The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1902-05-31
THE POEMS THAT WON
THE TRIBUNE'S PRIZES

won the first prize OF $50. and John A.
Foote of Archibald. the second prize of
$40. offered by the Scranton Tribune for
the first and second best English poems,
of not more than one hundred and fifty
lines. on the subject, 'In Memoriam--
Mckinley"
Appended Is the adjudication. made
by Judge Edwards and Prof. Howell,
and the prize winning poems:
Twenty competitors have entered the
contest for the prizes offered by The
Scranton Tribune for the best 'ln Me-
moriam' in honor of the late President
Mckinley. The competition is formId-
| able one. not only in the number of con-
testnnts. but as well in the literary and
poetic excellence of the productions sub
| mitted. As might be expected. some of
| the compositions are the work OF novices,
| who are to he commended for the eff
forts they have made. but who could not
| possibly entertain any hope of gaining
| the victors laurels. For the benefit of
| the contestants. we make few COM
mcnts OH the work of each:
| |. NJ. Il. PIEROT Only forty lines /:
fun of woe and with tender touches here
| and there.
. LACKAwANNA Contains con-
densed epitome of the great events of
| MckinleyS life. The rhyme Is easy: but
the sentiment only ordinary.
| j. ID. e. GRIFFlTHS. A very COM
mon-place production and is, defective in
| grammar and orthography.
| 4. JESS JONES. Mediocre as liter
ary effort, although some of the ideas are
| appropriate
| s. ADMIRER OF THE MAN. "IIu-
mans for 'men' or ''mankind' Is un-
| pardonable. The effort does not arise
| above mcdiocrie'.
| 6. TUNER. A very short and incom-
nj 1nf .,lt ;t al
| hint of poetry
| Z. ANXIOUS. Gives good review. of
| Mckinley's life, but the rhythm and ca
dence halt here and there. Some of the
expressions are commonplace.
| S. SOLOMON. Similar in character to
No. 7--Amicus: same criticism.
2. CYMRO. Ideas very good, although
they might have been clothed in more
poetic language.
TO- MYFANWY. Rhythm easy and
sentiment appropriate: only occasionally
reaching to the high standard of poetic
strength.
II. MELANCTHoN. A poem of excel
lent quality. Why did the author halt at
the sXtyfourth line when he was per-
mitted to continue his good work?
u. BYRON. Rhythm natural and
graceful: sentiment tender and poetic;
stands well in the competition.
13. LAMENTUM TOO biographical in
form: this leads inevitably to prosaic
expressions: shows creative power in
several Of the verses, especially the last
three or four.
IA. CARITOS. Sixty graceful ard
poetic lines. showing the touch of an
experienced hand.
10. GWENDOLYN. The movement of
the rhythm is not always even: but the
ideas are poetic and often expressed with
visor and intensity.
We have made the foregoing brief
comments without reference to the rela-
tive standing of each poem As will cas-
lily be observed, some Of the productions
are much superior to the others. At
least half a dozen of the fifteen mem
TONED occupy a fair place in the compe-
tilion. There are five now remaining,
and we have come to the conclusion tina It
the real contest lies between the five. |
Either one. standing alone. would be
worthy of the chief prize; but it is our
duty to discriminate and compare, and. if |
possible, to select the best out of the
five. |
16. RIGEI.. A sweet. tender poem |
breathing throughout the spirit of a true |
"In Memoriam." While We are satisfied |
with only ninety lines from this author, |
we would be more pleased with the addi- |
tional number allowed by the limit set |
for the contest. |
II. BRITON. A poem of considerable
ment of the composition is work of art.
We have read the poem several times /
with much satisfaction.
Is. +. p. WINTERMUTE. An excel
lent poem The only criticism we venture
to make is that the Introductory invoca-
ton to the Muse is somewhat elaborate
and ambitious for short II poem
10. AMBER. Another good poem al
most faultless in construction, and re-
plete with poetic ideas.
90. ENGIVIE. On the whole we con-
seder this the best poem in the compet-
ton. 1t bears the impress of high liter
airy culture and is instinct in almost
every lines with the spirit and fire of
true poetry. We think the author de-
votes too many lines to the Spanish
American war. Nevertheless, this Is
only slight fault, considering the quail
ity of the work.
After considerable discussion and COM
poems, we have finally concluded to
award the first prize to Engivie and the
second prize to Amber.
II. NJ. Edwards.
] concur In the adjudication and award.
George Howell |
The Prize Winner.
Following is the prize winning poem
which was written by George s. Phelps
of Leadvlle, Pa, under the pen name,
"Engive." 1t is given herewith:
I'm MEMORIUM"-McKIN
As sinks the sun to rest, at close of day.
Amid the roseate splendors of the west
Where lies tn mystic beauty of tn gol-
den sea.
Whose varied hues are ever Ill at rest
So memory comes,-with colors more d.
vine
To paint the glory of a deathless name
High In tn Hall of Fame; and on the
page
or history to place another name
Crown'd with the lustre of immortal
Honor and Glory,-Fame' for him who
sleeps
Within that marrow house." the vic
tors crown,-
Aye, wreaths of immortelles, a nations
tears.
We hear again the tread of martial
feet
The Muttled drums deep tones Of grief
The soft, sad music DER the voceless
dead.
We see our starry flag, entwined with
wreaths
And bud and bloom, that shed their per-
fund life
About tn coffnd form; cordons of sol
diers,
Horse and foot,-throngs on throngs,
living mass
That press their way, for yet another
look
Upon the placid face OF him whose form
Was lyins there, waiting its final rest.
The gSeat and good the rich and poor
Wee there,
rh' statesman of his age; a crowned
monarch