Hesperian student / (Lincoln [Neb.]) 1872-1885, July 05, 1885, Page 8, Image 8
8 THE HESPERIAN. II a cnid, was a surprise to even her friends. The task she under took was hard one, a little beyond her strength, hut she ac quitted herself so well as to draw out rounds of hearty ap plause. This was the first appearance of Miss Wolfe, and the society she represented may well consider her debut a triumph. Mr J. B. Barnaby was received with applause when he came on the stage to sing his baritone solo, "The Diver," and he was compelled to give a second song after the first one was fiinished. The discussion on the relative merits of the sale or leasing systems as applied to school land was a rather homely subject but one that could not fail to interest the masculine portion of the audience. Mr. Pcrrin held that to sell the lands will be the best policy, and spoke earnestly in support of his proposition. He was inclined to gesticulate with his neck, doubtless feeling that the motions made with the arms not of sufficient force. Mr. Polk began hurriedly on his reply, acting throughout his speech as though he feared he would not be allowed time to say all he wished. His move ments on the stage were not so easy as those of his opponent, but what he lacked in grace, he supplied with impetuosity. Taking advantage of a previous knowledge cf the point brought forward by Mr. Fcrrin he answered one or two of them in a delibciatc manner that gave the appearance of impromptu speaking. This shrewd dodge of Mr. Polk may have been a trifllc unfair, but it added much to the intcitsl of the debate. Following the discussion came a vecal solo, "What Life, W hat Joy," by Mrs. Pierce, who capthatedhc listeners not only with her sweet voice but her appearance. A review of "The New Abclard" was the work assigned Miss Grace Barrett. She made her paper as interesting as a review can be made, having the advantage of treating of an author, Buchanan, who is just coming into prominence. She was heard distinctly and listened to attentively, although her production was fully fifteen minutes long. On "Amusement and Money" was the oration of Will Owen Jones. This speaker has given several typical soaring "college orations" in the past, but through disgust of such strained efforts abandoned the old paths and came out this time with an innovation. Neither composition nor delivery were intended to be striking, the en tire attention being given to the proof of the soundness of the speakers position, on the necessity of a reform in public amuse ments. Such orations are generally interesting to an audi ence, but the orator will scarcely get as much credit for brill iancy as he who dazzles the people with something that they cannot understand. Miss Mary A. Leonard a former student of the University, closed the entertainment with a vocal solo, her selection being from Lucia di Lammcrmoor. Miss Leonard has been studying music at Cincinnatti for the past year, and. this was her first appearance since her return. Her voice is clear and sweet, and her execution of the difficult aria was faultless. Thus ended the fourteenth exhibition of the Palladians, an entertainment marked for good management and prompt, ready delivery of carefully prepared exercises. The audience listened with closest attention from the opening to the close. The average of the exhibitions was probably as high as at any previous commencement, though none can be said to be the "best ever held in the city." Disinterested critics who attended the three exhibitions are inclined to award the palm to no society, but admit that all did exceedingly well. That three entertainments so nearly alike and following each other in direct succession should be attended by such large and select audiences is indeed a matter for congratulation. On Tuesday evening the Board of Regeuts and a few invited citizens of the city were entertained at a six o'.clock tea by Mr. and Mrs. C. II. Gere. The occasion was one of the pleas antest of the many delightful gatherings of the week. The competitive drill for the prizes offered in the Military Department took place Monday afternoon, and also occupied the first half of the following day. The weather was unsur passed, a large number of spectators were present, and the boys fairly covered themselves with glory. At the dress parade on Tuesday afternoon the awards were made as follows: The Captain having the largest and best equipped company during the year, sword and belt, George O. Heam, Co. A. Best drilled company of infantry, prize banner, Co. A. Best drilled private, Gold Medal, A. Walters of Co. A. Second best drilled private, Silver Medal, F. W. Kramer, of Co. B. Best drilled Cannoneer, Gold Medal. Jared G. Smith of detachment Co. A. Best gun detachment, Guidon, Co. B. The first public cntcrtaiivment of the musical department of the University was the grand concert given on Tuesday evening in the Opera House. The audience was small, as the price of seats was a trille too high for the average stu dent, and the number of previous exercises had somewhat weared the Lincoln public. The concert in itself was ex cellent. The Hesperian congratulates Miss Cochran and Dr. Savby on the quality of the music rendered by the pupils who have been under their instruction, and assures them that their efforts to raise the standard of musical culture in the University arc appreciated by the student!! and friends of the institution. We regret that it is impossible to mention all the numbers on the programme. None were poorly executed and not a singe selection failed to hold the attention of the auditors. University concerts are to be held regularly in the future, and they will prove a pleasant addition to the events of commencement week. The Alumni of the University of Nebraska gave their annua) banquet at the parlors of the Gorham House on Tues day evening, June 9th. About fifty of the allumni and al umnae were present. Although few in number they man aged to keep up the appropriate degree of mirth observed on such occasions. The beautifully carpeted halls afforded ex cellent places for promenade and many utilized the opportun ity for "exercising before dinner." At eleven o'clock the head-waiter appeared and announced that the "viands await you sah," Upon entering the dining room the tables were seen arrayed in the form of a horse-shoe and set and decora ted with more than usual brilliancy and beauty. The menu was perfect and as follows, Little Neck Clams, on half shell, Soft Shell Crab, Sauce Bordelaise, Pommes, Parisienne, Petite Poii, Sliced Tomatoes, Chicken Mayonnaise, Shrimp Salid, Boned Turkey, en Bellevuc, Pate of Chicken Livers, a al Strasburg, Pyramid of shrimps, en Aspse, Westphalia Ham, Decorated, Smoked Buffalo Tongue, en Aspic, Macedonia of Fruits, a la Rothschild, Napolitaine Ice Cream, Charlotte de Russe.' Champagne Jelly, Fancy Cak, Assorted Confectionery, Oranges, Bananas, Figs, Raisins, Assorted Nuts, Malaga Giapes, CAFE. The Gorham House management evidently know howjo gef up a fine banquet. After the last article on the bill of fare