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Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la mAthode. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 ^OVA SCOT/4 Ift. ,■^,Sis•;dJ I^^^^^^^^^^^^M^M^^^^ArfMifi mill ^^^^111 ■■III *!' A •- ~ -i •'"-"> *,*»*• T^^J i\->*. S'^lL^. ,'V»*W- r-^. .-f-^-.tK "^'i-tr' "»• jt-^i*. J^' tv irk :*>■-' »*\ ^;«?* y»sr" 1'^'" 'f> t h4 M, w* ■If A \ ^ ir i 1 .'I -J. <' CELEBKATION OF :^/ [ BURNS' "centenary, HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA, ,jr I 25iH Januaay, 1859. I i REPORTED ffk' MESSRS. WEEKS AND COCHRAN, AND PU0LI8HEO BY ORDER OF THE COMMlTTEEr \ I ) HALIFAX : PRINTED BY JAMES BOWES AND SONS, 1859« // #. # . ■^■■:.-. ^m^ a p^i>jr2^ ' ■ I* 1(1 \i iU^v IMIiWII ^i&iiiii BURNS' CELEBRATION. The hundredth anniversary of the natal day of Scot- land's National Poet, Robert Burns, was celebrated with becoming honor by his countrymen, the citizens of Hali- fax, on the 25th January. Long looked for and anxiously expected by the Sons of the Heather, the arrival of the day did not find them asleep at their posts, but vigilant and ready. It was a real Nova Scotian winter's day — cold, clear and bright — and from an early hour in the morning, the city over, private houses and public buildings, Hung their banners to the wind. At half-past two the members of the North British and Highland Societies, with Scotch- men and their descendants, to the number of three hun- dred or thereabouts, starting from Mason Hall, marched in procession to Temperance Hall. At the head marched Mr. William Grant, the Marshal, with his staff of office. He was followed by the members of the Society, wearing their appropriate badges. The Banners of the North British and Highland Societies, and the National Flag of Scotland were carried by the members of the Society. The latter was borne by Mr. John C. Muir, supported by Thomas Hume, and James Wallace, dressed in the cos- tume of Highlanders, with drawn swords. At two o'clock the doors of Temperance Hall were thrown open for the admission of ladies.- Long before had the avenues lead- /? 4 BURNS CENTENARY. ing tc that building been filled with an anxious and ex- pectant throng of Nova Scotia's fairest daughters ; and when at last egress was afforded, their exertions to effect an entrance threatened demolition to the voluminous crinolines that encircled them. Till nearly three o'clock the tide did not abate, and when at last the ladies to whom tickets had been issued, were all accommodated with seats, the galleries and the space immediately beneath them, were filled with a thousand as blooming cheeks, flashing eyes and merry hearts as could have been at that hour found under any one roof in the wide circle of our beloved Queen's dominions. The procession arrived shortly before three o'clock, at which hour the Hall was completely filled. There were present about sixteen hundred persons. As the })rocession marched up the isle the Band struck up, and played with much spirit, " The Campbells are Coming." Tlie mem- hors of the Committee, and the carrier and supporter of the Standard, ranged thennelves on the platform. Besides these we noticed His Lordship Judge Wilkins, Dr. Twining, the Rev. Mr. Jardine, and the Rev. Mr. Boyd ; the High Sheriff, Benjamin Wier, Esq., M. P. P., and others. At three o'clock precisely the Chair was taken by His Lord- ship the Chief Justice, who had cheerfully expressed his willingness to preside over the meeting, and on each side a child — scions of the Gael with tartan and plaiddie — old age and youth well met on such an occasion — the boys were sons of James Wallace and John Muir. His Lordship opened the meeting with the following Address : On this day one hundred years ago, in an humble vil- lage in Ayrshire, Robert Burns was born. In early life he had to struggle with many difiiculties. Of humble birth, he had not the advantages and blessings of a finish- ed education ; but his genius bursting through every ob- ♦ < / ■^'>. i .-:x0.-^vigg^''i'^ mm • h \ DURXS CENTENARY. 5 stacle, has continued down to the present hour to tlirill the hearts of his countrymen wherever found — and luis achieved for him a workl-wide fame. (Cheers.) A Scot(di peasant drawing his inspiration from tlie same fountains that tinge the Scottish character with a romance peculiarly its own — making the Highland heath and low land vale, the mountain and the stream of his native land, the suhjcct of his poesy, can we wonder that his writings have taken so firm a hold on the aft'ections of his country- men. (Cheers.) Failings may have marred his character, as spots ob- scure the disc of the sun, but they were few, and it be- comes us not at this hour to revert to them. Let us turn rather to those more touching and beautiful traits which exalted and spiritualized his nature, and have made his name a household word wherever Scotchmen may be found. (Cheers.) It is not my intention to detain you with any length- ened remarks, for the Orator of the day will no doubt enter fully into everything appertaining to the subject he is to treat upon. I may say, however, thcat I have been called upon as a member of the North British Society, and as tlie son of a Scotchman, to fill this chair. (Cheers.) I responded to that call with pleasure, and I need hardly say that I duly appreciated the honor of being so selected. ^Cheers.) I have lived many years amongst you, and now ii. the decline of life, it is gratifying to me to think that I poi^sess the esteem and good will of my fellow citizens. (Loud cheers.) Allow me now, ladies and gentlemen, to introduce to you the Hon. William Young, who will address you on the life and writings of Burns ; and from whose eloquence you undoubtedly expect to derive much pleasure. Hon. Mr. Young then delivered an oration occupying an hour and a half, which was received throughout with ^ <»-^"»K**' •■'?;? it*'* m «», A* r'l-* »s / V \ >*v T'-j^.. ...V'"**:':-*':^' ■■ /,( (i lUrRNH CKNTENARY. enthusiastic nppluiisn, a full report of which immediately follows. After which Captain Taylor moved tluit His Lordship the Chief .Tustic(( vacate the chair, and William Murdoch, Esq., he called thereto, which having passed in the alHrmativc — Joiix EssoN, Esq., M. P. P., moved that the thanks of the meetin«( he conveyed to his Lordship the Chief Justice, for the manner in which he had [>resided over the meeting, and the interest he had manifested in everything connect- ed with the celehration. Though somewhat unwell when requested to preside, a glow of satisfaction (a real index to the feelings of i)ride with which, as a Scotchman, he cherished the memory of Burns) suffused his face, and he said, " that the meeting in honor of his country's Poet should not pass off without his presence, if God gave him health and strength to attend it." It was to him, as well as the citizens in general, a source of jdeasure, to see the venerahle Chief Justice occupying the Chair on that occa- sion, and that he might long continue to mingle in such scenes was, he knew, the ardent wish of all present. The motion passed with acclamation, the Band playing *' Aula Lang Svne." The Hon. Attorney General said, he begged leav* to remind the Chairman of an omission. It seemed to him tl«it His Lordship the Chief Justice should not have been alllowed to vacate the Chair, before the meetinii" had ex- pressed in the strongest maimer possible, the feelings of thankfulness they entertained towards the Orator of the dav for the Address he had delivered. He would there- fore move that the thanks of the meeting be conveyed to th(! Hon. William Young, for the able, eloquent, and in- structive oration with which he had gratified them, and which would find its way to the heart of every Scotchman the world ov<'r. The moti(»n also passed with acclamation, the Band playing " The Garb of Old Gaul." (( n It i jr a .rr^^f""—^ W'M^: ^^^^S^^SSil ••■ fi \ ) i BURNS CENTENARY. 