Harp of Wales," by a choir of mixed voices,—not fewer than IS voices. Welsh or English words. A prize of Four Guineas, given by Messrs Roberts, Cocks, & Co., London. No Competition. Adjudication on the best Congregational Tune. First Prize, .t 2; second ditto, £1. OWAIN ALAW announced that no leas a number than between 80 and 90 pieces had been sent in, which al- though many of them were but of moderate merit, yet it proved what good competition was likely to achieve by inducing young men to cultivate the theory and prac- tice of music. The Prizes were awarded as followslst Prize to Mr. John Thomas, Blaen Annerch, South Wales 2nd, to a person who signed himself "Gogarth, but who did not answer to his name. Adjudication by Nicander and Emrys, on "The Leek -an Etiglyn. Prize, One Guinea. This was awarded to Bachgen o Walia, who did not answer to his name. It did not transpire who the author was, and Mrs Davies (M wyuwen Mon) Cheltenham, was invested by the Chairman as his representative. There were 53 competitors for this prize. 11 l w y nwen, on her in vest- An impromptu englyn to "Mwynwen," on her invest- ing the successful candidate ou the leek, was given by Gwalelimai. Mwynwen, heb ei chtmeunvi,-maa y bo Myn y beirdd ei pherchi; Bendithion yr Ion heb ri' Eneiniont eu phenwyni. The Chairman then said he should call upon the Rev. Dr. Vaughan of London, to address the company, and he felt sure that he should receive their warmest thanke for doing so, Dr. VAUGHAN, who in coming forward, was received with loud cheers, then spoke to the following effect He said he supposed he was called upon to speak be- cause his name indicated that he must have something of the Celtic blood in his veins. (Hear, hear). He had, and he was not ashamed of it. ( Hear, hear.) His ances- tors unquestionably were Welsh, and he thought none the worse of them on that account. (Hear, hear.) In England it was very common for men to make them- selves merry with their Welsh neighbours under the idea that the latter attached a great deal of credit to very doubtful matters connected with their history- that they were prone to believe in very much more con- cerning the ancient glory of their country than the cool English intellect could see its way to credit. (Hear, hear.) Perhaps that was in some degree true, yet it must be admitted, he thought, that if the Welsh had erred a little in that direction they had only done so in common with the Celt wherever they found him. If they went to Scotland they found it so there-if they went to Ireland they found it so there, for all had a con- siderable remote ancestry, and that ancestry had a great deal of glory thrown about them. (Hear, hear.) There was no doubt a great deal more of truth in that than the people of England generally supposed. The English did not credit to the extent they should the ancient character and grandeur of the ancient British race in this country. Historians knew nothing about it, and what they said was anything but favourable to the just claims of the British race. He was sorry to say that so influ- ential an historian as Lord Macaulay came under that censure. The reverend gentleman quoted a statement of Lord Macaulay's to the effect that at the time of the Roman invasion the inhabitants of this country were not more advanced in civilization than were the inhabi- tants of the Sandwich Islands when discovered by Cap. tain Cook. This assertion was ably combatted by the reverend gentleman, who quoted Gibbon on the other side of the question. It was a libel. He, Robert Vaughan, with Celtic blood in his veins, stood up on that platform and said it was a libel. (Hear, hear, and applause). Coming back to the question immediately before him, the reverend doctor said the original of their festival might be a myth; but a people who could con- ceive a noble myth and admire it when they had created it were and must be a noble people. (Hear, hear.) Let it be that King Arthur was not all that the romances, as they were called, had described him, still it was the British intellect and British heart that gave to the stories of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table-that gave to the conception of King Arthur the chivalry that was associated with it in the European literature and the European mind of modern times. (Hear, hear.) The present festival had come down from those times. He knew it used to be said 50 years ago that it had not come from Wales, but from Brittany or Germany. It was there that all these chivalrous tales were devised. He declared it was no such thing. (Hear, hear.) They would find the substance, the outlines of the whole, in the Welsh annals attributed to Tysillio, nearly a thousand