Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-03-11
THE READINGS OF MIR. RILEY.
They Are Enjoyed by n Large and
Cultured Audience.

A large audience, representing the pride
of Richmonds fashion and culture, sat
enfaptured at the Academy OF Music last
night, and listened with delight to the
tinkling melody of James Whitcomb
Riley's verses, and to his inimitable dia-
lect stories II was only the assembly 5
eagerness TO hear more from the lips or
the HOOsier poet which prevented the
evening from being one continued round
of applause, for never has speaker been
more cordially received in this city. In
deed. the whole entertainment was unique.
Perhaps the fact that it was Tor the Dene-
fit OF Rosemary Library added to the en-
thusiasm of the occasion, but be this as
It may, the whole programme was one
Of unusual merit.
After a piano solo by Mr.. John II.
Powell, Jr., which, by the way, showed
most astonishing technique for one so
young, Mr.. Riley was introduced by Hon.
b. b. Munford. The latter's speech was
a little gem, both in point of taste and
appropriateness, and for the nonce APP
peared even to take aback the great west
ern poet. When Mr.. Riley arose he was
manifestly embarrassed. and for mo-
ment spoke with hesitation and feeling,
but quickly recovering himself, he launch
ed forth into that exquisite verse which
brings nature before our eyes, ana even
makes us forget our very environments.
Aside from the music OF his verslfca-
rls. The feeling in his voice, the express
sion in his strong face, the tenderness
OF his tones, and the grace OF his gestures
are in perfect consonance with MS SUD-
feet matter. His poetic sentiments are
like the brush of some great painter,
which brings the landscape before us, and
then completes the effect by adding the
cadence of babbling brooks and signing
trees and buzzing bees In clover-scented
meadows.
FUN are fully equal TO his powers OF de-
scription. and deep. deep down In his
heart there Is a vein OF tenderness ana
pathos that can evoke tears ana wiring
pity from the most unfeeling. IL would
be hard 70 say which Of Mr.. Rileys Sc
lections most pleased his auditors There
were tender verses OF bOyhOOd days,
mirthful descriptions OF honest farmers
quaint character sketches, sly ticks al the
emptiness of modern society, ana pest
of all. delightful limitations Of childish
babblings The audience was simply IN
satiable. and Mr.. Riley tactfully united
i'm the liberal applause accorded the musl-
clans of the evening, IN order 10 save NM
self very busy night. lie cohcluueu
with a scene wherein too very precOcious
Youngsters entertained young man visit
ing their big sister. And IL was here that
he took opportunity 10 introduce that
charming little poem, The Gobelins VIII
Git You If You Don't Look out.
The audience owe liberal share OF
their pleasure to Mrs. w Strother Smith.
who sang several songs with marked ef-
feet. Miss billiard, the yiolinist, was
second only to the Hoosier poet as the
evenings favorite, and was compelled to
respsnd to several encores.
Roth these talented musicians were cor
daily and enthusiastically received. Mr..
Riley appeared TO enjoy their selections
as much as the audience, and IL was gene
rally conceded that the musical features
IL Col ffaf.. rlsf4lg he
programme.
After the entertainment Mr.. Riley was
rendered a reception at the Womans
Club.