Smyrna times., 1859-02-17

1t is indeed refreshing to behold, amid all the
vermicular squirming so assiduously studied By
the many punY declaimers of the present day
man who, discardIng the study of gesticula.
tlon as a separate and distinct branch of orato.
ry, explores patiently and perseverngly the
nine OF thought embraced within his sub ject
until he strikes the fount destined to impart
power t1 his appeals, color to his imagery, and
to unite the whole into one harmonious struc.
ture of sublimity and beauty. The oration oi
the reverend gentleman, on this occasion. most
certainly distinguished him as a man of this
order, and his audience will without doubt long
remember it as presenting a rare intellectual
feast.
The annual address being finished, the audi.
ence were again favored with music after
which. and some very appropriate remarks by
the Rev. Messrs Ballard Jelfreys and Wylie,
the exercises of the afternoon were closed with
a benedction, pronounced by the Rev. Mr.. JEFF
freys.
AT seven and half o'clock, the exercises of
the evening were commenced with music by
the young ladies'; after which, prayer was of.
fered by the Rev. |. w. WyIie, Nj. D.
Mr.. ]. Down Heritage, one of the students,
then read the +" Honorary Poem" We hearti.
y wish that we could speak more favorably of
this NEST unfortunate production. The subject
which the fancy of the gentleman seemed
struggling 10 comprehend, was nothing more
nor less than an unsophisticated boy on his first
! entrance into a seminary of learning. Having
already heard at different times the various,
pOetcal efuslons 1--WE call hem such through
courtesy, on which the yonng mans reputation
as poet appeared to rest, we acknowledge thai
our expectation with regard TO the +" Honorary
POem," were not very mCch elevated. Never
theless, we were scarcely prepared for such Il
pltitu exhibition of poetical impo,ency. In all
kindness, we would suggest that the gentleman
avoid in his future attempts. whether they be
poetcal or prosaic, the following expressions.
viz: "Old slOuch hat" =" Jack Sprat," Cow
hide boots" etc; 70: we do not believe that
the poetical world will appreciate their force
Moreover, we would advise him never again to
introduce his metrica compositions with any.
| tnlng ike the IoIioWlng
~ Into this subject we'll take a scud."
Should he adopt such mode of expression, we
greatly fear that his " scudding" will be in
many instances much retarded, by the merri-
ment of his audience.
The next in order, Mr.. Stanger, discor rsed
most excelently on the hope of the student
and the hope of the Alpha Omega Society.
J. Morris Leeds Immediately followed with
an admirable address. His subject was. The
Present Age"
The ladies then appeared with their music
after which, speech by ]. NJ. Freeman, on the
"Progress of Civilization" occupied the atten.
ton. The general treatment of the subject
was good, yet we are very much inclined tc
propose a question or two with respect TO pro.
nunciation If we permit the word HreleS tC
be pronounced as if 1t were written tarless, how
nounce the syllable t-a-r! If the gentleman
will satisfactorily answer this question, we have
no doubt but that the age will acknowledge
him to be the Columbus of language.
Music, after this slight interruption, was
again resumed. On it's conclusion, Mr.. J. B
Chrisman arose aud entertained his hearers
with some excellent remarks on "The Memora
BILE Era"
Mr.. Baker Immediately followed with finely
finished and eloquent address. His subject wa
"The Memory of the Great" and was mos
elegantly treated.
The "Claims of the Age upon the Youns
Men of America" by S. d. Shepherd. except
ing a mistake or two in the delivery, was good
1.-THE Omnipotence Of the Heart" by Marii
: d. Hancox, was a very tanciful production
i. The gentleman affirmed that there were noun
tains, hills, valleys and ma rshes in the huma
= heart. We will not dispute with him in regar
d to the correctness of this statement, but mere
e ly remark that the conception is in our humbl
e opinion, rather hard on the Imagination.
l. Music, however, again soothed the straine
a fancies of the audience into repose.
Excelsior" by Mr. William Searles, ne,
e demanded the attention. This grafton display
Is ed lively Imagination, and deserves a cons,
t. erable portion of the praise already bestowe
ID upon it.
IL MIR. Edward l.. Dobbins then delivered Il
e Valedictory. Throughout all the senrimen
exhibited in this production, benevoence
r. heart, as we'll as superiority of intellect. W
he clearly discernable. His address did cred
ly both to his head and heart
ee The seventh anniversary of the A. o. SOci
lis ~ was then closed with a benedction by q
Rev. /. w. Wylie. C. B. J..
eff. ---~~~---
= Correspondence of the Smyrna Times