Page:Speeches and addresses by the late Thomas E Ellis M P.pdf/87

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Speech.
81

Many at that day scorned this suggestion, but the University adopted it. Among those who listened to Mr. Matthew Arnold, and was fired by his keen insight and loving enthusiasm for the Celt and his history and his literature, was Mr. John Rhys. He was elected to the new Chair of Celtic. Since then, not only has Professor Rhys been a most valuable authority and guide on Welsh Education, and in other spheres of Welsh National life, not only has he helped to found a critical and brilliant School of Welsh literary men, but he now takes his place at the head of the European School of Celtic Studies. The influence upon Wales and upon Celtic peoples of the establishment of this Celtic Chair is growing, and will grow.

My hope is that, to some extent, the establishment of a School of Architecture in our own University would exercise a similar wholesome and stimulating influence upon the thought and activity of Wales. A Welsh Professor of Architecture would be a witness to the need for thought and care and conscience in the rearing of buildings worthy of