7 Hon. William Youn(;, in responding, expressed his g'ratitication at the unexpected compUment paid him. The preparation of his Address had heen a hihor of love ; and how, after having been engaged in it, he could return to the dry and thorny patlis of politics and law, he scarcely knew. (Laughter.) Such a compliment, com- ing from the lion. Attorney General, was indeed grateful to him, and might be regarded as an index of a better state of feeling, probably excited by a contemplation of the genius and character of Burns. Three cheers were then given for his Lordship the Chief .Tustice, three for the Hon. William Young, and three times three for the Queen. The meetinr' hen separated, the Bo-f* jLiying "God save the Queen." After leaviug the Hall, the procession again forip d, and marched through several of the principal streets in the same order. At six o'clock in the evening the members of the Societies referred to, and their guests, partook of a sumptuous dinner, served up by George Nichols, who even surpassed himself in his character as caterer. AH the good things of the season were supplied in profusion. The wines were excellent, and the champagne was not spared by Auld Scotia's sons. We believe that this is the first occasion where champagne was ever dealt out without restraint to all present. The Hall was tastefully decor- ated with banners, and the tables were judiciously ar- ranged. The Band of the 62nd Regiment, under the able direction of Mr. Carey, discoursed sweet music during the progress of the Banquet. The Hon. Wm. Young presided. On his right sat His Excellency the Earl of Mulgrave, on his left Colonel Dick. Capt. Taylor filled the Vice-President's chair ; while throughout the room the rich dresses of the Army Ofiieers present, well contrasted with the plaids of the- 6 BURNS CENTENARY. members, and the more sober gar!' of the civiUans. Wlien the clatter of the knives and forks, well sustained for some two hours, had subsided, the President proceeded to propose the list of Toasts, which were drunken with enthusiastic and unanimous acclaim. The Hon. Chairman said, that having now discussed the preliminary business of the evening, and laid in a tolerably good foundation which most of them had moist- cned " wi' a wee drap of the barley bree," he would now proceed with tl'e regular toasts. But before doing so, he could not but congratulate the admirers of Burns, whose genius had drawn together as numerous, as intellectual and as brilliant a meeting as had ever assembled round a dinner-table in Halifax. (Cheers.) Altho' the generous wine would continue to flow freely round the table, this was intended, and should be regarded as a literary enter- tainment, and he was proud to see present many gentlemen of known ability and eloquence which would presently be brought into play. There was a noble band, too, not, it might be, of the sweet singers of Israel, but masters of the thrilling and soft music of Burns, which would pene- trate to their inmost souLs. And now, Mr. Vice, I shall announce the first toast, which will rise naturally to the lips and gush warm from the heart of every loyal British subject. It is our singular good fortune while under the rule of a great constitutional monarch, to acknowledge the sway of an accomplished woman and an exemplary wife and mother. The calm and almost severe simplicity with which our Queen has assumed the empire of India, and of more than a hundred millions of human beings, has something in it approaching to the sublime. But Her Majesty not only commands the respectful homage of the intellectual and sound-thinking in every part of her dominions, she knows how to draw to herself the subtler and finer essences, the unreasoning, it ) P-^v -iUi- t^' s.' 4 'j<^U*H^.,1:5: >* iii^ W~>v .4^?^"S-i'tii^M*-^iM^ BURNS CENTENARY, 9 \ may be, but the romantic and fervid attachment which chmg so long and so passionately to a House no more. Burns has declared that his poetic fervor kindled amid the stern grandeur of the Highlands ; and so also the hereditary loyalty of the North has kindled into a brighter glow, and been transferred to the royal mistress of Balmoral. I have now to propose to you — " The Queen — reigning in the affections of a free and loyal people, and ruling over the most extensive and powerful -empire the world has ever seen." Her Majesty's health was here drunk with three times three and one more, after which : The Hon. President proposed the next toast : " The genius and fame of Robert Burns, whose memory is embalmed in the hearts of his Countrymen, and destined for a glorious im- mortality." In proposing it, he said — Mr. Vice — The next toast is dedicated to the proper business of the evening. Having discussed at such length within a few hours the character and genir.s of Burns, he regretted that the etiquette and rule on such occasions debarred him from handing over so inviting a theme to some tongue more eloquent and gifted than his own. It would be vain to repeat what he had said, and as an original piece of poetry, the production of a gentleman now present had been handed him, he would preface the toast by reading the following appropriate and beautiful extract : — Oh! thou, great Poet of the heart, Great master of the poet's art; All earth this day resounds thy praise, « And owns the power of thy sweet lays ; On this, thy hundredth natal day. The nations join to bless thy sway. IP»- ^m 10 BURNS* CENTENARY. In ev*ry page, in ev'ry line, True charity and goodness shine, Thy -verse the heav'nly truth reveals. That man should feel for all that feels. * Twas thou who first, in noble strain, Didst sing how hollow, false and vain. Are titles, honors, riches, birth, Compared with " sense or pride o' worth." The People's Poet, thou didst sing. An honest man is more than king. Thy manly lines did first proclaim That to be lowly was no shame, To give respect where'er we find " The man of independent mind.