Oration on Music.
The pleasure derived from music arises from its exciting agreeable sensations, and creating pleasing mental images and emotions. Apart from words, it expresses passion and sentiment; joined to words it becomes a beautiful illustration of language. From the earliest ages of the world music was held in high esteem, and in Egypt and Greece was considered an essential part of the religion of these ancient nations. God's greatest gift for man's pleasure is the hearing of sweet sounds. He gives us music in songs of the birds and there is such a variety of these aeriel musicians. In Paraguay, South America, is a bird called the "bell." When traveling through the forest one hears it at early morning, at mid-day and in the evening. So wonderfully like a bell is the note of this bird that on hearing its clear ring at regular intervals, one would suppose he were listening to the Angelus-bell from the tower of some church or monastery.
Music must be loved to be studied profitably. Each new step taken in the right direction develops power and suggests possibilities to the loving student.
Music is useful in all occupations of life. How often have we not heard of missionaries converting savage tribes by telling them the truths of religion in song.
The physician can bring music with his practice and calm a nervous patient by playing a soft, soothing air, which sometimes has more effect than medicine.
Music is not only a body healer, it is also a mind regulator. Inward activities are called up, and become new powers within the breasts, for, remember emotion nerves for action.
The most stupid horse that goes up hill to the sound of bells, the timidest soldier that marches to battle with fife and drum, the most delicate girl who spins around tireless in the dance, the poorest laborer who sings at his work, any of them will prove that music rouses and sustains emotion.
Painting, sculpture and other arts which men spend years and years acquiring are useful for this world only, but music they can take with them to Heaven.
O, music! thou language of the Gods, how shall I find words wherewith to sound thy praises. Thou art the soother of sorrows, earth is happy under thy influence, and Heaven would be deprived of half its glory without thee!
This was very much applauded, and Colonel O'Brien called out "well done, Father Mullen, you'll be giving us fine sermons in a few years."
Next number is:
| 6. Charge of the Uhlans | Carl Bohm |
| Mr. Clement Lowery. | |
| 7. Menuette l'Antique | Gobbart |
| Miss Nora O'Brien. | |
| 8. Ivy Leaves | H. Leston |
| Flossie Holloway. | |
| 9. L'Hirondelle | Leybach |
| Master Bo Allen. | |
| 10. Overture to Barbier de Seville | Rossini |
| Professor Rinaldi and Miss Marie Love. | |
| 11. Les Rameaux | |
| John Kenan. | |
| 12. Song—"The Bells that Ring for me" | Rinaldi |
| Miss Charlotte Verier. | |
| 13. Marche Triumphale | Mozart |
| Miss Amy and Bolax Allen. | |
This ended the rehearsal. Professor than spoke a few words thanking the audience for their evident appreciation of his pupils' efforts.
Colonel O'Brien, who seemed to be spokesman for the rest of the company, said: "Professor, it is we who should thank you. I can honestly say I am surprised at the proficiency of your pupils; either they have extraordinary talent or you are a wonderfully successful master. Now let us give three cheers for Professor and wish him health, happiness and great success for the coming year." The cheers were given with a hearty ring, for the dear gentleman was highly esteemed by every one.
"Professor," said Elmer. "Bolax knows a fine piece, I think it ought to be on the program." "Well, Elmer, not this time; I fear we have kept our audience too long for such a stormy night."
"Oh, no, no!" called out several of the ladies. "Come, Bo let us hear your oration."
"Oh, bother! It is not an oration; it's just a funny piece about a newsboy, who got into a church and is astonished at all he hears and sees."