Jefferson Literary and Debating Society Minute Book

Jeff. Hall.

House called to order at seven o'clock, President Abney in the chair. The roll was called and the minutes of the previous meeting read. It was moved that the non-members in the Hall be allowed to retain their seats during the exercises. Seconded and carried.

Nominations for monthly orator being in order, Messrs G. McD. Hampton and Beckwith were put in nomination. Mr. Hampton was elected by a vote of thirteen to twelve.

The monthly oration for Nov. was next in order; but Mr. Bruce, the orator appointed was allowed another week because of indisposition.

On the debate upon the question:

“Is Communism the natural result of Democracy?”

Messrs. Jack, Dabney, and Holland performed on the Affirmative; Messrs. Horner and Whitner, on the Negative. There was no debate by the House upon the question, which was decided, by vote, in the Negative.

The Question Committee submitted their report and the following question was chosen for discussion this night three weeks:

“Does morality increase as civilization advances?”

For the debate of this question the following gentlemen were appointed:

On the Affirmative: Messrs. Adger Carter, Andrews, and Atkinson

On the Negative: Messrs. Bradley, Beckwith, and Bosley.

The Treasurer's report was submitted, excuses heard, and the report accepted.

The report of the Magazine Canvass Committee was then heard and accepted and the time of the Committee extended. Mr. Daniel resigned his place on this Committee and Mr. Dabney was appointed in his stead.

The Committee appointed to select a Magazine Prize Committee reported that Prof. Southall had been appointed in the place of Prof. Minor, declined. Mr. Lefevre's amendment to aArticle VI of the By-Laws, submitted at last meeting came up and was rejected.

Mr. Woods called up his motion offered and tabled at last meeting. The wording of the motion was changed and the motion rejected.It was then moved that the Faculty Committee to select final debater and orator be elected now. Tabled.

Mr. Daniel moved the following amendment to the Constitution: Resolved that Art. VIII of the Constitution be amended by the addition of Sec. II. “A Declaimer shall be elected at each regular meeting of the Society, to deliver his declamation two weeks thereafter.” Seconded and Tabled.

A motion to adjourn was made, seconded, and lost.The classes for debate were read; the Vice-President's report was heard; excuses were offered; the second roll was called; and the House was adjourned.