Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-12-06
THE ART OF SPEECH.
A tiraceful Woman Suggests the Proper
Way to TaIk-Opening OF Sabbath
School 1nstitute-Old Scholars Meet
Arouud the Ran0uet Board.

A DISTINCTIVELY faSnl0naDle eVent was
the Is6th reception of the Art Society in the
Pittsburg Club Theater last evening. The
pretty hall was filed with the most dis
tinguished audience that has gathered IN
this city for some time Not only was every
seat occupied, but knot OF gentlemen were
compelled to stand in the ante-room to get
as much OF the sweet tones OF the speaker "
the evening as they could. The speaker
was Mrs. Edmund Russell, who was deliver
ing her lecture on "The Art Of Speech"
Standing calmly in the center OF the stage,
or dropping upon O sofa, rs the fancy
prompted her, Mrs. Russell presented the
graceful figure with which many PittsDurg-
ers are familiar, and it was the whispered
comment that q more easy, selfpossessed,
and handsome woman has seldom been seen
in public in this city. Mrs. Russell wore ono
or her characteristic robes of flowing dra-
perry, that suggested no iastenings, but ap-
peared to be held in place only by the cum
ningly devised draping Of the ma
terial. 1t was OF pinkish hue,
shot with some darker shade, that gave
forth glancing lights and shadows at every
movement of the wearer. The pu port OF
the lecture Is indicated in the syllabus, that
was placed in the nand of each of the guests,
and that read thus: Fir5t-Expression in
sound. Meanings OF sounds. Second-How
to increase force or precision In speech.
Third-Ireatmens OF vowels in relation to
expression. The importance of having
knowledge of their formation and use in
order to produce pure intonation in speak
ing or singing. Effect ofthe provincial use
of the different sounds OF the vowel A in
English. Fourth-How the laws of growth
OF language determine whether given pro-
nunciatiOn is q fashion, an affectation, or
the coming speech. Fifth-Causes anu cures
of Provincial Speech" How to tell whether
the Parisian, the London. or the Western Il
is correct English. Sixth-Treatment of
consonants as an expression OF character or
mood. Resonance 10 be acquired through
the normal use OF the nasal consonants
and the liquid L. Dramatic effect of certain
kinds of KS, rs and P's. Soventh-SpeciaI
| advantages of English over other languages
for purposes OF oratOry or song, contrnsteu
with the special beauties OF Italian.
Following her custom, Mrs. Russell did not
tell anything particularly new, but she Of
fered old truths i'll a charming manner that
made thcm seem novel 1t was noticeable
that there were many musicians and vocal
teachers In the hall who listened intently to
the remarks of the lecturer, and then
smiled as they recognized some fact that
they had been teaching Tor years gwen to
them In such manner that they di not, for
tho moment appreciate their acquaintance
with it. 1t is to be presumed that Mrs. Rus
sell knows the peculiar effect she produces,
ana that she enjoys it. One of the most
startling things she said WIS that the lesson
impressed upon US i'll childhood, that it is
proper to throw the shoulders back, is based
on false premises, and that this particular
carriage has an injurious effect upon the
organs of speech. She illustrated in her own
person how one should walk, ana it could
not be denied that it WIS more graceful than
tile strained attitude she showed rs the re-
suit OF "tErowing the shoulders well back"
according to the old-ashioned rule. IL fact,
her whole lecture was inll OF amusing and
pleasing little episodes of this kind. At the
conclusion OF her address Mrs. Russell met
large number of the ladies and gentlemen
who mad listened to her lecture, and show ed
Ialf Ia
she is allowed to be a lecturer. The re-
ception was m entire success from every
point OF view.
THE Sabbath School Institute commenced
in the Butler Street NJ. Z. Church yesterday
afternoon. Mr. J. D. Weeks presided. and.
besides devotional exercises talks were
given as follows: Steps VS. Plans" by E. S.
Gill; primary Work Out of SchooI,"b Mrs.
A. C. Patterson; lesson o. December II
taught to d class of little folks, by Miss
Nettie Baer. Rev. W. F. Crafts, editor of the
ChriS,idn s. uteSnlon, was i'll charge of the
question drawer, and Mr. Edwin S. cray, of
the Second Presbyterian Sabbath School,
illustrated 'ObIecs Teaching" by the
Apostles Drill" In the evening Mr.. Lee
S. Smith presided. Mr.. S. Hamilton opened
the exercises with an Interesting address on
"Music in the Sunday School," He said that
school pleasant Co the children, ana that,
therefore, the music should be of liIhJ
character, such rs children caneas.Iy learn,
eavinS out the heavy psalms that
are 80 tiresome to little ones. Mr.
Hamilton's remarks were OF
Straightforward sensible nature, and
were listened to with the deepest interest
Uy the audience. Rev. ID. 5. keunedy, d. d.,
spoke OH "Grading in Bible schools, ;" and
Kew. James Morrow, u. D., delivered o most
interesting address on "Wfat Pilgrim Saw
10 Bible lands. This was a very instruc.
was not only thoroughly conversant with
his subject, but he knew how to fnipart his
knowledge in pleasing anu entertaining
manner. Rev. ". f.. Oldham, ID. d. con-
Quoted the question drawer. A luncheon
WAS served between the afternoon and eyen-
ing sessions, under the direction of the
ladies OF the Sunday schools of Lawrence
vile, and there was a general atmOspnere of
hospitality that made the occasion u very
enjoyable as well Us useful one. The insti-
tute will be continued this afternoon and
evening. -..
Mr.. AND Mrs. E. d. SMITH will cele-
brate their crystal wedding ut their home in
Ingram this evening. They have been mar
ried Is years. Mrs. Smith intended to hold q
large reception, but owing to the death Of
her father recently in Chicago, the guests
will be confined 10 relatives oil the family.
A LARGE company of distinguished
gentlemen crowded the dining rooms at
Hagan's yesterday afternoon. They were
the Alumni and former students of Elders
ridge Academy, an institution 80 years old
and which WAS in its glory in the early
sixties. The academy is situated in Indiana
county nine miles from Salisbury. Mayor
Gourley, President of the Association, pre-
sided. Rev. Dr. ellison invoked the Divine
blessing. Mayor Gourley then made the
opening speech which abounde1 in reni-
niscences of his student life, jokes at the
expense of others, and colored with a very
eloquent eulogy on "Pater," tho Rev. Dr.
Alexander Donaldson, who founded Elders
ridge Academy, was itS principal Tor more
than 40 years, and then donated the building
to the community.
Officers of the association were elected for
the coming year: Henry l. Gourley, Presi-
dent: Prof. 4. d. Elder, Vice President;
Samuel Smith, Treasurer; W. C. Anderson,
Corresponding and Recording Secretary.
The speaking began Immediately with the
eatfpg which insured short speeches The
first address was by S. P HARRISON. Esq, on
''The Seriousness OF Humor." He told some
Jokes on his roommate, the Mayor. Rev. n.
b. Kelly, present principal OF the academy,
spoke on its remarkable record, the high at.
ailments OF its graduates and the bright
prospect of the institution: Prof I. b.
Elder, for SO years Il professor In the academy,
discussed THE Raw Material Free From
Duty" He declined to tell how green some Of
the boys were when they came into his
boys come from the country. The Professor
was accompauied by his wife, who also made |