The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1903-06-25

speakers is 70 the ordinary listener so
nearly equal as in this instance.
Granted that the selections were es-
pecially adapted to each speakers
powers Of voice and presence there
still remained the fact that each did
his or her part in manner decidedly
interesting. 1t is not within the scope
OF this article to mention individual
excellence of voice or manner, or
gesture, but the close attention of the
audience throughout the somewhat
lengthy program marked it in general
worthy of high praise.
Following the prayer by Rev. Stan
ley G. Speare Harold Swasey of
Barre, first speaker, delivered the elo-
quent speech of Senator Beveridge on
"The Republic That Never Retreats, "
in an easy and confident manner that
occasioned some speculation as to his
receiving prize. He certainly de-
served honorable mention Earl
l.. Waterman had a very difficult sell
ection-the description of court
scene in which an old man is juror at
the trial of his son for murder. Discov-
ering the fact too late he held to his
sons truth only to be smitten by his
confession. A brief hesitation on the
part of Mr.. Waterman scored against
him. "Sally AIMS Experience" was
next recited by Grace Blake of East
Cabot, who quite captivated the audi
ence by the delightful way in which
she assumed the character of Sally
AIMS historian. Ian McLaren's
beautiful story of the young ministers
first sermon was given by Charlotte
Jean Grove of South Ryegate and the
wonder was openly expressed if any
of the speakers would ,surpass her
effort. The Scottish dialect was given
with perfection rarely attained ex-
cept by those who are born to it.
When Mark Carpenter of Washing
ton had recited 1.-THE Making of the
League" from that powerful temper
ance story, "Black Rock the audi
ence again mentally disposed of
prize. Clark Hefton, of Vergennes, in
quiet and unassuming manner that
was much liked gave Parke Good
wins tender tribute to the character
of Edwin Booth. Mark Twain's tale
of ''The Death Disk" was told by
Grace Edith Brown of Barre, the part
of the little girl who was unconsci-
ously the means of saving her faith err S
life being excellently represented by
Miss Brown. A slight stir in the au-
dience now called to mind the grow
ing lateness of the hour which was
quickly forgotten when Miss Helen
Sturtevant of Hartland, began to
speak. None of the previous selections
required or showed more work than
"The Prize of the Saranac, which
proved the crowning effort of the eve
ming as evidenced by the decision of
the judges who awarded to Miss Stur-
tevant the first prize. The second
went to Miss Effie Grace Blake and
| the third, to Mark Carpenter.
The report of the evening would be
| incomplete without some mention of
the musical part of the program which
was at least delightful part of it.
A vocal solo by Mark A. Davis whose
singing has been most enjoyed on
other occasions of the week, was this
time accompanied by violin obligato
by Mr. Tarbox with Richard Grant
pianist A duett by Misses Speare and
Kidder as we'll as the opening piano
forte solo by Miss Tierney were very
pleasing and Mr.. TarboX whiled away
the moments of waiting for the judges
decision with an charming violin solo.
The judges were DR.. Frank M. Lynde
and Irwin W. Potter of Barre and
George B. Chase of Bethel. The de-
cisions were commended generally by
the audience, though many wished
there had been more prizes to be given.
A report of class Sunday will be
found on page of this issue.