PHOENIXONIAN SOCIETY.
We had the pleasure on the fourth of July of attending the sixth anniversary
of the New York Phoenixonian Literary Society, and feel that it is but an act
of justice to the young gentlemen, members of that Institution, to express the
high gratification with which we witnessed the evidences of mental ability and
sound and accurate scholarship exhibited at that literary fete. - Without any
flattery to the Phoenixonians, we must say, that from our personal acquaintance
with all the members of the Society, we believe that they are all possessed
of talents far above mediocrity, and some from their age and opportunities we
would even rank among the most gifted intellects in the land. And we would furthermore
say, that from the quiet, unostentatious, yet straight onward manner in which
they conduct the affairs of their society, we also believe that their course
is one which will not only tend to the development of their own mental faculties,
but will exert a powerful moral influence upon the better part of our community.
With the recitations we were generally pleased - not altogether, however, and
we hope that in stating our reasons, the critique will be taken in good part.
There was in our opinion rather too great a disposition to what is technically
termed the ore rotunda in speaking, and also too great a departure from what
is really natural - the chief and distinguishing beauty in all oratory. In delivering
the poetical sentiments of another, there is much danger of running into this
defect, and by it frequently the effect which the poet intended to produce is
entirely lost. The natural, therefore, in speaking what is original, or in exclamation,
is not only the most pleasing, but is always most acceptable to an audience
of taste and judgment. This defect (or rather what in our humble opinion we
have taken upon ourselves to criticize as a defect) is by no means with the
gentlemen in question beyond remedy, for their good sense connected with their
superior oratorical powers, can remove it with the smallest exertion.
As to the dissertations, we can speak of both of them but with praise. That on "Wordsworth" was not only classical, but poetically beautiful. The introduction, although rather lengthy, was filled up with sound thoughts, beautiful sentiments, and splendid and happy quotations. The imagery employed to express the speaker's thoughts were such as must have entranced the soul of every one present, and made them acknowledge that the gentleman himself must have a soul imbued with the divine spirit of poesy [poetry]. The character which he gave of Wordsworth as a poet of the highest order, we believe was not overwrought, and the comparison which he instituted between Milton, the Homer of Britain, and the subject of his dissertation, was well sustained, and the judicious selections of the sublime and beautiful taken from each, and compared, showed clearly that Wordsworth was possessed of as creative a fancy, and of as sublime conceptions, as the illustrious author of Paradise Lost. We must readily say, that although we have always admired and loved Wordsworth, for the high-toned moral feeling, the impassioned sentiment and poetical eloquence which breathe throughout his poetry, yet after we heard the dissertation by our young friend and schoolmate, we must confess that we now love the bard more, and hereafter will read him more, and more attentively. We are much mistaken if the entire effort of Mr. CHARLES L. REASON, did not give universal satisfaction.
With regard to the dissertation on the Fine Arts by Mr. << PATRICK REASON>>
, we can speak (notwithstanding there was too much egotism in various parts
of it) with no less pleasure. - Profound in thought, pure and chaste in diction,
and novel in some of the ideas, it was a composition of no ordinary merit. The
subject brought before the audience by him, is one which should recommend itself
to the attention and study of every intelligent mind among us, not only as a
source of great mental benefit, but of exhaustless mental gratification. The
Fine Arts are contrived to give pleasure to the eye and ear, which have in themselves
a natural aptitude to draw us from the immoderate gratification of corporeal
pleasures, and sensual appetites. A taste for these arts, as a justly celebrated
author says, "is a plant that grows naturally in many soils, but without
culture scarce to perfection in any soil; it is susceptible of much refinement,
and is by proper care greatly improved."
The benefits and delight resulting from a study of these subjects, particularly
of painting, upon which the gentleman dwelt with much force, was strongly and
strikingly exhibited, and powerfully urged upon the individuals present, and
a very true distinction was drawn between those persons who, delighted with
music, poetry and painting, resign themselves to feelings, without interposing
any judgment - and those who, having a clear conception of what is sweet in
music, sublime in poetry, and beautiful in painting, really receive from them
true permanent intellectual pleasure. Empirics, and pseudocritics in matters
of taste, did not here escape the speaker's notice, but received a regular volee'
from him; and with regard to all such literary quacks, we would also repeat
the quotation of the gentleman, "Grand Dieu delivre' nous de ses amateurs
sans amours, et de ses connoisseurs sans connoissance." - Great God, deliver
us from these amateurs without love, and from these judges without knowledge.
