brethren? How shall we get in some funny songs, so as not only to please the laughter-loving ones that are here, but. thus also advertise fun for a future gathering. For if this occasion ends without fun there will be no chance for another haul from the outsiders. But the grave clergy-if the light of their countenances is withdrawn there will be also an end to this grand festival of church music."

Fortunately this was not the first concert "the Professors" held under the auspices of the church. The plan had been long since matured, and is part of the business. Hear one of the Professors discoursing, by way of introduction, something like this: "Ladies and gentlemen-It is the object of this festival to cultivate church music. We have now sung a number of sacred pieces, and you have noticed the deep, rich, solemn melody. Sacred music is the highest order of music, &c. Now, it is necessary, in order to show the great difference between church music and all other music of a light kind, that we sing some of quite another character. You will see the vast difference in the expression, sentiment, intonation," &c. Then came the songs, the doggerel, the burlesques, and the fun

"Till sides and benches failed."

They saw "the difference," especially the clergy! It is not often they have an opportunity of seeing and hearing "the vast superiority of church music" to this "of quite another character."

"At first"-this is the confession of one of them-" at first I felt strangely, wished myself out, saw the impropriety of giving countenance to it; but then he said it was to show the difference, and it did." The others also felt for a moment as if an insult had been offered to their office; but the feeling vanished before the plausible excuse that it was "to show the difference." It belonged to the science of sacred music-it must be in order to bring out the true idea of church music in contrast-this is now well settled "in the East"--this is part of the wonderful progress of the science.

Of course it does not become us, who are not from "the East," to set up our own private judgments in such matters. The principle is perhaps correct. If so, we would suggest whether it would not be well for pastors, after preaching a sermon on profane swearing, immediately to swear some, to show the people "the differOn the same principle it might be well for our choirs always to close with Unele Ned or Yankee Doodle!

ence."

I am ashamed that I am a man, when I see men, with human faces on them, stoop to such silly impositions on their fellows for money!

But the end is not yet. This is only a few drops before the shower. This is only preparatory-the gathering of the first fruits. Let us hasten on to the grand harvest. Prepare to shell

out your quarters at a richer rate for the glory of "church music" and "the blessing of posterity." Come, obey the wires, ye docile inhabitants of the Inland city-follow the stars of the East, and they will show you where to pour out your treasures of small change.

This concert was given on the 19th. "The Professors were compelled to leave for a short time. They are the principal singers in Boston, and have to proceed yonder to meet singing engagements there. But they will return, if sufficient encouragement is given." So the word went through private circles. There is hope. On the 25th the following appeared in the Inland Daily:

"PROPOSED MUSICAL CONVENTION.-Professors Johnson and Frost, together with the talented ladies who accompany them, have it in contemplation, provided they receive sufficient encouragement from our citizens, to hold a grand musical festival here, about the first of next March. To secure this desirable object,

it is only necessary for the lovers of pure and rippling melody in our midst, to purchase two hundred tickets, at the very moderate cost of one dollar each, which ticket will give the person holding it an admission to all their concerts and lectures for that time."

Only two hundred dollars to begin with! Will it be raised? Of course. The choirs are enlisted.

"MUSICAL CONVENTION.-By an advertisement in another column, it will be seen that the arrangements for the proposed Musical Convention have been completed, and we believe nearly all the tickets sold. We would advise those of our citizens who have not yet procured their tickets to this Grand Musical Festival to do so without delay, as we believe the number is limited."

"The number is limited!" Let those who would "see the difference" and "bless their posterity" hasten or they will be too late.

Here is progress surely. The time arrives, and so do "the Professors." But where shall it begin? It must begin with "the church," and have the countenance of the clergy. Read:

"MUSICAL CONVENTION.-By a notice in another column it will be seen that the Musical Convention will meet to-morrow morning, at 10 o'clook, in the Lecture Room of Rev. Mr. -'s church. There is a deep feeling abroad among our citizens, and especially among some of the clergy, in regard to the better cultivation of vocal church music, and we may anticipate a rare treat during this week.” -[Inland Daily, March 5.

