[From Manx Quarterly, #11 Oct 1912]

[Offered as an illustration of popular thought of the period - note comment re Manx Language]

Manx Societies at home and Abroad

LIVERPOOL MANX SOCIETY.

LECTURE ON MANX NATIONALITY.

A most instructive and interesting lecture on " Manx Nationality" was given before the Liverpool Manx Society on Wednesday, Jan. 31st, by Mr Quiggin, the attendance being quite a good one. Mr Edward Allen occupied the chair, and in an effective speech introduced the lecturer. Mr Quiggin, he said, was well-known as a literary student and a fluent and fearless speaker; his wide experience as a Wesleyan local preacher qualified and fitted him for the subject he had chosen. As a preacher Mr Quiggin was well-known in the Island, having filled pulpits there on many occasions.

In his opening remarks, the lecturer said that to define nationality was some-thing like defining personality, for what personality was to the individual, so nationality was to the nation. The Manx belonged to the Celtic race; they also possessed certain specific characteristics as a Manx nation. The Saxon was rather inclined to intellectuality, while the strength of the Celt lay, perhaps, in his emotionality. There were three leading characteristics of the Manx nation. First, there was specific temperament. It had not in all its history ever waged, an aggressive war, but it had always been ready to defend itself from attacks. Whilst England has been torn at many times in religious wars, the Isle of Man had never at any time been so troubled. The Manx came over from Romanism to Anglicanism and to Methodism with the minimum of disturbance. It might be said that Manxmen are inclined to be argumentative, inclined to defend their position, and claim their rights with reason and argument. He thought the second characteristic of Manxmen was religious temperament. The lecturer then proceeded to deal with Mr Hall Caine's statement that Manxmen were not able to speak the truth, and he used some very forcible arguments in conclusively proving that Mr Hall Caine was decidedly wrong in making such allegations concerning Manxmen. Mr Quiggin said that another characteristic was the patriotism of Manxmen. He explained how the Manx language was abolished 100 years ago, and said that it might have been a really patriotic motive that led the people to abandon it. They may have found that their language was too limited for modern requirements, and that there was no literature that was worth preserving. The lecturer spoke for some time on the Manx poet, T. E. Brown, and quoted some verses from his poems.

Mr Kneen said he would like to express, on behalf of the committee, their thanks to Mr Quiggin for giving them his most interesting and instructive lecture. Also to Mr Allen for so ably taking the chair. The vote was seconded by Mr John Costain, and was carried unanimously. Mr Quiggin and Mr Allen suitably responded.