The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-01-27

tiers and Elders, and Deacons, all we're mixed up
together, and with compressed bps we're edging
their way in. With determined spirit and
vast amount of elbowing succeeded in getting
in and procuring at least good standing place.
To my surprise, large band of musicians
procured for the occason-began to play tune
which had not heard for many years:-"Where
have you been Billie BoyY Billie Boyp 1t was
refreshing TO my feelings, but how it was adapted
to that meeting could not we'll understand.
After the music the meeting was organized by
calling to the chair large heavy man weighing
about two hundred and fifty pounds. His hair
was combed straight back, and his countenance
( was of sedate, meditative cast. His nose was
saddled with a heavy PAIR of gold spoctacles.
When about to call the meeting to order he rose
from his seat, and fixing his eyes upon the chande-
lier, he at first seemed somewhat at loss how TO
express himself. But after a few seconds had
transpired, and when he had devoutly clasped
his hands over his breast, he gave vent to his
feelings as follows:- .
"Dear Brethren and Fellow. .citizens.-'To be
or not TO be that is the great question that has
called us together in such large numbers this
evening. When Moses started out with his fol-
lowers from Egypt, he told them that they were
going to land flowing with milk and honey.
But when they got over the Red Sea and
got into the wilderness they couldn't
hardly get anything to eat or drink, let alone
the luxuries of milk and honey. Of course,
they got discouraged, and wen they might
care we not, my brethren and fellow-cItizens,
somewhat in the same predicament? We we're
encouraged to buy stock-yes, oil stock, if
must say it-for wish to be plain, and then we
should in short time possess marble or brown
stone palaces. But as you know, we bought the
stock, and we have met together tonight to
inquire after the palaces. As for me, have not
seen them, and have been troubled greatly
in view of the whole matter. Lately l have felt
like adopting the language of good old job
| My signing cometh before eat, and my roar
iIgs are poured out like the waters for the thing
| which greatly feared is come upon me-. But
by giving utterance to these sentiments l don't
wish to discourage you. No! no Far be this
from me. would that all stocks were as
bright as the Ocean p
"But l will not take up your time. The meet
ing is now open. All are not only at liberty.
but are cordially invited to give expression to
the sentiments of their hearts. We hope
to have good oldfashioned experience meeting
here tonight. As one and another tell of
the difficulties they have had to encounter, it
will encourage others who may have had the
same bad luck, and who are crying out in the
midst of their agony-Tt is more than can
bear.'"
No sooner had the President taken his seat
than voice was heard from the most remote
part of the hail.
''Mr. Chairman" said the voice, 81 am from
the country. l heard of this meeting, and
could not stay at home. Some months
ago. l had several houses and lots, which
brought me q nice income. But, wretch
that was, was not satisfied with this, so !
looked round for something better. One day ]
met with young man who said he had some
thing good to tell. He said he had chance oi
getting on the ground-foor of an oil company
about to be formed, and possibly he might secure
the same privilege to myself The name of the
company was the Mountain Cataract. The
original parties, or those on the ground-hoor
must certainly make a big thing of it-ten OF
fifteen thousand dollars apiece, certainly. The
bait was tempting; told him to be sure and gel
one share for me if it should not cost more than
five or ten thousand dollars. In few days he
reported that all was right-the share was Sc
cured and my fortune made. | at once sold my
houses and lots, paid for the share, and felt
happy in the bright anticipation of the future.
But tonight, after waiting full year, Mr.. Chair
man, am compelled to say that my hopes are
all blighted. / have in my desk some beauti
ful printed certificates of stock but they have nc
value, and bring me in nothing. My hopes kept
saying, for a long time, Tomorrow! tomorrow |!
but tomorrow has come and gone, and still ind
no relief. / have come to the city to see if the
stock-brokers-that generous and sympathetic
class--can't give me some relief. Oh! were only
out of this difficulty, can assure you yon would
never find me putting my head into similar
trap. l have found out what the groundtloO
means.n
When this gentlemen took his scat the Chair
man requested the band to play "Tramp
tramp tramp the boys are marching !" adding
''This piece of music always inspires my hear
with courage in the midst of dependency.
When the band had finished, several tried to ge
!, the floor. A tall, dark -visaged fellow, will
! strong lungs and ready utterance, secured it
| Every word he spoke could be heard with tn
utmost distinctness. " Mr.. Chairman" sal
he, 4" this beats the mo1ps nluHicduR
l business entirely. Then we were to ge
fortunes out of worms but lately W
have had fortunes woTm'ed out of us.
is amazing to me what large amount
we have put into these oil wells, and what It'll
. | returns some of us have got. For one can sa
E that am much poorer than when started i
g this race l had met with reverses before, bu
: none have crushed me like those have latel
/ bo 20 hoo ~,