** Thou didst assert it nature's plan. That man, though humble, still was man,, In cot or castle, court or camp, ♦' The rank is but the guinea stamp. The man's the gowd for a' that," Thy song will haste the glorious hour "When man to man, the world o'er. Shall brothers be for a' that." The toast was received with enthusiasm. The Hon. Chairman then proposed the health of " The Prince Consort, the Prince of Wales and the otlver members of the Royal family." Which was received and drunk enthusiastically. He then proposed •' The Right Hon. Sir Edmund W. Head, the Governor General, and the Lieutenant Governors of the other British North American Provinces." Which also met with a most enthusiastic reception. The President gave the next toast : •'His Excellency the Earl of Mulgrave — trained in the Imperial Parliament for the arduous duties of a Constitutional Governor, and, like his noble father, the friend of literary genius and of popular rights." And prefaced it as follows : ^li^--:.^»»#*ig^>%^-'^^^~^-'' ■I "^. ■J ..jSm^r- BURNS CENTENARY. 11 Mr. Vice, we are honored this niglit witli the presence of the Lieut. Governor, the representative of Her Majesty, who, hke ourselves, appreciates the transcendent merit of our national poet. In the position which I have held as a public man since His Excellency's arrival, in opposition to his advisers, I may not perhaps be accounted the most suitable interpreter of his o})inions ; but I have been honored so far with his friendship, and know enough of his sentiments and wishes to be assured that, having been familiarized with British usage in the best and noblest school in the world — in the House of Commons — he was most anxious to fulfil his duties in the spirit of the constitution, to extend equal courtesy and right to all classes of Her Majesty's subjects, and to promote the happiness and advance the welfare of the Province. His noble father, the Marquis of Normanby, I had the good fortune to know as Colonial Secretary in 1839, and at a subsequent period as our Ambassador in Paris. His administration of Ireland, as one of the most popular Viceroys, and his literary taste, are known to us all; and as the politics of his family have always leaned to the popular side, I trust that His Excellency's administration here may be alike agreeable to himself and acceptable to the people. ' His lixcellency the Lieut. Governor, rose and said : Perhaps, Mr. President and gentlemen, it may be expected of me, before alluding to the toast to which you have so warmly responded, to say a few words in expla- nation of the reasons which induced me to allow the last toast, which under other circumstances il would have been my duty to respond to, to be drunk in silence. I refrained however, from oftering any remarks upon it for the simple reason that I did not wish to inflict on you two speeches on the same subject. It gives me, sir, the greatest pleasure to join in the l^ i-!-^ '%.■■■ ? i^*/ rr^u'A t k /, 12 BURNS CENTENARY. celebration of an event which is even now bein^ ceh.'brated, not only in this city, but in the Mother Country, British America, the United States, in fine, sir, over the whole world, wherever the English language is known. (Enthusiastic cheers.) On this day, wherever Scotchmen dwell, wherever the Anglo Saxon race have fixed their domicile, men of every shade of opinion, of every station, may be found uniting together, cordially and heartily, to honor a man, who during his life time occupied a somewhat humble station, and did not receive that reward and encouragement which his transcendent genius merited. — (Rapturous applause.) It is not my intention to descant on the poetical abilities and distinguished talent of Burns, great as they were, for after the address delivered to-day by your worthy Chair- man upon that subject, it would be in vain for me to attempt to depict in more glowing colours than he did, the merits of that extraordinary man — the struggles he had to undergo, or the difficulties which beset him in the performjince of the great work he had in hand. There is one point in his history, however, to which I may allude, for I think from the contemplation of it the juniors of this country may be incited to follow the noble example he set. (Cheers.) Burns, the son of a Farmer — himself a i)loughman — from his earliest youth u})wards strove unceasingly to culti- vate his mind, and succeeded to a degree which enabled him to produce those beautiful, those immortal })oems which have gained for them universal celebrity, exhibited in the celebration of the day — an honor, I believe, never accorded to man before. lie had no external aid to assist him — his birth was hunible ; and, sir, though I cannot be supposed to disparage the advantages of birth, if the position it confers be rightly used, yet my tendencies of mind have always induced me to honor far more the man vM^^;^:- " '^^^^J^Y^:^ 'i^^'Wof :"V' ^r" ■^m- V '--1 s kl r t e c )f 11 BURNS CENTENARY. 13 who has made his own position, and by his unaided ex- ertions achieved fame for himself, than he who owes it to his hneage, however exalted. (Prolonged cheering.) Such was the case with Burns, and such I hope may be *he case with many of the inhabitants of this Province. Nova Scotia has already given men to the world whose names will be illustrious in History. Within the last two years, nay sir, within the short period I have resided in this Province, you have one example, when your Legis- lature had the pleasing duty to perform of marking the liigli sense they entertained of the courage, skill, and assiduity of one of Nova Scotia's sons. Another instance occurred shortly before my arrival here ; but though I refer only to these two instances, there are many other names, which will go down to posterity with honor and renown. In the Church, in the Senate, in the Field, at the Bar. or in the arena of Commerce, are to be found Nova Scotians, equally honored, equally esteemed by their countrymen, and whose renown is not confined to the narrow limits of this Province. Who can tell the effect, who can judge the influence which the history of a man like Burns has exerted upon these men ? Who can say what a contemplation of his untiring assiduity may lead the sons of Nova Scotia to achieve in t}>v future ? (Chee g.) Educatiov j^ not confined to the Seminary or the College — though the influence of such Institutions cannot be undervalued — self instruction may eff*ect vast results. The soul and the mind of man, that which distinguishes him from the brute creation, is susceptible of cultivation and improvement. Education is to the mind what the labors of the skilful husbandman are to the soil — with it, everything can be rtccomplislied — without it, nothing. 