The whole subject, indeed, was handled by the worthy President in a masterly manner, and it is to be hoped that the effort will not be lost in the practical effects which it was intended to have upon the minds of the intelligent audience present on the occasion. We hope that the study of the Fine Arts will not be neglected by any who wish to make any pretensions to taste and refinement.
Having thus given but a short and imperfect sketch of the Phoenixonian Anniversary, we can but offer our sincere and hearty congratulations to the gentlemen, on their improvement, and the flattering success which seems to attend their institution, and we sincerely trust that they will continue to go on and prosper, and be blessings to themselves, and ornaments to the country of which they are citizens.
September 8, 1838
THE COLORED AMERICAN
New York, New York
AN ABSENT SUFFERER.
The dastardly attacks of Mr. Sidney on the Editor of this paper, in his absence,
are perfectly characteristic of him. Mr. Sidney is, mentally, remarkable for
the dangerous, and too often dirty, talent of wit and sarcasm. If he look not
well to his ways, his mental province will be the gathering and scattering of
scum instead of mining and burnishing gold.
Our remarks on Mr. Sidney's mind, in No. 59 of our paper - March 3rd, were true
to the life, - a better portrait of him than any painter can draught. They were
made in the best of feeling; and designed for the best of purposes. Yet, alas!
such was the weakness of the young man, that they gave offence, and such is
his imprudence, that on all possible occasions, he demonstrates their truth.
Who that heard him the other evening, will not readily admit, that the Editor
of the "Colored American," knows him better than he knows himself?
Mr. Sidney depends too much on gathering the flowers already produced. If he
ever make a man he must learn to plant the bushes and cultivate his materials.
- The mere gatherer is but a greedy consumer - He may rob, but never will enrich
the world. Nature has done much for Mr. Sidney, physically, - she has been lavish
in dispensing to him her physical gifts. His person manly, his manner perfect,
and his voice bewitching: yet, as we before said, Mr. Sidney is defective in
judgment, and still more defective in prudence. His fruitfulness, his brilliancy,
his wit and his sarcasm, which are HIS, constitutionally and by inheritance,
are unbalanced by intellectual power. So long as he continues to despise counsel,
and neglect deep research, and rigorous mental discipline, his defective judgment
and constitutional imprudence will be the sport of circumstances, always creating
and involving himself and others in difficulties.
In support of this opinion we need only refer to the jumble mixture of misconceived
ignorance and impudence over the signature of "A Phoenixonian," in
our 78th No. August 18th. As the writer of which, the name of the modest and
innocent << Patrick Reason>> was given; but we knew better. Who
that heard Mr. Sidney, the other evening will not agree with us, that both attacks
were manufactured in the same mill and thrown out by the same unbalanced machinery?
Will our readers please to turn to that number and read for themselves the puerile,
abusive attack. We inserted it merely because one of our worthy proprietors,
feeling himself insulted by our remarks under "Publico," urged its
insertion. This only gave it consequence, or any other equally judicious and
intelligent body of our brethren, to decide between us and the committee, whether
we transcended the province of a public Editor or not in those remarks. We beg
our disinterested brethren, at once, to settle this difficulty between us. We
have suffered the abuse of our opponents without making note or comment; while
at the same time, had we deemed it our privilege to devote our columns to personal
vindication, or had we been week [sic] enough to be roused by such antagonists,
we could not only have riddled them, but mentally -
"To the winds could we have puffed them."
We now correct two misrepresentations of Mr. Sidney's and then we are done.
The first is his apology for his sarcastic abuse of our humble self, in the
political meeting. Mr. Sidney stated that we "closed our columns against
a reply to 'Publico' and our remarks." This was false; - we repeatedly
asked Mr. Bell, one of the committee, "will you reply to Publico?"
He said "NO - we will treat him with contempt!" WE then determined
to close the controversy, by refusing "Publico's" second communication;
- meanwhile stating, editorially and under the pen, that it might not be overlooked,
- that our remarks were open to any respectful strictures the committee, composed
of Mr. Sidney, Zuille, Reason, Bell, and Barbary, saw proper to make; - and
did actually afterwards, publish the abuse of, "A Phoenixonian." So
much for Mr. Sidney's first misrepresentation. Now for the second.
That "The elderly men were opposed to the advancement of the young."
