The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1893-02-13
THE PHILALETHIC SENATE,
A Literary Entertainment Given at
Santa Clara College.

Santa Clara College.
Correspondence Of TIE MORNING CALI.
The Philalethic Senate of Santa Clara
College gave a very enjoyable entertain
ment at the Literary Hall on last Wednes-
day evening. j. j. Barrett. S. B., 81. well
coined the audience in the name of the
society and expressed the gratitude of his
feliow-me for the encouragement
given by The presence Of so large number
of those whose kindly interest In the asso-
citation was highly appreciated. closing his
brief address by introducing d. j. Mackin-
non, A. B.. '92 whose essay was entitled
Reading" In the opening remarks the
speaker outlined the benefits arising from &
good course of reading. The divisions OF
literature ratory, biography. poetry and
fction-WeTe each specially defined and
followed by statements proving the neces-
sity of having a specified purpose constantly
in view in a chosen course of reading. Care
should be exercised in the choice of books,
and, while the young man is ardently en-
gagged in the pursuit OF know ledge, he
should not neglect that spiritual reading
which eleyates his moral standard and puri-
6es his soul.
"Theosophy" was the title Of the address
delivered by J. O'Gara, a. i. 90 and
brief sketch OF this new so-called philOso-
ply since It's establishment by Nine. Bla-
vatsky and revival by Mrs. Besant, was an
Interesting introduction Of the subject.
The leading tenets Of this peculiar form Of
belief, such as tie theory Of mans origin
ard destiny and the hypothesis OF reincar-
nation, although appearing very plausible
at first nspectlon, Yet under the searching
investigation of philosophy falls signaily TO
develop any shadow of q true foundation,
! for the M2baimaS, To whom the founder
attributes her know ledge Of theosophy and
from whom she claims authority, cannot be
shown by any decisive proof 10 have had
any existence.
The declaration of F. w. Sargent was
! noted by an excellence Of delivery that
! fully merIted the enthusiastic applause it
| received.
| The musical programme Of The evening.
/ a pleasing feature Of tile occasion, was
| under the management Of Professor 4.
! Schubert, who directed the college Or
! chestra.
T. II. McDerby selected History of the
/ Two Great Parties" as the subject Of his
! instructive address aud preiaced his re-
4 marks bY reference 10 tie necessity or a
! good understanding Of tie principles that
! distinguish the different platforms so that
/ an electOr may inteliigently exercise his
! right OF suffrage. The historical narrative
outlined the policies which diStinguis he'd
the leading political parties which have
/ struggled for supremacy in America, first
when the days If the Revolution gave birth
/ to Wings and Torres, later on when the
! question OF the adoption OF the constitution
! brought the tedeTallsts and the anti-Feder-
aliSts into prominence aud finally when the
| issues of the present time caused tie Re-
| publicans and Democrats to alternate in
/ successful campaigns. Passing mention
| was made Of some Of the innumeTable fac
tons that spraug from local Issues, making
the whole lecture very interesting in It's
| presentation.
TIE address Of the evening was that of
the Hon. j. Il. Campbell, A. NJ, II, OF San
! Jose, which embodied some practical adj
vice, especially to those who would soon
arrive at that critical period Of their ELVES
| when tie final year at their alma mater
would be succeeded by their first tx perience
! in the practical duties IF tie outside world.
| The foundation Of future success or subse-
! queut failure was uncOnsciousiy laid dur
Ing this brief interval, and the actual
! experience Of those who had become prom
| inent men showed that definite object was
outlined at the outset Of their career.
| no dependence being placed on the
! uncertain occurrences Of circumstances
| to guide them in the selection Of future
vocation. The aim of education is TO in
! stTuct the student how 10 use his mental
| faculties to advantage, aud the first thing
! TO be acquired by him when he stands on the
threshold Of active life is self-reliance-a
| firm confidence in his ability to overcome
| the difficulties he may encounter at the out
| set without depending On the assistance of
| others. An economy of effort was also
| specified as a most necessary requirement.
| The address was made especially interest
| ing by the relation OF incidents occurring
! during the lives Of great men Illustrative Of
| the precepts so elaQuentIy depeated
| throughout the highly appreciated Grafton.
| Santa Clara. Feb. II I8q3