Blair Collection > Celtic magazine > Volume 3

TitE CELtiC MAGAZINE. 21 1
re-publication, competently edited, of every Gaelic work hitherto printed,
in order to be within reach of aU, and to place our literature in a position
■ of ])roniiiience and easy reference. All these are objects wliich will demand,
not onlythe time and thought of local Societies, but also the combined efforts
of federation, before they can be successfully attained and worked out. Of
old, the appointment of chiefs and leaders was elective, and it is quite in
consonance with these ancient views, that now the elective principle
should with us be so largly in operation, and chiefs and chieftains be
elected from time to time to preside over our Associations. 3d, Local
Associations should do everything in their power to assist poorer brethren.
In some cases, for instance those of the old and destitute, help may well
' take a pecuniary form ; in others, kindly counsel and warning will prove
highly advantageous ; and as regards the young, assistance and united
eiibrt in procuring them a start in life, may be found invaluable, and the
ladder to ultimate fame and success.
' Again, we have the most clamant call to place our language on a sound
' and secure basis. We do not grudge to the English language that predomin-
ance which it has and deserves, but our knowledge of Gaelic does not in
the least unht, but rather assists us in appreciating the full benefits of the
1 dominant language.
j As regards Gaelic in its higher educational aspect, we now have every
'prospect that the Celtic Chair will be established, and with a fair endow-
ment. The sum subscribed is highly satisfactory — thanks to the vigorous
and sustained efforts of Professor Blackie and other patriotic men. But
;the value of money, we know, is diminishing, and, to do the Chair justice,
the Professor ought to have one or two assistants. I should say that an
income of £1000 a year is the minimum which should be kept in view
in name of annual endowment. Possibly Government might give a grant
in supplement of the present funds, but if this were done, a voice in the
appointments would be asked, and it woidd in many respects be preferable
; that we were free from Croveniment patronage, jtlany have subscribed
liberally at home and abroad ; still a great number have not, and I do not
see why every person speaking the Gaelic language all over the world
should not subscribe, even although in many cases it were but a shilling.
Societies like yours should find out in your several localities who have not
subscribed, and by means of canvassers and visitors, leave not a single
Gaelic-speaking person without being directly appealed to ; and you
should not rest satisfied until the Celtic Chair, as regards funds, is found
placed on a sure and permanent footing. Next, I would advert to the
necessity of all magazines, newspapers, and publications devoted to the
'Gaelic language and to Highland interests being vigorously supported by
Associations and Societies, corporately and individually. These publica-
tions have a deal to contend with, and by being to some extent devoted
to the interests of a limited number, they have not therefore general sup-
port. The greater reason, however, that Highlanders should make it a
point, not only of supporting them by subscription, but also of relieving
them of some expense by contributing such iiaformation as they may be
possessed of, and which would be interesting to their countrymen.
I come now to the last part of my subject, and certainly not the least
important, viz., the teaching of Gaelic in our National Schools, wliere this