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About Hesperian student / (Lincoln [Neb.]) 1872-1885 | View Entire Issue (April 15, 1889)
LLLHSfiK EJ 6 THE HESPERIA N. THE UNIVERSITY CONTEST. The first oratorical contest of the (present) University Or atorical association, took place in the chapel on the evening of April I. The audience was rather late in gathering, but when the vice president called to order the chapel and gal lery was well filled with students and friends of the Uni versity. The exercises were opened by a comet and piano duet,' which was very pretty, rendered by Mr. Elton Fulmcr and Miss Cochran. The first oration, "Daniel O'Conncll," was given by O. W. Fifer. The situation :n Ireland was hastily but concisely viewed; the lack of patriotism; Irish spirit ground down by English oppression, and all hope lost after repeatedly baflled attempts for liberty and liberal government; the past failures and present and iuture prospect. O'Connell's sacrifices; his influence, command and control over the Irish people, used in just and powerful ways. The religious and moral liberties gained against the most intense opposition without resort to violent measures. O'Connell, the prophet of the coming time, when Parncll shall reap the harvest. Mr. Fifcr's appearance and delivery were earnest, eager and convincing. We have but one criticism to offer; that he reached a depth of thought and earnestness in his delivery which he could not sustain to the end. T. S. Allen followed with "A Dangerous Tendency." He thus considered the tendency toward a centralized form of government. He began with a review of the con tests and conflicts between monarchial and republican forms of governments. The liberality to the states of our mos liberal government. The tendency even here is towards centralization, which he illustrated by national interference by legislation with matters which were in the province of state' control or option. The alarming increase of general national legislation. An introduction of fitting illustrations aided the argument in this production. His delivery was clear, earnest, argumentative and with deliberate confidence Mr. Reese gave a baritone solo in a pleasing manner and was recalled. Next followed the oration, "Robert E. Lee," by HansC. Peterson. He argued that Lee was forgotten through sec tional prejudice. Lee defended Virginia, his home, because he was more loyal to her than the union of states, which he held was not a compulsory union. As a soldier he was never defeated, never driven to leave, or take a position he did not wish to take; great deeds notwithstanding the size and power of his opponents. His reputation carried dread. Lee was a Hannibal, a Cromwell, a Wellington, and more in one; lovtd, respected and honored by north and south; sub missive to destiny; never complaining. As a statesman he was not inferior to the soldier, and as a man, superior to either. Mr. Peterson had a well written production, and his delivery was good. His gestures and position on the stage may be improved. The last orator was Alfred Pizey. His subject was "Slavery and John Quincy Adams." He reviewed the train ing Adams received from his boyhood to his experiences as a diplomat at the courts of Europe. His position and stand taken by him for years ir. the house of lepresentatives. His right to be enrolled among the fathers of his country. His continued vigilance to push the slavery question in congress, an anticipation of what was to come later. Mr. Pizy's oration was well written; his language and lone of dulivory were good, but he lacked ease and animation. While the decision of the judges, Professors Howard and Barber, and Mr. S. L. Geisthardt, was being determined, Miss Spraguc gave a vocal solo in a very pleasant manner, and was recalled. The decision of the judges gave Mr. Peterson first place and Mr. Allen second. Mr. Gcrvvig suggested as a fitting close to one of the best oratorical contests we have ever had to give the college yell, to which there was a gentle, and by him unexpected, response of "April Fool." The "Yaps" then arose and gave "The Undulator" to the accompaniment of "Rats" from the Lits and Classics. A rush was then made for the stage, where Messrs. Peterson and Allen were bounced in the most approved style, while "Ninety ah!" rolled out till the Juniors were hoarse and the ceiling cracked. As the Journal put it, "It was a jolly close loan excellent contest." STRA V PICK-UPS. When late, my fate, upon the gate, In her soft eyes, I calculate; Hut wait and sate her dog as bait? On me no flics do congregate. 'Onc-two-thrcc Reese!" Did you swear in your vote? "E-e-s-n't he a dai-sy." Hartigan. Ask Gcrwig about his "thirty dollar bum in Omaha." A few of our worthy seniors officiated as clerks of election April 2. The scarcity of professors at chapel exercises is quite noticeable at times. C. A. Beach, of Weeping Water, shook hands with a number of his old friends Aptil 4. Before you get your photographs sec the business man ager and buy an order at reduced rates. Secretary F. R. Dungan, '90, of Crete, visited the U. of N., April 2, in the state oratorical association. Docs Gcrwig chew gum, or was he just biting his lip to keep up courage while presiding at the contest? Will the faculty consider the proclamation of President Harrison setting aside April 30 as a legal holiday? To the new mayor and new police force, greeting: Now, "We won't go home till morning." '92 per Barkley. "Say, Ludwig, why don't you sew some buttons on your vest? Looks horrible to see you turning it under that way." A limited number of photograph orders are for sale by the business manager at 10 per cent below photographer's rates. Dr. A. G. Warner delivered his lecture "Causes of Pov erty" before the Hesperian Chatauqua Circle of Kearney, on April 5. To Ilarligan Greeting: If you don't know how to act the gentleman, watch the University students and act as they do. President Perry, of Doane college, listened to the fist oration but was forced to leave before the others in ordor to get his train. Orders for furnishing goods, boots and shoes, shoe repair ing and barbering for sale by business manager. Save mon ey by buying. II. K, Heflleman's father dropped in on him just as he was trying to sleep off the effects of his Cretctrip last Satur day moining.
