The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1895-01-30
Burns A Anniversary.

ing, reading, singing and talking about
them on anniversary occasions. We have
thought more Of the great Scotch poet OF
late from the fact that the Scotch residents
OF cur city, who number nearly one hun
dred, celebrated the anniversary of his
birth on Friday evening last, at Gymna-
SUM Hall. The preparations for the event
were under the charge of Alex. P. Kerr,
Alex. Cameron and Charles Monroe, and
the unusual hustle among those OF the
clan proved they were in earnest in the
attempt to properly celebrate this (to
|Ahen Timportant day. The hall had been
pronetly decorated for the occasion with
pict0res and bunting, and goodly num-
Der of our citizens assembled with them
at 8 o'clock, when delightful program
was presented, consisting of songs, reci-
tations, dances and instrumental music,
which gave universal satisfaction.
The address of the evening was made
by Alex. P. Kerr, Principal of our public
schools, and did justice not only to the
memory of Robert Burns, but also to Mr..
Kerr. 1t was concise and brilliant and
told in as few words as possible, without
firing the audience, the poets works aud
virtues. Dear, indeed, must be the name
of Burns to Scotchmen and dear also to
every lover of the beautiful, tender, touch
ing, forcible thoughts expressed In his
poetic illusions.
The songs and rectations by George
Scroggie, Edwin Cooper, John Adams,
Joseph Watt, Jr., John Simpson, Mrs.
Petrie and Alex. Cameron were rendered
In excellent style and gave those of the
audience who were not familiar with the
Scotch dialect an opportunity to hear 1t
in the native tongue, aud to those who
have always spoken it there was feeling
OF satisfaction and pleasure in listening 10
such ballads as "There was lad was
born In Kyle" The Rose of Alandale,"
The Bonnie Banks OF Loeb Lomond,"
"The Emigrant's Lament, "The Scotch
Thistle, y "The Bonnie Woods o. Craigie
Lea, The Steam Loom Weaver" "Bet-
ter Bide Vice." Screen Grow the Rush.
es, o. and "Bonnie Doom" and the re-
citations of "Scotch Words, "The Hag-
gis," "Cuddle Doom and other subjects.
The Highland Fling" by john Reid,
was one of the features OF the evening,
and he was given an encore, SO admirably
was bis work done.
The instrumental music was rendered
by Messrs. John Mcnamara, Chef. Van
Solver and Charles Schermerhorn, and de-
lighted all present.
At the conclusion OF the program re-
cess was taken in order that those who
desired might visit Stockton's restaurant,
where preparations had been made to
cater to the inner man with an elaborate
Scotch menu. THE RECORD reporter was
the guest of the committee, under the
guidance OF A. p. Kerr, and relished the
"Scotch Haggis and the delightful bev-
erage of which they all said the "Toon
o. Ayr had no need to have been
ashamed.
Before leaving the hall every guest was
presented with " Robert Burns cigar,
such as Councilman Thomas S. Callan dis
poses of at his drug store, corner of Main
and Ferry streets. They will bear re-
petitIom =
AT 1890 the Scottish bagpipes were
initiated on the organ by Chet Van Solver,
and the eager, anxious, happy throng of
young and old were on their feet In an
ticipation of the "Grand March," which
Immediately followed, led by Duncan Fer
guson and wife and retinuo of thirty
couples. The intricate figures introduced
were creditably executed, although greatly
cramped for room, and from that time on
there was no sleep for youth and beauty,
and they chased the glowing hours with
flying feet. The strong and muscular
quarrymen were as light and airy 10 the
may dance as those who measure ribbons
or teach the young ideas how to shoot.
The dancing was under the management
OF Messrs. John Reii, Duncan q. Fergu-
son aud Edwin Cooper.
A Burns anniversary would not have
been assuccess without the presence Of
that amiablea Scotch resident OF our city,
James Whyte.s He was there in all his
glory, accompanied by every member Of
bis family. The same can be said of Jo-
seph Watt, the Main street baker and con-
fectioner, demonstrating that, while fully
American citizens, they were not ashamed
of their native land, but loved it and its
memories with loyalty that is worthy Of
every true Scotchman.
A large number Of our citizens were
present and enjoyed the anniversary ex.
ercises quite as much apparently as those
who were the originators of the event.
Gymnasium Hall will not be large enough
to accommodate the numbers who will be
present at the next anniversary.
The event will long be remembered by
all present and particularly so from the
fact that many who came early in the ev.
ening were detained all night on account
Of the severe snow storm which came or
at II O'clock and later changed to rain,
accompanied by strong wind. 1t was
almost impossible for the strong lads tc
leave the hall, and it was thought best t.
keep the ladies and chidren--or, 1t should
be said, the lassies and bairns-until day
light, when the public coach could &c
them home.
The general management was In charg'
of Messrs. James Whyte, John Reid ant
| John Adams.
The committee and all interested shoult
feel delighted at the success attending th,
I