The evening times. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1906-1914, 1907-05-23
A FEAST Of REASON
CLOSES May
FESTIVAL
Banquet rendered Members of
Chorus BY Directors
Last Night.
FINANCIAL TOASTS
FOR THE DESERVING
Faithful Services Rewarded
and Neat Surplus Remains
For Next Year.
FINANCIAL TOASTS
FOR THE DESERVING

The May Musical Festival was
brought to a happy close last night
when the directors rendered a sump-
tuous banquet to the chorus at the
Commercial club rooms. The banquet
followed reception which began at
6 o'clock and lasted for half hour.
More than $50 guests enjoyed the
splendid feast which had been pre-
pared for the satisfaction of the inner
man by Caterer Logan. But far more
enjoyable was the feast of eloquence
which followed the consumption of
the delicacies.
o. NJ. Hatcher. president of the Ora
torio organization, was the presiding
genius and he performed the delicate
duties of the position in a manner that
would have done credit to Chauncey
Depew. His introduction speeches
pere witty, bright and original. The
first and most important address of
the evening was made by President
Robertson of Wesley college, which
institution is largely if not wholly re-
sponsible for the development of the
oratorical idea in Grand Forks. The
position of Wesley college in the mus
ical educational world is best told in
the language of President Robertson
himself. He said:
In the memorandum signed by
President Merrifield and myself on
Jan: 8, 1905, the teaching of music is
suggested as part of the work that
might properly be undertaken by
Wesley college because not within the
charter provision of the state univer-
sity. In undertaking this service for
the common good, Wesley college
came to an open field rich in promise.
1t is such prospect that gives joy to
the heart of the pioneer entering up
on the tillage of wide prairies rich
with sleeping harvests EMBODIED with
in the virgin soil. The stoutest heart
ed pioneer tolls in vain if earth and
air and sky work not together with
him. Unless he discovers where
these agents have stored their latent
wealth he marks no spot for teeming
cities and happy homes.
The beginning has been suspicious.
The festival just held was the realiza-
ton of a vision entertained when first
the plan of Wesley college was out
lined. The man selected for director
was chosen with direct view to this
public service. The choice has proven
happy one. But a director, even
though inspired as this one is by the
charming one. who is the incarnate
of the musician institution even
though it be conceived in wisdom and
guided by discretion, is fruitless, if
that is all there is to be counted upon
for such mission as this. Here if
anywhere. must the experience be
common that the poet sings:
Love took up the harp of life and
smote all the chords with might;
Smote the chord of self, that, trem-
bling, passed in music out of
We have just beheld the fulfillment
of the poets vision in a large way the
past week. Let this spirit continue
and the mission of music will bear its
blessings far and wide. and for in
creasing numbers life shall be enrich
ed,
"And the night shall be filled with
music,
And the cares that infest the day
Shall fold their tents. like the Arabs,
And as silently steal away"
A check for $3.50, which was pre-.
sented to Prof. Stout. as was indicated
in the Evening Times some days ago,
was the occasion for few happy and
appreciative remarks on 1.-THE Joys
and Sorrows of Conductor" by the
gentleman who so auspiciously direct
ed the chorus in it's successful work.
Prof. Stout was more than pleased at
the unsolicited and substantial token
of the appreciation of his efforts by
those to whom in a measure he was
responsible. Mrs. Stout. who was so
successful as accompanist, was also
made the recipient of check for $50
and she responded to the token of
appreciation Of her work in few
we'll chosen and expressive words.
]. w. Ogren, upon whom much of
the heavy labor of the organization