Daily Republican., 1879-10-09
Q. U. A. N.
setenfeenth Anniversary OF Della.
ware COuneii NO. Singing,
SpeahfDg, ,ReeitatIOns, Etc..A Bril-
liant Affair.

I
Speahing, ,ReeitatIOns, Etc..A Bril-
liant Affair. H.. Nr
The handsomely decorated Council
Chamber of Delaware Council No. 2
Order of American Mechanics, was fill
ed to suffocation last evening with as
bright and happy looking audience
as the city Of Wilmington can boast Of.
The occasion being the seventeenth
Anniversary Of the Council.
The exercises of the evening were
opened by the choir consisting of W. A.
Simpson, leader, Misses Annie Gem,
Willie Gem, Eva Gem, Mary Taggart,
and Messrs. C. NJ. Leitch, George Pow
lex and W. B. Gem, singing Gamer
ica." Prof. Roberts presiding at the
organ.
The President, James johnson here
announced that the speaker of the even
ing, Rev. ]. A. B. Wilson, was unable
to be present on account Of i'll health,
and in his stead H. M. Mullen, Repre-
sentative to the National Cou neil, would
address the audience. ..
Mr.. Mullen thought the most appro-
pirate address he could make would be
to explain to the audience the aim OBJ
jsct and principles of the order Of Amer
ican Mechanics. The first object was to
assist members in obtaining employ
ment. Second to encourage each other
in business. Third to establish a fund
to aid the sick, the widows and orphans
of members, and for the aid of those in
capacitated from following their regular
employment, to obtain something
suited to their strength.
The order was first instituted in Phil
adelphia, about thirty-fve years ago,
New Jersey was the next to follow,
and then Maryland wheeled into line.
While these three States bore the most
important part in the history Of the
order, and yet led the van as to num-
bers, nine States are now represen-
ted, and yearly the institution was
spreading.
The membership now numbered over
81, 900, and had paid out during the
past year, for relief 81, 800, $7l 900 of
which had been paid for the relief OF
widows and orphans. The entire sum
paid out would average two dollars to
each member, and this more than any
thing else proves the earnestness of the
members in the work for which they
were banded together.
He said about year since branch
was established for ladies, called the
"Daughters of Liberty" This branch
was growing rapidly in Connecticut, land
had good effect in various ways. The
influence of the ladies was thrown about
the members, and husband and wife,
father, mother and son could attend
council together, and Mr.. NJ. advised
the ladies of Wilmington to follow the
example of their sisters of Connecticut,
and closed his address, with an earnest
appeal to those present to study the
principles of the order.
The choir followed with an excellent
ly rendered anthem entitled "Rejoice
and be glad.'
Prof. Crabb, the mere announcement
of whose name invariably puts an aud
ience in good humor was then intro
duced, and rendered the first act
of Rip Van Winkle in manner that
brought the old sleeper himself, true to
nature, before his hearers. Rapturous
applause greeted him at the close.
The choir then sang "Hail our coun-
try's natal morn" Prof. Crabb again
convulsed the audience with the reci-
tation of "Plymtop's Goat"
A beautiful duett entitled "Say
kind word when you can," was next
sung by the Misses Eva Gem and May
Taggart, in manner that captivated
the audience and won for the young
Misses, round after round of applause.
Henry G. Conrad, Esq, was then in
troduced and read humorous selection
entitled the cold and the new," and
read it in such a style that long after
he had taken his seat the spasmodic
laughter of the audience showed that
they had thoroughly appreciated it.
Mr.. y. F. Moreland then delivered
an address on the influence the order
had upon those who become connected
with it, and at some length illustrated
the benefits to be derived from organ
izations such as the o. U. A. M. He
also upheld the rights of the order to
say who should and should not become
connected with them. He wished it
distinctly understood that politics nev-
er entered into the Councils of the O.
U. A. NJ, and closed with an appeal
that the principles of the order might
be studied.
Prof. Crabb then entertained the
audience with "The Yankee in Love-"
The choir followed with a highly ap-
preciated chorus, entitled, "The Sky
Lark"
H. C. Conrad, Esq, then gave Brid-
yet Maloney's private opinion of
he "Haythen Chineser" and kept
he audience in roar from beginning
70 end.
Mr.. C. M. Leltch rendered the Sword
If Bunker Hill' as a solo. Mr.. L. pos
,esses magnificent voice and the rem
lsriug of this excellent selection proved
nim one of the very few who can sing
t.
Good night was shen sung by the
choir and while the names Of those who
the choir are symbolical of
good music, we must add that last even
ing some of their very best efforts were
made, and enc of the most beautiful
features of the evening was the choir's
singing.
President johnson thanked the au-
iience for their presence and attention,
and the 18th anniversary of Delaware
council was over and its celebration will
form bright chapter in the history Of
he council. II