The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1879-01-30
|. For the VIRGINIAN.
4th Anniversary Celebration Of the Jack
son Literary Society at Arbor Hill.

4th Anniversary Celebration Of the Jack.
son Literary Society at Arbor Hill.
A previous announcement Of the fourth
annual celebration OF the Jackson Literary
Society at Arbor Hill, Jan'y 21st., called
forth large concourse OF spectators long ere
twilight was clothed in the mantle of dark
ness, and although the building was spa
cious, it was filled to Its utmost capacity by
persons from home and abroad eager to wit
ness the proceedings of the Soce ty, and no
less commemorate the birth of one of the
most illustrous and immortal names that
adorns the pages of history. Full O'Clock
had proclaimed the passing eve, when bark,
the music OF the Stonewall Band, of Staun-
ton, as if borne on silvery wings, and whose
loveliest strains in the dark and gloomy days
of civil war cheered many brave and gal
liant heart on to victory, announced the pre-
liminary exercises.
Rev. ABB. Bushong offered fervent prayer
Mr.. G. G. Hanger, President of the Socie-
ty, arose with great calmness and delibera-
ton and spoke with feeling of the solemnity
of the present occasion. which could be
felt in every true and patriotic heart assem-
bled to witness the fourth annual meeting of
their little society, in performing the solemn
duties of celebrating one Of the brightest
stars in the armament of fame, the birth OF
the ssImmortal Jackson" His further re-
marks were equally good and deserved much
credit.
The first orator, Mr.. F. B. Yates spoke upon
"Duty,'' and during his grafton, whilst show
ing the Importance OF acting honorably and
faithfully your part on life's toilsome roads,
pointed as an example to the portrait OF Gen
jackson, suspended above the speakers
head, as going where duty called him even
though it be at the mouth of the cannon. Aud
we can say of Mr.. Y, that selected as first
orator on this occasion, he fulfilled his duties
grand and nobly, and may his walk in after
years be characterized by the same bearing.
Second orator, Mr.. L. S. Talmer, selected
for his subject, Echoes" and true, as be
said, many of the saddest and sweetest ex-
periences of life when they have faded from
our memories and drifted away among the
though they were nothing but echoes. This
grafton abounded the entire way through
with some perfectly sublime sentiments, ciad
in eternal verdure and beyond doubt casts
a vast amount OF praise on the orator.
'sThe Loss of National Character" de-
claimed by Mr.. T. R. Hanger clearly evinc-
ed that the loss of a firm national character,
or the degradation OF nations honor is the
inevitable prelude to her destruction. This
defamation was marked BY many striking
instances, and its excellent delivery served
to promote it in the minds of his auditors.
1.-The Present Age" the essay produced
by Mr.. j. F. Hanger, as being considered an
age of improvement is none the less an age
of wonders. l. is also recognized under the
of ''weak but wise age,'' an
age enlightened by the divergent rays of
which is fast vending its way
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perfection. Mr.. FL. drew a very pretty line
between this and the past age, showing a
marvellous age of wonders composed of the
learned and wise, over what is past and
gone. Mr.. H. acquitted himself elegantly,
his information being clear and distinct.
Debate of question-resolved-' the
Press exerts greater influence than Relig-
ion.' Mr.. C. II. Nader sustained the af-
frmative with great ability, and maintained
that the press was the leading medium of
the day by which men are made to think and
act, and how quickly are men aroused from
their slumbers and fired with indignation
when the press brings to light some political
item. He concluded by relating very anu
sing anecdote and palmed it off on his oppo-
nent, which elected great shouts of laughter.
The gentleman who advocated the mega
tive, Mr.. r. A. Palmer, began in eloquent |
LduR Edlu uc, L al UdCh Ill LLlc ulul,
misty twilight OF the primitive ages, we find |
man seeking for something beyond himself. |
Transport yourselves backward through the |
changes of four thousand years to the banks |
Of the Euphrates and Tiglis and you will see |
man watching with the deepest interest the |
mighty movements of the heavenly bodies, |
aspiring to read his destiny in the stars and |
determine the events Of the future" And |
his concluding remarks were no less striking. |
Said he, ''yes, when the grandeur of the |
mightiest influence or the press shall be |
shrouded in perpetual gloom, then shall re-
ligion shine on brighter and brighter in the
celestial abode of God and the redeemed
MIR. P's. voice was clear and distinct.
Mr.. A. FL. Towberman, Capt. E. A. Full
cher, and DR.. Reel McChesney were ap-
pointed judges to decide the question, and |
rendered the decision in favor
IT the negative.
The "Anniversarian," Mr.. j. Fl, Bow
nan, discoursed on the ''Evils of the Pres
mt Age" We live in remarkable age |
marked by its rapid changes. From ocean
% ocean the vast dominion of man extends,
IN which is built large and f1ourishing cities |
md the sol! imbedded in luxuriant vegeta-
Jon. And there is not to be found any
where in the annals of history such pro-
,ressive age, and still amid all these there
IRE evils that are rapidly developing them
elvos among our nations pride.
This annual address delivered by the gen.
leman merits much higher commentator
han we can express.
We who have witnessed these celebrations
ince the existence of the Society can truth
ully say that this far eciipsed any former
occasion. GOOD AND TRUE.