1914-1915 Whitman Speech and Debate Team

Faculty

Prof. Boas with Prof. W. A. Bratton and Prof. Davis

Whitman News

I. Whitman College in 1914-1915

A. The college added 3 new professors to the faculty.

1. Ralph E. George became the head of the economics department.

2. The political science department added the professor John Harrison Russell.

3. Earl K. Kline came to Whitman as a professor of modern languages.

B. Russell Miller was president of the Associated Students.

C. Dr. Penrose was the college president.

D. Harold Edmonds was the president of the Debate Council.

Speech in the English Department News

p. 66-67

Department of English Professors DAVIS and BOAS Courses 1a, 1b, and 5 of this department are required of all candidates for the baccalaureate degrees. Courses la and 5 are required of Freshmen. Courses la, lb, 2, 5, la., and 7b are given every year. In the year 1915-1916, Courses 6, 12, 13, 16, 19, and 20 will also be offered. Students who select English as their major study will take thirty-two hours chosen from the courses given in this department. It is recommended that these courses be distributed as follows: Composition, three hours (not including Courses la and lb); Old English and Middle English, seven hours; Periods of Modern Literature, nine hours; the Drama, six hours; the Novel, Con- temporary Literature, American Literature, and the Teaching of English, seven hours. Written Composition. This course aims to stimulate independent and clear thinking and develop skill in writing. Instruction is given to meet the needs of the class. Themes are required and reading suited to the class is prescribed. Weekly conferences on themes are required in addition to the two hours of recitation. Two hours, first semester. (M. F., at 8:00) Required of Freshmen. Written Composition. This course is a continuation of la. Two hours, second semester. (M. F„ at 8:00) Required of Sophomores.

Oral Composition. This course aims to develop the ability to speak effectively. It is an organic part of Course 1. It supplements Course I in the study of the principles of composition and gives practice in the application of them to speech Attention is also given to the formation of right vocal habits Frequent practice is given in reading and extempore speaking One hour, both semesters. (W„ at 8:00) Required of Freshmen.

Composition. A course in writing for advanced students. In 1916-1917 the course will be devoted to practice in journalistic writing. The needs of the class will determine the nature of the course. Three hours, first semester. (M. W. F„ at 10:15) Open to Juniors and Seniors. ,

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. Two hours, both semesters. Open to Juniors and Seniors. Omitted in 1915-1916.].

Public Speaking. Practice in vocal interpretation of literature and in the composition and delivery of occasional speeches. Two hours, second semester. (M. W„ at 11:15) Open to Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors.

A General View of English Literature. This course provides an introduction to the essay, the drama, and the novel. Three hours, second semester, (M. W. F„ at 10:15) Open to Freshmen and in 1915-1916 to Sophomores.

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.

AWARDS OF HONORS 1914

The John Brining Prize in Extemporaneous Speaking

First, Flora May Preston, Class of 1917

Second, Marie Eggleston Miller, Class of 1917

World News

II. In the World

· World War I was raging in Europe, putting the British Empire at stake and removing countless people from their jobs, many never to return.

· The industrial effects of the War were prevalent topics of discussion. It was predicted that the U.S. would benefit greatly from the War.

· The United States was suffering from an economic depression. Visiting lecturers blamed the depression less on the war in Europe than on Congressional interference in business.

· The completion of the Panama Canal was being celebrated as a division of two continents that would unite the world.

· Archduke Ferdinand is assassinated.

· World War I begins.

· Austria-Hungary launches a war against Serbia.

· Russia defends the Serbia.

· Germany sides with Austria-Hungary and declares war on Russia, all the while hoping that France doesn’t get involved.

· Then France sides with Russia and invades Germany.

· Germany launches an offensive which goes through Belgium which involves the British who must stand by their agreement with France and side with the French in the war.

· As Britain’s ally, Japan joins the war.

· Canada, New Zealand, and Australia enter the war on the side of Britain.

