Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1880-05-28
Friday Evening May rs, ISIS
VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY.
A Memphis Boy Wins the Ora
tOricaI Prize Medal.

MI. M. r. Patterson, mentioned in
article below from the American of
yesterday, is a son Of Josiah Patter-
son, of Memphis.
The chapel of the Vanderbilt uni
versity was well filled last evening
with a highly respectable audience OF
ladies and gentlemen. The occasion,
the contest for the Young Oratorical
prize medal, was one upon whichgreat
interest had been conferred by the So
cieties and their friends, and, from
the many manifestations of approba.
ton, it was evidently an event which
we'll justified their faith in the enjoy
ment which the evening had promised
them.
After most agreeable music by Prof.
Kirtland's orchestra, the exercises
were commenced with prayer by Rev.
+. W. Macdonald, of London. The
orchestra again played, and continued
to perform during the intervals Of the
speaking.
The first orator was Mr.. H. L.
Crumley, of Georgia, of the DialectiC
society. His theme was, "There shall
be no Alps" The speaker at one
produced a good impression by his sell
poise and dignity, and showing a com
~prebension of lis subject in a few con-
else propositions. He threw himself
into the fertile field they opened. and
while cleaning ideas which we're fit
food for reflection, and culling flowers
Of rhetoric which gave pleasing hue
to the logic and historical illustration
which composed the substance of his
GRAFTON, the speaker created a degree
Of favor with the audience which was
not obscured by any subsequent speak
er's effort.
Mr.. E. 7. Fleming, of Tennessee,
representing the PhilOsophic society,
next spoke. 1.-THE sovereignty of pub
lie opinion" the subject of Grafton,
was treated in a manner which evinc-
ed profitable thought and careful
preparation. The diction of the
speaker was graceful and pleasing,
while his manner was earnest in citing
the lessons Of history which supported
the argument of his theme. Mr..
Fleming's grafton well merited the
hearty applause it received.
Mr. d. w. Dodson, of Tennessee. of
the Dialetic society, followed. His
deliberate and logical exordium was
we'll fitted to the compact and solid
structure which he gave to his hearers
and Of his theme, "The growth of
popular liberty" Mr.. Dodson's argu-
ment vas lucid aud well connected,
and the ornament and tastefully-em-
ployed metaphor and analogy gave a
polish to his Grafton which made a
pleased impression upon the audience.
The Grafton by Mr.. NJ. r. Patter-
son, OF Tennessee, representing the
Philesophic society, concluded the
contest. His theme, 1.-THE moral re-
spOnsibility Of nations" was one af-
fording a fine opportunity for a display
OF oratOrical power. Most admira-
bly, was it recognized. Though the
speaker began with difidence, he soon
secured himself with an easy but ear.
nest self.poise. His eloquent manner
and forcible diction proved him a pos
SCISSOR of the most effective elements
Of the orator. The young speaker
bent himself to his task as if he were
an advocate, determined upon con-
vincing a jury, and not upon winning
with the painted imagery Of rhetoric
the applause Of college commence.
ment audience. Happy illusions and
striking historical inductions, uttered
In burning words so captivated the
audience that the grafton was fire..
guently interrupted with applause.
The impression that the last speaker
had won the chief honor of the con.
test was realized when the Judges
DR.. R, W. Steger, and Messrs. Rober
Lea and j. A.. Cartright, announced
their unanimous verdict in favor q
Mr.. Patterson. Chancellor Garland
awarded the medal, p~refacing the ac
with a few words of wise counsel.
At the conclusion of the Grafton.
the friends Of the speakers thronge,
forward and rendered their conpratu
latiOns.