St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1896-01-01
AT THE ANNUAL STATE DECLAMA-
TORY, CONTEST HELD LAST
NIGHT.
BuRDETT THAYER WINNER
I II
OF THE PRIZE FOR THE GENTLE
MEN TAKING PART IN THE
CONTEST.
THERESA LEWIS, OF ALEXANDRIA,
Secures the Recognition of the
Judges-Lfst7 of Contestants and
Their Subjects.

The annual state declamatory con-
test was held at the Assembly hall of
the Central high school last night, the
result being that Burdette Thayer, of
Spring Valley, and Theresa Lewis, of
Alexandria, Won the first prizes. Ralph
I.unn, of Mankato, and Mary Damon,
OF Worthington, won second prizes.
The selections given by the successful
contestants were as follows: Burdette
Thayor, 'TousSaint L'Ouverture;" The
resa Lewis, Bobby Shaftoe;;" Ralph
Lunn, Extract from Emmets Speech"
Mary Damon, 1.-THE Gypsy Flower
Girl
The list Of contestants in the annual
contests Is made up of one lady and
one gentleman from each congressional
district in the state and at last nights
contests all We're present but two of
those entitled to a place. The Masonic
quartette of Minneapolis furnished the
music for the evening. At the opening
of the exercises q. N. Vaughy, of Ano-
ka, who presided, stated that owing to
the length of the programme the au-
dience was requested to give no en-
cores to the musical numbers, and had
1t not been for this announcement 1t is
safe to say that the quartette would
have been recalled many times.
George Mcclure, Of Saltwater, gave
the first defamation, which was Dan
lei O'Connell.' It eulogized, in beaut1-
full and expressive language, the mem
ory Of the distinguished Irishman. Mr..
Mcclure was placed at some diSadVan-
tage by being the first on the pro-
gramme, and his manners betrayed a
Slight uneasiness. The grafton was
however delivered in a very creditable
manner.
Mary Damon, Of Worthingto followed with
1.-THE Gypsy Flower Girl" This was selec-
ton Astounding in dramatic expressions, and
therefore required considerable ability to give
1t in satisfactory manner. Miss Damon &C
quilted herself admirably. 1.-THE Unknown
Speaker" was another selection Of dramatic
nature. 1t was given by Roe Chase. of An
Okla, in a manner which showed that the
young man possesses considerable oratorical
ability.
Miss Nellie Delaney, of st. Charles, recited
Glow Ruby Played" While essentially a
humorous selection, 1t contained many dra-
matte parts, and required considerable versa
tility. -
Jay Durant, of Saltwater, followed, giving
Against Whipping in the Navy" 1t was an
eloquent selection, and the speaker showed
that he thoroughly appreciated all that was
contained in the lines.
The pathetic epic First Settlers Story
by Will Carlton, was recited in very eff
fective manner by Mary Fairbairn The in
terest OF the narrative was kept up through
out, and the pathetic parts were given.
Ralph Lunn, of stMankato, gave the "Ex-
tract from Emmetts Speech" next. He Sc
cured the second gentleman's place.
Miss Jessie Gillis.I of knoka. recited Bobby
Shaftoe" in very satisfactory and pleasing
manner. "Retributive Justice" was the next
selection, and was given by A. J. Murphy.
1t was an eloquent number, and was well
rendered.
Jessie Jepson, Of Faribault, next gave
Kentucky Bell" 1t is thrilling selection
and requires considerable descriptive power
to bring out all that 1t contains.
When Burdett Thayer stepped upon the
platform there was an appearance OF determi-
nation in his manner which seemed to indicate
success; and suc'A proved the case. He re-
cited Wendell Phillips immortal eulogy to
Toussaint L'Ouverture. 1t was a mastery eff
fort.
He was followed by Theresa Lewis, who
won the ladies' first place by her recitation of
Bobby Shaftoe" 1t was recitation con-
tanning both humor and pathos, and was CIV
en- in a manner which showed that Miss
Lewis had spent much time in preparation.
The judges then retired, and in half an hour
returned with the decision as previously
stated. The ladies' judges were Miss Maggie
Rafferty,. of Lanesboro; John Greer, of Mime
apolis, and Mrs. Eugenia Golf, of Minneapo-
lis. The referee was Miss Lottie A. Bradley,
OF Norman county.
The gentlemen's judges were X. G. Davis,
of Austin; w. w. Hobbs, Of Minneapolis, and
M. H. Robinson, Of Madels. The reielee was
Z. w. Hyde, assistant superintendent of in
struction for the state.