Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1859-05-19
NAL. JENKINS ADDREss--THEL LYCEUn

MAJ. JENKINS 'ADDREss--THE LTCEDnr.
We have never seen in Yorkville, an auditory
larger in number, and at the same time more III
tellgent and select, than that which attended up
on Maj. JENKINS address, in the College Hall,
Friday evening last. 1t did honor to the speaker;
gave hearty encouragement to the Lyceum; and
afforded to oil who are interested in the progress
Of our town, gratifying indication Of ourrapid and
substantial improvement. In style, quantity, and
quality, the auditory would have graced a city
hail.
After prayer by Rev. Mr.. JOHNSON, the institu-
tion and aims Of the Lyceum were explained by
our President, Rev. Mr.. ADAMS, who, atthe close
OF his remarks, introduced the orator. The ad-
dress discussed that most remarkable epoch in
human progress-the irruption of the Northern
tribes into Italy, and the downfall of the Roman
civilization; deducing the lesson that in this as in
all other great epochs, can be discerned the hand
of Providence, and e1emplifying the striking
truth, in human as we'll as in natural affairs, that
from the destruction of old and effete systems
have sprung new and higher civilizations; that
Life has ever been evolved from Death that hu-
man progress has its Autumn and Spring times,
marked by the alterations of Dissolution, and
Death, on the one hand, and from the ruins the
brighter creations of new Life, on the other. The
theme answered the orators purpose, happily
it was discussed in remarkably chaste, yet
ornate, and yet vigorous style, and delivered with
the earnestness Of truth and in the manner of an
attractive, enjoyable speaker.
The occasion was much enlvened by excellent
music, kindly afforded by Master RopERT's
young Ebony sax-Horn Band"
The Lyceum has been in existence one year.
This is a note worthy fact. Attempts have fre-
qnently been made to establish Club amongst
us, and as often have failed sgnay and precpitate
ly. The presumption was against US; and we there
fore went to work quietly yet with determination;
and without any sort Of parade, the object has
been steadfastly pursued until now, the ordeal
passed, we can safely assert that the Society is
upon permanent foundation.
Among the objects achieved, is the establish
ment of Reading Room. The society has rented
and is now fitting up spacious Hail. in the third
story Of MOORE & RAINEYs Building. On the
files will already be found the English Reviews,
North British London Quarterly, Westminster, and
Edinburg; Blackvood', Magazine; Harper, and
Russelrs Magazines the Daily Charleston Couri-
er, and Carolinian, and New York Herald; the
National Intelligencer and New Orleans Delta, to-
gether with general assortment" Of the coun-
try papers Of our State. The most reliable fea-
ture, however, is the Daily London Times, Mcrn-
ing and Evening Editions, which has been Sc
cured at cost of about Forty-fve dollars and is
ofitself enough to repay the contribution requir-
ed of each member. The files have not yet
been completed, but we think sufficiently so to at
tract the patronage and daily attention Of every
citizen of the town.
The advantages are obvious: To say nothing
of the humanizing, tempering, socalizing effect,
which the attendance upon Reading Room is
sure to exert upon every member, there is an actu
al saving Of expenditure. The annual contr ibu
tion is fixed at only Five dollars-not half the a.
mount expended by each intelligent man in town