Commerce High School - Commerce Yearbook (Cleveland, OH)

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Our team was now slightly changed; for, as Herman Kaplan had graduated in February, his place was filled by Henry Reich. Libraries were searched for every particle of information on the question: the material was carefully worked up into an argument; and then the walls of our auditorium re-echoed with the forceful addresses of Murphy ; the thunderous tones of Reich; and the earnest voice of Morrison, as our speakers delivered their message to a vast audience of vacant seats. The crowd that assembled in Commerce Auditorium on the night of March twenty-ninth was all that could be desired. Seven hundred people were present. Surely, the opportunity of addressing such an audience was worth all the effort that had been expended. No doubt, the size of our auditorium had something to do with the crowding, but still it was a goodly audience, and quite dispelled any notion of ours that we were talking to air. The audience was keyed up to a high pitch of expectancy, and the enthusiastic school yells did not cease until the speakers began, promptly at eight o’clock. Our fellows put up a steel-proof argument, and delivered it with such force and earnestness that they carried conviction to the minds of the audience. “Lincoln” did their best. Our fellows never faltered, but argued with an air of certainty that inspired confidence. Judging from results, the same could not be said of “Lincoln”. When the direct arguments were over, the Negative attempted to reply to our contentions, and failed. Whereupon Thomas Murphy, in a ten minute speech, with ease, grace, and convincing language, actually did refute “Lincoln’s” arguments. A brief interval of suspense, and then the decision was announced. It was what we had worked for and hoped for. and yet it was none the less gratifying: unanimous in favor of the Affirmative. We had won the trophy! The shaking of hands did not seem to end that night. Smiling faces were seen, and congratulations heard on every side. Everybody congratulated everybody else. Except, of course, the “Lincoln” people. 84

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‘DEBATES UR debates this season were the most significant events of Cleveland High School life in the year, and by far the most important episode in the career of our own school. They made our name known throughout the entire city of Cleveland; and brought lasting fame to Commerce High by giving us final possession of the hard contested Interscholastic Debating Cup. Even had nothing more than the preservation of an untarnished record been at stake, that would have been sufficient to justify the extraordinary interest and spirit shown. But to win this year was to attain the championship: a goal which past records and present circumstances pointed to us. January nineteenth the first encounter took place with Glenville High, at their auditorium. The question under discussion was: “Resolved, that the establishment of a filtration plant in Cleveland is the best method of securing a pure water supply.” We were represented by Thomas Murphy. Herman Kaplan, William Morrison aud Steven Schiliy, and upheld the affirmative side of the question. Glenville maintained the negative. Both teams made a good presentation of their respective positions, with about equal effectiveness. But in the rebuttal Commerce was decidedly in the lead. The Glenville boys found our position unshakable. The result was a decision of two to one. in favor of the Affirmative. Great was the joy in Commerce High, following this prophetic victory; but greater still was the earnestness and sticktoitiveuess with which the team set to work again, preparing for the coming, decisive contest. Our success in the first encounter served only to pave the way to a second and even greater contest. Lincoln High was nowr the only rival left in the field, but one whose conquest meant work. To them we submitted the question: “Resolved, that all corporations engaged in interstate commerce should be required to take out a Federal charter, on such terms as Congress may by law prescribe. Constiution-ality conceded.” They chose the negative. Debating 83

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The cup arrived at the High School of Commerce, its final destination, on Friday, April nineteenth. Here it will be kept in a conspicuous place, where it will serve the double purpose of reminding students of past glory, and inspiring them in the struggle for future victories. • • • We have won the cup. It is in our possession. We have won the championship. But this is no guarantee that we will win another championship, three years hence. To reach that goal, we must strive as hard in the future, as we have in the past. Therefore, we call upon all those of this school who have the ability, to put forth their best efforts toward this end; and to begin now. Our present status in debating is not due to the work of the last teams alone, nor to that of any oue of the preceding teams. Had any of the earlier debates been lost, our final victories would have been shorn of their chief glory; had these latter debates not been won, our earlier victories would now be without most of their significance. It is the accumulated effort of all the teams that has enabled our school to climb to the top. One of the important factors in our success was the able direction and keen criticism of our coach, Mr. H. T. McMyler. His was the guiding spirit that spurred us on. It is our fond hope that he may yet coach many a High School of Commerce team to vitcory. STEVEN SCHILLY, 1912. 85