4 ii i 14 BURNS CENTENARY. Let me urge, then, upon my audience the necessity of cultivation in the season of youth, for that is tlie period during which a store of information may be hoarded from which the possessors may reap a rich reward in after hfe. Your hon. Chairman has alluded to my career in Par- liament. It is true, sir, that for ten years I succeeded in retaining the confidence of a large and influential con- stituency in my own country, and during that period, I may, without egotism say, I endeavored conscientiously and without intermission to perform the duties encumbent on me to fulfil. I own that I did not often participate in the public debates, for I am one of those who think that actions speak louder than words. Nor do I pretend to be anything of an orator, though not undervaluing the importance of public spe.iking. But while in the House cf Commons, I have often thought, that if a little less was said, and a little more was done, the public interests would be better sustained. While there, I took my stand in the ranks of the party to which I belonged. I was essentially a party man, and never lost an opportunity of advocating the principles I conscientiously entertained. I have, however, the satisfaction of knowing that during my Parliamentary career, from the day I entered the House of Commons until I left it, I always knew how to distin- guish between political antagonism and social friendship, and, I shall ever remember with pleasure the expression of friendship and good-will, which I received not only from my own party, but from members of every shade of opinion in the House of Commons, on the announcement of my appointment which first took place on the moving of a new writ for my Borough ; and although such a refer- ence from me at this time may seem somewhat egotistical, I cannot refrain from saying, that the i.:anner in which my appointment was received M^as most gratifyirg to my * A. ^«liS#^r W BURNS CENTENARY. 15 mind. And, sir, I only trust that when I leave this Pro- vince I may carry away with me the good feelings of every party, sect, denomination, and shade of politics, as I trust I did when I left the House of Commons. — (Cheers.) I told you that while there I was a party man, but when I left that body I ceased to belong to any party. In this country I know no party ; and, sir, so long as I hold the office to tvhich Her Majesty has been pleased to appoint me, whoever may be selected by this people to administer their public affairs, shall receive from me an honest, cor- dial, constitutional support — and it will be the greatest satisfaction to me, if by God's blessing I may be enabled in any way to promote the interests and well-being of Nova Scotia and its inhabitants. (Prolonged cheering.) (Hon. William Young here read a telegram from the friends of Burns in Pictou, conveying their good wishes to liis admirers in Halifax.) Hon. W. Young. — I find that it is precisely ten o'clock, at which hour we have been requested to join with those engaged in celebrating this day in New York, and else- where, in drinking to the following toast : " Kindred associations throughout the world — may they preserve the songs and disseminate the sentiments of Burns, till •' 'Man to man, the world o'er, Shall brithers be, and a' that.'" This toast was drunk with enthusiastic applause. " The Army and Navy — the safety and pride of Britain *' — was then proposed from the Chair, and drunk with three cheers. Colonel Dick, on behalf of the Army, said it afforded him great pleasure to mingle in a social gathering such as he saw before him. The writings of Burns had, no doubt, done much to keep alive those national feelings which stimulated the soldier to deeds of daring in the hour of battle ; but as much had been said of them, he ■Sif / « --^^-^ >^ i 16 BURNS CENTENARY. would not occupy time with further references. For the Army he thanked the audience for the manifest enthusiasm that marked the reception of the toast, and he hefrged leave, for them, to drink the good health of all present. (Cheers.) Mr. Chevallier said — In the absence of those whose peculiar duty it was to respond to the toast of the Navy, he begged leave to thank the audience for its reception. Had the Admiral of the Station, Sir Houston Stewart, been present — himself a true, loyal-hearted Scotchman, than whom no man more highly appreciated the Scottish character, and everything connected with her history — whose sterling qualities of head and heart all present appreciated — he would have delivered, in responding to the toast, a speech which they would not have been in a hurry to forget. (Cheers.) Hon. William Young. — Mr. Vice, the next toast ought not, perhaps, to come from the Chair ; and if the senti- ment accompanying it were not one rather of admonition than of eulogy, I might have handed it over to some one less interested than myself. This day I resolved, from the first, to separate from party action and feeling. On the Centenary of Burns, I would not be a party man ; and therefore the playful allusions I have made here and at Temperance Hall, as they carried no sting, and were uttered with the most perfect good humor, will be re-^ ceived, I am sure, as they were meant. The present toast, I am happy to announce, will be responded to by gentlemen in every way competent to do it justice. — I beg leave to propose : •' The Legislature of the Province — may their deliberations always |>« marked by dignity and truth." Hon. Stayley Broa^ n said — In responding to this toast, I must commence by stating, what every member of the Committee well knows, that it was my most anxious desire "w^. Hf BURNS CENTENARY. r to save those present from the infliction of a speech from me. It lias pleased the Orator of the day, however, to hring me forward a little more conspicuously, perhaps, than was becoming my modesty. (Cheers and laughter.) In the references made by him to-day it seemed to me that he thought, engrossed by the toils of office, I could not even enjoy one day — a day like this, which should be marked . by nothing but hilarity and good feeling — without thoughts of politics and party. Sir, it well becomes us to celebrate the event we commemorate ; for if there be in any man one drop of Scottish Blood, one spark of Scottish feeling, Burns is the man and this the hour to call it forth. (Loud cheers.) The committee having charge of the day's arrangement determined to select as the Orator on this occasion one, who having leisure unemployed by state affairs, could de- vote his time to the subject. I listened to the Oration of the Chairman at Temperance Hall. To his eulogy — to the panegyrics he passed on the life, character and wri- tings of Burns, I heartily respond ; but I then thought, and I think still, that he might have been content with this subject, and not have travelled beyond it to say that I for the last two years had not enjoyed myself so much as du- ring the last fortnight. (Cheers and Laughter.) But apart from these considerations, I hail the celebration of this day with delight and pleasure. The tribute we now pay to the memory of that great Poet whose achievements in the realm of song, have delighted and entranced all classes of men — all ranks of society — is well merited, well deserved. The lapse of time, instead of taking from, has lent an additional charm to his writings, and increas- ed the admiration felt for him by all who peruse them. In conclusion, on behalf of the Legislature I return thanks for the reception of the toast just proposed. ^W^ 4ni? V ^ '■A'i *-'i A"*' ¥ r * •■ 18 BURNS CENTENARY. Hon. Attorney Genekal — I comply witli tlio ro<|«ic.st of the cliiiirman to acknowledge this toast, in tiie assur- ance that whatever eniraj^es the warm aftections of a ]ar«re portion of the community, will meet a hearty resjionse