In the Freshman Triangular, debate last night, both the University teams lost on a split decision of the judges. Princeton won in Sanders Theatre, but lost at home, giving Yale the honors for this year's debate.
In the University-Princeton Freshman debate last night in Sanders Theatre on the question, "Resolved, That the interests of the Irish people will be best furthered by the establishment of a dominion form of government for Ireland", the Princeton yearlings won on a split decision of the three judges. The presiding officer of the debate was Homer Albers, Dean of the Boston University Law School, and the judges were Professor Frank Simpson, the Reverend Fletcher Parker and Mr. Charles Howard Walker.
The University Freshmen had the negative side of the question to defend, and the debate brought out the following main arguments:
H. M. Owen -- First Affirmative
Dominion form of government such as is in practice in Canada may not be a perfect solution of Ireland's difficulties, but it is the most practical proposal yet put forward; it is better than "home rule", and better in the case of Ireland, than a republic. A confederation of provinces into a national union such as would give Ireland absolute control over internal affairs would solve the problem of Ulster, and would give the Irish people all the advantages of a free and independent government.
H. S. Stamats -- First Negative
There are fundamental differences between Canadian and Irish problems such that dominion government as applied in Canada would not fit Ireland's case. The negative believes that such a government would not be to the nest interests of Ireland because England cannot understand Ireland's problems, and because dominion rule is not acceptable to Irish people. Different conceptions of law make mutual understanding impossible and checks which the home government exercises over her dominions make dominion government unacceptable. These three checks are the appointment of the Governor-general, absolute control over foreign affairs, and veto power over any legislation which the dominion parliament may pass.
R. B. Keney -- Second Affirmative
The affirmative believes that the dominion form of government is the best possible solution, not only because it would give Ireland absolute control over internal affairs, but also because it would secure her from outside interference. It would insure freedom from supporting imperial establishments and would give Ireland full benefit of such establishments.
The two power of the home government insures stability in legislation and is a safeguard against the follies of a people unskilled in politics.
M. E. Felcone -- Second Negative
Besides being unacceptable to Ireland, dominion rule would not work; first because three necessary conditions are lacking, the mutuality, good will, and veneration for the Empire which other successful dominions have; second, because of the probable abuse of the three checks on the government which the English government would wield. Dominion rule in Ireland would be a mockery of dominion rule in successful colonies.
H. B. Guthrie -- Third Affirmative
The affirmative again requests the negative for an alternative to the proposition in question.
The form of government proposed by the affirmative would solve the greatest of Irish difficulties, namely, the Ulster problem. With a central legislature in Dublin, and subordinate ones in the various provinces which would settle affairs pertinent to themselves, Ulster's problem would be solved. It is not a spirit of independence which animates Irishmen, but a spirit of hatred towards England.
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