1912-1913 Whitman Speech and Debate Team

 

Faculty

 

Description: Description: 1912 Boas Description: Description: 1912 bratton Description: Description: 1912 davis Description: Description: 1912 haines

Profs. Ralph Phillip Boas with Bratton, Davis and Hains

 

Whitman News

 

 

Speech in the English Department News

1912-1913

 

5. Oral Composition. This course combines with Course 1 in the study and application of the principles of composition. Attention also is given to the principles of voice production, a knowledge of which is useful in the formation of a right vocal habit. Practice is given each student in extempore speaking and reading before the class and the student’s work is discussed with the instructor in conference. One hour, both semesters. (The class meets weekly in three sections and monthly as a whole. W., at 8:00)

Required of Freshmen.

 

2. English Composition. Frequent practice in composition and criticism. Daily themes or longer weekly compositions are required, and the student’s work is criticized by the class as well as by the instructors. Regular conferences are held. In 1913-14, attention will be given to expository and informal argumentative writing.

Three hours, first semester.

Open to Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors.

 

4. Argumentation and Debate. A study of the theory and practice of persuasive argument. In the first semester the nature of evidence and the processes of analysis and brief drawing receive detailed attention. The chief emphasis is upon written argument. The second semester is given over to oral debate and to a brief consideration of the forms of public address. The aim of the course as a whole is not so much to develop skill in formal debate as to give the student the power to consider disputed questions calmly and logically. The course must be elected as a whole.

Three hours, both semesters.

Open to Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors.

Omitted in 1913-14.]

 

6. Public Speaking. Practice in vocal interpretation of literature and in the composition and delivery of occasional speeches. Attention is given to tone production and to improvement in speech.

Three hours, both semesters.

Open to Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors.

Omitted in 1913-14.]

 

PRIZE:

THE CLASS OF 1906 PRIZE FOR DEBATING, consisting of books to the value of thirteen dollars, is to be awarded annually to the leader of the first intercollegiate debating team.

 

COLLEGE ORGANIZATIONS

THE ASSOCIATED STUDENTS OF WHITMAN COLLEGE is an organization which has charge of the general activities of the student body. Athletics of all kinds, the glee clubs, debate, literary societies, and student publications are under its control. Any student or instructor of the institution is eligible to membership.

 

World News

·        “Italy wins against Ottoman Turkey. Turkey appears weak to the Bulgarians, Serbs and Greeks, and they go to war for the remaining territory held by the Turks in the Balkans.”

·        “China has its first parliament.”

·        “Vitamins A and B1 have been identified.”

·        “Mongol princes, supported by Russia, declare Mongolia's independence from China.”

·        “Titanic sinks on maiden voyage; over 1,500 drown.”

·        “New Mexico and Arizona admitted as states.”

·        “American Marines landed in Nicaragua to protect American interests from a popular revolt. The US had already taken over the financial mechanism of the government. US Marines remained in the country until 1925.”

·        The Balkan War was resumed by ended in peace when the Treat of London was signed in which “Turkey ceded all territory west of the line between Enos and Midia”

 

 

Team News

 

November 19, 1912

 

DEBATE TRYOUTS ARE NOW ARRANGED

Sufficient Material for Preliminary Tryouts Now on Hand.

 

OUTLOOK IS ENCOURAGING

Old Debaters Will Try for Places—Class Work Will Be a Help.

 

The debate tryouts have been arranged as follows: On December 3rd there will be a tryout for delivery, in which each man may speak for three minutes on any phase of the subject he may choose. The object of the tryout is to reduce the squad to about twelve men. On December 10th there will be a second tryout both on delivery and matter. The men will then be arranged in teams. On December 17th a third tryout will choose the final teams. There is ample material on the reference shelf in the library for preliminary preparation. More material has been ordered and will be here in a few days. Prof. Boas has very kindly consented to admit as visitors to his class in argumentation all men who are preparing for the tryouts. The Debate Council is very fortunate in securing coaches for each of the teams. Prof. Davis has consented to take one and Prof. Bratton another, on condition, however, that the men be active members of the Whitman Union. Prof. Boas and Prof. Haines have very kindly agreed to help both teams with criticisms and suggestions. The teams will be chosen by the coaches. The debate outlook is more encouraging than it has been for some time. Prof. Boas has a large and interested class. Several of last year's debaters are here again, Garrett, Hill, Berney and DuBois. The Freshmen have quite a few men of excellent High School reputation, Miller, Utter and Ludwig. With such material and consistent work, last year's experience ought by no means to be repeated

 

 December 10, 1912

DEBATE WORK NOW WELL UNDER WAY

 

An article on December 10 indicated that the tryouts had progressed well and the debate team had several planned events. Triangular debates were planned with the UW and WSC. Their topic was “Resolved, that the revenues for local purposes in Washington should be raised by a tax assessed against land values only.” Additionally, the executive committee of the Associated Students was pushing for the formation of a Girls’ Triangular Debate league with the same schools because many objected to gender biases in debate opportunity.