in the Legislature of this, our cfmimon country, wliere are and must be united in indissohdjle bonds the interests aiul the affections, the hoi)es and the cares of all the members that make up that common country, as the streams that find the same channel to the sea. Although tiiey may not at once commingle, and Un' a time may each })reserve the peculiarity it brought from its own rocky soil, yet all unit(! in making up the volume and power, the beauty and the usefulness of the noble river that enriches the land. There may be some here who imagine that the hall of legislation is not " meet nurse " for poetic fancies, and who see small harmony between the occasion of this festi- val and the toast I am called upon to answer. But they who have experience, and who know what are the tender, love-engendering influences of red benches and high- backed, courtly chairs, might perhaps rebuke such skep- ticism. (Laughter.) Without, however, venturing on this difficult problem, I may say that even in the arid atmosphere of politics may be found the susceptibilities to be moved by Burns' tender strains, and to render deep homage to the })ower of his muse. But Burns has other claims to universal regard besides j)oetic genius ; and it is not left to his countrymen alone to do honor to the memory of one on whom nature had stamped a nobility confined within no national borders ; and who, though he loved the land so dear to him with intensity, had yet a heart that warmed with the sentiment of patriotism, drawn from higher than classic authority — even the stir- rings of his own generous emotions. Nothing human was alien to his affections ; for under all the variations to which the character and lot of man is subject — unless, indeed, smi 'i*^'.!.-' Mittliiiii^££yhM*^ twi w: ;.5,^;y0i^|!^|^'j/%. 4 W9 nlU'IlNs' CENTENARY. 10 of baspiiess, with which Burns heU' no terms — he felt and acknowledged that — "A man's a man for a' that." There are peculiarities in tiiis celebration. Anniver- saries are always interesting, because they present images of times lonj; gone by, and scenes far away, free from the nnighness incident to the business of every-day life ; but here it has taken not one year, but the circle of one hundred years, to give voice, unweakened by repetition, to the emotions of this day. This celebration is peculiar, too, in its subject — the honor of the muse ; for these are utilitarian times, when poetry is at a discount — when the praises of Jenny Spinner of the Cotton Factory are likely to excite more interest than the tenderest adulation of *'Jenjiv," whether of the "lint white locks" or "golden tresses," although you throw in any 'amount of " banks and braes," winding streams, " milk white thorn," and that most ethereal of all the gases, "lovers' vows." An exception has lately been made in favor of tlie glory of arms. It is but an exception. Our fellow-countrymen in arms, without regard to national distinctions, have added to their country's honor : each of the military friends who have honored us to-night with their presence have placed a stone in the pillar that records the national glory ; and we know that as they have, so they will cheer- fully again, should the necessity arise, shed their blood and risk their lives to maintJiin the honor and secure the liberties and peace of their country. We render them all honor for it ; but yet they must be content to bear a rival in the throne of their countrymen's regard. The progress of commerce and the change of markets are potent competitors in days like these. To-day is a grand exception, and, by common consent, over all the wide domain of our gracious Queen, prices current are thrown aside, that one universal act of homage •Mi I* >> d^Mi •20 DtRNS CENTENARTr may be paid to the genius of poetry, as it l)rcathed niui poured itself from the heart and from the hps of Robert Burns. The name of Burns is associated with my early recol- lections. I spent some years of my boyhood under the roof and care of the minister of Ruthvvell, a few miles from Dumfries — himself a man of talent, a poet and a philanthropist — the Rev. pr, Henry Duncan, author of the Philosophy of the Seasons. He had been the friend of Burns — was intimately acquainted M'ifh his history, and the ardent admirer of his genius ; from him I learnt leniency to the feelings and sympathy with the poetry of Burns, whilst the things connected with his eventful but short career were as hoiisehold words. (Cheers.) At this time, Mrs. Burns and her family lived in Dumfries, where I al&o was at school for some time, and the house she then occupied was familiar to me. I entered into the defence you made to-day of Burns' moral character. Without denying, or attempting to pal- liate, what was wrong in his conduct or works, I will venture the remark, that if there were nothing since then more glorious to recommend Burns, the universal tribute this day accorded to him over the world would never have been exhibited. But Burns was a man of i noble nature. The Attorney General made allusion to v rious elements in Burns' character — his manly indepenc ice, his large humanity, his hatred of oppression, his tei 'er sympathy with the suffering, and his warm affecti as. A deei> reverence for the Deity and religion, it was asserted, was manifested in many of his pieces, notwithstanding the rashness of expression in others ; nor could the imputa- tion of a libertine be justly imputed to one who ever maintained an elevated opinion of the female sex, and whose more impassioned and indignant appeals were aroused in their favor against the heartless seducer. The .■i ?■ »niNS CENTENARY. Attorney Geucrnl (jiioted a few lines from several of Burns' pieces, in su|)|)ort of liis views : " The Winter Nifflit," "The Cotter's Saturday Ni«rht," "TIic Mountain Daisy," and especially the "Epistle to a Young Friend." Burns had himstdf a generous heart, and men will deal justly with the frailties of those who are jtidged hy the standard he erected when he sang : •*' Then juctly scan your brither man- More gentler sister^ woman ; Though they may gang a wrang, To step aside ie human." The Attorney General closed with remarks on the un- liappy conclusion of Burns' history, and referred to some of his touching allusions to himself, as when he admon- ished his youthful friend : •" And may he better risk the read Than ever did the adviser," And when from the fate of the daisy he foretold his own : •*' Such is tie fate of simple bartl. On life's rough ocean lucliless starred ; Uuskilful he to note the card Of prudent lore, Till billows rage and gales blow hard. And whelm him o'er," The Hon. Chairman then proposed the eighth toast : *' The Scottish peasantry — a noble race— may it endure forever,'^ Robert Miller, Esq., said — God be praised, I am no politician. I appear before you as a simple admirer of the Scottish peasantry. The peasant everywhere is the -product of the land he tills : native to the soil, and no traveller, he is the creature of the physical and spiritual influences of his neighborhood and nation. If born in Africa, he is a negro ; if