The meeting was called to order by the President. The first Roll called. The minutes read and approved. Mr. G. C. Green handed a copy of a Letter to be recorded, ^&^ to be addressed to Hon[or]ary members elect—unanimously received. He also notified the Committee of a meeting for the transaction of business assigned them. Mr. W. Gailliard offered Messrs. Job Bass, and J. Johnson as hon^or^ary members,—carried by a plurality of votes. The debate opened by the regular debatants, and kept up with little animation. The question was then decided in favour of a Republican government. The question for the next evening’s debate was chosen, which reads as follows—‘Which is the happier civilized or savage life.[’] The Regular debatants—Messrs. S. & W. Weston. Mr. S. Weston for Civilized, and Mr. W. Weston for savage. No further business appearing the Reporter made his report. The Last Roll called, and the Society adjourned.

Jan 5. 1848. Signed—G. Greene, Sec.

The meeting was called to order by the President. The first Roll called. The minutes read and approved. Mr. J. Mood Jr. having accepted the invitation extended him, and being present, the President addressed him in laconic and appropriate terms, welcoming him to the Society. The debate opened by the regular debatants and kept up with much annimation. The question was then decided that a “civilized life was the happier.” The question for the next evening’s debate was chosen, which reads as follows—“Which excelled the more in literary pursuits, the Moderns or Ancients.”¹ The Secretary read the debatants Page 11 →as follows—Mr. E. G. Beaird for Moderns, and Mr. J. J. Green Jr. for Ancients. Mr. J. Mood then addressed the Society in beautiful and expressive terms, commending their advancement, and advising them to continue in their laudable engagement &c. No further business appearing before the Society, the Reporter made his report. The last Roll called, and the Society adjourned.

Jan 12. 1848. Signed—G. C. Greene, Sec.

The meeting was called to order by the President. The first Roll called. The minutes read and approved. The meeting was honored by the presence of Mr. A. F. [F. A.] Mood. The debate opened by the debatant for the Moderns (the other being absent) and kept up with much annimation. The question was decided,—“that the Moderns excell [sic] the Ancients.” The question for the next evening’s debate was chosen—which reads as follows—“Whether the liberty of the press should be allowed restrained or not.” The Secretary read the debatants as follows—Mr. W. H. Gailliard on the affirmative, and Mr. W. E. Marshall on the negative. Mr. A. Mood made several appropriate and instructive remarks on the debated question, which were multum in parvo.² No further business appearing the Reporter made his report—the last Roll called—and the Society adjourned. Jan. 19, 1848. Signed—G. C. Greene, Sec.

The meeting was called to order by the President, the first Roll called, the minutes read and approved. The debate opened by the regular debatants and kept up with much animation. The question was then decided in the negative. Mr. S. Weston motioned that Mr. W. Marshall furnish the Society a copy of his debate,—unanimously carried. The question for the next evening’s debate was chosen which reads as follows—Which is the most useful[,] literary or romance reading.³ The Secretary read the debatants as follows—Mr. G. Barrow on the affirmative and Mr. F. H. Oliver on the negative. No further business appear-

[At least two leaves were removed from the proceedings volume at this point. A meeting occurred on February 1, 1848, that was later declared “null and void.” On March 1 the society voted to alter the minutes “so as to blot it from off the proceedings.”—Ed.]

Correction (what was not added.) Mr. ^Jacob^ Green during the meeting shoved Mr. Gailliard against the mantle peice [sic]. which was very

