Middletown transcript., 1882-03-10
The Lvcenm.

The Lyceum.
The literary society had another crowded
room at its monthly public meeting,
Monday evening, about 125 persons being
present. The seating capacity of the room
is about one hundred, but by bringing in
additional chairs all were provided Il
place, though perhaps some were a little
too closely packed to be comfortable.
The literary exercises were mainly of a
light order, but highly entertaining. The
music-a delightful feature of these meet
ings-was excellent, and, we warrant,
well appreciated by the audience. The
opening literary selection, by Mr.. NJ. B.
Burris, was a quaint war reminiscence, as
related by " Uncle Remus, - pretty story
effectively read, though the selection
would have lost nothing by the omission
of its introduction. The reader, favorite
with our people, always pleases an audi
ence. Mr.. A. Johns, read chapter from
"The Sparrowgrass Papers" very hu-
morous account of how Mr.. Sparrowgrass
set a fyke. "Mr. Sparrowgrass' is ex-
ceedingly funny in places, but the greater
number of his papers can be improved for
public reading by cutting them down.
Like Artemus Ward used to say of his
lectures, they are remarkable for the
many things in them that have nothing TO
do with them. On this account "Mr.
Sparrowgrass'' is liable to be tiresome
when he is rendered line for line, but Mr..
Johns capital rendition of his selection
made even the dullest lines of it enter
tanning, and in the brighter portions he
provoked much healthful laughter. Mr..
T. w. Buckle, who always succeeds so
well in Irish dialect, gave the society
selection that kept them laughing straight
along. Miss Addie Hazard followed with
an original sketch of Henry w. Long
fellow, an effort which received and well
deserves the warrnest praise. There is a
noticeable lack of original effort in our so
ciety, but there is no good reason why there
should be. Nearly every one that we have
had since the organization of the Lyceum
has been good, and much appreciated.
Among the brightest of these contribu-
tions have come from Miss Hazard. OF
course it takes time to prepare original
matter, but it is time we'll spent, particu-
larly tothe young. Biographical sketches
of those who have won high places in
American literature are always interesting,
always instructive. Such a paper would
be appropriate at every meeting of the so
ciety. Let the facts be culIed from books,
but let the construction be original. Let
us hope for more original effort in the fu-
ture. In the past we could hardly expect
it because our society was young and timid,
but it is coming toward two-year-older
now, and should not be afraid to show
"outsiders'' what it can do in an original
way. But to go back to the exercises:
Miss Belle Pennington aroused the merry
feeling again with the great original ora
ton on the "Criss,' in which she is in
iInitable. w. S. Way read Mark Twains
"Experience with European Guides"
The concluding selection was "The Child
Wife," from "David Copperfeld," read
by Miss Emma Cotton, a cultured reader
who has pleased our people on several oc-
casions. A happy selection, beautifully
rendered, the "Child Wife, was warmly
appreciated by the audience. At its con-
clusion, Rev. Mr.. Alexander proposed
that vote of thanks be given Miss Cot
ton for her valued efforts in entertaining
the society on two occasions, and the reso-
luton ofthanks was unanimously adopted.
1t is a matter of sincere regret to the soci-
ETY. that we cannot keep Miss Cotton with
us always. The musical selections of the
evening consisted of a quartet by male
voices; pretty vocal solo by Miss Cotton
a pleasing vocal duet" Drift My Bark
by Mrs. R. L. Price and Miss Belle Pen
nington; a spirited instrumental duet, by
Miss Sylvia and Mr.. w. E. Wright; a
pretty vocal SOLO" Waiting Miss
Jennie S. Wright, and quartet" Good
Night''-by Miss Belle Pennington, Mrs.
Price, DIR. Kennedy and Mr.. w. n. Will
son. Each effort was worthy of praise.
DR.. w. G. Phelps, president of the Galena
Literary Society, was, with two ladies,
present as a committee from their society,
and the bearers of fraternal greetings.
The doctor was introduced and spoke
few words in praise of the exercises he had
been permitted to enjoy. His society was
invited and expected to come in body,
but preparations for public entertain
ment prevented this, and a committee,
with their worthy president at its head,
was sent instead. We hope our society
will take an early opportunity of return
ing this pleasant fraternal visit. Owing
to the lateness ofthe hour, the answers to
questions were postponed until the next
meeting, Monday, March 10th.