in Scotland, he thanks the kind Providence that makes him — could it do more for any iman than make him a Scotchman. Other men like our- tV, •» \' >. \ A* Uit" M %i I , ¥ oo BURNS CENTENARY. '} I •\ IH selves may be natives of our beloved land, but by inter- course with stranj^ers and foreign trade have lost niueli of thoir native character ; the ])easant has the peculiar honor — if it be an honor — of being nothing but Scottish. If you would know, then, what such a country as Scotland can produce, you must not look to a Macaulay or a Sir Walter — these are British — but a simple unadulterated peasant ; and I do m)t fear to base the greatness of my country on the greatness of her peasantry. The Scottish character is known and revered from pole to pole ; the Scotchman is welcomed at Paris, at Rome, at Vienna, at St. Petersburg ; and this is not because of his own indivi- dual character, but because of the Scottish idiosyncrasy to be found only iu the Scottish peasant, — because, in fact, of the honest, chivalrous character of the Scottish peasantry. Were I to tell you what I think of these humble folks, you would not, perhaps, credit my account ; l)ut I shall put Scotland herself m the witness-box : I call uiK)n the genius of my country to s})eak for me, and tell you what she makes of her children : " Tliou spirit of the ever- lasting hills, of the lonely and stern heights and mountain solitudes, the heathery braes and mossy moors, the lakes^ the streams, the glens, the wooded and unwood(Ml wihls, what kind of man dost thou make of thy child ? Does not thine infant, dandled on thy knee, suckled at thy breast, drink from thee stern nmidiood, lofty sentiment, uncomiuerable might, patience, fortitude, courage, rough but noble as thyself, an honest and an honorable man. Thou thyself art a creature of heaven and earth, of sky, and lake, and ocean, and hill, and glen, ami diile ; thou art free to every form of all the elements, and t!n)u makest him as unconquerably ^ycq as thyself. Never has the foot of foreign invj der left a lusting inn)rcssion u[)on Scottish soil." (Loud cheers.) I see that you are restive. I had wished to speak of "^ r^jTE^^X 9^d^..i-M.9!mVM ■■■■ f. L'.^T- ^sm Sf.M ^ nURNS CENTENARV. 23 my countr} niau's love of God as well as country ; but I crave your iiululjreuce while I turtlior briefly advert only to bis love of kith and kin. Locked up in the solitude of hills and t«lens, the Scottish peasant is exchuled from all •'■eneral ijitercourse, and so learns to take bis family and his few fiiends to his bosom with an uuconnuju love. Away in the solitudes of nature, the Scottish heart iinds no outlet for its atVections but in the delights of home, and lie loves his little ones and his relations generally with an afl'ection unrivalled in intensity, the ardor of a stronj>', unchanjiinj;^ heart. His domestic atlection is his chief characteristic — his clannishncss. Some call this a vice ; but God be praised that 1 have at least this Scotti>h feeling in mc : love of children my own (if I should ever leave my baclielor condition) and love of relations. I am no philnnthro[)ist that would begin by loving the whole world, and eml with doinu; jjood to none. But charity begins at honie, say I ; and God has grouj)ed us into families that ^ve should love our children and relations first, ami tlien the rest of the world. The Scottish pea- santry only follows nature, only obeys God in being clan- nish ; ami 1 am at once proud and happy to say, that if they are anything, they are family men. I wish 'twere permitted me to say more. The Chaiinian then proposed the ninth toast: " The Clergy of all Denominations." Which was received with enthusiasm. The Rev. Mr. Bovd said — I can assure y(ui, sir, that when I entered tins room, I had no expectation of being ••ailed uj>on to resp(t!Kl to the toast which has just been received with so much entlmsiasm. [ duly ai)preciate the hom)r, and however inade(p»ately the duty may be per- formed, it is at least done with warm feelings towards the Poet in whose hom)r this demonstration has been juade ; and althouiih there mav Ik; some blemishes in his writinjis \^ /. '■'^fttt'ii •24 BURNS CENTENARY. 'lO \i which, as a Minister of tlie Gospel, I may condemn, yet, as a whole, they breathe a spirit of manly [)atriotism and touching^ j)athos, which, to the sons of Caledonia, stern and wild, is peculiarly grateful. When I look, sir, at the meeting, and see, upon the right hand and on the left, the representatives of the loyalty and the patriotism of Nova Scotia, I cannot but conclude that the sentiments which animate those present to-night, are coincident with those who have made the empire of Britain the admira- tion of its friends and the terror of its foes. (Loud cheering.) Captain Taylor, who ably filled the Vice Chair, in proposing the tenth toast, — " Wallace and Bruce — Abei'crombie. Moore and Clyde — hei'oes that will live forever in the history of their country," — said: Of the first of these heroes I will only say, he served his country in her greatest need. Of Abercrombie and Moore, their great and glorious deeds are recorded in the annals of their country, and the recollection of them even at this day makes every Scottish heart thrill with enthusiasm. They both fell nobly fighting for their country's cause — the one crowned with victory on the shores of Egypt — the other at the ever memorable battle of Corunna. Of Lord Clyde, better known as Sir Colin Cam})bell, the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian army, I need say but little, as his heroic deeds and brilliant successes in the Crimea, and more recently in India, have won for him a world-wide fame. It is not necessary, I am sure, for me to say more of these illustrous heroes ; the bare mention of them is enough, I know, to bring a glow of pride and enthusiasm into the heart of every Scotchman, and to call fcwth three hearty Scottish cheers. (Applause.) /■— ■ -( I r /. BURNS CENTENARY. The President then gave the eleventh toast, with some appropriate remarks : *' Lady Mulgrave and the fair daughters of Acadia." " Thy daughters bright thy walk adorn, Gay as the gilded summer's sky, Soft as the dewey, milk-white thorn, Dear as the raptured thrill of joy." After this toast had been drunk with three times three, Mr. R. G. Haliburton spoke to the foHowinj^ effect : If the statement made by a previous speaker be correct, that Scotchmen are valued " because they are family men,^^ then I feel that, being a bachelor, I have but few claims upon your attention. But this objection is a still more serious one in aaiy one who attempts to respond to this toast. I always suspect Benedicts like yourself, Mr. Chairman, of some sly mischief when you i)ropose the health of the ladies, and then leave it to some unsophisti- cated bachelor to reply. " Let us call upon one of those unfortunates whose principal acquaintance with the weaker sex has been a sad experience of negligent laundresses and exacting landladies, and let us see what sort of an idea he can have of the ladies !" As I am honored with this duty, conscious of