Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1881-01-04
Publie Debate at ArbOr Hill.

Thrice welcome, cheerful, thoughtful night
With the cool and shadowy wing"
On the last night of the old year, the live and
energetic members of the Jackson Literary
Society at Arbor Hill held a public discussion
in the hall of that place in accordance with
previous announcements. Though man ties Of
drifted snow screened the green spot of moth
er EARTH" and bleak, winter winds howed
fierce and strong, still when the hour for meet
ing was ushered in, the merry Jingle Of sleigh
however blasted and sonber the night may be
it could not deter the presence of the bright
entertainments of YOUTH The appointed hour
having arrived, most respectable and intelli-
gent audience awaited the coming discussion
Although the number composing this throng
would dwindle into insIgnifi canoe when COM
pared with that assembled in Belgium's capt.
tai, so graphically described by Byron, yet II
could compete in point Of beauty.
Quietude being restored, Mr.. John Bowman
was called to the chair, with Mr.. Charles Ma
der acting as secretary. Mr.. J. F. Hanger sta
ted that the meeting was called by special
| request, and its object was to add some amuse-
ment to the holiday recreations.
No question having been selected beforehand,
Messrs. George Hanger and Chas Nader were
appointed to choose question and divide the
speakers, which resulted as follows:
Resolved, That education is more desirable
than wealth.
On the affirmative side were Messrs G. G.
Hanger, F. B. Yates, and r. A. Palmer; and
those who defended the negative were Messrs'
c. H. Nader G. l.. Hanger, AMI ]. F. Hanger.
Messrs. Swartzel and John Ialmer were ap
pointed judges to cooperate with the presi-
dent in the decision of the question. The
speakers became animated aid oft-times elo-
quent on many points, as eachsIde would bat
tie SO bravely for vantage-gound. However
near the conclusion, it was ,vident that the
affirmative would soon herals the news of VIC
tory to its almost dsheaIened advocates,
which was most true from ,he decision rem
dered by the judges. We wee highly pleased
with the commendable wa in which each
debater acquitted himself, Considering the fact
the speeches were extempor.
After the discussion, the NAL Grafton, emit
tied, 1.-The Hope of our Reublic," was deliv-
cred by Mr.. r. A. Palmer, tie popular and sue
ceSsful salesman of the firm of Sonebauhn &
Co., of Bait, and who is sIsnding the holidays
at his home. Undoubtedi, Rob consumed a
great deal Of time and Iabr in preparing this
grafton, for it was mos elaborate one, and
contained sentiments COMPLETE ia style, diction,
and rhetoric. His excellnt information, gestic-
ulation, and his calm AID composed appear
ance, won for him gloriols applause and con-
gratulations.
The censor's report Grated great deal Of
mirth. One member wa fined fifteen cents for
blowing q whistle-'tis said he paid for that
,ohiStle. 1t was difficult or while to get suita-
BILE persons to serve in he capacity of judges;
when just at this juncure member arose to
his feet and proposed t. leave the decision to
three ladies, remarkin; at the same time that
he was an advocate OF "Woman's Rights
and Dog Law TIL ladies cried him down,
and the president, beilg great admirer of the
fair sex, and his sweetheart also being present
fined the would-be stlrist twenty-five cents.
He is now only an "atvocate in the COOL" borne
by western winds.
The night was muO enjoyed, and some while
after the exercises cosed, the crowd fingered
and pleasant social Conversations ensued. Oh
but how the girls dd take advantage of the last
few hours in leap var.
Their every tine is music's own,
Like those morning BIRDS
And something more than melody
Dwells evelin their Words
Two of your Institutions of learning were
represented by he following beautiful and
charming ladies' Misses Lizzie and Minnie
Ruth, from the Palmetto State" Willie and
Gussie Bowmanand Annie Fulcher, of Arbor
Hill, pupils of tie "Staunton Female Semina-
ry;" Misses Bette and Sallie Palmer of Arbor
Hill, pupils ofthe "Wesleyan Female Insti-
tute." AUGUSTA.