The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1892-12-23
YOUNG DISCLAIMERS.
MankatO Successful in the OratOrical
Contest Last Night.
Miss Marjorie Patterson Carries off
the Laurels.

CONGRESSIONAL ulSGTlCU, To SeleCU TWO
delegates to represent the district at
the state contest to be held at St.
Paul Dec. 9th, was the event of the
week The large and handsome as
Sembly room in the High school build
ing was packed, and it is estimated
that 500 people were present An ad-
mission fee of fifteen cents was charg-
ed, and the proceeds amounted to
$3.50, which will defray the ex-
penses of the delegates to st. Paul
several times over
The entertainment was one of the
best given by amateur speakers ever
held in the city, and shows that the
fertile prairies of the district produce
promising growth of orators as well
as rich fields of grain. Prof. Gilman,
of the Winnebago City schools, COM
piled with a request of Supt. Kenas-
ton to act as chairman.
The exercises were opened by song
by the High School Chorus. Rev. f.
M. Rule pronounced an invocation.
Harry Plymat, of Mapleton, was
the first speaker and his subject was
''The March of Mind" He has fine
voice and excellent delivery and won
numerous compliments.
Miss Mamie Smout, of Wells, fol-
lowed with recitation entitled ''The
Legend of Bregens." Her infection
was good and her manner easy.
Miss Edith Childs, of Blue Earth
City, recited '"The Charge of the Light
Brigade" She undoubtedly exhibit
ed the finest quality of voice of any
one on the program, and it was
perfectly modulated. Her gestures
were appropriate, and half the audi
ence regretted that she will not assist
in representing the district at St.
Paul.
The next number was conceded on
all hands to be the finest on the pro-
gram. 1t was the recitation of ''Brier
Rose" by Miss Marjorie Patterson, of
this city. Her manner of delivery,
gestures, and her perfect freedom be-
fore so critical an audience as that
which she addressed won for her long
and deserved applause.
Miss Murray Prior, of Winnebago
City. recited "The Famine" from
Hiawatha. Her delivery of that ex-
cellent selection left nothing to be de-
sired.
Mrs. G. E. Goodell rendered vocal
solo in pleasing manner, which was
well received.
"Jennie McNeils Ride" was the
subject of recitation by Miss Winni-
fred Moore, of Blue Earth City. 1t
was delivered in a very acceptable
manner.
Miss Mabel McKinstry, of Winnie
bago City, recited "The Prisoner for
Debt" She has rich voice, exhibit
ing much cultivation, and her eX-
preston was admirable. No one on
the program was more self-possessed
and she deserved the ample applause
which her effort called forth.
Miss Mary Pratt, of Wells, a colored
lady, had the same selection as Miss
Prior, "The Famine" Her delivery
was very fine, her rich voice adding
much to the effect.
The next number was also one of the
best on the program. Miss Alice Big
lam, of Redwood Falls, recited ''My
Orthodox Team" Her delivery was
entirely devoid of staginess, and she
held the closest attention. This
number would have been difficult to
improve upon.
Miss Alice Jackson, of Fairmont,
recited "The Church of st. Michaels"
in very happy manner.
This was followed by well rem
dered song by young ladies' double
quartet.
Miss Alice Petrie, of Fairmont,g gave
"Samantha's Visit to A. T. Stew
arts" She assumed the character in
a manner most finished and pleasing
and convulsed the audience.
Miss Mary Jackson, of Redwood
Falls, spoke "The Polish Boy" and
the excellence of her delivery won her
numerous compliments. In the minds
of many. she came well up toward tide
top of the list.
The last recitation was that given
by Miss Helen Coffin, of this city, who
gave the amusing selection, 1.-THE
Ruggleses." Although the lengthiest
piece on the program, it was one of
the most entertaining, and was given
in manner extremely creditable to
the speaker
The boys double quartet rendered
a pleasing song and was enchored, land
Mrs. Goodell favored the audience
with another vocal solo.
BY this time the judges, Profs. E
V. Hubbard, of Waseca, E. George, of
ST. Peter, and G. III. Roberts, of Lu-
verne, had reached a decision, which
was announced amid the tumultious
n, Of ha nd