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THE HESPERIAN
STATE FIRST AGAIN.
Tho Elovonth Stnto Oratorical Contest has
como and gone, and tho Stato University
again has tho first honors. Evon tho other
four colleges admit that tho first place prop
erly belonged to Mr. Sherman, although
Cotner, Wesloyan, and Gates all complain
of rank injustice because Kenagy, of Doano,
got second placo. Whether Mr. Kenagy
deserved second placo or not, the Donne
delegation deserved first place, for their col
lege was best represented of any and tho
songs, yells, and enthusiasm of tho Doano
students was sufficient to put us to shame.
Excellent music was rendered by the Uni
versity Banjo Club, the Wesloyan Euterpean
Quartette, Mr. Dungan of Cotner, and tho
Doane Glee Club. The invocation .was of
fered by Rev. Curtis, of tho First Presby
terian Church.
Mr. Sherman was the first speaker. His
delivery was almost perfect. Mr. Sherman
has n very musical voice which was well
modulated, and he was perfectly self-possessed.
His oration on "America's Literary
Genius " seemed even bettor than when it
was delivered in tho local contest. When he
had closed with his glowing tribute to Emer
son and Hawthorne there was little doubt
among the State University people that tho
honors would again bolong to them.
Mr. Kenagy, of Doano, spoko on "Tho
Law Supremo." Ho dealt especially with
industrial disturbances, arguing strongly for
their settlement by better laws more thor
oughly enforced. His delivery was a little
stiff and his voice was not well modulate.
Mr. Boattie, of Cotner, spoke on "A Prob
lem of tho Ages." This problem proved to
bo that of unrestricted foreign immigration.
This subject was treated in a strong stylo,
but tho climaxes wore a little too numerous.
Mr. Beattie's delivery was very natural and
pleasing. "Tho Spirit of Brotherhood"
was tho subject of Mr. Essert's oration,
Wesleyan's representative. He reviewed
the history of fallen nations and then showed
tondoncics in our own government in the
samo direction, urging tho "Spirit of Brother
hood" as tho romody. Mr. Essert's voice
was not varied sufficiently, but his delivery
was graceful and effective Tho audience
was tired and impatient for the decision of
tho judges, so Mr. Williams, of Gates, spoke
at a disadvantage. His oration on "Profes
sional Politics" was thoughtful and well
prepared, but his delivery was lacking in
animation.
Tho opera house was well filled, and a
very pleasant part of tho program was the
rival college yolls and songs which occupied
the timo before tho exorcises began. Tho
State University should appoint a drum
major and yell master before tho next con
test or visitors will think our importance is
about equal to that of Gates.
BUSINESS MEETING OF ORATORICAL ASSOCIATION.
The last business meeting of the State
Oratorical Association was no exception to
tho two preceding. It was noisy and dis
gusting. There was a pulling of hair and
an eagerness for power and polf shown in
every motion.
The various delegations were made up as
follows:
Nebraska McNeal, Weaver, McLucas,
White and Kimball.
Cotner James, Harris, McGrow, Har
mon and Aylesworth:
Doan Morgan, Andrcss, House, Owon
and Miss McGrow.
Wesloyan Mans, Miss Green, Gettys,
Coleman and Tumor.
Two reports were made by tho committee
on credentials, Doano and Wesloyan signing
one, and Nebraska and Cotner having tho
unadulterated gall to attempt throwing Doauo
out on a technicality and admitt:ng Lincoln
Normal.
D At one time, it appeared that there would
bo a split in the convention when nearly alj