The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1877-06-02

MEssRs. EDlroRs ,--(intitnde is doubtless
the second duty ofmep. | desire to express
the grateful feelings OF the Westminster Ora
matte Association for the generous reward
which followed their efforts to please the
people on last Monday night, Although the
entertainments had bech hastily prepared, and
not extensively advertised, the audience was
large, apprceialiyo and liberul-as well dis
posed TO forgive the defects as to recognize
the merit which might appear The prices
OF admission had been fixed at fifteen and
twenty five eentsj vet, Notwithstanding these
low rates, the gross receipts of the evening
were tilty.iour dollars and forty Eve cents--oi
which, after deducting all necessary expenses,
there remained net result Of about thirty.
eight dollars; sufficient amount to begin
the Pavilion in our Public Square, in aid OF
which the entertainment was given. In ad.
diuon may not omit to express our sense Of
the kindness of the SeXtette, under the lead.
ership of the ever popular Prof Dielman,
and of Miss Steiner aud Mr.. Webb, of Bait.
more, all Of whom freely gave their services
and added so materially to the variety and
pleasantBess OF the exercises. Our object
to improve our city--is one that must surely
commend itself to all intelligent and liberal
people as q means Of attracting capital and
culture hither rs well Us promoting our own
comiorta and happiness, and the interest already
manifested in it by our citizens gives us the
pleasing hope that any future demands we
may be constrained to make upon them for
this same object will begct similar gracious
and substantial response. In this connection
1t may not be impairment to observe that the
largest item in our expenses was the rent of
the hall,
AS the entertainment was for matter Of
public improvement in the benefits OF which
the Odd Fellows will share alike with the
rest Of our people, it was thought that the
use of hall so long and so literally support
ed by the town might have been donated
But this is not the purpose Of the present
writing, any more than to say that, when any
thing is intended for hire, Il ought to be at
least marketable and this leads me to the
farther remark that the Odd Fellows Hall is
not only entirely unfit for Thespian purposes,
but it fails to realize all even OF its slim pos.
sibilities. The ceiling is low, the stage small,
and without furniture of any kind, except u
ragged carpet, an uncertain curtain, and u
few defective fuot.lghts. The little closets,
called with cunning satire, 'dressing rooms,
were constructed without the slightest regard
to comfort, convenience, or even necessity.
And now, having uttered what every one
thinks and knows, ! have done so to call at
tention to the subject in the hope-hardly, we
think, too cStravagant-that if the people can
be made 10 feel their own true interest in the
matter, proper public spirit will be awaken.
ed, and they will unite with us, not only in
veXatious longing for, but a substantial reali.
cation of town hall, which will be an orna.
ment to our city, u convenience and comfort
To our people-in its utilities no less than in
its beauties, JOY forever
Very respectfully,
JAMES II. DIFFENBAuGn,
Treasurer, W. II. A.
Fern Rock. udy 80. ISss.