The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-03-18
COLLEGE MEN DEBATE.
They Discuss tho Political situation and
Spend . Pleasant Evening.

On yesterday evening the annual pub
lie debate of the Mu Sigma Rho Society
OF Richmond College took place In the
College chapel. A very interesting pro-
gramme was well carried out.
The exercises of the evening were open
ed With prayer by Mr.. a. J. Chewing.
Then Mr.. r. W. Hatcher. president Of
the society delivered a very appropriate
end cordial address OF welcome and intrJ-
duced Is reader OF the evening Mr.. IL. T..
Burnett. who read in his own inimitable
STYLE Farmer and Wheel; or. The New
Locbnivah." Then the Mandolin Band OF
Richmond College rendered the March
De Harport." MIR. IIinetree FOlkes was
introduced, who detained in very
fascinating manner stars ari Stripes.
by Senator Hill. of Georgia.
Their followed Mountain Queen" by The
Mandolin Band.
The president next announced the fol-
lowing question open for debate;
Resolved. That the present status OF
American politics is opposed TO the best
interest Of the republic
Mr.. w. ID. Duke, nrst affirmative, oTen-
ed the discussion by clearly stating the
question and pointing the manner in
which the DEBATE was to b. conducted.
He made a hasty review Of the history
OF our country, and shovel how the
Government had reach I'd its present
state. He claimed that a model Govern
ment must be based upon model con-
stitution Then he spoke IL words Of
praise OF our constitution, but criticised
some of the amendments. lie pointed
out some of the existing evils arising
from negro suffrage. and the means 10
which our citizens are compelled to re-
sort in order TO keep OF negro SUI
premacy.
Next he referred TO class legislation,
showing how some were growing richer
and richer while others were growing
poorer and poorer under the present
status Then he spoke of the injustice OF
the present pension and tariff bills. lie
brought out forcihy the unparalleled
enormities OF evils coming from such
a large number OF pensions granted at
this time Next he dwelt at length upon
the evils springng from the present
"spcils" system.
The first negative, Mr.. T.. NJ. Long,
said it was the tendency OF the people
to-day to put the blame of everything
upon the administration. II the crops
were bad the weather too hot or TOO
cold. too wet or too dry, the administra-
ton had TO hear the fault. He spoke or
the Importance of the question under DIS
cussfOn, and the present condition. lie
admitted that there were many evils IN
the present status. but proceeded 10 argue
that Notwithstanding these evils the
status of politics to-day Is for the pest
He said that one national party had Deeh
weighed In the balance of popular opinion
and had been found wanting. He then
spoke OF the pledges of reform made by
the marty in power, and claimed that THESE
hedges fulfilled would eradicate many OF
the now existing evils referred TO by the
first affirmative.
The Mandolin Band rendered Flora
waltz.
Mr.. Joseph II. Franklin, second affirm
atiye, began by speaking OF our love ipi
our Government and the unpopular si'e
Of the question advocated by the aInrma
tive. He smoke OF politics as profession
in which politicians strive to elevate th-ii
il cfyidual interest, and consider the oes'
interest OF the masses as Of secondary
importance Tic spoke Of tie presell
status being so impure that men morally
and Intellectually qualified stood back aho
would take no part in the Government
| He said that 1t was the object OF oNl
Government for the majority 20 RUE
but methods We're resorted 70 WHICH
thwarted this object.
Mr.. G. A. Boyce, second negative, CLOSED
tic debate with a carefully prepare
SIceCn, IN winch he tidtlh'" ',t'
constitution was the basis from which IL
argued the question. by a careful anaiy
sis Of the constitution he attempted t'
| nroye that he present status was tol
| the best He spoke OF the present mgr
state of prosperity of our country undel
the status OF to-day. Just and equitable
| as our laws are to-day. they VIII D'
/ changed when change is required
After the rendering OF the High Schoo
| Cadet March" the exceedingly interest
ing exercises were declared over. Thu
ended one Of the most highly entertaining
! evenings Of the session.