years ago but in Brittany at the time when Jeffery of Monmouth sent out his history containing those romantic tales there was not a line of literature in the language of Breton. No one could show that there was anything at all to warrant the conception that those things originated with them. They might have been brought back from Brittany, but if so, they had been sent over from Wales. They were never the growth of Brittany they were the growth of the Celtic mind of Wales. (Hear, hear.) He need not say to that audience that those stones bad enchanted the imagina- tion of the genius not only of English literature but of the literature of Europe. Shakapeaie took them up and turned them to account, and John Milton could gaze upon those Celtic effusions and promise to himself that he would some time write a poem about that King Arthur that the world should not willingly let die. Even our own Tennyson, if he was to be roused out of his heavy slumber tq do anything like what we had a right to expect, he must go to that old Celtic inspiration if he was to get it. (Cheers). What was wanted, therefore, was that meetings like the present should have t he effect of making their Welsh friends sensible that they had a history and an ancestry in which there were noble elements. (Cheers.) And it was always a noble thing for a man to have a history and an ancestry in which there were IIobleelementl (Hear, hear ) He was quite sure that in England there was no hostile feel- ing towards Wales. They never heard the cry "Justice to Wales I" Why not! Because it was known that! England was willing that the justice she herself had Wales might have with her. (Ilear, hear, and cheers.) Englishmen were willing to do juatiee by Wales, just as they would have Wales do to England, and as long as the relation together was united upon principle of that bind there was no fear of their being other than side by side when the perils of their common country should come. (Cheers.) One thing, however, might seem strange to some of his English friends-that all this should be done so much in connection with the Druids. Why, ia England they thought of the Druids as terrible priests, and as acarceJy anything else. Their friends in Wales, however, had to do with Druids not as priests, but as the depositaries of the intelligence of their race, and they wiaiad to taker up, as he understood it, aatthe priestly element, which was pagan and bad, but the in- telligent and cultivated el ement of soienoe, learnilg, and refinement of which th«y,. titer the manner of the prieit-; •k. ,> li cil u b oo? >L 60LVAs of the &stem world from wMtn they came, w<re Ae great depositories. (Choom.) They were there that day not to listea to bards with heroic songs, stimulating race against race to the last drop of blood that migilt lie shed, but they were there to listen to poems upon iich themes as a mother's love for her firstborn—( chetrs)- they were there to be oocnjrted with that which would tend to make their nation, their common coufttry, one- I (hear, bear)-to make that country more what it ought to be for the glory of God and the good hf man. (Hear, hear, and loud cheers.) He liked thatove of ancestry. (Hear, hear.) The love of ancient thibga was the pas- aion of refined minda. (Cheers.) The man who cared nothing for the put., he (the reverend gentleman) said, let tbe f'lture care nothing fodilíh. (Loud cheers, dur- ing which the reverend gentleman resumed his seat.) At the call of the chairman, three hearty cheers were given to Mr. Vaughan for his address. Competition-Female performer on the Pianoforte. Prize One Guinea, and a volume of Recollections of Wales," given by Mrs. Edward W eatbroo lc. iN 0 com- petitor. Adjudication on Essays on Punctuality," in Welsh, by Nefydd (Rev. W. Roberts, Blaenau Gwent), and Thos. Stephens, Esq., Merthyr. There were 12 com- petitors: and Mr. Roberts announced that the best one was by "Gobeithiol"-the second being "Timotheus" and the third "Conoviumus." Mr. STEPHBNS, Merthyr, said the prize offered in this instance was but a small one, and the 12 compositions which had been sent in were the productions of young men. He must say, however, that three of them were very excellent compositions indeed—much better than they had any right to expect from the smallneea of the prize offered, and he should therefore biggest to the committee that an additional prize be given to one or two of them. Competition at Eisteddfodau was like a race, in which only one horse could win but when he mentioned the matter to Mr. Roberts, he said that the committee could not give extra prizes, as they could wish. All he could say was that if they did not do it, in that instance, he