themselves was dwelt on to a considerable extent. Numerous
examples of trivial squabbles were brought up, and then the com
bined influence and injury of these two points on the industrial
welfare of the country .was shown. Statistics were quoted to
show the great injury done in the building trades of New Yonc
and Chicago by these features. The influence of these strikes in
the industry of the whole country was then traced. Mr. Hart
concluded the argument of the affirmative by summing up all
their points and finally emphasizing the point that they had shown
facts while the negative had brought forth only theory.
Mr. Kraybill concluded for the negative, and by his forceful
method of presentation made a most favorable impression. He
made the point that labor unions tend to promote industrial peace,
and dwelt for a considerable length of time on the beneficent
results which had accrued and would result from the bringing
together of employee and employer in peaceful conference. He
painted a most alluring picture of how in the future the laboring
man and the manufacturer would assemble around the festive
board and adjust their difficulties by arbitration. He quoted
statistics to show that workingmen had abided by their agreements
in the past, and argued from this that they would continue to do so
in the future. The points of the negative were then summed up,
and the constructive arguments closed. Mr. Kraybill was with
out doubt the most convincing speaker on the negative side, and by
his manner and persuasive arguments did much to influence the
judges in their decision.
Notwithstanding this fact, it was generally conceded that the
affirmative had much the better of the constructive arguments, and
had the debate ended here State would have undoubtedly won
with some to spare. Where they failed to make good was in the
rebuttal. They spent too much time in emphasizing points which
had practically not been rebutted and by attempting to show
that the whole argument of their opponents was theory, instead of
taking the points up separately and showing the weakness there
of. While they were thus wasting their time, the negative was
taking up almost every point which the affirmative had brought