The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1884-03-08
rhir.een.h .Ann,yer.ary.. :

| Last Friday evening the Webster Literary
Society of Western Maryland College cele-
brated at Odd Fellows Hall its Thirteenth
Anniversary. The invitations previously sent
out drew together quite large and apprecia-
tive audience. The programme was purely
| literary in character, and was carried out ad-
mirably. Mr. E. T. Mowbray, president of
the Society, in a short and well written adj
dress, extended to all words of welcome, and
at the close of his address introduced Mr.. w.
c. Rymer, of West Va, the Anniversarian of
the occasion. Mr.. Rymer's Grafton was well
written, full of rich thought, and delivered in
fine style. Its subject was ''Tf1e Utility of
the Ideal.n The speaker justly merited the
applause he received. After the Grafton there
followed three readings. Mr.. c. H. Wright,
of Baltimore, read a humorous selection, en-
titled "The Soda Fountain" This was much
enjoyed. "Daniel Webster's First Plea was
well read by Mr.. II. Woods, of the West In
dies. Mr.. Woods is the youngest member of
the society, and by his polite and gentlemanly
manners attracts the attention of all. He has
become quite favorite among the students.
We regret that after his reading he was taken
sick and had to leave the stage until near the
close of the programme. Mr.. A. Billingslea
deserves special mention for his excellent per-
sonation in his reading of sold Jack in the
Well" 1t can hardly be a matter of wonder
that Old Jack prayed both to the Lord and
sold Blind Ball. at the same time. Most
any one in the same trying situation would
probably do likewise.
This was followed by discussion of the
question, 'Resolved that the present strike
system is productive of more evil than good"
The affirmative was supported by Messrs. c.
alive by Messrs. E. J. Wilson, of w. Va, and
F. L. Benson. The question was well dis
cussed, and it is hard to say on which side
victory lies. The programme was closed with
rehearsal by Prof A. H. Merrill, entitled
"Buck Fanshaw's Funeral" This piece, be-
ing humorous selection, very suitably
ended the entertainment Prof. Merrill came
to Westminster highly recommended as an
elocutionist, and he has proven himself wor-
thy of such recommendation. He has APP
peared only few times on the stage before
the citizens of Westminster, yet we think he
has established in their minds the fact that he
is an elocutionist of unusual ability. We wish
for him much success in his professional ca
reer.
Itwould not do to close this article without
speaking of the music furnished for the occa-
sion by Mr.. Bailey Morelock, his wife and
several friends. 1t must be conceded that it
was the best music of the kind gotten up by
Westminster talent for number of years, at
least since the writer has been resident of
the place. Westminster certainly needs
good orchestra, and it is to be hoped that Mr..
Morelock and his friends will succeed in es-
tablishing reputation for giving good music.
The Webster Society undoubtedly deserves
thanks and praise for its excellent entertain
ments, and especially is it thus deserving, be-
cause its entertainments are complimentary.
May it, like the name of its excellent protro-
type never die.