Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1893-03-02

2
foundation Of this old Society. from which
have freely issued these many generations
past. ths living waters that have sfimulat.
ed and nourished the minds Of her young
| members.
! That ample library Of 2,OO0 volumes has
been the fountain from which many have
drank deep draughts or inspiration and
knowledge. The spirited debates or hel
"hre-eyed young disputanss" have awak.
ened 10 lite the spirit Of oratory in more
than one bosom. The social pleasures Of
boon companionship and the fraternal ties
OF society membership have ripened into
memories that have grown sweeier with
old age.
II is proper to note, too, that while or
ganized as Literary and Debating Socie-
BY, this has been in fact q secret fraternity
from its earliest records. 1903. and proba-
bly, from its first origin, 1877, continuously
until q few years ago. Knight point 70
many evidences Of this In the records, but
Il will suffice TO read the following affirma-
ton required 20 be signed by the members:
al, A. B., do most solemnly pledge my
honor never 20 divulge any secret Of this
Society,""
This, no doubt, was the Philosophers
stone which brought such good measure Of
prosperity 10 the Society for many years.
Recently IL has been thrown aside as rub
bish. but trust the present members win
be glad to restore IL at the earliest moment
practicable.
In the early days of this Society, she had
jealous rivalry in the Philo- Musean, both
drawing their membership from the stu
dents Of Charlotte Hall School. Among
the members Of the latter I find the name
of Philip Briscoe, who afterwards became
widely known as q gifted educator, was
Principal Of Charlotte Hall (ls1s) eleven
years, and whose sons, Edward T. Briscoe
and VIM. T. Briscoe, have been connected
with the school TO the present day. Il ap-
pears from these pages that the Philo-
Mussan made repeated attempts to consol-
idate with the Washington. The recorded
communications between the two are full
of interest; but will read only one, which
seems to have effectually Quoted this move
and, no doubt, sealed the doom of the
Philo- Musean.
CHARLOTTE HALL, March IA, 1907.
Gentlemen A due sense of honour rs .
body and as individuals has urged rs %
answer your late address, couched as it IL
in bombasiical rhapsody and appearing 70
us TO contsin neither sense nor reason, and
il q proof that you afford talents of su-
preme cast, WIN indeed impart their ideas
in style above human comprehension.
The unanimous voice OF this house has re.
linquished all idea of an incorporation of
the two Societies, and therefore we en-
brace this opportunity of announcing to
you that il has resolved on receiving no
further communication from you on this
subject. So adieu, and let the paroxism
of personal resentment, if any be felt, be
ascribed To the exuberant fecundity of in
tellect, which was 50 fully depicted in your
late address, which in the flight of fancy
and pomp Of language seems TO have for
gotten that It was addressing ordinary I'M
derstandings. Also bear in memory that
we have reluctantly assumed the pen of re-
probation, which was not intended IN CON-
vey personal imputatioDs, but a reproach
for the late conduct of your Society towards
as. So conclude, gentlemen, with wish
ing you all the prosperity you deserve.
The WASHINGTON SOCIETY.
Many years later another rival sprang
into existence. The Stonewall Society was
founded Nov. %, 1866 can bear testi.
mony 10 the zeal Of its members and the
magnificent work she accomplished. In 5
years she had acquired library Of 800
volumes or more. and bad drawn to hei
roll so many of the best students that the
old Washington Society was seriously en-
dangered. Oct. "a, 1871 the two Societies
were consolidated under the style and title
of the Washington and Stonewall Society.
Thus we see how this grand old organi.
cation has faced the lightning and the gale,
how she has withstood the fierce ravage Of
time and triumphantly stands before you
to day venerable with age, crowned with
laurel and nourishing in her veins the vigor
of perpetual youth. She presents 10 YOU
to-day q long line Of distinguished mem.
berships, which constitute her title deed 70
rich estates of honor-a bright galaxy of
names, illustrious in history and familiar
Ia the ears of many-here does she point, a.
did the Roman matron Of old TO her child
rem, and exclaim these are my jewels"
Doubtless many, on account Of thei. fore
fathers or their own connection with this
society will be interested in the following
abstract have taken from the roll, ranging
from 1903 TO 1852.
Charles Bowie, Themas Kirk,