The weekly Anglo-African. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1859-1861, 1860-03-31
Amms&mtnts.

ade-a few declarations and doughnuts
how nice We are admirers of genius in
whatever department displayed. Our pal
ate enjoys the same felicity over dish of
dainties as our ears with good speech, if
in their getting up" there be displayed
little taste. The Egyptians denounced
feasting among their mercuries and men of
genius, believing it to be unhealthy to the
mind; but we doubt that they ever enjoy
ed that social harmony and refinement
which follow the occasional practice when
tempered with moderation. Perhaps, how
ever, different times and different people
require different habits. We cannot re-
main Indifferent to these two elements.
while Paris daubs one man for his peculiar
qualifications, Doctor of Divinity, and
another Doctor of Soups, thereby giving
Importance to the cultivation of gastrono-
mical as we'll as literary genius But
much depends upon how, and with whom,
this system of feasting may be INDUCED
To sit alone and gorge ones self with ven-
ison and wine, is not our taste. An asso-
citation of kindred spirits can sometimes
find profitable conversation over a cup of
coffee, refreshing our minds as we'll as
bodies, and sharpening the ideas by social
interchange Of sentiment, as Iron sharpen
eth iron" The proof of this was present
ed on Wednesday evening, 23d inst, at
the social and literary festival gotten up
| by committee of ladies for the benefit Of
the Anglo-African Reading Rooms. The
Youths Literary Association, together
with the indispensable Boston, were pres
ent, and entertained the audience with
their interesting exercises. Mr. l. Law
renee opened with a fine address Mr.
Boston followed with one Of his finest over
lures, after which addresses were delivered
by Levi II. Piner, Chas Ross, George
Bodice and VIM. Ambleman The Misses
Martin, Anderson, Turpin and Ramsey,
were justly priced for the excellence and
grace of their musical performances during
the evening. MessrS. Gambler and Scott
were also highly applauded, both in solo
and chorus, as were in the latter Messrs.
Albert Patrick, Joseph CASTOR, Spelman,
Roach and Bradshaw Master Powers
doomed up new star in this constellation
of youthful talent. In fact, his electric ca
pacity both surprised and enraptured the
audience to that extent that (seemingly)
nothing but a repetition would answer In
responding, Master Powers informed the
audience that this being his first appear
ance, he had received great encouragement
from their kindness, which should not be
forgottenj and although the speech deliver
ed was not his originally, he was glad that
he could SO represent the productions OF
others as to meet their appreciation. The
apt and ready delivery of this happy re-
Spouse, rendered Master Powers again the
lion, he retiring amidst much applause.
The public will expect much from this
young gentleman hereafter, and let him
remember that henceforth the eyes of all
are upon him. After few choruses by
the Association, the literary exercises were
concluded with an address by Rev. Henry
Ill. Garnet, who spoke with power and
| IN ha
them in their efforts He alluded to an in
cident at their exhibition, when one of
their number was interrupted by some I'M
kind person, which, though causing failure
ar that time, would, he believed, lead to
future success. The venerable DR. Mott
had failed in his first effort before a public
meeting and was obliged to retire with his
head bowed i'll shame, but he resolved from
that moment that he would not only sue
coed, but excel, and he did Demosthenes,
one of the greatest orators that the world
ever knew, had failed, but went off into a
country place, shaved the hair off of one
side OF his head and practised oratory until
1t had grown out, his determination finally
prevailing. Mr.. Garnet also paid glow
| ing tribute to the names of Thos. Sidney,
DR.. John Brown, VIM. Hamilton, Patrick
) IL. Reason, Alex. Crummell, Jno. j Zuille.
, Geo. L. Downing, and others, who had
} made themselves great by their own exer-
tons. The company now repaired to an
} upper room, where the ladies had all in
readiness the creature comforts next on the
programme. We were invited into the
committee room, where ham sandwiches,
tea, coffee, cream, cakes, &C., with all their
delightful little Accomplishments, greeted
our delighted eyes. Just at this time (l1
o'clock my associate of the press, "Bobin'-
around" having finished an engagement,
favored us with professional visit, Ia mark
of respect highly appreciated) He was