Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-06-07
STUDENTS IN DEBATE
Ship Subsidy Bill Topic of
Discussion.
AFFIRM ATIVE WINS
PRIZES AWARDED TO INDIVID-
UAL DEBATERS.
Senator Nelson and Representatives
Greene and Davis Served
as Judges.
ALIVE WINS

Before attentive and enthusiastic au-
dience assembled last evening in the Co
lumbia Theater representatives of the de-
batting society of the schools Of law Of Co
lumbar University argued pro and con on
the subject Resolved. That the enact
ment of the pending ship subsidy bill would
be detrimental to the best interests of the
United States" The affirmative was han
died by William F. Adams Of Wisconsin,
George b. Nelson of Wisconsin and phos
A. Scott of Missouri, while the negative
was assigned to Philip r. Hindman of
pennsylvania. Harold J. Pack of Pennsyl-
vania and Wallace c. Franklin of Ken
lucky. Taking into consideration only the
merits OF the debate the board of Judges
consisting of Senator knute Nelson of
minnesota, Representative William S
Grecne OF Massachusetts and Representa-
tive Robert w. Davis of Florida. announced
tnelr decision TO be in favor of the affirma-
tive Mr.. Adams was awarded first indi-
Viocai prize. a set of Worlds Best Ora
lions, by Justice Brewer. while Mr. Pack
received second prize, copy of Bouvier's
Law Dictionary
me stage was set a drawing room, a
ploi uSlon or flowers, palms and other pot
tea pants being used in connection with
the decorations. DR.. Howard L. Hodgkins
dean OF the university, served as presiding
ofhcer and introduced the speakers In a
brief opening address he explained that
Chief Justice Bingham of the Suprenne
Court OF the District of Columbia and SEN
ator Moses Z. Clapp of Minnesota. who had
accepted invitations to serve as members
OF the board of Judges. were unable To he
present, and that Representatives Greene
ana Davis had consented to act in the
places of the absentees
The Arguments Advanced.
The first speaker was Mr. Adams. for the
Affirmative He argued that the success. of
our merchant marine is already assured
and pointed out that fourteen ship building
companies in this country are now employ
ing 1900 laborers
According to Mr.. Hindman who opened
for the negative. the American merchant
marine has for fifty years undergone con-
unual decline. The fostering aid of sub
sides, he added, has been extended to
many other industries, but the merchant
marine has been excepted. A ship subsidy.
IN the opinion of the speaker would con-
stltute merely an equalization Of differ
ences and ought to be granted
The second speaker for the affirmative
Mr. Nelson, declared, among other things
that American ship builders can compete
with and underbid England today and fur
nish better ships, without a subsidy and
therefore the latter is not needed.
Mr. Pack, the second speaker for the
negative. contended that the pending bill
Is an economical measure by reason of its
4. .'-NtAe ACi supply ing AUXILIARY cruisers.
lie further declared that the creation of a
big merchant marine, through a subsidy
would remove the danger of stoppage of
our commerce in case Of a war in which
any or the nations now doing large mer-
chant marine business would be engaged
Nd. Scott. who closed for the affirmative
made the suggestion that auxiliary cruis-
ers In this age of torpedo boats would be Of
little service. He took the stand that the
enactment Of the bill would result in an
increase of sailing vessels instead of steam
ships, and that the step would be a back
ward one.
Mr. Franklin, the last speaker for the
negative, remarked that there is every
incentive provided by the bill to construct
large and swift vessels. According TO Mr.
Franklin. the need of auxiliary cruisers
Tor coast defense was demonstrated by
the last war. He declared that the build
Ing up of our merchant marine would
enhance the world value of the nation
The debate closed by Mr. Nelson
of the affirmative. with a brief rebuttal
argument
Officers of the Society.
The officers Of the society are T Percy
Guyton. president. Mississippi; Philip r.
Hlndman, vice president PENNSYLVANIA;
VIM. ]. Fritsche secretary, Ohio; E. H.
Pitcher. treasurer. Illinois; A F Belitz,
press representative, Wisconsin,; Perry S.
Pearson, critic. Georgia
The executive committee COMPRISES Orlau
Clyde Cullen, chairman. Minnesota: Thorn
ri. @