Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1873-03-29
= Fokaths Register.
WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY,
MoRGANTowN, Mar. 81, 70.

1uOhOANIOWN, Mai. Il, 10. J
Mr.. Editor-The annual sum of one
hundred dollars is placed in the hands
of the President of the University, by
Gen. Geo. w. Brown, of Grafton, for
the encourage of the Literary Societies,
to be awarded for superiority in Essay,
Grafton, Defamation and Debate. The
two Societies, Parthenon and Column
bian, contend for these Prizes at the end
of the Winter Term. The Prizes are
distributed as follows For Declama-
ton, $40; Essay, $40; Grafton, $50 /;
Debate, $40.
On Wednesday evening of the 10th
inst, in the presence of large and in
telligent audience, the contest took
place. The appointed hour was 7 p.
NJ, but as this occasion isalways looked
forward to, by our citizens as a great
intellectual treat, long before the allot-
ted time, crowds were seen vending
their way to the University Hall, and
by 6 - o'clock, it was filled to over
flowing with eager expectants, anxious
for the coming spectacle. 1t was not
for proves in muscle, as the gladiator
al contests of ancient times, but mind
against mind.
At the appointed time, the Band
struck up one of its loveliest airs. The
Judges chosen, consisting Of Rev. Mr..
Mullenix, of the NJ. +. Church, Rev.
Mr. Webb, Presiding Elder, DR.. H. w.
Brock, an eminent physician of our
town, Mr.. Moreland, one Of our promi-
nent lawyers and also Mayor of the
town, and Judge Berkshire, Chairman
of said Committee, took their seats.
The contestors for Defamation ascend
ed the platform. The music ceased, land
all were silent The President then an
nounced as the representative Of the
Parthenon Literary Society, a. +.
Downs, of Geneva, Pa, subject, Bar
barity Of National Hatreds." He was
followed by the representative Of the
Columbian Literary Society, l.. Eskey,
Subject, 'Impeachment of Warren Has
tings," Both declamers acquitted them
selves nobly. Next came the Essays,
w. NJ. Howell, of Morgantown, for the
Columbian Literary Society. Subject,
wrecks Of Intellect" He was follow
ed by G. p. Lynch, Of Browns Creek,
w. Va, for Parthenon Literary Socie-
ty. Subject, "Infuence of Civilization
on the Happiness of Man" Both pro-
auctions were unusually good, showing
considerable thought and ability. Next
i'll order were the Orations, w. O. lson,
of Parkersburg, for Parthenon Literary
Society. Subject, "rhe Empire OF
Change" His opponent was }. 5. vii
let's, of Wheeling Subject, 1.-The Final
Triumphs of Republicanism, or, Who
Shall Rule" These performances were
very excellent and the fair ones pass
ed up the boquets" in profusion. Last
but most exciting came the Debate,
question, "Have men Of thought been
more advantage to the world than men
of action" Affirmative, Il. Z. Jacobs,
of Morgautown, for Columbian Literary
Society. Negative, w. T. Prichard, Of
Warrington, for the Parthenon Literary
Society. The discussion lasted for
about one hour, was spirited, we'll ar
gued and to the point. The audience
showed their appreciation by frequent
applause. After two speeches piece,
the debators left the question III the
hands Of the judges
And now the house awaits with
breathless excitement, for their decision
Each performer as is always the case,
had his special friends and symPathise's,
hence you may imagine the feelings of
the audience during their awaiting the
decision. At length they returned
Judge Berkshire assembled the stage and
read the following results For Decla-
nation, a. +. Downs; Essay, a tie ;
Grafton, J. S. Willetts Debate, 1. L.
Jacobs.
The house seemed to be well pleased
With the decisions, and with much APP
plauso and many congratulations tor
the successful combatants, dispersed for
other scenes. On the whole the per
tormances were considered rs remarka-
bly, excellent.
The University is progressing rapid
ly. The Spring Term opens with
brighter prospects than ever. This is
the very place for Jefferson boys
Yours Forever,
] ID