The Annual Supper was
held on the 26th December, in the Royal Hotel. We give the report which
appeared in the Inverness Advertiser;—
There was a large and
influential attendance. Mr Fraser-Mackintosh of Drummond occupied the
chair, and the croupiers were Mr. Dallas, solicitor, and Mr. Murdoch.
The company included—Sheriff Macdonald; Mr. Colvin, solicitor; Mr. Alex.
Fraser, solicitor; Mr. Fraser, C.E. ; Mr. Mackintosh, Bank of Scotland;
Mr. Barclay, accountant; Mr. Maclennan, Tartan Warehouse; Mr. R. Grant,
do.; Mr. Macdonald, the Exchange, Treasurer of the Society; Mr. Duncan
Maciver, cabinetmaker; Mr. Finlay Maciver, gilder; Mr. Donald Maciver,
student; Mr. Charles Mackay, Drummond; Mr. Alex. Mackay, Rose Street;
Bailie Simpson; Bailie Macbean; Bailie Baillie; Mr. Mackenzie,
Clachnacuddin House; Mr. T. D. Campbell, Church Street; Mr. G. J.
Campbell, writer; Mr. J. H. Mackenzie, bookseller; Mr. Mackay,
bookseller; Mr. D. Campbell, draper; Mr. A. Mackenzie, Church Street;
Mr. A. Macdonald, New Market; Mr. Huntly Fraser, merchant; Mr. Angus
Macdonald, Bard to the Society; Mr. Boss, Gas and Water Co.’s Office;
Mr. Tulloch, painter: Mr. Kenneth Fraser, writer; Mr. Alex. Fraser, do.;
Mr. W. B- Forsyth, Advertiser; Mr. Barron, Courier; Mr. W. Mackay,
Secretary to the Society; Mr. John Munro, wine merchant ; Mr. Alex.
Grant, Church Street; Mr. Cumming, Allan-feam; Mr. Wm. Mackenzie,
Workman’s Club Buildings; Mr. D. Fraser, Glenelg; Mr. Wood, Courier
Office; Mr. Mackenzie, teacher, Maryburgh; Mr. A Macleod, Huntly Street;
Captain Mackenzie, Telford Road; Mr. Logan, Stoneyfield; Mr. William
Campbell, Castle Street, &c
After an excellent supper
(served up in Mr Christie’s best style, and including a first-class bill
of fare) had been done ample justice to, the Chairman rose and proposed
in succession the usual loyal and patriotic toasts, Captain Robert
Grant, 4th I H R V., responding for the volunteers. At the call of the
Chair, the Secretary, Mr William Mackay, then read the following
report:—
“At the end of the first
year's existence of the Gaelic Society of Inverness, it may not be out
of place to refer to a few particulars in connection with its founding
and constitution. After some correspondence in the columns of the
Inverness Advertiser by “ U. M‘C.,” “clachnacuddin,” “Mealfourvonie,”
&c., on the subject of a Gaelic Society in the Capital of the Highlands,
an advertisement appeared in the papers announcing that a meeting of
those favourable to the proposal would be held in the Association
Buildings, on the evening of the 4th September 1871. At this meeting it
was formally resolved that a Gaelic Society should be established in
Inverness, and a committee was appointed to frame a constitution. By the
28th of the same month, this committee had their work finished, and that
evening the Society was formally constituted, the number who enrolled
themselves as members being twenty-four. From this date the Society met
regularly, and additions were made from time to time to the membership,
until, at the first annual assembly, held on 12th July last, there were
119 on the roll. This gathering, at which there were about 1,000
present, was a success in every respect, and the immediate result was a
large accession of members. It is now gratifying to report that at this,
the close of our first financial year, there are 182 members on the roll
The Gaelic Society, haying objects so thoroughly national and patriotic,
ought to be one of our most popular institutions, and in order that it
should continue to prosper as it has hitherto done, I would suggest that
each member should make it a point to secure at least one new member
during the year upon which we are now about to enter—a plan which has
been so successfully adopted by a kindred Society, the Inverness, Ross,
and Nairn Club.
“Of the work done by the
Society, I need not give details, seeing that the first volume of our
Transactions is now on the table, and that each member will be presented
with a copy in a few days. Suffice it to say that our doings have been
as varied in character as the objects of the Society. The lectures and
essays delivered, to the date of the assembly in July, will be found in
the Transactions, except six papers not published, as explained in the
introduction to the volume. The opening lecture of this session was
delivered in Gaelic by the Rev. Mr. Macgregor, and up to this date the
following papers were read at the ordinary meetings, viz.:— “Toireachd
na Taine,” an ancient Gaelic legend collected by Mr. Carmichael,
Lochmaddy; “The Study of the Gaelic Language,” by the Secretary; “Laoidh
nan Ceann,” an ancient Gaelic legend, collected by Mr. Carmichael; and
“The Undeveloped Resources and Capabilities of the Highlands,” by Mr.
