Page:Speeches and addresses by the late Thomas E Ellis M P.pdf/138

 pioneers of Welsh reform. William Rees and Henry Rees, who from this city wielded so strong and noble an influence over their countrymen, were nurtured at Chwibren Issa, in the free bracing air of the Hiraethog hills. From cottages nestling under the Berwyns have sprung typical men like Ceiriog, Ieuan Gwynedd, and Owen Edwards. And there is no reason to suppose that the country districts will cease to form the nursery ground of men of thought, initiative, and influence. It is, however, important to note that out of 350,000, the male population of Wales, less than 100,000 are directly concerned in agricultural and field work, while there are 118,000 colliers. That fact is an index to the magnitude of the industrial revolution in Wales during the last hundred years. But more potent still in its influence upon the social life of rural Wales was the religious revival of the last century. This is not the occasion to estimate the gains and losses of that great movement. But its effects are patent everywhere. They pervade Welsh life all the world over. Within and around the