THE NEWEST PASTIME. – A "SPELLING BEE."

Evening Star, Issue 3851, 28 June 1875, Page 3

THE NEWEST PASTIME. - A "SPELLING BEE."

The Session of Congress being ended and business not yet having thoroughly revived, the American people have been indulging in a new pastime, which is becoming as universal as it is popular. This is the “."'pel ling Bee,” a New England invention which has made rapid strides over the country. “ Spelling ” for prizes is the prevailing infatuation, and every town and village i§ having its 41 bee,” attended by crowds who cheer the successful and laugh at those who are afflicted with a 4 4 bad spell.” A most elaborate 44 Spelling Bee” has been held at the Academy of Music, in Philadelphia, at least 4,000 people crowding the auditorium. The novelty of the thing and the belief of many that they could beat the 44 champions,” added to the attractions, and hundreds were left outside the building who could not possibly get in. There were eighty competitors r or the six prizes—forty ladies and forty gentlemen—the majority of them being school teachers, and at 8 p.m. they marched in pro cession upon the stage. The announc-. ment was made that the proceeds of the entertainment would be devoted to the building fund of a new building for the Young Men’s Christian Association, and after some musical and literary selections the 44 bae ” began. A. teacher of elocution gave out the words in a loud voice, the audience watching with close attention. 44 Difference,” 44 dialogue,” 44 corrigible, ” 4 * chirography, ” 4 4 alibi, ” 4 4 aggregate, ” and 44 varioloid,” were announced one after another and were all spelt correctly, a ladyand gentleman being alternately selected. Then 44 musketeer ” tel! to the lot uf a young lady, who spelt it 44 muscateer,” when a roar from the audience announced her failure, and she blushingh stepped out of the class. A dozen more words were spelt correct’y, when “excitation” brought down the first young man, who made a dash at it with ‘ 4 ecci” and got no further, as the shouts of the audience drowned his voice. 44 Gourmand ” spoilt the for' une of another man. Then there was some correct spelling until “duellist” came along, and, of course, killed his man. who was uncertain about the “I’s”; 4 benison” acquired a now meaning for a lady ; 44 chloroform” quieted a youth; 44 peregrination” was what the next champion performed, and 44 tympau” was too discordant for a lady’s ears. The class‘seemed to be getting demoralised, so rapidly were victims stricken down. 44 inconceivable,” 44 financial,” 44 tureen,” and 44 angbeiae ” each laid out a speller ; and then a discussion arose about the prouounciation of the elocutionist who gave out the words. It was demanded that some one else should take his place, and there were hisses aud cheers, dozens rising in the audience and arguing the question at once. Then there were cries o 44 go on,” and order being restored the competition continued. Two or throo words were spelt when 44 addible” was given out, and a lady began 44 addi” and then over again 44 adi,” and was ruled out for trying a second time. 44 Flunkeyism ” brought down a victim ; as also did 44 recisioa ” and “quasi.” Then a gentleman spelt * l 'reseat” for another word that was pronounced the same (receipt), and the Committee ruling him ou’. there was a great disturbance. The gentleman would not 44 ge out,” claiming that it was a 44 doubleheader,” and that he spelt it right, and, on his appealing to the audieuoe, |the vast crowd, with an unanimous shout, decided that he should be kept in, and so he remained. Then victims again became numerous H" Ferocity,” “contamaceous,” 44 delequesce,” “covitous,” 4 impetous,” 44 deturgent,” 44 inscence,” and “hippiah” decimated the ranks. Thus the contest went on, there being several rather arbitrary decisions against the spellers on doubleheaded words. 44 Psalmody” was given out, aud a young man got as far as “ sara ” when the shouts of the audience bowled him out. 14 Peunybss ” 44 rar;fy,” obelisque,” 44 autechrist,” and 44 trame'ir.g” retired four men and a lady. ' hen a very competent gent eman failed on “ sintheeis,” his defeat being heartily relished. Next a lady halted on “eightyeighi.” 44 Corruacation ” was too much for the next customer. The class was now getting small, anil long and difficult words were selected, nearly every one, however, being apelt c rr- ctly. At long intervals a victim was brought down amid general laughter, auch conundrums as 44 syuonomous,” 44 chincilia,” “chrisolite,” 44 ooloointh,” “imb ument,” and 44 polyanthes ” proving too much for them. Then the class 3 was reduced to the six to whom prizes were to be awarded-four ladies and two gentleman, and the competition was continued to see which would live the longest. 44 Purview ” took number six, a lady; 4 4 testacious ” number five, a gentleman who had made a greit deal of amusement and whose downfall was most warmly received. Now were left three ladies and one gentleman, but they survived but a short time, 44 distension ” being too much for the men, and 44 infinitassiraal ” and 4 hj user ” for two women. A lady, as usual, ha i the last word, remaining alone on :he r.t-g.', and to her (Miss Lizzie J Kojk), amid loud applause, was awarded the n:et prize. The three ladies who got the highest prizes were all Philadelphia school teachers. The. gentleman who survived the iougoft was called upon for a speech, and said that be same from Pottsville, in the interior of Pennsylvania, and 44 although from the country, could spell with any man in th j ttate.” At a late hour the audieuoe dispersed, there being much gratification expressed at the amusement afforded aud much criticism at the way the affair was managed. Ihe “Spelling Bto,” however, brought tn a large sum, and was a success in this, if not s a “spell.”