St. Johns review. (Saint Johns, Or.) 1904-current, 1914-11-13
Gave Its First Program

Last Friday evening the
Dramatic Society gave its first
program of the year. 1t con-
sisted of two parts-a contest
debate and a one-act comedy
the performers in each being
Freshmen and Sophomores. The
question for debate was. "Re-
solved: That a student-body or
ganization is the best method of
managing all school activities,
including discipline, in the
James John H. S." The aflirma-
tive was supported by the Sopho-
more team-Ferris Swisher,
Dorothy Schafer and Drott
Larsen; the negative by the
Freshmen team-Wyeth Jayne.
Margaret Nelson and Clarice
Wilson.
This was the first appearance
in debate for most of the speak
ers, and their work was surpris-
ingly good. considering the time
that was allowed them for pre-
paration. The leader for the
affirmative argued for the pro-
posed plan on the ground that it
would develop the needed self
control and self reliance in the
individual. applyinQ his arQu-
ments chiefly TO high school
athletics. The second speaker,
saying that the Proof of the
pudding is in the eating" show
ed how the literary activities
are now virtually under student
control, and proved the plan in
creasingly satisfactory. The
forceful, clear delivery of Miss
Schafer was q strong factor in
the work of the affirmative team.
The third speaker on the affirma-
tive handled the question in his
usual original and able way.
He clinched his points with ex-
ample and illustration and show
ed that he is capable of keep
ing his head" Their oppon-
ents, the negative. did good
team work. The leader advanced
proof to show that the inexper-
ience of high school pupils needs
close faculty supervision and
control. His manner of delivery
was excellent. The second
speakers argument was given
with an earnestness that adds
much TO a debater's power. The
third speakers argument show
ed more work and thought. per-
haps. than that of any other of
the evening. Experience will
give confidence and force.
The judges. Mr.. Fry. Mr..
Babb and Mr.. White. gave the
decision 10 the affirmative, by a
vote of two TO one.
This debate is only the first of
several that are TO take place
during the year. for there is
plenty of good material in the
school. and the Society means to
make the most of il.
THE Obstinate Family" a
comedy of one act followed the
debate. The butler and maid,
who are setting the table, quar-
rel because the maid refuses TO
obey the butler and say, THANK
goodness the table is spread"
They each take their story to
their master and mistress. a
young married couple. and the
husband unluckily says that if
he asked his wife 10 say. Thank
goodness the table is spread"
she would do so at once. The
wife rebels. and this results in
quarrel number two. Finally
he father and mother-in-law ar
rive. and on hearing the story, !
hey, too. fall into a dispute, |
he mother agreeing with her
laughter, that she was right. !
md the father siding with his
,on-in-law for masculine au-
.hority. Finally, by a happy
.hought, the young husband
,rings in a new shawl for his
wife. and the quarrel is made
Up. After much coaxing, the
,utler and the maid agree to
make it up. and happiness once
more reigns In the family.
The roles in this sprightly
omedy were played as follows:
MIR. Harford-Carlyle Cum
Mrs. Harford-Jennie 0lin.
Henry Harford-Ferris Swish
r.
Jessie Harford-Ruth Randall.
Lucy, the maid-Agnes Orr.
James, the butler-Rae Haw-
ina