The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1872-05-12
LETTER FROM PASS CHRISTIAN, MISS.
Pass CHRISTIAN, May 6, 1872

Pass CHRISTIAN, May 6, 1872.
Editor Morning Star:
Having been favored with an invitation
to attend a literary and musical entertain
ment given by the Irving Literary Society
of Pass Christian College on Saturday
evening last, l was 80 Well pleased with
the entertainment as to deem report due
to the gentlemen of the association. At
the appointed hour l proceeded to the
college, and, from u distance, perceived
innumerable lights pendent from the trees,
and hung on the bushes and shrubs that
adorn the extensive and beautiful grounds.
Nearer approach revealed q large number
of fanciful Chinese lanterns of all possible
shapes, sizes and colors, which, suspended
in the air, waved to and fro With the
gentle breeze, affording sight at once
novel and picturesque. Scarcely had we
executed an overture, showing that the
efforts of their efficient leader, Professor
L. Bayersdorifer, had been crowned with
complete success. The IrvinSs then
stepped upon the stage, when Mr.. w. A.
Elder, President of the society, in d few
well chosen words, welcomed the audience,
begging their leniency in behalf of his
comrades, as mere tyros in the art of litera-
ture. The exercises of the evening were
very interesting, and, with some exec ptions,
much. praise must be given both for
thought aud delivery. In the latter re.
spect, however,, several members were
somewhat deficient, and evidently showed
want of previous practice, which ma
terially detracted from the merit of their
compositions. This, 1 afterwards learned.
was in no small degree owing to the fact
that n sudden illness deprived them of the
valuable assistance of their critic. Space
is wanting to make q full review of the nro
sramine, but MI. w. Z. McCarty deserves
mention for the feeling manner in which he
delivered 1.-The Seventh Plague of Egypt. -
very numerous and interesting cores
pondence, America, by Jno. Chinamau
was read by Mr.. j. lesson, while the "May
Carol" an original poem from the pen of
MT. ii. Dufour showed that gentleman to
be possessed of considerable power in this
department of literature.
In the musical department Mr.. f. Fer
napuez gained much applause for the
manner in winch he executed that beauti-
full and difiicnlt opera of "Robert Ic
Dlable." a song from the choir proved so
pleasing as to be cncorel, and q Ike good
fortune met tho solo of Mr.. Geo Cookery
We regret not being able to participates
more, since all the young gentlemen GER
tainly did great credit to themselves and
furnished musical treat to the audienc e
that would have done honor to older and
more experienced performers. The Ques-
Ireland or Poland ~ was debated by
MesSis. Herman aud Dufour, for Ireland.
while Messrs. Icche and Stewart main
tanned the cause If Poland. The discus
sion was carried on with much spirit, and.
had not most of the gentlemen been com.
PEELED to refer SO frequently to their manu-
scripts, it would have been one of the best
debates ever held by the members of the
Irving. Despite this little drawback, the
audience were much entertained, and eX-
pection was rife when Mr.. Champlain-
who, with Messrs. Lusher and lie Roux
formed tho committee, rose to give their
unauiEous decision in favor Of Poland.
After this the President of the Society
thanked the audience for their attention,
and, since 1t was the last time that the
Society would appear, babe them all fare
we'll. Yours Truly, JEW.
Goo >y,r,u... g - Y, -,