should. (Loud cheers.) The CHAIRMAN said that the committee would consi- der the matter. The winner of the prize was Mr. W. Griffiths, of Carnarvon, who was invested by Mrs. Frank Per- shure. Subsequently prizes were given to the second and third best, Mrs. Price, Glantwrch, investing "Timutbeua," and Mrs. Griffiths, Neath, the third (Mr. John Roberts, of Conway), who was represented by his brother. Penillion singing then took place by lolo Mon and Idris Vychan, Mr. Ellis Roberts accompanying on the harp. Adjudication on a Libretto, the subject to be selec- ted from the Holy Scriptures, not to exceed 300 lines for which a prize of five pounds and a medal was offer- ed. This prize was awarded to "Appolonius," who proved to be Mr. John Jones, of St. Asaph, represented by Mr. Partington, who was invested by Lady Chete- wood. Adjudication on singing a duett-Bubject, "Flow, gentle Deva," by Owain Alaw and Mr. Ambrose Lloyd. Five couples competed for this prize I three pounds), viz., Messrs. Pierce and friend, Liverpool; Messrs. Wm. Roberts and Thoa. Roberts, Liverpool; Messrs. J. Richards and J. R. Jones, Bangor; Mr. Robert Rees, and Mr. A. Bowen, South Wales; and Messrs. Williams and O. Griffith. In adjudicating, Mr. Ambrose Lloyd said the singing had been so good, and even that it was a most difficult matter for them to decide who really was the best. One or two had committed very alight faults, but taking it altogether they thought that Mr. Pierce and his friend rendered Lhe piece the most conscientiously. The winners were then invested by Miss Williams (Eos Gwna), Llanfairynghornwy. Adjudication on a Welsh translation of Hamlet," in commemoration of the tercentenary of Shakespeare- prize five guineas, given by Edwin Lander, Esq., Bir- mingham. Only one translation had been sent in by 11 William Stratfordbut the translation was so sxcellent in it- self, and had retained so well the spirit of the original that it was deemed worthy the prize. The winner was Afr. David Griffiths, printer, Holy- well, who was invested by Miss Hughes, Bryndu, Anglesey. The Adjudicators were Llawiden aud Ceiriog. Competition for female singers—"The Harp of Wales." Prize one guinea, and a volume of Mr. Brinley Richards' vocal works, given by Mrs. Edward Gilbertson. Only one competitor appeared (Miss Margaret Evans, Cwm y glo, Carnarvon), to whom the prize was awarded, who was highly complimented by the Rev. John Griffith, of Neath, who invested her with the medal. Competition—male performer on the harmonium. Subject, the "Harmonious Blacksmith "-a somewhat difficult piece of music. There was one competitor for this prize also, Mr. J. H. Roberts, Tregarth, Bangor, to whom the prize was awar- ded, who was invested by Miss Williams, of Bodafon. The prize consisted of a copy of Mr. Thomas's Wel h Melodies. The Rev. HrcKS OWBJT. in a highly complimentary but brief speech, proposed the thanks of the meeting to Mr. Bulkeley Hughes, for his kindness in presiding, and who had so ably performed the duties ef his very diffi- cult office. (Cheers.) Mr. HUUFJKS returned thanks, and said it would always give him much pleasure in doing what he possibly could for them at all times.. (Applause.) The Conductor (Gwalchmai) then named the extem- pore subjects for which prizes would be awarded on the Thursday morning. The Prince of Wales' Anthem was then sung, which concluded the morning's performances. THE CONCERT. I The concert which took place this, the first evening of the Eisteddfod, was exceedingly well attended by a large and fashionable company, but by reason of its vast extent the pavillion was by no means crowded, and the ventilation was so well arranged that it was kept comparatively cool and pleasant. The musical talent present, both vocal and instrumen- tal, was fully equal to that or any previous Eisteddfod which we ever attended, and they fully justified the ex. pectations which had been formed of them by the pub- lic. The names of Miss Edith and M iss Kate Wynne, and Mr. Lewis Thomas, amongst the vocalists, and Mr. John Thomas (Pencerdd Gwalia), Miss Kate Roberts, Mr. E. W. Thomas, and Mr. Edward Matthews (Beau- maris), amongst the instrumentalists, were, of themselves, a sufficient attraction to bring together all those who can understand and appreciate first-class music, whether it were Welsh or English. The consequence was, that the first concert was, upon tho whole, a success. After a slight delay, the concert commenced with an introductory chorus by the Birkenhead choir, ac- companied by a band of harps, which was tastefully and musically rendered. This was followed by Llew Llwyvo singing a Welsh song in his usual style. Miss Kate Roberts gave a solo on the pianoforte—the