Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-02-11
University of Virginia to Re.
( cover Lost Ground.
POOR RECORD IN ATHLETICS
Will Compete for Championship of
the South in 0ratory.
SYSTEM OF sELF.GovERNMENT
Plan for Student Body Provides an
Executive, Judicial Department
and Other Features.
Special Correspondence of The Star.

Special Correspondence Of The Star
CHARLOTTESVILLE. Va.
February 10, 1912
Scoring a dismal failure in the early
stages of the basket ball campaign, fol-
lowing closely upon a defeat Of the foot
ball eleven in the most important dates
on the schedule, University of Virginia
adherents are now looking to the debat-
ing team to reap laurels in a series of
elimination contests to decide the south
ern collegiate title
That this has been a decided ''off year.
for the university in at least two branches
of athletics goes without saying. Foot
ball and basket ball, as far as it has
progressed, have failed to bring about
Victories in crucial contests, as in past
years. There. is some consolation in the
fact that the outlook for base ball and
track is, as usual, exceedingly bright. and
that next year is apt to bring about a
complete reversal in the other branches.
Unlike other universities, Virginia
places debating on par with major
sports in point of general interest, and IL
the team that will shortly be selected to
defend her interests in contests with other
universities of the south is successful, DIS
appointment over failure in other de-
49,
out Literary societies in numbers prob
ably greater than any other university of
equal ranking are sources of material for
the team. From the date of their organfza-
ton a few days after university convo-
cation until a week so before the tr. al
debates the societies hold their own dis
cussions for the sake of disclosing rep
feSentative material.
Hope for Strong Team.
At this date each one has about agreed
on its representative in the final debate
that is booked to take place within the
next couple of weeks, and reports have it
that there is enough material of unusual
calfber to assure keen competition and an
unusually strong university team
Student mass meetings held at intervals
during the season have been the scenes OF
oratorical debate that augurs well for the
future. Some of the speakers have shown
rare ability. holding the attention OF their
fellow students through well planned dis
cussions and perfect delivery. The law
school has developed the majority of
those who have been generally accepted
as likelihoods, and who, through dis
play of their ability. have captured the
admiration of their adherents.
Thus far President Davis Of the debat-
ing congress has arranged two debates
for the team. one with Tulane. the other
with the University Of Georgia. Both OF
contenders. and in past years have put
up a bold defense for the coveted honors.
Carolina, Washington and Lee, and pos
sibly Vanderbilt are also in line for the
championship.
The student body here is exceptionally
anxious that the local team shall try
conclusions with the last-na.ned institu-
ton, which, in view of a contract recently
closed for a contest in another branch OF
student activity, will hereafter hold a
place as one Of virginia's most formi-
dable rivals.
Self-Government Proposed.
Student self-government, barring all
forms Of faculty interference and at the
same time preserving the old spirit of
democracy, is proposed by Churchhill
Humphrey, a graduate of the United
states Naval Academy. who is pursuing
q course In law at the university, is gain
ing considerable Roadway in the eStima-
tion of the authorities as well as those
directly concerned.
The idea was first proposed two months
ago at university college hour. and since
that time Mr.. Humphrey has busted him
self preparing codified form of his
plans, which he presented at a general
mass meeting In Cabell Hall last week.
The ringing applause that greeted him at
the conclusion Of his remarks, by an au-
dience of extensive proportions, composed
OF members of the faculty, alumni and
students was evidence in itself of the
popularity of the movement and that the
originator will see the realization OF his
idea before the end of the collegiate
session is practically assured.
The editorial staff of College Topics,
the principal news medium of the uni
yersity, thought enough of the PROPOSE
ton to allow it three-fourths OF aseI.a e
space in a recent issue, and other col
Iege publications were equally as liberal.
The editors of Madison Hall Notes and
he Mac Ziy Iiff1an tar yv
in treatment of the subject, which they
heartily Endorsed.
Mr.. Humphreys remarks in support
of his proposition were summed up in
conclusive statement, as follows: We
preserve our old democracy, but we render
il effective under new conditions: We
develop an executive in the person of
a general president. but we balance his
power by giving him only such au>.eS-
ity as arises from the decision OF
court Of arbitration, or honor commit
tee; we have a judicial department in
the form of our arbitration committee,
but we balance the power Of our arbitra-
ton committee by allowing an appeal
10 be taken therefrom to the whole
student body; We provide for mass
meetings for the occasional need for
legislation. but we prevent meeting
from being called for any but matters
81 the most general interest; we preserve
eur honor system intact, and we prevent
disintegration. and, above all. we pro-
vide for a square deal for the individual
Junior Law Glass Election.
After a week Of strenuous campaign
ing among the junior law class men,
bers. the first annual election of chair
man and secretary. as provided in the
new law constitution, was held in the
junior classroom. in Minor Hall, last
Wednesday night. The results Of the
election are: Chairman, l.. r. Slayen,
40: Arthur F. Triplett, Is: secretary.
r. W. Rogers, A.: Andrew Woolf. 20.
The meeting was presided over by
President L. a. Johnson of the senior
law class. and attracted a large and
representative crowd. On the call for
nomination, the yellow ticket, headed by
L. +. Triplett, was nominated by L. G..
,iianniny, and seconded by j. ". Harris
The red ticket was then introduced by
II. r. Miller and seconded by b. l..
Williams.
D. A. Harrison and III. r. Dulaney, jr,
acted as judges of the election.
count of the ballots showed COM
plete victory for the red ticket. During
the day indications had pointed to a
close contest. and great surprise was
expressed over the large majoriteS ac-
credited the victors.
Elections in other classes will be held
in the early spring, and the campaisners
have already started the annual cam
paigns in the interest Of their respective
candidates The contest among students
in the academic class promises to prove
interesting in view of the number OF
tickof< that have dy haen Yenfiouc cd