Daily evening star. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1852-1854, 1854-01-18
DAILY EVENING STAR.
LOCAL JNTELLsGENCE.


WIS delivered by Darcy McGhee, the well known
Catholic lecturer, at Carus's Saloon on the subject
Of arathaliciiy in AMERICA There was a large
audience present, who testified their applause al
different parts of The discourse, and much interes,
was excited during its delivery by the appearance Of
Nonsgnor BeJin, the Papal NuRcio, who entered
the roem in the course of the evening, and was con
,hrcrad nth much ceremony TO a seat that had been
assigned for him. The following is brief synopsis
nj what was said: a-r
The lecturer commeEced by advertns to a fac,
which was only of recent date, he meant the Gus
tom of speaking of the American nation, if it
sisted of varrty of nations anil religions instead OF
being one great and undivided people. Nor was this
error confined TO the ephemeral literature Of papers
and magazines, but even grave historians had been
gully OF il, and everything excellent in the ins,u
ions and manners of the county, attributed to
the Anglo-saron race, and 10 the influence & +
ProtestantiSm; whilst many went so far as TO cen
sider Catholic and foreigner Synonymous terms, So
that TO be Catholic was TO be foreigner and if a
foreigner as matter OF course, you are Catholic.
Now, Fl was highly requisite to demonstrate that
these opinions were erroneous for in this country
where the laws are made by public opinion such
statements, passing from mouth TO mouth might be
considered as prospectus Of laws that would be
enacted unless these opinions cOunteracted BY
argument, and also by all moral means which the
laws allowed them to employ.
: He proposed to show the benefits which Catholi-
cism had conferred upon America, by example.
taken from three eras of history: Firstly, The
beginning of American history was exclusively Catho-
lic Secondly, During the colonial history the con-
duct of the Catholic colonies towards the Aborgines
contrasts most favorably with that of the Anglo
saxon and Dutch colonies. Thirdly, Catholic blood
and treasure were literally spent during the Revou
ton, in securing the Independence. The lecturer
was, however, subsequently compelled to chit the
third portion account of the length to which the
other two parts of the lecture had extended.
The character Of Columbus was depicted, and the
Genoese warrior contrasted with cur notions of the
modern sailor, who, half drunk with quid OF
'tceca in his mouth, undertakes to steer horse as
he would ship; but the seaman Of the middle ages
half soldier would fight on shore in defence of the
Gloss then repairing on board his small vessel would
steer from cape to CAPE fearless of the dangers to
which his body was exposed, but exceedingly tim.
orous for its immortal freght-the so,,. The ignor
ing the Atlantic, and the unknown world beyond it,
was then glIneed al. None but The enthusiastic
student could conceive the vague and gloomy terors
which were said TO pervade those hidden regions
The real motive of Columbus in Drawing these dan
gers was then dwelt upon ard il was contended that
writers had done to his character justice, for they
had merely depicted bin enterprising, energetic
man, whereas, in truth, his ardent piefy was his
chief characteristic, and his intention to have
devoted the riches to be acquired by his voyage 10
the purpose of rescuing the Holy Sepulchre. Pro
ceeding to the court Of Spain, whilst he sent his
brother to thai of France, he spent seven years in
what in Washington phraseology, is termed lSttying
At length he obtained commission If inquiry, to be
held At Salamanca, and the candid and upright con
duct of the trbunsl satisfactory refu,ation OF
the culumny that Calico had been prosecuted for his
philosophical opinions, for here, al period long an
terror to thai event, was rough seamen urging
against all previous opinions, and calmly heard and
assented to by body of learned doctors. But thu
funds of the enterprise were still deficient, and
Columbus, weary and heart-sick was about to leave
Spain, when he arrived, on foot, at a monastery,
where Dominican Friar, named Juan Perez took
up his cause, and, mounting his mule, rode at mid
night through the pine wood 10 the court of Isabella
who has obtained above all women the title of The
Cafhotic. She Immediately declared her willingness
pledge her jewels rather than permr the enterprise
to be abandoned Sowe perceive standing in group,
Faith, Hope, and Charity, personifed in the Monk
the Mariner and the Queen.
The lecturer having dwelt upon the difficulties
that Columbus had to gothrough before he succeeded
In obtaining the object OF his desires, at last sailed,
having the greatest trouble to obtain crew. so su-
perstiiious were the people at that time respecting
the hidden dangers of the Atlantic. The discovery
Of the American shore was then related with all the
romantic incidents appertaining thei eto, and the
conduct of the French and Spanish Missionaries
contrasted favorably with the Anglo Sayons.
II would be impossible in This brief sketch to rive
full account of the lecture, WHICH took I'D some
hours in the delivery, and which was not completely
finished IS mentioned above, from the long period
of time that it had already occupied.
The Uilow Copse."-Mr. Marshall, lessee Of
the National Theatre, Washington, has been Treat
ing people and the strangers, to a series of rch
and novel performances, by the best stock company
in the Uhsed States-includng all the old favontes
vi uhat ohy estdDnSHcu pldce OF resort, the Walnut
street Theatre, Philadelphia, Of which Mr. Marshall
Is also the lessee. 1t may be many years before
another such company as this makes it appearance
on the Washington boards. Last evening, for in
stance, new play, by BOurcicault, author of the
celebrated comedy of " London Assurance and a,
this moment, nearly as much distinguished in Eng
land as Senibe and the two Dumas are in France
was presented TO the patrons of the National, and
created great sensation. As drama, it deserves 10
be placed in the first rank, and reflects lasting credit
upon the writer. The citations are striking, tie
language terse and original, and the plot exciting
and natural. II never was played better Mrs
Duffield was more than herself, and displayed fer
vor, feeling, power, and fidelity to nature that
proved her to be woman Of true genius and ilnita
lion. A'Beckei, Hale, Mrs. Hale, McDonoush,
Young, &c, &C., could not be commended too highly
for the effect and spirit OF their pecive persona
tons. 'Wiow Copse" is TO be played again to
night. Those who desire TO enjoy rare intellectual
treat, should be on hand soon "a possible.
Young Mems ChTistiaa .9sso ciafioH.--If apps ar-
that the reading of the annual report of the above
Society occupied so much time Monday even
ing, that no time left to Bishop Potter who wa.
10 have delivered lecture, TO do so. The Reverend
lecturer IN consequences, confined himself to some
eItempore remarks, which although excellent in
be offered as substitute for the subject proposed.