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Tarkington, Booth, 1869-1946

"Ramsey Milholland"

Ramsey was now able to attend the Lumen, not
with complacence but at least without shuddering over the recollection
of his own spectacular first appearance there. He had made subsequent
appearances, far from brilliant yet not disgraceful, and as a spectator,
at least, he usually felt rather at his ease in the place. It cannot be
asserted, however, that he appeared entirely at his ease this evening
after he had read the "Programme" chalked upon the large easel
blackboard beside the chairman's desk. Three "Freshmen Debates" were
announced, and a "Sophomore Oration," this last being followed by the
name, "D. Yocum, '18." Ramsey made immediate and conspicuous efforts
to avoid sitting next to his roommate, but was not so adroit as to be
successful. However, Fred was merciful: the fluctuations of his friend's
complexion were an inspiration more to pity than to badinage.
The three debates all concerned the "Causes of the War in Europe," and
honours appeared to rest with a small and stout, stolidly "pro-German"
girl debater, who had brought with her and translated at sight absa-loot
proofs (so she called them), printed in German, that Germany had been
attacked by Belgium at the low instigation of the envious English.


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