Fluent but Didactic.

Mr. C. A. Griffiths showed commendable courage in tackling the contest early in his debating career. His account of Pericles was carefully prepared and well put together, but his sentences were far too long and his style, although fluent, tended to become didactic, especially with his frequent use of the admonitory "now." The expressionless mezzopiano tones in which the speech was delivered did not render it as convincing as it might have been if infused with some of the warmth and colour of debate. Nevertheless Mr. Griffiths may be expected to do well in future contests.