The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1897-03-05
A LADY THIS TIME
Miss McYay Will Represent the Univer-
ity in the State Oratorical Con-
test Next May.
The TOWne and Erkle Case at AleXaDd-
ria Finished by Finding the Defend
ant Not Guilty.
RAISED THE GRADE
Board Of Education Raises the Standard
for Passing in the High School
and Grammar Grades.
FOR THE STATE CONTEST.

The University Selected Its Orator for
the State Ora,orical Con,est,
When the state oratorical contest is
held in Mitchell on tue 18th day of
May Dakota University will be repre-
sented in that contest by young lady,
Miss Winifred McVay. This was de-
termined at the local contest Monday
evening at the college chapel when the
four gentlemen and two LAD les competed
for the honor and through the excel.
len, effort of Miss McVay in thought
aud composition and her masterful
delivery she was awarded the distinc-
ton, but she was closely crowded by the
other five. We believe that this is the
first time in the history of the contests
that lady has been declared the win
ner, and it speaks volumes for the
ability OF the young lady.
For the ninth time have the students
met together TO listen to the efforts of
their colleagues as they gave express
sion to we'll moulded thoughts upon
subjects which attract the attention OF
the public and it is matter OF pride to
look back over the victories of former
years and call to mind the names of
those who have held up the honor of
Dakota University. Twice has the
college been victorious in state con-
tests-frst in 1890 when Fred H.
Clark, now deceased, made the initial
winning and again in 1891 when A. G.
Shepherd brought home the victory.
During the evening the pictures of
these two illustrious young gentlemen
graced the walls of the chapel, sur
rounden by the college colors-blue
and white.
The exercises of the evening were
opened with prayer by Rev. A. c..
stevens, followed by Ethan T. Cotton
and President Bennett who made a
few remaks appropriate to the occa-
sion. Miss Maybelle Cox rendered a
pleasing selection on the piano and Mr..
George w. Potter was the first of the
orators TO be heard, selecting for his
subject "Contlict of Form and Spirit in
Civilization" and which afforded him
a wide range of thought. He conveyed
his ideas in we'll chosen language and
the force and strength which he
brought into requisition made him a
favoriate with the audience. Mr.. E. P.
Blanchard spoke on ''Foreignization OF
America" which had to do with the
amalgamation Of the foreign citizens
whose presence in this country has been
the source of much trouble. He made
the most of his subject and did remark
ably we'll. Prof. S. w. Collett rendered
clarinet solo that was heartily re-
ceiyed.
Evolution Of the Spirit of Investiga-
tion" was the title OF Mr.. W. Haven
Bradford's Grafton and in it he discussed
religious topics which showed a broad
field of research and study. In his de.
livery Mr.. Bradford appeared to good
advantage, making his voice and bear.
ing do excellent eervice. Miss VIM.
feed McVay, who proved to be the win
ner of the contest, delivered an Grafton
on ''Civilization and the Prophet
She spoke in manner that betokened
much of the orator, her presence being
easy, graceful and winning. Her voice
was powerful in the needed places, soft
and modulating where required and
her delivery was all that could be de-
sired. The ideas presented were
clothed in language that betrayed care
full study and her thoughts were pre-
sented in good shape. Mrs. Lou Ella
Smith sang solo, ''For All Eternity,
and so sweetly did she sing that the
audience insisted upon another selec
ton, which she very graciously gave
The friends of Mr.. j. M. Devers were
greatly pleased over his work or
"Ring-Rule in Politics." Mr.. Devers
has magnificent voice and has com
manding stage presence. His orator
was good and touched upon the
situation which exists in politics
today, showing to what it woulc
lead to- Miss Bessie Thomas spoke or
"The Result Of Fast Living" and she
gave voice to many good ideas on the