At the final trial for the Yale debate last night, the following men were selected to represent Harvard: R. C. Bruce '02, H. P. Chandler '01, M. Seasongood, 1L, and P. E. Fitzpatrick '02, alternate. The Coolidge Debating Prize of $100 was awarded to R. C. Bruce for the best work in the three trials.
The trial last night was a formal debate on the question: "Resolved, That the United States should retain the Philippine Islands permanently." The six men retained from the second trial were divided into two teams. W. Catchings '01, P. E. Fitzpatrick '02 and M. Seasongood 1L. supported the affirmative and R. C. Bruce '02, H. P. Chandler '01 and C. P. McCarthy supported the negative, but, as McCarthy was taken sick on Thursday, Bruce and Chandler divided his work between them.
The debate centred mainly on the question whether the Filipinos would ever become capable of self-government. All the speakers did a great deal of rebuttal in their opening speeches and there was no attempt at dodging the issue by either side. The opening speech of Bruce for the negative was the best speech of the evening. Chandler's best work was done in rebuttal where he was very strong. Seasongood had a very clear delivery and presented his arguments forcibly. Fitzpatrick and Catchings brought forward good arguments but their delivery was not as clear and forceful as that of the others.
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