.THE HESPERIAN
society to order, and gave, in a short introduction, a review of the
history of the contests of the society and the interest Palladians have
always taken in public speaking in the University.
After an instrumental solo, "Locus Eaters," by Miss Nellie Cave,
Mr. Howard H. Hanks delivered his forcible oration on "The Vital
Principle in Government." Mr. Hanks showed ability, which he has
acquired by considerable experience in speaking before audiences.
He was least concerned with the mere words of his manuscript, and
could therefore give his entire attention and energy to putting force
and effect into his delivery. The theme of his oration was individu
ality and organization the two taken together constituted what the
speaker consiuered as the important factor in government. Mr
Hanks possesses a broad physique and a consequent powerful strength
of voice and energy. He will enter the local oratorical contest.
With his well-composed manuscript, strong and forceful delivery, and
the work and training which he will be able to put into it in the
mean time. Mr. Hanks will be a formidable contestant.
Mr. Lee Berry, the youngest and prep, contestant, choose for his
subject, "The Faithful Abolitionist" as he characterized Charles Sum
ner. Mr. Berry received first place on manuscript by the judges but
lost on delivery. His theme proved to be a eulogy of the unswerv
ing loyalty and devotion of Charles Sumner to the cause of aboli
tion even under the most bitter and personal opposition. He showed
the-true conception of an orator both in choice of subject and man
ner of treatment. He will enter the local contest, and with hard
training in delivery he will come out, after the three weeks of train
ing have passed, o. much more aggressive rival.
Charles C. Crouch represented Patrick Henry and his interests.
His subject, "How Patrick Henry Helped Free America," is fully
expressive of the theme of his discourse. He traced the life and en
vironments of the colonial orator and showed wherein he was a
power to arouse a passive people into vigorous action. Mr. Crouch
vas thoroughly enthused with the spirit of his mission and spared no
effort to present his hero as the man of the hour. He has the imag
ination and enthusiasm of the orator. He will enter the local contest
and again pay tribute to the man who said: "Give me liberty, or give
me death."
Mr. H. R. Tucker with his "The New America," proved him
self the winner by considerable margin. His subject was timely and
alive to the present interests of the nation. lie discussed the new
duty of the greater America and showed himself a warm expansionist
in extending and furthering the ideals of republican government and
Christian civilization. He was perfectly fair and unpredjudiced in
the stand he took and showed a deep and convicting earnestness
which could not fail to impress his hearers. His manuscript is very
carefully constructed and shows that he has spent much time in pol
ishing and making it strong and effective. His delivery was easy
and earnest. Mr. Tucker has begun early to work over his produc
tion and train his delivery for the coming local contest where he is
fearless in his ambition to meet again some of those whom he met in
victory in the Palladian contest.
The last speaker, Mr. R. L. Waterman, pled the cause of "The
American Soldier" in a manner which convinced his hearers that he
meant every word he said. Mr. Waterman was the most earnest in
his appearance and sincere in his efforts. His great theme was to
give the volunteer soldier of the line honor and credit for bravery and
ability, as well as the exalted leader, vro may have been no braver
than the private, and yet receive military honor and glory because of
rank. Mr Waterman argued for the common soldier, the private sol
dier, the soldier of the rank and file, and he did it with true earnest
ness and conviction of an admirer of the common people. His deliv
ery was very effective and convicting.
After the announcement of the judges, the Palladians gave a shorl'
reception to their orators in their hall. The judges on manuscript
were: Dr. Wharton, Prof. Ansley, and Judge E. P. Holmes; on deliv
ery, Prof. Stuff of,Wesleyan, Prof. Barber, and Representative Pol
lock. ;
Joint Debate.
, Union Boys Dedating Club of the University,
i Pi Kappa Delta Society of Doane College.
The debating contest held at Crete last Saturday night was one
of the most enjoyable social events of the year among the literary and
debating societies, as well as a mutually beneficial forensic and argu
mentative exercise. The question, Resolved: "that an alliance offen
sive and defensive, should be perfected between the United States
and Great Britain," was supported by the Doane club and opposed
by the U. B. D. C. Messrs. Anderson, Riley and Barr represented
the P. K. D. on the affirmitive and Messrs. Hager, Craft and Haw
thorne championed the negative for the U. B. D.' C.
In spite of the severely cold weather a party of eighteen boys and
ladies of Union society filled the air with songs and yells. The Uni
versity party left Lincoln on the 6:10 p. m. train and started back
from Crete at 1 1 o'clock. The debate was a lively and interesting one
showing considerable ability on Loth sides. After the contest proper,
a reception was given the visitors by P. K. D. in the parlors of the
Congregarional church.
The stage and tables were beautifully and appropriately decorated
with the colors of the respective elubs.
Mr. John Plowhead, president of the Union club presided with
dignity and skill. He paid a touching tribute to Mr. H. E. Fleming
who was to have been one of the U. B. D. C. debaters. Mr. Ander
son of Doane responded, showing that they too mourned the loss of
an able man whom they expected to meet.
Lively music which was very much appreciated, was furnished by
the Doane mandolin club. Miss Maude Johnson's vocal solo was
effectively rendered. During the reception Miss Chase of the Union
society gave two vocal selections by request. Pier singing is always
well received. Extemporaneous speeches, voicing the good feeling
of both societies were heartily enjoyed.
Y. M. C. A. Notes,
The Parker Fountain Pen Co., has given the Asssociation a large
amount of ink and now members will be furnished ink free by calling
at Y. M, C'J- A. rooms.
Mr. Williams is out again after his siege of sickness. The boys
were faithful in caring foi him. The Y. M. C. A. has done an excel
ent work in looking after sick young men.
Miss Barr, who has charge of the ladies gymnasium, recently pre
sented the Y. M. C. A. with a beautiful picture which will be hung
in the new jooms.
The social committee of both Y. W. and Y. M. C. A. are busy
planning for the reception at the Lincoln hotel. It is hoped all mayr
attend.
A new Bible class has been formed with Jno. Boose, as leader. It
is composed of the-boys who came in from Lincoln Normal.
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