Bailie Reid said it was laying sure foundations for its future success in endeavouring to create a new generation of Burns enthusiasts by bringing the children into touch with the beauties of his poetry. The new series of the Burns Chronicle did not confine itself to Burns alone; it had a wider scope, and embraced practically all Scottish literature, though particularly in relation to Burns. Those activities were widely and highly appreciated; for though we could boast of our Scottish education, yet we could not know enough of our country and its literature and traditions. It was impossible at this day to say anything new about Burns, but he thought they would all agree that wherever Burns's songs were sung-whether at home or abroad-they always stirred the heart of a Scotsman. They had a saying in that part of the country, "Tak awa Aberdeen and twal mile roon, and far are ye? " It might also be said, "Take away Burns from a Scotsman, and where is he?" In offering them a hearty welcome to Aberdeen he would conclude with a few lines from the poet himself—

“I will not wind a lang conclusion
With complimentary effusion:

But whilst your wishes and endeavours
Are blest with Fortune's smiles and favours,

I am, Dear Sir, with zeal most fervent,
Your much indebted, humble servant.'

The President (Sir Joseph Dobbie), in acknowledging Bailie Reid's welcome, said

It is my privilege, on behalf of the Burns Federation, to express our thanks to the Lord Provost, Magistrates, and Councillors for the recognition they have given us as their guests to-night. It is a fine start to our Conference proceedings; and a compliment, which we highly appreciate, to the Burns Federation and to the Aberdeen Burns Club, on whose invitation we are meeting in your ancient and beautiful city, a city which might well claim to be one of the most beautiful in Scotland-at all events

north of the Firth of Forth! We can say little more than thanks; but I venture to hope that it will be some satisfaction to our hosts to know that, as a result of our visit, our delegates from a distance and from overseas, and many nearer home, will acquire a better knowledge of the great part played in the past, and still being played, in the national life of Scotland, by your city and your University.

On neither the enterprise of your City nor the magnificent work of your University need I dwell. When we recall the efficiency of your Corporation, and learn that not only is your city one of the least heavily rated, but that you are able in these times to propose a reduction of rates, Aberdeen may well be the subject of envy on the part of those from less favoured communities.

It may well cause our delegates, especially those from the United States, furiously to think when they find themselves under the shadow of a University which year by year, for nearly 400 years, has sent forth a stream of strenuous, educated, typical Scots, well qualified to serve the Church and State at home, to fill the highest positions in England, and to build up in our Dominions and in every outpost of our Empire that reputation for integrity, enterprise, and industry which is the greatest asset of the Scottish race to-day. We have learned of the fine effort, headed by the Lord Provost, on behalf of your Infirmary. Only practical idealists with an unqualified belief in the generous instincts of their community would have been bold enough, particularly at this time, to dream of raising £400,000 to succour the suffering and the needy; and, as admirers of the Poet who pleaded for sympathy with the poor and the afflicted, we tender our congratulations.

Bailie Reid has referred to the visit paid to Aberdeen by Robert Burns, and we to-night have in our minds the object of the poet's pilgrimage. Heaven forbid that I, an Ayrshire man, should say one word to detract from

Ayrshire's distinction as "the Land of Burns "; but when we recall that for centuries the forebears of the poet lived and struggled and died within twenty miles from where we meet to-night, that his great-grandfather and his great-grandmother are buried in Glenbervie Churchyard; that his grandfather and his grandmother lived and died in that neighbourhood; and that his father had reached manhood before he was driven to seek employment elsewhere, we may well concede that, while Ayrshire may be "the Land "of our National Bard, we meet to-night almost within sight of "the Fatherland " of Burns.

As our Chairman has indicated, one of the chief objects of the Burns Federation is to preserve our Scottish vernacular, and after this visit many of us will realise more clearly than ever what our Scottish language and literature owe to the North-east-to the many great literary men it has produced, from John Barbour and Hector Boece to William Alexander and Charles Murray. We of the Burns Federation do not believe that the Scottish vernacular is fated to die, or that the writings of Burns, Fergusson, and Scott will become " as a sealed book" to future generations of Scottish men. and women. But if that fate be averted, we feel assured that it will be due largely to the men and women in this part of Scotland who persist in their loyalty to their Scottish tongue, and to the efforts of their numerous living writers like Dr. Charles Murray, Professor Alexander Gray, and Professor A. A. Jack-gifted men whose works are known far beyond the bounds of Aberdeen and are appreciated by all who seek to preserve our Scottish literature and language.

PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS.

Before beginning the business of the Conference on Saturday, the President announced the receipt of a

message from the Earl of Rosebery, Senior Hon. President of the Federation

"I rejoice greatly to think that the Burns Federation is so prosperous."

The President also intimated apologies from the Earl of Aberdeen, and from Sir Robert and Lady Bruce, who had intended to be with them. Sir Robert Bruce wrote that pressure of business had made it impossible for him to come. They recalled, said the President, with gratitude the great work that Sir Robert Bruce had done for the Federation. He (the speaker) realised how difficult it was to follow him in that chair, and on this his first appearance before them as President he claimed, and knew that he would receive, their indulgence.

Proceeding, the President said—

I venture to think that, as our Secretary's report will show, much useful work has been accomplished throughout the past year. I have received loyal support from the Past President, the Vice-Presidents, and the Executive Committee, and I specially want to acknowledge the persistent, enthusiastic, and strenuous assistance constantly rendered by Mr. Ewing, the editor of the Burns Chronicle, and the authority on all matters pertaining to Burns; by Mr. Amos, our Secretary; and by Major Innes, our Treasurer. The Burns Federation occupies an important place in the Burns world. It is a world Federation of Burns Clubs, united to commemorate and honour the memory of the poet and to promote the ideals which he preached. It is growing in strength and usefulness year by year. Within the last twelve months fourteen clubs have been added to the roll.

On this occasion I would like to speak a little on the progress made by the Burns movement throughout the year, and the services which Burns Clubs are rendering to the world. Were further evidence needed of the everincreasing fame of Burns, and of the growing interest