Fraser, C.E.
“One of the objects of
the Society is the formation of a library of books and manuscripts
bearing upon the genius, literature, history, antiquities, and material
interests of the Highlands and Highland people; and in connection with
this a valuable collection has already been made, principally by
donation. A list of the donations is given at the end of the
Transactions.
“From the Treasurer’s
account for the year it appears that the amount of the receipts,
including subscriptions and money taken at the public lectures, is £102
18s 6d; the total expenditure, including expenses in connection with the
lectures, the publishing of the Transactions, &c., £82 9s 9d; leaving a
balance in favour of the Society of £20 8s 9d.
“It has to be explained
that after each member is supplied with a copy of the Transactions there
will be over 200 copies in the hands of the Society for sale; and I may
also mention that, as it was decided that the Society’s year should
close on 31st December, the expenditure extends over fifteen months,
while the subscriptions are only for one year.
“A proposal to found a
Gaelic bursary in one of our Universities was brought under the
consideration of the Council, and they hope that at an early period the
Society will be in a position to carry this proposal into effect.
“The Council take this
opportunity of impressing upon the members the desirability of a regular
attendance at the meetings, of the Society. Seeing that the
office-bearers give their onerous, services gratuitously, their work
will be materially facilitated if the members will be prompt in paying
their subscriptions, and otherwise assist in furthering the objects of
the Society.
"The present acting
Council now retire from office, and at a meeting to be held early in
January, it falls to the Society to nominate office-bearers for next
year. The meeting will be announced by advertisement, and it is
desirable that there should be a large attendance, as the appointment of
office-bearers for the year is obviously a very important matter.”
The Chairman, in rising
to propose the toast of the evening, “Success to the Inverness Gaelic
Society,” which was received with enthusiasm, said that before
proceeding to read some notes he had prepare} for the occasion, he had a
remark to make, suggested by an observation in the excellent report just
read. He referred to the importance of procuring additional members to
the Society. He undertook to act on that suggestion himself, and he
trusted the other members would do the same, and at least secure one
additional member each. He was the more pressed to do this, because
looking at the handsome volume of the Society's Transactions just
published, he felt himself placed in rather a peculiar position. Only
two individuals appeared on the list of life members. One of these was
their excellent President and Chief, Cluny Macpherson, and the other his
humble self. Now, in heraldry a Highland Chief held the rank of an
English Baron, and was entitled to two supporters. As to getting
additional members, for his part he undertook to procure the one
recommended, so he hoped the company would exert themselves, for the
importance of a Chief depended upon his following. Another remark he
wished to make was with reference to the two hundred surplus copies of
the Society’s Transactions. He thought that work would increase their
membership and that it would be an excellent plan for procuring members
were a circular and copy of the Secretary’s report sent out to forty or
fifty of the most influential Highland gentlemen in the north. Mr
Fraser-Mackintosh then proceeded as follows :—Twice happy is such a
society as the present, since it combines two such potent elements of
strength as judgment and enthusiasm. Upon the latter I need not dwell—it
is unquenchable; but if we carry the former also, we must attain our
ends. Are the ends then we seek, namely,
“The perfecting of the
members in the use of the Gaelic language; the cultivation of the
language, poetry, and music of the Scottish Highlands; the rescuing from
oblivion of Celtic poetry, traditions, legends, books, and manuscripts;
the establishing in Inverness of a library, to consist of books and
manuscripts, in whatever language, bearing upon the genius, the
literature, the history, the antiquities, and the material interests of
the Highlands and Highland people; the vindication of the rights and
character of the Gaelic people— and, generally, the furtherance of their
interests, whether at home or abroad”—-justifiable and necessary? The
presence of such an attendance as I now see before me answers in the
affirmative. All of us are working men, and in turning for a time from
the harassing and anxious exertions of every-day life, could any pursuit
or relaxation be more fit than that which, combining judgment with
enthusiasm, causes us to investigate the past. In the expressive words
of Dr Johnson, “Whatever withdraws us from the power of our senses,
whatever makes the past, the distant, or the future predominate over the
present, advances us in the dignity of thinking beings;” Our views are
not aggressive; they are, on the contrary, defensive and preservative.