The meeting was called to order by the President; the seats of the Secretary and Treasurer being vacant the President appointed Mr. W. O. Weston Secretary protem and Mr. E. G. Beaird Treasurer protem—the first roll was then called—the minutes of the “extra” meeting was not read, it being doubtful to the members whether they should be read or not as the meeting was extra and deferred, that the proceedings might also be deferred by a vote of the society—they all being of one opinion—by motion of Mr. S. W. Weston it was put to the house to determine by thier [sic] sanction what should be done, whereupon it was carried unanimously that the proceedings should be passed at the next “extra” meeting. The Reporter being appointed Treasurer protem, Mr. G. Barrow was appointed Reporter protem; the Reporter informed the society of two gentlemen about the premises wishing to become members of the same—being represented by Mr. Barrow as gentlemen which in all respects would meet the demands of the “Constitution,” they were accordingly ballotted [sic] for and unanimously elected, in names they stand Messers. [sic] R. Legare and I. Hyames⁴—being introduced by the com[m]ittee appointed, and having heard the Constitution read they subscribed themselves as members. The President then opened the floor for any member; as he stated at the last meeting that the debates would be concluded at this meeting; after being treated on to some extent by a part of the members, it was decided that “Literary reading is the most useful.” The question chosen for the next meeting’s debate, reads thus, “Whether ^the^ application of steam to machinery has been of any ^dis^advantage to mankind or not.” The secretary then read the debatants as follows Mr. S. W. Weston on the affirmative and Mr. William O. Weston on the negative. The Presdt gave notice that as the debatants had already been appointed, and next meeting being the meeting for the quarterly oration, we would then be obliged to listen to the “Orator” on the meeting following the next. The President again stated that the thanks of the house be offered to Mr. G. Barrow for the gift of two sperm candles,⁵ which through his not being aware of the gift is the reason of it not being offered before, as it was presented several meetings ago; which upon motion the thanks of the house was returned to the gentleman. All the business being conducted with the greatest “harmony,” and no farther appearing the Reporter protem made his report; the last roll called and the society by motion was adjourned.

February 2nd 1848. Signed, W. O. Weston, secretary pro-tem

Extra Meeting

The meeting was called to order by the President, the first Roll called; the minutes read and approved; and some gentlemen haveing [sic] voted con, the President asked for their reasons; which were immediately given. The Protest read, on which a spiritly [sic] debate ensued, occupying the time allowed by the Constitution, without coming to a conclusion, or descision [sic]. No further business appearing, the extra meeting was adjourned sine die.⁶

Erratum—The proceedings of the last extra meeting read, (being defer[r]ed) and corrections made.

Feb 4th 1848. Signed, G. C. Greene, Secr.

The meeting was called to order by the President, the seats of the Secretary and Treasurer being vacant, Mr. W. O. Weston was appointed to fill that of the Secretary, and Mr. W. H. Gailliard that of the Treasurer. The first roll was then called—the minutes of the last “extra” meeting read, and after alteration of date, was approved—being favoured with the presence [of] Messers. Job G. Bass. and F. H. Long, honorary members; the Secretary by order read the “Constitution” for thier hearing; after which the regular debatants were read—and after treating the subject for some time, it was decided that “application of steam to machinery has been of advantage to man.” The President gave notice that as on the next meeting the “Quarterly Orator” would address the Society; that no questions for discussion would be proposed until the next meeting. No farther business appearing—the Reporter made his report—the last roll was then called—and the Society by motion was adjourned.

February 9th 1848. Signed, William O. Weston, (sec) pro tem

At an extra meeting of the Clionian Debating Society, the house was called to order by the President, the minutes read, and approved. After which, the protest the Protest which had been defer[r]ed, was laid before the Society for discussion. Mr. F. H. Oliver requested the Secretary to read the proceedings of Feb. 2; in which he sho detected discovered a clause relative to the protest having been carried. A debate ensued; and finally it was decided that the meeting of Feb. 1. be considered “null and void,” in strict conformity with the “Protest.” No further business appearing, on motion the house adjourned.

Feb 10. 1848. Signed—G. C. Greene, Sec.

The meeting was called to order by the President—the first Roll called—the minutes read and approved. Several of the honorary [members] being present, the Secretary was authorized to read the Constitution and for ^according to “By Laws”^ their benefit ^also^. Mr. S. W. Weston the ‘Quarterly orator’ greeted the Society with ^a^ commendable address;⁷ and after the conclusion the Society requested a copy, and in compliance to request the original was immediately transfer[r]ed to the same. About this time the seat of the Secretary being vacant, by leaf [sic] of absence—Mr. I. Hyames was appointed Secretary protem. The polls for the Election of Quarterly Orator were opened—and after the Manager’s report—Mr. E. G. Beaird was declared to have been elected, by a plurality of votes, the next Quarterly Orator. The question for ^the^ next evening’s debate was chosen, which reads as follows,—“Which was the greatest and most virtuous general, Washington or Alexander?[”]⁸ Mr. S. Weston notified the Society that he would offer a bill for the alteration of two sections of the Constitution—Art. 12 & 14.—The President ^notified^ the Society that the number of members having increased to fourteen, ten shall be considered as 2/3.⁹ No further business appearing the Reporter made his report, the last Roll called, and the Society adjourned.

