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Summary of the Speech:

Viscount Findlay’s tribute to Sir Walter Scott is both a literary appreciation and a personal, almost spiritual reflection on Scott’s greatness as an author and a man. His address offers a comprehensive view of Scott’s moral integrity, artistic strength, Scottish identity, and enduring legacy.

Key Themes & Highlights:

1. Greatness of Scott—Author and Man

• Findlay considers Scott the greatest literary figure of the 19th century, and uniquely worthy of admiration not only for his writing but for his personal character—unlike other geniuses whose lives may demand apology.
• He praises Scott’s balanced development, maturity, and strength of mind, describing him as growing slowly but sturdily—"like the oak."

2. Scott’s Scottish Identity

• Emphasises that Scott was “saturated with Scotland”—its history, landscape, people, and folklore.
• Quotes Scott’s own poetry to show his enduring love for the Border country and his deep emotional attachment to Scottish soil and heritage.

3. Vitality and Masculine Spirit

• Praises Scott’s common sense, vigour, and physical courage—including his service in the Edinburgh Light Horse.
• Tells humorous anecdotes about Scott’s love of fording rivers and his gallant (if theatrical) volunteer swordplay.

4. Scott’s Artistic Temperament

• Unlike morbid or self-absorbed authors, Scott showed “no morbid introspection”; his works are healthy, moral, and wholesome.
• Quoting Ruskin, Findlay applauds Scott’s humility before nature—"he followed nature’s lead" rather than imposing on it.

5. Scott’s Moral and Artistic Integrity

• Scott never exploited offensive topics. He wrote for “healthy minds”, refusing to linger on vulgarity or violence.
• Shortly before his death, Scott wrote, “I have tried to unsettle no man’s faith… and written nothing I should wish blotted.”

6. Generosity Toward Rivals

• Despite Byron overtaking his fame as a poet, Scott held no jealousy and praised Byron’s work freely—demonstrating rare literary magnanimity.

7. His Response to Financial Catastrophe

• Findlay calls Scott’s behaviour during his financial ruin “a lesson for all time.”
• While composing Woodstock amid crisis, he continued unfazed—his handwriting showed no trace of distress. He endured with stoicism, discipline, and love for his family.

8. The Unity of His Work

• From Minstrelsy to novels and poems, Scott’s writing forms a cohesive body, marked by a “negligent greatness” akin to Homer’s.
• Findlay admires his refusal (usually) to tamper with storylines after publication—“As the tree has fallen, so let it lie.”

9. Characterisation and Language

• Lauds Old Mortality as perhaps Scott’s finest novel, especially for its delineation of Scottish character, such as Cuddie Headrigg and Macbriar.
• Praises Scott’s inventiveness with names, like “Skreigh-me-dead,” “Whackbairn,” and “Whilliewha,” adding texture and humour to his stories.

10. Minor Tales and Heroines

• Finds Wandering Willie’s Tale genuinely eerie even in daylight.
• Commends heroines like Jeanie Deans, Minna, Rebecca, and Die Vernon—but jokes about his boyhood admiration for Edith Bellenden.

11. Scott’s Educational Legacy

• Finds it tragic that Tales of a Grandfather has been removed from school reading.
• Calls it more vivid and truthful than many modern textbooks and proposes it be made compulsory in Scottish schools.

Notable Quotations from the Speech:

• “His life was even greater than his works.”
• “The sentiment never overshoots the mark.”
• “I have written nothing which on my death-bed I should wish blotted.”

Final Thoughts:

Viscount Findlay’s toast is a rich literary oration, filled with personal admiration, national pride, and moral reverence. It emphasises Scott’s wholesomeness, courage, humour, and literary genius, while also grounding his greatness in the Scottish soil he loved.

Download the [transcript] or read the [bulletin] 

Subsidiary Toasts Summary:

The Subsidiary Toasts reflected the themes of patriotism, Empire, reform, and the literary and civic legacy of Sir Walter Scott. Here’s a summary of the key toasts and replies:

1. The Queen and the Royal Family

The Chairman opened by proposing the loyal toast to Queen Victoria, marking the close of the Victorian era and expressing a fervent hope for her continued reign. The toast was warmly received, with special mention of the Prince and Princess of Wales.

2. The Imperial Forces

Proposed by Mr Richard Lees, with strong emphasis on the global unity of the Empire. He acknowledged that Britain’s military was now supported by its colonies—Australasia, Canada, India, and Ceylon. He praised Lord Dundonald's valour in South Africa.

Response by Major-General the Earl of Dundonald

• Recounted experiences in Natal and with Sir Redvers Buller's army.
• Highlighted sacrifice and dedication, including stories of men walking 500 miles to enlist.
• Stressed the need for army reform, calling for better organisation, recruitment standards, and the development of cadet corps.
• Advocated for support of auxiliary forces over conscription, citing the importance of physical training and education.
• Emphasised the Empire’s strength and duty to prepare militarily, even in peacetime.
• Called for racial conciliation in South Africa, referencing both black troops and the Dutch settlers.
• Told a compelling story of a brave Kaffir scout who died saving a comrade—he felt such men deserved the Victoria Cross.
• Encouraged forming an army suited to national needs, grounded in an informed public and healthy youth.

3. The Immortal Memory of Sir Walter Scott

Given by the Chairman (text published separately).

4. The Houses of Parliament

Proposed by Sheriff Jameson, who highlighted:

• The promising future of the young House of Commons.
• The enduring necessity of the House of Lords as a Second Chamber.
• Praised both chambers for their efforts and capacities in turbulent times.

5. The British Empire

Sir Andrew Agnew, Bart., M.P., urged Parliament to guide patriotic enthusiasm into constructive policies and infrastructure, leaving a legacy of strength and organisation.

6. Literature

Proposed by Mr John Sanderson, who called the 19th century a great literary epoch.

Reply by Professor Saintsbury, who:

• Advocated for classical education (Latin and Greek) as the best mental training.
• Argued that modern languages didn’t offer the same literary value as English and classical studies.

7. The City of Edinburgh

Proposed by Dr William Wallace of Glasgow:

• Noted that Edinburgh and Glasgow shared challenges.
• Raised concerns about “Imperialism of the slums” and urged civic reform to address poverty and poor living conditions.

Reply by Bailie Forbes Mackay

8. The Chairman

Proposed by Lord Kingsburgh:

• Criticised the lack of public engagement with Scott’s work.
• Praised Tales of a Grandfather for educating young people.
• Hoped the Chairman’s speech would rekindle interest in Scott’s legacy.

Final Note

The Chairman responded briefly. The event concluded with vocal and instrumental music.

Notable & Interesting Points

• Imperial Military Vision: The Earl of Dundonald’s address shows a fascinating transitional moment in military thought—balancing pride in the Empire with calls for modernisation and health reform.
• Racial Politics of Empire: The suggestion that black South Africans had already been “conciliated,” and deserved medals, contrasts starkly with the reluctance to arm them. This reflects the era’s imperial attitudes and contradictions.
• Cadet Corps & Fitness: There was an early emphasis on physical training and youth development—anticipating later national youth movements.
• Sir Walter Scott's Educational Role: Tales of a Grandfather was praised not only for historical content but also its role in shaping moral and national identity in children.
• Civic Conscience: Dr Wallace’s reference to slum reform as a kind of “Imperialism” is strikingly progressive—linking empire-building to domestic responsibility.

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