LLLHSfiK
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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.
