The Aberdeen Democrat. (Aberdeen, South Dakota) 1???-1909, 1905-02-17
wEsTPoRT NEWS
Great OratOrlcal COntest--West-
port VS.. One0ta--Play for
Next Week Billed

NcAl WECk 0lIIcO
One of the most profitable and
interesting events of the season was
the Joint discussion between the
Westport Literary and Debating
Society and the Society at Oneota.
After the rendition of the literary
part of the program the societies
enjoyed a brief intermission while the
orators of the evening harrangued over
the selection of referees and other
matters of less consequence. MI. O. C.
Mattison's gavel thundered at speak
erS desk about l0:45. The secretary
then read the question for contention
which Was: Resolved that national dis
putes should be settled by arbitration.
Mr.. Gernon then entered the forum
u poured ont a profuse supply of
telling arguments. His colleagues
were Messrs. Lory, Cole and Stephens
who amplitied and emphasized the
tenets OF the leader. Mr.. Motrat es-
poused the virtues of national tur-
mol and seriously endeavored to show
That questions relating to insults of
the flag and country's welfare could
be adjusted only by the roar of the
canon and the charge of cavalry. He
was aSsistedby Messrs. Dalton, Vim
cent and Fletcher who, seeing defeat
staring them in the face, slashed
themselves into foam as they went
into flights Of oratory. An interest
ing feature of this clashing of intel
lect with intellect was the closing
argument Of Mr.. Moffat. He was
painting an exquisite picture of the
Hague tribunal when he was inter-
rupted by Mr.. Gernon, who insisted
in completing his word picture. At
this juncture Lory arose aud inform
ed the orator that if he persisted in
injecting argument not pertaining to
the matter before the house he would
be stopped from protesting against
the arguments OF the affirmative of a
collateral nature. The chairman
arose and admonished Mr.. Moffat to
stick to his text. After a few phil
lipics upon the words of affirmative
speakers, Mr.. Moffat went to his desk.
The judges did not deliberate at
length in making a decision for West
port. Ii a person will go out and
heave baked apples at a wall OF ada
mant he will have some conception Of
the potency Of Oneota's argument in
joint debate.
In spite of the inclemency of the
weather u folks turned out en-
masse to the dance on last Friday
evening. The music was we'll execut-
ed by home talent, which consisted
of the following ladies and gentlemen:
Mrs. Wardell and friend, Mr.. Nara
gang, Mr.. Edwardson, Won Eschen
and Callighan. There was not a ruff
file in the evenings sport and the
good people tarried until old sol il
Illuminated the eastern skies.
Mr.. and Mrs. o. G. Mattison and
family spent a very pleasant evening
at the home of VIM. Podirvil's Mon
day.
Mrs. Abe Neer visited the "Hub'
city Thursday.
Miss. Harriet Young who has been
suffering from an attact of tonsilitis
is much better.
Nellie Gernon has been quit sick
during the last week.
We are all pronouncing diatribes
upon the weather prophets.
When your good wife wears the old
broom out on you, find your way to
the Federal building and get a new
one from postmaster Hens.
If you need some brain food Ed
Friele can supply your wants. He
has on hand now a fine lot of excel
lent fish.
George Smith, the Daniel Boone
of Westport, has a number Of coyote
pelts. George was born and raised in
this place and can disclose to you
where the habitat Of these sc%reecheIS
are without much diff Guilty.
On next Wednesday evening Messrs
! Narregang, Callighan and Fluke will
give a play. These gentlemen have
made their way some distance from
the novitiate and we are anticipating
some good acting.
Rufus Young has been having some
serious throat trouble. At one time
the skilled nurse, Miss Alley thought
there we're evidences of tonsilitis, but
this danger has been dispelled and
Rufus is getting along nicely.
Rev. A. M. Ward failed to make his
appointment at Westport last Sunday
on account of the weather.
Bernie Co'e has come to Westport