The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-03-05
JOINT DEBATE LAST NIGHT
BETWEEN STUDENTS OF NORTH
CAROLINA AND GEORGIA.
a BRIEF SYNOPSIS OF THE SPEECHES
The Judges Were Hon. Walter A. Montgomery,
Hon. H. G. Conner and Hon. F, A.
Woodard--A Live Debate on
Live Question.

L
The second annual intercollegiate de-
bate. between the University of Georgia
and the University of North Carolina,
which took place at Gerard Hall to-
night was full of interest.
The chapel was beautifully decorated
| by the excellent committee of arrange
nrsnts i'll bunting-gracefully combining
| the white and blue of North Carolina
with the black and red of Georgia. 4he
commencement marshals, E. V. Pater-
son, of Sslem, chief, with his able subs,
Messrs. Grimes, Dozier, Thomas Hume,
Jr.. Kittrell, Carr, J. r., and Osborne
| befittingly looked after the comfort of
all.
On the rostrum, Hon. III. A London
| presided, with dignity and grace, and h.
d. Broadhurst acted as secretary.
On the query: Resolved that the Uni
ted States annex Hawaii" Mr.. G. s.
Roberts, of Georgia. was the
first speaker on the affirmative. The
first speeches were limited TO eighteen
minutes each.
THE GEORGIA DEBATERS.
Mr. J. s. Roberts. class 1900, made
tie first speech for Georgia. He took the
ground that the United States should an
nex Hawaii because it is the consdmma-
ton of the policy of the United States
toward Hawaii for the past sixty years.
He spoke of the geographical position OF
the islands, of their strategic import
ance. He also pointed out their value
in view of the expanding trade in the
Pacific ocean.
He dwelt at length on the naval and
commercial advantages which the United
States will enjoy by possessing the is
lands; also, the disadvantages which
would accrue were the islands TO fall
into the hands of some other strong
power. Annexation means the industrial
expansion of the islands and consequent
ly am increased trade with the United
States. The permanent possession of the
islands is necessary that our navy in THE
Pacific may he effective. The islands
are needed as a base of supplies. Being
the only base within radius of 200
miles, their possession will be a heavy
advantage in case of war.
In conclusion, he c0ntended that q pro-
tectorate is undesirable as it would in
volye responsibility without possession
ling us with outside nations.
w. T.. Upshaw was the otha:
speaker for Georgia. In the outset he
declared that the Republican government
Of Hawaii is a recognized Republican
government, having full power. to treat
as she wishes. She offers her sovereignty
shall We accept it:
The assertion of our authority in the
Pacific has been used time and again to
prevent annexation to England or
France Blaine is quoted as to the rela-
ton of Hawaii to the United States to
the effect that the islands should remain
neutral, so long as Hawaii finds this
practicable When Hawaii finds this
| impracticable, annexation must come TO
| the United States. The parting of
| the ways" has come. The question is
not, shall Hawaii be annexed. but shall
| Hawaii he annexed to the United States
to Great Britain or to Japan?
| Next. be contended that the govern
ment of the islands under the United
| States will involve no difficulty. and
that the annexation is thoroughly in ac-
| cord both with the letter and the spirit
of the constitution. Then the ethical
| side of the question was taken up and
| he argued that it was our duty to an
mex for two reasons: The first to save
them from Asiatic despOtism; the sec
| end, an economic reason, to afford a
| free market for her cane sugar so that
the productivity of the islands may
be developed. Permanent admission
| of this sugar free of duty into the Uni
ted States will be a great advantages %
| the consuming classes Of the people.
Under changing conditions, which are
| rapidly going on in the Pacific, Homo
lulu is sure to become a center of in
dustrial activity. This will render its
| possession important.
mally the permanent possession of
the islands is essential for the securi-
ty of our commerce in times of war or
of peace on the Pacific
NORTH CAROLINA DEBATERS,
| Mr.. W. J. Brogden of Goldsboro next
| spoke, arguing the negative with en-.
thusiasm and to the point.
n condensed synopsis of his argument
is as follows
The annexation of Hawaii would set
a dangerous precedent which would ON.
| mark our government upon a policy
of colonization similar to those adonted
by the great empires of the past. The
variety Of REPRESENTATIVE elements Thus
introduced into our political system would
soon destroy the unity and permanence
of our Union.
| The Monroe doctrine would receive =
fatal blow. European powers have re-
| spected this doctrine of mon-interfcrence
only because the United States has re.
| spected it. When the United States
becomes the aggressive nation and inau-
gurates policy of annexation. then the
| hostility and rivalry of foreign nations
are cordially invited The South Amerl-
can Republics are contemplating forming
a combination against us in order to pro-
/ tect their liberties. Can we afford to
annex Hawaii at the cost Of the friend
ship Of South America?
| 'Ehc annexation of Hawaii would also
| incorporate into our Union IL people
| wholly incapable OF self government
There are only coo voters out of a
population of 100000 Omitting the Por-
tugese 4-5 of the total population are