Read "A Phoenixonian," No. 78 of our paper. This is also false. Young
men, we are your friend: all that we are and all that we have is, and shall
be consecrated to your advancement and elevation. The older men are willing,
and will do all in their power to assist you in going forward in the acquirement
and maintenance of your rights. Their greater experience is always ready, to
be united with your deeper acquirements, in the elevation of our depressed and
injured people. So much for Mr. Sidney's second misrepresentation.
May 2, 1840
THE COLORED AMERICAN
New York, New York
For the Colored American.
STEWARD'S AND COOK'S MARINE BENEVOLENT SOCIETY.
On Wednesday evening, 1st ult., we had the pleasure of attending the third anniversary
of this exceedingly praiseworthy and successful institution, held at the Phoenix
Saloon. The annual address, (which we subjoin,) was delivered by the venerable
President, Mr. John Mitchell, in his usually impressive and dignified style.
From the Secretary's report it appeared that there were 89 members on this roll,
that five have died during the past year, and one remains on the sick list.
We gleaned from the Treasurer's report, that after disbursing during the past
year $144.50, there remains in the treasury $548.42, a large sum, when we remember
the short time during which the Association has existed.
Among the disbursements, we were pleased to notice one for an engraved certificate of membership and seal, designed and executed in a masterly manner by our esteemed friend, Mr. << Patrick Reason>> , of this city.
The reports and business being concluded, the Society adjourned to the dining room, in which we were pleased to notice a respectable number of our city clergy.
The dinner was most excellent, and we were highly delighted at the general hilarity which prevailed among the hardy sons of Neptune, frankly interchanging the best and noblest sentiments with us fresh water sailors, or, as they more technically called us - land lubbers.
Of the wines of course we did not partake, but we are fain to say, that if
the angel of temperance could wink at any indulgence, it would be over a scene
like this, where men, spared by the perils of the sea, united after long separation,
sit down to enjoy a fleeting hour which, in too many cases, may to them never
return.
In conclusion, we strongly recommend to our friends the necessity of joining
this excellent institution, which admits both landsmen and seamen, and affords,
from its present stability, and from the proverbial generosity of the majority
of its members, the best store-house we know of, for laying by a penny for a
rainy day.
S.
The following are some of the toasts given upon the occasion:
The Steward and Cook Marine Benevolent Society - their conduct always exemplary;
they merit incorporation by the Legislature.
The colored people - equal rights to them, as enjoyed by other men.
The memory of our departed members - peace be to their ashes.
The perilous and uncertain life of a sailor - may the wreck and condemned hull have a dock of their own, secure from tempest in its latter days.
The Colored American - a weekly periodical; may it be found in the hands of
every colored man.
Agriculture, Commerce, and the Mechanic Arts - may colored men participate in
all of these, in their various branches.
William Lloyd Garrison - the friend of man - the father of the anti slavery
movement in this country; may Israel's God shield him from harm.
The Anti Slavery, and all other Societies established for the amelioration of
the condition of man, upon Christian principles - "do unto others as you
would be done by."
The Tappans, the Jay, the Smith, the Burney, the Stewart, the Jocelyn, and many
others whom we cannot enumerate - may God bless their efforts to do good.
The Mutual Relief Society, and all other institutions established for benevolent purposes.
ADDRESS.
Nature, whatever shape thou wearest - whether on the mountains of Nova Zembla, or on the parched soil of the torrid tropics, still thou art amiable - still thou shalt guide our footsteps. With thy help, the life allotted to this weak, this tender fabric, shall be rational and just. Those gentle emotions in all thy parts teach us to participate in another's woes, to sympathize with distress, and feel a glow of satisfaction at the happiness of others.
We are assembled on this occasion in obedience to the Constitution and rules of the Steward's and Cook's Marine Benevolent Society. As the organ of that respectable body, permit me to congratulate you on the return of this day, which ushers in its third anniversary, in our corporate capacity. When we reflect upon the various vicissitudes of life to which mankind is so generally exposed, and the advantages derived by our united efforts, exercised faithfully in the cause of humanity, to administer comfort and cheer the hearts of the widow and orphan - to relieve the distressed, and soften the frowns of poverty, by timely aid to the afflicted, and say,
"'T is not to pause, when at our door
A shivering brother stands,
To ask the cause that made him poor,
Or why he help demands;"
when we review the operations of this Society for the past year, in all its
useful bearings, and behold the goodness of God in providing for all our wants,
especially in guarding and protecting so many of our brothers from the perils
and dangers incident to the sea, and in returning so many from long, protracted
voyages across the vast Atlantic, to the fond embraces of their beloved families,
and to the social circle, restoring them to the midst of endearing society -
surely, brethren, our hearts will respond in high tones of gratitude to the
author and giver of all good, for his bountiful mercies bestowed upon us.