Feb 16. 1848. G. C. Greene, Sec.

Erratum—E. G. Beaird on affirmative of the question, and G. Barrow on the negative.

The meeting being called to order by the President, the first roll was then called, the minutes of the last meeting read, and after little alteration approved. (Mr. R. F. Legare was appointed to fill the vacant seat of the vice President; Mr. W. O. Weston to fill that of the Secretary, and Mr. I. Hyames that of the Treasurer.) A letter of resignation was received from Messrs. S. W. Weston. G. C. Greene. and J. J. Greene and F. H. Oliver, which being put was unanimously carried. The Secretary then read the debatants; which after the conclusion of thier arguments; it was decided that “Washington was the greatest and most virtuous general.” The debatants for the next meeting were read; viz. Mr. I. Hyames for Hannibal and Mr. R. Legare for Napoleon. The question (before which reading) was carried, reads thus “Which was the most skilful general Hannibal or Napoleon.”¹⁰ Mr. W. Weston notified the society of an alteration* to 12th & 14th Rules of the Constitution; from the specified day to “first Page 15 →meeting.” No farther buisness [sic] appearing the Reporter made his report—the last roll called, and the Society by motion adjourned. Feb 23rd 1848. Signed—W. O. Weston, acting secretary *He would propose to be made at the next meeting.

The meeting was called to order by the President—the first roll was then called—the proceedings of the last meeting read and approved—the debate opened, and kept up by many members—after which it was decided that “Napoleon was the most skilful general.” The question chosen for the next meeting’s discussion, reads thus, “Which is of the most service to man, those machines that ply upon the water or land.” The regular debatants were read, viz. Mr. W. H. Gailliard on the first portion of the question, and Mr. W. O. Weston on the latter portion. Mr. W. O. Weston then offered the alterations to the Constitution, of which the Society was notified at the last meeting, which being put was carried; he also offe gave notice that at the next meeting he would offer the following additions to the Constitution. First; “All such wishing to become members shall apply by letter with two recommenders, which letter cannot be read; except 2/3 of the members be present; and no applicant can be eligible except at the age of 16 or more years.” Second; “The President shall not be allowed any vote; unless there is an equal number on each side. Then he is allowed the casting vote.” Third; “The Constitution and Bye Laws, shall be strictly enforced at every meeting whether “Regular or Extra” as far as they are applicable.” Fourth; Every officer at the expiration of his term shall be required, to have finished all buisness incumbent on his office, and report its completion to the President; and the President shall notify the Society of the same. Fifth; “The first meeting in February, the first in May, and first in August and the first in November, shall be the times for the hearing of the “Quarterly Orator,” and the election of another. Any orator elect that shall refuse ^or fail^ to serve, shall forfeit 12 1/2 cts.”¹¹ He also notified an alteration to the 7th Article; that instead of Six; five members shall form a quorum. After which notifications, he moved that as the meeting of Feb 1st was protested and carried, that a black line be drawn over every line, so as to blot if it from off the proceedings of the Society; Messers. Legare and Hyames then offered thier resignation to the Society; stating and giving many reasons for so doing; not that they found any fault with it or its members; but for its benefit principally; which by thier request was received; but not until many members, viz. Messers. E. G. Beaird W. H. Gailliard and W. O. Weston; spoke earnestly in thier regret for thier leaving and Page 16 →bidding them a friendly farewell. No farther business appeared—the Reporter was called upon for his report, which being made—the last Roll was called—and the Society by motion was adjourned.

March 1st 1848. Signed, W. O. Weston, secretary pro-tem.

The meeting being called to order by the President, the first roll was called—the minutes of the last meeting read and approved—the President gave notice that the debate would be deferred to the next meeting as they had to go immediately by Constitution into an election for officers—after which the “ballotting box” was opened—and by report of Poll managers the following gentlemen were declared unanimously elected—as follows. S. W. Beaird reelected President—W. E. Marshall Vice President elect—W. O. Weston secretary elect—S. J. Maxwell, Treasurer elect—E. G. Beaird. W. H. Gailliard and G. Barrow Committee of Queries elect—and J. M. F. Dereef Reporter elect.¹² Mr. W. O. Weston then offered his additions to the Constitution and one alteration, of which the Society had been notified; which were immediately carried. He also moved an alteration to the Honorary member’s letter, from plurality of votes to elected which was also carried; he then offered Mr. C. H. Holloway as an Honorary member which who was unanimously elected;¹³ he again offered a letter to be written to members elect, which was carried. After which no more business appeared—and the house by motion adjourned.

