IGS 



LITERARY CONTEST. 



The Annual Contest between the Phrenakosraian and JPhilomaihaan 

 Societies of Pennsylvania College, took place on Wednesday evening, 

 the 14th ult. This is always regarded as an interesting occasion. It is 

 anticipated by the young men, with deep interest, long before its arrival, 

 and for months previous furnishes a prolific theme of conversation. — 

 We would hail its recurrence, if for no other reason than to behold the 

 bright countenances and smiling faces, so expressive of happiness, that 

 greet you on every side. We love to see youthful enthusiasm, and hon- 

 orable rivalship. Even to one, who has gone forth from his Alma Ma- 

 ter, and after a lapse of several years, returns to witness such a celebra- 

 tion, what pleasurable feelings does the occasion enkindle, what pleas- 

 ing reminiscences does it awaken! The past, with a crowd of gentle 

 associations, rushes to his mind ! Every scene is sanctified with happy 

 recollections, every spot is hallowed with delightful incidents ! As he 

 gazes upon the white badge, he remembers how often it made his heart 

 beat responsive to its successes, and the blue ribbon, how often with 

 dismay he beheld its proud march to victory. How we love to revert 

 to College days, when our calm bosom was never dimmed by the tears 

 of sorrow, nor clouded by the hand of misfortune; when, secluded 

 from the noise and bustle of a cold and selfish world, and free from the 

 engrossing cares and responsibilities of life, we enjoyed the holy quiet, 

 the peaceful shades of Academus; when our path seemed strown with 

 flowers, and we lived only to be happy! Oh how joyous is the 

 student's life — how full of hope ! What fairy prospects are before him ! 

 IIow in imagination, he paints every thing in the brilliant hues of the 

 Tainbow ! No effort seems too great for the grasp of his anticipations 

 — no flight too high for the aspirations of his ambition ! Is it not a glo- 

 rious era in a man's life ? In our subsequent joys, we experience, 

 nothing comparable to it. 



But we have wandered from our object. When we took up our pen 

 we only designed to make a record of the Contest, which recently came 

 off, in the College Church, in the presence of a large and attentive au- 

 dience. 



The following programme presents the order of exercises : 



Prayer by Rev. Dr. Morris. 



Essays — "The Crescent and the Cross " — W. H. Morris, Baltinnore, Md. 

 " The Curse of Genius " — V. L. Conrad, Pine Grove, Pa. 



Orations — "Extinction of Polish Liberty " — W. H. Witheroiv, Gettysburg, 

 Pa. "Divorce of Josephine " — L. E. Albert, Hanover, Pa. 



Debate — " Can the Drama be made subservient to Intellectual and Moral 

 Culture?"— Affirmative— iJ..4.fjM/c, Middletown, Md. Negative—/. A. S. Tressler, 

 Loysvilie, Pa. 



Benediction by Rev. Dr. Krauth. 



Every thing passed off apparently much to the satisfaction of all 

 concerned. Although the service was protracted beyond three hours, 

 the assembly gave little evidence of weariness, and seemed reluctant to 

 leave the place which had afforded them so much pleasure. 



The Music was charming, and fully sustained the high reputation 

 which the Haydn Association enjoys. 