Rising of the lark," with variations, the arrangement being by Brinley Richards, which was cheered at its termination. I cannot mind my wheel," was then sung with much pathos and artistic skill by Miss Kate Wynne, who re- ceived a warm and hearty encore, to which she respond- ed. Mr. Lewis Thomas, who was cheered ou his coming to the front of the platform, next gave, 0 ruddier than the cherry," in lieu of the Suleote war song," which had been set down for him in the programme, of which it was said he was not cognizant. His powerful bass had a wonderful effect, and he received a loud encore. Miss Edith Wynne, on coming forward, was receiv- ed with prolonged cheering. She then sang the beauti. ful song entitled the Pilgrim's path," with great sweet- ness, power, and effect, the stillness during the song being almost painful, but when she had finished, a buret of applause arose from all parts of the house," and an encore was insisted upon, which she kindly gave. There was another ovation of applause, when a lady stepped forward and presented her with a beautiful bouquet. This was followed by a solo on the violin, by Mr. E. W. Thomas, which was cheered, then a chorus, by the "l"ir. Who will o'er the downs," which was likewise applauded. Mr. Cummingi then gave the song" The pilgrim of love," in a splendid style, and was loudly and deservedly encored. This was followed by the instru- mental gem of the evening, viz., a duett on the harp, by Mr. John Thomas and Mr. J. Balsir Chatterton, and was altogether a most wonderful performance, and quite electrified the audience. The soldie. 'fe's lament," a song, was next sang in a sweet plal.. ve voice and manner, by Miss Jane Owen, Diuorwic, a very young little lady indeed. This song was also encored. Owain Alaw thea gave The Train," in his usual droll manner, which caused much laughter; and on this being encored he gave Hen wlad fy uhadau," in which nearly every- body about the platform joined in chorus. The second part was concluded by the choir singing the "March of the men of Harlech," accompanied by Mr. John Thomas, and two other harpists. It was most magnifieently rendered, and was warmly ap- plauded.

WEDNESDAY, I The Social Scienee Section connected with the Eis- teddfod, met this morning, in the National Sehookoom, Church Walks, for the purpose of reading papers bear- ing on the social condition of the people. The chair was taken by the Rev. J. Griffith, Rector of Neath, the Chairman of the Council. The attendance was influential, but very limited. Dr. Nicholas, of Carmarthen, then rose, and proeeed- ed to read a most able paper on the Education of the Middle Classes," which was listened tfio throughout with marked and very great attention. Thepubstance of the leoture wta, that the education now at the command ef the middle cluseo, and especially in Walat is not only uldSt defective and deficient, but it is far behind that whfeH Mnowatthecommtttt) ot the higher and the poorer classes. During th* (tfcrt 15 years, since the estab- lishment of National itia British Schools in nearly every parish, the poor man's child has had far better means of acquiring a superior education, comparatively, than has the child. of the farmer and the tradesman, and this was a condition of things which he thought should not 111111 ought not to be continued. Something should be done to restore the proper equilibrium in society, and the important question was—what could be done to restore it He thought, with Lord Wodehouse, that the chief remedy lay with the middle class parents themselves. who were more directly interested than any one else. Of late years the schools of the poor had pro- gressed greatly and well, but not tliolo (if the middle classes. What really WM required were good schools, and at reasonable cotit,-for a poor school, though a cheap one, was a decided evil. He would repeat, that the country wanted good and cheap schools for the in- struction of the children of the middle classes in Wales; for as it was now, the children of the farmer and the shopkeeper bad not the means of obtaining i better edu- cation than had the children of their ploughmen and servants. Something should be suggested to act M a stimulant; and he would recommend that good schools, conducted by able teachers, should be established in different parts of the country, and at a reasonable cost, and he believed that if they were established, they would be found to pay and to answer well. What was the state of things now ? Instead of the Welsh having good Schools of their own, and in their own country, they had to send their chil- dren to Liverpool, Manchester, Chester, or Shrewsbury, and there to pick up English Provincialisms. They