We are proud of being Highlanders, and of our language; and jealous of
the fame of those who have preceded us. We owe much to Sir Walter Scott
for his pictures of the Highlands and Highlanders—in truth, a debt which
can never be repaid. Such an expression as “my heart warms at the sight
of the tartan," merits, and will have, immortality. But when it is
gravely said that he created Scotland, and especially the
Highlands—while we are forced to admit that such a statement is but the
reflex of English opinion—we are called on to deny its truth. These
ideas are not confined to the common people, for you will find in works
by such an accomplished author as the writer of “The Greatest of the
Plantagenets,” &c., such a distortion of facts, such a barefaced
justification of Edward the First’s proceedings, as compels any Scotsman
of proper feeling indignantly to protest against the language used, the
inferences drawn, and the results arrived at. In the matter of our
unrivalled scenery, the author of the “ Playground of Europe ” writes of
the Highlands as “a country of dumpy heather-clad hills” In the keeping
up of national traits and feeling, and in a minor degree, local
aspirations, we are broadly and frequently told that being now an
integral part of a great empire, we but betray a narrow and petty
provincialism. I have yet to learn that men devoted to their country, to
its ancient language, to their place of nativity, are thereby generally
worse citizens. This field is, however, wide, and I for the present
shall confine myself to four points. First, I
Shall touch upon the
necessity of societies such as ours removing by every legitimate mode
the idea that the Highlands was a barbarous country, and the people
little better than savages. Such charges have been iterated and
reiterated. Let them be refuted and again related by facts, as these are
gathered from cotemporary sources and documents of the past. We at once
admit that in the early and middle ages, as they may be termed, of
authentic Scottish history, much shedding of blood, cruelties, and
rapine prevailed. But I ask, were these so peculiar to the Highlands
that they must be singled out and held up to reprobation? Were there no
Border feuds? Was there no debateable land, so rife with murder and
bloodshed as to have necessitated the most arbitrary exercise of power
by one of the Scottish Kings? So much for the South of Scotland. Again,
in the north, in the counties of Sutherland and Caithness, and in the
northern isles, I say unhesitatingly that more purposeless, more
sanguine, and more cruel slaughters occurred among the population of
Scandinavian descent than will be found in the darkest annals of the
Highlands, properly so called. Just let me ask, would any true
Highlander—of whom it has been well said that he is always a
gentleman—parade by way of epitaph his misdeeds upon his tombstone? But
what says a Scandinavian called Donald Mac-Mhorchifc-eoin-nxhoir of
himself? Here it is —“Donald Mack, here lyis lo; vas ill to his frend
and var to his fo, true to his maister in veird and vo. 1623.” Why, a
dog is faithful to his master. Again, was it a Highlander who ordered
the head of a man of some status to be instantly struck off because, in
the streets of Inverness more than 300 years ago, the unfortunate took
“the crown of the causeway?” The more original documents are searched
out, the more will it be found, as I feel satisfied from my own
researches, that the general character of the Highlander was peaceful,
and the undoubted painful events which are scattered over history will
be traced to the fact that the people and their immediate masters were
driven to desperation by the grinding encroachments of strangers from
the south and west. The Parliamentary and criminal records which exist
containing such deplorable complaints of the doings of “broken men” in
the Highlands and Islands must be received with caution, now that we are
acquainted with the favouritism and corruption which surrounded the
Court, and sat upon the bench. I do not deny that these criminal
proceedings took place, but I say that many of them were unjustifiable,
and instigated for private ends. If the Highlanders were, as they have
been so often depicted, how is it that so great a change has taken place
within little more than a century? The instincts, habits, and actings of
race can not, and are not, removed or set aside by Acts of Parliament.
We in the Highlands are perhaps the most peaceable, law-abiding people
in the world, and if we wish our posterity to think well of us, as all
of us must do, then it is not only our duty, but we ought to esteem it
our privilege, to rehabilitate our predecessors, by giving them the
justice they have not hitherto received. In reference to our own
peaceful state and immunity from crime of any magnitude, not merely in
the country, but in our northern towns and villages, is it unjustifiable
to notice what has been said a few days ago of the assizes of the
south?—“ A succession of murders and minor outrages has presented a
picture of drunken brutality such as might be more fitly expected in
some savage island in the far Pacific, where the natives have just
tasted for the first time the terrible poison of drink. The northern
circuit has been the chief scene of these horrors, and they tell a
shocking story of the state of the well-paid working classes in the
district of which Durham is the centra. Do I refer to these with
satisfaction? No. I merely wish to remind dwellers in “Merrie England”
of the danger of throwing stones from within glass houses.
