The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1872-01-23
VIRGINIA. NEWS.
rpemonstsscnian Society OF Roanoke
GolIcgc--Thirsi Annual Celebration.
Reported for the Dispatch.

EcrolJcu LOT tic llsp3tcll.
SALEM, Va, January 20, 1872.
The third anniversary celebration of the
Deinosthcnian Society was held last night in
the new town hall. The interest Of the pub
lie was manifested in the easerness to secure
seats, 80 that at an carly hour the ball was
crowded with the beauty and intelligence OF
the coming city" of Salem.
The Salem Cornct Band was In attendance
under its former leader. who had come from
Philadelphia for this occasion. Their first
notes relieved the suspense Of the audience
and gave the signal for tho entrance Of the
Society. The members marched to the seats
reserved for them, and the representatives
took their position OH the stage, with Rev.
W. ". Houston. of the Presbyterian church,
and the Rev. DR.. Bittle. the venerable and
honored president Of the college.
The motto Of the Society for this OCCASION
&" INcmor3a ia 1Eteyma WAS one to which
every true southern heart might cheerfully
respond on the 18th Of January-the birth.
day of their worid-rcnowncd Lee. After
prayer by Rev. Mr.. Houston, and Mount
Vernon Polka" by the band, the president
Of the Society. Mr.. c. c. Campbell, of MiSsis-
Sippi, delivered short address, creditahle
alike in the appropriateness Of its matter and
the carncstncsS Of lis delivery. Though
nrdcstly acknowledging his Inability to eu-
logic the chicftain of tho "Lost Cause" he
did not fail to point to his character aS m
example o: well-dirccted action in the va
rou> spheres Of life.
The band gave "Fcliy Quickstcp," and
the president introduced the orator, Mr.. D.
B. Floyd, of Indiana.
The opening line Of Hamlot's famous So
I .,.>l IT, no ,,o}j IN
Furnished the speaker with subject
which at once gained the attention of the
many Soliloquizers who We're anxiously
awaiting the Grafton, always the prominent
feature in Society celebrations. Mr.. Floyd
in an impressive manner enforced the grand
truth that in noble action is real life, not in
simply breathing and moving in the world.
The two remaining speakers having been
inspired for the coming conflict by the strains
of Westinghouse March, the president pre-
scented to the audience Mr.. j. 7. Crabtree, OF
Wythc county, Va, MS the speaker OH the af-
iirmative Of the question, "Do facts contri-
butte more 10 mental enjoyment than fction5"
Mr. Cabtrce began by saying that as he was
to deal with fdcts, and not fancy, he would at
once address himself to arguing the ques-
| ton, and leave the .io,rers Of fiction to his
opponent The great facts of history and
everyday experience which afford mental
enjoyment were presented in concise and
logical manner, and the negative was chal.
lenged to show any proof of real happiness
produced By the mass Of fiction accumulated
through the centuries. His argument was
decidedly good, and several Of his "hits," il
not very we'll received by his opponent, were
much appreciated by the audience.
The reveries of Drcamland Waltz were
broken by the introduction of Mr.. William
L. Craig, OF Augusta county, Va, who added
his full Share to the success Of the celebration.
For nearly one-third of his speech Of thirty
five minutes the audience was convulsed with
!aughter. Some of his Witticisms and
points" were Of the very first order, and
the applause of the audience was enough to
crafty any degree of vanity. Apart from
this. his argument was we'll conceived and
forcibly delivered.
Tho attention of the audience throughout
was evidence of their appreciation Of the eX'
crciscs of the evening, and should serve as a
source Of encouragement to the Society in hel
future efforts.
The band gave the soul-stirring Mar
scilaise," the benediction was pronounced by
DR.. Bittlc, and grave and gay, gallant and
lady fair, Demostlenean' and musicians
wended their way homeward
| 10y the trembling mocnhealns' misty light,
| And The lanterns diluly burning"
! Yours, &c, IoTA.