· “Panama Canal officially opened.”

· “Congress sets up Federal Trade Commission and passes Clayton Antitrust Act.”

Team News

Wednesday night when five women and seven men letter debaters, and the coaches of the debating teams united in celebrating the very successful outcome of the debating season of 1915 and in laying plans for next year's campaign. The official business of the evening consisted of the election of the new debate council. Florence Lilliequist 17, who has in two years of college debating twice defeated the University of Washington, was chosen from nine candidates as president of the council. Martha Luginbuhl 16, who has represented. Whitman in intercollegiate debate during the three years of her college course, was also elected to the council. Earl Stimson 18, who took part in this year's unanimous defeat of the University, was chosen as the sole male member of the council. This council succeeds the council consisting of Harold Edmonds 15, Martha Luginbuhl 16, and Emory ? and Hoover, 17. After dinner speeches served as a fitting climax to the excellent dinner. Harold Edmonds presided as toastmaster. Prof. W. A. Bratton, who has coached Whitman debating teams since times beyond the memory of most college men, made the leading talk of the evening. Opening his speech with a diffusion of wit that would have graced the lips of Mark Twain, and paying tribute in passing to the Whitman debaters by proclaiming them the (sorry, the rest of article is indecipherable).

Co-Ed Debate Teams Are Finally Chosen

Triangular Debate Will Be Held March 26 on Philippine Question.

The two teams to represent Whitman this year in co-ed debate are practically the same as those which met the University and W. S. C. people last year. Martha Luginbuhl '16 and Eleanor Sickles '17, will again debate against W. S. C. in Pullman, supporting the negative side of the question, "Resolved: that the Phillipines should be granted their independence not later than 1922." Both members of the team had the experience of last year and it is expected that they will put up a strong debate. Florence Lilliequist '17, and Hazel Milligan '18, are to debate the university, supporting the affirmative of the same question. Florence Lilliequist debated against the university in Seattle last year and Hazel Milligan, though new in debate, is expected to become a strong member of the team. Owing to the fact that the two teams are made up almost entirely of last year's material the outlook for Whitman in women's debates is very hopeful. A list of judges approved by the debate council has been recently submitted to W. S. C. Prof. Boas, Prof. Davis and Prof. Batton will be coaches for the teams. The final debates will be held here and at Pullman March 26.

THE DEBATE COUNCIL MAY EXTEND SCHEDULE

Some Good New Material Along With Old Debaters,

From all indications, Whitman should have a successful debate season. The question of securing a good schedule ought not to burden the debate council as in former times. From all directions letters are being received by Chairman Edmonds of the Debate Council from colleges and universities of the Northwest asking for debate and oratorical contests. Oregon Agricultural College, Gonzaga, and Montana University and Willamette are among the number. Oregon University proposes another Triangular Debate league for men composed of Oregon, Washington State and Whitman, It is hardly possible that the Debate Council will extend it's schedule beyond the Men's and Women' Triangular League composed of University of Washington, Washington State and Whitman. Too much scattering material will of necessity lessen to a great extent the chances of victory in any place.

The prospect for winning teams this year in the Triangular Debates are encouraged. There is a good supply of letter men in college, but one being lost from last year's teams. There are Edmonds, Edwards, Berney and Hoover and Misses Luginbuhl, Sickels and Lilliequist all last year's platform wranglers. Miss Munson, on the victorious Washington team, is not at Whitman this year. Besides these defenders there are a number of has beens who again are possessed with the Demosthonian fever. Among these are Miller, Ludwig and Emerson. Ludwig is not in college yet but expects to be in time for the debate season when it is formally open after the football season.

The Debate Council is counting on a good turn-out and a generally successful year. Miss Martha Luginbuhl has been chosen to succeed to the place made vacant by the absence of Miss Alice Lilliequist.