my ignorance I shall try not to betray it, and shall take warning by a little incident that occurred the other day. Two little black boys were looking in at a confectioner's Avindow with watering mouths, eyeing the delicacies within, and, as if to have the satisfaction of getting as near to them as possible, pressing their faces against the panes, find making little round white rings with the tips of their noses on the glass, (how it is that black noses make white rings on a window-pane, I would respectfully suggest as an interesting subject of inquiry for our Literary and Scientific Society) ; one of them had planted his nose within an inch of some tempting jellies, and, as if enjoying the pleasures of imagination by men,' tally devouring them, exclaimed : " Is'nt dat to (uie's ideas of " true greatness,'''' it is the ladies' crinoline of the present day. But the ladies must forgive his ignorance on this subject, and, in justice to him, r"::>eu.ber that he, too, has been only outside the ivindow. If dress were all that renders woman attractive — if she were like the biiyht butterfly whose winsis are radiant for a brief summer's day, and then cease to charm becsjuse they cease to glitter, then men might well strive to con- trol the judgmejit of the fuir sex in matters of dress. But may they not well be allowed to jnirsue their own wishes on this subject when we recall with admiration and respect those noble and domestic virtues wiiich elevate and iitiiiUWtfiiiiidi ■■■■ /i -biailMawJL, BURNS CENTENARY. 22 adorn the female character, and which shine brightest in the liour of darkness and trial ? They may not win fame in the tented field, for home is the scene of their triumphs. Martyrs to the cause of duty and love are to be found in the obscurity of private life, as truly great as any martyrs or heroes whose names are blazoned on history. How many a one is there who, having resigned all that is near and dear, for one who, though unworthy, is still nearer and dearer, has, without a murmur, endured trials and privations from which man would have shrunk ; not seek- ing the applause of the crowd, but hiding from the eyes of all the sacrifices which she secretly and silently endures ! Perhaps the best proof of the power of the fair sex for weal or woe, is this : that it has led more souls to heaven and sent more to perdition, than any other influence that can control the heart of man. In illustration of this he alluded to that brilliant poem by Praed, where *' The Red Fisherman " is described as trying his different baits for mortals. A mitre hooks one, fame another, but a lovely voman is his red hackle — his fly that takes when all others fail. The spejiker showed that if this be sometimes woman's influence for woe, how infinitely greater is it for weal, and how many an erring soul has she recalled to the paths of happiness and virtue. He then turned from the subject of the fair sex to w hat, as the more i)leasing jiart of his duty, he had reserved for the last — the privilege of responding for Lady jMulgrave — who would, he had no doubt, duly appreciate the honor they have done her ; and concluded by paying a just tribute to her Ladyship, who, like his Excellency, has, by her interest in our charitable institutions and by her cor- diality and kindness, endeared herself to all classes of the community. . .al^ •S8 BrRNS CEiVTENAKT. ' I His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor: Mr. Fresi- dent, Vice, and Gentlemen, — Most nobly have you celebrated the natal day of Burns. I do not believe a place can be found where, in proportion to its population, greater honor has been done to liis memory. But we must all agree that there is one present to whom much of the praise is due, I am sorry that it was not my lot to hear the oration of your worthy chairman at Temperance Hall, but I have marked the admirable manner in which he has presided over this festive board, and from it can fully appreciate the eloquence he exhibited on that occa- sion. I have much pleasure, therefore, gentlemen, in pro- posing the health of the Hon. Mr. Young, your chairman. This toast was received with enthusiastic applause. Hon. Mr. Young — I feel deeply grateful to his Excel- lency, and to you, Mr. Vice and gentlemen, for the man- ner in which my health has been received ; and am only too happy to hear that the efforts made to render this celebration acceptable to all, and in which I have been ^o ably sustained by the Committee, have been successful, I sought to forget to-day Nova Scotian politics, and to look only at the great object we had in view — that of paying the tribute of esteem and respect to our departed countryman, which his memory so well deserves. I again thank you for the honor you have done me. (Cheers.) The hon. Chairman said — I now have to propose the following toast : "The Literature of Scotland, enriched by a thousand associations." Tl.' si was received with all the honors, and was briefi r ^;<, dod to by Mr. John McCulloch. The !iou. Ciiiviiiuan then proposed the thirteenth toast : " The Poets of Scotland — a long and illustrious line : Ferguson, Eanisay, Campbell, Hogg, TaanahilU Scott, Mackay." W iW-Yk.;! ■■t^p^sm^ms^Ui^si. i BUBnVS CENTENARY. 2fV Which was duly honored and responded to by Andrew Mackinlay, Esq., as follows : It is a ])leasing feature of the present scene, on looking round upon this vast assemblage of men composed of ail classes, who have met on the present occasion for the purpose of celebrating the centenary of one of Scotland's most distinguished sons, that this is not only a demon- stration to his genius, but a tribute to talent, without reference to sect or country. It is said that the Literature of a country stamps the character of its people. This is true to a certain extent in all countries ; but in none has it such a marked in- fluence over the habits and character as that of the Scottish people. Their songs, their romances and their legendary balladsr to which tiiey have been accustomed to listen, and with which they have been fascinated from their earliest child- hood, cling around their memories, calling up the recol- lections and associations of their curliest days. These impressions continue with them through life — ever pro- ducing a strong influence over their minds, both as individuals and a people. It is not my intention, at this late hour, to touch upon any of the more lengthened productions of the leading Poets, but I shall simply take up a solitary piece, snatch- ed, as it were, at random from what may be called the fugitive literature of Scotland, and amongst which class of poetry some of the finest and most beautiful pro- ductions are to be found ; we might take, for instance, the Broom of the Cowden Knows, the Birks of Invermay, or the Flowers of the Forest. We should take the last, as it is one of those short border songs with which every reader of Scottish poetry is acquainted ; its music well harmon- izes with the words, being plaintive and melancholy, and when taken together, call up before us in vivid array the ^Wfi'. 'M^ m ■^ wm ■hp IP m mmsM ?