The New York herald., 1868-04-29
ALPHA DELTA PHI ANNIVERSARY.

The thirty sixth anniversary Of the Alpha Delta
Phi Fraternity an association composed Of the
alumni and under graduates Of the various collegiate
institutions throughout the country, each col
legc representing chapter, was celebrated
last evening at the Academy of Music,
Fourteenth street, under the auspices OF
Manhattan Chapter Alarge and distinguished audi
ence was present. largely as Is usually the case on
these occasions composed Of ladies, who filed boxes,
parquet and dress circle presenting brilliant ap-
pearance in the variety and mingng Of the tns and
colors which made up their several toilets,
and were evidently much interested in
what when they did not understand, they
the more admired. Theodore Thomas orchestra
was in attendance, and relieved at intervals during
the evening the dull entertainment Of prayer and
poery-the latter answering to Mr.. Silas weggs'
analyss-by choice selections rendered In their
lessor Theodore ". Dwight. of Hamilton
menced with overture from civilian Tell'' and
march from "Le Prophete,n y after which the Rev.
DR.. Thompson, chaplain, receited prayer. Prof.
Dwight, for Prof North whose absence from the chair
he regretted read address eulogstic OF the Alpha
Delta Phi Fraternity its aims and Objects and then
introduced Professor James g Mofat, d. D., a. the
poet OF the night: Professor Monat explained that
In consequence or the late notification he had re-
ceived Of his election to that once lie had not pre-
pared any original poem, and read short extracts
from d scrap DOOk. Mr. George NlIl1lm CurtS
was then introduced to deliver the Grafton
Tie eloquent orator chose for his theme
'Politcal Morality" and pressed upon the attention
Of the younger members Of the fraternity grave
thoughts touching their duties as citizens. Public
or political morality, he said was an abstraction
or mystery being nothing different from private
morality. Nations were made up Of men, and the
same rule OF morality should govern them. Politics
duty Of every citizen to consider what 1t IL
best to do under the circumstances but 1t Is never
expedent to do what the moral sense condemns. It
is never honest for nation to 60 70 war for annexa
ton or to Sepudiate Its debts. Whether we are to
have surface, underground aerial railroad is not
q moral question, but whether q legislator gets paid
question. He had seen q man stand in the ante
room Of the Legislature and take roll Of bills
from his pocket, holding which In his hand
he said that was the logic for legislators lobby
polite; 1t Is we who are diseased The man who
pulled the bank bills out OF his pocket was but an
eruption Of q moral measles, the scab OF spiritual
about the political shamblcs. Mr.. Curtis
dwelt largely upon the historical proof OF national
punishment following national immortality, and
they would abolish corruption 70 interest themselves
I'm the whom they elected to office. Ours, said
he, Is a government Of public opinion, 1t repre-
sents the average sentiments Of the country Much
IL said about Congressional absorption, bnt It Is fair
representation being largely composed OF buncombe.
The word has become aughable but has real signi
fcance Men SIT In the Congressional Hall, appar-
emily listening 70 brother member speaking, tbut
their thoughts far away with ther constituens)
and considering their verdict. One OF the inherent
rights OF the American citizen Is to scratch his
exercised when good men are not on that
Ticket The orator closed with strong argument
In favor OF universal education, as the foundations
of public morality must be ieund IN public inteli-
and fraternity song, .Obaire Alpha Delta Phi," In
which the audience joined.