Minnesota weekly times. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1854-1859, 1855-12-08


Lecture Asseciations and Debating Societiess
Mn. EDIroR-Iperceive by the proceedings
Of the Historical Society, reported in the Times
Of Thursday morning, that we are in fair
way to have a series Of public Lectures during
the coming winter. The people of ST. Paul
are under great obligations to the members Of
the Minnesota Historical Society, and to the
members Of the Press, to whose united efforts
this result is attributable, for surely there is not
city or town, Of any importance, in the Uni
ted States, that has greater need Of such an
"institution than St. Paul. Our isolated po-
sition in winter interposes an obstacle of no
ordinary magnitude to the introduction Of pro-
fessional Lecturers, and while we are thus sit
uated, the development of "mative talent" be-
comes an obvious necessity. There are those
in our midst, who, by education and ability,
are well qualified to deliver one, or course Of
Lectures, and whose productions would reflect
no dscredit on some Of the Literary Lions of
our country; and the efforts Of the Historical
Society and the Press to render this talent avail
able, are worthy Of alb commendation. .haI
AS series of Lectures have now become a
fixed fact, it would be well to direct attention
to another branch Of the same subject. 1t is
evident that those who, in the capacity Of Lee
education and talents Of a high order; and it
is equally clear that the great mass of our pop
ulation do not possess these qualifications. l
would not be understood as placing a light es-
innate on the intelligence of our mechanics
and aboring population, for in general intelli-
gence they will compare favorably with any
other class, but in the peculiar qualifications Of
public Lecturer, they cannot be expected to
compete with gentlemen Of the ''learned pro-
fessions." The reason is obvious. The me-
cbanic has, comparatively, but few induce
ments to learn the " art Of Public Speaking" /"
while to the lawyer the study and practice of
oratory is an indispensable necessity.
Assuming. then, that the task of lecturing
will be confined to professional men and men
of leisure, who can devote the time necessary
to the production of respectable Lecture,
would it not be we'll to organize Society SIM
liar to those now in existence and connected
with the various Literary Societies Of the prin-
cipal cities and towns in the Union, viz /: a
Debating Societys Of the utility Of such
Society in St. Paul, there can be no rea-
sonable doubt. Aside from the fact that it
would become the resort of many who now
spend their evenings in different and far less
commendable manner-it would offer induce
ments to all to cultivate the intellect and ex-
tend their information. Those who take an
active part in a debate must become acquain-
ted with the subject under discussion, and are
nccesstated to search for proof to support their
respective Sides and spirit OF enquiry is de-
veloped which eventually leads to the happiest
results. t... s.t .--
But the advantages to be derived from such
Society, are so self-evident that it is needless
to enumerate them, and my only object in writ
ing this communication, is to call the attention
of those who have influence in the matter, to
the propriety if not the actual necessity, Of such
an organization. sre,. ..... sg -. 7,
Gentlemen of the Historical Society. do not
grow weary of well-doing push on the good
work already commenced, and LIT us hdue a
Debating Society. w re9a H.
PRoGREssiyE.--The proprietors of the Young