New-York tribune., 1878-12-21
DISCUSSING SOCIAL PROBLEMS.

COLLEGE DEBATE ON COMMUNISM.
ITS EFPLCT ON TIL. GOVERNMENT REVIEWED BY
THE STUDENTS or THE CITY's FREE COLLEGE,
RrMARKs BY THE HON. LEVI T. MORTON.
The two literary societies of the College OF
the City OF NewYOrk-the CliOnian and the Phreno-
cOsmian-held a joint meeting at the chapel iaSt
evening, for the purpose OF testing the respect
i've talents OF the rival organizations IN pr ze
debate. when the ConiaD and PbreuOcosmian unite
in getting up entertainment success seems TO De ine'
liable II last evenings effort Ia criterion Tlere was
the College orchestra, composed OF at least twenty
members, under the direction OF A. JOhnstOne. of 81
There dcclamatiOns and reading by W. d. Kocott
of The Greet Card" feature Of the exercises that
brought forth much ar The great hall was almost
filed with an appreciative audience.
The programme began with an overture, Lustspeh'"
by the college Orches Then Gustaye Legras presi
dent of the PhrenocOsmia after reading portion OF
the Scriptures introduced Joseph A. Frpp, the presi
dent OF " CliOnia." SIR. FrIDp made o brer opening
address, in which he referred to an objection made
by some that the College did not promote
the socabity aud friendship that usually exits 10
Institutions the students study and room IN tn
adjacent buildings. This was o. great extent
true and to this de ect was the object OF tase
literary societies. defamation OF AypuhS
Stuart
The debate came next on the question Resolved, sol 3D.
That Communism will not be advantageous 10 the Re
publican stltutiOns o. the United states Barto" .
Weeks aud Joseph A FIR pp ChOnla) discussed tue al
UIlDdtlNe OF tne question: hBhf'u
them were the champions OF Phrenocosmia, the Rev.
l.. MerfingtOn and Gustave Lggra.: MI weeks hnI ht
Ianor liberty and individuality. workmen, 1t vas
argued would Their full share OF the work under
they p''Tlid'0 Lad no reason 10 De ambitious,
nothing being gained thereby; while tho pos,
mignt die for his country without pay seemed
easily disposed Of by tue assertion tsdt patriot
Ism was only the result Of mumeutaTy enthusiasm
the level Of an animal individuality would be de-
stroyed for would be absorbed in the community;
become dependent ON his fhOws. The marriage tie
would be weakened aud finally entirely DESTROYED; pa
rental influence would lie lOat, ana general HOOD Oi
calamtes would marN the overflow of TINS poison I'D
For the negative. Mr.. MerrIngton advanced the In
genious proposition-whc seemed in fact 10
De the Keynote oi his oreument-,that ms
history OF Communism had shown that II was
everywhere aud always ailur and therefore IL could
about an eyl influence, on Republican institutions
Both speakers claimed that Communism was the
symptom II diseased cundi On OF society, not
o, a disease iref; and h story proved in all the
That where the eylls governmental Institutions we're
corrected. Comm1nlsm quickly dled out.
After srlecton b, the orchestra, the Hon. Levi r.
Mortun decided IN FAVOR OF IOGla and presented the
| pr ze to Mr. Fupp Ia the following words:
exc csrs evening carry me back the DAYS OF my
yout, have istened vita geat qualification 10 the
euuueut and earnest arguments O the representatives
OF the Phrcnocy ysmiau ana Cuonan Societies, as well
as Ia tne charming music when mas gwen US
satisfaction TO witness the announcement when the
COLLEGE OF City OF NewIOrk Is giving to lts members
IN their Efforts perfect themselves as exemporaneous
speakers congratulate mos. heartily O"th societies
upou the ghy cTedaba efforts OF tDeir representatives
! Ihe subject 0f the deDae Is OF vital importance,
and one in which all good citizens feel deep interest
| uner my cordial congratulations To the cIamplohs
OF both nocicties upon the able aud skiliul manner
IN which they have treated the subject ana TO tne
| Judges upon their eloquent pleadings IN De
| hah OF their friends. Tie duIy Enat deyolves
! upon me Is alike pleasant and painful re-
| gret that where all have acquitted themse' YES
with So much aOIty, am unable 10 award prizes TO all
now nave the pleasure OF presenting 20 you, SIR the
prize which hs, placed ~ my hands. which trust
WILL stimulate the continued and earnest chorts OF all
who have hOnOred themselves and the college this even
ne