Northern Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1859-01-26 00:00:00

SOIREE AT THE CONCERT HALL

A soiree took place at the Concert-hall, Lord Nelson-
street, last evening: There was a crowded attendance,
numbering about 2,000, and composed of the middle and
humbler classes. The proceedings commenced
,by the
audience—or at least so many of them as could get at
it—partaking of tea. This over, the chair was taken by
Nathaniel Caine, Esq., who made a few general obser-
vations upon this first centennial commemoration of the
birth of Scotland's great poet, of whose works and genius
he spoke in terms of the highest praise. Mr. Adam
Gibson then sang some original lines to the tune of
" Auld lang sync," the audience joining in the chorus.
The lines were encored ; and the chairman, having
expressed himself gratified at so good a beginning, called
upon Mr. Robert P. Scott, who read an original poetical
address on the genius and character of Burns. The lines
possessed considerable merit, and were much applauded.

An address on " Barns as a Poet," the greater part of
which was inaudible to the reporters (but which was
fOrtunately, probably, in manuscript), was-then delivered
by Mr. J. M. M'Diarmid. He eulogised the Scottish
character generally, and gave instances of their courage in
battle, under such leaders as Sir W. Wallace (cheers) —and
many instances of their bravery against religious tyranny.
Such a people was TrodUctive of great men, and amongst
them was Robert Burns. (Cheers.) He then, at much
length, gave a biographical sketch of the poet's life, being
occasionally interupted by cries of " Time," and "Cat it
Short," and the 'speaker concluded amidst some uproar.
In " Green Grows the Rashes, 0" which followed, and
which was somewhat more lively, the audience joined in
the chorus, the song was loudly encored, and the joke
of a person who called out, " A kiss after that," created
much laughter. The songs by the Misses WTemyss were
given with great taste, and afforded much delight to the
demonstrative audience.
The Chairman here announced, that there was on the
platform, an old lady, 80 years of age, who knew Burns,
and she would take part in the proceedings ; as there
were few persons now living who knew Burns, she should
be seen._ _ (Cheers.) . _

The old lady, who was dressed in a very homely man-
ner here rose, and was
.enthusiastically applauded, the
audience rising and cheering her as she advanced to the
front of the platform. On resuming her seat, the old
lady was again. loudly cheered. [lt was understood the
old lady's name was Ellen Grayson.]
_ _

An address, on "Burns as aMan," was then delivered
by Mr. Robert Wands. He defended Burns against the
insinuations which had. been thrown out against him by
those who did not understand him.
Song by Mr. Gibson : "A Man's a Man for a' that,"
the audience joining in the chorus, but with indifferent
success, the first attempt to " do" the chorus breaking
down.
A "haggis" was here introduced amidst much
laughter, but before' it was carved, Mr. Gibson read
Burns's lines to a Haggis.
Tho Chairman said the haggis had a very good smell,
though he had not the slightest idea how it would taste ;
they who desired to taste it could do so in the committee
room.

Mr. A. Leighton volunteered to sing, previous to which
lie offered some comments upon the "genius " of Burns,
but was stopped by loud cries of " song," He then
attempted a song, but failed, amidst great laughter, Mr.
J. Skeaf, sen.,—who was a favourite with the audience
supplying his place by giving, in the most charming
style, Of a' the Airts the Winds can blaw."

•
Mr. A. Gibson, after reading some observations on
poetry, especially that of Burns, some of the beauties of
which he pointed out, recited, in a very effective
and telling manner, the poem of "Tam o' Shanter,"
giving the required accent, which created much laughter.
At its conclusion he was lordly applauded.

It was now eleven o'clock, and the entries that re-
mained on the programme to be gone through were--
Song " Bonnie Jean," by Mr. Wands ; song, " Blythe,
blythe, was she," Mr. Adam Gibson ; duet, " Coming
through the rye," the Misses Wemyss : and, finally,
" Auld Lang Syne," by Mr. Gibson, the audience heartily
joining in the chorus. Mr. J. Skeaf, jun., presided at
the pianoforte. It was after eleven o'clock when the
proceedings concluded.