Evening star., 1925-02-12
Unable to Speak.

ANY one who has had experience in
listening to the utterances of miscel-
laneous people in their effort TO
make statement before an audience,
even though small, must surely con-
clude that far too great number or
persons otherwise well equipped and
trained are very frequently helpless
when they come to stand on their
feet and express views that are often
well worth nearing.
"As these oratorical contests com
prehend not only delivery OF a speech
but preparation of the argument in
the speech, they have special value
to train the mind as well as elocu-
tionsry talent. Declarations as evi-
dencing Interpretation and elocutlon
are disadvantageous, but the train
ing of a speaker who studies not only
the form of expression, but OF equal
Importance, the elocution and assort-
ment of matter on which the IDEAS
are founded, is certainly OF stili
greater advantage.
support Is Expected.
"In view Of the fact that these ora
torical contests, spreading all over
the country and ending In grand
finale in Washington, are all based on
a close study and Interpretation and
Constitution, L believe that all public
spirited and patriotic citizens will
show the greatest interest in this
work of our school children.
The contestants are obliged to
study diligently. and live and sleep
with the Constitution for weeks al
a stretch. There is abundant evil
dence on every hand that such study
of our fundamental document OF free
government is necessary. nave
been SO greatly interested in such
a study, to which l have given care
full attention for a dozen years or
more. that 1 have introduced reso-
luton providing for more seneral
study of the Constitution.
1t has been matter of interest
to me. and l know to many others,
that Representative Finis j. Garrett
OF Tennessee, minority leader IN the
| House, has seen fit TO make a very
brilliant and Illuminating statement
on the Constitution, which is being
widely circulated His speech Will
deservedIy be read as generally as
possible"
knowledge Is Essential.
In his resolution Representative
Winslow calls attention that 1T Is
essential to an intelligent and loyal
that the citizens OF TINS country have
an appreciation of, reverence for and
devotion to the ideals and principles
underlying the Constitution or the
United States. together with the real
ization that to it We are indebted for
the blessings of political, religious
and personal liberty and freedom of
action which we enjoy, and that the
responsibility for its maintenance and
rests upon us.
He emphasizes that "a thorough
and complete knowledge and under
standing of the history and meaning
of the Constitution Is necessary TO
proper appreciation of, reverence for
and devotion to it"
His resolution provides That the
House expresses its earnest hope and
esire that every educational institu-
ton, whether public or private. Will
proyide and maintain, as part OF
It's required curriculum. course for
the study of the Constitution of the
United States, provide necessary facil-
tiles for this purpose, and place the
same under capable and proper in
| structors; such course to begin at the
! earliest age at which children are
capable of receiving such instruction
| and to continue during the whole OF
| each scholastic year. To this end the
co-operation of all commissioners.
secretaries and boards OF education
whether Federal or State, OF all pa
triotic or educational societies and
| a associations, as we'll as of the COVER
nors and legislatures of the several
| States. is earnestly invited and So
| licited.''