Evening Republican, Volume 22, Number 137, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 June 1919 — "UNDER THE FLAG” RENDERED [ARTICLE]

"UNDER THE FLAG” RENDERED

BY ST. JOSEPH COLLEGE COLUMBIAN LITERARV SOCIETY TUESDAY NIGHT. 1 I Among the many delightful functions of commencement week at St. Joseph’s college was the presentation of “Under the Flag,” a drama in prologue and four acts, presented by the Columbian Literary society at the college auditorium Tuesday evening, June 10. The various characters presented their parts in a masterly manner, Which won for them the commendation of the audience and brought forth rounds of applause. The following had leading .parts and displayed exceptional ability: Joseph Hiller, as a diamond broker; Joseph Raible, as chief clerk; Thomas Duffy, as second clerk, and Harry Schaeffer, as janitor. The synopsis of the play follows: The drama has an interesting background in the revolutionary period of Cuba, shortly before the Spanish supremacy over the island was ingloriously ended—in the spring of 1898 —by the brilliant naval victories of Admiral Dewey in Manila Bay and of Commodore Schley in Santiago harbor. The scene of the prologue, which is merely preparatory for the action of the play, is laid in New York City. Mr. Blake, a diamond broker of shady reputation, is a suitor for the hand of Miss Alice Firman who, however, is promised in marriage to George Morris, his chief clerk. In order to ruin the character and reputation .of his rival suitor, Blake endeavors to entrap him in a cleverly devised, scheme of a diamond theft and subsequent escape to Canada. The scheme fails and Blake’s villainy is revealed. Act 1. —'George Morris is entrusted with the management of Mr. Firman’s estate in Cuba. Blake follows him thither. An occasion to satisfy his desire for vengeance presents itself When he learns that a wounded insurgent is being sheltered and nursed in Morris’ house, contrary to the orders of the governor. Morris is accused of treason and confined to prison, along with his friend and adViser, Fr. Delgato. Act 2.—The innocent languish in prison. Blake gains entrance and attempts to extort a confession of guilt from Morris. In*tihe attempt to forestall Morris’ escape he is seriously wounded.

Act 3.—The efforts of Mr. Firman with Gutierrez in behalf of George Morris and Fr. Delgato have been successful in so far that a reprieve Js obtained for the priest and the manner of Morris’ execution is changed from “hanging’’ to, “shooting.” Blake’s revenge is about to be satisfied; the command for the execution is given: Tn the last extremity Larry’s wits save the life of his friend. Act 4.—Mr. Firman once more intercedes with Gutierrez in behalf of Morris. Inordinate ambition and deep seated hatred for the Americans have actuated the governor in his unreasonable and unyielding policy. These finally give way when the true motive of Blake’s remorseless pursuit of Morris is revealed. The accused is pardoned and set free. After another futile attempt on the part of Blake to kill his antagonist, the scoundrel puts an end to his own life in order to elude capture by his pals, whom also he has basely betrayed. The college orchestra rendered selections between acts and proved itself to be composed of musicians far above the average. The commencement exercises were held this Wednesday forenoon, thirtythree . students receiving their diplomas. The year just closed has proved one of the most successful in the history of the institution and St. Joseph is becoming to be one pf the best of its kind in the middle west.