The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1878-12-07
LETTER FROM BALTIMORE.
Correspondence of the Democratic Advocate
BARRYMORE. DEC. 4, 1878.

BALTIMORE, Dec. 4, 1878.
Having appeared as "Edvinus'' in my pre-
,,;ous letter, [ must, in order to preserve my
IDENTITY. announce that henceforth the sub
Joined nom de plume shall be substituted for
The former in this correspondence. | adopt
the name of "Chesapeake,' not only because
II will be forever associated with some OF my
fondest memories, personal memories, which
7 will not intrude upon your readers, but also
because it is suitable indication of the
breadth and depth of my sympathies as son
of "My Maryland"
Irving has something to say in 'Knicker-
bockern about the fondness of ye ancient
IMerrylanders' for sports and carousals, and
I believe it is Oliver Wendell Holmes who
thinks that Baltimore's canvas-backs and ter
rapins are, in these times, her really monu-
mental institutions.
Well, we must not show our provincialism
by being too sensitive about these charges,
but rather exhibit our traditional manliness
by pleading guilty to them. Ay, more: let us
glory in the fact that we are adopts in the use
of the shotgun, fishing line, oyster-rakes,
crab-net, and knife and fork, the very mention
of some of which suggestive instruments, even
though more useful than elegant, will make
knowing epicure's mouth water.
Though the terrapin and various species OF
wild duck, not to speak of other game album
dant in this State of good cheer, are delicious
to appreciative palates, the oyster, viewed In
its many culinary aspects, is undoubtedly the
most popular luxury to those whose happy
fortune it is to occasionally get sniff OF the
salt breezes from our noble bay.
Nor let anyone suppose for an instant that
lose sight of the gastronomlc resources OF
Western Maryland, for have too often had
more than ocular demonstration thereof
But | must dismiss this subject, lest
should be taken for what | have never been
accused of being-a gourmand.
| don't know that the people of Westmln'
ster frequently come to the cityto attend the
atrical and operate performances. The Wash
ingtonians come over in large numbers when
ever Edwin Booth plays here, that distln
guished tragedian having persistently avoided
their city, at least in professional capacity
ever since the terrible tragedy there IN which
his brother acted so conspicuous part
The independent and piquant little Lolita
is now at the Grand Opera House, playing to
large and humorousIy sympathetic audiences,
believe, farce entitled "La Cigale.
Janauschek is at the Holiday. [ remem
Der seeing her some years ago at the Opera
House in stMarie Stuart" when | marked the
anomaly of Franco-Scottish queen talking
with German accent.
This city rivals New York and Cincinnati
in the cultivation of musical art. There IS
indeed, fast growing enthusiasm here for
music, manifested by the number of students
at the Peabody Institute Conservatory o.
Music, the attendance at the concerts there
and at the Academy of Music, and the torma'
ton of numerous choral societies.
The centre of attraction to most church
going Protestants is Mr.. Moody. Perhaps II
may be Justly said that he is our country s
best popular representative of common sense
and evangelical earnestness combined, closely
resembling the celebrated English preacher
Spurgeon in some respects. There appears
to be no foolishness about him. Direct, prac'
teal, earnest and manly, he urges the truth
home vigorously and without mincing his
words, but discountenances all unnecessary
excitement Religious inquirers are invited
into separate room, where conversational
instruction is given and prayers are offered
by himself and his co-laborers. His work
has the approval of the chief ministers and
laymen of nearly all the leading denomina'
tons, and probably have already been pro-
ductive of much good.
The First Presbyterian Church, on Madison
street, of which the Rev. DR.. Backus is the
emeritus pastor, has at last had the long va
cant position of active pastor filled, by the
choice of the Rev. DIR. Leftwitch, of Georgia,
who has notable reputation as a pulpit
orator.
The Rev. DR.. Wills, of Washington, ia.
vorite in your county, has preached here sew
eral times of late. The Rev. J. B. Van Me-
ter, A. NJ, U. S. N, another minister not q
stranger to you, is the pastor pro tenapore Of
the Mt. Vernon Place Methodist Episcopal
Church. CHESAPEAKE.