Los Angeles herald (Los Angeles [Calif.]), January 30, 1892
Thomas Paine.
His Disciples Celebrate The 155th Anniversary Of His Birth
Despite the falling rain last night fully 1000 people gathered in Illinois hall to celebrate the 155th anniversary of the birthday of Thomas Paine. The programme was excellent, but it was too long, and long before it was ended, at 11 o’clock p. m., two-thirds of the audience were gone. Besides the list of speakers, singers and poets, there were on the printed programme letters of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe, containing the writers’ acknowledgments of Paine’s patriotic services in the revolution.
Col. J. M. Yobs was the master of ceremonies, and first introduced Miss H. M. Ward, who rendered a piano solo. Miss May Bowman followed, with a recitation of Dr. J. L. York’s poem, In Memory of Thomas Paine. B. A. C. Stephens read an original poem, entitled, To Thomas Paine.
W. L. Foley of the Los Angeles bar was the orator of the evening. For one hour he held the audience interested in his portrayal of the life-work of Paine, and particularly in regard to the latter’s efforts to secure civil and religious liberty. At times Mr. Foley was really eloquent. He reviewed the entire personal career of his hero.
Mrs. Clara M. Mott’s vocal solo, Birds in Dreamland Sleep, was very pleasing. Dr. J. E. Clark gave a short address, and called attention to a lot of agnostic literature he had given away.
Prof. W. C. Bowman was vigorous in his protests against the slanders heaped on George Washington and Thomas Paine.
T. Bruce [last name illegible] was humorous and flowery in a short address.
The hour was getting late when S. Byron Welcome commenced to read from a manuscript, and the hour being nearly 11 o’clock, the audience began to go out.
Prof. W. T. Barker, colored, was the last on the programme, with a recitation, Sparticus’ Address to the Gladiators.
This was the second annual celebration in Los Angeles, and was a very creditable success, except as to the solitary fault above pointed out, too long a programme.