The Republican journal., 1870-06-16

-'-f aSnOn- --AmuSementS.
BOsTON, June IL, 1870.
Through the dreariness of fog we have
drifted for week, with not glimmer of sun
shine, OF a rift of blue sky to gladden. our
eyes. However, Bostonians are naturally a
cheerful people, and have managed to pass
away the time very pleasantly notwthstand-
ing the drip and drizzle of the clouds, the
mud, ,mistand mildew and generally unhappy
condition of things outwardly
On Monday the veterans of the city, known
as the Ancient and Honorables, paraded the
streets with full ranks, flying colors and in
spring music, listened to an unusually elo-
quent and interesting sermon from the Rev
W. II. H. Murray at the Old South Church,
marched bravely and fearlessly through the
mud and rain to the State House, to escort
thther the Governor and his aids, and after
wards dined sumptuously at Fanueil Hall.
The Hall itself was reported as being pro-
fusely and elegantly decorated the dinner
all that could be desired, and the speeches
and toasts, humorous and entertaining. Mr..
Murray and several other distin guished in.
dividuals are credited with doing the smok-
ing of the occasion. And this reminds me
that not long since | saw the Rev. Nj. Hep
worth and Rev. Mr.. Schermerhorn, two well
known clergymen, descend from tie platform
Of Music Hall with lighted cigars in their
mouths. When three, at least of our most
popular ministers openly smoke in public,
who shall dare say that smoking is not a
| fashionable vice9
| On Tuesday evening, as announced took
place the large musical concert t at Music
Hall. which is described as miniature Jubilee
and is spoken of in enthusiastic terms by all
who were present to hear And on Wednes-
day occurred at the same place the annual
Festival of the school children. Music Hall
never looked better than when decorated for
this occasion. Around both balcony and
gallery draped long heavy strips of evergreen,
and from the spaces where they were looped
were suspended ornate baskets of rare
flowers, and long dropping plants from the
chandeliers over the stage hung two immense
boqucts. and near the front of the same were
arranged a double row Of plants and flowers.
The seats for the pupils, some two thousand
in number, ascended with q gradual rise
from the centre of the stage to the upper
balcony, and into these they marched by
sections, at given signal, winding gradually
and gracefully up over the steps to their
places. When all were seated, they formed
indeed n charming and pleasing spectacle.
The plants md flowers had converted the
stage into {. miniature forest-on the right
and the left rose high up dense mass of
snowy dresses and gay floating ribbons-be-
hind them the dark coats and pants of the
boys, making a most suitable and pleasing
backgrOund-in the centre rose the grand
and stately organ and near the front the
conductors stand surrounded by the orchestra
Certainly it must have been 4 cold audience
that would not have applauded. And then
the singing was something delightful. and
would have charmed even the cold heart of
IL critic. The selections were from Beethoven,
Mendlesson, Bach, Donizet and Rossini
and We're all effectively and pleasngly rem
of the large audience. The vocal and physi-
cal exercises, as arranged and conducted by
Prof Mlnroe, were really wonderful. One
knew not in which position most to admire
them-when clapping, twirling and bonding,
reclining backward as if in each others
arms; or bending forward in the attitude of
prayer. All were executed rapidly and
accurately, and called forth the warmest of
applause. Truly, if Boston has one thing
more than another of which to be proud it is
her schools and her schoel-children After
witnessing the perfect musical training as
displayed by these children, it is not a matter
Of astonishnent that Boston can, ut a weeks
notice, send to a neighboring city one of the
largest and best trained musical societies in
the country.
The Handel and Haydn Society had full
rehearsal of Elijah on Wednesday evening
at Music Hall, and really they never sung
better or more spilitedly. The chorus ''He
Watching Over Israel" called forth applause
from even Zerrahn, who every one knows is
hard to please. Part rehearsals of the
Messiah, St. Paul, and the Creation. occupy
the remaining evenings previous to their de
parture.
Letters from the Boston excursionists an
nounce their departure from San Francisco
for the Yosemite Valley One lady writes
to her friend that at Salt Lake City she had
the honor Of shaking hands with Brigham
Young. Think Of u staid, respectable mar
ried lady, who would turn her back upon Il
Boston man with two wives, having the hon
or to shake hands with man in Utah be-
cause he has sixty. 1t is much like that little
boy, who stole three newspapers, being i'm
prisoned tor years, whilst the man who rob-
bed Boylston Bank, lives openly with his
! plunder, and is considered Il smart fellow.
Truly this is remarkable age, when the
perfection Of vice has become virtue
Some of the Boston musicians refuse to
toot their horns on the Fourth of July, for less
than twenty dollars for the day; and as a
consequence are, like many of the ladies of
this ciy-not engaged.
Suits made from buff, Spanish linen, with
short sailor jackets, loose flowing sleeves,