It is true that we have had to mourn the bereavement of five of our noble and
generous-hearted members, viz: - John Burchel, John Burns, John W. Lewis, John
Bondy, and George Anthony. They were taken away by the hand of death - peace
to their ashes! - May their names be cherished and held sacred to memory by
the members of this Society, to the latest posterity. They have gone to reap
the reward of their faithfulness. Brethren, it is our high privilege to prepare
ourselves to meet them in the land of spiritual happiness. It is also painful
for me to state to you that brother Lewis Harrison is still on the bed of affliction;
but it gives me pleasure to announce to you, that the motto of this Society
is duly and regularly attended to, agreeable to the Constitution - we will heal
the wound of the fatherless.
Charity envieth no man. -
"'T is not to spurn that brother's prayer,
For faults he once had known -
'T is not to leave him in despair,
And say that we have none."
Brethren, it is with pleasure that I state to you, that from the accurate report
of your committee of finance, and others, our Society has rapidly increased
in numbers and respectability since our last anniversary. - This is cause for
our mutual congratulation. It behooves us further to rejoice at the interest
that has been awakened in behalf of our Society, highly honorable to the head
and heart of a fellow Society, desiring our success and prosperity; they deserve
our warmest thanks and admiration.
We cannot let this occasion pass by, without noticing the very friendly and polite attention this Society has received from the Mutual Relief Society; and the marked and distinguished manner in which the eloquent orator, Philip A. Bell, has been pleased to notice, in a peculiar manner, the Steward's and Cook's Marine Benevolent Society. We do heartily respond to that Society, for mutual relief, and hope that their efforts may prove effectual to posterity.
Having no desire to weary your patience with any further remarks, I close with this serious admonition - respect yourselves, and you will be respected; strict adherence and obedience to the Constitution and rules, upon all occasions in society, are the fundamental principles, without which it is impossible for a Society to support itself. Let your conduct always be respectful; be calm in the selection of your officers, knowing that peaceable and orderly behavior will always command admiration abroad, and will ensure union and harmony among ourselves.
We fully agree in the opinion expressed by S., of this noble institution. These
noble sons, who traverse al waters, shall have our best wishes for their prosperity,
and the success of their praiseworthy institution. We shall say more when we
have more time. - ED. COL. AM.
July 15, 1865
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
THE COLORED PEOPLE'S NATIONAL
MONUMENT,
TO THE MEMORY OF
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
The National Lincoln Monument Association, organized in Washington, D.C., April 25, 1865, for the sole purpose of erecting a Colored People's National Monument to the memory of Abraham Lincoln.
OFFICERS:
REV. H.H. GARNET, President.
JAMES WORMLEY, Vice President.
STEPHEN SMITH, Philadelphia, Pa., Treasurer.
WALKER LEWIS, Washington, D.C., Ass't. Treas.
LEWIS A. BELL, Recording Secretary.
WM. J. WILSON, Corresponding Secretary.
RESIDENT BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Carter A. Stewart,
Thos. E. Green,
Wm. Syphax,
Samuel Datcher,
Collins Cruse,
G. Snowden,
John F. Cook,
Wm. A. Nichols,
Sam. Williams.
AN APPEAL.
This Association now earnestly appeal to a loyal public, without distinction of color, to exert all their influence towards the accomplishment of this purpose, namely: The erection of a Colored People's Monument, in memory of our late beloved President, Abraham Lincoln; said monument to be a SEAT OF LEARNING, dedicated to God, to Literature, and to the Arts and Sciences, and shall be held and appropriated for the education of the Children of Freemen and Freedmen, and their descendants forever, and to be called "The National Lincoln Monumental Institute," to be located in the District of Columbia.
The Association most earnestly solicit contributions from the friends of the
ever-to-be-lamented Chief Magistrate, and the friends of progress every where,
for this noble undertaking; a Monument not of marble nor of brass merely, but
a Monument of Education. Marble may crumble, brass may tarnish, but the light
of learning is as enduring as time.
