The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1844-01-20
Anniversary OF the New York Society Of
Literature.

The celebration of the first anniversary Of "The
New York Society of Literature" took place
on Thursday evening" in the beautiful and spacious
chapel OF the University. We previously having
had perusa Of the programme, and from per-
sonal acquaintance with number OF the gentle
men whose names were exhibited thereon, and q
knowledge of their high mental capacities, many
of whom having on previous occasions distinguish
ed themselves, we al an early nour proceeded 10
the scene OF action we entered tne apartment al
seven O'Clock and although the exercises were moi
to commence I'LL ha-past seven, nuch 70 our as
constituent we found the seats already MED win
the literati and fashion OF our city Inc cnaPei,
which Is by far the most beautiful IN our Guy, oes
clad in its green ATTIRE presented most picturesque
appearance. The hour at length arrives, ana whne
the well known Dodworth-band are performing, IN
their best manner the overture to Tampa, me
speakers arrange themselves upon the Stage
This finished, the Rev. X. G. followed win
beautiful feeling and appropriate prayer. lie
was followed by Benjamin +. Folterall, PRESIDENT
Of the society this gentleman's address was OF
feelings of the audience. He reviewed the past
and the present state Of the society, and pronoun-
ced beautiful eulogy upon one of the departed
members, and concluded las it is natural tor man
to indulge in the illusions Of hope) by expressing
hope for the future. This gentleman has done
much credit to himself, and honor TO his society.
Next in order was Poem, by c. q. Boyce, T.;
his subject was Life, Death and Immortality; He
handled j. well and beautifully his gestlculation
He was followed by A. B. Buckley, who deliver
ed m Estay on Ths Dny
his manner, and his subject, We're all mysterious.
Then came an Grafton by X. G.: Campbell, his
subject was American Enterprise" which ne I'M
derstood thoroughly; we regretted ne had mol
committed his piece to memory-had he done
so, It would have appeared much better =,
Next came an Grafton, 1.-The Influence OF
Science" by Mr.. A.. W.. Leggalt. Ills composi.
ton was good and his delivery and gestlcuation
This was followed by the Grand Overture to
Mass.niello, which was beautifully executed by
the band.
Then came the debate, on the question, Sc Are
Works of Fiction, productive of benefit to man.
kind, which at the present state OF the morals oil
our city, as contained In the report OF Alderman
Tlllou, we think was an appropriate one 1t was
supported on the affirmative by MIR. ]. b: This
gentleman adduced good arguments, but his
manner was much against him he was boisterous,
insomuch that he became tiresome.
On the negative, II was supported by MIR. - T..
Pierce. This gentleman brought forth very good
arguments, and his manner and appearance were
so much in his favor, that he soon became the
favorite. The weight of argument was decidedly
on his side OF the question.
The debate was followed by poem, by Mr. Al
fred Wheeler. His subject was Immortality, OF
the Pilgrims Dream" We think the poem OF this
Of the kind we have ever listened to some por-
tons OF it were beyond description his delivery
was very fine well becoming himself and his noble
theme.
Next came Mr. Nicholas Quackenboss, who ac-
knowledging the unanimous apI ause of the au;
dience which greeted his appearance, by repeated
bows, commenced the vaedlctory address. This
gentleman, like the President, appealed much to
the imagina ion and feelings of the audience. HIS
address to the President was of a very compli
mentary nature, while that to his fellow members
was of the most affectlonate and feeling style
His eulogy upon Mills (he departed membeD was
beautiful; his pronunciation was very distinct, and
his gesticulation graceful: Many were the smiles
Of pleasure which greeted his success and long and
loud the applause which followed his conclusion:
Then came the overture to Fra Diavolo, after
which the benediction pronounced, and then
amid the well known strains of " Hail Columbia,
the audience left the chapel, the bright moon greet
ing them, and Illuminating their homeward path
all happy with the intellectual exercises of the eve
ming, and with opinions formed of the 4" New York
Society of Literature and its gifted members
which will easily be obliterated by the hand OF
time.