 

 December 17, 1912

FINAL DEBATE TRYOUT WILL OCCUR THURSDAY

Contestants to Speak at Meeting of Whitman Union—Profs. Bratton and Davis Judges.

 

At 7:30 o'clock In McDowell Hall next Thursday evening the regular meeting of the Whitman Union will be held, at which time the final preliminaries for the choosing of the teams which will take part in the intercollegiate debates will occur. The tryout will take the form of two debates, with two men defending each side of the question. DuBois and Berney for the affirmative will meet Garrett and George for the negative; Bainton and Hill will likewise defend the affirmative against the arguments of Miller and Ludwig for the negative. Each man will be allowed eight minutes for his speech and two minutes for rebuttal. Profs. Bratton and Davis, who are now coaching the debaters, will be the judges of the tryout. Six men will be chosen to compose the final teams, each of which shall consist of two debaters and an alternate.

 

 

 January 14, 1913

TRIANGULAR DEBATE TEAMS ARE CHOSEN

Fate of Single Tax Question Is Left to Garrett, Miller, Bainton and Hill.

W.S.C. AND U. OF W. REPRESENT THE ENEMY

Three Letter Men Are On The Team—Davis, Boas, And Bratton Coaches.

 

A debate was set up for February 21 between Whitman, the UW, and WSC. The team spent weeks practicing and preparing for the debate. In the debate all schools will be both affirmative and negative on the tax resolution.

 

 February 11, 1913

 

ORATORICAL LEAGUE PLANNED FOR N.W.

 

An oratorical league was set up in the Northwest. Whitman was not initially involved in its formation and did not participate for the first three years but its creation ensured that Whitman would maintain an oratory program in order to compete in the league.

 

 

 February 11, 1913

 

CO-EDS WILL DEBATE W.S.C. AND U. OF W.

 

Because of scheduling difficulties the triangular debates were cancelled, but in their place, Whitman instead decided to have dual debates with each school. The decision was made to make all debates co-ed rather than only letting men compete. There was initially some doubt about whether they would be able to find enough people, but overwhelming support from the students ensured enough competitors.

 

 February 18, 1913

 

WHITMAN AND W.S.C. DEBATE HERE FRIDAY

 

A debate was held on the 18th at Whitman with WSC and another was held the following day at the UW between the University and Whitman. A final debate between the UW and WSC was held later to complete the triangle. The debates were the determiners of who would receive a cup presented by the Harvard Club of Spokane, to be possessed permanently by the institution that wins the most debates over a three year period.

 

 February 25, 1913

 

AFFIRMATIVE TEAMS WIN IN TRIANGULAR DEBATES

 

The triangular debates finished inconclusively. In each debate the affirmative team won, giving one victory to each school. Interestingly, the visiting team also lost each debate.

 

 March 4, 1913

 

DEBATE TRYOUTS FOR CO-EDS OCCUR TODAY

 

The co-ed team held tryouts for competitors for their debates. The question used in the tryouts was the same as the one used in the debates themselves: “Resolved, That a minimum wage to be operative in workshops, factories and department stores, should be provided for by law, constitutionally granted.”

 

 

 May 6, 1913

 

WASHINGTON COEDS VICTORS IN DEBATE

 

The Whitman team was defeated by the University of Washington in a “hotly contested debate.” All competitors spoke clearly and had arguments which effectively clashed. The team left on Monday to debate WSC.

 

 

 

 June 4, 1913

 

FRESHMAN SPEAKING CONTEST TO BE HELD

 

A new attraction of the commencement week was begun this year with a “freshman extemporaneous speaking contest.” The event was arranged as part of a program set up by the literary societies of Whitman. Preliminary contests were held to determine who the five best contestants were and who would thus be allowed to speak at the actual event.