Of the few days during which instructions were given, we have nothing to say. We have no doubt there were many useful matters in relation to music communicated; and against this part of the performance we utter not a word. Two hundred dollars, moreover, we think was good pay for all of it. Our object is only to show that all this was a mere means to another and a different end, and belonged to the preparatory buzzing, leading, and gathering, for the great swarm of humbug. It will at once be seen, by any one of the slightest penetration, that "one hundred choir singers,' together with the "deep feeling abroad among our citizens, and

especially among some of the clergy, in regard to the better cultivation of vocal church music," was not a small item in producing the current which should flow at length at a quarter a piece into Fulton Hall.

But the time draws on for the final harvest; behold, the field is whitening, and humbug is preparing to swarm:

"MUSICAL CONVENTION.-This association, composed of ladies and gentlemen in numbers sufficient to fill the session room in which they meet, have been in constant session since Tuesday morning, engaged in thorough practice under the instructions of Professors Johnson and Frost. The exercise will close this evening, with a public performance, in which a chorus of more than 100 singers will take part, assisted by those accomplished singers from Boston, Misses Smith and Whitehouse. We hope there will be a general turn out on part of our citizens. See advertisement.”—[Inland Daily, March 9.

This was announced by an advertisement as the closing concert. In the same paper was the following editorial:

"CONVENTION CONCERT.-Our readers will not forget that the last Concert of the Musical Convention will be given this evening, at which over ONE HUNDRED singers will participate. Fulton Hall will undoubtedly be filled to its utmost capacity."

"The last concert!" The prophecy at the close of this editorial notice was fulfilled. The hall was full. The "100 singers" attracted attention-the presence of the clergy, who were there on "free tickets," encouraged it. Even the man who would not advertise from his pulpit, and who had been overlooked before, had been attended to this time with a free ticket. Such was the tide by this time, that it was hoped that even this most unmusical, unprogressive, anti-humbug individual would be moved by the "rare treat" and the "free ticket." The sprinkle of fun which had been afforded at the previous concert, gave promise to the funny outsiders that the Professors of "church music" would not fail again to "show the difference!" and they flocked in numbers. Their hopes of fun were, moreover, confirmed by the word "songs, which stood in the advertisement among "hymn tunes" and "anthems," like wit peeping out between the folds of a bishop's gown. They were sure it would come-the doggerel. They were not disappointed; for as soon as "the Professors and the 100 singers" had given a reasonable share of sacred music, it was now time to "show the difference." In a moment more the whole solemn assembly is edified by a "Gipsy Song," by "Robin Ruff," and Gapher Green," closing with "Mr. and Mrs. Snibbs," a most silly and ridiculous burlesque, mocking the weaknesses and sins of men! This farce required one "Professor" to act out antics, make all kinds of clownish grimmaces, while the other "Professor" kept beating time upon his colleague's back, looking monkey at the audience the while. The scene can be better imagined than described. The outsiders roared; the "100 singers" looked half

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ashamed; professing Christians felt indignant at the insult, and the clergy saw "the difference!"

But the end is not yet. You had supposed that this is the winding up of the Humbug. You had good reason for thinking so; for did not the advertisement say: "Closing Concert.-The closing concert of the convention will be given in Fulton Hall THIS EVENING." Did not the editorial puff say: "Our readers will not forget that the last concert of the Musical Convention will be given this evening, at which one hundred singers will participate." This was reason enough to lead you to regard this as the end.

