The Oratoral Contest

A "Battle of the Orators" last night's contest may be very appropriately termed. Four of United States' leading educational institutions have marshalled their oratorical forces; their leaders have met upon a fair and open field, and the U. of M. has added another laurel to her wreath of fame. The only lamentable feature was the small attendance, which, considering the fact that the U. of M. had the great distinction to be favored with the first contest, cannot be too severely censured. After the rendering of a selection by the Chequamegons, President of the League, G. E. Morton, of the University of Wisconsin, introduced the first speaker, Austin C. Gormley, of the University of Michigan. After bowing gracefully to the demonstration of his fellow-students he entered upon the discussion of his subject, "Quo Warranto," in an easy manner. With clear accents and stirring language he depicted the evil influence of the money power, and sought "by what authority Mammon rules." The American people were urged not to follow their Napoleon, money power, to their Waterloo, but to assert their , power of "quo warranto." The j production was clearly orignal and , behind the mere delivery could be ' seen a masterpiece of thought and ( composition, which well merited the f applause with which it was [ ceived. t The next speaker was Theodore Kronshage, of the University of Wisconsin. He was greeted with hearty applause which showed that the audience were impartial in their demonstrations, and whatever favoritism might have been in their hearts, it was not apparent to the speakers. His subject', "Luther at Worms," was ably handled. He has a striking bearing and a characteristic delivery, full of dramatic force. He has a wonderful power of description and seemed to carry his audience with him as he vividly described the scène at the Diet of Worms. It was replete with beautiful figures and deeply interesting throughout, and was enthusiastically applauded. The Chequamegons then rendered another selection, after which the president introduced Fred W. Gurney, of Oberlin College. Quite a delegation of his class-mates occupied the eastern portion of the hall and assisted in giving him an enthusiastic welcome. Some 1 jecture was had as to how he would 1 treat his subject, "King Phillip in ; America." It was soon found to be '■ a discussion of the liquor problem, L which was perhaps an unforunate i subject for an occasion of the kind. He has a tall and stately bearing which immediately challenged the attention of the audience. fíe has a magnificent voice which he has under perfect control. Although his subject was well worn, yet he had new arguments to produce and the interest of his hearers began to awaken in the subject until he had their closest attention. With burning words he called upon citizens, statesmen and Christians to rise up and put the rum power down. It was a masterly effort and greeted with prolonged applause. The last speaker was John B. Adams, of Northwestern University. He assumed a very graceful position and had the bearing of a cultured elocutionist. His voice was olear and well modulated and devoid of harsh sounds, which made it one pleasing to listen to. In forcible words he told of "Webster's IXefence of the Constitution." His speech was well arranged and one designed to meet with popular favor. [t was rendered in admirable and jjraceful manner and received with great favor. The decisión of the judges was awaited with suspense, the audience in the meantime being entertained by the orchestra. The judges were: Rev. H. A. Cleveland, Indianapolis, Ind., Prof. Amzi Atwater, Bloomington, Ind., and Prof. John L. Griffiths, of Indianapolis, Ind., on delivery, and Mrs. Horace Hitchcock, Detroit, Hon. Alfred Russell, Detroit, and Prof. G. H. Gallagher, Appleton, Wis., on thought and composition. His class-mates could not restrain their demonstrations of approval when it was announced that the first honor was awarded to A. C. GjOrmley, of the U. of M. The second honor was awarded to John B. Adams, of Northwestern. The complete score of points will be found in the following table: