The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1904-02-13
Splendid Debate at Wake
Forest LAST Night.
WON BY AFFIRMATIVE
Superb 0rations by Messrs. Whisnant
and Critcher. A Reception Fol-
lows The 0ratiOns. Excellent
Concert by Wake Forest
GIee Club.
Especial to News and observer.)

&opcCIdl 10 NEWS ana ODneIFSIJ
Wake Forest, N. c., Feb 12.-The sixty
ninth anniversary exercises of the Phi
and Eu Societies at this college was large
ly attended and was one of the best in
its history The orators and debaters ac-
quilted themselves with credit delighted
the large audience that heard them, and
nothing is hazarded III saying that they will
be heard from in the future life of the
State. The music by the Glee Club was
exceptionally enjoyable The present
Glee Club Is the best the college has
known
The chapel was full when the debate be-
gan at 2:20 o'clock Mr.. A. F. Ward of
Lumbcrton, president of the class, made
brief and excellent address, after which
Secretary W. w. Barnes. of Wilson, read
the query of the debate, and announced
the speakers The query was:
Resolved, That Compulsory Arbitration
offers the best settlement of disputes be-
tween labor and capital
The debaters spoke for an hour and a
half and the attention of the audience
was perfect from start 10 finish. The
affirmative was represented by Mr.. D. H.
Bland, Of Pender, and Mr.. \. L. Fletcher,
of Ashe; the negative by Mr.. r. D.
Marsh, OF Union county. and Mr.. j. A
Vernon, of Person At the close of the
debate the iudges-Mr. Josephus Daniels,
Of Raleigh; Prof. f. P. Hobgood, OF OK
ford, and Mt. r. N. Simms, of Raleigh,
retired TO make up their verdict They
unanimously made report that the affilma-
tive had won.
In announcing the award, Mr.
Josephus Daniels made brief speech
which was frequently applauded He spoke
of his conception Of a COLLEGE and its duty
to the State. and pointed out how Wake
Forest measured up to it's duty and obli-
cation to the cause of civic righteousness.
re commended its sane. and conservative
course and spoke OF its good influences
which were felt for good in every nook
and corner Of the State. of its freedom
from fads, freaks and commerciaIism, and
its high standing as seen in its faculty,
its alumni and its Students But / will
attempt no synopsis OF his address which
was warmly applauded from start to finish.
The judges stated that Of the rejoinders
necessarily impromptu, the best was made
by Mr.. Vernon OF Person county. Mr..
Daniels expressed to the audience the re-
grcts of ex-Cmef Justice Shepherd, who
had accepted an invitation to act as one
ct the judges, and shared with the au-
dience the regret that they would not
hear his words OF wise counsel. Judge
Shepherd was detained at home by an
important professional engagement.
MR.. BLAND'S SPEECH.
The first speech on the query was deliv.
cred by Mr.. David Henry Bland, OF the
Phi. Society, on the affirmative side, VITO
Said in part:
"The increasing complex Industrial sit
uation OF today makes it an absolute ne
cessity that there should be certain,
just and quick settlement OF the far
reaching disputes between capital and
labor. We are ali dependent for our very
tAiateEce upon capital and labor acting in
harmony. The strike not only takes
bead from the mouths OF thousands Of
workers, but paralyzes industry, impor
er1shes millions OF people already poor
all dep-ives even money Of its value and
Its earning power. Moreover, the alarm
ing frequency with which strikes occur
makes the thinking man fearful and keeps
the business man in constant dread.
Has the public no rights that must be
respected and has it no way to enforce
these rights?'
ITO this question we answer, yes--by
compulsory arbitration. We offer this as
the best settlement Of these dreadful dis
putes, ID because it is the falrest set
tlament: (2) because it IS a certain set
tlement; 60 because it is practicable and
feasible, and (4) because it accords with
liberty and is the duty OF the State.
Compulsory arbitration is law
which, in all industrial disputes which
cannot be settled in friendly manner
between the parties directly concerned,
shall compel resort to the arbitration OF
competent and independent tribunal,
It regards industry as a joint enterprise
in which employer, employee and the pub
lie are all interested. 1t says that the
State is the only agency known to society
that can protect and harmoniZe AL these
erty of the employer by making MIN pay
too high wages. 1t does not make the
work for wages he considers ruin
Gus. The employer goes out OF business
i he wants to; the laborer can quit work
if he chooses, but if business continues,
if the laborer works at all at his trade,
it must be according to the decision OF
the court Further than this there is no
COR pulsion.
THAT this is the fairest settlement is
shown by the fact that disinterested peo'
pie can render better and fairer decis.
ion to quarrel than the parties directly
involved.
''It is also a certain settlement. Com