The Daily Missoulian. [volume] (Missoula, Mont.) 1904-1961, 1913-04-20

CHAMPIONS
The victory OF the debating team of the state university
over the forensic champions of Washington and Oregon,
The fact that the decision of the judges was unanimous
adds to the glory of the triumph. That the defeated de-
baters conceded the justice of the decision marked them as
good losers and left no cloud upon Montana's title to the
northwest championship.
OF course, we always like to see the home team win. That
is natural. But we do not take enough interest when the
team is debating instead OF playing football. There was
lacking in the debating contest the spectacular features of a
long run around the end and a dash through the line. But
the victory was none the less important, none the less val
liable on that account.
is worth more than a basketball win would have been. 1t
is difficult to make some folks believe this, but the general
effect OF the triumph will be extremely helpful, we are GER
tain. Not that we do not believe thoroughly in athletic con-
tests, but we feel that there should be other university activ-
tiles than those of track and field.
1t is a record worth having that the University of Mon
tana has the years champion team in debate. 10 have lost
against the worthy antagonists who came out of the west
for the Friday contest would not be a disgrace; but to win
against such worthy foes is an achievement of which the uni
versity has a right to be proud. 1t will attract new attention
to the institution. The victory is the best sort of adver-
Using.
1t was a clean contest, a clean victory. That makes it all
the more valuable. The fact that Montana produces a Win
ming team gives her new prestige and makes more people
look her way.
The contest, too, should result in strengthening local uni
versity spirit. The men and women Of the university should
rally all the stronger around the banner of their institution.
The men who won the debating championship should be as
popular as the men of the eleven. Their victory contributes
in no less degree to the glory of Montana.
Such contests are a fine feature of the university work.
They quicken the interest of students and friends in the
institutions endeavors; they add to the pride which is the
foundation OF regard tor a school; they contribute to the list
OF trophies which stand for earnest effort successfully car
ried through. They make the traditions which are the rec
ord of the university.
The news of the victory, as it was teegraphed over the
northwest, Friday night, was the news that the University
OF Montana is gaining strength and is stepping into a higher
place in the list of worthy educational institutions. 1t was
the story of one more accomplishment; it told of good STU
dent material and of proper ambition.
These are some OF the reasons why the debating cham
pionship, this year, is OF more than ordinary Importance,
why it possesses more than usual significance. 1t is a new
inspiration and the victory should be treasured as one of the
most signal which the university has ever won.
There are other university activities looming ahead. In
each one of them, the student body, the faculty and the
friends lin urbe' should interest themselves with whole
souled energy. Into the support of each one of these activ-
tiles, we should all enter with a will. Unreservedly, we
should give to these efforts our loyal cooperation.
In the near future is coming the annual interscholastc
contest program, which will fill one busy week with its va
ried struggles. This has become an important state event.
1t has directed interested attention to the university and has
made warm friends for the institution and for the city which
is its home. This year the university needs, more than ever,
the cordial support of the people of the city. 1t should be
given willingly, freely and cordially.
Even of greater Importance is the university's summer
school which seems now to have in prospect a brilliant ses-
sion. There is nothing which can contribute in greater
measure to make the university appreciated by the general
public than this summer school. 1t will bring here a large
number of earnest students and teachers and will familiar
ize them with the splendid advantages possessed by the Uni
versity OF Montana and with the unusual opportunities
which it offers.
Let us all unite to bring about a succession of victories
which will add to the glory and the usefulness of the Uni
versity of Montana.
the chamber o. commerce OF later the funds necessary, bmt if there is
are, the more interesting the Contestl cesSful pursuit o. he dollars reouire5