Triangular Debate Only One Week Off

Both Teams are working hard for coming contests with U of W and WSC

With the date for the intercollegiate men's debates just a week off, the four members of the teams are concentrating all their efforts on the question of municipal verses state ownership of utilities. Will Berney and Ralph Snyder will debate here, upholding the affirmative of the question against Pullman. Will Berney has had two years' experience in intercollegiate debating before, being one of the team who will be remembered for defeating the University of Washington last year. During his freshmen year he was one of the three men on the team which debated Pullman. Although Ralph Snyder has never entered intercollegiate debate before it is sufficient to say that he was chosen from a large number of contestants for the place. Russell Miller and Earl Stimson will debate in Seattle the same evening on the negative of the question. Although not a member of either team last year Russell Miller was a part of the team which met the university the year before. Earl Stimson is practiced in debate from high school. The tryout which was held before the holidays was large and showed unusual interest among the men. Since that time the teams have been studying diligently for the coming contests. The judges for the Whitman-Pullman Debate will be Mr. JS Saunders, the superintendent of public schools at Pendleton, Mr. Steven A. Lawer, attorney and counselor of law also from Pendleton, and Mr. Thomas Neill, of the firm of "Neill and Burgunder, lawyers," from Colfax Washington.

Whitman Will Debate W.S.C. Here Tonight

The Municipal Control of Public Utilities is Bone of Contention.

THE ISSUE IS A LIVE One

Berney and Snyder Will Meet Washington Aggies on Local Platform

The European War will be obscured at Whitman tonight by din and uproar when the Whitman war machine, Snyder and Berney, advance upon the verbal fortifications of W. S. C. The dispute will not be over the control of Alsace-Lorraine or the Balkans but over the control of public utilities. Those who profess to know say that in comparison to the fight Whitman is going to put up, the Republican opposition to the Ship Purchase Bill will look like unconditional surrender. The question of debate is: "Resolved: that cities should control all public utilities operating within their limits." Public utilities include gas, water, light, telephone, telegraph and other kinds of service. It is a question that is vital to every resident of a city. To us it means, shall Walla Walla or the state government at Olympia tell us how much we shall pay for light and at what hour we shall sprinkle our lawns? The question is fair one, whose meaning hinges on no technicality of wording. It works out into clear, clean-cut issues. Despite this fact, the Whitman teams are prepared to discuss any public utility from jitney busses to public drinking cups.

The Whitman team that upholds city control against W. S. C. in Memorial Hall tonight is composed of William Berney and Ralph Snyder. Both are seniors. Berney is backed by two years of experience, while Snyder is making his debut as an intercollegiate debater. They will be opposed by Enoch Torpen and Paul Browder of the State College. The team that meets the University of Washington at Seattle tonight is constituted by Russell Miller, 16, and Earl Stimpson, 18. Miller paced the platform as a Whitman debater against the University two years ago and has behind him an enviable high school record, established at Wenatchee, Wash. Stimpson will make his maiden effort at college debating, but also has a string of high school victories to his credit, won while he was a student at North Central High School, Spokane.

Team Results

I. Debate at Whitman

A. No intramural debates were held.

B. Whitman took first place in the Mens Triangular Debates on two 3:0 decisions.

1.Whitmans negative team, Russell Miller and Earl Stimpson, beat the University of Washington in Seattle on February 26.

2. The same day, William Berner and Ralph Snyderd, the affirmative team, beat Washington State College in Walla Walla.

3. The men debated the question Resolved: That cities should control the public utilities operating within their limits.

C. Whitman took second in the Womens Triangular Debates for the second year in a row on March 26, 1915.

1. On a 2:1 decision, Florence Lilliequist and Hazel Milligan won on the affirmative against the University of Washington.

2. On another 2:1 decision, Martha Luginbuhl and Elanor Sickels lost on the negative against Washington State College.

3. The Women debated the question Resolved: That the Philippines should be granted their independence by no later than 1922.

D. The year ended with a banquet in Reynolds hall where all 12 of the intercollegiate competitors were awarded a W.