Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 41, Number 69, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 May 1909 — The Oratory Contest at St. Joseph College. [ARTICLE]

The Oratory Contest at St. Joseph College.

That there are still some budding Henry and Websters and Philipsps in this country was again demonstrated here last Sunday evening. The occasion that called, forth this display of oratorical ability was the annual contest for the Conroy Oratory Medal. Ten youthful speakers strove for the victory. Hon. E. P. Honan presided and introduced each speaker with some well chosen and happy remarks. He also held a short concluding address of congratulation, good will and encouragement.. As Mr. Honan so happily said the contest was indeed an oratorical treat. The efforts of each speaker were praiseworthy. Mr. James MacIntyre was returned the victor by the judges. Messrs. M, Green and H. Post were tied for second honors and close rivals to the winner. The following were the contestants and their subjects: “Hannibal, a Defeated Hero,” Mr. Leo Spornhauer. “Selfishness,” Michael Green. “Father Hecker,” Theodore Koenn. “Peace,” August Berghoff. “Friendship,” William Dowling. ' “Oliver Cromwell,” Dennis Durler. “Fanaticism,” Conrad Stoll. “Heroes,” Henry Post. “Athletics,” Henry Grimmelsman. “Napoleon,” Charles Buetle. “Catharine of Aragon,” James McIntyre. The orations were interspersed with musical selections by the orchestra. The members added new laurels to thqir already great popularity, judging from the encore calls. The C. L. S. on last Sunday held their last meeting for this school year. The literary work performed by the society during the year is indeed commendable. The crowning event of the year, however, will be the presentation of Bulwer-Lytton’s drama “Richelieu” on commencement evening. The selected actors are now buisly engaged In daily practice. Hon. E. P. Honan, who directs the society's parliamentary progress was present at the meeting and expressed his satisfaction with the literary accomplishments of the year. We look forward with delight to their last effort and feel confident that the society’s hlgs‘ standard for acting will be maintained. The largest selection of watches in the city at reasonable prices at j Clarke’s