The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1881-05-07
Fourteenth Anniversary.

The Irving Literary Society of Western
Maryland College celebrated its 14th anniver.
sary on Friday evening, April 29th, at Odd
Fellows Hall. The programme, consisting
of orations and drama, was tastetully ar
ranged, having at its head the dates 1867
and 1881, representing the age of the organ
ization, and between these dates the Latin
motto, ''Juncta Juvant. :
The President of the Society, Mr.. h. +.
Leech, inaugrated the exercises in we'll
written, and appropriate address; referring in
glowing terms to the history of the Irving,
and thanking the audience for the friendly
and liberal patronage bestowed upon the
Literary Gazette the organ of the body he
represented. Mr.. Leech bids fair to become
a fluent and forcible speaker, and with care,
ful study and judicious practice will make his
mark as a writer.
Mr.. f. H. Norman followed the President
with defamation entitled ''Sleighing which
was delivered clearly and distinctly, and was
understood and appreciated more particular
ly by the young ladies and young men of the
audience. The third exercise was an essay
by Mr.. j. F. Somers, subject, Diamonds
The essayist seemed to direct his efforts es-
pecially to the ladies, and INDUCED in some
qnite severe criticism of the gentler sex.
The Anniversary Grafton was delivered by
Mr.. G. w. Todd. The theme, Roger Sher-
man" was well chosen and ably treated, the
orator setting forth the manhood, the states
manship and the unwaveriRg patriotism OF
Mr.. Sherman in clear, forcible style, closing
with an eloquent tribute to the virtues OF the
illustrious hero of the Revolution.
The final exercise was the presentation OF
Mary Russell Mitford's Siciian drama, "Ju-
liam tragedy in FIVE acts.
L. ,syFf III
Leech ms Alfonso, Boy King of Sicily; L. p.
Leech, Duke of Meli c. K. Miller, Julian,
sen of Mel6; A L. Miles, ID Alba, crafty
nobleman; g. Y. Everhart, Valore, Sicilian
noble: F. II. Schaeffer, Leanti; g. ". Todd,
Calvi; H. BaughmaR, Paolo; w. j. Price,
Bertroue, attendant of D'Alba; W. NJ. Gist,
Renzi, an old Hantsman; L. II. Flagg, Arch
bishop; Miss Mary B. Shelman, Anaabel,
wife of Julian.
Miss Sheilmau, as Annabel sustained her
difficult role admirably, living through the
perilOus scenes of treachery chaste, devoted
wife, aad dying a heroic death as the shield
of Julian, her husband. The Society IS great
" indebted TO Miss Shelmau for valuable and
Indispensable service.
Mr.. E. p. I.eeeh as Duke of Melfi certainly
merited the name Of usurper, for his acting
was the impersonation Of greedy and grasp
ing ambition, eager for power, and 10th 10
surrender the crown once placed within his
grasp.
Mr.. Miles gave evidence Of careful study in
the rendering of his part, and won a round OF
applause by his earnest and persistent effort
to win by his sweetest Smiles the favor of the
fair Annabel Mr.. S. d. Leeeh sustained his
role in very interesting manner, exhibiting
in striking contrast the modesty Of Alfonso as
compared with the unrestrained aspirations
of Mel6 Mr.. Miller as Julian acted with
considerable spirit, playing the hero of the
drama in a forcible manner, and in the hRal
scene revenged the Staying of his beloved
Annabel by melting out bloody death TO her
murderers.
The minor parts we're ali well sustained,
but space forbids further meAtion.
The music. which was excellent, was fur
nished by Prof WatsoH's Orchestra, of Union
Bridge.
The entertainment was listened TO by full
house, and Judging from the number Of beau
tiful wax and natural bouquets received by
the young men, the ladies despite the crit
cisms Of the essayist, we're well pleased with
the efforts Of the evening.