Deeply sensible, therefore, that in no other way can the people of color so
well perpetuate the memory of Abraham Lincoln, as by carrying out, in this manner,
the great aim he had in view - the education of their race throughout the land
- this Association confidently relies upon the hearty co-operation of all the
true friends of the venerated dead.
Churches, Sabbath schools, Masonic and Odd Fellows' societies, Benevolent and
all other associations, especially of colored persons, every where, and regiments,
officers and soldiers, all are most earnestly called upon to contribute to aid
of this work.
The National Lincoln Monument Association is a permanency; the Monument will
be built; its light will be spread abroad.
This Association then invites all to come up to its help and thus assist in
diffusing that light, and making a venerated name imperishable.
Friends, north, south, east and west, let your responses to this appeal be speedy,
and equal to the occasion which calls them forth.
REV. H.H. GARNET, President.
WILLIAM J. WILSON,
LEWIS A. BELL, Secretaries.
Agents will be appointed only under seal, with written signatures of the officers.
All business letters should be addressed to the Corresponding Secretary.
All contributions may be remitted to the Treasurer, Rev. Stephen Smith, Lombard
Street, between Ninth and Tenth streets, Philadelphia, Penna., or to the Assistant
Treasurer, Walker Lewis, at the office of the Association, 281 G Street, Washington,
D.C.
LIFE DIRECTORS.
Right Rev. Daniel A. Payne,
Right Rev. J.J. Clinton,
Right Rev. W.H. Bishop,
Right Rev. J.P. Campbell,
Right Rev. J.D. Brooks,
Right Rev. Samson Taibet,
Right Rev. Willis Nazrey,
Rev. D.W. Anderson,
Rev. Elisha Weaver,
Rev. J.W. Loguen,
Rev. Singleton T. Jones,
Rev. John N. Marr,
Rev. Alfred Boulden,
Hon. Charles Sumner,
Gen. Wm. Duane Wilson,
Hon. Gerrit Smith,
Major M.R. Delany,
Jas. McCrummill, M.D.,
Paul Drayton,
Robert Hamilton,
John Peterson,
<< Patrick Reason>> ,
William Deitz.
STATE OFFICERS.
VICE PRESIDENTS. - James F. Murray, Bangor, Me.; Rev. Leonard A. Grimes, Boston, Mass.; George T. Downing, Providence, R.I.; Rev. F.C. Cardozo, New Haven, Conn.; Frederick Douglas, Rochester, N.Y.; Rev. Chas. H. Thompson, Newark, N.J.; Jacob C. White, Sr., Philadelphia, Pa.; William Graves, Wilmington, Del.; Rt. Rev. A.W. Wayman, Baltimore, Md.; Fields Cook, Richmond, Va.; A.H. Galloway, Newbern, N.C.; Robert Small, Charleston, S.C.; David Jenkins, Columbus, Ohio; Right Rev. Wm. P. Quinn, Indianapolis, Ind.; John Jones, Chicago, Ill.; Rev. P.G. Wells, St. Louis, Mo.; Daniel L. Lapday, Nashville, Tenn.; J.D. Richards, Detroit, Mich.; Philip A. Bell, San Francisco, Cal.; J.H. Ingraham, New Orleans, La.
DIRECTORS. - Samuel J. Murray, Portland, Me.; Dr. John B. Smith, Boston, Mass.; James Jefferson, Providence, R.I.; Wm. F. Johnson, Bridgeport, Ct.; Dr. Jas. McCuen Smith, New York City, N.Y.; Frederick revels, Camden, N.J.; Wm. Whipper, Columbia, Pa.; Thomas Caldwell, Camden, Del.; Rev. Samuel W. Chase, Baltimore, Md., Robert Robinson, Alexandria, Va.; Alfred Howe, Wilmington, N.C.; Peter H. Clark, Cincinnati, Ohio; Willis R. Revels, Indianapolis, Ind.; Henry O. Wagner, Chicago, Ill.; Rev. M.M. Clark, St. Louis, Mo.; Nelson Walker, Nashville, Tenn.; George H. Parker, Detroit, Mich.; T.M.D. Ward, San Francisco, Cal.; Rev. Wm. A. Dove, New Orleans, La.
DR. J.B. SMITH, General Agent.
Office, 281 G. Street, Washington, D.C.
Other States, &c., will be filled as soon as the proper gentlemen can be obtained for the offices.
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