were making endeavours to establish a University for Wales, and if such schools as he alluded to were numer- ous and efficient, they would operate as streams and feeders to the University. Instead of their children being sent to England to obtain an education to fit them for the liberal professions, such schools would tend to draw children from England, and especially those chil- dren whose parents were Welsh, and who now residod in large towns; and if for no other reason than this, that thev would acquire and secure health from the bracing Ilea "breezes on the coasts of Wales. Middle Class Schools, such as he was advocating, would act as a connecting link between the schools of the poor, and the higher class schools and the Universities. Such was the case in Scotland, where the way was open for the poorest boy, if he had talent and perseverance, to enter the beet University. This was pretty much the case in Germany, and even in France, where, perhaps, there was too much Government there was an excellent system for the education of all eluso3. In England there was an innumerable number of common schools, and there was a determined effort to extend schools for the middle classes in connection with the Established Church and even should the attempt not succeed, still it would show that it was deemed desirable and advisable to make the effort. In his opinion, the regeneration of the Welsh people, intellectually, depended upon the establishment of Middle Class Schools. This clasB in II ales was more numerous and more important than in most other countries, and he was sorry to Bay that their education was very low indeed, and they all knew what was usual- ly said in reference to Welsh juries; an,1 at Molt], the other day, their stolid ignorance was adverted to by the Judge. Now, why should education be confined to the English, and not likewise be afforded to the Welsh 1 In a few years Wales would be more popu- lous, and much more rich than she was at the pre- sent time. English capitalists bad cast their eyes upon the copper, lead, and gold, which abounded in their mountains, and tourists were annually visiting them, and the country was surely destined to be rich and pros- perous but the greatness of a country did not arise from mere material riches, but upon its moral aud intel- lectual str. ngtb. The Welsh intellect must be trained and developed, and then he believed the Welsh would be second to none, neither to the English nor the Scotch, but this result could only be arrived at by the establish- ment of good schools for the middle classes. He con- cluded by hoping that the Council would be induced to take the matter in hand as it was one of paramount im- portance to the Welsh people. They were a religious people, and at the Eisteddfodau they attended to the old Gorsedd, the Bards attended to poetical alliteration and so on; but something more was wanted than this- they required that the intellect of the middle classes should be cultured, and this, he repeated, could only be done, by establishing suitable schools for the children of the middle classes. (Loud and protracted cheering). The CHAIRMAN thanked Dr. Nicholas for his plain. spoken and able discourse, and then called upon any gentleman present to speak upon the very interesting subject, and to do so as plainly as possible, as he was sure Dr. Nicholas would not mind to have his views: very plainly canvassed. The Rev. W. JONES, Dyffryn, said that with all due deference to Dr. Nicholas, he himself did not think the English were so far a head of the Welsh in the mat- ter of education as some people seemed to think. What. ever may have been the case with the jury at Mold, he knew of cases in England which were much worse. In one case a man was indicted for a burglary, and the Jury brought in a verdict of Manslaughter I (Much laughter). In another instance, one of those celebrated English juries brought in a verdict that a man was guilty of six months on the wheel! (Renewed laughter). When told by the Judge that it was no part of their duty to decide upon the man's sentence, they re- considered their verdict, and then returned one of bu r. glary, when he was only charged with a common theft. He quite agreed with Dr. Nicholas as to the desirability of their having good schools, and then the Welsh would be beaten by neither the English nor the Scotch. (Hear, hear.) Mr. W. F. CHAPMAN said he quite agreed with the opinions of Dr. Nicholas, and he wished they would be acted upon. That good schools were s.idly wanted, everybody knew, and the knowledge kept English fami- lies from coming to reside in the country. He knew of a particular person, who would prefer residing in Wales, but was