The Mankato free press., 1923-12-21
Wells WAS VOTED
BEST OF DEBATERS
Team Won Two-To-One Deci-
sion Last Night
FLIGHTS OF oRA7oRY
Vocabulary Battle At the Lincoln
Auditorium Over Question Of :.
Immigration ~

Mankato lost In the High school
debate last evening at the Lincoln
auditorium. The subject was "Re-
solved, that immigration should be
prohibited for . period Of ave
years." The decision of the judges
stood two to one in favor of<Wells.
who spoke for the negative side of
the questin. The Judges were Sup
erintendent Hoffman of the Waseca
school, superintendent Skinner of
,watonna, Superintendent Davis of
St. Peter. Superintendent Hoffman
cast his vote in favor of Mankato.
Judge w. l.. Comstock presided
over the debate. In opening the
meeting he said: Many people
think that these debates are meant
for oratory only, but that is not all.
1t gives the student ability to think
logically and comprehensively which
comes only through training. Plat
form debates develop boys and girls
to think for themselves-to convey
their thoughts clearly and soundly
others. and to express themselves
coherently." MIR. Comstock then In
troduced the speakers for the eve.
ming. wells team was represented
by Aria Henjuem,( Marvel Hanson
and Ralph Fischer. The Mankato
team was made up of Dorsey
Hurst, Lloyd Keogan and Haven
Andrist Miss Henjuem had the
misfortune last week to sustain a
badly sprained arm, caused from
slipping on the school steps and she
was compelled to carry her arm in
bandage, but this did not in any
way hinder Miss Henjuem's vocal
powers for she was one Of the
ablest speakers on her team.
Debate Was Spirited
The debate was spirited one
and probably no debate ever given
with more enthusiasm. Notwith-
standing the subject is an old one,
yet it is one of the vital questions
before the public today and the
various schools over the state are
discussing it pro and con- One of
the noticeable things about the
large audience that gathered to
hear these young debaters was the
large number Of men present, not
only the parents Of the students,
but business men who came out to
the discussion which was a compli-
ment to the students.
The Mankato team was a we'll
balanced one and for oratory, deliv-
cry. and general poise, a finer de-
batting team could not be found in
all the state. They did not recite
their speech" in a sing song or
they each gave what they had to
say In clear, forcefui manner
which made an impression upon
their hearers. Miss Selma Nell
gren, teacher in public speaking at
the high school for several years.
coached the team and 1t is due to
her efforts that the high school
here have developed some splendid
orators, who have not only made
good in that capacity but in the
drama as well.
With all its splendid preparation
Of many weeks of research work,
discussions with prominent men
upon the subject and letter receiv-
ed, and the fine manner of delivery,
1t is almost incomprehensible why
the Mankato team lost this debate.
But it Is one of those things which
account for it. The Wells team also
did themselves credit and their
coach deserves congratulations But
the Mankato team, like the good
scouts that they are, took it all
philosophically and showed their
opponents good time the remain
der Of the evening.
When the Decisions Came In
One of the amusing incidents of
the debate was an unconscious mon
ologue played by the debaters. Dur
ing the decision of the Judges the
High School orchestra played a
number OF selections from grand
operas. One by one the judges
brought their decisions to the Judge.
The suspense was trying so the
judge, after scanning the votes,
called Lloyd Keogan and Miss Han
son to the table to see the decision.
Mr.. Koegan, long faced and solemn
took his seat while Miss Hanson
was so filled with Joy she stuffed
her handkerchief in her mouth to
keep from bursting outright. The
infection followed to the others of
her team who almost had little
joy party right there. The audience
knew Immediately the decision be-
fore it was announced. Much praise
can be extended to Miss Helen
Campbell, orchestra coach. for the
splendid music provided for the ev-
enfng.
A reception followed in the gym
osium with stunts and music put
on by the High school students,
which were much enjoyed by the
guests.