The Phonogram, Vol. 1:6-7 (1891-06)

144 THE PUOSOGRA M. » whose duty it was to deliver daily the lect- ure describing the scenes portrayed struck for higher wages, the manager made no complaint, but simply hired a phonograph, repeated the well-Jcnown lecture to it, and let the machine give it forth as often as de- sired. Fashionable congregations need no longer deplore the summer absence of the pastor, who mav be afflicted with what Hill Nve cadis 44 Palestine Hash.’* It is only neces- sary that a sufficient number of sermons, new or old, be left upon phonograph cylin- ders; and when the Sabbath arrives the phonograph will throw forth to the con- gregation the sermon of the day. Danc- ing-schools need no longer regret the high cost of musicians. Indeed, they may give through the phonograph music of orches- tras and bands that never could be brought personally within their reach, because of the great expense. ^ Students of foreign languages now have, on phonograph or graphophone cylinders, examples of exact pronunciation; and by repeating over and over again from the phonograph the words desired, the accent should become so fixed in the memory as to remain. Lovers need no longer depend upon cold Jand lifeless letters for communication when separated, but breathe into the machine with all the fire and juission of sjieech itself the thoughts that surge within them, well knowing the effect upon the ear of the dear one will in this wav ne\er Ik* lost. While De Wolf IIopj**r was in Washing- ton recently his best songs, sung by him- self, were on public phonographs at half a dozen points in the city. These songs still remain, and are related hourly in Hoj>- jier’sown voice, while he who sang the orig- inal is far away. The songs of Patti and the cornet solos of Lew are now accessible to the whole world • through the phonograph. What more can music-lovers wish? Who has not at some ]x*riod during his life tried to learn short-hand? And who does not know how difficult the task and how uncertain success under the most fav- orable circumstances? The phonograph and graphophone uo certainly and without elTort better work than the oldest and most skillful short-hand reporter can ever hope to do; in fact, the work does itself. You have only to talk, and your talk at ouce becomes a record. CLASS DAY AT-THE WESTERN UNIVER- SITY AND THE EXERCISES HELD. The exercises on Class Day at the West- • era University were slightly out of the usual run. John D.. Scott, president of the class, delivered a meritorious address. Bert K. V. Lutv selected “ ClasS Historv as his subject. The class poem was written and read by William A. Johnston. The other jierformers were Harry M. Davidson and James W. Hays. The most pleasing feature of the day was thes|>oon presentation and the juniors’ reply. The class relic was delivered to the class bv Daniel 11. Wallace. At the con- elusion of his remarks a skeleton carrying a phonograph concealed under its cloak ap- peared, and from the phonograph emauated a speech of ridicule and humiliation from the junior class. Walter Kiddle replied on behalf of the class of ’92, and presented each member of the graduating class with a souvenir, the significance of which was fully understood bv the recipient. The ( irogramme was highly appreciated by the urge audience gathered. Pm mi a. 111., .1 toy l.V/i. 1MI1. 7o the Editor of Thk Phoxoouam: <}. P1<*jw state in your next issue wlint spceia\ mialitv of slate is the 1 «M for electrical purpo-cs? Yours, etc., 1>. W. II. A. The best slate in question comes from Vermont, and, we believe, a small section of Tennessee. The Vermont slate is among the best-known insulators, and is used for switch-boards and many other electrical purpose& It is fibreus and tena- cious in its nature. Probably some of our readers can give more particulars. a c