Second—I shall refer to
the collection and preservation of Gaelic literature of whatever
character. In referring to Gaelic literature, we can never overestimate
our indebtedness to Macpherson. Before his first appearance, everything
connected with the ancient state of the Highlands was looked on with
disfavour, and by many then living in the Highlands with contempt. It
needed, therefore, some strong stimulant to arouse a counter-spirit of
enquiry and defence. This was presented in the works of Ossian, which as
given by Macpherson so startled the public, that two violent currents
set in, one in disparagement and the other in vindication. The enquiries
instituted by the Highland Society, and by private parties, had the
great good fortune to bring to light vast masses of song, recitation,
and legend, which otherwise would in all probability have been lost. We
now know pretty well what parts are authentic, and what Macpherson’s
own. In justice to Macpherson it may be admitted that the portions
supposed to be his own are equal to the originals; and his great poetic
genius is undeniable. We, of course, don’t justify his conduct in
respect of the famous poems, but really his reputation, private and
political, was so bad, that as concerns the poems, the indirect results
having been so important, a veil, at least by Highlanders, may be drawn
over his translations. Fresh upon the discussions, Dr. Johnson, rough
but honest, conies upon the scene, and were it only for his language in
regard to Flora Macdonald and his reflections upon landing in Iona, we
do forgive all his harsh sayings. He says—“We are now treading that
illustrious island which was once the luminary of the Caledonian
regions, whence savage clans and roving barbarians derived the benefits
of knowledge and the blessings of religion. Far from me, and from my
friends, be such frigid philosophy as may conduct us indifferent and
unmoved over any ground which has been dignified by wisdom, bravery, or
virtue. That man is little to be envied whose patriotism would not gain
force upon the plain of Marathon, or whose piety would not grow warmer
among the ruins of Iona.”
Talk of Scotland being
destitute of wood. What now-a-days would English railways and collieries
do without our Highland timber? What would Johnson say, what would the
hundreds of scribblers say, when decrying the antiquity of the Gaelic
language, if they had lived to read the “Book of Deer ” This discovery
marks a white stone in the history of Gaelic literature. It is neither
more nor less than this, that the oldest Scottish document known to
exist, is not written in the English language, but in the Gaelic. Aye,
and in Gaelic which is readable by ordinary Gaelic students. I observe
Professor Innes describes the writing of the Gaelic chronicle as the
hand of the 11th century. Others put it earlier but in any case it now
stands as the very first document purely relating to Scotland which
exists. The few other documents remaining of that century are in Latin.
The antiquity of the language as a written one being thus so
satisfactorily established, it would be highly becoming in a Society
like ours to search for and print all manuscripts in the language, and
to issue in a convenient form new editions of scarce and curious works.
Further, all poetry, songs, stories, legends, riddles, incantations, and
others should be carefully sought out, collected, and printed. That much
in this way has been done, and particularly of late by Campbell of Islay
and others is gladly admitted; but much more can yet be preserved of
what still floats about in the Highlands and Islands. And here I would
hope and trust that the first volume of our Transactions, so
satisfactory in every respect, is but the beginning of a long and useful
series. A word of caution, however, is perhaps necessary in the
collection of stories. If we are listening to a fairy or other legend,
imagination alone is at work, and the more vivid the scenes the better.
On the other hand, historical stories must be very carefully sifted, for
it is well known that events and persons have become blended, though
having in reality no connection with each other. And as for dates, few
Highlanders only speaking Gaelic can be relied on for periods prior to
Culloden. There are many enquiries, no doubt, of a minor character, but
still of interest, which our Society might undertake, serving for
“Occasional Papers,” as I may call them.
We must not forget to
keep in view that the sure mode of permanently and widely enlisting the
sympathies and support of Highlanders generally is by popularising
Gaelic literature, and the past history of the Highlands. It will not do
to have learned essays alone, which, to many, and these leal Highlanders
too, are as pleasant reading as a dictionary or grammar. Carrying out
these views I would suggest such an investigation as the real origin of
Piobaireachd Dhomformill Duibh, If you were to ask nine out of ten, they
would doubtless say, of course, it is a tune composed in honour of one
of the chiefs of the Camerons. Is Lochiel not Mac Domhnuill Duibh? But,
notwithstanding, there will be found one man who will say, and perhaps
he alone is right, that it was composed in honour of Donald Bulloch, at
the time of the first battle of Inverlochy. The name of Donald Balloch
has had to me from a child something of a charm—as I doubt not it has
had to many of you—and I, just in passing, notice that lately, when
painfully deciphering an old charter, signed at Inverness in 1446, I was
delighted to find the name of Donald Balloch as one of the witnesses,
bringing him, as it were, almost bodily before me. Another enquiry
might, as I have referred to Inverlochy, be this—Was or was not Montrose
actually present at the battle therein 1645? Did he command the royal
army, and see Mac-Cailean-Mor sneak off ignominiously in his galley?
