Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1907-05-09
c. HIS. WIN DEBATE
Local Students Defeated Ora
tors From Moscow.
PRESENT STRONG ARGUMENT
University DebaterS rendered
Pleasant Reception.

"Resolved that restrictions Of
suffrage by the southern states is
unjustifiable," was the question
debated upon at the Armory last
Friday night when the debating
teams from the Grangeville High
School and the preparatory depart
ment of the State University at
Moscow contested for honors. The
debate was without doubt one Of
the most interesting and instruc.
tive ever held in the city and a
large crowd was present to listen
to the arguments presented by the
speakers from both sides. The
judges were Prof. w. Bishop, of
the State Normal at Lewiston, and
w. N. Scales and Geo. A. Smith,
of this city. Their task of decid-
ing the winners in the contest was
by no means an easy one as the
debate was very close from every
viewpoint and the arguments pre-
sented by all the speakers were
exceedingly strong and convincing.
The decision, however, in favor of
the local students, who supported
tt e negative of the question, was
greeted with applause when an
nounced.
The evenings program began at
$50 o'clock when four young la
dies from the high school, the
Misses Johnson, Toye, Ethel and
Edna Bickford, sang "Clover Bios
SONS" very pleasingly. Rev. ID.
G. Sanderson, chairman of the
evening, then stated the question
and introduced Mr., Geo. Stephens,
who opened the debate for the
affirmative and delivered strong,
forcible speech. Mr.. Stephens was
followed by Ralph d. Williams, of
the local school, who contended
that the negro was inferior in in
tellect, progressiveness, patriotism
and industry to the Caucasian race.
Mr.. Williams presentation of these
and other points made very
!, favorable impression upon his
hearers. Mr.. Otto Nail, the next
speaker, submitted some exception
ally good argument for the aflirma-
tive and gave his remarks in a sat
isfactory manner. Seneca Munro,
with an easy, patient delivery,
made several strong assertions sup
porting the negative. Following
him were Oakley Hall, for the afiir-
native, and Keith Fem, of the
local institution. Both speakers
were attentively listened to. The
latter in closing made some good
points for the supporters of the
! negative. Mr.. Hall and Mr.. Will
i lams were then allowed five min
J utes for rebuttal speeches for their
respective sides. Mr.. Williams
g talk has been the subject of much
V favorable comment.
j, While the judges were reaching
s a decision, Miss Eun:ce Mcdonald
$ rendered difficult piano solo in a
/ charming manner. After the de
9 cision was announced the audience
9 arose and sang "America" witt
s very evident enthusiasm.
: At the high school building Sat
y urday night a reception was giver
for the visiting debaters. Severa
l. speeches, filed with the true feel
$ ing of good will and frieudliness
= were made by the different partici
J pants in the affair and few hour
Il of pleasure were most hugely en-
" joyed. Delicious refreshment
e were served. Saturday Afternoon
II the debaters and judges wer
II treated to light refreshments at tn
. Hotel Arlington, as guests of Pro
u w. Bishop, one of the judges.