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.
