St Michaels College - Yearbook (Toronto, Ontario Canada)

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YERY RRY. JOHN 'IKALRKYI' SMITH. LLD. REV. If, C. T'VlXX'I2I.T,. L'.9.T i. H011. Prvs1'du11z' of Sf. ,U1vlzurI'x Sizrdcfzfs' Pa1'Iz'a11zv11f. PI'L',fft1J4'1IZ' of Sf. lfz'u!z.1u!'.v .S'f1n!u11f.f' PtIV1f'tIII1 11' lssl

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1Rnog Glollege vs. St. !lbichael's Qiollege AND in hand with St. Michaels successes in other lines for 1914-15, her debaters carried her name again this year into the semi-Hnals. Fresh from the vic- tory over Osgoode Hall, we were again doomed this year to disappointment in losing to Knox. The subject of the debate was Resolved that the policy of neutralitv pursued by the United States, a party of the Hague Convention, is justihablef' Although vanquished, the laurels of the previous contest lost none of their freshness, for it was in a great part due to the unfortunate selection of the question of debate that we lost.- The subject was so naturally one-sided, that the pro- verbial other side failed to reveal itself, though raked and illuniined by the searchlights of 'K-Tun Reddin's plain logic and Louis Arland's eloquence. The crowd, which filled the club-room, was enthusiastic, and both colleges were out in force. Mr. johnson, for Knox, 5P0ke first. Clearly and forcibly he showed that the United States was not bound to interfere in the present struggle, when her own material interests were not affected, and that she was already assisting the Allies by her vast exports. Mr. Reddin, gig s .Jun , ..-- '- ' - f..,,, lllll irHl ' -f --u,,,., IIII 'I' rim 1 AEN Q? -,W .1 ---'-- ---u-.X wow ,,,,,,,,..i'-'I l ,,,.. ..,, ,Jn 'IIII ...uf Hu: ..wf,,,,,b fr' Iii: - .in lmm,,,,,,,u .,,.- IH,,..-.. Jinlllgx' xy lin' in .,.. Niall . .,,,, , fs -- i .III Jw wini- ' ff: x 'f., '1...,f If .f 1- ... R ,,,. 'xkh I 1.-, ff t 1. 11 ..... A 1 -.,.,, 'u.f, ummir., ymmH,,uau the next speaker, argued that the duties of the United States to humanity and civilization should be an incentive for her to intervene. It is strange how such a man as -li1n should be recognized as a debater only on the eve of his graduation. Mr. Donald, second orator for Knox, spoke next, skillfully proceeding to break down the arguments of the negative. The last, and as usual, not the least, was Louis Arland, a new student at our College and speaking for the first time in the I.C.D.U., he made a name for himself as one of the most eloquent debaters in the Union. In a splendid oratorical effort, he explained the obligation the States were under in signing the Hague Conventions. He then passed to Pan-Germanism and showed the grave danger that would lie in the way of English speaking nations, if it became dominant. In the five minutes rebuttal, Mr. johnson emphasized the restriction the States placed in the Hague Conventions, after which the judges retired. On their return, Mr. Patterson, in a brief speech, wherein the rhetorical art of suspense played a most important part, finally acquainted the audience with the joyful and sad tidings. hiikiuj

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St. !Ibichael's literary Society HHN student minds first turned to literary matters at the beginning of the IQI4 term, things were very undecided. There was a general feeling that there should be some organization to develop literary and oratorical tastes, but the form which it was to take, whether a literary society or a parliament, was a hotly debated ques- tion. Finally, however, with the assistance of the reverend president, the decision was made in favor of a. parliament. An innovation the names of the and Conservative career. The new elections soon to with the abolition on the previous years was the changing of parties. Under the party names of Liberal the parliament began a new and interesting names greatly increased the interest in the be held. All were open to persuasion for of the old titles no longer were they held by party ties and halls resounded with political gossip. The nomination meetings of the two parties brought out Mr. Pocock as leader of the Conservative party and Mr. McBrady for the Liberal party. From the first the Liberals were an established party, for the great majority of the stu- dents thought themselves bound by Liberal ties. The Conser- vative party on the other hand, started with a very small fol- lowing. Under the efforts of these few, however, the party was soon firmly established. Indeed, so quickly did students 54 rally to the call that in a very short time the Conservatives threatened to swamp the grits. Much opprobrium was heaped on the men who, forsaking old party tenets, placed themselves on the side of the minority for the good of parliament and the student body. They, how- ever, deserve much credit for their unsellishness in giving their support where there was little hope of remuneration. But under the battle cry of parliament before party they obtained a following and on a platform just as progressive they were returned victors on election night. The victory. though not overwhelming, was a fitting proof of the confidence of the student body in the leaders of the Government and its policy. The opening meeting was conducted with all formality. The speech from the throne and the introductory words of the premier, the leader of the opposition and the cabinet were auguries of brilliant success for the parliament. Great thanks is due to the college orchestra who on this occasion by their efforts made a pleasant evening more pleasant. Few meetings were held after the opening but these were very interesting. The parliament of 1914-I5 has been a short one but it has served its purpose. A new era of its history has been started, It will always be remembered for this that the students of T914-I5 did not abandon it as a failure but by their efforts gave it a new lease of life. H. P.