Inaugural Address to the Calliopean Society by Richard Y. Dwight, April 4, 1856
Title
Inaugural Address to the Calliopean Society by Richard Y. Dwight, April 4, 1856
Description
Inaugural address delivered to the Calliopean Society by Richard Y. Dwight on April 4, 1856.
Creator
Source
AF Dwight
Publisher
The Citadel Archives and Museum
Date
Rights
Materials in The Citadel Archives & Museum Digital Collections are intended for educational and research use. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright. For more information contact The Citadel Archives & Museum, The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, 29409.
Format
application/pdf
Language
English
Type
Text
Identifier
https://citadeldigitalarchives.omeka.net/items/show/1266
Coverage
Charleston (S. C.)
Text
[Page 1]
Inaugural Address
Before
The Calliopean Society
By
Richard Y. Dwight
April 4th 1856 –
[Page 2]
Gentlemen,
Custom has made it becoming that I should make a few remarks on this occasion, - but were it not customary I could not refrain from giving expression to the feelings it induces – Being by a year the oldest member of the Calliopean Society – it is but natural that I should have a peculiar love of her with whom I have been so long & so intimately connected and who has been the source of [illegible] enjoyment to me – But my affection for her is infinitely increased by the responsibilities which are about to devolve upon me. Through many discouragements have I ever been faithful to her – and aided in bringing her to the high position which she now occupies – How grateful then must it be to my feelings thus to be called to preside over her – and direct her deliberations – Gentlemen I will not occupy your attention while I recount to you in asserting my love for [illegible] Society – Let my actions speak – By them I will be judged – But I will not omit on this occasion to extend to you advice and warning which I cannot think will be disregarded – Gentlemen it has been with feelings which I know not how to characterize that I have viewed the levity with which many of the members of the Society [illegible] to regard its meeting characterized the our meetings – and I have not unfrequently been indignant at the want of respect showed by some to the Pres – and the Society – I have sometimes felt that we had all much better be out
[Page 3]
than in the Hall – if it was thus to be made a mere Play Room – Nothing but any affection for the Society and the hope that it all arose from thoughtlessness and would soon be corrected, could have induced me longer to remain a member of the Society – I am happy to say, however, that the past two or three meetings tend to confirm my hopes – and I beseech each and every one of you to be careful – watchful of his deportment while in the Hall – All of us will take more interest in her welfare – and derive increased benefit and pleasure if our meetings are conducted with dignity and propriety – ‘Tis the best proof of a Society’s prosperity to see its members so occupied in her affairs, as to have no time nor inclination to indulge in levity –
You see then Gentlemen that I do not regard our Society as perfect – but while I am proud of her position – I would not cease to strive for a still loftier place –
Be assured then Gentlemen that no endeavours [sic] on my part shall be wanting to attain this end – and be apprized that my authority – tho’ justly – shall yet be exerted to its utmost in the maintenance of order and decorum in the Hall and in securing that respect to the Society which I regard as essential to her prosperity and success –
I therefore Gentlemen again beseech you to consider what I have said and take heed to my words – They are spoken in kindness and sincerity – and with the hope that you will the effect which I trust they may I will feel amply compensated for the unhappy cir-
[Page 4]
cumstances which have called them forth – and will feel satisfied that my efforts have not been in vain – Let me say in conclusion then Gentlemen that we should never be satisfied with our position – what if we are better off than we were 10 years ago – can not we go higher? – Gentlemen “Progress” is our motto – you will find it inscribed on the badges of the Society – write it in your [illegible] and let it ever prompt you to push forward “to the prize of your high calling” –
Inaugural Address
Before
The Calliopean Society
By
Richard Y. Dwight
April 4th 1856 –
[Page 2]
Gentlemen,
Custom has made it becoming that I should make a few remarks on this occasion, - but were it not customary I could not refrain from giving expression to the feelings it induces – Being by a year the oldest member of the Calliopean Society – it is but natural that I should have a peculiar love of her with whom I have been so long & so intimately connected and who has been the source of [illegible] enjoyment to me – But my affection for her is infinitely increased by the responsibilities which are about to devolve upon me. Through many discouragements have I ever been faithful to her – and aided in bringing her to the high position which she now occupies – How grateful then must it be to my feelings thus to be called to preside over her – and direct her deliberations – Gentlemen I will not occupy your attention while I recount to you in asserting my love for [illegible] Society – Let my actions speak – By them I will be judged – But I will not omit on this occasion to extend to you advice and warning which I cannot think will be disregarded – Gentlemen it has been with feelings which I know not how to characterize that I have viewed the levity with which many of the members of the Society [illegible] to regard its meeting characterized the our meetings – and I have not unfrequently been indignant at the want of respect showed by some to the Pres – and the Society – I have sometimes felt that we had all much better be out
[Page 3]
than in the Hall – if it was thus to be made a mere Play Room – Nothing but any affection for the Society and the hope that it all arose from thoughtlessness and would soon be corrected, could have induced me longer to remain a member of the Society – I am happy to say, however, that the past two or three meetings tend to confirm my hopes – and I beseech each and every one of you to be careful – watchful of his deportment while in the Hall – All of us will take more interest in her welfare – and derive increased benefit and pleasure if our meetings are conducted with dignity and propriety – ‘Tis the best proof of a Society’s prosperity to see its members so occupied in her affairs, as to have no time nor inclination to indulge in levity –
You see then Gentlemen that I do not regard our Society as perfect – but while I am proud of her position – I would not cease to strive for a still loftier place –
Be assured then Gentlemen that no endeavours [sic] on my part shall be wanting to attain this end – and be apprized that my authority – tho’ justly – shall yet be exerted to its utmost in the maintenance of order and decorum in the Hall and in securing that respect to the Society which I regard as essential to her prosperity and success –
I therefore Gentlemen again beseech you to consider what I have said and take heed to my words – They are spoken in kindness and sincerity – and with the hope that you will the effect which I trust they may I will feel amply compensated for the unhappy cir-
[Page 4]
cumstances which have called them forth – and will feel satisfied that my efforts have not been in vain – Let me say in conclusion then Gentlemen that we should never be satisfied with our position – what if we are better off than we were 10 years ago – can not we go higher? – Gentlemen “Progress” is our motto – you will find it inscribed on the badges of the Society – write it in your [illegible] and let it ever prompt you to push forward “to the prize of your high calling” –
Citation
Dwight, Richard Y., 1837-1919, “Inaugural Address to the Calliopean Society by Richard Y. Dwight, April 4, 1856,” The Citadel Archives Digital Collections, accessed May 2, 2024, https://citadeldigitalarchives.omeka.net/items/show/1266.