Daily Davenport Democrat. [volume] (Davenport, Iowa) 1864-1874, 1867-12-27

ljfs and death 10 every part Of the habi,ahis
globe
: Tacse blessings ard these iriumphs ar
the resul: Of ;nd;.i dual enterprise as well ~
Of the combined intelligence. energy and
wealth Of our people. But xhether accom-
plished By the one OF the other, they are
our pride and glory and any individual or
company Of individuals Who nse their intel
lgence and wealth for the advancement Of
civilization, or for the improvement and
happiness Of mankind are entitled TO share
in this pride, and be ranked Is public be ne-
factors. With these views and feelings, We
have come here io-night,to extend TO the
founder and builder OF this ediiicc our hearty
gratulatons and our earnest and sincere
thanks for his liberaiity, munifcence ard
public spirit.
And when we consider how se- men
comparatively there are, who through the
labors Of long life obtain wealth, and how
fes Of these use their wealth for noble pur-
poses, we may well take prido in honorins
the tnan who sets the example of such . mu-
ni!inent expenditure Tor the bench. ana
qualification Of the pubic.
But the wsrmest praise and tho hignest
honor, that can be besto we'd upon DR.. Bur
It's are found in this building itself. No en-
co,niuni of ours will add to them. II speaks
in language and tone that will be heard
and understood through the length and
breaath Of the land. AMI we trust that it
will bear his name and the glory of this
achievement to many succeeding genera
tions.
A lively call WAS now made for Doctor
Burtis from oil parts Of the house. 1t was
some little time before the Doctor made his
appearance, his natural bashfulness re-
s,raining him to an unusual degree. But
once on the stage and facing such a vast
asssmbiagc Of beauty and fashion, be could
net repiess the broad smile which forced
itself on his couutensnce. He smiled all
overland who had . better right A
speech vas now in order, but the Doctor
being no speakist, acknowledged frankly
,ha. such thing was q severe task for him;
nevertheless he would try and say someth
ing. lie felt indeed thankful for the cnthusi-
astc reception given him. TWAS possible
that some might look upon him with misgiv
ings - to his sanity. During the past eight
months be had passed through many dark
days, and felt many discouraging moments
but none more trying than the present
While building the Opera House, he had
experienced many little incidents, some Of
which we're worth noticing. He remembered
on one occasion a gentleman from the East
visiting hero was taken by him to see the
new building. lie expressed great surprise
at the unexpected advances Of civilization in
the far West. This building" said he, "is
good enough for any city" And the Doctor
quietly assentcd. Another thought that it
was something extraordinary, and not to
be found in many of the older States. 1t
was astonishing. why, there isn't any
thing like it in the State Of Indiana y said
the admirius beholder. The Doctor bad
always had . great desire for making i'm
provements Of q substantial kind. and with
this last job of his he was well pleased
more 30 than with any Of his former. Again
thanking the audience, and promising that
no pains or expense would be spared to
sus,sin tho reputation Of the new building,
nc retired amid repeated cheering.
Tue regular programme was then rcsum-
ed. To follow it in all its single parts
would require more space than we have at
command. Suffice il TO say that all did well.
and the cncores were frequent and loud.
The Mendelssohu Society, the German
Turner Society, Misses Belle Har, and Mag
gio Rowsc, Mrs. Johanna Claussen, Mrs.
Altman, Mcssrs. J.. S,rssser and j. G. Wal
lacoin fact all who joined in the evening )
entertainment. sustained their parts exceed
ingly well, and to the satisfaction Of all
present. "The Merry Little Swiss" OF Mrs.
Claussen was a happy hit, and made that
lady hosts Of admirers. She is genuine
artist
In according praise wh,rc it is due we
must not forget to award the Daveppor.
Silver Eaai ita DE share. Having with
its usual libera.ity volunteered its services
for thc occasion, it discoufsed some very
fine music, and contributed no little TO the
attractions of the evening.
Financially Us we'll as otherwise the open
ins Of the Bur,is Opera House wss sue
cess, and our hope is that its whole career
viii he continuation of the prosperity %
suspieiously inauguratcd on the opening
night. Long may it aud its en.erprisiug {
pro pTieior flourish !
MxAN Tpaxsacr,ox l.ner,,n NAM.