Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1885-12-03
The Debating Society.

The members (and all concerneO of the
Harrison Center Lyceum are requested to
assemble at the usual place of holding their
lyceum, on Tuesday evening, Dec. 9Th, 1885,
for the purpose of reorganizing the Society.
The object of this Society shall be the cul-
tivation of all those arts, graces and talents
which give effect to oratory and force to ar
gument. The debating society is an Ameri-
can institution. 1t fourishes here as natur-
ally as corn, and like corn, needs only to be
cultivated in any locality to yield gratefully.
And never was such an institution more a
necessity than at the present time, when the
conflict of opinion is shaking society to the
very base, and new ideas are terminating in
the mind of every citizen who has an interest
in his day and generation. We are to de-
termine not only what is ght in law, but in
humanity--not only what but what shall
be; and every lad in the country is but pre-
pairing himself for the duties of citizenship
by becoming familiar with the forms, and
skilled in the weapons of debate. 'sCome,
let us reason together" means in American
senses come, let us discuss the matter. 1t is
one of our inalienable rights to discuss every
question affecting our welfare, from the pow
ers of the constitution down to the powers of
the town pump, and one of our assumed
rights to argue all questions of morals, relig-
ion, economy and jurisprudence. We are,
hence, protestant people-we take nothing
for granted, but protest until we reach what
is or appears to be the truth. When we cease
to be such people, it will offer the true lover
of liberty cause for apprehension, for when
Americans are Indifferent to their laws, their
morals, their religion and their republican
progress, it marks the era Of national deca-
dence. Hence, when we bid American youth
to be ever watchful of all questions concern
ing politics or society it is not exciting the
spirit Of contention. as some good people
hold all debate to be, but the spirit of watch
fullness, and we may safely assume that he is
the most useful citizen who, understanding
politics and society, makes known to others
what seems to him even the germ of a wrong.
To think clearly, to act promptly, to speak
well are gifts of nature to some extent, but
not to the extent generally assumed. Many
persons possessing these gifts permit them
to lie dormant, utterly unconscious to what
degree they possess them, while Others with
comparatively small share of the gifts,
through studious training and the use Of the
debating society, render themselves social or
political leaders. It is the Office Of this soci-
ETY. to perfect the talent for discussion. To
spring questions for mental antagonisms, to
meet them with readiness and effect, to
school the mind, the tongue and the manners
to their most effective capacity, this is the
office Of the debating society. =
Prof. Wagner has resigned as principal Of
the High School, and Miss Sharp has been
promoted to the position. Mr.. w. leaves the
school because he believes he can do better
financially elsewhere, and while we regret
that he has decided to cut short his stay
among us, we wish him success wherever he
may locate. Miss Sharp, although compar-
atiyely stranger here, has endeared herself
to many of our citizens, who are pleased to
see her advancement. She is lady of edu-
cation, refinement and worth, and in her
care the Napoleon High School viii be in
good hands. We have not learned who will
fill the position left ftyacant BY Miss Sharp.
( p. s. Since the above was in type we learn
from member Of the school board that Miss
Sharp prefers to keep her old position as as
sistant principal, and that the board Wills
cure another principal.