The Indianapolis journal., 1895-12-08
DEBATE AS A MEANS OF CULTURE.

Relieving the fashion of the day the
intellectual young men Of Kansas City
have organized themselves into a liter
ary club. Their purpose, of course, is
to gain mental culture and entertain
ment from the interchange Of high and
noble thoughts and a comparison of
ideals. This is, at least. the ostensible
object Of all the literary clubs of men
and women now such a prominent ele-
ment in social life everywhere. and If
they all gain culture in a degree pro-
portionate to their numbers the intellec-
tual heights presently attained will be
so lofty that the unfortunate persons
not included in club membership can
only look on hopelessly from a level far
beneath. The means by which this
mental elevation is accomplished COM
more or less profound papers" on any
and every subject under the sun. The
less the writer knows about his theme
the more free he usually feels to dis
course thereon. and the more impression
do his remarks usually make on his ad-
miring and culture-absorbing hearers.
But the Kansas City Club does not
practice the paper method Of communi-
eating its great thoughts; it revives the
custom In vogue when the little red
schoolhouse" was the intellectual CEN
ter, OF each community, East and West,
and engages in debates.
Atzlast weeks meeting this topic oc-
cupied- its attention: Resolved, That
the smiles of women are more alluring
than the anticipation OF wealth." It is
not the purpose here to dwell upon this
particular discussion, though 1t may be
incidentally remarked that the argu-
nents in favor Of the allurements of
wealth won the day. This ungallant
decision. Of course. does not really set
tie the matter, but only serves to show
the present status of Missouri civiliza-
tion, + When the Kansas City young
men have had the benefits Of club cul-
ture- a few years longer they will no
doubt be ready to reverse last weeks
opinion and to declare in favor of wom-
ems smiles. or. at all events, that a
judicious combination is preferable to
conclusion, of the club that is to be COM
mended. Although the debate is a re-
vival of an oid-time method, it is none
the less admirable for that, and certain
ly has advantages over the sometimes
soporific papers" If Indianapolis clubs
were to adopt the plan how enlivenine
might be the discussionsl The partici-
pants need not necessarily confine them
selves to questions Of sentiment or per-
sonal taste. They can add interest and
variety to their gatherings by discuss
ing. for example. such practical topics
as this: ''Will the moral standard of the
community be improved by swinging al
front gates inward in order that citizens
going home late at night may not fal
over them?" Or this: "Will the aesthet
ic growth of the people be hindered un.
less the wagons of coarse, vulgar trades.
men are kept off Capitol avenue?" o.
| this: "Can we draw our breath withou,
more parks?" The intellectual profit t.
| be derived from such debates may no.
| be plain at first thought, but it must bt
| fayorite ones OF the local and self-con
stituted custodian of culture and aes
thetics. It may be well to suggest. IL
passing, that this custodian be treate(
| with great care and caution. since 1t 4,
unable to consider two sides Of a prob
lem without symptoms Of epilepsy. Al
| such considerations apart. however. 1