Progressive Batavian Batavia, Genesee County, New York State April 24-1868 Bethany. The Exhibition at Bethany Center, on Friday and Saturday evenings, 10th and 11th inst., proved a success. The entertainment was gotten up entirely by the young people of the place. and great credit is due them for the commendable object they had in view--the repairing of the Baptist church. The young people of both Societies united, and gave us a fine literary treat, long to be remembered. The persevering energy and ability manifest in originating and perfecting the whole affair is worthy of much credit. It is hoped and believed that the young people themselves will be as much benefitted by their efforts, in bringing into life and activity those latent talents and energies which perhaps might otherwise have remained dormant, as will be the Society. We think we see in these exercises abilities brought to light which, if rightly improved, will become a blessing to society and to the world. A poem, "Dawn of Peace," by Miss Mary E. ERWIN, was highly interesting, and displayed superiority poetic talent and literary taste. Two essays, one by Miss Mary ELLIOTT, and the other by Miss Frances FILKINS, were both good, and worthy of publication. But in singing, we think the greatest abilities were shown. One solo, sung by Miss McGRATH, only six years old, perfectly delighted the audience, and when she finished they cheered here with a will. Other solos, choruses, and quartettes were sung, which brought to light musical talents which we never before knew existed in Bethany; and our instrumental music, by Mr. Lewis MARSH and Miss Jennie WILKINSON, was complete. One tragical drama was also performed, called "Christmas Eve," which exhibiting many characters in real life, did much credit to the performers, and was highly affecting, even to tears. Another drama, "The Lady's Battle," which portrayed the excitement of the French Revolution, was performed with great ability and good taste, was highly interesting and instructive. "The Drunkard," a moral and domestic drama, was presented in such real and perfect characters, that the dreadful evils of intemperance, were portrayed before the audience in a manner doing much good for the temperance cause; and it took so well that it will be repeated next Thursday evening, by general request. The exhibition was repeated on Thursday evening the 16th inst., by request, and, in addition to the exercises above mentioned, was the reading of an original poem by miss M.E. ERWIN, styled "Maggie Peer," a true tale of the late Rebellion, which, although quite lengthy, held the audience in such breathless silence that a pin might have been heard drop. Mr.. Homer Hill is the subject of many thanks for his efficient and able management of the affair. submitted by Linda C. Schmidt *********************************************