March 15th 1848. Signed, William O. Weston, Secretary

Erratum. The Reporter was called on for his report which was made.

The meeting was called to order by the President; the first roll called—The President, Secretary and Committee of Queries being present, they were respectively inaugurated; after which the regular debatants were called upon, which after they concluded and treated on by all present; it was decided; that as far the word “ply” meant in the question; “that those machines that ply on the water was were the most serviceable.” The Committee then handed in thier questions; the one chosen reads as follows. “Was it ambition that led Napoleon to battle or not.” Mr. E. G. Beaird for the affirmative, and Mr. W. Gailliard G. F. Barrow for the negative. No farther ^business^ appearing the Reporter by call made his report, the last roll called—and the house adjourned by motion.

March 22nd 1848. Signed, William O. Weston, sec.

Erratum. The minutes of last meeting read and approved.

The meeting being called to order by the President; the first roll was then called; the Treasurer-elect being present was respectively installed; the debate then began by the regular debatants, but not being concluded at the regular hour, it, by the discretion of the President ^was^ deferred to next meeting; the Presdt then explained the 6th Art. of the Constitution; notifying the Society that after the expiration of this official term; that the office of Secretary and Treasurer shall by Constional Constitutional authority be held by one member; no farther buisness appeared, the Reporter made report; the last roll was called and the Society by motion adjourned. (The minutes of last meeting was read and approved.)

April 5th 1848. Signed, W. O. Weston, secretary

The meeting was called to order by the President; the first roll was then called: There being no meeting since April 5th in consequence of many members being unavoidably detained from forming a quorum through many circumstances; the President for this cause deferred the subject, as no one was prepared to continue it at that moment; for it was already a deferred subject and no one could be compelled to debate. After which the following Preamble and Resolution was offered in the names of Messers. G. Barrow and E. Beaird. They read thus, “Whereas we the members of the “Clionian Debating Society[”]; knowing “education” to be one of the most important of duties devolved upon man, and the improvement thereof to be most essential. Rather than give up the good fight of usefulness to ourselves and to others.¹⁴ We would offer a “resolution” to our fellow members; As circumstances will not permit us to assemble together as often as we would desire and often as we should meet. Hoping that for the present, it may be of benefit to us all, members in one common bond of “Love.” “Therefore be it Resolved; That on and after the passage of this “Resolution,” this Society in compliance with the above Preamble, do meet on the first Wednesday in every month for discussion of ^(regular)^ subjects among its members, and that the Article which requires it to meet every week, be held in suspension; until a quorum of the members can make it convenient to comply with the 22nd Art., and on thier reporting such wishes to the Society; this resolution can be dropped; and the 22nd Art. complied with: But be it further Resolved that the President can call intervening meetings for the passage of any resolution, the election of any applicant or the performance of any business, [a few words obliterated] at his discretion; And that the Secretary shall summon the members regularly, after receiving orders from the President.” The above “resolution” was passed Page 18 →unanimously. The following addition was to the Constitution was then read, as a notification for its being put at the next meeting; it thus reads, “The President shall not be allowed to take any part in the regular debates. But if there is discussion among the members; concerning matters of interest to the Society, such as the alteration or augmentation of the “Rules” of the Constitution, the passage of any resolution or the carrying of any motion; &c &c; when he rises to put it any such matters to the Society, after the members have ended thier opinions on the subject; he can also state his opinion likewise.[”] After this notification the President rose, and addressed the Society for some length of time on “the benefits derived from a connexion with such a body, as as a Debating ^Society^, showing the vast improvement it makes in the human mind by compelling studious research into subjects of vast import, that would never once before have claimed our attention, he concluded by asking earnestly that every member would study his debate thoroughly before every meeting, for that by such, he would expect to see our star of improvement in the ascendant. He then motioned that every member that would second his request would rise from thier ^seats^, upon which every one present rose with one consent. There being no more business to engage the body; the last roll was called; the report made and the Society adjourned by motion, to meet according to passed “Resolution.” May 17th 1848. Signed, W. O. Weston, secretary

(The minutes of last meeting read and approved.)

