Hesperian student / (Lincoln [Neb.]) 1872-1885, July 05, 1885, Page 8, Image 8

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    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