prevented from doing so out of regard for his children's education as there were no good -Middle Class Schools in Wales. GLAN ALTO (Mr. Jones, Mold,) generally agreed with the remarks of Dr. Nicholas, but did not think that the difference in education between the two countries was very great. Instead of making their children pre- pared for holding important situations in England, he thought it would be a better object to drive the English into Wales and not the Welsh into England. He did not want to send their young men and their young wo- men, who were the strength and the heart of the land out of their country. (Cheers.) Mr. JOHN WILLIAMS, (Bodafon), next addressed a few words to the meeting.He wished to thank Dr. Nicho- las from the bottom of his heart for his valuable sug- gestions on this, very important subject. He spoke from experience, and he could say that there was a sad want of education amongst many of the farm- era in Wales—men of morality and men of probity, but who had not had the advantages of a good education. He often felt sorry for them in his heart, for it was im- possible that they could have had an education. He remembered when the first National School was opened in Carnarvon, and he was lucky enough to get into the school, and, with what he had learnt there, and what he had taught himself, he had been enabled to conduct the Mostyn estate for 37 years; and from his personal knowledge he could say that that there 'vas a great lack of opportunities for farmers, and others of that class, to obtain a good education, and he pitied them from his heart. To carry out the suggestion of Dr. Nicholas, he thought it would be well if the matter were to be taken up by the Council of the Eisteddfod, who could practically do something to promote better education amongst the middle class of Wales, and he really hoped the Council would make a move in the matter. (Loud cheers.) Mr. JAMES, Crewe, who stated that he had been for- merly connected with the press, and therefore knew something about juries, English as well as Welsh, laid that the juries in both countries" were sufficiently stolid enough, and that it was a difficult thing to find one possessed of common sense, or of a iuror ever ask- ing a common-sense question. He then alluded to the proposed University for Wales, which he approved of; and found fault with the way the Grammar Schools are misapplied, as in several cases which he instanced (Brecnock being one), when the money, £ 8,001), had been taken by the government, and applied for general pur- poses. He thought this money should be refunded, and given to the proposed university, for money given for a local object should not, in justice, be applied for general purposes. Once or twice this speaker was interrnpted iby GLAN ALUH as te the irrelevancy of his remarks, but his ob- jections were over-ruled by the Chairman. Mr, FRANCIS, of Manchester, then made a few practi- cal remarks on the subject, and whilst admitting its great importance, said, the question was one which was surrounded with great difficulties. In Manchester he knew there had been very great efforts made to establish good middle class schools, but he was afraid they had not been, hitherto, very successful. If it could be managed in Wales, it was the duty of everyone of them to assist in every way. Mr. DAVIES, Cheltenham, then made an admirable speech, and commenced by remarking, that excellent and praiseworthy as was the essay of Dr. Nicholas, yet the only practical suggestion which he had heard on the subject was by the gentleman who sat on the right of the Chairman (Mr. Williams, Bodafon), who had sugges- ted that the matter be taken up by the Council of the Eisteddfod. He then remarked that preparatory schools had, as a rule, been a failure; and he denied that the Enb, class for class, and circumstance for circum- stance, were much in advance of the Welsh. Of course It wauM not be fair to compare the great centres of J>opulati«a and learning in England to the rural dis- tricts of Wales, and virtually it was all rural but take the Midland Counties, and then would be feund the same amount of "stolid ignoranee" which unhappily prevailed in some palt. of Walee. As to Welsh jarie^ he really was afraid that in this matter the Legislature had not done justice. He did not remember since the Welsh Act has passed in the year 1826, that one Welsh. man had been appointed as a judge; and they were not in the habit of teaching religion to the Welsh in the Welsh language. (Loud cheers.) Again, he thought that the Welsh M. ['a had scarcely done their duty in Parliament, for when Welshmen were attacked, as they were sometimes, he did not recollect one instance in which a Welsh