The meeting was called to order by the President—the first roll was then called—the minutes of last meeting read and approved.—The regular debates then commenced which after conclusion, it was decided that it was ambition that led Napoleon to battle. The question chosen for next meeting reads thus. Which nation fought on the most just side the United [States] or Mexico, Mr. Barrow Gailliard on the first portion and Mr. Maxwell on the latter. The Presdt then informed the body that they were notified of the election of “Annual Orator” at the last meeting, but through mistake omitted in the regular proceedings, the polls were opened for ann. orator, which after report of managers ^Honorary Member^ Mr. J. Parker was declared unanimously elected. By vote of the body, power was given the Presdt to instruct the Secty, to alter the specified time if he thought proper; notice was then given to the Society, that the election for officers would take place at next meeting. No farther business appearing, the last roll was called; the Reporter made his report and the Society by motion adjourned.

June 7th 1848. Signed, William O. Weston, sec.

At this date, the second third regular [word obliterated] ^election^ meeting of the Clionian Debating Society was held. Which being called to order by the President; the first roll was called; the minutes of last meeting read and approved; there being but little time to remain in body after the above business; the President by permission deferred the debates to the next general meeting; & so as to give time for the election ^of^ officers for the third term, as the second term expired by constitution. The President rose, and addressed the meeting, asking them to receive kindly, his resignation of the Presidential authority; as there were others fully capable of holding it, and whom he would be glad to see performing such duties.¹⁵ After which the polls were opened; and upon report of managers appointed, the following named gentlemen were declared unanimously elected to fill the following offices for the next term. viz. Mr. E. G. Beaird Presdt. Mr. W. E. Marshall Vice. Mr. S. W. Beaird Secretary & Treasurer. Messrs. G. F. Barrow, W. H. Gailliard, & W. O. Weston Committee of Queries; Mr. S. J. Maxwell, Reporter. The Secretary, Committee of Queries &c being present were duly installed, each returning thier thanks in appropriate remarks. The President elect not being in the city; Mr. W. H. Gailliard was appointed Presdt. protem; to act with the same powers untill the arrival of the President or his Vice. No farther business appearing; the Report was made of the order of the body during meeting; the last roll was then called and the house adjourned by motion.

July 19th 1848. Signed, S. W. Beaird, Secretary

The meeting being called to order by the Presdt pro-tem; the first roll was called; the proceedings of last monthly meeting read and approved. The regular debating then commenced; and after being kept up with much animation for some time, it was finally decided that in the last war the United States fought on the most just side. At this time Mr. S. W. Beaird offered a resolution to the Society, which was preceded with a few remarks, which being put was unanimously carried. (See rule book 3rd resolution with this date)¹⁶ The Presdt under authority of the resolution appointed S. W. Beaird as chairman of the committee, it being moved by Mr. W. O. Weston and seconded by Mr. G. F. Barrow. For which appointment S. W. Beaird returned his grateful thanks to his fellow members. Mr. Barrow now moved that the Presdt do authorize the secretary to write a letter to all non-attending members, notifying them that if they do not attend the meetings, that thier names shall be struck off the list of membership. Which was opposed by S. W. Beaird, he endeavouring to show that it was not Page 20 →in thier power to expel any member without he committed some flagrant act, and also endeavouring to exhibit the bad results that would follow such expulsion; after which Mr. Barrow withdrew his motion. Mr. Weston moved that the members be notified of the change of the hour according to Constitution from Eight to Seven O’clock untill [sic] March, after the seconding of which; the members were notified and requested always to be punctual. The committee of Queries now handed in thier “Questions.” Mr. Barrow’s question was put and carried; but a mistake made by the Presdt caused confusion in the votes; and the questions were again ballotted put to the house; where-upon Mr. Weston’s question was carried by plurality of votes; which reads thus “Will the acquisition of California be of any great use to the U.S.”¹⁷ S. W. Beaird stood as next regular debatant on the affirmative, and G. F. Barrow on the negative of the question. No farther business demanding the attention of the assembled body; the Society was by motion adjourned.

