Debate Council Returns to National Forensic Fraternity

The Debate Council returned last night to the fold of Delta Sigma Rho, a national honorary forensic society, after a 15 year lapse in relations with the group. The reactivation of the local chapter was announced at the final meeting of the society.

Although affiliating with the fraternity, the Debate Council chapter will remain an autonomous group outside the national set-up to keep its official University recognition. The local chapter, founded in 1909, withdrew from the fraternity in 1934.

Qualifications for membership in the fraternity for local debaters will be participation in the triangle debates with Yale and Princeton, and in any international debate. Last March the Club defeated Cambridge University, 2 to 1.

Financial Strengthening

To bolster sagging funds, the club also announced plans for a "hundred club." Under the set-up, 100 members, including alumni, will contribute $100 apiece, with the University investing the total amount at four percent a year.

Over $600 has already been collected for the fund. The interest on the whole amount $400 per annum will be used to defray operating expenses, for which the debaters have been hard-pressed this year. Most of the funds for the present season came from gifts, forcing the club to work on a shoe-string basis.

Besides planning a concrete financial basis for its activities next year, the Council also strengthened its vacabership with the election of two men to the executive heard of the group, and the elevation of 12 provisional members to full membership status.

Named to the position of vice-president is A. Werner Pleus '51. He fills a Vacancy created by the resignation of Arthur W. Purcell '50, Norman M. Binerfeld '51 was elected publicity manager.