Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1854-02-20
Fer the Grant County Herald.
FROM MADISON.
MADISON, 'eb. 8, 1876.

FROM MADISON.
MADISON, Feb. 8, 1854.
Mr. EpIroR: On last evening at 6
IL o'clock came off an Exhibition of the
students OF the State University, of
which | sehd you programme.
he scheme consisted, as you see, of
ten oraiious with interludes of music:
The lst Grafton had taken lis place a.
mong the things that were, and the I'd
speaker was upon the rostrum when we
secured seat, in hearing. But | will
not particularlze concerning the persona
who led off in the front and centre of the
battle. The first six orators after our
arrival did themselves kind of general
credit, which though having some spe-
cial claims to notice by the auditory it.
self, does not place your spondent
~ the same category. The ether three
however, are fully worthy Of notice
mere discri,nina, ing.
The oratioH upon ''Thohght and E.x-
preston" was a nice affair, nice
-iastidiously high-wrought; pure how
ever, and cl4ssicaliy chasie.
The Grafton, too, Immediately prece-
ding it, upon 'Human Diversity" was
very credltable to the orator. The char
Eacter OF It's merit was different from that
upon Thought and Expression" The
mind OF the orator, who in person had
no extraordinary manifestation Of intel
lectual acumen, exhibited evident signs
of discipline and rather marked power
Of analysis and generalization, but his
effort was much less ornate and labored.
The Grafton upon sKnoxoogy" was,
however, the Grafton to which I must be
permitted to allude in terms of candid
review. It's design seemed to be bur-
lesque upon all things in general and
spiritual manifestations in particular and
without being apprised of the exact re-
sfraaning influences incident to the cho-
tastic relations, it is difficult to determine
what claims the orator, upon that sub
iject, has 10 praise or to blame. The arr
ustic part Of his performance was not
out OF character as separate element OF
exhibition, and in the intellectual part
but little error can occur in the estimate
unless mention be accredited with what
is due only TO memory. One thing is
certain however, if the spirit of comic
Almanacs should ever acquire potent
influence in rapping circles and become
fully disp posed to insist upon the rights
peculiar TO IFS own exclusive domain,
some Of the holder sass pie-rations OF
our orator will become subjects of doubt
full authorship. Originality, il is true,
in this kind CT learning is getting to be
a rare attribute, rare indeed, as persons
who have learned to "melt saw dust and
run il into TIMBER but it is to be ex-
3 ea5e rev {, hat Under the special guar
otoheiip vi oul iiStIfy oriS'o',,~es ~s~t.s,,
University, that evidences of distinguish
ed advancement in this particular. That
no serious distractions longer remain in
the way Of the acquisition of literature
so important, it might be we'll to suggest
the formation Of a separate department
in our University for that specific pur-
pose and | hope it will not be consider
ed out OF place to suggest also that, in
public demonstrations hereafter, suit
able censorship be exercised in the sup
preston Of all equiUocal aliusions, pro-
vided however, such suppressions sho'd
not be found to trench too much upon
the standard doctrines Of modern man
agery and amphitheatrical science. In
select scientific circles to speak of.''psr-
tormances 0pon the beds'' and of the
l'scfacs5'sg and swapping Of hnse JOINTS
and such other symbols Of elevated
thought might not be too susceptible Of
construction, but in mixed assemblages
such expressions, when taken up by The
vulgar ear and transparentised by vul-
gar cheering become matters of no small
embarrassment to the bushing modesty
Of the fair, and Of no irifing annoyance
TO sentiments Of State pride among ''the
lords Of creation" But no more of this
Il have given enough for thinking
minds, and am aware address none 9th
err.
The Bill Of the Judiciary Committee
upon the liquor subject has inspired a
feeling Of confidence among the friends
Of the measure. We feel assured now
that the will Of the people will de done.
More again.
Yoirs