The Oskaloosa herald. (Oskaloosa, Mahaska County, Iowa) 1885-1919, 1892-06-09
WALTER BENJAMIN FITCH

"AL1h ID IN JAnlN
had a most characteristic grafton on
the subject, "a Modern Demand"
The demand referred to was for recrea.
tion, and consisted Of an arraignment
Of our modern and especially our
American habits of business life. 1t
was sensible plea, and in its method
was full of witty illusions and original
illustrations that made it one of the
most capital and entertaining orations
of the evening. Mr.. Fitch's delivery
was also fittingly droll. and he received
the hearty applause of all present.
MARY ANGELINA FINLEY
with an Grafton on woman and the
State" was the next speaker. Her
subject matter embraced the relation
of woman to public affairs, and in its
exposition the speaker took the ground
that the quiet influence of woman
through her home and society gave her
field whose scope was potent and
sufficient. This side Of the question
was we'll and clearly stated. and Miss
Finley's production was received with
good effect.
IRWIN WILBUR DAVIS
came next with "a Menace from Open
Seas" His Grafton was a forceful.
practical warning of the danger to this
nation from the requirement of vast
land holdings by English landlords,
with a startling array of statistics
thereupon. 1t is a acommendable thing,
and gratifying, to find young man
giving serious thought to such topic,
and bespeaks a promising future. This
subject was treated thoroughly well
and conVersantly. and in manner Of
delivery had equal force and earnest
ness.
ETHEL MARIE STANTON
with her topic Leadership" was next
presented, and her Grafton was one of
excellence both in thought and deliv-
cry. The topic was illustrated by the
careers Of great men, Luther, Grant,
Darwin, ETC., and the truthful and val.
liable lesson deduced that not alone is
leadership confined to the great names
Of history, but that each in his own
way and scope wields an influence for
good or evil. Her delivery was dis
tinct, and the presentation most pleas
ing.
NJ. MYRTLE EMMERT
was next introduced, with a literary
production on "Portia." Beginning
with terse review of Shakespeare's
profound knowledge, she treated the
character of his most famous heroine
with studious and most comprehen-
sive survey which was highly eDj)y-
able. She gave delightful little study,
and in its literary style and excellnce
of delivery she won as she Deserve
the warm praise Of her auditors.
LOUIS E. SMITH
was the last speaker of the evening,
and on his subj oct of Material Pro.
gre,s," he gave one of the most meri-
toriOus OratiOns of the list. He traced
the extraordinary material growth ev-
erywhere manifest, and by illustration
and fact presented a highly practical
and terse line of thought. 1t was a
well written production, and delivered
in the speakers well known easy and
forceful style, receiving the hearty
plaudits of the audience.
The music Of the evening was wholly
by the class. the first and last being q
class chorus. The girls of the class
gave Riley'S popular "Ltttle Orphant
Annie" in captivating way, and had
to respond to an encore, which they
did with grace and effect. A double
trio was also rendered by girls of the
class with most. pleasing effect.