The Democratic advocate., 1881-03-26

The Webster Literary Society of Western
MARYLAND College celebrated its tenth Ami
versary at Odd Fellows Hall, Friday evening,
March l4th The exercises of the evening
were introduced by Mr.. E. l.. GleS President
of the Society, in short concise, and peril
nent address, in which were enumerated the
regular weekly exercises of the organization
he represented, the duties and aims OF ITS
members. and the advantages resulting there
from. The address was torcible, Jet modest
throughout, the speaker discIaiming any as
sumption of feXcelleuce in The efforts OF youth
full writer's and orators
Mr.. b. f. Benson followed the President
with a humorous selection entitled ''Spoopen-
dykes Burglars. The rendering of Mr..
Benson was very good, and while open.possl-
biv.to some criticism, it must be remembered
that the perssnation in one selection, OF both
the male and female voice is a feat Of elocu
ton attended with no little difficulty. The
third exercise of the programme was de
clamation bv Mr.. S. c. Ohrum, entitled
''Rum's Maniac" The poem is a portrayal
of the rawlings of an inebrate craZsd by strong
drink and chained in a madman' cell. The
presentation of Mr.. Ohrum gave evidence OF
considerable study and n careful analysis
The wild. unnatural character of the poem
demands in delivery strong, firm voice, Of
both depth and compass, qualities which all
readers should eudeavor by careful practice
to process. Mr.. II. L. Wright next appeared
as The biggest man in Webster Literary So
ciety" in an adaptation OF Mark Twain's Lee,
ture ON Babies. which called forth much mer-
rlmept. In adapting the lecture to the place
and occasion, MIR. Wright inserted quite
number of original and spicy bits of humor,
rivaling in duaiutness the wit of Mark himself.
The Anniversary Grafton was delivered by
Mr.. Z. A. Warfeld. The orator chose for
histheme Sublime Discomfort, and IN awell
written and clearly enunciated address, illus
trated the restless and progressive spirit OF
maH that prompts him 70 strive constantly for
nobIer ends and loiter heights in the world
of thought and action.
Following the orati0n was discussion OF
the resolution that the British Government IS
oppressive TO Ireland; participated IN by
Messrs. ). +. Cassen and II. l.. Elderdlce for
the affirmative, and Messrs !. ". Kirk aud
J. +. Thompson for the negative.
Time will not permit Us 10 refer to the ar
-umeuts Of the debaters Individually. but jus
tee demads that We say the question was DIS
cussed in a spirited and interesting manner.
Quite a Number Of humorous hits were made,
and many solid and convincing truths uttered.
the affirmative claimed that the English Gov
ernment bv the system Of landlord monopoly
oppresses and impoyerishos the Irish people,
while the negative held tha, the lrishman
pauperizes himself by his id!encss and indo-
leuce.
The entertainment closed With an oratiou
by Mr. L. 4. Meekins-SuhjeCt Only q Little
Faded Flour After very brilliant intro
ductiou. the speaker passed into graceful aud
sparkling hGmor, setting forth sn glowing lan-
guage the palatable. delicious and iucomPar-
able qualities of that Immortal edible known
as ginger bread, creating much amusement by
his brlgh, wiiiicisms, and purposeiy b0mbas
TIC periods This grafton WIS heartily ENJOY
ed and roundly applaaded.
The music for the occasion WAS furnished
hy Prof E,ljss Band,
The entertainment was a success, and the
yeaug men of the ". L. :. deserve praise for
their energy, in literary effort, aad their well
directed laboFs 10 preparing for their annual