The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1880-01-29
Mount Sidney Items.

| (Repo rted Tor the VALLEY VIRGINIAN]
Debate.-A large audience, numbering al
least $50 p ersons, was in attendance at the
Debating Society last Friday night. The
question debated was ''Should the policy
that has been pursued by the Re.adjusteri
be condemned" The speakers appointed
to debate the affirmative were Messrs. j
T. Cribbins, DR.. Crawford, A. T. Grooms,
VIM. K. Harper. Those selected to advo'
cate the negative Messrs. c. S. Roier, E.
L. Houff, W. P. johnson, W. a. Richard.
All the speakers, save DR.. Crawford, were
present. Messrs. Grooms, Harper and Rick.
ard declined to take part, hence Mr.. Crib.
bisu had no help and was left sin the cool''
to substantiate the affirmative in opposition
to three negative advocates. This question
is one which, to be successfully mastered,
requires deep research of history and
unless man is we'll "posted' in the political
actions of both parties, it would be perfect
solecism to attempt to advocate the cause,
or vindicate the rights of either party, for
his competitor might steal his argument and
cave him as helpless as the State is las some
claim by the bioated "bondholders' and the
''watch-dogs of the treasury stealing the
funds OF Virginia.
The argument produced. and especially
by Messrs. c. and R., showed that they were
well prepared for the contest. They spoke
in manner to do honor to themselves and
credit to the society. After the pent.up
wrath OF both parties had been spent in all
its fury, the vote was taken. Result affir-
native, 3; negative, Z. Quite number
did not vote, from the reason, we suppose,
that partizan feeling overruled the merits of
the argument-the manner in which the de-
cision is required to be given.
The question for next Friday night is !:
(which is the greater evil, war or intern
perance." In the affirmative, W. II. Rick
ard, J. T, Cribbins, W. R. Lands, j. c.
Roller; in the negative, a. T. Grooms, C.
S. Roller, E. L. Houff, B. F. Richard.
Owing to a misunderstanding of names,
A. T. Grooms was announced in last issue
as vice-president, which should have been
T. w. Grooms.
The members of the society number
twenty-six; others are solicited to join,
and thus assist in the advance ment of this
laudable enterprise.
Teachers Institute. Owing to the absence
OF the chairman, W. F. Whitmore, and
speakers Houff, Roller, and Brennaman,
only an informal meeting Of the Teachers
Institute was held Saturday at half-past
two. Nothing of particular interest was,
transacted, and the society adjourned to
meet on Saturday, February 9TH, at two
p. M, at which time the completion of
the organization will be effected.
Personal.-As the Rev. Alex. Sprunt was
suffering from the effects of severe cold,
he did not preach In the Methodist church,
in this place, on last Sunday evening, as was
previously announced. He came, and after
stating his condition, made few brief, but
very interesting remarks on the 10th verse
OF the 14th chapter Of st. John. We trust
that he has recovered and W ill favor US at
any time it may suit his convenience with
his sermons, which never fail to interest
those who have the pleasure of hearing
them. ?. A, Ross.