(September 18th 1848) S. W. Beaird, Secretary

At an extra meeting of the Society was called at this inst;¹⁸ to ^take^ into consideration, the contents of a letter received from Honorary member J. S. Parker, Annual orator elect. Which after its reading, it was found only to ask for the deferring of the appointed time, to at least three weeks later; after which Sect. Beaird moved that the time of the celebration, be on the 26th of December; following his motion with a few words to show that no other time would suit the circumstances of either the members, or the community at large at this season of the year; which motion being seconded by W. Weston Esq., upon its being put to the house was unanimously carried; and the Secretary ordered to answer and notify Mr. Parker immediately. Mr. Barrow requested moved that the Society do request the debate of S. W. Beaird, at last meeting on the justice of the Mexican war; being seconded by W. O. Weston and being put was unanimously carried; whereby the debatant met the request by presenting his debate. No farther ^business^ presenting itself; the Society was by motion adjourned.

October 1st 1848. S. W. Beaird, Secretary

Another “extra” ^intervening^ meeting of this Society was held on this date. Which after being called to order by the President, the business for which it was called was begun. The Semi-Annual arrear list was called over and paid.¹⁹ The Society then went into an election for officers, which upon report of Managers. The whole ticket for the last Four months was re-elected (See officers book). The Page 21 →Secretary then read the last passed resolution, and received authority to destroy the “Original.” Nearly all of the officers being present, they were duly qualified. Upon motion of S. W. Beaird seconded by W. O. Weston, it was unanimously carried that an invitation be extended to the Enterpean Debating Society to attend the hearing of our Annual address; and the Secty was ordered to perform the duty as soon as practicable. No farther business demanding the attention of our brotherlike assemblage; it was by motion adjourned.

Dec 17th 1848. S. W. Beaird, Secretary

Another “Extra” intervening meeting of this Society, was held for the purpose of considering the answer of Honorary Member J. S. Parker which, after the Chairman ^of the Committee^ on General interests had informed the Society that he had received a communication, from him, stating that extreme sickness had prevented him from attending to the duty devolved upon him, and humbly asking to be excused from the performance of his duty to at least three weeks hence; which was to address the Society on its Anniversary ^the^ day. ^of^ Dec 26th 1848. When upon motion it was unanimously Resolved. That this Society do excuse Mr. J. S. Parker. But the deference of the time could be no longer than the 1st day of January. And further as he cannot perform the duty on that day; that we if possible must endeavour to secure the services of another honorary member. Whereupon Mr. Job G. Bass was offered and unanimously elected, and the Committee on General interests ^was^ instructed to go immediately and wait upon ^him^, and thereby receive his verbal answer. When upon thier return; they reported that he had willingly accepted. The chairman of the Committee was then ordered to notify Mr. Parker of the Society’s decision. Mr. Weston then offered Mr. Wm. McKinlay as an addition to the list of Honorary Members, and upon he being ballotted for, was unanimously elected. S. W. Beaird then offered the following resolutions, which were also unanimously carried. 1st Resolved. That the Committee on general interests; be instructed to report to the Assemblage, on the Anniversary day, the exact state of the Treasury department: and the manner in which such funds are raised. And further that they report our need of a “Library” and earnestly ask the assistance of the audience in the procurement of one. 2nd Resolved. That the management of all election polls be encumbered on the Committee on general interests, as a duty. 3rd Resolved That the clause, contained in Amendment No. 2 reading, “And no applicant can be eligible except at the age of 16 or more years.” Be forever stricken out. After the passage of the above resolutions. The Secretary was ordered by vote of the Society, to extend ^an invitation^ to the community Page 22 →and also to every honorary member to attend the hearing of our Anniversary address on the 1st of January 1849. No further business appearing; the Society was by motion adjourned.

