The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1863-12-23
The Independent Lectures.

menced on Saturday evening at the City Hall,
and which is to be opened by that eloquent
champion of genuine democratic principles
and equal rights-OwES LovEJoY of Illinois
may not be inappropriate at the present
time. The first thought, which gradually rip
ened into the plan aud purpose of these lee
lures, was suggested by the fact of the unex-
smpled success Of the Mercantile Library As
ISOLATION course; a success in which our
whole people rejoice aud take a just pride
The managers Of that course adopted a broad
and liberal plan OF operations. secured corps
of able lecturers, put their tickets at price
OF which no one could complain, and did all
in their power to accommodate the whole lee
ture-going public. 1t is none of their fault
that the whole public are not accommodated;
they are responsible neither for the limits of
tbs. hall which, compactly filled with settees,
chairs, stools, ETC., will accommodate about
twenty-five hundred, nor for that praiseworthy
thirst for knowledge which prompted from
three to five thousand persons to seek to Sc
cure those accommodations which could be
enjoyed BY only one half their number. The
truth Is, the lectures of the past few winters
have brought forth fruit, and the harvest is
seen in the general desire Of our people TO
avail themselves Of such advantages as are
best afforded BY well arranged and able cve-
ming lectures.
It Is we'll known that the tickets for the
Mercantile course were taken up with an
ayidity never before witnessed, = an ayidity
alike complimentary to the managers and to
the good taste Of our population. When the
utmost limits of the hall had been reached by
the sale Of tickets, the demand seemed una
bated, and no doubt five hundred or thous-
and more could hare been sold with very lit
tie exertion had the size of the hall justified
such an effort. Hundreds, forgetting that
''delays are dangerous" omitted to purchase
until the sale was necessarily closed, and it
was only then the thought was suggested that
another course of lectures, by different lee
turers, would find ample field and remunera-
tive patronage.
In these days of hospital calls and camp de-
mands, 1t did not require much time for the
idea 10 take form, that the proceeds of such a
course might most ilttingly and appropriately
be devoted to tighten the sorrows. to ease the
burdens, to assuage the pains and to. enhance
the comforts Of our brave boys, who are con-
lined in hospitals or are suffering from wounds
and sicknesses received or contracted in their
country's service. To carry out this idea, 1t
was proposed by some dozen or fifteen gen.
tlemen, who found themselves in company
when the subject was introduced, to make the
Sanitary Commission the almoner Of whatcv
cr proceeds, over and above actual expenses,
could be realized from such course as has
been projected.
So much for the origin, spirit and purpose
OF the Independent Course. A word more in
relation to the plan. 1t was believed that at
the present time, no themes take such deep
hold Of the popular heart as those relating to
the great struggle and experience through
which the nation is now passing. 1t is a time
when progress, as 1t never has done before,
marks the spirit of the hour. 1t Is a transit
ton state, when, as 10 the passing away OF
the feudal systems Of Europe, the forms Of
our civilization and our social systems are be-
ing Jostied 70 their centers, ana when every
thing IS being brought 70 the great touch
stone o. justice, rcctitude ana equity' when
men are coming TO revere truth more than
tradition, principle more than custom, right
more than prerogatives. At such time the
public mind IS alive 70 everything Touching the
demands, the duties and the prospects OF the
hour, and the pubic heart Is stirred and made
70 beat with increased energy BY appeals to
its patriotism as It Is BY no other appeals. In
view Of this very condition Of the public mind
and conscience, It was deemed wise to secure
such z course o. lectures as should come fully
uP 70 me demands o. the nour, Us should meet
- greaf want o. the pubic mind, and chai-
,''.se ~ go s'o.sA' : o1' thinning Poop'e'
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We .n's "oiu aas''eo'y. " Tue 'e'nAnus
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Thus, while the lectures will do good to
those who listen to them, the proceeds will
carry blessing TO many Of our nations heroes
ana defenders. And who can object to such
- = a