Bridgeton pioneer. (Bridgeton, N.J.) 1884-1919, 1904-04-28

Oratorical prize 1st, Albert
Woodruff. s. J. L., 1875.
I'd, Harold Bills. 8. J. L., S15.
Sd, William Ross. W. j. A., $40.
Debating contest. 1st prize, Ar
thur Craig and Henry Reeves, B.
H. s.. S25.
individual debating prize,
Henry Reeves, B. Ell. s., $40.
notwithstanding the torrents of rain
falling, the Criterion theatre Tuesday
night was filed with large audience
to enjoy the efforts Of those enjoyed
IN the oratorical and debating contest
for the Q. W. Shoemaker prizes. The
intellectual efforts were interspersed
with pleasing program of musical
numbers.
In the contests the three principal
| schools of the city were represented
and each had their legion of friends.
and when their partisans were upon
thu platform they were cheered and
encouraged by earnest applause.
School colors were everywhere in evil
dence and the school calls were vocifer-
ously given whenever possible oppor-
tunity presented itself.
Mayor Alex r. Fithian gracefully
presided during the evening and when
he first appeared upon the stage was
given a popular demonstration. An.
nouncing the rules governing the ora
tor1cal contest, the Mayor introduced
MT. William Ross, W. J. A., the first
contestant, his subject being 'tThe
Evils OF immigration. Strong was
the paper and able it's presentation,
and very happily was the argument
received.
Mr.. Harold Bills. s. J. T., was the
next orator. His subject was 'The
Negro in America. - Mr.. Billsshad a
hne paper and it was delivered nicely.
Mrs. John E. Minch. accompanied
on the piano by Miss Elizabeth J..
Hustled rendered a very pretty vocal
solo, Paddy. I"
"As Boy Views IT, was the title
OF the Grafton given by Mr. Harold
Henshall, of the High School. Mr..
Henshall was the only High School
student in the oratorical contest and
his earnest efforts were thoroughly en-
joyed.
Mr.. Albert g. Woodruff showed un-
usual ability in the delivery of his
grafton. "a Justification of the United
States Governments Policy in Pan
anna. :"
A cornet solo, "Belle of the East, !"
by Mr.. O. E. Lloyd. accompanied
upon the piano by Miss Lillian Bowen,
concluded the first part of the enter
| tainment
Part second was opened with very
pleasing vocal solo, "The Two Grena-
diers,'' by Professor Clemens Lundoff.
The regulations of the debating con-
test were then read. The question
was. Resolved, That the acquisition
of the Philippine Islands is more de-
lrimenfal than beneficial to. the United
s States.
The affirmative side of the question
was taken by South Jersey Institute
while the High School took the mega
tive. The first affirmative debater
was Mr.. Louis j. Velte. He is a
good speaker and made an excellent
impression upon the audience. The
first negative debater was Arthur
Craig. Mr.. Craig showed ability in
the manner in which he shattered the
foundation of his opponents argu-
ment Mr.. Harry o. Campbell was
the second affirmative debater. He
argued with much skill upon the ques-
tion and received great applause. The
last debater, Mr.. Henry Reeves, put
up very sound argument and the
convincing manner in which it was
delivered captivated the entire audi
ence.
There was vocal solo, "Biondina, :"
by Master Clarence Kohlmann, of the
South Jersey Institute, which was
very entertaining.
The judges at this point retired.
The oratorical contest judges were ::
Rev. H. H. Beadle, Mr.. BENZ. Han
cock and Mr.. James J. Reeves. The
judges for the debate were Mr.. Daniel
Bacon. Rev. Luther A. Oates and Rev.
Melville E. Snyder
While the judges were deciding a
chorus of fifteen young ladies from
the South Jersey Institute sang, (a)
"Swing Song" (b) Evening" The
judges then returned and Mr.. James
j. Reeves for the oratorical contest an
nounoed that Mr.. Albert Woodruff, of
South Jersey Institute. had won first
prize. Mr.. Harold Bills, of the South
Jersey Institute, second, and Mr..
William Ross, of the West Jersey