Welsh emigrants who came to the United States, animated as they were by the sentiments of benevolence, patriotism and self-protection, celebrated Saint David's day. They had already formed smali benefit societies for which, thanks to their industry and frugality, there was at that time very little need, and after settling up their accounts on that day they would adjourn to some public house or hotel, and spend the evening in feasting and social enjoyment. These early celebrations, though they included singing, music and speech-making, were of an entirely informal character, but gradually led to the regular annual celebration of the day by Welshmen in all parts of the country. The oldest Welsh organization in the United States is the "Welsh Society of Philadelphia," which dates from the year 1800. It was started with the idea of mutual assistance and support. That the promoters were animated by the true spirit of religion is shown by this extract from their charter, which is full of similar passages: "I was a stranger and ye took me in,' is an address that few minds can contemplate without emotions of horror, and which even the misanthrope will rather deprecate than envy. Although the wretches of no clime or condition should be excluded from our aid and commiseration, yet we hold the maxim to be both just and natural that those of the country and people of our ancestors have claims of far greater sensibility and of stronger obligations than others."

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As early as the year 1800 the Welsh of New York had endeavored to form a benevolent organization, but they were not so successful as their Philadelphia brethren, because they were fewer in number and not so wealthy, for the charter of the Philadelphia society provided only for the assist

ance of emigrants from Wales and not for its members. The first Welsh society in New York was called "The Saint David's Benevolent So-. ciety," and was formed by the Welsh members of the "Albion Benevolent Society." Both of these organizations had a very brief existence. At the dissolution of the first-named society its funds were divided among its members, who organized the "Aucient Britons' Benevolent Society." Finally, in November, 1835, it was thought that a more distinctive organization for benevolent purposes was needed, and the "Saint David's Benefit and Benevolent Society" was organized, its first president being General Morgan Lewis, the son of Francis Lewis, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. As aid-de-camp to General Gates at the battle of Saratoga, he received the sword of General Burgoyne on the surrender of the English army at that place. In Trumbull's famous painting commemorative of this event, in the rotunda of the Capitol at Washington, the figure of General Lewis occupies a prominent position. General Lewis succeeded George Clinton as Governor of the State, and his portrait hangs in the Governor's room of the New York City Hall.

In the rural parts of Wales, where the old traditions are observed, it is the custom of Saint david's day for a Welshman to wear a leek in his hat; some branches of the Welsh societies carry a gilt leek in their processions,. and the national badge may be seen decorating the mantlepiece in Welsh houses on the anniversary of the patron saint. Various reasons are given for wearing the leek. Some antiquarians affirm it is in memory of a great victory obtained over the Saxons, while, according to Shakespeare, the custom originated at the battle of Cressy. In Henry V., Fluellen re

minds the monarch that his grandfather and great-uncle, Edward the Black Prince, fought a brave battle in France. "If your majesty is remembered of it," says Fluellen (in a style of language, by the way, I have never heard used by any country man of mine), "the Welshmen did goot service in a garden where leeks did grow; wearing leeks in their Monmouth caps, which your majesty knows to this hour is an honorable padge of the service; and I do believe your majesty takes no scorn to wear leck upon Saint Tavy's day."

The social and national characteristics of the Welsh people are best illustrated in the annual gathering called the Eisteddfod (pronounced ise-teth-vod), and the meaning of which is a literary and musical festival. The celebration has come down to us from the old bards, who, in the very early days, formed an hereditary order, and for a long time exercised a national influence in Wales, Ireland and Scotland. It is said that about the year 940 A. D. their privileges were defined and fixed. At Caerwys, Aberfraw and Mathraval it was the custom to hold from time to time these eisteddfods or competitions in minstrelsy, at which the judges were appointed by the prince. When Wales was conquered by Edward I. (1284) the bards lost their privileges and were persecuted, but succeeding princes recognized the institution and such contests were held down to the reign of Elizabeth. Of late years several societies have been organized in Wales for the purpose of revising Welsh poetry and the bardic profession. These societies, with the financial aid furnished by patriotic individuals, have published collections of the lays of the Welsh bards. It must be remembered that the Welsh language is probably the oldest in Europe, and the literature of the people

goes back to remoter times than that of any other modern tongue.

From the days of the Druids to the present time the Weish have been a music-loving people. Although these eistedfods were largely of a musical nature, in later years they came to be valued as a means of education and the competitions became more literary in character; they were open to all who were able to offer a poem or an essay on any subject of interest to Welshmen. At these gatherings the poetry is listened to with particular interest, because it has to be written according to certain metrical rules peculiar to the Welsh language. All sorts of domestic experiences-births, marriages, anniversaries-are made the occasions for poetical effusions, but the eisteddfod itself, in the light of modern educational advantages, especially in the United States, has become more of a social gathering than a heated literary tournament, as it was in olden times. These meetings are still held annually in various parts of our country, in Wales and in England; and though they have changed somewhat in character, they are still heartily enjoyed by the sons of Saint David.