Most people will say—Yes, he was present; but others will say No: that
the battle was a surprise brought on by the wonted impetuosity of the
Macdonalds, and that Montrose, who had been in the neighbourhood of
Killychumin, did not get back until all was over.
Third—The placing of
monuments, tablets, or memorials in honour of distinguished Highlanders,
or to commemorate great historic events, might well form an important
part of the objects of our Society. The name of Flora Macdonald has
lately been honoured by a monument which confers the highest credit on
the inceptors of the scheme, and those who carried it out; and I must
particularly refer to Mackintosh, who lent the influence of an ancient
and honoured name; to Mr. Walter Carruthers, who brought the tact,
knowledge, and perseverance which have made his paper such a power in
the north; to Mr. Alexander Ross, whose massive but chaste design will
hand down his name with honour to late generations. Here I cannot help
saying of Mr. Ross, that I feel assured the polished citizens of Athens
would not have used any artist in the shabby and unfair way those who
affect to call their city the Modem Athens have used him! Also, Mr.
Forsyth, sculptor, who did his part so well. The name of the Rev. Mr.
Macgregor, also a true Highlander, who suggested the memorial forty
years ago, and assisted to carry it out, should not be overlooked. In
looking over the list of subscribers, Highland feeling may be seen in
miniature, and although we don’t find the name of the two Skye
potentates, we find with pleasure scores of Macdonalds and Macleods
giving their shillings and half-crowns.
Next, I would speak of
the field of Culloden. The scene of the battle is visited by hundreds
yearly, and from the farthest comers of the earth. That visitors are
disappointed will I think be conceded. What form the memorial should
take it is not for me to say. All I say is that something ought to be
done, and I am aware that Culloden is very willing that something be
done, and to take that leading part which becomes him. It occurs to me
that this is a subject fairly falling within our .province to discuss,
and to endeavour in concert with those interested to carry out.
Lastly, we have tablets
to erect in honour of poets such as Ian Lom and others. He lived and had
his croft of Clachaig in Brae-Lochaber, “the bard’s croft,” from the
time of the Lords of the Isles. His politics were so much in unison with
my own, that before this I should have caused a monument to be erected
at Kilchaoril, where it might, be naturally supposed his remains would
lie; but the matter has stood over, as I have read that he was buried in
the church of Duthil. Now, with this locality, or the name of Grant, he
could have had no sympathy whatever. I will be very thankful to receive
information on this point, and if the story about Duthil be mythical,
and there be every reason to suppose he was buried with his kindred,
then the picturesque and commanding spot which holds the remains of so
many of the brave men and fair women of the Brae of Lochaber, shall not
want a suitable memorial of the renowned Ian Lorn.
Fourth, I would direct
attention to the importance of encouraging feelings of attachment in
Highlanders to the place of their own or their ancestors’ birth. This
opens such wide questions as to prevent more than a passing reference.
