The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-04-12
THE CONTEST LAST NIGHT.

building. Prominent among those in attend
ance were large delegations from the educa-
tional institutions Of the State. well many
ladies and gentlemen of this and adjoining cities.
These occasions are always of much interest to
college students, and the present one appeared
to be prominently so. Six Institutions
represented by speakers, viz: Wabash College,
Franklin College, State University, Butler Uni
versity, Asbury University and Hanover Col
iege, and the successful contestant will represent
Indiana at the Interstate contest at Minneapo-
lis, next month. The contest last night was gen.
orally considered to be the hest in all respects
that has ever been held in this State. 1t was
presided over by G. S. Bridges president of the
ISOLATION, who introduced the speakers in order.
The exercises were opened by an eloquent in
vocation by President Martin, of Asbury Uni
versiiy. 1t was the intention to have had a
welcoming address by Governor Porter but His
Exeellency was unable to he present, his
marks were necessarily dispensed with.
MR.. ANDERsoN's ADDRESS.
The first speaker of the evening was Mr.. e. Fl.
Anderson, of Wabash College, whose subject
was "Man's Discomfort" and who was favora-
bly, received by the audience. Mr.. Anderson's
appearance was decidedly good. and his man
ners graceful and dignitied He had an
excellent, sonorous voice, but his delivery was
not particularly effective, as at times there was
a marked suggestion of monOtOny. His address
had heen carefully prepared and gave evidence
of close study and thought 1t was disposed,
however, to be of gloomy nature
He reasoned that from mans very nature
he must be Disconnected, not particu-
larry because of everyday occurrence
but because he could not arrive at the
primal reasons of things The mystery of exist
enee. the possibilities of the future, were to him
n sealed hook, and the thoughtful man could not
DO satisfied until he knew all. The speaker cited
numerous historical instances illustrating the
positions he assumed, declaring that the great
est men of all ages had been subject to this
mental melancholy. But there was one relief
from this and only one. and that WAS found in
the progress of the age-In the desire for some
thing higher and nober and better. In this way
alone the earnest, thoughtful could find
hone and comfort.
Mr. Anderson speke but briefly, and was par
ticularly feiictous in the latter part of his adj
dress, when more than once he displayed gem
uine eloQuenee. He generously remembered
by his friends in front with applause and flow
ers.
Mp srEPHENsoN's ADDRESS.
Mr.. E. C. Stephenson, of Franklin College, fol-
lowed with thoughtful address on "Puritanism
and Chivalry in Our Civilization" His manner
was animated and pleasant, and his voice,
barring slight hoarseness, was good. He said
that every great event in history was the devel-
opment of an idea, and he proceeded to discuss,
in an intelligent manner, the different elements
that made up the people Of the United States.
Puritanism he regarded as the most important
of these, and directly TO it could be attributed
mnch of the greatness of the country. In
England its operations had been in the defen-
stVe, on this side of the ocean they were
for progress and enlightenment The
puritan Influence had extended principally
throughout the North, where Its influence
still predominant. In the South il was different.
The original settlers had come from the nobility
of Embellishments
devoted to a mOnarchical form OF government
and who were directly opposed in almost every
Thing to their sterner brethren who landed on
Plymouth Rock. Southern society was based
upon slavery, and with slavery there could be
no compromise, no reform. Educational inst-
tntlons were less plentiful Than in the North,
and development was consequently slower. The
men OF the North had been pioneers in civiliza-
ticn hut those of the South spent their lives and
energies in n blind devotion to social system
that at last met its fate. In America to-day tbs
North was the representative of FuritaniSm, the
South of chivalry. The two conditions needed
to be alnalgamated to "a certain extent, so that
harmony ana unity might at last result
To-day the civilization of the twr districts
were being unified, and in the production of
higher manhood the hope of the future would he
that both sections would be linked in everlast-
ing brotherhood.
Mr. Supplements address, which was delivered
in good style, was received with much enshusi-
ssn, and he received elegant floral tributes, be-
sides two complete sets of works of standard au-
thors
BUFFERS REPRESENTATIVE.
MT d. H. ~. StnlLD, Uno representative OF BuU-
ter University, followed with an address on
Daniel Webster" His manner was somewhat
ministerial, hut he displayed a magnificent
voice for the rostrum with good effect. He
said that in this country there was no hero wor-
ship, but few names had been set aside from
the rest The pilgrimage of the whole country
stopped at few graves, and one of these was
Daniel Webster's-a man who shone alike as u
lawyer, patriot and statesman. His legal
attachments were marvellous, and at no time in
his brilliant career did he appear to better adj
vantage than when before court or q
Jury. He was the greatest const-
e eoTlonsl LAWYER n of his age, BE was
trni, bnG courteous. coneiliatory, hut honest. AS
a statesman, his principal Characteristic was
patriotism. Looking beyond mere existence he
saw that America must defend the poor and
helpless at the bar of the world
Mr.. Smith reviewed at length the principal
events in the legal and political career of
Webster, showing chat he had given the subject
careful consideration. Particular attention was
paid to the reslsrless and overwhelming ele-
qnenee of the great statesman, and this
Illustrated by well selected and well rendered
quotations. Mr.. Smith was decidedly happy in
the delivery of his address, aud received the
usual consideration from his friends in front.
Mr.. BRENGLE's ADDRESS.
Mr.. 8 L. Brengle, of Asbury University, was
the next speaker, his subject being "Our Social
Task" His manner was exceedingly self-pos-
sessed and dignified, but his speech was dis
posed to be somewhat too metaphysical and pro-
found for such an occasion. He discussed at
length the social conditions of the Old World and
the New, declaring that under the former the
highest progress and development were NOS pos
sioie In Europe, it had been found impossible
10 shake off the demoralizing effect of the feuda
system, and centuries of aristocraoy and sOver-
eign government But in America alone was the
HlRHest utilization possible, and the social task
OF america, therefore, became the social
fasS OF humanity. Our country and government
were not hampered shy old-time supersttions
ana traditions. We do not decide questions by
citlng authorities, bat this is right, and this
wrong When an Issue now arises, we only ask