National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-06-25
GEORGETOWN CoLLEGLATEs
GRAND TRIENNIAL CELEBRATION OF
THE PHILODEMIC SOCIETY.

THE PHILODEMIC SOCIETY.
The large exhibition hall of Georgetown Col
lege was, yesterday afternoon, the scene of 9
very pleasing literary and musical entertain.
ment, the occasion being the grand triennial
celebration Of the Philodemic Society, one Of
the most talented and popular organizations
connected with that far-famed institution. The
room was tastefully decorated with eyergreens
and handsome shields, the latter emblazoned
with appropriate notices, while the college
fapal and American banners, the first entwined
with United States flags, ornamented the wall
in the rear Of the platform.
The Philodemic Society was organized on the
I'D Of February, 1880. Its objects are the cul-
tiyation of eloquence and the promotion OF
knowledge. 1t is composed of members of the
more advanced classes, and has library Of
l 100 volumes. The officers are: Rev. E. j.
Young, s. j., president; ]. F. Tracey, N. z,
vice president; C. C. Lancaster, jr., Nd, re-
cording secretary; W. S. Perry, d. c., cor
responding secretary; j. P. Heating, Pa,
treasurer; T. II. C. Bowie, CAL, librarian: A.
B. Cook, Ga, amanuensis; j. C. Robertson, 8.
c., assistant librarian; Clement Manley, N. c.,
first censor; and E. Della, s. A, second cen
sor. '-....
The exercises yesterday were attended by a
large and fashionable audience, the hall being
graced by the presence of many ladies. The
faculty Of the college were also in attendance,
the president, Rev. Father Healy, occupying
seat upon the platform with the president
and members of the society, the orator and
poet Of the day, Hon. r. T. Merrick, j. Car
roll Brent, ESQ.,, Or. j. E. Morgan, ex-Philo-
denies, and other invited guests.
After the performance of several fine must
cal selections by the orchestra, including q
march, by Donch, dedicated to the class of
1874, Hon. R. T. Merrick, in few eloquent re-
marks, gracefully introduced the orator, Hon.
Charles P. James, LID, ,of Ohio, who pro-
ceeded to deliver an able and interesting ad-
dress on the grand achievements of American
oratory in the past, picturing the magnificent
field presented to future orators in this coun-
try. He gave vivid description of the great
debate between Webster and Hayne in the
Senate, and forcibly elucidated the fundamen-
tai principles of free government embodied in
that memorable disputation. This address was
warmly applauded.
The poet of the occasion, Mr., John G. SAKE,
LID, of New York, whose fame is wide
spread, was next introduced by Mr.. Merrick,
and recited, without manuscript or notes,)
his celebrated poem on Glove" in the course
of which, with many bright flashes Of senti-
ment, intermingled with quaint humor, he
told his hearers, in musical numbers, all about
a mothers love, love of country, love of our
neighbor, love of the rich and poor, love Of
money, maidenly love, true love, Platonic love
and other kinds of love, closing with beautiful
tribute to the power of Divine love. The poem
well sustained the high reputation of the gifted
author, and was received with frequent outbursts
of laughter and applause.
Rev. Father Healy then conferred diplomas
upon the following named members of the So
ciety, whom he addressed n appropriate terms:
T. II. C. Bowie, Cal; VIM. NJ. Brent, ID;
C. OBJ. Cowsrdin, Va; E. De Ella, South
America; E. J. Grifis, Md; c. c. Lancaster,
ir., Md: W. C. Niblack, Ind; W. s. Perry,
D. c.; T. E. Sherman, Cal; j. H. Thompson,
jr., D. c.; J. F. Tracey, N. Y; c. Van Bibber,
Nd.
Upon the conclusion of this ceremonial the
orchestra played galop, (Volontair,) and,
while its sweet sounds were reverberating
through the college halls, the faculty, stu
dents and audience retired, all delighted with
the afternoons entertainment.