The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1871-02-11
Letter from Mt. Washil.0tO,..
Mt. WAsHINGToN, BALTIC. Co., Nd,
LII I'll IQzI


Mt. WASHINGTON, BALTIC. Co., Nd,
Feb. 18th, 1871.
Mcssrs Editors Blessed as this com
mirnity has been with entertainments of d
literary character since the first season OF It's
Social Circles organization, it has seldom been
more favored than on the Sd instant, when the
Hon. r. Stockett Matthews, delivered his able
lecture on "War and its Fatal Consequences"
TWAS a subject which could not fail to interest
any audience, therefore, people as intelligent
as our own, could but appreciate its merits.
After setting forth the evil or wickedness OF
any power inaugurating war, and the means
by which the same could be averted, most
impartial history of the recent and terrible
European conflict was given. The enormous
EXPENSE. and the immense force of its armies
were accurately summed, and, above all, the
suffering of both people, the sad loss OF life and
its attendant sacrifice was most touchingly
portrayed. 1t would scarcely have been posi-
BILE for either orator or audience to have for
gotten our own past grevous strife, and every
| heart beat high with expectation, well know
ing the speakers sentiments in this regard
would be expressed, ere he closed his theme.
! Nor were we disappointed. The folly of war
was powerfully proved, and the means of its
| avoidance explained How reasonable the
supposition, that 'if every country appointed
and sustained Peace Congress, before which
/ all grievances between contending States or
Nations were to be brought, and by whom
discussed, and every available effort made to
adjust all difficulties, and to preserve peace,
then there might be some hope of justice
without bloodshed, without sacrificing the
| noblest husbands, sons, and brothers in the
land" Alas how many homes and hearths,
now desolate, would be filed with plenteous,
happiness In short, the lecture was a mighty
argument against war; his views those of a
christian gentleman, and lover of Justice.
May we again and often be the recipients of
like favor So say l. and surely It's but the
echoed sentiment of every member of the
Circle, or Social Society of Mt. Washington,
and we'll assured am | that whenever Mr..
! Matthews may desire to be entertained by
11aRSfngs, lectures, concerts, or whatever that
! is pleasureabe that may occur in our midst, he
will find the "gates ajar," and "the latch of
every door uplifted.''
The same cordial reception will ever meet
our friend Il. II. Conway, also of Baltimore,
who gave us "a feast ofreason and flow OF SOUL
some weeks since The subject was, "Paralels
between the Bible and Shakespeare" This
lecture was one of the most ably written, and
| interesting to which have listened. But his
| delivery was the chief charm. His voice SO
| full and rich, every word was faithfully enun-
ciated, and rendered in an easy, natural man
ner with centuries graceful ct withal manly,
indeed, l was greatly astonished to learn that
it was his first effort at public speaking. Few
are perhaps aware that Shakespeare is in
debted to the Holy Scriptures for the beauties
of many of his best writings; that they may
be traced to his knowledge of and admiration
for that best of all books. To this, no doubt
may be attributed his vastsuccess. Mr.. Conway
had evidently made both his careful and con
scientious study. His original remarks were
happily constructed. In truth, this lecture
was altogether admirable.
On the goth ultimo.. the Rev. Dr. Morris
with two gentlemen friends, read for us. The
Rev. gentlemans selections were, usual
very fine, and his rendition of them making
them appear still more charming. His friends
| gave many amusing recitations. Merry peals
of laughter resounded through the Hall, and i
the effect of the same could have frightened
its dingy walls what blessing it would have
been. (By the way, said walls are not "coleul
de rose" but rather remind one ofthe jaundice
Such deep-dyed attempt at yellow IS almos
heart-rending, ii not absolutely injurious to the
sight, and | opine that if the owner of tina
building was obliged to sit and gaze upon those
walls, for several hours, once a week, he'C
have them painted, papered, or altered in any
other conceivable manner under the sun.
But l digress. If ever there was a genuine
spirit of enjoyment experienced at our meet
ings, | think | can safely say, twas ON that oc
cason. Such is the power of hearty laugh
l assure you, Messrs. Editors, that we are al
appreciative people, and though there are grea
minds among us who prefer that which is cru
dite and profound yet there are none who fai
to enjoy true wit in its proper place. In fact
the popular mind of our Assembly may b.
compared TO an excellent stringed instrument
capable alike of sacred and sentimental, OF
bright and mirthful melodies, the chords o
which are never touched without generous
response. | can scarcely imagine happier
people than the inhabitants of this beautiful
village.
Our townsman, Rev. Mr.. West, on 9th ulto.
delivered lecture upon TRUTH" and it wal
what we might have expected from one who il
SO earnest in preaching, and endeavoring t.
turn all hearts to 'the Fountain of Truth.
The evils of exaggeration and untruth were ell
oquently expatiated upon and some anecdotes o
an amusing character wererehearsed, as exam
pies of the former The excellence of Trutl
LASkas brought forward in powerful contrast.
~ Have ] wearied you with my long accoun
of our proceedings | hope not. We are apt t.
imagine that that which interests US, must hav
the same influence wiH others, but if you lik
not my letter, there's the waste paper basket
so give it toss and there's the end of it. If
small amount of the Irishmans refuge, !.
barney, would mollify you, and pay for loss o
time in coming, &c, why, then | would tel
you chow much I like your paper" and "hoy
glad am to see that brave champion of man
truths, Mr.. Ware, writing for the Batimor
County Union. I'm not of his persuasion, a
far as religious views are concerned, but
know him to be a good Christian, and gladl,
offer him the right hand of fellowship. Wha
matters our form of worship. We are al
aiming at the same great end, and ma.
Heaven be our home. Yours truly,
JESSIE G.