Lexington weekly intelligencer. (Lexington, Mo.) 1871-1887, 1879-12-20

'rfy Love, would possess a charm to
vert so direful a misfortune; but.
strange to say, Notwithstanding the
vickedness OF Chicago and its sister
,ities "out west" (oh, horrible y and
he heresy and skepticism of ambitious
eastern cities, old Phlladelphia, famed
n story and historic lore for its recti-
ude and sage counsels, was stricken
among the first. and before the spring
was over all other cities kindred in their
atfliction had lost sight OF their calam-
ity. and turned their sympathles upon
it. Yes, Pinafore eliminated in Phila-
delphia, and to one who had never seen
it, 'twould have paid them well to have
come on, and, alter amassing a hand
some little sum in exhibiting themselves
as natural curiosity, joined the throng |
TO see the sight. 1t was very attractive
ly put upon the stage and sung by some |
of the companies. 1t is rumored that
several fortunes were made here out of
it. At one time there were five theaters
running it, and finally the Academy
took 1t up. Those who saw it performed,
in New York city. say that it there in no
respect equalled the performances here.
Its spirit permeated everything. The
air was alive with it. Bootblack, news
boy, hand-organ. street band, austere
politician and profound theologian talk
ed of, and said nothing, but Pinaiore.
There is story told OF a learned divine
who, in one sermon, managed to get in
"what. never" 'hardly ever' and
something about the "handle so care
fully" Also of an organist, who startled
devout congregation one Sunday
morning. by the familiar strain "rm
called little Buttercup." So far. this
winter. however, we have had no symp-
toms of return Of the malady.
Secondly, the spring with its home
concerts and entertainments, its COM
mencements. etc. Philadelphia is very
quiet over its talent, but it is solid. In
music, as in other arts, 1t possesses
more home ability than strangers imag-
inc, while some OF the best names in the
whole country head the professional
list. Those who heard the choirs GEN.
| tennial summer, and thought them un-
usually poor, would, / am sure, be pleas
ed with at least a number of them now.
St. Stephens Episcopal church is dis
tinguishing itself for its fine music. The
organist and leader, d. d. Wood, is
blind. In every sense. he is considered
one of the finest musicians east. His
choir-leadiug and playing are something
marvellous. The choir consists OF 4
double quartette. assisted. when neces-
sary, by a we'll drilled chorus. Miss
Abbie Whlnnery. lately of Boston, is
their first soprano, and is rarely finish,
ed artist. And here let me take occa-
sion to say that the proudest thing
claim is that 1 was born and reared a
western girl" The Indian loves hi:
native soil; the gypsy his wandering
life; so. to the heart OF the western girl
the pure, free air of the broad west. with
its generous hearts and honest toll, i:
dearer, infinitely, than the crowded cas-
with Its marble palaces and stately dome'
-stitling with studied forms and moniet
speculations.
Third in order comes summer, anG
what shall say of all it had in store
The first of July found the city deser
ted. 1t looked like perpetual Frs
day, which, IN our good Quaker Ian
guage, is Sunday. The houses were
boarded and barred, and the inmates
away off to the seas or mountains, seek
ing comfort IN cooling breezes. But tt
the few who must remain month long
er. the parks, the rivers, the groves, at
ford delightful recreation. Every worl
OF grand old Paramount, which contains
some thirty thousand acres, were beau
tiful. The Schuylkill, and the Wissi
hickon, its branch, were marvels o
picturesqueness. The sun rises, the SUI
sets. the golden showers of noonda,
brought out an exhaustless source o
enchanting effects.
!, Some time was spent at Cape May ant
Atlantic City. Both sea bathing aut
yachting were, think, much finer 4
the latter place. 1t was interesting t.
watch the motley crowds, seeking the
benefits of the ocean breeze. Boil
places were over-run with visitors
representatives of every class OF soci
ETY., from the millionaire, the reigninG
bellies and beaux of fashion, down to tht
poor laborers, stealing 4 few days o
rest from their toll. Aside from these
main places of congregation, excursion:
in elegantly fitted steamers to various
points on the Delaware aud the bay af
torded choice, and delightful holiday
whenever one chose to avail themselve!
OF such. Then fall came, and the flag
ging energy and enterprise of the cit,
was revived. Old scenes and familiar
faces were welcomed back, and be
fore it could be realized, winter wa.
near. and the amusement season, will
its round OF pleasures and pleasant
} treats opened.
In opera, Stakosch's company has
been the best, so far. Mile. Singer is 6
: very fine dramatic singer, though hel
J voice is not remarkable. Nile. Lab
lanche (Miss Blanche DavenporD mad,
: her debut before an American audience
here. AS this Is her home. she was en-
thusiastically received, but it was MOI
| more than she deserved. for she is reall,
good. Combining an attractive appear
ance, the qualities of Il very clever ac
tress, more than pleasing voice, ant
= probably least, but very prominent, tn,
: most attractive toilets have seen sine,