To give the sailora a pleasant evening was the thought inspired by listening to U. 8. Consul Davidson's unique and attractive lecture at the Union Church Hall, before the Photographic Society.
A call upon the U. 8. Consul-General was repaid with the desired promise, and the "ball was set rolling." The Guardship Monadnock, U.S. Consul-General Goodnow, the President of the Municipal Council, St. John's College, and Mr. Edward Wheen, were successively visited, also the well-known and popular music firm of Moutrie and Ca. The " Boys in Blue" were the topic of the hour, and the most gratifying success was had in enlisting all these friends of the seamen to aid in an entertainment on their behalf. A delightful trip to the British Fleet at Woosung, and a call on Rear-Admiral Curzon, on boort H. M. Albion, amply rewarded the efforts to secure his kindly interest in the plan, and the Editors of the daily papers were equally courteous, and proved once more that "the penis mightier than the sword." The British ships Albion, Centurion, Eclipse, Vengeance, Phenix, Rosario, Humber, Hart, Janus, Sparrowhawk, and Whiting, and the American ships Monadnock, Raleigh, and Vicksburg, were invited, and although a few of them went to seam the midst of preparations, the majority of them aece; ted, and sent as large a contingent as possible to the ex. hibition in their honour. The chief feat. ure of the programme, Consul Davidson's lecture on the Polar Sea, was beautifully Jillustrated with lime-light pictures, as j large as life; and the lecture was preceded by.a most enjoyable little musicale carried out by members of the Mouadnock Band, Miss Maggie Richard, and Miss McPhail. Some choice vocal music was rendered by Mrs. 0. P. Newton and Miss E. Dicterle, accompanied by Miss Mamie V. Andrews. Woe must not fail to mention the much-appreciated Pianola solo, rendered by Mr. H. Riches, of Moutrie and Ca; nor time favourites, "God save the King", "The Red, White and Blue," and Home, Sweet Home," sung by the men themselves. The lecture was much-enjoyed success, and the closing series of striking views, entitled "Rock of Ages," was a suitable climax to the fine exhibition of Natural Wonders of the Frozen North. Hearty thanks were voted to Consul Davidson, the Municipal Council, and all who assisted in the progrannne, which gave ample proof that those present thoroughly appreciated the hind intentions of their entertainers and their many well-wishers in Shanghai.
The Rev. and Mrs. J. Woodberry, whose efforts made the entertainment possible, deserve the thanks of the sailors for the enjoyable evening, as do also the other friends who took part in it.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.