SECTION IX.

MANAGEMENT OF A QUESTION

IN all cases, where time is allowed for the study of a question previously to its actual discussion, it is, of course, the dictate of wisdom to consider carefully beforehand how it should be managed.

Discussion implies thorough investigation. It cannot be effected without labor; but, when properly done, it amply repays the laborer, by establishing in him those habits of inquiry and discrimination, which are constantly demanded in the questions of real life. In order to aid the young debater in the work of prepara tion, we offer the following general directions.†

Of all the sources of idle discussion, imprecision in

*The word discussion, is from the Latin discutio, which is itself made up of DIS, apart, and QUATIO, to shake: signifying, of course, the shaking apart, that is, the thorough sifting, or examination of a subject.

†These directions, though they embrace some things that have regard to the manner and bearing of a debater towards his opponent, do not, and are not intended to cover the ground occupied by what is usually treated of under the head of the "Order of Debate." For remarks, therefore, on the use of personalities and other indecorous conduct in debate, see page 123 and following,

the use of language is, perhaps, the most prolific. Hence, the first step towards the right management of a question, is to clear it of all verbal obscurity, that is, put it in language the plainest and most precise practicable.

But a question may be stated in a manner sufficiently intelligible, and, after all, be misunderstood, or not understood at all, for want of reasonable regard to the meaning, or application of particular terms. A second direction, therefore, not less important than the first, is to ascertain by study the exact signification of every leading term in the question. Dr. Watts, in speaking on this subject, says: "This is so necessary a thing, that, without it, men will be exposed to such sort of ridiculous contests, as was found one day between two unlearned combatants, Sartor and Sutor, who assaulted and defended the doctrine of Transubstantiation with much zeal and violence. But Latino happening to come into their company, and inquiring the subject of their dispute, asked each of them what he meant by that long, hard word Transubstantiation. Sutor readily informed him, that he understood it bowing at the name of Jesus. But Sartor assured him, that he meant nothing but bowing at the high altar. 'No wonder,' then said Latino, 'that you cannot agree, when you neither understand one another, nor the word about which you contend.'"

The world has always been full of Sartors and Sutors, that is, people fond of debate, but often "understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm."* He that will not study to avoid their error, can never reasonably hope to be a good debater.

* 1 Timothy, ch. i., v. 9.

Another direction, which has often been given, but which cannot be too earnestly inculcated, is to ascertain precisely the aim of the question, and keep it always steadily in view. Digression is the ignis fatuus of discussion. It misleads by the appearance of utility: luring the mind into devious paths, and dissipating its powers in idle pursuit. We should guard against it in ourselves, because it is hostile to the best exercise of the reasoning faculty. We should guard against it in others, because it wastes time, fatigues an audience, and-sometimes by chance, sometimes by designdefeats the only proper end of discussion-the elicitation of truth.

The language of the question being clear, and clearly understood, and the precise point of investigation fairly before the mind, the next thing is to consider carefully what may be said on both sides. Assume, for the time being, the position of an opponent; endeavor to produce and appreciate at its full value, every argument likely to be employed against you, and so compare in detail the strength and resources of your own side with those of your adversary.

This will prevent you from being suddenly surprised by the presence and power of unexpected arguments, and give you all the advantage of seeming to know beforehand what is coming out on the opposite side. It will inspire respect in your adversaries, and impart caution to their modes of attacking your positions, and so leave on the minds of the audience the silent, but strong impression of probability, as belonging to what you affirm.

If it be necessary to elucidate, or confirm your views

by reference to history, geography, statistics, of anything else derivable from books, be accurate, to the last degree, in whatever you quote or state, as matter of fact. This is a most important precept. Minute accuracy begets confidence. It lends to the speaker the charm of reliability. Many a man who has no other merit scarcely, is always heard with decided interest, because he is known to be scrupulously exact in his statements.

Having duly considered the question, and collected all the materials which you propose to employ in the debate, the next thing is to arrange them to the best advantage. "Every mind," says an able writer, "instinctively requires order," and to this we add, that no man can ever succeed, as an orator, who disregards this instinct of our nature. What particular order, however, shall, in any given case, be adopted, must, as a matter of course, be left to your own discretion. Whatever it is, let it be clear; and, when once indicated, adhere to it throughout. This will enable your hearers to follow you with ease, to remember your positions, and measure accurately the force of your arguments.

Another direction, that will be found extremely useful, if duly regarded, is, always to treat the arguments of your opponents with fairness and courtesy. Nothing is ever gained by affecting to treat what is said by those opposed to you, with disdain, or by perverting their views, or by seeking to undervalue their force.

The better way always is to allow what is due to the opposite side, and show, if possible, its weakness by clear, forcible, and convincing argumentation. There is force in fairness; for it implies a love of truth.

There is power in politeness; for it moves the heart, and begets the impression of a generous adversary.

The last precept which we shall here endeavor to inculcate, is always to seem sincere in the search after truth. In order, however, to seem sincere, you must really be so; for sincerity is a coin hard to be counterfeited. Be the copy ever so skillfully executed, it will always fall far short of the original, and always, consequently, be more or less liable to detection.

Every hollow profession, when once fairly detected, is justly treated as an act of imposition. Even the suspicion of insincerity is prejudicial, in the highest degree, if not absolutely fatal, to the influence of a public speaker. In debate, therefore, as in all the other transactions of life, the maxim is fully verified,—“ Hon esty is the best policy."

But a most serious hinderance to the virtue which we are here commending, is found in obstinacy,—a quality usually in close alliance with ignorance ană vanity. Goldsmith's country schoolmaster is a character which, in the feature now under notice, is often realized in all human circles and professions :

"In arguing, too, the parson owned his skill,

For, e'en though vanquished, he could argue still."