THE NEBRASKAN UNIVERSITY OF NKBRA3KA, LINCOLN, MAY IB, ISOfl. Vou iv. N-- Prick, fi Gknts. SOME INTER-STATE ORATORY IOWA TAKES FIRST PLACE Nebraska Takes LMt With Ease-How tho World Will Ho Formod- Knnsns Hospitality. Tl interstate colloglnto oratorical ft,nl,t was held In tho grand opera mire r T.-pokn, Kos., on Thursday or last week. A. M ,'",l(1 of I'cnox college, Hop klnsioii. M.. was awarded first place with thr iw-tat of $100. His subject was The Policy of Metternlch." Second place, with $50, was given to Fred Klllot (if Monmouth college, Illi nois on "Mob and the Law." Kansas received third honor, with Jmllnnn, Minnesota. Ohio. Mlssourl.Colorado and Nebraska In the order named. Tho Judges were: Manuscript, President James B. Angcll of university of Michi gan. Russell II. Conwell of Philadelphia ana Jolt" Temple Groves of Georgia. On delivery, uev. .uyiuu ". --v Denver. William Warner of Kansas City. M . and Infnyette Young of Des Motne. 'B The majority of the orations dealt with our present social problems. The spirit of altruism was frequently touched upon, nnd a tinge of socialism also pervaded a number of the orations. Mthough most of the orations dealt with Ideas and tendencies of the pres ent, nevertheless. Magna Chnrta was granted and regranted. Runnymede and Austerllz wero fought again and again with an astounding loss of life. Paris, with ruulter boots, waded through "suiters of blood." The old saw about keeping a good man down it always exemplified in oratorical con tent. Havnnrol scarcely got'n cat-nap the wlmle evening, and Martin Luther :.iil. I up his theses at least five times, .ni'1 ih.-n. with commendable porsls-:.-i it.it ,. i,c!ii(- present at the Dl. t .if Worm. Th- winning: oration had twenty thr. I.'.'inet h' t -ucnl referonces, and ''; ii.i.. mail' a fairly concise pre face I., h hlntory of the world. Mr ri.unl rame Inst on tho program, anl t'l.niKh his stage presence was far fr.m irnt.-.-fiil, Jio suceeedod In MirtlalIy r -u- nc h! audience with a forcible -laMl' ,in received considerable op Iiau !! was tho youngest of the ""n. -i.nitH. Ixlng a sophomore barely tw-nt-..n.- years of ago. Fr.-l Klllot of Illinois had by far tho finest production of the evening. Ills manu.rlpt indicated scholarship of high i. uree. and his dollvery wns the nr-t M.nslstent and sustained of all thA.i.it - He received two firsts and "n.- thlr.i on manuscript and ono first on .Mi.-r; but Itev. Heed of leaver clearly forgot the pcrogatlvo of a Judge on .1. i..iy ,,nd became so biased upon the fui,j,-ct matter that he gave him ninth il.mt) place on delivery. It was n'th.' -a tlmn a butchery. X liaska was unfortunate. Tho sub Jen 'Litu-rof Mr. House's oration was v-r unlike any of tho rest, being of the naiur. of a theological discussion. It d i.. heavy, it was too orthodox fr .-v.n John Temple Groves. Mr. Horn, had a careful and studied de-"v-r. hut lost the confidence of his au4i..)lv at the very start through the mUtak.- of pitching his voice too high. He m ..lufated somewhat later on, but hl au.ili-nce bad forgotten him and hi . livery was thon purely mechani cal. It was perhaps tho least Intelligent, leant sympathetic, most ropulsive audlen. anyhow boforo which any orat..r eer tried to speak. The upper Rall.iicH wore filled with hooting, whirling idiots, whllo perhaps sevonty-flv.- occupied the first floor. The delegates from other states were left to find tho town and amuse thom elves as best they could. There was no reception committee. No one would have supposed that Topeka had even a high school. The association! lost awnit $200 and only got revenge by paislng strong resolutions of censure the next morning. The next contest will be held at Columbia, Mo. Tho department of elocution and ora tory nt tho state university gavo an excellent recital In tho chapol last even ing boforo a largo and approclatlvo au dience. Tho program, which was qulto pleasingly arranged, opened with a plnno solo, "Spinning Wheel," by Schultze, played with daintiness by Miss Ethol Galley. Miss Sarah Mulr costumed to repre sent a charming old lady of "ye olden time," recited Cora Vandurmark's "Grandma at the Masquerade." Her selection wns well suited to her voice, which was ery sweet and clenr. She was free from the restraint that some times troubles amateurs, and this Joined to her other merits In the rendi tion of the selection, made the num ber one of the best. The farce entitled "The Mouse Trap," which Howells wrote In a jovial mo ment, to make light of the fear which men suppose women have In tho pres ence of mice, wns carefully rendered. Those taking part were It. H. Mnnley, Marie Pollard, Jessie Spurck, Phoebe Gerard, Annie Stewart, Alberta Spurck and Jean Tuttle. The fair