Clinch Valley news. [volume] (Jeffersonville, Va.) 18??-2019, 1899-06-16
OLD DOMINION COL
LEGE.
Closing Exercises A Success
ful Year.

more largely attended, highly ap-
preeiated, and skillfully rendered
than the commencement just closed.
The young ladies and gentlemen
showed throughout the exercises,
that zeal and earnestness attended
by such enthusiasm as is only The re.
cult of thorough preparation and
special training.
| On Monday evening we we're
royalty entertained by Miss Perry's
Eiocution Class. The recitations
were interpersed by excellent
music, rendered by the students of
the music department. The young
ladies in all their parts showed them.
selves equal to the occasion, and in
the drills especially, they glided
among each other with that grace
and ease which can only be acquired
by special and careful training.
On Tuesday, at 10 o'clock, the
young mems defamation, consisting
OF fifteen, was the first on the pro.
gram. They contested for a gold
medal which was awarded to MIR.
Wendcn Jesse, of Russell County.
James Fleming, of Coeburn and
Charlie Ratliff, OF Richlands, we're
clio Sc seconds. All the speeches
were excellent.
Next followed the Litera airy ad-
dress, by Rev. w. L.. Wayts, of
Tazewell, Subject, Heroism. He
treated the subject with rare skill,
and epthusiam, paying a glowing
tribute to the heroes OF unwrir en-
history. The audience was delighted
In the evening, at O'Clock, came
the first and second defamation
classes, successful contestants for
prize, in each, respectively being.
Howe Williams, of Richlands, and
John X. Hutton of Old Dominion
College.
Then after a charming piece of
music, by Miss Eula Hutton, we
were held spell bound by the fol.
lowing orators, Carl Hutton. j. b.
Ratliff, e. Il. Ball, G. L. Ball, j. T.
Stinson and w. r.. Todd.
The youn men contested for
beautiful gold medal, which was
awarded to j. III. Stinson of
Rassell' L b ese orator
would have done honor to a much
oldsr institution. The orations were
well written and delivered.
At $50 o'clock the Stuart and
marguerite Stuart Literary
Societies, gave joint celebration.
After some choice music and recita-
tions by the young ladies came the
debate which was generally con.
sidered the crowning feature of the
commencement. The question for
discussion was: "Should the United
States continue the present policy
OF expansion?" Speakers on the
affirmative, George Settle, George
Horton, and W. l.. Stinson, on the
negative w. p. Musick. j. b. Couch
and j. d. Miller. w. l.. Stinson
carried eff the honor as best deba ter.
George Settle and w. p. Musick
were close seconds. 1t is Just to say,
10 behalf Of these young men, that
they acquitted themselves we'll, far
beyond the expectations OF teachers
and friends. The audience was
highly entertained aid throughout
the debate, though it grew late in
the night, interest did not lag or at
tention slacken.
Next In order was the awarding
of the medals which was done in a
beautiful and effective manner by
the following gentlemen:
Orators medal awarded by Rev.
w. l.. Wayts, TO j. T. Stinson OF
Russell. Best debaters medal
awarded by Rev. Mr.. Webb, to WI.
Stinson, Of Russell. Improvement
in debate medal awarded by Rev.
Mi. RAIDER. TO 9. K. Ball of Tazewell.
lst. Defamation prize awarded by
Pres. Hutton, to Howe Williams of
Richlands. End De.l'mrtion prize
3 awarded by D.. W X W;lI;ams r.