December 19th 1848. Simeon W. Beaird, Secretary

A regular monthly meeting of this Society, was held at this date. Which being called to order by its President; the first roll was called and the minutes of all meetings from the last monthly; were read, all of which were approved by the body. The regular debating then commenced, and being ^kept up^ for a good length of time, with much animation by nearly every member present; after the conclusion of which, The It was decided on the affirmative side; that the “acquisition of California will be of great advantage to the U.S.[”] The Com^m^ittee of Queries now handed in thier questions; of which the one chosen reads thus, “Which country presents ^the^ brightest prospects for future happiness and permanency the U.S. or Great Britain.” The Secretary by request then introduced his President as the regular “Quarterly Orator.”²⁰ After which the President rose, and addressed the Society to some length on the importance of, and the advantages derived from good and careful reading: He having concluded Mr. S. W. Beaird moved the Society request a copy of his address, being seconded by Mr. W. O. Weston & put it was unanimously carried. Where-upon he immediately presented the “Original.”²¹ The Secretary then read the Constitution; by authority from the same. After which the Society went into a regular election for another “Quarterly Orator.” And upon report of “poll” managers, Mr. Wm. H. Gaillard was declared elected and he was notified of the same. The Sect Secretary then read many beautiful letters received from “Honorary Members”: which in thier contents were not only advising, but also very encouraging. The last roll was now called; as no farther business appeared; the Reporter made his report and the Society was by motion adjourned.

December 26th 1848. Simeon W. Beaird, Secretary

Erratum: Mr. R. E. Dereef; was offered by Mr. W. H. Gaillard; as an ‘Honorary Member’ to the Society; and he being ballotted for, was unanimously elected.

1. 1. “Ancients” in this question indicated writers of Western classical antiquity.
2. 2. Multum in parvo: “much in little,” that is, of much significance in a few words or in a short time.
3. 3. In the nineteenth century, the term literature encompassed writings on science, history, religion, geography, and politics, not only poetry and fiction; romance signaled fictional compositions, especially stories of adventure, heroism, and love.
4. 4. Page 23 →The Clionian minutes use both Hyames and Hyams to designate this member. On March 20, 1854, he was serving as secretary of the Friendly Association and signed his own name as Isadore A. Hyames; Friendly Association Records, 1853–1869, South Carolina Historical Society, Charleston, SC.
5. 5. Sperm candles were made from oil harvested from a whale’s spermaceti organ.
6. 6. Sine die: “without an appointed time for resumption,” “indefinitely.”
7. 7. For a list of elected orators and orations, see appendix C.
8. 8. The question compared US general and president George Washington (1732–1799) and Macedonian king Alexander the Great (356–323 BCE).
9. 9. New members added since December 22, 1847, were Isadore A. Hyames and R. F. Legare. Evidently the society president was counted as a member in this enumeration.
10. 10. Another comparative question, this one matched the Carthaginian general Hannibal (247–ca. 183–181 BCE) and French emperor Napoleon I (1769–1821).
11. 11. The United States minted half-cent coins between 1793 and 1857.
12. 12. All current members were elected officers.
13. 13. The debating society ordinarily met on the Holloway family property on Beaufain Street. Charles H. Holloway (1814–1885), son of Richard Holloway and Elizabeth Mitchell Holloway, was a carpenter and harness maker and a Methodist class leader; he was among the free Black Charlestonians who held other people in bondage. See Harlan Greene and Jessica Lancia, “The Holloway Scrapbook: The Legacy of a Charleston Family,” South Carolina Historical Magazine 111, nos. 1–2 ( January–April 2010): 5–33; Larry Koger, Black Slaveowners: Free Black Slave Masters in South Carolina, 1790–1860 (Jefferson, NC: McFarland, 1985), 143; and Holloway Family Scrapbook, Holloway Family Collection, Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC.
14. 14. The term “the good fight” resonated with Christian scripture: for example, the Apostle Paul admonished Timothy, “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses” (1 Timothy 6:12, KJV); then, nearing the end of his life, Paul wrote, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness” (2 Timothy 4:7–8, KJV).
15. 15. Simeon W. Beaird resigned the presidential office at this point, having held the role since the society’s inception. The new president, Enoch G. Beaird, was Simeon’s younger brother.
16. 16. Although the rule book is not extant, it is likely that this resolution created the Committee on General Interests, an appointed committee that managed the business affairs of the society and conducted elections.
17. 17. Part of the Mexican Cession, California was ceded to the United States in 1848 as a result of the Mexican–American War. By the time of this debate, the California Gold Rush had begun.
18. 18. Instant, abbreviated inst.: “occurring in the present month.”
19. 19. An arrear list identified members of the society who had not yet paid required fees.
20. 20. The president at this time was Enoch G. Beaird.
21. 21. Speaking from a written text, a common method of formal speechmaking, was a skill practiced regularly by members of nineteenth-century literary and debating societies.