In religion the Welsh are Nonconformists. In their own country they have never looked with favor on either the Roman Catholic or the Established Church. In our country they are Methodists, Baptists or Congregationalists. It may be said that they are always orthodox in their religious opinions. The Welsh Methodists, who in this country are more commonly known as Presbyterians, have nearly 200 churches, about 20,000 hearers and 11,000 communicants. Their first church was organized at Pen-y-caerau, Remsen, Oneida Co., New York, in 1826. In 1845 they entered into fraternal relations with the Old School General Assembly of the

Presbyterian Church.

The doctrines are substantially the same as those stated in the Westminster Confession, and the word "Methodist" defines, not a form of doctrine, but methods of Christian life and work. The peculiar feature of Welsh Congregationalism is the "big meeting," which occurs once a year, and which consists of sermons and religious exercises, lasting almost continuously for several days.

As I have already remarked, the Welsh are lost sight of in this country because, from choice, they quickly become amalgamated with our own citizens. When we look across the water it occurs to me that their contribution toward the growth and wealth of the English nation has never been properly recognized. It has been the hardy sons of Wales who for hundreds of years have delved in the coal mines and brought from the earth at least one-third of the coal used by Great Britain in her vast manufacturing industries, one of the chief financial mainstays of the nation. The English government has given them but scant return for their loyalty and fidelity, and they have had none of the educational advantages that have been furnished ungrudgingly to the Scotch. It is not to be wondered at that the Welshman loves the free air of the United States, its educational and industrial advantages, and that he so often desires to forget he is a Welshman omly that he may remember he is an American

citizen.

NOTE-The Welsh have commingled so much with the American people that it is very difficult to obtain information in regard to them. In the preparation of this article I have to acknowledge valuable assistance received from Reverend E. W. Jones of Utica, New York, William Miles and George J. Munson of New York.

NOTE-In the first part of the above article, on page 4 in the January number, a grave typographical error involving the date of

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Madoc's discovery of America. The statement should be, "In the year 1170 he sailed westward from Wales, &c.-ED.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN.

BY MR. WEBSTER DAVIES, KANSAS CITY.

(An address delivered in Music Hall, Kansas City, Mo., on the anniversary of Lincoln's birthday,

Abraham Lincoln lived and died at

precisely the right time. Had he walked with men at an earlier or later period, his name might have been lost to mankind in the mists that envelope. our eventful epochs of history,

Among the names on the world's wondrous scroll of fame there would have been no Julius Cæsar, had there been no aristocracy domination; there would have been no Oliver Cromwell, had there been no civil and religious tyranny; there would have been no Abraham Lincoln, had there heen no negro slavery.

The same guardian angel that protected the Great, of earth, in all the winding centuries of the past, doubtless kept watch over the cradle of Lincoln.

His mission in the world was a glorious one-that of guiding the forces of freedom-the loyal sons of Columbia in the protection and perpetuation of the Union; and the tearing of the leprous thing-slaveryfrom the escutcheon of the republic.

He was a man of many virtues, and of many peculiar characteristics.

In his breast there grew and flourished every quality which could adorn and dignify our nation.

No one left to him the prestige of freedom and ease assume a lofty posia great name, whereby he might with tion in society; no one bequeathed to him riches; (whereby he might demand and receive the fawning of worshippers at the shrine of mamsnobs, and the cheap flattery of the mon; no one constructed for him a

ladder tall and strong, whereon he might climb to place and power; none of these were for him; but instead his inheritance was poverty, and an humble name, honesty, and

common sense.

With his own hands he built the ladder on which he climbed to fame and glory.

With a diversity of interest, and possessing the true elements of greatness combined with those of goodnesss; he walked life's journey through the gradations of labor and poverty, doubtless often realizing that, in this old world full many a fond ileal, that gleams like a star on life's wave, is wrecked on the shores of its real, and soon sleeps like a dream in a grave.

But like the lofty pine, however, which sometimes springs up amidst the rocks on the mountain side, with scarce a crevice in which to fix its roots or soil to nourish them, but which nevertheless overtops all the trees of the surrounding forest-Lincoln by his own inherent, self-sustaining energy and genius, rose to an altitude of fame, which is the pride of his countrymen, and the marvel of mankind. All were irresistibly drawn to him, as to one before whom nature herself could stand up and say to all the world, this is a man.

