The Democrat. (Scotland Neck, Halifax Co., N.C.) 1884-1896, 1892-02-18
Wake II crest Anniversary.

1t had been just ten years since we
mad Witnessed al anniversary occasion al
the alma mater.
Last Friday we had the pleasure of at
l ndi"g the 57th anniversary of the Eu-
z-llan and philomath esian Soclt ties, and
t was treat we greatly enjoyed.
At 2:3O o'clock. p. H.. the officers of
the occasion were escorted to the rostrun
by the marshals. Mr.. E. L. Barnes, the
precedent called the house to order, and
E. F. Rice, the secret arvs read the pro-
Gee ms of the last anniversary. The
secretary then read the question for de-
bate. Should the United States Annex
Canada -
The speakers on the affirmative were
Mess. c. D. Graves, of the Euzelian and
J. c. Klttrell OF the Philomathesian So
cieties The speakers on the negative
were Mess. d. A. Bridges of the Philo-
mathesian and E. Y. Webb Of the Euze-
liam Societies. The debate was spirited
anu lasted about two hours. The speak
yrs all showed great fsmi' larity with the
subject and handl, d the question with
ability. The peeches did credit to the
speakers and the societies. At the close
Of the debate, the question was reread
and ling vote taken by the audience,
hich decided the question in favor Of the
negative by vote of about 40 to ID.
Only very small part of the audience
voted.
At night, despite the bitter cold, a
| large audience sgain assembled to hear
the annual orations by the representa-
tives OF the two literary societies.
MIR. John d. Ray, of Knoxville, Tenn,
had been chosen as orator from the Eu-
/ zelIan Society, and Mr.. JuniuS w. Nils
lard, of Goldsboro. N. c., from the Phil
omathesian Society. Mr.. Ray took as
the subject of his grafton, "A Poisoned
| Paradise"
He is cousin to Rev. Thos. Dixon of
| New York and is not unlike him in his
! features, but very unlike him in figure,
/ being low and slender. The speaker
|
of the fire and vehemence Of his kinsuau.
His delivery was very rapid and mis-
manner easy. He did great credit to
himself, the society he represented, and
the institution as well. The applause OF
the audience attested their appreciation.
! Mr.. Willard took for the subject of his
Grafton, "Dreamlng and Doing
His speech was clearly and forcibly de-
! lIvered, and with an ease and grace sell
dom seen in one so young. Mr.. Mlllard
has already made for himself good name
as pulpit orator, as his speech on this
occasion as fully up to the expectation
Of the audience. He spoke with marked
/ clearness any elaboration, and was loud
| ~ applauded by his audience. He also
did himself great credit, the society be
represented and the college as we'll. A
| social gathering in the society halls and
| library rounde d up the enjoyments of the
evening. The Durham band furnished
music for the occasion.
| Wake Forest College is taking rank
with the best institutions of learning in
the country. The patronage during the
last fifteen years ha> increased more than
one hundred per cent The endowment
now amounts to about two hundred
! thousand dollars and there IS a prospect
| for still greater usefulness. 1t has an
able and progressive faculty and all
things bid fair for a great future for the
| institution.