2.  The effect of manual training on health is better; for—­
       a. Excessive exercise, harmful to growing children, is avoided.
       b. Dangerous contests are avoided.

3.  The final results of manual training are more valuable; for—­
       a. The objects made are valuable.
       b. The skill of hand and eye may become of great practical value
              in after life.

4.  The moral effect of manual training is better; for—­
       a. Athletics develops the “anything to win” spirit, while manual
              training creates a wholesome desire to excel in the creation
              of something useful or beautiful.
       b. Dishonesty in games may escape notice, but dishonesty in
              workmanship cannot be concealed.
       c. Athletics fosters slovenliness of dress and manners, while
              manual training cultivates the love of the beautiful.

5.  The beneficial results of manual training have a wider effect upon the
    school; for—­
       a. But comparatively few pupils “make the team” and receive the
              maximum athletic drill, while all pupils can take manual
              training.

+78.  Refutation or Indirect Argument.+—­In debate we need to consider not only the arguments in favor of our own side, but also those presented by our opponents.  That part of our theme which states our own arguments is called direct argument, and that part in which we reply to our opponents is called indirect argument or refutation.  It is often very important to show that the opposing argument is false or, if true, has been given an exaggerated importance that it does not really possess.  If, however, the argument is true and of weight, the fact should be frankly acknowledged.  Our desire for victory should not cause us to disregard the truth.  If the argument of our opponent has been so strong that it seems to have taken possession of the audience, we must reply to it in the beginning.  If it is of less weight, each separate point may be discussed as we take up related points in our own argument.  Often it will be found best to give the refutation a place just preceding our own last and strongest argument.

From the foregoing it will be seen that each case cannot be determined by rule, but must be determined for itself, and it is because of the exercise of judgment required, that practice in debating is so valuable.  A dozen boys or girls may, with much pleasure and profit, spend an evening a week as a debating club.

+Theme XLIII.+—­Prepare a written argument for or against one of the propositions in Section 75.

(Make a brief.  Re-arrange the arguments that you intend to use until they have what seems to you the best order.  Consider the probable arguments on the other side and what reply can be made.  Answer one or two of the strongest ones.  If you have any trivial arguments for your own side, either omit them or make their discussion very brief.)