1927 Cedrus Yearbook

I,I, Ili 50 ido yk ton idol Tit, lit v.v 1921 THE CEDRUS 19Z7 WITTENBERG AND CEDARVILLE IN DEBATE Who remembers the time when intercollegiate debates were in vogue at Cedarville College? For a number of years our department of Public Speaking has not functioned in intercollegiate activities. Talent that might have been utilized to bring glory to Cedarville has long been neglected: its value has not been recognized. However,"It's a long road that has no turning." During the first semester of this year a proposal was received for Cedarville College girls to meet Wittenberg College girls in dual or triangular debates. "She can who thinks she can." Though the proposal came from a big sister college, enough of our girls thought they could hold their own in such contest, but a change in Wittenberg's schedule prevented the realization of our hopes in regard to a girls' debate. Early in the second semester a similar proposal came for a men's contest. "He can who thinks he can"—our men thought they could, and they did. On March 28th teams from the two colleges met on the propo- sition, "Resolved: That the Direct Primary Should Be Abolished." A negative team,composed of Messrs. Willard Barlow, John John- son, and Harvey Auld met the Wittenberg affirmative team at Witten- berg. The men were cordially received and a fine audience was present to inspire the debaters on both teams. Wittenberg's negative team came to Cedarville to meet our affirmative team, composed of Messrs. James McMillan, Paul Orr, and Robert Turnbull. Alford Gymnasium was well filled by those who are interested in all our college activities. The contest was not a disappointment to anyone,for our debaters took their parts with credit to themselves and honor to their Alma Mater. The "no-decision" open forum plan was followed. Members of the audiences were given the opportunity to ask questions, bearing on the proposition, of any member of either team. Although there were no judges to render formal decisions, we feel assured that in the presen- tation of argument the Cedarville teams did not occupy second place. The debates were entered into with such earnestness by all partici- pants and aroused so much interest in this type of intercollegiate activity that plans will likely be made for similar contests next year. —B.E. R.