Virginia citizen. (Irvington, Va.) 1891-1921, 1904-11-18
NOT DeeATAsLE.
The Argument brought Forward by
the BOY WnN InnnswcrnhIs

The Argument Brought Forward ny
the Boy Was UnanswersblS.
The principal of one OF the public
schools OF Chicago has long been a ia
vorite with his pups; because of the
whole hearted manner I'm which he en-
tiers into their school life. Debates.
Junior city councils, clubs OF many
kinds bring them into intimate rela-
tons with him and add interest to
their studies. During the early days
OF the war between Russia and Japan
II was suggested that each power
might arm priyateers and send them
out to destroy the others commerce.
The principal, while discussing news
OF the day with his eighth grade boys.
brought up the question of privateering.
shouldn't we stop it?" demanded an
urchin i'm front seat.
Why? asked the principal.
Because ii would not be right"
"Why would ii notY'
Debate! Debater' came n cry from
many quarters. The principal smiled
and acquiesced and was at once chosen
nrst speaker for the affirmative. Tie
boy who raised the question was Sc
lected to defend the negative.
The principal is large and pompous
man, but has great and saving grace
OF good humor. Standing there before
the roomful Of children, he leaned for
ward, placed his hands on the ton OF n
desk and began impressively TO deliver
his argument.
lie based IL chiefly on history. He
told much of the history OF war and OF
privateering, brought the boys down
10 the Revolution and the war of 1872
Went into the story of the Alabama
and the Florida and assured his pupIls
that when two nations Were at war
each OF them was justified In taking
Whatever means II could to injure the
other, The boys were manIestly i'm
pressed Their martial spirit was
reused. They applauded enthusias-
tically.
Then the boy rose TO reply. He was
not n bright lad In his studies. but. MS
the issue proved, he had convictions
Tor which he was not afraid to argue.
Unconsciously initiating the principal.
he leaned forward upon his desk and
began impressively.
children" he said, show many of
you go to church and Sunday schoolT'
There was an immediate and general
uplifting or hands.
How many OF you have been taught
the Ten Commandmentsr
Every hand remained raised.
How many of you remember that
one Of the Ten Commandments is.
Thou shalt not stealT"
Every one remembered II
How many of you remember that
another commandment is, Thou shalt
not lSillT"
That, too, was generally known.
Children" said the youngster, as IL
he had been an old man addressing
them, "the business of n privateer is
killing and stealing. He goes out to
kill the sailors of the other side and
to steal what they have got The BIZ
BILE does not say, Thou shalt not kill
except I'm time OF war; 1t does not
say, Thou shalt not steal unless you
are privateer.' 1t says simply you
shall not kill or steal any time. There
is no question OF right or wrong to be
argued here. You all know that 1t
does not matter whether one Is n priva-
teer or regular sailor or soldier His
business when it comes to killing and
stealing is wrong, and the Bible proves
it"
lie sat down, and the vote was TAX
en-. 1t was overwhelmingly I'm his IA
vor. Tho principal rose to his feet
and smiled
Boys" he said, 81 am proud OF your
decision. The Ten Commandments are
not debatablc. youths Companion.