The morning call., 1890-09-19
OPENING EXERCISES.
Industrial Exposition Of the
Mechanics Institute.
Literary Programme at the Baldwin Theater.
George q. Maxwell's oration-Iaterest-
ing Features.

The opening exercises of the twenty-fifth
industrial exhibition, under the auspices OF
the Mechanics Institute, took place yester-
day afternoon at the Baldwin Theater. The
attendance was remarkably select and full,
ladies being largely in the majority.
Promptly at o'clock the curtain was
rung up and the First Regiment Band, under
the leadership of Charles II. Casassa,
opened the exercises with Weber's grand
overture from "Oberon." Upon the stage
were the Directors of the institute and the
gentlemen who were to address the audi
ence At the close of the overture, which
was heartily applauded, the Rev. j. Sanders
Reed offered a prayer and was followed by
David Kerr, who, as President of the insti-
tute, welcomed the public to the exposition,
which, in few well-chosen words, he de-
clared open. In conclusion he also extended
an invitation to all strangers in the city to
visit the reading-rOom and library OF the
institute on Post street.
Miss Mathilde Lennon of Boston was then
introduced TO the aSSemblage whom she
charmed with her rendition of Mercadante's
aria, "Ah! S'estinto Ancor Mi Vuio," and,
Tosti's "Good-By" This was seconded
by an operate selection from Faust" by
the orchestra, with clariOnet, cornet horn
and trombone solos.
In Tie dDStuCo VI MIS- AuDd lJlNlllSSlOi,
through lDdiSp0stlon, the poem composed
by Miss Julia Clinton Jones was read by
Professor Ross. 1t is entitled 1.-The Story
of Ship" and was written in honor of the
CharleSton's builders. 1t has been previ-
ouSly published.
After the poem, Miss Pearl Noble played
a cOrnet solo in her Incompatible way, her
selection being Non Ver," by Mattel,
with orchestral accompaniment. In an
swer TO loud applause she returned to the
stage and rendered robin Adair with
much sweetness.
George ii. Maxwell was next introduced
as the orator Of the day, and distinguished
himself by vigorous speech in behalf of
the institute, which he held up as bull
wark to society and as one of the most pow
erful organizations for good in the State.
Every father or mother, he sad who has q son
growing up amia the temptations OF This great
city an obligation 10 this Institution, and
should extend 10 II earnest coo GRAFTON aud sup
port. IL Is 10 every boy haven OF safety from
evil habits, evil companions, the pitfalls of sin
and dens of niquIty which at every turn throw
the glare OF their temptations across his path.
HE men VINO brought the Mechanics llsti-
lule INTO life aud have guided Its desinles 10 its
present prosperity and usefulness have reared
for themselves a monument more enduring Than
The pyramids of the Egyptian kings, Tor It's infu-
ence Will widen with its growth and increase
with its age, and the seeds sOwG will yield
their harvest 10 generations yet 10 come.
Ii Is not alone the moral Influences OF this in
stIute which should be considered. Great
has been the progress OF tile past we are yet in
the infancy Of scien itc aud mechanical develop
ment; aud 1t Is ON this development that such an
Institution as this. with the facilities afforded by
It's library and Its exhibition, exerts potent in
fuence
The ouch OF the magic wand OF science has
unlocked SO many OF natures secrets and placed
in the hands of mechanics SO many OF her
powers that we stand amazed at the progress
which few years have made. Another decade
may see the locomotive rushing beside the over
land coach OF The olden days, and steam de-
monarch VI motion, from whose scepter will
flash the light which shall illuminate the world.
But before this time comes this institute, keep
Ing pace with The development Of the resources
of California and The marvellous growth OF this
great city, will have outgrown Its present home.
| Our books are already crOwding each other from
their shelves. The familiar are already
overcrowded by the throngs who are drawn
there In their search for knowledge or Intellect
ual entertainment. The policy OF progress and
management Of the institute cannot be changed
now. Its onward course caunOt be stayed. Ii
is as inevitable as that the sun will rise, that be-
fore many Years new institute building must be
erected.
hen 1t is done let there be erected u Temple
the citizens OF our city what the Temple Of Solo
mon was 10 the Jews, the Temple of Diana 10 the
Ephesans, the PaIthenon 10 the Athenians and
the Temple of Jupiter to the Romans. In whose
grandeur every citizen shall feel pride, whose
Influence shall be telt IN every home where books
and those engaged in every occupation OF life
can meet upon The common ground OF intelli-
| gence, Independence and patriotism.
When the speaker retired, the orchestra
| played the inaugural march and the eXer-
| clSeS came to close.