The key-note of his great career was courage; courage to fight poverty; courage to fight wrong, courage of convictions; but while possessing the courage of a lion, he had the meekness of a lamb.

His devotion to truth was persistent, and his adherence to right, unflinching and inflexible, without shadow of harmony.

His integrity was superb; his ambition stainless; and in him were happily mingled the noble qualities -magnanimity and modesty; strength and gentleness.

Of a warm nature, a serene temper, and a disposition, enthusiastic especially in relation to the public service; his thoughts and his deeds blended together like the notes that spring from the various strings of an Eolian harp.

He was a mirth making, genial melancholly man; melancholly but not morbid.

In his nature there was much sunshine; humor flowed from his great heart, like a sparkling spring gushing out of a rock; often a joyous smile chased the bitterest tears from his sad careworn cheek. His presence always seemed a message of peace and good will.

By his jokes, stories, and merry laughter he received a soothing subtle joy by which his heart's anxious and aching cares were softly smiled away; loving company, it was dull pleasure for him to laugh alone.

His inborn geniality amounted to genius which creates sweet and wholesome character, and radiates cheer. The thunder cloud over his head never darkened his comforting vision of the sunlight beyond; with an insight that acted like instinct, he detected the soul of good hid in the show of evil, and was led into the secret of that sacred alchemy by which patience transforms calamity into wisdom and power.

He was from the people, simple and rugged, blood of their blood, bone of their bone, a homely son of toil, yet beneath that ungainly exterior, he wore a golden heart, which beat close to the heart of the people; such agitated throb of theirs, met with a quick response from his own. In looking at events, he looked through neither end of the telescope, but surveyed them with the natural and naked eye; thus enjoying the capacity of seeing things as the people saw them, and of feeling things as the people felt them.

He was a tall man, but his head leaned forward not backward.

Though towering his head and shoulders above his fellows, it was easy for him to stoop to whisper words of cheer into the ears of the humblest and lowest of stature.

Though wielding the power of a king he retained the modesty of a commoner; affecting no superior wisdom over his fellows, he was never dazzled by glory or intoxicated with power.

He knew no caste, class, condition, or inequalities of rank among men, he knew them simply as brothers.

He could reach with ease the lowest and highest level. He sat beside the humble laborer as he rested from his toil, and talked with him with as much pleasure as he conversed with the man of boasted wealth and learning.

He seemed to care nothing for the plaudits of the vicious, but he greatly appreciated the good will and approbation of the virtuous.

With great humanity and an innate sense of justice to all; he filled his life with acts of kindness, and deeds of charity, and of mercy; he loved to lessen sorrow, and to create a surcease for pain; he loved to transform into pearls of joy the tears on the cheeks of the weeping mother, wife or sister, as she pleaded for the life of some dear but unfortunate soldier. He owed but little to schools, or to society; to the classics he was in youth a stranger, but versed in the love of common talk.

He loved to read hour after hour in the great book nature.

To him, the songs of the birds, the blooming flowers, and the orchard blossoms of springtime; the ripening fruit, the golden fields, the rippling brooks, and the shady dells of summer, the rustling leaves in the forest, scattered by southern winds; and the

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snows of winter covering hill and dale with their winding sheets; were all as so many poems which tell of the happy youth, the budding manhood, the ripening age, and the final decay of man.

A faithful friend, and a generous foe; in the wondrous depths of his great soul were lost the baneful passions-hate, resentment, anger and revenge; but there, fidelity and friendship,generosity and brotherly-love like sweet flowerets, bloomed and blossomed.

He threw no shafts from the bow of envy, and hurled no stones from the sling of malice.

Though he lived in stormy times, yet in his bosom the dove of peace nestled. He was the grandest figure yet, on the crowded canvass of our nation's history; before him there were none like him, and after him there have been none to compare with him.

The world became richer on his coming into it, and poorer on his going out of it.

His tragic death in the path of duty, through a costly sacrifice on the altar of freedom, added the crowning glory of a martyr to the spotless fame of the patriot; caused a world to sigh in pity and all civilized nations to crave the privilege of dropping a tear on his tomb.

As tempest tossed mariners when lost on the ocean, often obtain their bearings by the aid of the north star, a glimpse of which they catch through a rift in the storm cloud, and by it are guided to a haven of safety, so our nation's defenders in the awful rebellion, when, in the clouds of darkness and gloom of that terrible storm, they were often almost lost, as they struggled with the waves, far away from a friendly shore; while clinging to the Constitution and the Union, as the sheet anchor of hope for the welfare of countless mil