Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1916-04-19

Manchester. Two debating teams of
three members each and one contest
ant in discussion represented the
Willmar Schools in these forensic
contests on Preparedness"
EARLY in the fall it was known that
Willmar would enter the debate work
but it was thought we would have
but one team. Evelyn Anderson, Ger
aldine Haley, George Section and
Joseph Chase held preliminary con-
tests in the rural schools and it was
thought three of them would be chos-
en- to represent the school but before
decision could be made it was found
necessary to have two teams instead
of one. Norine Hawkland and Fran
ces Hedin were chosen for the re-
naming contestants. Frances Hedin,
George Section and Joe Chase form
ed an affirmative team and Evelyn
Anderson, Geraldine Haley and Norine
Hawkland a negative.
The first two contests, both with
Montevideo, came off December II,
when the negative team and Mr.. Fos-
ter travelled to Monte and the affirm
ative stayed at home. At Montevideo
the girls won the decision two to Que
while here the affirmative team were
given a unanimous vote. These re-
suits caused quite stir among the
high schools, first, because one Of the
judges at Montevideo said it was the
best high school debate he had ever
heard, and second, because negative
teams had been winning continually
thruout the state and a unanimous
vote for the alternatives here came
as great surprise.
The next contest was held at Nor
ton, January 21. Morton had but one
team, that an affirmative, so the Will
mar affirmative team was compelled
to drop out of the race. The negative
team however, took the decision by
a vote of two to one.
Meanwhile Elbow Lake had woa
from Alexandria and was the only
team left in the running except our.
They met us here February II, with a
strong team and put up such a good
fight we were in serious danger for
while but for the third time the
girls convinced the audience and the
judges, winning the District Cham
pionship.
This entitled us to contest in the
semi-fnals and we are now an1iously
awaiting results.
Meanwhile Macalaster College or
ganized Discussion League of TWEEN
ty-two high schools of the state, each
school having one contestant. These
contestants met throughout the state
in preliminary contests, Litch1eld, At
water, Appleton, Elbow Lake, Alex
andria and Willmar meeting here
All the speakers chose the negative
and some difficulty arose on the ques-
ton Of what to refute, but was settled
when the speakers merely continued
with constructive arguments in their
final three minutes.
Joseph Chase representing the local
school took first place and Miss Lin
nea Inner of Litchfield, second.
These two went to Manchester, March
2, for the final contest in which Miss
Inner took first place; Miss Wall Ct
Chisholm, second and the local con-
testant, third.
There are four distinct points in
favor of local debate. First of all It
trains the individual. No man or wo-
man Of today say he is fully educated
unless he can stand on his feet be-
fore an audience and state his per-
sonal views upon important questions.
Second, it is manner of measur-
ing our school. II we can stand up
in opposition to the other high schools
Of the state and come out near or On
the top it shows that W1llmar has a
school worthy of consideration.
Third, it develops an interscholas-
tic spirit of fellowship. The local
school feels we'll acquainted with
Litchfield, Atwater, Appleton, Elbow
Lake, Alexandria, Morton and Monte
video, and are proud to know schools
who can put up good fight, lose in
the decision, and still retain a spirit
Of good craftsmanship.
And fourth, it is putting practical
sides Of practical questions before the
people in a manner that arouses pub
lie spirit and an interest in national
affairs.
Although debate work is not new
here at Willmar, a new spirit is aris-
ing In regard to it. The school, the
city and community are awakening to
the advantages of debate and as a re.
suit are supporting it in q manner I'm.
seen heretofore. No better reward
could be asked by those who worked
for the school In this line than the
way the community upheld their eff
forts, encouraged them by good at,
tendance, and cheered them on to
championship.
One last word. Too much cannot be
said. In praise Of Miss Lamge without
whom our chances for victory would
have been small, for her patience