Birmingham state herald., 1896-02-25
OUR SOCIAL WORLD

(All Items of social interest will be gladly noted in these columns if sent to Mrs George c. Ball, Nineteenth street, between Tenth and Eleventh avenues, South High lands. Telephone 9SS)
 The news of the death of Edgar w. Wye at his home in North Carolina brought sadness to many a heart, for this sfngu- lar genius had won his way into the homes of America because he had the power to tighten the burdens of life with his grotesque humor. Every week his contributions to many of the leading journals, illustrated as they were with uncanny pictures of the writer, were ea- gerly read by thousands, to whom his absurdities irresistibly appealed. Like sunshine upon leaden clouds, his wit and satire played upon everyday cases, mak- ing many lives lighter and easier to bear. His fun-for this it was in its most una dulterated form-waS refreshing and un- failing and the hundreds of thousands who laughed at his whimsical fancies little dreamed that they came from brave, dauntless soul, striving to attaln goal ere the night came. This American humorist had his pathetic side, as have all genuine wits and sunshine-makers Of the world; but he only allowed the multi tude to enjoy his fun, While perhaps ms heart was throbbing with pain ana ois- appointment Edgar w. Nye-.Bili Nye
  nesses, but who has not? And the strug- gles he made to retrieve lost ground were as touching as noble, and appear to the sympathy of men and women. In sllence and without complaint he waged ms pat tle for a higher life. That in this he sue ceeded those who knew him best testlfy to his victory. He fell, as have fallen many brave men, in the ceaseless stfiV- ings of this earthly existence, overcome physically by it's weights and burdens. nc hpail is at rest, and so is his big, warm heart while his soul has found an abiding place among the angels.
 Who can estimate the magnetic charm of humor? Who can even approximate the power it exercises in our lives and the lives of our fellow men? If you were at the First Methodist church last Sunday evening, when it was literally packed with one of the most remarkable congre- gations that ever greeted preacher, you would have had an opportunity to judge somewhat of it's cause and erect It's cause was Sam Jones, that eeclesias- tical genius who possesses every power requisite for the mastery Of man; ana US effect was visible in every race or that magnificent aggregation Of humanity. Sam Jones Is without peer in his pecu- liar line and his eloquence, sometimes as tender as that of St. John, sometimes as appalling as that St. Paul before Festus, awakes a slumbering soul and puts every rational creature who hears him to thinking of the great problems of life Like a skillful surgeon, he cuts into the flesh and lays bare the fostering wound then. with a touch as gentle as that or a mothers hand, he applies the heanng power of Gods promises. Yet, with all this. he tells in his inimitable way the broadest jokes, often very questionaple as regards taste but which are intended to convey certain needed lessons.
 Sam Jones is, as he says, an .'unnice preacher, but he is man or immense mental force and an honest exponent of the doctrines he teaches. He sWays and controls the emotions or men ac- cording to his own moods, ana, Whetner we approve all his methods or not, we must admit that he is fearless, untir- ing Christian trying to lead men and Wo- men inward His personal magnetism is one of his very many remarkapie at tributes and in him, as a preacher, the world has lost one of the greatest poiit. ical leaders. He possesses every tralt necessary for success Tn poi.icsu,a strong, big brain. warm, sympathetic nature, indomitable will power, undaunt- ed courage the ability to influence ana control men, an appreciation or the nu- morous side of life, and that nerve force that makes men govern brutes. sam Jones is one of the marvels Of our day and it is a waste of time to attempt to describe him. It is worse than waste of time to endeavor to depreciate his wonderful genius and power.
 Mrs Kate Gray of New York is the guest of her cousins, MT. and Mrs Jo- seph R. Smith, Jr. She arrived last night.
 Mrs. Charles J. Smith will entertain several friends at luncheon tomorrow ln honor of Mrs. Kate Gray of New fork. 
 The Aurora Literary club will meet to- morrow afternoon at o'clock with Misses Ferrie and Millie Napp at the Morris hotel. The attention of the mem hers of the club is called to this an- nouncement.
 The members of the Edgewood Literary circle were the guests Of Mrs. 'qnn .nd w; Taylor and, J. G. Holland, their lives and their writings, were discussed Dy the club. Mrs. McCary read a. blographlcal sketch of Bayard Taylor and Mrs. Harry Mrs. William H. Johnston read an orlgl- nal paper upon U. G. Holland and the Fffects of His Writings Upon the Times. Mrs. E. w. McCrossin being unavoidably absent, her paper prepared for that meet ing was not read. Delicious refreshments were served after the literary exercises, when the circle adjourned to meet next with Mrs. Arthur Adams
 
 Tn Daughters of Israel will give their seventh annual masquerade ball tnls evening at ErswelPs hall.
 Miss Lottie Kaufman of Columbus, D., who has been the guest for several weeks of Miss Flora solomon, has gone to vlsit friends at Meridian, Miss.
 It is announced the x-President Har- rison and Mr~ Dimmick will be married on Easter Monday, April 6.
 It will be gratifying piece of news to all lovers of music in Birmingham to know that Mrs. c. Lawrence Lavretta of Mobile is going to sing the part of Err mimic in the opera being prepared by Miss Terrell and MT Williams. Mrs I,ayretta, it will be remembered, sung the part of Airline in Bohemian Girl" when it was given here and at Selma by inc Apollo club, and she captivated ev- eryone in both cities by her superb sing ing and acting. "Erminie' is sure to be a crowning success with this charming singer in the title role. The next rehear- sal of the chorus will take place at the u.I,otoare' armOry Friday evening at &