The Albany register. [volume] (Albany, Or.) 1868-18??, 1870-01-22
That Surprise.


might be somewhat interesting to some
of the friends of the Albany College who
have not the opportunity of visiting the
institution, to hear something through
the columns of your worthy paper, we
propose, with your consent, to give your
readers a little account of onr visit to
the performance of the "Sigma Phi"
debating club, conducted by the young
men of the college. It was on Thurs
day evening, of the 18th inst, that we
had the pleasure of visiting this young
society, The question under considera-
ton was:
Resolaed, That spiritualism Ii an injury to
mankind.
Mr.. Long, as the champion Of the af-
6rmative, opened the discourse with some
forcible arguments, showing the false
ness and absurdity of spiritualism; and,
being an imposture, consequently an in
jury to mankind
Mr.. Harmon, in behalf of the negative,
responded with some hair-splltting logic,
showing the sophistry of his opponents
arguments, and asserting, on the other
hand, that spiritualism is living, vital
principle, actuating the masses to nobler
aspirations by the gentle woings of gen.
ial spirits from the better world.
The speaker had but closed, when 10 !!
voices were heard from without spirits !!
spirits T! in whispered tones went around
the room, and for moment the enthusi-
asm of the discussion was lost in con-
fusion. The Sergeant alarms secured
the door, and the gavel of the President
soon commanded order; but the spirits,
aye, the spirits, were there but not the
ghosts and phantoms of the mystic cline,
but fairy forms, with happy voices,
laughing eyes and smiling faces. In
short, Mr.. Editor, the young ladies',
under the paternal guidance of Professor
Irvine, whose benign countenance was in
perfect ebulltion of good humor, we're
out on surprise. It is, perhaps, need
less to state that the fair visitors were
received with looks of welcome more
than words can express. The society
Immediately adjourned to more commo-
dious apartment for the better enter
tainment of the fair ones. Order again
reinstated, the discussion was resuloed
and many were the slreams of eloquence
poured forth from youthful bosoms,
until the question seemed fairly ex-
hausted, and the President, who had
fairly weighed the arguments as deliver
ed, found the preponderence in favor oi
the affirmative.
The regular business of the society
completed, Prof Irvine was called upon
aud offered some very interesting re
marks. After which vote of thank:
was teedered the ladies for the favor oi
their visit, and there being no further
business the society adjourned Whet
Prof. Irvine, on behalf of the young
ladies, invited the gentlemen to partake
of refreshments prepared in an adjoin
ing room. Thinking We were richly
/ repaid by the intellectual feast, and bein:
somewhat of stranger, we were jus
taking the subject of home into conside
| ration, when we were Unexpectedly
waited upon by one of the fair maiden:
and invited to share the hospitality o
the evening. We repaired to the ban
quoting hall-a recitation room. Table
were improvised from the desks, tha
seemed to almost groan beneath thei
burden of good things. There was pop
corn, for those desiring light food
Z" sweetcakes," so much admired b,
school boys, and delicious cake, such a
only Albany ladies can make; candle
and nuts for dainty epicures, and bi,
red apples, only equalled by the bloom
ing cheeks of the maides who brough
them. The good things were relishe'
as only students know how to appreciate
The good Professor was relieved of al
fatherly care at going home time. Ev
erything passed off pleasantly, and tn
Susprise will ever long be held in CRATE
full remembrance SPECTATOR.