Bristol news. [volume] (Bristol, Va. & Tenn.) 1867-189?, 1877-10-23

did not appear, which was very much
regretted byall, for MIR. G. is an eX-
cellent debater, having taken the de-
bater's medal in his hall last year.
All were expecting rich treat from
this gentleman, who. with "a wonder
ful fund Of anecdotes. wit aud humor,
spices his argument and logic so as 20
make it palatable and reiished ly all
the audience was somewhat disap-
pointed at Sir. C's absence. though
Mr.. Bucher, Of Ark, appearing as
first on the negative, gave us I'm and
pun, wit and drOllery, which several
times brought down the house. He
claimed that socialism was but a synO-
nym for communism, which had its
origin iE France. lie showed its evil
effects there, and the dark crimes and
blOOdshed that had ever followed its
introduction. Mr.. y. acquitted hIm-
self very Crelitahly.
The second speaker on the allirma-
tie, Mr.. Lau ore, OF Tenn, pro-
duced some excellent points I'm favor
of his side Of the question. lie at.
tributed all the Calamities Of war aud
political oppression 90 the evil. lcudGl.
ism. The struggles between the rich
and poor, capital and labor, to the
false system Of society. Mr.. l.. con
Cluded his remarks toy opening sud
den vOlluy OF fun upon Mr.. FiOurnOy,
of Tex, the next speaker by way Of
introducing. Bat we think if Mr.. J..
had known that he was adding fuel to
the flame chat was to 70 utterly con-
sumo him, lie would have deBsted
from this portion of his speech. Mr..
l.. attempted TO disparage Mr.. +. by
describing his nativity, but when Mr..
, +. took the floor Ae stated that "a man
from Tennessee had better not say
anything dprogatory Of any other
Stute-he pointed TO her war record -
| Mr.. f. said he did not wonder that
Mr.. l.. advocated socialism go zeal
Ously, because if it should come in
vogue it wOuld very much increase
/ Mr.. LIS. matrimonial prospects," He
said Mr.. l.. "had eaten 80 chicken gIZ-
/ yards especially to look handsome on
/ this occasion, but his uglinees was
| like Aunt Jemimic's plaster the more
| you tried To- shake it of, the more it
stuck the faster" Laughter,
! Mr.. +. then, after his needle wit and
/ killing sarcasm had LAID Mr.. l.. on the
! shelf, produced some very fine argu-
ment5. He is a forcihle and logical de-
batter, bidding fair to excel in forensic
! di-cussion.
Mr.. Dibrele, Of Texas, third and
last orator on the affirmative, acquit-
ted himself hOuorahly to himself and
society, He possesses a powerful inn
agery, and puts it to valuable service.
lie would make a "Munsoniau" ora
tor.
Mr.. j. s. Browning, of Va an able
speaker, closed the contest in short,
logical speech, which put weight in
his side Of the scales.
The discussion being over, our
clown, Mr.. -. X. Germany of Va,
discour-ed, in his comic style, upon
'isms. contributing to the jollity 9th
hour.
The decision Of the question was
given in favor Of the negative.
The second orator, Mr.. Davenport,
Of Washington county, Va. delivered
his speech in manner that showed
"he'd ben dar.n
Tie music 10y the "Caliopean String
Band" wac excellent for an amateur
band of five performers.
This ending the exercises, the Presi-
dent dismissed the house, giving all a
cordial invitation to visit the future
exercises of the Society.
May Caliope's shadow never grow
less. "a Fish,