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A fairly short report, but one filled with a number of criticisms, including against those members who did not pay their fines, those who lounge during the Thencanic meetings, and those who resort to personal attacks during debate. Transcription included.

Thencanic Society (Model School (Trenton, N.J.))

A very brief report, notable for its passing mention of the "Hawaian question"--whether the United States should annex the Republic of Hawaii, which had acted as an effective U.S. client state since overthrowing the indigenous monarchy in 1893 (Hawaii would be annexed as a territory in 1898). Transcription included.

Spilsbury, Raymond G. (Raymond Gybbon), 1880-1958

Content note: this item includes reference to racist tropes about Black Americans.

This meeting was "without parallel" for the uncontrollable rowdiness of the members. The critic lambasts the Society for their turbulence, and offers suggestions for improvement to the orators. Transcription included.

Mather, George T. (George Tindall), 1881-1963

The Thencanic continues to deal with its perennial issues. One student repeats the events of several weeks prior by playing with the faucet and leaning on his desk, while other keeps his hands in his pockets throughout his oration. Transcription included.

Farley, M. M. (Marcus Martin), 1883-1941
Critic's Report, 18 and 21 December 1898 · Item · 1898-1899
Part of TFPL New Jersey State Normal and Model Schools at Trenton and Successor Institutions Collection

An unusual typed report, detailing the final meetings of 1898. Post notes the debate's topic, which may reflect post-Spanish-American-War discussions of the role of the media. He also mentions a challenge from the Normal [School] Debating Society, fines levied against "unruly members," and the return of a lost "opera hat." No transcription, as this is a typescript.

Post, J. Foster, ca. 1882-

The first critic's report by future Thencanic Secretary Benjamin Messler shows the author's love for writing by surpassing in length every known prior report. Messler remains respectful but spares no one in the Society from his criticisms, listing problems with behavior, describing rhetorical and oratorical mistakes, and begging the Society's pardon for his remarks. Transcription included.

Thencanic Society (Model School (Trenton, N.J.))

Persifor Spilsbury (brother of Raymond) offers his commentary on the state of the Thencanic Society meeting. After serious remarks on the turbulent behavior, he gives praise to the students who participated in the debate. One student remains unidentified. Transcription included.

Spilsbury, Persifor G. (Persifor Gybbon), 1882-1959