We complain that in the past too many have been compulsorily
expatriated. I complain of the great indifference shown by many who have
made fortunes in the south or abroad to the land of their birth or
origin. Unfortunately, land in the Highlands has changed hands greatly;
nay, is changing, and will continue to change. Who are taking possession
of the Highlands? As a rule, we are safe to reply sportsmen, or business
men. The former necessarily wish as few as possible, and they have no
common sympathies. The latter look to returns for their money, and that,
it is well known, is easier, if not more certain, from large farms and
skilled husbandry. I must not be misunderstood on the matter of
sportsmen. Through them rents have quadrupled, whereby the area of
taxation has been so much enlarged, as materially to reduce it. Superior
houses hare been planted everywhere, good wages are given, and the
nature of the occupations evokes rude health to the employed,
perpetuated in a vigorous offspring. But notwithstanding, the Highlands
can sustain a much larger population than now exists, always, however,
if judiciously distributed, taking the climate and locality into
account. To do away with sport in a rough and ready manner would be
fatal to the Highlands; but, on the other hand, how much fine arable
land, what pretty green spots, where cattle were wont to be herded, what
numbers of houses, with occasionally an ash tree or a rowan, to denote
that one with a taste above his fellows had there his loved abode, are
to be found on large sheep farms? But the grass of the arable lands is
grey from decay; heather slowly but surely encroaches on the natural
pastures; and not the ruins of cottars’ houses, but dismantled walls of
the habitations of gentlemen tenants, are found on the possession of a
large non-resident sheep farmer. Such places ought again to have their
healthy and happy occupants; the land should again be tilled; cattle
should again abound, and with all this sport could have its fair place
and share. Now, it appears to me that as we cannot look for amelioration
from the new classes of buyers I have referred to, we can with
reasonable assurance of hope look to such an amelioration, if the
Highlands were owned chiefly by Highlanders. What I would wish to
impress upon every ambitious young Highlander, determined to win
fortune, that he ought to keep in view the acquisition of land as his
last and ultimate object, and having so acquired it, to do all in his
power for its improvement and development, and for the comfort and
happiness of the inhabitants. Such as have followed learned professions,
engaged in the service of our country, or occupied in trade, and enabled
to retire with comfort, should spend as much of the remainder of their
days in the Highlands as possible, where their wealth would do good to
trade, and their influence be productive of benefit. Now, as an example
of what I have been alluding to, take the case of Mr. Matheson, M.P. Is
there a better landlord anywhere? How much has he not done for the
North? Is not his name and reputation such as may be envied by the
oldest, proudest, or noblest of our northern houses? Now when young, let
us say when at school at Inverness, and with the world all before him,
must he not have often thought that his ancestors had been great
Ross-shire proprietors; were unjustly forfeited at Inverness 400 years
ago, and it should be his ambition not only to refound his ancient
house, but to extend its borders. We cannot doubt that such feelings and
aspirations existed, wafting him on to fortune. Why should not others do
the same? Rather is there not every call upon Frasers, Macdonalds,
Macleods, Macneills, Macleans, &c., to bestir themselves, re-acquire
their old habitations, and inaugurate a new and happier era, when wealth
and sympathy would go hand in hand. In furthering such and kindred
objects, societies like ours may do much good, and I now ask you to
drink prosperity to “The Gaelic Society of Inverness.”
A Gaelic song was then
sung by Mr. Hugh Rose.
Mr. Dallas proposed the
next toast. This duty, he said, is greatly simplified and rendered
easier by the very felicitous and lucid manner in which the Chairman has
already set forth the objects of such societies as the Gaelic Society of
Inverness. My toast is “Kindred Societies”—a very comprehensive style
and title of toast as you will presently see, not by the length of my
remarks, but by the bare enumeration of societies established and now
existing for purposes kindred to our own. Our leading purposes among
others are the perfecting of the members in the use of the Gaelic
language—the cultivation of the language, poetry, and music of the
Scottish Highlands—and the rescuing from oblivion of Celtic poetry,
traditions, legends, books and MSS., and also the furtherance of the
interests of the Gaelic people whether at home or abroad. The Gaelic
language, it is commonly believed, is destined soon to die out as a
spoken language. I am inclined to join this belief, and to say for many
reasons which I deem cogent, that I think it would not be against the
prosperity of the Highlands of Scotland that it should to that extent
disappear. It happens that this island of Great Britain is a great
commercial country; and I think no one will deny that we should all
agree upon one common vernacular tongue for the transaction of our
common business. We are not sufficiently extensive commercially even to
render separate languages in the least necessary for our own internal or
home transactions, and the English language is now the language in which
all our business is transacted. The stated periodical and most welcome
visits of English sportsmen to our Highland glens has tended greatly to
the extinction of Gaelic as a spoken language. This, however, need not
in any way interfere with or impede the progress of such societies; but
on the contrary, the very fact that a language so interesting as
disclosing legendary lore is destined in the course and progress of
events to die out as a spoken language is the best reason why such
societies should start up for its preservation and proper culture. The
kindred societies to whose prosperity I ask you to join me in this toast
comprehend no fewer than sixteen separate bodies. But before naming them
perhaps you will allow me so far digress as to say that I in common with
others regret that we have no ladies present this evening. The ladies
must form a part of all such societies as ours. I have no doubt that the
different societies whose prosperity you are asked to toast have lady
members, and so have we to a limited extent. I have no intention of
violating the rules by introducing politics, but whatever may be said of
the great question of women suffrage, and whether the concession of that
vast privilege to the fair sex would be attended on the one hand with
the immense advantages to the human race which its advocates contend
for, or on the other with the dire consequences anticipated by some
people, I think we will agree here that the co-operation of the silken
cords of all society— the bonds that bind men in peace and harmony with
each other— would certainly be a most potent auxiliary to such societies
as ours and our kindred brethren. Mr. Dallas concluded by enumerating
the kindred societies referred to, and asking for a hearty bumper to
their health and prosperity. Should any of their members ever come among
us here we would receive them with a hearty welcome.
