UNIVERSITY DEBATING SOCIETY.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 485, 19 April 1909, Page 6

UNIVERSITY DEBATING SOCIETY.

THE TWO-POWER .STANDARD. '■About 150 persons were present at the'first meeting of the Victoria College Debating Society on Saturday evening, when a thesis to. the effect "that it is impossible for: the British Government to continue to. maintain' the tiro-Power standard" was the subjeot of debate. Mr. J. Mason occupied the chair, and announced that, in addition to the other awards of the society at the conclusion of the session, a prize of £1 Is. in books wonld be awarded to the debater showing greatest improvement, during the session. The chairman' further announced that the Joynl Debating Scroll had been won by the society's representatives, Messrs. D. S. Smith and G. H. Gibb, this making the fourth time in succession that the society had won the scroll, although on each occasion the society had been represented by different debaters. "'

The motion for debate for the evening was moved by Mr. M. H. Oram and seconded by Mr li. Armit, while the opposition was led by Mr. W. JV MTSldowney and seconded by Mr. H. L.Cook. The movers contended that the two Powers pushing forward for naval supremacy, were Germany and America. The German nation was unanimous in supporting the policy of the Emperor, so that Germany might speak on> equal terms to Britain. Germany had no colonies, but ; her resources were great, and her manufactures,and population were increasing. America would, not let Germany outstrip her in naval construction, while the extended interpretation of the Monroe doctrine by later Presidents made a large fleet an absolute necessity. Her resources were inexhaustible, and the standard of comfort was very high. ' To maintain the two-Power standard the British Government would have to place on a population or almost 50 millions a burden equal to that borne by 140 millions—Germans and Americans. The other side quoted statistics to prove that up till 1920; the British Government would have a two-Power standard in capital ships, because the Dreadnought type had not rendered previous battleships obsolete. Germany, indeed, was already burdened with the weight 011 taxation, and was increasing her national debt, borrowing to build warships, while the British Government built out of revenue. America, if she followed the Monroe doctrine, would keep out of European entanglements, and would not build a large navy. Further, the nations would build navies corresponding, to their shipping 'as insurance, so that German and American expenditure was reaching its limit. The United States spent large sums on pensions and national defence, apart from the navy, and last year had a deficit. Lastly, the Labour parties would oppose great naval expenditure, so that the British Government would' still be able to maintain a two-Power standard without undue taxation.

A large number of members'took part in the debate, and on the motion being put to the meeting it was declaied lost by 3G votes to 15. Mr. Black, who judged the debate for the purpose of awarding points for the Union prize, placed tbo first five speakers in the following order :-Mcssrs. G. H. Gibb, 11. H. Oram, W. J. MT3!Howney, H. L. Cook, and It. M. Butcher. Mr. E. Armit did not tako part in the competition. At' the next meeting of tho society, which will be held on. Saturday, May. 1, tho motion which will be discussed is: "That party government is conducive neither to progressive legislation nor to effective administration."-