American Republican and Baltimore daily clipper. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1844-1846, 1845-11-04
AID ID r EG y


CONVENTION OF I4YCtUNS TO JHE DUNG
MEN OF The LNCEUMS Or BALTIMORE.
At Convention of the Lafayette Lyceum,
the Irving Literary Association, the Senate, and
the VIM. Writ Institute, on Monday evening,
October 9th, the undersigned were elected to
prepare an address explanatory of the objects
OF the Convention, and comfortable TO the re-
solutions by them adopted.
IN pursuance of those instructions, we deem
nothing more necessary than brief notice Of
the occasion for such an Institution, and some
word of comment upon the accompanying re-
solutions. The community arc already awake
to the subject, TO a much greater degree than
formerly; and particularly yourselves, by an in
crease of interest, and an increase in the aum-
Der of these nurseries OF literature and man-
ness, established by your enterprise, and foster
cd by your Jealous care, leave us no room TO
distrust either the intelligence Of your designs
or the iGlthfulness Of their execution. In the
spirit of harmony you have assembled within
the precincts of the i4yceum, and passed such
treasured hours Of pleasure and Improvement,
that men no longer look on with indifference
whether the bud of Literary enterprise be sud-
denly hipped, but look rather with anxiety ,hat
it should be fondly cherished by tho young men
Of our city. The noble design Of a diffusion Of
a love of knowledge has been duly appreciated
The broad field has found many cultivatoFs, for
the sober crop of the uttarian, or for the
choicest flowers cOlled by interested lovers.
Thus numerous Associations have been form
cd and flourish i'll our city, all devoted TO the
promotion of one grand object, yet unfortunate
ly for tie interests of all, bound by no chain OF
union in the common cause. This s q sad and
notable defect in the Lyceurn system of our
city. Thus isolated in feeling they cannot OK
ercisc or manifest due sympathy in the well
fare of each other, or avail themselves Of mu-
tual counsel and aid in the promotion of their
mutual interests. This lack of proper feeling
may degenerate into absolute sefshness, if not
speedily remeded by the adoption of more IL
beral policy.
The present contemplated organization is de-
signed effectually to remove this difficulty, by
the esta blishment Of an Association on the ba-
sis of rnutullity of feeling, union Of principle,
and unity of action. It's general design will
embrace everything which is calculated to pro-
mote the interests of Literature and Literary
Associations. When fully organized it will
consist of delegates from all the different young
mems associations of the city, which may see
fia to engage in this laudable effort to effect
reform The delegates of whom this Congress
of Lyceums" will be composed Ito meet month
ly or semi monthly, as may be hereafter deter
mined) whilst acting in unison for their own
advantage will make the wants, the necessities
of every delegated association, the subject of
their special care. The views and feelings of
all will be made known and appreciated and
thus spirit of literary fellowship maintained.
For the temperate encouragement Of the sp-
rit of emulation, it is designed that prize fund
should be established, from which merit alone
Gun be rewarded. Inducements of this kind
have often proved the most otfectual means Of
developing real merit An interest il thus ex-
cited, and love of literature engendeed by
this spirit of emulation. Thus bright sparkling
gems Of talent may be developed, that would
never have met the eye, but for this sitting and
polishing contact
We believe with your cooperation, great
reform may follow this decided stand Of the
friends Of lite atu,c in cur city. We would in
terest every Lyceum in the work, by their SYM
pathy and active assistance. Not designing TO
hide our enteprize in napkin, we hope at no
distant day, TO encourage, or conduct Lltera-
ry organ, devoted to the contemplated interests
of our Literary Associations. If our expecta :
tions are not too sanguine, or premature no
one can now limit the influence OF this organIzi-
ton, in its happy elevation and improvement
Of the young ,nen of the Lyceums. we wish
to unite with you that we may find advantages
which no one of US could find alone. We are
Instructed to greet you in Kindness from TIE
convention VIC req resent, and invite you To de'~
egate three from each Of your associations, 10
the proposed meeting 1t the Hail Of ihs Mary
land Institute, corner of Charles and E4rtrt
streets, Gu Friday evening Nov. !, 20 organI4 e
the proposed association.
We earnestly press npon your attention the