The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1877-12-22

Irving Literary Society.

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MRssRs EDiroas ;--lt was the pleasure Of
your correspondent to attend the entertain
ment Of Irving Literary Society, of Western
Maryland College, held in the College chapel
on the evening Of Thursday, Dec. 18th.
The polite aud accommodating ushers fur
nished us with a comfortable seat, where a
short time only was permitted US TO eontem-
plate the pleasures with which these occasions
are anticipated by the young people, and to
listen to the continual hum Of voices which
always attends an assembled audience, when
these meditations we're interrupted by the
raising of the curtain, which took place
promptly as seven o'clock. This obstruction
to our view being removed, we observed seat
ed on the roslrum portion Of the members
Of the above named Society, whose faces be-
tokened robust health and intellectual culture,
Of the latter Of which we aiterward had add.
tional evidence. The exercises were opened
with prayer by Rev. II. C. Gushing, the kind
and efficient Vice President Of the College
Surely nothing could be more fitting as an in.
troductory TO such exercises than the return
ing of thanks to Almighty God for the many
advantages with which these young men are,
in the sunny days Of their youth, happily sur.
rounded. The President of the Society, Mr..
Il. s. Bale, Of Westminster, then arose, and
in a few well chosen remarks, welcomed the
audience and endeavored to impress upon the
mind Of his young friends shat great results
are accomplished only by unwaSering dill
gence.
Mr.. W. G.. Scarf, Of Hartford county, then
read a selection entitled "Tom O'COnnor's
Cat, which did him great credit. The imi
tation Of the cry Of the cat, though difficult
for the human voice, was rendered with con.
siderable skill.
Mr.. J. f. Somers, Of Somerset county, then
acclaimed Edinburgh, after Floddin. This
gentleman entered very heartily into the spirit
Of the piece, which claimed the attention Of
all his auditors. Mr.. A. S. Became, Of Nir
ginia, then read "The Flood Of Years" The
selection was very fine and read with good
effect. A defamation, show he saved Saint
Miehaels, was then given by Mr.. J. S. Ear
nest, Of Westminster This gentleman well
deserved the round Of applause with which he
was greeted at the close of his performance.
The scene Of danger and the movements of
the hero were depicted with much viyidness.
The entertainment closed with debate on
the following question Resolved, "That the
execution OF Charles |. was justihabe" On
the affirmative of this question were Messrs.
J. W. Miles, of Somerset county, aud ID. w.
Z. lngle, Of Westminster; while the negative
was supported by Messrs. +. IL. Peterson, of
baltimore county, and W. l.. S. Duncan, of
Baltimore. This was considered the most
important feature of the evening Mr.. Miles
opened the affirmative with very able and
speech, and was followed by
Mr.. Peterson on the opposite side, with q
similar one in point Of merit.
Both these gentlemen gave evidence of
marked ability and a considerable acquaint-
ance with the subject in hand. There is
probably as much difference in the styles of
these two gentlemen as there was in the argu
ments which they brorsut forward to sustain
their respective sizes OF the question. The
former iervent and impulsiye, concentrating
as one woild think all his energies in each
well.roundsd period; the other calm and de.
liberate, as il he had such confidence in his
arguments that il needed no exertion on his
part for them to carry conviction into every
mind
Messrs Ingle and Duncan then followed in
order, and though they did not speak at such
length and minuteness Of detail, yet eyinced
mature thought and considerable argumenta
tive powers. The exercises were appropri-
ately interspersed with music by Mrs. Jones,
the accomplished music teacher Of the Col.
lege. She was assisted in a Duet by Miss
Mckellip, of Westminster. The audience was
not what we think the occasion deserved, bat
probably the citizens did not feel like ven
turing out on so windy night. We hope it
was not oceasioned by any lack of interest in
the College and its welfare The hour was
growing late when the programme was finish
ed, and we took our departure, with the best
wishes for the future success Of these young
men and the promotion of the interests Of
his and the other Societies of the College.
Dec. Is, 1871. FRIEND.