The Intercollegiate Debate

Proud, even in defeat, is the sentiment of every loyal U. of M. student. The "Great Debate" is a part of our history. Northwestern has won by a hair's breadth, and Michigan gracefully accepts the decisión, with the proud consciousness of going down with colors flying. Sjhe cherishes no feeling of resentment toward her successfui competitors, and bids them make the most of their hard-earned victory. It was a masterly debate from beginning to close. ín the words of the Judge who announced the decisión, "It is the best debate I ever heard, and one that would do credit to either house of Congress." After music by the Chequamegon orchestra, Pres. Angelí in a few felicitous remarles extended a hearty welcome to our opponents in the debate and then introduced Michigan's distinguished Governor, John T. Rich. Mr. E. W. Marlatt, opened the debate for Michigan on the question, "Resolved, That it ought to be the Policy of the Federal Government to bring about the Annexation of the Hawaiian lsland. Mr. Marlatt outlined the policy of the affirmativt in six propositons, by which they would prove the rightfulness of their position. The lirst of these, that the Islands would be valuable in time of peace was ably discussed. They are the indispensable complement of the Nicaragua canal. The disadvantages of a protectorate were shown and the third proposition of the necessity of a westward outlet for trade was taken up. The proposition that the lsland must come under control of some foreign power next received attention. Mr. Marlatt was weighty in argument and very effective in delivery. Mr. Goshen, of Northwestern University, opened the debate for the negative. He spoke of the conglomerated population, and maintained they had no interests in common with the United States. It is unconstitutional and against all precedent to annexation. Republican government has never been a success in tropical regions. The many industrial problems confronting our congress is enough without further foreign complications. Mr. Goshen's arguments had an oratorical tinge, but his delivery was graceful and forcible. Mr. Lindley of the U. of M. was the second speaker on the affirmative. He took up his opponents propositions of unconstitutionality, a mixed population, etc, and succeeded in putting them in a light more favorable to his side of the question. To refuse to annex Hawaii is to desert our boasted doctrine of independence. Hawaii is of too great strategie valué not to be a prize for any nation. European nations want it and have already made numerous attempts to get possession. r. Lindley spoke with vim and dash and closed with a climax that was very eloquent. M. Hadley was the second speaker on the negative. He took up the question of the Louisiana purchase, the California annexation, etc, and showed wherein these annexations differed from that of Hawaii. Tfais government was not organized as a business Corporation. No political, economie or geographical reason urges Hawaii's annexation. Once annexed it can never be severed. Mr. Hadley's delibérate and logical propositions had much to do with the decisión in Northwestern's favor. Mr. Mays was the third of Michigan's speakers. He suceeded intearing down a great part of his opponents arguments and then asked why we should exercise a protectorate for the last fifty years rather than assume ownership with its privileges and securities. lts position and harbor facilities makes Hawaii a gem in time of war. Our material wealth forbids our being a hermit nation and we might establish securities for our thoroughfares of trade. Mr. May's readiness in rebuttal, his telling delivery, and convincing arguments, well deserved the hearty applause they called forth. Mr. Campbell closed the debate for Northwestern. His delivery was rather strained and his manner a trifle nervous, but his summation of the reasons why Hawaii should not be annexed was a very able effort. There is no political, commercial or geographical reason why they should be annexed. They are not fit for republican government, and to annex them would be a policy of imperialism. Mr. Marlett was given five minutes to close the debate for the affirmative. He rebutted several arguments very skillfully, and closed with a glowing peroration, which time perhaps might have been more judiciously used in clinching argurnents. While the judges were preparing their deci.sion, Pres. Angelí entertained the audience with interesting history of the Hawaiian Islands, in whieh he played a prominent part while on his embassy to China in iSSr. Gov. Rich was called for, and responded in his usual pleasing manner. The Governor complimented the young men on their great skill in debate, and t-irged the. need of politics being taught in the schools and University. The duty of the citizens in politics was strongly set forth. The advantages of the present generation over those of our fathers bring with them increased obligations to the cause of good government. The following table shows the j standing: X ? oi i- -r 5 S S x = S a Q Iff Q IS Ut U5 ai % S ' S SÉ '5 í S - g _E - o. 5 ISSS8 L I c f gggísSS S n z ? r- _ - Q _ 3 Í ' S S 8 Ê 8 2-vH s - - ; i I i i I I I g l ï j I 5 o 2 3 5' g o i-j B S o