Rome Free Academy - De O Wain Sta Yearbook (Rome, NY)

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18 THE SENIOR ANNUAL. see also signs of victory. Else what meaneth that wreath upon his draped desk? But grief must triumph over victory and, in the language of the English Room, uni- tedly we say Go—Went—Go(w) ing— Gone. (Applause.) “Tis very sad. Alas! we must part but surely not before my hon- orable and esteemed friend has expressed heartfelt (Applause. ) (No response from Mr. Backus.) (Great applause and loud cries of Backus! Backus! Backus! ) to us his grief. PRIZE SPEAKING CONTEST. On the evening of March 30, 1906, was held the third Slingerland prize speaking contest for the prize of $35, which is pro- vided by the will of Mrs. M. M. Davis. Besides this prize there were two others, one of $15 and the other of $10 obtained by Prof. H. W. Harris, principal of the Academy, pre- sided and announced the speakers. charging admission to the contest. The first speaker of the evening was James William Wilson. His declamation was upon Japan or Russia; Which is the Civilized Power? He contrasted the two nations, both mentally and morally, compli- menting the Japanese much more than the Russians. Miss Jane Stevens Higham rendered a beautiful description of the Famine as found in Hiawatha, by Henry W. Longfellow. She gave it in a very pleasing manner. Then came a recitation entitled Cherokee Roses, given by Miss Anita Lillibridge. The selection was well portrayed and the ap- plause was very hearty. Daniel Schilling described ‘the American Soldier, motto is Henry whose ever, “For freedom, for freedom, for liberty our cry, On, on to the battle brave and strong to win or die!” Edward Thomas Gawkins declaimed “The Republic That Never Retreats” in a He said that it is impossible for our republic to retreat as itis very convincing manner. the highest form of civilization and there- fore must advance, not recede. Miss Abbie M. Fowler told ““How the Church was Built at Keahoe’s Bar.” Her subject was a character sketch and most en- tertaining. The last number on the program was a declamation by John Edgar Fitzsimmons, called “‘One Niche the Highest.” It was a very telling selection and he rendered it well. ‘The judges of award were Prof. E. C. Morris of Syracuse University, Mr. Avery M. Skinner of Oneida and Mr. Eugene W. Lyttle of the State Education Department. When the program was finished, they re- tired to consider the merits of the speakers. Upon their return the first prize was awarded to Edward Thomas Gawkins, the second to Henry Daniel Schilling, and the third to Miss Abbie M. Fowler. The. awards met with hearty applause. x

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THE SENIOR ANNUAL. 17 To whom a space of land is given to plough, Who may not wander from the allotted field, Before his Yet, surely, there may sometimes be one wo! k is done.” like Galahad, different from those baser ones who scarcely know what they go out into the wilderness to see; one, who filled with the glory of the vision, can say, “I have seen the Holy Grail;’’ one by whose side, both day and night, will move the beautiful vision. Pauline Clarke. Here he is himself, marred, as you see ONE LESS. The fifteenth of March brought dark shadows for the students of the Rome Free Miss Gowing, who is held in tender, loving remembrance by all of us, was with us that day for the last time as Of course the Seniors took steps to fittingly observe the sad departing. A Academy. a teacher. few of them purchased some heavy crepe with which they proceeded to decorate the abode of the Rt. Hon. Sidney K. Backus. On this sad mourning was placed a wreath of holly. A number of the Seniors then posted themselves in the hall to intercept the Honorable when he should appear. At exactly 1:05 p. m. he appeared bear- ing the marks of grief upon his unusually Soon afterward came the Rt. Howard MacFarland, Curiosity was grave face. Honorable’s porter, bearing a dress suit case. evinced by all the onlookers and these ob- structed the path of Mr. Backus, who there- fore was unable to enter the Study Hall un- til 1:15 p. m. Of course he was applauded, as he de- served, for when before has a student been so highly honored? But how his spirits fell when he faced his casket (the desk draped in black.) Promptly at 3:30 the cry “Miss Gow- ing,” ““Miss Gowing,” echoed through the Study Hall; but alas! That much-called for lady ap- was echoed and re- all in vain. peared for an instant and then disappeared. This was an awkward turn of affairs for the Seniors, but they retained their reputa- tion and somewhat added to their reputa- tion. After Mr. Harris had made a few fitting remarks one of the Seniors arose and spoke as follows : Mr. Harris: This is a sad, a very sad Sadness has crept into my heart (Slight laughter.) We have met here—because we could not meet (Laughter.) Oh Ro- mans! “If ye have tears to shed, prepare to When we think of what has been and remember what is to come, occasion. and tears fill my eyes. elsewhere. shed them now.” grief has been our only consoler. Look with tender pity on my esteemed friend (pointing out “‘Sid’’ Backus) who is now in deepest mourning. How sad is his heart this day! (Laughter.) How many beautiful times we have had together. Alas! they are no more. This is a sad day. (Laughter. ) But look again, ye mourners, at my sad friend (pointing to “Sid” Backus.) Be- hold! I see not only signs of mourning but I

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THE SENIOR ANNUAL. “Cupid” Wallace and his mixture of dog and Germany in Miss Creeble’s room. This picture is taken from life. Ask Wallace how it happened. D. A. R. ORATION. The Shot Heard Round the W orld. Truly has it been said that it takes cen- turies for the growth of great constitutional principles, yet important constitutional chang- es are instilled in the minds of mankind by How plainly the happenings of the year seventeen hundred and thoughts, although we are removed four gen- erations from those who participated in its struggles. One hundred and thirty-one years the events of single days. seventy-five are registered in our have intervened since that little company of minute men stood upon the village green at Lexington, and, face to face with their op- pressors, inaugurated the great struggle which has brought about such beneficial results for all humanity. Let us go back of this and see for what reasons those men were gathered there. Let us study into the causes which brought on the conflict which followed, and forever de- cided that America should be the home of a free people and that a strong, arbitrary goy- ernment could not impose upon her seeming- ly weak colonies. Let us see what made the brave husbandmen so willing to lay down their lives before those British troops, when they knew that in that skirmish they must necessarily be beaten. It was because great principles were at stake that they so bravely stood their ground when ordered to lay down their arms. Years