The World Debate Tour Begins

The 1927–1928 forensic program marked a turning point in Oregon Forensics, closing the second great era of its history. This period began with the decline of the old student societies and the rise of intercollegiate competition in debate and oratory, alongside vigorous campus contests. Over time, the focus shifted from abstract ethical questions to practical political and social issues — especially those concerning America’s role on the world stage.

The pinnacle of this era was the World Debate Tour, the first of its kind sponsored by an American university. Three Oregon debaters — Avery Thompson, Jack E. Hempstead, and Benoit McCroskey — embarked on an extraordinary journey that carried them across the globe.

• 30,000 miles traveled
• 12 countries plus the United States
• 29 debates and more than 70 speaking engagements
• Speeches delivered live and by radio broadcast

The team debated in Hawaii, the Philippines, China, Japan, India, Scotland, Ireland, England, and beyond, visiting 18 countries in total. They won a silver loving cup in Japan’s first International Oratorical Contest and succeeded in winning a majority of their debates.

The tour drew rapturous press coverage at home and abroad, giving the University of Oregon a level of international recognition it had never before enjoyed. As historian K.R. Harper later observed, these three students “argued their way around the world,” leaving an indelible imprint not only on Oregon Forensics but on global debate itself.

Citation: Harper, K.R. (2003). Arguing Their Way Around the World [Master’s Thesis, UO].