After some excellent pipe
music, including a beautiful piobair-eachd, from Pipe-Major Maclennan,
the veteran piper of the H.L.I., Militia, who was in attendance, and
performed during supper and between the toasts,
Sheriff Macdonald rose
and proposed, in the Gaelic language, the toast of “The Gaelic People,”
which called forth loud cheers.
Mr. Murdoch proposed
“Celtic Literature.” He said that after the very excellent opening
address of the Chairman, and the reference of Mr. Dallas to so many
kindred societies engaged in advancing Celtic literature, there was
little left for him to say at that late hour. He always felt the
awkwardness of the position in which he stood, owing to the attitude
taken up by considerable numbers who asserted that there was no Celtic
literature at all. He seemed as if he were acting in antagonism where he
was only asserting facts, which should be known to all intelligent men.
There was neither antagonism nor anything narrowing in setting forth the
facts and claims of Celtic literature; we were rather insisting upon
contributing our share to the literature of the world, and in our
researches we came into friendly contact with our friends in Wales, in
the Isle of Man, and in Ireland, which were teeming with valuable
materials of this kind. Indeed, Celtic literature was to be found where
but very few looked for it; and it was curious to observe the different
treatments extended to Macpherson when he laid before the world what
were really and ostensibly Celtic poems, and to Tennyson when he brought
forth really Celtic poems under an English guise. No one raised a
question as to the latter, whilst a regular war arose out of the former.
The “Idyls of the King” were not only Celtic in their subject and their
incidents, but they were positively Welsh ballads, and so much so, that
whole lines, sentences, paragraphs, and even pages, with merely artistic
touches, could be traced to Lady G. Fullerton’s translations of Welsh
into English. Another unexpected quarter in which we found Celtic
literature was Buchanan’s History of Scotland, composed by a born Celt,
from Celtic authorities, and with an intensely Celtic argument. The
spirit of the Celtic polity is particularly strong in his arguments on
the succession to the throne. It was, perhaps, after all, consistent,
first to steal our literature, and then say we had none! There were
three famous Gaelic compositions of which it was said :—“Gach dan gu dcm
cm Devrg; gach sgeul gu sgeul Chonail; agus gach laoidh gu laoidh cm
amadain mkovr;” conveying that the standard to which each poem was to be
referred was the song of the Red; each story to the story of Connal; and
each lay to the lay of the Great Fool. “The Red” was Diarmid O’Duine; of
all the great Connals, the one in the story was Connal Gulbinn; and the
Great Fool was no fool at all. There was no occasion for him to say
another word in favour of the toast, unless it were that they should
fill their glasses of good Ness water, and drink a bumper to Celtic
Literature.
The song “Scotland Yet”
was sung in excellent style by Mr. Campbell (of Messrs. Davidson &
Scott, solicitors).
Mr. Fraser, C.E., gave
the health of “The Provost and Magistrates of Inverness,” and in doing
so referred to the importance and extent of their duties, discharged
without fee or reward, and frequently he believed at the cost of much
time and trouble which might have been devoted to their own business.
Three bailies had honoured this meeting with their presence, and were
members of the Society; but every member of the Council ought to join
them, and thereby show a good example to the rest of the community.
Bailie Simpson responded.
Any little time or trouble devoted to the affairs of the town by his
colleagues and himself was amply repaid by securing the good will of
those they represented. He was particularly well pleased to see
presiding over the company to-night his old and esteemed friend so long
at the Council board, and would for one be delighted if Mr.
Fraser-Mackintosh came back among them and gave them a helping hand.
They had fought together for a long time in a minority, but the tables
were now turned, and the side with which he acted had things now pretty
much their own way. He trusted their excellent Chairman to-night would
by-and-bye return with honour to the Council where he served so long and
faithfully.
“Come under my plaidie,”
an excellent Gaelic translation, was sung in a hearty and humorous
style, at the call of the Chairman, by Mr. Cumming, Allanfearn.
The Chairman then
proposed “the Ladies" which, he said, might have more appropriately been
given to Mr. Alexander Mackenzie, who had lately been acting as gallant
advocate for the sex. He expressed cordial approval of the proposal to
have lady members, and their presence at the festive meetings of the
Society.
