The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-01-26
sCoTLAND's BARD.
The Caledonian Society's Appropriate Cele-
br.tion of Robert Burns's Anniversary.

The l24th anniversary Of the birth of Robert
Burqs was celebrated at Lyra Hall last night by
the CaedoDian Society in a manner practically
indicative that "Caledonia, stern and Wild" is
eft nurse for poetic child" and that.rugged
-s,..sssst1 even though long separated from it's
shores, ara not forgetful of its songs the man
who wrote them, The attendance was large, and
TIL lrsnsement Of the hall was appropriate to
The 3rcasinn. A lifesized portrait of the poet
WINS iieplased, aud the worde "Robert Burns the
MAJ aud brother" were hung near
sefss Of the familiar expressions
81 the poet such as "a Mans Man for A. That"
"should Aaid Acquaintance Be Forgot" Glib
sTty's Giurious Feast" and "Better Wee
Bnsh than Nae Bield" were hung about the hall.
she opening address was delivered by Governor
Porter whe spoke at some length of the man,
his life aud his poetry, quoting from his works
quite freely. Following his remarks the pro-
fainiua Of exercises observed was as follows:
fhere was lad was born in Kyle. VIM Ross.
lsine Bells OF Scotland Apollo Quartet.
Ny Nannie's AVA. .........-.Mrs. W G. Lynn.
sssie, tie Flower o. Dnmbane" Mrs. W. G.
Lynn, Mrs. S. L. Morrison, o. W. Williams,
:. l.. Morrison.
sofs, WA nae" ---.--.-..-.-..F NJ. LOOMS.
9s'es n the Air. :-.....-.-: Thos. Crawford
DIR Spa <led Banner .... Mrs. W. C. Lynn,
son, o. W. Williams. s. L. Morrison.
Aifs--. Beissenherz's Band.
ss.-.--...-:.....-----.R Rev. Myron W. Reed
n nile o Edinboro' Town.
Mrs. ". c. Lynn.
INKS and Braes o. Bonnie Doom.
Apollo Quartet.
sam anderson, My Joe John"
Mrs s. L. Morrison.
Piano soio-sa5tch Airs Miss Anna Mckenzie.
aL 5gss sray"-oOmic song IS L " Morrison :,
sFiors MeDonads Lanient" o. o. stewart stewart
Finsie-"Auld Lang syne"-audience rising.
Ia a brief address Rev Myron W. Reed SAID
Ehatit was a great mistake to go from the poetry
Of Burns 20 his prose, from his Scotch to his
EHEish. In speaking of the poets life Mr..
Reed spote of the wonderful faculty he had
shown for getting in love and for getting out,
but be could hardly he held cnlpable for that.
The grea est damage to Burns is to drag him
from the life of his own times into the light of
AHls time Burns was no friend to the church,
and at tNat tine the church friend 10
Burnn. fhe doctrines preached at the time
were of a kind likely To drive such man away
from church rather than draw him near In
thinking OF Burns we should not think of
the things that he did poorly, but of the
things which he did grandlv and perfectly. He
often got out OF tune, but lie was often in tune.
His songs are the natural food of the children of
men. He Was one of the first to discover that
eloquence Ia not in the stars alone, but that IL
Ia down IN the grass as well. He concluded his
address 9TH the remark that 10 is we'll that n
rose should smell, but there should be some one
to smell If, and those who had gathered to cele-
brate the anniversary OF the poets birth did
themsclveSa compliment and Burns an honor.
Major Jonathan W, Gordon delivered very
appropriate address, repete with quotations
from the poet aud with pleasing illusions.
The feature of especial interest was the music
and the singing. The songs were selections from
Burns, and were rendered with all the charm OF
their musical rhythm and mellifuous dialect.
Dancing followed The conclusion of the exer-
cises, many of those participating appearing in
old-tilne Scotch costumes.