member had defended them, or had ever pressed their claims upon the Government. He thought it would be desirable if the Council, in their individual and collective capacities, were to attempt to influence their members, so that perhaps, by a roundabout way, they may influence the Government in the matter of education for the middle classes. The speaker eat down amidst prolonged applause. Mr. WILLIAMS (Bodafon) then suggested that the Council be requested to offer a prize for the best essay shewing the bast way of promoting middle class educa- tion in Walea. After a few words from GUlf ALCN, who deprecated the everlasting comparison of Englishmen with Welsh- men, and recommending that they should meet every subject upon ita own positive merita- Mr. W. BULKELKF HUGHES rose ,tnd said, that he had taken an active part in education nearly all his life, al. though he was not a practical man, and he had dis- covered this that it was a very difficult matter to es- tablish good schools in Walea. A a to what had fallen from his friend Mr. Davies in reference to the Welsh members, he said it really was not correct; and as to the Government, why they really had done and were doing a great deal of good for the whole country. For himself, he really could not approve of the appointment of purely Welsh judges; and at all events they all knew that the appointment of judges was invested in the Crown and in the Government, and it was usually a political affair. Mr. DAVIES —I beg pardon, but all I meant to say was, that as the Act was passed so many years ago, I did think it very strange that not one person belonging to Wales had ever been appointed to the Bench. For himself, he certainly would be opposed to the appoint- ment of a Welsh judge. Mr. HUGHES said he trusted it would be possible to earry out Dr. Nicholas' suggestions; and also that in time persons would be found in Wales to fill any post. In the meanwhile he was afraid that the Council could not assist a great deal, and, moreover, the present Council's year of office had nearly expired. He hoped, however, that the time would soon arrive when Wales would be able to successfully compete with both Eng, land and Scotland. (Loud cheers.) After a spirited address from the Chairman, who said he never anticipated such an interesting discussion, and hoping that it would lead to some practical result, the meeting was adjourned until Thursday morning. The proceedings of the Eisteddfod were commenced by a procession being formed at half-past ten o'clock, as on the previous day, to escort the President (George Osborne Morgan, Esq.) to the pavillion, which being done, he was installed into the chair at the sound of the trumpet. The Rev. Canon WILLIAMS then read the following address, on behalf of the Council, to the Preeident [THE ADDBeSS J 11 Y gwir yn er-byis y byd." "Yn ngwyneb haul a Ilygad goleuni. "TO GEORGE OSBORNE MORGAN, ESQ, As President of the second day of the National Eis. teddfod held at Llandudno, 1864. Sir,—The Council beg leave to record their sincere gratitude for the kind manner in which you acceded to their request to become President of this National Con- gress of Bards and Literati. Being fully persuaded of your approval of the avowed objects of this ancient In- stitution, and that you have the interests of your country dearly at heart, they feel happy in being placed under your patronage. It "is a lamentable fact that for a long period, a re- markable want of information prevailed respecting the character of the literature, institution, and history Df that portion of Great Britain in which such of the ab- original race as had survived the repeated invasions of foreign powers sought their last asylum from the op- pression of their enemies. While the national pecu- liarities of the other portion of the Island have been industriously explored, Cambria has been regarded with an indifference, quite inconsistent with the entcrprizing spirit by which the literary republic of Great Britain is known to be animated. But they rejoice in the happy ohange that has been effected, the darkness is dispersing, and a brighter day is dawning upon the land of the awen and the harp. Welsh nationality is more severally respected, the literature of our country commands a wider circle of admirers, its study is introduced to foreign colleges, it is universally admitted that all Europe is indebted to the ancient Welsh for the germ of their romance literature, and the discovery of ita ety- mological excellencies has procured for it an honourable place in the libraries of the Philologists, among the various tongues of the great human family. "They cannot conclude this address without adding their expression of