Rensselaer Republican, Volume 23, Number 51, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 August 1891 — A Demorest Medal Contest. [ARTICLE]

A Demorest Medal Contest.

A Demurest .Silver .Medal Contest will be held in this place, Tuesday Sept. Ist, under the auspices of the Women’s Christian -Temperance-Un-ion. These Medal Contests were inaugurated in New York City, April, 1886, by W. Jennings Demorest, for the education of youth in the principles of Temperance and abolition of the liquor traffic, by means of a series of elocutionary contests, in which Silver, Gold and Diamond medals of honor are awarded the successful competitors. Mr. Demorest has prepared three books from which selections for speakers must be taken and the following rules observed. A public meeting must be arranged for which these recitations will form the programme, which may be interspersed with music. Three disinterested persons of mature age'are to be chosen as judges tor whom suitable’ blanks will be furnished. When not less than eight young persons of either sex, between the ages of twelve and twenty-one years shall recite before an audience, the one adjudged to have made the best recitation shall be awarded a handsome silver medal ili a satin lined case.—When not less than eight of the silver medals are secured by as many contestants, the winners will be entitled to compete for a gold medal. When eight or more have won gold medals, they may compete for a Grand Medal. When eight or more have won Grand Gold Medals, the holders may compete for a handsome Gold medal studded with diamonds. On these terms, the medals are bresented by Mr. Demorest, free of expense, he having already expended more than two hundred thousand dollars in this way. Two trials are allowed to each speaker for the silver medal, but only one for either of the gold or silver medal. No one can receive a higher prize until the lower ones are secured. In addition to the silver medal, the local W. C. T. U. has offered Second and third prize consisting of elegant gold pens with pearl and ivory holders, also a beautiful book of poems to each of the -otber-eGntestantSr These contests have become very popular, having been held in most of thastates of the Union. Nebraska alone has secured over two thousand medals, three of which are diamond; Our neighboring town of Monon has held eight silver medal contests and Monticello has held two gold medal contests' We believe this one at Rensselaer promises to be one of the most interesting and entertaining of any held in this part of the country, as none of tne contestants are below the age of sixteen, and we think they are fairly matched. The programme with further particulars will be given next week.

JENNIE LINVILLE.

Supt. Demorest Medal Work.