ladles rep resented by these names succeeded well In keeping rather difficult positions on chairs and tables through the trying part. Hugh Walker read from "The Bon nie Brier Bush," the deathbed scene of Dr. McClure, entering thoroughly Into the spirit of it. Ills bonnle Scotch brogue needs no praise. "The Fatal Message," a farce by Bangs, closed the program. As an Imi tation of amateurs by amateurs It was excellent. Those taking part were R. II. Manley, Josephine Lottrldge, Henry Nelnhuls, Norman Shreve, G. 10. Ha ger, Sadie Smith, Eva Rolofson and Jean Tuttle. If an accurate i decision were made probably Mr. Man y would be counted the best In both fi rcos, although there were commendableApolnts In each one. The Chicago papers report that the university buildings were blown down nnd badly wrecked b.V the storm last Tuosdny. Tney say that It was the worst tornado that we have over had in the west. This Illustrates how accu rate news Is reported. Tho storm did some damage, but nothing like the nc toimt given In the castorn papers. President Davis of tho Y. M. C. A. says the association will send six or fceven dogates to the Lake Gen-r summer school this year If enough money Is rained. Those who havo been soliciting for the fund have beeon quite successful thus far. Several of the old members of the association have made subscriptions. The results of tho Knnsns-Nobruska debate are already noticeable. En thusiasm enough has been roused to start talk of a debating club this sum mer. It promises to be a reality, as many who will stay in Lincoln during the summer have promised to Join. It is proposed to hold meetings every two weeks and at oach meeting every mem ber will have an opportunity of speak ing. a NOTICE. A premium of $250 is offered by Un scientific Amorican for the best essay on "The Progross of Invention During the Past Fifty Years." This paper should not exceed In length 2.500 words. Tho above mentioned prize of $250 will be awarded for the best essay, and the prize paper will be published in the special 5th anniversary number of the Scientific American of July 25. A selec tion of the five noxt best papers will be published In subsequent Issues of the Sclontlflc American Supplement at our regular rates of compensation. The papers will bo submitted for ad judication to a select Jury of throe, to be named hereafter. Rejected MSS. will bo returned when accompanied by a stamped and ad dressed envelope. Each paper should be signed by a fictitious name, and a card bearing the true name and the fictitious name of the author should accompany each paper, but In a separate sealed envolopo. All papers should bo received at this office on or boforo June 20, 1830, ad dressed to Editor of tho Scientific American, 301 Broadway, New York. OUR GYMNASIUM GIRLS SATURDAY NIGHT'S EXHIBITION Tho BoyH do Somo Flno Lnddor Work Thomsolvos -Audlonoo Testod tho Araory'B.Cnpaolty. Tho long looked for gymnasium exhi bition enmo ofT last Saturday night and everyone who could beg, steal or buy a ticket was on hand. Some of the boys who were not able to procure tickets any other way bought them of their loss Interested classmates and others climbed In the windows by the help of ladders. By S o'clock the gym nasium was packed three deep with expectant people. There were fond fathers nnd mothers, admiring glrlj and ultra appreciative boys who had bribed their best girl or bullied their sisters Into giving them tickets. The faculty was well represented In the gal lery. The animated scene gave quite the appearance of a circus, with the rows of people lined aVound the open space, the scattered apparatus and Bob Uhle and Jack Best rushing the mat3 around like a couple of tent hustlers In starched shirts. The girls wero clad In tasty gymnasium suits with white cuffs and collars and large ties, which were white or colored, 'according as they belonging to the advance or first year class. From the first to the last all the drills had the closest attention of the audience and the applause was frequent and hearty. Tho marching executed by thirty-two girls was es pecially taking and during the execu tion of the many figures there was an almost continuous round of applause. This drill was as fine as any ever given In the city, some of the figures being very clever nnd very difficult. The bag passing contest worked the audience Into a'rugTi pitch of excite ment and seemed to revive some of the enthusiasm that has lagged since the football games. During tho progress of the game the girls on either side became so worked up that the dropping of a bean bag would nearly cause a stroke of nervous prostration. At the close of each game the ployers on the winning side would Indulge in the most Jubilant