The Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Or.) 1862-1899, 1894-05-25
FOURTH LITERARY CONTEST
The Ciceronians Win From the
Websterians by 81 2-3
Points.

An audience of 300 intelligent persons
was on hand to greet the participants in the
fourth semi annual literary contest between
the Websterian and Ciceronian societies of
tho agricultural college. The contestants,
ten in number, had been rehearsin2 faith
fully for several weeks and had prepared
program superior in excellence-if such a
thing were possible-to any similar one
heretofore given. These contests have
taken place half-yearly during the past two
scholastic years, and in each of them much
interest has been manifested, not only by
the participants, but by the entire school
and faculty. A year ago when the medal
was first offered the Websterians were vic.
torious. At the next contest the Ciceronian
president was accorded the honor of wear.
met in combat it again passed TO the Web
sterians only to be wrested from them by
the Ciceronians last Friday evening
Conspicuous among the stage decorations
were portraits of Cicero and Webster, also
a large American flag, and from its presence
the contestants seemed to gather inspiration
An immense burst of enthusiasm was &C.
corded the participants as they entered upon
the stage to again struggle for possession of
the costly medal. In point of enthusiasm
the contest fell far below former ones, but
for careful preparation and excellence of the
entertainment the last one would certainly
take first place. The entire programme
evidenced that rapid advancement had been
made in literary work during the past two
years, and each number reflected credit
upon the societies interested. If the rendi-
tion If this programme be taken as crita-
rion of the work being accomplished in each
of the several departments of the agricuItu.
raj college, the faculty have reason to con
gratulate themselves upon their success
No one stumbled over his lines; there were
no corrections or promptings, and each con-
testant acquitted himself III a most credita.
BILE manner.
Of the essays too much cannot be sal! for
the pains taken and the careful research
exempliie.l in their preparation. One or two
of them contained many beautiful thoughts
and were thoroughly appreciated by the
audience.
In the rendition of the recitations, elocu
tionary talent of high order was displayed; !;
the readings and the able manner in which
the debate was handled, all met with COM
mendation from the audience.
Professor John Straub, of the university
Of Oregon. Rev. ]. A. Townsend, of indie.
pendence, and Prof. Eugene M. Earle, of
Albany, acted as judges and occupied seats
in various parts of the house. After the
results had been announced Prof. Straub
was called on to make few remarks. He
stated that the judges were sorry that only
one medal had been offered; that several
had acquitted themselves SO well that they
were Individually entitled to some reward.
He also spoke in most aattering way of the
evenings programme. President Bloss stat.
ed that it was somewhat peculiar that the
medal had passed alternately between the
two societies, and for fear that some might
imagine that the matter had been "6xed"
beforehand he would state that the judges
were in each instance disinterested parties,
and that every thing had been conducted in
= regular manner.
The total number of possible points for
each side was 1900. The Ciceronians were
credited with l225s; the Websterians 1888,
the former winning by 323 points. =.