Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1878-02-28


Gathering dismissed as MO1rE-
ers.
Cincinnati Enquirer.
New YORK, February 22.-A
sad event occurred last night at an
entertainment given by the Young
Mems Christian Association Of
Brooklyn. The programme was to
consist Of music, recitations, and
an address by Rev. j. Hyatt Smith
and a banquet. The World says:
The hall has seating accommo-
dations for 1900 persons, and every
seat was filled. The platform was
crowded also. An address of well
come was delivered, aud next was
to be some piano playing by a young
lady who had volunteered for the
occasion. The Rev. Mr.. Smith was
then to speak. He entered the hall
Just at the close of the address Of
welcome, passed down a side aisle,
and as he approached an antc-room
he heard a whisper: "Some one
is sick" The door stood aiar, and
as he passed Mr.. Smith looked in
and saw woman with a face as
white as marble, supported by a
man. A young lady was attending
the sick woman, whom Mr.. Smith
supposed had tainted. Not think
ing it serious, he went to the plat
form and took a seat to await the
piano playing.
The young musician did not ap-
pear, and Mr.. Smith told the
chairman he could wait no longer,
as he had two other engagements.
He was thereupon introduced and
proceeded with his remarks, which
were specially directed to young
clerks. The audience was soon in
an uproar of laughter and cheers
at the amusing anecdotes with
which the speaker interSpersed his
speech. He told how Greeley, when
about TO address the Young Mems
Christian Association in Albany,
pulled handkerchief from his
overcoat pocket, which was followed
by large pippin that rolled upon
tie floor. The apple was retured
to Mr.. Greeley by an obliging young
man in the audience, when Mr..
Greeley, apparently somewhat en-
barrassed, began his address by say
ing: Ladies and gentlemen Of
the Christian Association" j"
Mr.. Smith was twice annoyed by
a gentleman who walked upon the
platform and conyersed with some
one seated there. He was about to
remonstratc, when the gentleman
approached and laying his hand
upon Mr.. Smiths own, said in a
whisper: "Mrs. Mcdowell, the
mother Of the young lady who was
to have played, lies dead in the
ante-room; please announce it to
the audience; two of her daughters
are in the audience
"Not for the world, replied Mr.,
Smith; "it would be terrible. Let
some iudioious person go to them
and call them away without letting
them know the worst until they are
out Of the room"
The gentleman then descended
into the audience and called the
young ladies out. Meanwhile the
audience was in ignorance oil What
had occurred. Mr.. Smith had
taken his seat, but as soon as he
saw the young ladies had been con-
agcted into the room where their
dead mother lay, he rose. The au-
dieuee, tbinking he was about to
continue the &ddFees, broke into a
loud applause. Instantly be raised
his hand With a quick inotiGn Of
command, and said in solemn
yoAoej Stop, my friends; an awful
thing has hagpGped in the adjoip-
ing room. Mrs. McDoYell, the
Rlother Of the young lady who w4s
u hage preceded me with music,
has suddealg died." The room was
hushed instantly, Gnl Mr., Smith,
after u moments pause, s1idl g Lot
us pray"
lie then offered a feeling prayer
in a voice eboked with emotion.
in closing, he sad "The arrow Of