^ > V. in ' •&■■ : \\ >^i^H ■it. M /f 50 fiURNs' CENTENARY. :i w Field of Flodden, with all its utter desolation, as depicted in that beautiful melody. Such pieces as these, so full of pathos, can never perish; they are reality itself; they will ever continue to fascinate and to charm, ever givinj^ a tone and a character to the Scottish people, permanent and enduring as the language in which they are written. (Cheers.) The Chairman then gave — " The Chief Justice, the Bench and Bar of Nova Scotia." With respect to the first part of the toast he had no difficulty, for he well knew that there was not a man in the room who would not respond from his heart to the health of the Venerable Chief Justice, who had done them the honor to fill the Chair at Temperance Hall that day ; the other members of the Bench deservedly enjoyed the esteem and confidence of the community ; as to the *' Bar," being a member of that well-abused body himself, he felt delicate in eulogising them too highly. (Laughter.) But to be serious, the Bar was a useful body in a country ; at that very hour, some of those j)resent might have their honor, their fortunes, the reputation of their families, in charge of a lawyer, dependent on his skill and ability ; it was highly important, therefore, that the Bar should be composed of men — as he believed it was in Nova Scotia — • who were capable of performing the high duties imposed on them. (The toast was received and drunk with ap- plause.) William Sutherland, Esq., in responding, said : That the Chairman owed the position he occupied to the pro" fession Avhich had been complimented in the toast just drank. The Barrister's position was one of honor and responsibility, and he hoped it would be found that the confidence placed in them by the citizens of Halifax would never be reposed in them in vain. On behalf of the Chief I :^i 4 I BCRNS' CENTENARY. SI Justice, tli(3 Bench and Bsir, he thanked the company for the reception of the toast. The fifteenth toast : •' Scotchmen and their descendants — and the eminent men who are this day commemorating the Genius of Burns all over the world," — was j^iven from the Chair and received witli rapturous applause. Mr. PiLsnuuY, American Consul at this Port, in a brief speech, introduced Major Norton, American Consul at Pictou, who said : Mr. Chairman — I have come amongst you as a stranger, and my worthy friend, IMr. Pilsbury, in the language of Scripture, has taken me in. (Laughter.) But now that I am here I suj)pose I must do the duty which properly should have devolved upon him. I received an invitation to attend the banrpiet, and I have travelled 100 miles to mingle with you on this memorable occasion. (Cheers.) And on my arrival I found that my invitation had increased in value one hundred per cent., as it gave me access not only to this feast, but to a literary banquet of the hignest order. I had heard much of the oratorical powers of your dis- tinguished Chairman, but never had an o])portunity of listening to him till the present occasion ; and a rich in- tellectual treat it has proved to be. Mr. Chairman, you have alluded to the celebration in my own land. There is one feature I cannot forbear to mention. jNJy countrymen appreciate the poetical genius of Burns, but still more do they appreciate the pure democratic feeling which is displayed in his life and writings. In the estimation of this great Poet, a man, however humble his })osition, crushed as he might be by misfortune, and struggling agai:ist the iron hand of poverty, if he preserve an honest name — •*A man's a man for a' that." 9 • { ""f. ■^r/.^-^'m '^:-5*-. tt h'U: ■t<»M»*»^»«»^— »i«iii ■? !!• ;l I I f t% HURN8 CENTENARY. Sir, ill your address to-day, you made some beautiful (flotations from the writings of that distin«^uished man ; but to my mind there were others more powerful in their appeals to the different passions. AVhat can be more beautiful or touching than that simple ballad, commencing, •• I'm sitting on the stile, Mary." Appealing as it does, to all the liner feelings of our nature. Then, sir, turn to the sentiments contained in Brace's Address : " Wha would be a traitor knave — Wlia would fill a coward's grave, Wha so base as be a slave, Let him turn and flee." What language can be found more powerful and withering than this. And what, sir, more beautifully and feelingly expressed than the sentiments contained in the song " John Anderson my Jo." " We clamb the hill thegither, And monie a canny day, John, We've had wi ane anither ; Now we maun totter down, John, But hand and hand we'll go, And sleep thegither at the foot, John Anderson my Jo." Again, sir, what, in all the evidence of his genius, is more world-wide in its renown than that "Doch and Dorriscli Song of Auld Lfing Syne ]" and how feelingly do these two lines come home to every heart, and how beautifully expressive of sympathy are they : ••And here's a hand, my trusty friend, And gie us a hand o' thine, We'll take a cup o' kindness yet For Auld Lang Syne." ^ » 1 .1 ■ 1 «'w*.;r'i'.' BURNS CENTENARY. 33 Sir, the sentiment wliich you have called upon me to re- spond to is so broad and expansive, that were I to attempt to do it justice, I would occupy too much of the time of this company. I siiall only therefore make reference to two celebrations of my countrymen minglin^r with yours in commemoration of the eventful day. At the head of one of these presides tlie distinj^uished Poet of my native land, William Cullen Bryant — and with pride and pleasure I know, does he unite in renderini^ homage to the humble peasant Poet whose memory we this day celebrate. Sir, in Boston, presiding over the convivial assemblage, there is a man who may be said to be the greatest living orator of the age — Hon. Edward Everett, and uniting with him on this occasion will be found the names of Cashing, Longfellow, and a host of others of the Literati of my country. Sir, to-day this celebration possesses peculiar interest to every Scottish heart, and the enthusiasm displayed in this Scottish assemblage, is a powerful evidence of the ama pntricc which burns so warmly in the heart of every true son of the heather. Sir, it has been my good fortime to mingle with Scotch- men both of high and low degree, and amongst them all 1 never found one but whose heart was in the right place, — giving evidence of the noblest work of God — an honest man. (Loud Cheers.) I fear, sir, I am trespassing too far upon the time of this company. (Cries of no, no ! Go on !) But I must beg permission to close by referring to your own highly favored land. The population of Nova Scotia is composed of English, Scotch, Irish, and an occasional sprinkling from my own country — possess- ing, as they do, a combination of the indomitable spirit of each country they represent. No portion of the American Continent teems with more valuable resources of wealth and comfort than mav be found embraced within the cir- 3 ^^^ ' .*(• ■ \^ \ i . 'i'; :;» ' ' i*i4M t 34 BURNS CKNTENARY. I . ) H i i 1 I: «■ I* H cumscribed limits of Nova Scotia. (Cliccrs.) All that in waiitiiij; to make available these blessiii