Mr. Fraser, Faillie, gave
“the Press,” coupled with the local newspapers, which was responded to
by Mr. W. B. Forsyth.
The song “Wha’ll be King
but Chairlie,” in Gaelic and English, was sung in capital style by
Sheriff Macdonald, after which the Chairman proposed a hearty bumper to
the worthy Sheriff’s health, and the Sheriff suitably acknowledged the
compliment, stating that now he was an enrolled member of the Society he
should be only too glad to do all that lay in his power to promote its
interests.
Mr. Alex. Mackenzie
proposed “the Members of Committee,” coupled with their excellent and
efficient Secretary, Mr. William Mackay. Next to the toast of the
ladies, this was the one he most preferred to give. The great and
successful exertions made by the members of the committee in conducting
the affairs of this Society, and the perseverance and sound practical
sense they invariably exhibited, led to the gratifying position which
the Society had now attained. And to the Secretary they were specially
indebted for the attention he devoted to their affairs. he had other
duties of his own to attend to, and yet without fee or reward he gave
much of his time and talents—many of his hours of sleep, it was to be
feared—to pushing forward the work of the Society. He trusted the
Society would not loose his services, which had been invaluable up to
the present and would be so henceforward.
Mr. Mackay, in thanking
the company for the honour done him, said he only regretted that he was
not able to devote more of his time to the Society’s affairs; but what
he had been able to do, had been a pleasure and delight to him—it had
brought him many personal friends, whose acquaintance he might never
otherwise have formed, and it had brought him into correspondence with
some of the most eminent literary men in the country—a circumstance of
which he would be proud as long as he lived. He had been greatly helped
in the performance of his duties by Mr. Duncan Mackintosh, Bank of
Scotland, and but for that gentleman’s willing and valuable assistance
he could never have undertaken the amount of work that had occasionally
to be done.
Bailie Macbean proposed
“the Chairman.”
The Chairman, in
responding, said that he had much pleasure in being present to-night,
and when called on to preside over the meeting, though he had much other
business to attend to, and his health was not what he would like it to
be, he found he really could not refuse, for his sympathies and his
heart were with them in this matter.
A Gaelic song was sung by
Mr. Charles Mackay, Drummond.
The Chairman rose and
proposed “the health of their friends from a distance,” to whom the
Society were much indebted for their attendance to-night, and for the
interest they showed in its affairs. He coupled the toast with Mr.
Fraser, a gentleman who had come all the way from Glenelg to be present
at this meeting.
Mr. Fraser expressed his
thanks for so kindly remembering the strangers from a distance. The best
return he could make for this kindness was to state that having already
become a member, he promised to secure another one to the Society. He
was much gratified by the success of this meeting, and should have great
pleasure in circulating all he had seen and heard to-night.
Mr. Dallas proposed “Our
Chief, Cluny Macpherson,” whom they should be proud of having at their
head. Their Chief had delivered the best Gaelic address ever given
before the members of this Society. Cluny was not a young man, but he
was still a splendid specimen of a Highlander. If he remembered aright,
it was of Cluny that Sir Walter Scott wrote in 1825 as the “fine
spirited lad” who headed the procession of Highlanders on the occasion
of Mons Meg being placed in Edinburgh Castle.
The Chairman said Mr.
Dallas was right as to the remark of Sir Walter Scott.
The toast of “the
Croupiers” was then proposed by Bailie Simpson, and acknowledged by Mr.
Dallas, after which Mr. Alex. Mackenzie proposed “the Absent Members,”
and in so doing suggested that those members at a distance who were
unable to attend the meetings of the Society, might show their interest
in its concerns by writing papers, which would be read at their meetings
by some other member residing in town—many could write such papers, and
would have the pleasure of seeing them in the Society’s handsome volume
of Transactions.
Messrs. Mackay and
Mackintosh then sung together a Gaelic song, and the Chairman proposed
that as the hour was late it was about time to part. He said they were
exceedingly indebted to the gentlemen who had favoured them with songs,
especially Gaelic ones, and who had contributed so much to the harmony
of the evening. Before parting they could not do less than tender their
acknowledgments to Mr. and Mrs. Christie for the excellent manner in
which they had discharged their part of the duties—the attendance having
been entirely satisfactory and all the materials supplied most
excellent, for which they deserved the company’s best thanks.
The meeting then broke
up, after singing together at the Chairman’s suggestion the bard of the
Society’s Gaelic translation of the National Anthem. |