Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-07-04
Patriotic Celebration of the Literary Society
of the Y. M. C. A.

The American eagle tapped its wings and
shrieked with patriotic fervor last evening
being greatly melted thereto by the members
Of the Literary Society of the Young Mems
Christian Association. II a patriotic
gathering that was held in the gymnasium.
and the largo audience present showed not
only a lively interest in the nationa. event
which was celebrated. but also in the society.
which has contributed so much to the enter
tainment Of its friends during the past year.
For three years the society has given pa
triotic celebration on the eve of July 4, and the
meeting last evening one Of the most
successful ever held. The gymnasium was
handsomely decorated with flags and foliage
plants aud the national emblem was waved with
patriotic zeal by the speakers and colored all
parts of the program. Mr.. l.. c. Williamson
presided. and after selection from the
orchestra of the \. VI. c. A.. which quite dis
tinguished itself during the evening, prayer
was offered by Rev. DIR. Stakely.
SECRETARY PUGH's ADDRESS.
The secretary of the association, Mr. James
f. Pugh. made stirring address of welcome.
in which he spoke Of the appropriateness of
celebrating the proves of our forefathers in a
hall dedicated to the purpose of developing the
physical manhood of the rising generation He
added
lit may not be inappropriate to say few
words commendatory OF this society. under
whose auspices We are gathered tonight From
its ranks have graduated young men who have
won places of distinction where they have been
able To Use the powers developed amid pleasant
surroundings and where work proved TO be
pastime. Certain members, whose names will
not mention, have stood by il through good
and evil report, witnessed what seemed to be
its dying throes. have seen life and energy
l. l., a.
years its progress and success has
been phenomenal l have been an unpreju-
diced spectator throughout this period. and
noteG carefully the development Of those who
have been most Jealous in debate and tonight
feel proud of their success. bespeak for those
who are now identified with this. the best lite.
rsry society in the city, l think, the only one
that has life throughout the whole year, success
equal to those who have gone out into the
sterner activities of life and promise that all
who come in with industrious intent will reap
rich harvest Of rare development in the art OF
public speaking.
.'On behalf Of the association welcome YOU
to the feast prepared, and hope ere MANY
years have passed that these celebrations will
have become SO popular that the largest hall
will not be equal 70 tine audience"
OTHER ISTEREsrrNG EXERCISES.
Patriotic orations were delivered by Mr. O.
f. Paul and Geo. W. Drew, the latter the
president of the society, which were received
with sppreciative attention and applause
Musical selections were rendered by Miss
Emily T.. Frech Miss Pauline lseman. Mrs r.
Thompson Berry, J. III. Hunter. Mr.. A. D.
Spangler read original poem, entitled
''from Thirteen to Forty-four, depicting the
growth of the stars in the flag representing the
states in the Union. Miss Frech also recited
the Legend Of the Organ Builder"
The reception committee was composed OF
the following named: W. J. Fay. chairman; W.
c. Elridge, J. c. Bowen, q. W. Goodwin, C. G.
Slocum. W. i. Bair J. 4. Lautner, w. E. Leon
ard, &. A. Fitzgerald aud W. ID. Freeman
AT the close Of the meeting the members OF
the orchestra and those taking part in the ex-
ercises were given = reception and refresh.
ments were served.