manifestations. The rope climbing contest wns well appreciated while Cora Cropsey and Xnnmah Lowe did some clever work on the lndder. Miss Spurk won hearty m-plause by her work on the ring.. About tin- middle of tho program some of tho boys who weic disappointed In getting tlckots put a ladder up to one of the windows nnd began piling In six abreast. It required a great deal of un gentle muscular Inducement on the part of Bob Uhle to persuade them to get back. As It was, nearly fifty of the boys got In that way. The exhibition was brought to a close by a mass drill by all the young women participating. Thoy gave their "gym. yell" In a timid sort of way and marched out. The audi ence was so large that it took nearly ton minutes for them to file down the stairs. Much credit Is due to Miss Bnrr for the excellence nnd precision of the work. The efficiency which "our girls" have acquired Is certainly to be praised nnd It Is due to Miss Barr's energetic efforts, thnt the exhibition was the suc cess it was. The assistants. Miss Anna Spurck and Miss Stella Elliott de serve credit for acqulttli.g themselves so creditably. Their leadership showed careful and systematic training. Personal. NOTICE The gentleman who kindly sold me his gym. ticket for $1.50 will bo good enough to redeem the lead quarter he gave me In change. O. W. FOR SALE OR TRADE I will trade my annual window pass to tho girls' gymnasium exhibition for a gonoral ad mission ticket for next year, the fam ily doctor having objected to further ladder climbing. R. II. FOR RENT I have a pair of large flold glasses (such as I used nt tho ex hibition Saturday night) which I will ront on easy terms for similar func tions. BILL GRiSN. WANTED Some self-sacrificing youth with nerve and peralstonco who will obtain a ticket for the next girls' gym, exhibition. Having never yet had tho opportunity to witness one, I do not wish to bo deprived of this osson tlal part of a college education. G. T. LOST While rubber-necking In tho nrmorylaatSnturday night someone ex changed hats with me. My hat was a "Barbers Delight" stiff hat, costing $1.41 when new. Tho head gear left in Its plnco was a low-crowned, fried-egg "dicer," which has not been In style since tho time of George I. It had a Sir Walter Raleigh brim and cost no more than two bits when now. Tho mnn who exchanged will please leave my hat with Short Louhoft or someone else whom It would not lit. ART HUTCHINSON. THE SKNIOR PROM. The senior promennde promises to be by far the greatest event of the uni versity this year. C.ollege work will practically bo completed by tho 22d and on that evening the care-worn nnd prof-oppressed will gather and forget or relate their troubles 03 things of tho past. Better prospects for a general good time could not exist for the com mittee, assisted by tho class, is pushing things to accomplish such an end. The number of tickets to be sold Is sixty, so thnt in the large representa tive hnll tho dancers will not be crowded. The hnll admits of a good circulation of air so that, although the weather during the day will bo warm, yet the evening, nnd especially tho part con tained within capital walls, will be cool enough. For patronesses of the party the fol lowing have been secured: Chancellor nnd Mrs. MncLeun, Mr. nnd Mrs. Morlll. Mr. nnd Mrs. Gere, Miss Ellen Smith, Captain nnd Mrs. Gullfoyle, Professor nnd Mrs. Richards, Professor and Mrs. Taylor and Professor nnd Mrs. Fling. The grand march will take place promptly nt 9 o'clock. STUDENTS' RECEPTION. The members of the Political Econ omy club nnd the students In the po litical science department were given a reception Tueslny evening by Mr. and Mrs. W. G. Langworthy Taylor at their home, fill North Sixteenth street. The Inclement weather kept a good many away who would otherwise have been there. Those who were there nevertheless enjoyed the evening. There was plenty of music and lively conversation to mnko tho evening a pleasant one. Late in the evening deli cate refreshments were served. Miss Miner, n sister of Mrs. Taylor's, who is visiting here until after commencement, wns an honored guest at the reception. Do you know that headaches and mnny nervous affections are duo to eye strain, nnd can bo curd by elentlfl cnlly fitted glnssos? Examination nnd consultation free. Dr. II. M. Belts, graduate of Chicago othalmlc colloge. Hours, 10-12; 2-5. Richards block. IN THE LIBRARY. We met. With hair as dark as night, Her eyes outshone the sun, A dainty, fairy little sprite Whose smile wns novor gone. This little maid I would possess; We'd go thro' life togethor Thought I, enraptured by her gaze, And then I met another. She was divinely tall and fair, With head poised ns a queen's, And when she moved