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Summary of the Speech:

Cosmo Gordon Lang, then Archbishop of York, opened his toast with humour and humility, presenting himself as a simple admirer of Scott rather than a literary authority. He reflected on how Scott’s works resonate deeply not just with scholars or elites, but with “ordinary men and women” who seek comfort and inspiration in literature.

He described four core reasons why Scott continues to delight readers:

1. His Tranquil Mastery and Effortless Genius:
   Lang praised Scott’s seemingly effortless style, contrasting it with the strained, self-conscious writing of many modern authors. He argued that this ease, like Shakespeare’s, was a mark of true genius.
2. His Deep Humanity:
   Scott was portrayed as warm-hearted and generous—a man who connected deeply with all sorts of people, and whose open-hearted nature was reflected in his writing.
3. His Moral and Emotional Healthiness:
   Lang criticised the morbid, sex-obsessed fiction of his own day, favouring instead Scott’s “strong simplicity” and emotionally healthy narratives. Reading Scott was, he said, like stepping out into fresh air.
4. His Preservation of Scottish Spirit and Language:
   Lang emphasised Scott’s role in capturing and preserving Scottish character and dialect. He proposed (with tongue in cheek) that future dinners be conducted in “honest braid Scots.”

He closed by noting the deep affection people still feel for Scott—not only for his literary genius but for the man himself, whose courage and ideals remain inspiring.

Noteworthy Points:

• Lang's personal anecdote about receiving Guy Mannering from his father marks a touching moment of personal connection to Scott’s legacy.
• His contrast between Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson is revealing—he admires Stevenson but finds Scott’s writing freer and more naturally powerful.
• His scathing critique of early 20th-century fiction (“hot, panting, blear-eyed fiction”) is a passionate defence of literature with moral strength and emotional clarity.
• He suggests speaking Scots at future club dinners, reinforcing Scott's role as a custodian of national culture.
• Lang ends by toasting “The Immortal Memory of Sir Walter Scott,” underscoring the timeless nature of Scott’s impact.

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Subsidiary Toasts Summary

1. The Imperial Forces
   Proposed by Rev. W. S. Crockett
2. As a preacher of peace, Crockett expressed hope that future conflicts would be resolved through arbitration rather than war, but stressed the current need for strong Imperial Forces.
3. Replied to by Brigadier-General J. T. Johnston, C.B.
   He reflected on the then-recent Balkan conflict and warned that being militarily unprepared was a “national crime.” He highlighted how ancient empires had fallen to smaller, more modernised forces.
4. Literature
   Proposed by Rev. J. R. P. Sclater
5. Sclater argued that literature should uplift and bring happiness. He criticised the trend in modern writing toward morbidity and gloom, and praised literature that ends on a positive note.
6. Replied to by Professor J. Hepburn Millar
7. Millar made a humorous jab at "educational experts" and suggested that much of what is labelled literature today lacks true literary quality.
8. He distinguished between clever writing and great literature, stating that the finest works share a quality of "right and benignant wisdom."
9. The City of Edinburgh
   Proposed by Sheriff Scott Moncrieff
10. Moncrieff celebrated the city's literary heritage and recounted a personal family link to Scott: his grandfather John Irving was Scott's childhood friend and storytelling companion, as noted by Scott in his autobiography.
11. Reply by Lord Dean of Guild Carter
12. The Health of the Chairman
    Proposed by The Hon. Lord Guthrie
13. No speech content recorded, but the toast was part of the formal proceedings.

Noteworthy and Interesting Points:

• Sheriff Scott Moncrieff’s connection to Scott through his grandfather is a gem—John Irving helped shape Scott’s early love for storytelling through shared childhood imaginative play.
• Cultural critique of early 20th-century literature mirrored the Archbishop of York’s main toast—there was a clear frustration with the perceived decay in moral and emotional quality of modern fiction.
• Professor Millar’s wit stands out: his remark about "educational experts" might have been particularly amusing to the audience and is a reminder of how robust and candid public discourse was in such settings.
• Rev. Crockett’s blend of pacifism and patriotism offers a revealing view of the tensions in pre-WWI Britain—hoping for peace while preparing for war.
• The evening also featured live music and singing, as well as a specially designed menu card featuring the president’s portrait and artwork by notable Edinburgh artists—underscoring the Club's blend of literary and artistic celebration.

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