NEGRO SPEAKERS AT WELLINGTON

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 252, 21 July 1938, Page 6

NEGRO SPEAKERS AT WELLINGTON

Debate In Town Hall

LOGIC BLENDED WITH HUMOUR

Proving themselves masters of the art of arguing ably and entertainingly, the visiting debaters from the Moyne Negro College, United States, delighted a large audience in the Wellington Town hall last night. The negro team, consisting of Messrs. James S. Byas and Charles W. Gilton, affirmed “That the people of America _ have found the formula for happiness.” They were opposed by Mr. A. H. Scotney and Miss M. Shortall, of Victoria University College. Both teams did well in the logical presentation of their subject matter, but the visitors appeared to have the edge on the Wellington team in witty retort, and their quips were received enhusiastically. Mr. Byas proved to be a particularly well-trained elocutionist.

The Minister of Education, Hon. P. Fraser, presided, and extended a welcome to the visitors. They were welcomed also by Mr. R. W. Edgley, on behalf of the Victoria University College Students’ Association. Opening the debate, Mr. Byas said that America was freed by the revolution, purified and made whole by the Civil War, and made wise by the Great War. The nation had found a formula for happiness in the word “peace.” It was a formula embodied in the Monroe Doctrine, namely, that they must detach themselves from the polities of the world, and keep themselves free from entanglements that might lead to war.

Wars usually arose from internal sources, said the speaker, which were no concern of the United States. Why should she lose all and gain nothing? The attitude of the American people was embodied in a humorous song which contrasted with the heroic call of wartime. Instead of singing “Over There,” they now sang “Let Them Keep It Over There.” Although the United States was not interested in permanent foreign alliances. she was prepared to enter into defensive alliance to remove any immediate danger, the speaker concluded. George Washington's pronouncement upon the subject was: “The great rule of conduct for the United States in regard to foreign nations is that in extending her commercial relations she should have as little political connection with them as possible.” Policy Challenged. America’s isolationist policy was challenged by Mr. Scotney, who said that the Amercans, by realigning themselves with the other nations who were striving for the maintenance of democracy, would gain far more lasting benefit of a stable sort. He proceeded to attack the American politician and the Constitution. “We find among American politicians a tremendous excitement over trifles,” he declared. “They have no intellectual bearings, no scientific postulates, no theory of society, and no American theory of American society. Thpy lack a formula for happiness; they lack a constitution.” The American Constitution was not a constitution at ail, it was declared. It was not an instrument of government, but a guarantee that the people would never be governed at all. The Declaration of Independence was a great protest against the tyranny of law and order, a final manifesto from centuries of struggle and rugged individualism. To ilustrate the failure of the Americans to use their vast national resources, Mr. .Scotney quoted the findings of the National Survey of Potent Productive Capacity, a body of conservative American economists, that in the years of depression, 193033, less than 50 per cent, of the national resources were employed; and that if the productive capacity were used to the full, every family would have an income equivalent to £915 a year. The survey also found that 154 million new houses were needed in the United States.

Variety In Life. Mr. Gilton supported the proposition by outlining the directions in which the American citizen was offered variety. There was variety in the climate, and in people’s relationship with their fellow-men, which ensured to every person>a happy environment; there was variety in occupation and in recreation, which ensured enjoyment from watching others as well as from active participation. There was variety in leadership. Every person had a chance of becoming his country’s leader, the President. He concluded by defending the Constitution against Mr. Scotney’s attack, pointing out that other countries had seen its good points. Brazil, Argentine, and Chile had patterned their constitutions on that of the United States. Love of Sensationalism.

Miss Shortall referred to American culture, as typified by the Press. It seemed to indicate that America was the most neurotic country in the world. Nowhere was there a sign of a happy and assured people. Advertisements were written by people catering for their fear-ridden fellows, searching for popularity. From the whole of American life could be drawn proof of the love of sensationalism. “American civilisation is based upon a spirit of ‘bitterness and cut-throat competition,” Miss Shortall concluded. Mr. Scotney’s reply was devoted to proving the falsity of Mr. Gilton’s claim to variety in American life. Public demand, as for instance in the film industry, kept all phases of life stereotyped, he declared. That the opposition bad failed to negative the American formula for happiness, her foreign policy, was the substance of Mr. Gilton’s reply. He paid a striking tribute to the self-sacri-fice of Dr. Washington Carver, the famous negro teacher.

Mr. J. B. Aimers, of the Victoria University College Students’ Association, moved a vote of thanks to the speakers, and this was carried with applause. Professor Boris Alexander, of Le Moyne University, replied. The Le Moyne representatives will visit Masterton to-day. and will leave New Zealand for the United States tomorrow.