San Antonio daily light (San Antonio, Tex.), January 30, 1891
THOMAS PAINE
His Natal Day Celebrated With Due Eclat at Mission Garden Last Night
Last night, for the first time in the history of this city, was held a celebration in honor of that well known revolutionary figure, Thomas Paine, the author of “The Rights of Man,” “The Crisis,” and “The Age of Reason.” The occasion which drew to Mission Garden a very large number of ladies and gentlemen, filled the hall to the door, was the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the birth of this great pioneer of American free thought.
By eight o’clock, the large audience was seated, and Capt. Edgar Schramm, who was chairman of the occasion, ascended the platform. In a neat address eulogistic of Thomas Paine and his life, he opened the program of the evening. His address was followed by selections from the orchestra. Mr. Jno. H. Copeland was next introduced, giving a short but pointed address in which he reviewed the life and works of Paine. A selection on the guitar by Mr. W. J. Allen which followed the address, was well received. This was succeeded by a song by the San Antonio Maennerchor. A eulogy of Thomas Paine, well written and ably delivered was recited by Mrs. H. Stone. Mr. J. C. Cumberland next sang a comical song. The orchestra played a selection, and Capt. Schramm introduced Dr. J. L. York, who delivered, in his eloquent manner, the Paine oration, which was received by the enthusiastic audience with round after round of applause.
He spoke on “Heretics and Heresies,” appropriately eulogizing the life and work of Thomas Paine, as a patriot and philosopher. At the close of the oration, the banquet and ball were announced, the audience fell to and honored the excellent spread that was served. In the meantime the floor was cleared of chairs, a coat of wax was given the large dancing hall, and the evening was given over to terpsichorean pleasures, dancing being continued for several hours.