The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1853-02-12
Correspondence Of The Cecil Wig
Athenaan anniversary.

Tile Society-,ts Orotor md Poet-us
Celebration and Prospects.
The 10Th anniversary of the Athe-
mean Society of Delaware College, was
held on the 4th inst, and IN compliance
with your wishes | forward you brief
description.
Long before the hour of commence
mcnt large, select and critical audi
ence vas assembled. auXiou>.y awaiting
the arrival OF the members Of the SCOT
ETY., aud exhibiting their appreciation of
the decorations ia 'thr Oratorv.' The
principal OF these was one placed over
the stage: sour Friendship lies beyond
the tomb" done in evergreen on white
ground. On the right in gilt letters
'"Athep@an Literary Society, Founded
Feb. l&h, Io3i-itr.organised Dec IS,
,1o34;' besng conclusive evidence that
this society is entitled TO priority OF aye.
On thelen a large and handsome wreath.
with tlv motto of the society pendant
and partially ohscuIed could be- seen.
Other wrcalhs &c, contributed to grace
the sc4ne and The brilliant glare of the
illumination combined with these, form
ed scene gorgeous and truly magniti-
cent. At half past seven the members
of the society accompanied by the ora
tor and poet, and preceded by brass
tand playing odd Folks al Home" en-
tered the Hall, aud We're received by
Song and loud demonstrations of APP
,,lause. The President of the Society
commenced the exercises with neat
and appropriate speech and concluded
bv introducing the Vlator OF the evening,
Prot L. ID. Porter.
Th. orator was received with much
enthusiasm. aad commenced with a long
and wearlsome apology, which had an
exceeding Iy i'll effect. After speaking
of the superior advantages Of secret az
sociations, and the pleasure OF reunion
&C., he at length commenced the ora
ton itself which was a tedious, prosy
historical sketch of the progress OF
knowledge, and the manner of attaining
it. The Impotence Of the audience
was manifested IN various ways, during
Prof Porter possesses too much of the
unitarian spirit is too practical in his
composition to please youthful audi
ence. The Grafton lacked an essential
quality. Imaginative illustrations and
was Interspersed with too many com
monpIace examples. 1t was emphati-
callv unSuited to the occasion, although
really practical and useful. On reir-
ing from the stage he was honored with
considerable applause. but the majority
of the audience evidently felt relieved
when he resumed his seat.
During the recess the band played
Dodworth's Polka, which was well re-
ceived
The Poet, Rev. Mr.. Mears, then ap.
peared on the rostrum and was greeted
with loud and long continued applause.
His first sentence 'You who know me
aud love me will pardon my errors and
consider the brevity of time allowed to
the preparation of what you shall now
hear" was eminently appropriate, for
he was addressing brothers. The sub
ject of the poem. ".Ambinon," was skill
fully and beautifully handled. He fol.
lowed the youth through the rugged yet
tlowery fields Of literature, portrayed his
feelings when his hearts ambition was
attained, paid eloquent tribute to the
memory Of Clay-gaIlan: Harry Clay
and the great Webster; referred en- pas
SAINT to The sparks Of light cleaning from
"AthenR's Hail." and concluded by an
earnest appeal to AthenT's votaries to
cherish ambition in their hearts--espe.
c,ally desires to reach the Heaven of
light and glory. At its close the plau-
dts thundered forth, and We're protracted
MANY minutes. The Poem was worthy
of its author; worthy ofhis lima Mater,