Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1863-05-27
OBERL1N, May 23d,

term of this college approaches, bringing
with it the accustomed literary entertain
ments. Leading these, in respect of excel
Isnce aud interest as well as in point of time,
is the union exhibition Of the Phi Delta and
Phi Kappa Pi socisties, which came of at
the Church this afternoon before a large and
appreeiative audience.
This exhibition, as you must know, pre-
sents a combination Of the most brilliant tai
emit to be found in the two College Societies,
the representative from one Society being
brought into such contrast with those from
the other, as to stir up each to his best en-
deavOr. An orator, a poet, and two dsbaters
from each Society, make up the entertain
ment. Emulation gives its chief interest to
this exercise. It is a trial Of strength, a
measuring of words, a mental tournament
witnessed by the wise and the fair.
9There can be no doubt that healthy emuIa-
ton has a legitimate and important part to
play in mental culture, and we have often
moved the question in respect to this College
whether it would not secure n higher and
more finished style of scholarship, without
the loss of any present advantage, by intro
ducing something more of this element into
its system. Certainly its result in these So
c%isties, if we may judge from their annual
exhibitions, are admirable and in every
point of view to be sought after.
The Societies wore represented this year
as follows: Phi Delta orator, Norris Morey;
poet, C. N. Pond; debatera, W. F. Wal
worth and Wm. Kineaid, Jr.; Phi Kappa Pi
orator, W. NJ. Ampt; poet, C. II. Haynes,
debaters, t. W. Otis and A. B. johnson.
Mr.. Morey's Grafton on "Ballast and
Balance Wheels" was a strong and ~persPicu-
Gus presentation Of the necessity and value
of a symmetrical development. All the hu-
man powers are intrinsically good, and
unless each has its place and Office you have
a dwarf, not q man. For a strong character.
passion is as needful as conscience. Wash
ington was cited as an example of strong
passions held il due equilibrium by a strong
intellect. Mr.. MOrey's style is chasts and
saxon rather than classic. His eloeution,
if something ~monotonous, is distinct, and
his appearance graceful and commanding,
In his poem on " The Faneiful-the Real, /"
Mr.. Haynes presented in smooth flowing,
if not Thought Weighted" rhymes the
claims Of the objects of Imagination to our
regard as the most substantial things Of all.
"0ur widest dreams are last to die, is a
line which gives the key to the whole poem.
Mr.. Haynes, like many another poet, is not
the best elocutionist Of his own productions,
and we think somewhat concealed the ex-
cellences Of his composition by his measured
and often harsh delivery. I'D meliorG!
The discussion Of the following question,
" Is our present system Of suffrage detrimen-
tal to the best interests Of our Government %
was conducted in a very fair and popular
style, the speakers presenting their argu-
ments and replies clearly, but with little con-
vincing slOquenee.- Mr.. Walworth's style OF
speaking and thinking is eminently argu-
mentatiTe and Iawyerly, and he opened the
discussion in a very easy and becoming man
ner.
Mr.. Otis, opening on the negative, seemed
to be under constrsint both Of person and
vocal e for q time, which, however
| quite disappeared before be concluded. Hi
| propositions were definitely laid down anG
we'll supported, and though there was som'
irrelevant matter about "subiective and OBJ.
jective rights" he gave his side good sup.
port.
Mr.. Kineaid's manner lacks the earnest
ness and positiveness requisite for a good de-
batter. His sentences are fashioned upoI
classic models, and his whole carriage is cas-
and graceful, but his arguments are neithe
"heaDy nor hot" He would excel as an es
sayist or orator Of q certain sort.
Mr.. johnson, we think, made the speech 0
the discussion. Though we observed numer
Gus faults Of manner and ~elocution, Their,
was a directness and sarnestness and fore
about his argument which we did not motto
in the others. His criticism Of his opponent
arguments rather weakened than strength
ened his cause.
"Human strength" was the subject Of tn
poem by Mr.. Pond, and it was treated in
very pleasing, thoughtful manner. If "
accomplish anything worthy, we must seeur
and retain strength, physical and mental
But, even then without the strength tina
comes from God we are weak and shall fai
The poem was didactio rather than imagina
tive, and lacked a certain kindling Of enthu
siasm which is necessary for the best efec.
Still we must account this a successful efort
and wish Mr.. Reed may continue in thi
line.
Mr.. Ampt closed the programme with b
very fine Grafton on HThe Ordeal" in Ehic
he showed that trial is the necessary condi
ton of development. Composition is th
touch %stone," discovering the genuine IN
the baser metal. Phillips owes his power
the opposition he has breasted. Nations
growth is baptized with blood. In the o.
deal through which we are passing, heroisI
is born in the peace that shall follow q ne
and more sinewy literature will spring fortl
Nj. Ample quite sustained his well know
reputation as a writer and orator.
/ The music Of the occasion was furnishC
by 8 quRrtstte and chorus, under the dire
ton Of ". 3. Rice, who well deserves Il
name be enjoys % the beat proFider Of mus