But no. The Humbug has succeeded too well to stop here. Are not 800 or 1000 quarters a consideration? Why not make another haul? Do not the outsiders shout and shake at the fun? Do not the 100 stand firm in the service? The dear clergy, are they not patient, and show unabated zeal and interest in the cultivation of sacred music, which is "so vastly superior" to any other kind, as they have seen? Any Yankee can see that the prospect of a rich second crop is good. Therefore, read the Inland Daily three days

after the concert:

"CONVENTION CONCERT.-The concert given by Professors Johnson and Frost, and their associates, at Fulton Hall, on Friday evening last, was attended by a large audience, the spacious hall being filled with admiring and delighted patrons. The change and improvement made by those who have been under the instruction of these gentlemen during their short stay, in Church music, is truly astonishing, and has awakened a spirit that we hope will continue to increase until the vocal music of all our churches shall be revived and improved. It is expected that another concert will be given at the Hall on Monday evening of next week."

Think of this pious allusion to "church music," after the farce and fun of Friday night.

"It is expected that another concert will be given." If so, the wires must be pulled by way of preparation. Humbug must buzz again before he can swarm. Therefore, in the Daily of March 14 appeared again an earnest appeal to our citizens who had greeted the Professors "with such generous enthusiasm in their former exhibition." But there ought to be some new feature in the next concert to give it freshness. Here it is:

(6 Miss WHITEHOUSE, having recovered the use of her voice, will assist in the exercises of the evening."

Who ever heard of a menagerie coming to a place for exhibition that had not some rare animal-the perfect wonder of the animal kingdom-that did not either die on the way the day before, or, fatigued from traveling, had to be left behind, but would be on for the second day's exhibition!

Meantime, while these preparations were going on, it was found that it would be too long to put off the concert until Monday of next week. It is hinted around that the tide of public sentiment

is fast turning the other way. Some of the "100 singers" are faltering the church-members "really don't like it"-the clergy throw themselves back upon their dignity. The feeling in favor of the "grand musical entertainment, for the improvement of church. singing" is growing "small by degrees and beautifully less." Delay is dangerous. Therefore read the Daily of March 1:

"It will be noticed that the meeting will be on THURSDAY instead of Monday, as at first designed."

The day has arrived-rally all, especially the "100 singers." Without them no stir can be made. Therefore read advertisement: "The members of the Convention will please meet for practice in Fulton Hall, at 9 o'clock, A. M.”

See, also, the Daily's editorial:

"MUSICAL CONVENTION.-The members of the late Musical Convention, will not forget that they are to meet this morning at 9 o'clock, in Fulton Hall"

Next, handbills are carried to every house. Mark in these bills the glorious promise of fun! It shall exceed by far anything which has preceded it. There is a special department opened for the outsiders. Read, for there is fun ahead-"the usual variety."

"PART THIRD will consist of pieces of a LIGHT and POPULAR character, sung by Miss M. J. SMITH, Miss S. E. WHITEHOUSE, and Professors JOHNSON and FROST. This part is introduced because the illness of Miss Whitehouse, at the first concert, rendered it impossible to present the usual variety. As Miss Whitehouse has recovered the use of her voice, the usual variety will be introduced in this part."

Thus far the preparations are all made-only a good editorial is yet needed. Therefore read in the Daily of Thursday, March 15:

"THE MUSICAL CONCERT.--Having always in view whatever may tend to the mental gratification and intellectual enjoyment of our citizens, we consider it an imperative duty to direct special attention to the grand musical entertainment which will take place this evening, at Fulton Hall. The spectacle of a

choir numbering over one hundred singers, is sight enough to venture the price of a ticket, but when to this is added their joining in the same anthems, the effect may be imagined, but not described."

*

You see at once in this, that the "100 singers" were put to a good use by "the Professors." The show of "over one hundred singers," is sight enough to venture the price of a ticket. A perfect show! And these "one hundred" have all their influence and their friends. How could "the Professors" do without them? Why they might have afforded well to give them their instructions gratis, only to get them as "sight enough to venture the price of a ticket."

Ah, the "one hundred" began, by this time, to see that they had all along been used as mere means to an end. The call to "meet for practice at 9 o'clock," fell dead upon their ears. In the evening the stage was comparatively thin, and so was the audience. Strange to say, the scales at once fell from the eyes of the community, the humbug was seen, but only after the community had been