Germantown Academy - Ye Primer Yearbook (Fort Washington, PA)

Page 53 text:

Committees of Philo First Term Debating Committee-Cookman, Chairmang Keefer and Spaulding. Court of Appeals-Payne, Chairmang Slieble and Lewis. Nominating Committee - Riley, Chairman 3 Cooknian and Brown. Second Term Nominating Committee-Wfatson, Chairmang Shoemaker and Schaefer. Court of Appeals-Ralston, Chairmang Lewis and Sterrett. Debating Committee - Payne, Chairman: Campbell and Meeliling. 2

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PHILOMA THEAN SOCIETY It was the ISt of May, IQO5, when the Class of '06 took charge of Philo. Our pre- decessors, the Class of ,o5, being so busy dur- ing their last month at school, gladly handed it down to us. Gfhcers were then elected and served until February Ist, 1906. Most of the debates were good, some of them being very spirited and hotly contested. On the whole, the questions were very inter- esting and great judgment was shown by .the Debating Committee in selecting them. The members were inclined to be bashful at first, but as soon as the term was well under way, the oratory flowed faster than rain from the summer clouds. V In February the boys from the Second Form were elected to membership in Philo. They were very orderly and were always care- ful not to break the rules. Initiating a new boy was always hailed with delight, and the attendance was very good after February, as two new boys entered each week. It was decided not to have a debating team, as it would take so much time to pre- pare the debates. However, we feel sure if there had been one, it would have been a good one, as we had splendid material. The following are the officers: First Term. President ....... ........ E dward H. Ralston Vice-President. .. ..... Rowland F. Lea Secretary ..... .... E arl C. Cookman Treasurer ......... ..... I . Raymond Peek Sergeant-at-Arms. . . . . .Fred H. Shoemaker Second Term. President ................... joseph Kuehnle Vice-President. . . ..... joseph Brown Secretary ....... Raymond Peck Treasurer .....,... ...Fred H. Shoemaker Sergeant-at-Arms. . . . . .Eugene Spaulding Timekeeper ...... .... R . C. Watson

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THE PRIZE DEBA TE Une of the most interesting things that took place during the school year was the Prize Debate. The question which the debat- ers of the First Form selected to settle for all time was: Resolved, That the railway rates should be controlled by Congress. The question, while rather a new one, is the one which the present generation will have to settle. It was rather a difficult one for young minds to discuss, yet the manner in which the debaters handled it deserves much praise. It was more of an oratorical contest than a debate. However, some of the boys brought out strong proof, and it was very hard to find any unfinished lines in their arguments. The entire school gathered in our large assem- bly hall in order to hear it, and by the manner in which each debater was received, it was evident that all were pleased. VVe wish to congratulate the successful contestants, and feel highly honored that they are members of our class. Joseph Kuehnle, the winner of the lirst prize, made an excellent speech. Although it was brief, it was right to the point, and he had an abundance of proof for each argument. The cool manner in which it was delivered proved beyond doubt that he was master of the situation at all times. Olney Payne, the winner of the second prize, also had a very good speech. It showed great preparation and was one of which any boy might well feel proud. As our space is limited, it will be impossi- ble to discuss each speech fully, yet we leel it our duty to say that joe Brown and Robert Coleman deserve special mention. To Sterrett, Peck, Cookman, Campbell, Lea, Keefer and Ralston much credit is due for their good work. VVe hope the boys will be just as suc- cessful wherever duty calls them to speak, and feel sure they will be. The Primer extends its hearty congratulation to the debaters.