hope that you may be long spared to be the distinguished patron of the literature of our noble country. Given under the seal of the Council, this 24th day of August., 1864." The PBBSIDSNT then spoke as follows :—Ladies and gentlemen,—Let me begin by thanking the gentlemen of the Council, and you, Mr. Canon Williams, in par- ticular, for the great honour you have done me in elec- ting me to preside on this occasion, and for the eloquent and complimentary address which you have presented to me. (Cheers.) It is, indeed, a matter of astonish- ment and regret, that while all the powers of modern criticism have been devoted to throw light upon the Anglo-Saxon and Norman periods of our history, the British period, the oldest of all, should have been com- paritively neglected, and that we should have been driven to German professors and German Universities in order to learn the history of our own racq. (Hear, hear.) Certainly, if the pretensions of a nation to his- torical interest are to be measured by their antiquity, there is not one of the numerous races inhabiting this island which can compete with us. (Cheers.) Com- 'pared with the Celts, in the family of nations, the Saxon is a parvenu, the Dane an upstart, and the Nor- man a creature of yesterday. The selfsame race which now tills the sides of these mountains, wandered over them for centuries, Ere Danish lances blushed with Ella's bloo 1, Or blue-eyed Saxon sailed on Medway's flood therefore I rejoice, and say that these Eixteddfodaii, which I may now consider as fairly replanted in this country, as having revived among us an interest for Celtic history and Celtic antiquities. But with all this, I think it would be a mistake to say that these meetings possess for us only an archieological interest. (Hear, hear.) I think they may fairly attain a higher scope and wider range. To them the Eisteddfod was at once a national rallying point-a centre round which the whole nation gathered, and a means of keeping alive a love of what was beautiful and true- in the people. What the Olympic games were to the ancient Greeks, what the tournament was to the knights of the middle ages, that was the Eisteddfod to the ancient Briton; and surely the Briton has the advantage of the com- parison in many, perhaps in all, respects. (Hear, hear.) With the era of physical force the Olympic games and the tournament have passed away; but the Eisteddfod still remains, and the same strains which evoked the brief repose of our Dafydd and Llewelyns still fall sweetly on the ears of their descendants of the 19th century (cheers), for I need hardly remind you that the Eisteddfod, which we celebrate to-day, is an exact coun- terpart. of that which our ancestors celebrated 600 years ago.ff I dolnot mean to say, of course, that if an ancient Briton were to walk straight into this distinguished assembly, he would not see a great deal to astonish him. But it would not be the fault of the Eisteddfod if he did. There is a danger in allowing ourselves to be much engrossed by the antiquity of this institution, for we know there are many persons who consider every- thing good that is old, a mistake into which I am glad to see that the council have not fallen. I congratulate them on having, while resembling the form and substanoe of the Eisteddfod entirely, skilfully adapted it, by a careful selection of the Bubjects for competition, to the interests of the age and country in which we live- (Hear, hear.) I congratulate them on having added to their programme that latest invention of modern times "a social science department." But I dare say there are many of our English friends who think this part of our proceedings very good, but who would add Why cannot you do all this in English f' Is not the effect of all thia to keep up a language which is a bar to you in your social progress, which isolates you from the rest of your countrymen, and which, therefore, ought to be put down as soon as possible, or, at any rate, to be driven out of our cities and towns, and, like an old pony that has outgrown its work, be turned out to graze upon the mountains I (Laughter.) But, surely, people who speak in this way reason very unphilosopbic- ally. (Hear, hear.) They forget that language is the reflection of thought—that it is utterly impossible to force the ideas of oue people into the language of ano- ther. Those rugged words, which to the stranger con- vey no idea except that of a number of consonants with a very small proportion of vowels, are to the man who UBes them bound up with a network of associations, which underlies his whole existence--4mociations which are as deep and dear to him as life itself. It was in that (Continued in 3rd Page.)