she seemed on air, I saw her in my dreams, "And now at last I've found my choice, With her all happiness llos;" "Handsome Is as handsome- does" My better part replies. With this old proverb much Impressed, I took time for reflection, And when I found this priceless flower, My thoughts changed thoir direction. A noble soul and heart as well, Shone from her eyes of blue, She held my fate In her sweet hands; 1 would to her be true. Alas! for him who needs must choose A Jewel from so many; You'll find it's very hard Indeed, For you may get not any. One more with arms around my neck, A warm kiss speaks of love; She said she'd always lovo mo, and I know she'd keep hor word. And after seeking till I'm old I now am satisfied; A curly-headed three-year-old Says she will bo my bride. IJBI QUITOUS. The spring tennis tournament will be gin on May 10. All who wish to par ticipate are asked to pay their dues bo foro May 15. ALL ABOUT THE X RAYS PROFESSOR BRACE LECTURES Mnny Phynloinns Wero Among tho Hour- ors-Qivon a Holontlflo Tnlk That All May Understand. On Inst Wednesday evening Professor Brace of tho department of physics de livered his talk on X rays. The chapel was for tho time being converted Into an electrical laboratory, as no other room In any of the buildings would havo held tho largo crowd which was attracted by tho advertisement of the exhibition. The professor opened his tnlk with a description of the apparatus which had been used In nil experiments carried on at the laboratory, and which had, by continual experiment, been found to give the best results. The nlr pump used was of tho Sprengel pattern, by which he had been able to obtain a vacuum of about one millionth of an atmosphere. The vacuum tube used Is the result of continual experiment, most of the experimenting having been concentrated on this part of the ap paratus with a view to obtaining the best results and overcoming several difficulties which have heretofore hin dered the progress of photography by X rays. The tube Is a radical depart ure from the original Crookes' tube and dirfers not a little from those now being used in other institutions. The prin ciple change consists In tho introduc tion into the tube, of a metallic reflec tor, which Is so placed as to receive the rays coming from the cathode, and In thus becoming the source of X rays, projects them out of one side of the tube. Before this reflector was Intro duced the iithodc rays were projected against the glass so forcibly as to heat It to redness, whereupon It would melt and tho vacuum be lost. The Induction coil Is of a rather an tiquated type and tho professor stated that with a larger and better coll he thought he -..ould be able.to taki almost Instnntnneous pictures. During tho llrst part of his talk the professor had several pictures taken, which were afterwards devel.ipel and shown at the end of the lecture. The pictures and time of oxposuro were: A hand, flvo minutes; a pockot-book containing several metallic articles, ten seconds; a metallic screen, one second. Pictures wore also shown which had been taken under an exposure of one third second. Views of all the pictures taken at the laboratory wore projected on a screen by moans of a stereoptlcan. Not the least interesting part of the exhibit was the fluoroscope, which was used by one of the assistants. By means of this he was enabled to see coins placed In a thousand page book and many other objects otherwise to tally Invisible. The principle of the fluoroscope Is simply this that certain chemical compounds are excited to lluorensconce by X rays. If a screen bo coated with any of these, such as barium, platinum, cyanid or tungstatc of calcium, and then brought In the vicinity of the rays, tho compound will fluoresce and any object placed be tween the sourco of the rays and the screen will cast Its shadow. The more opaque the object, tho more clearly de fined Is the shadow and thus objects may be quite clearly distinguished. The lecturo closed with some advice to physicians regarding the apparatus to be used for experimenting with X rays in surgery. The professor recom mended the use of a Bunsen battery of fifteen to thirty cells; an Induction coil which would give a four-inch spark, and tungstatc of calcium for the fluoro scope. Professor Brace oxpressed his thanks to the electrical engineering students who had helped him in pre paring for the exhibit, and tho audience was then allowed to Inspect photo graphs and apparatus, etc. Tho succoss and progress of pho tography by X rays at tho university of Nobraska Is duo In no small dogive to Mr. Bert Sponcor of tho physical laboratory, who, under the direction of Professor Brace, has made all of the vacum tubes used in tho experiments.