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About Hesperian student / (Lincoln [Neb.]) 1872-1885 | View Entire Issue (June 12, 1889)
i THE tiSsPKklAH. PHILODICEAN EXHIBITION. Tho exorcises of Commencompnt week began with the fifth annual exhibition of tho Philodicenn Society, in tho University chapel, Thursday evening, June Gth. Tho audience was lato in gathering, but by 8:45 a fair house had assembled, and President Mnnloy announced as tho first number, a violin solo by Mr. Gustav Menzendorf, accompanied by Miss Cochran. Tho first part of tho number was plaintive and sweet, the second more lively in movement and fully as enjoyable. Miss Sara Schwab followed with a sketch entitled, " Marcus Aurelius." An estimate of his character and analysis of his stoic philos ophy was given. The sketch was evidently the result of considerable study, but being largely biographical, did not give much scope to originality. The third number upon tho program wafl a recitation, "Courtship Under Difficulties,'' by Miss Kate Scothorne. The selection was of a different nature from those usually heard on society exhibitions. The reciter took success ively tho parts of two gentlemen and a lady in a lively and amusing conversation. The changes of voice and manner wero fairly executed. The acting was a trifle over-done. Tho recitation was very well received by the audience. The next to nppear was C. F. Ansley, who read a paper, "In Defense of tho Humanities.'" Tiio need for a more general culture than that of tho usual college course was plainly set forth. Athletic training is for the general bodily health. Mental culture should aim at the perfect development of the intellect, the motives and the will. The average college course is for the intellect alone. Thisiscalled an age of science. Science has to do with the intellect only, and we do not live for the intellect alone. Character is admired, not knowledge. Children are named after warriors, statesmen, philanthropists, not after scientists or scholars. Astronomy, as a study of worlds, is worth littlo,butif it moats the full appreciation of boundless space and power, there is enough in this one idea to raise a nation from barbarism to civilization. College courses should train mow to live so that the world may bo better and happier, and should make every part of their nature in perfect accord. This was certainly the most meritorious article of tho program. Mr. Ansley's delivery lacked force. His voice was not powerful, nor his enunciation distiuct, so that it required effort to closely follow him. A vocal solo, "Air with variations Ilode," was next rendered by Mmo. Adolf Weber. This was a pleasing se lection, rendered in the lady's usuul finished style. To hearty upplauso, Mmo. Weber responded with a pretty, taking ballad. Part II. of tho program was opened by H. J. Edmiston, with an oration, "John Bright." Thii statesman began his career at a critical period. The rising importance of the manufacturing districts necessitated u parliamen tary representative who could champion their interests. Such a man was found in John Bright. Lacking elegant erudition, he yet spoke tho purest English that of the Bible. Ho used hard common sense. In a year the mid dle class was convinced of the justice of free trade. In 184:0 every shilling of duty upon grain was removed. This was duo to Bright. He inaugurated a political re form by advocating a measure irrespective of party. He "was a leader in the reform agitation, the Irish agitation, and tho temperance movement. He supported tho" Union against the Confederacy during our civil war. All Eng land mourns his death. Obloquy is silenced, for there is no arguing against a nation's tears. Mr. Edniiston's stage appearance was not easy, nor his delivery natural. There was too much monotone, and the empasis was not advantageously placed. The composition and thought were praiseworthy. Miss Nannie Lillibridge followed with a vocal solo, "Dreams." The selection was a pathetic one, and rend ered with much feeling. Miss Lillibridge possesses a sweet and remarkably pure voice. An enthusiastic encore made a partial repetition necessary. The audience next listened to a recitation, "Death Bridge of the Toy," by Miss Minnie Latfa. This showed much elocutionary ability. Tho delivery was marked "by animation of voice and action. The action was perhaps too animated for the selection rendered. The number was heartily applauded. Mr. H. A. Reese then read an essay on "The Interna tional Copyright Law." This was urged not only on the grounds of morality, and the justice of giving a man the returns for his lnbor, irrespective of geographical limits, but on the grounds of expediency as well. Such a law would turn buck the flood of cheap and pernicious litera ture which now does so much to deprave the teste of our reading public. Mr. Reese was entirely self-possessed. His voice wns strong, clear, and distinct; his delivery, unimnted and forcible. The essay was clearly composed, logical, and well-arranged. The last number of the program was a vocal solo by Mine. Weber, "Garland of Sloep Do Lain" So pleased was the audience with the selection that. Mine. Weber was forced to reappear, giving in a very pleasing manner the old favorite, "Last Rose of Summer."" PALLADIAN EXHIBITION. In spite of the threatening went iier, a well filled house greeted the Palladians in their exhibition, Pridny, June (Mi. Por an opening number, Miss Minnie D.Cochran played in her usual charming manner, Pranz Liszt's, "Ta'nn hauser and Lohengrin." The firstliterary production was an oration, "Freedom for Finland," by Edwin Parmer. The Philanders, though subject to Sweden and Russia, yet reserved many rights. But the Tzar is a despotic ruler. The national legisla ture can only petition the government. Education, free dom of speech and press, are restricted. Exile awaits disobedience. Industry aud commerce are checked to furnish a market for Russian goods. Finland's condition is worse than Ireland's. No people yearn more for free dom than the Finns. Jiidejieiidence by force of arms? Sot yet, but soon. Let America win eternal honor by hastening tho happy time. Mr. Farmer's delivery was earnest, and forcible, and he was self-possessed. His gestures lacked grace, but were energetic and expressive. Miss Jessie Goodoll recited Longfellow's poem, "Tho Falcon of Sir Ferderigo." Her clear penetrating voice, calm demeanor and earnest sympathy with her subject,, produced a pleasing effect. Mr. N. P. Brigham then sang " Last NighV His full, rich voice was under perfect control. A beautiful selec tion was given as m encore.
