of the Highland pipes, “stirring the memories of a thousand years!” and the race and struggle for the laurel crown in the games of the ancestors of the Gael, will give peculiar animus to all whose “hearts are in the Highlands,” where blooms the red heather, or among the lang, yellow broom and “where the burnie rowes,” and where the bones of our fathers lie. Then many reminiscences of other days, and tender recollections of home, will all come throngingly and tell tales of scenes that return not again; but not only so, the Caledonian Club man will be a better subject and a better man socially; he will, being imbued with the pride of nationality, feel respect for St. George and the Red Cross banner, and St. Patrick’s Emerald standard, and look upon those who bear them valiantly in the right, as brothers and copatriots with whom to do or die for our common country.
We bid God speed to the Caledonia Club, and let Wednesday, the 17th, be a day to be remembered with honor to themselves and to their country.
Gather! gather! Gregorrah! ”
There was some bitterness, perhaps jealousy, evident in the Examiner just before the day of the games. The writer was caustic, but covert; his words most likely did little to dampen any spirits:
The Scotch are intensely national—perhaps more so than any other people — and they are more attached, when abroad, to the pastimes and traditions of their country than those of any other land. Here, we have no doubt, they will enter into the spirit of their games in such a way as to delight and astonish everyone; and after we have thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, with as much gusto as any bare-legged Caledonian that ever tripped the heather — we will discuss the subject of Scottish games and Scottish music, animated by the most friendly spirit toward our Caledonian brothers; and guided by the lights of History, we shall humbly ask, wehther they do not claim a great deal more glory for their country than they have a right to do.‘2
The Highland Games were an enormous success, according to accounts from both the Examiner and Ross’s Weekly. Early clouds gave way to hesitating sunshine, greeting a reported 4,000 people who
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