As the two champions were introduced on the occasion of the debate, the following bit of repartee was indulged in by Newgent, who had been suffering from some slight temporary ailment: “I am sorry you are not in good trim,” said Doctor Treat, “I had hoped to find a man who would be able to put up a good fight.”
“Oh,” said Newgent, “I think I’ll feel better when I get my Treat.”
In his opening remarks, Doctor Treat again indulged in some pleasantry at Newgent’s expense. He referred to his opponent as having been born in Green County and cradled in a sugar trough. Newgent replied that he had missed it four miles as to the place of his birth. The sugar trough part of it, however, he did not deny; but as the trough had served well to cradle the different members of his mother’s small family of nine children, he was quite sure the rude cradle suffered no violence at his hands.
The learned doctor further tried to discount the scholarship of his opponent by referring to a postal card received from him on which there were two words misspelled. To this Newgent also had an answer. “Great speakers,” said he, “are usually deficient in other lines. I now understand why the doctor is short on debating; all his strength has gone into his spelling.”
The usual questions were discussed, six in number, the same as in the great Holt debate. The arguments were listened to by thousands of interested and enthusiastic spectators, among them ministers and dignitaries of various denominations, and persons of prominence in educational, political, and professional circles. As to the result of the contest, Doctor Treat’s own confession, as brought out in the following incident, will suffice:
A debate between Newgent and a Rev. Dr. J. W. Stone, of St. Louis, Missouri, also a minister of prominence in the Christian Church, was scheduled to take place a few weeks later. In the meantime Doctor Stone, anxious to learn all he could concerning his opponent, sought an interview with Doctor Treat. He met him at a church dedication at which Treat was officiating. The two men, with others, were entertained for dinner at the same home after the morning service. At an opportune time, Doctor Stone introduced the subject in which he was especially interested, and the following conversation between the two men took place, being overheard and reported to Newgent by a gentleman who leaned toward his side of the question:
“Are you acquainted with a United Brethren preacher in Indiana of the name of Newgent?” Doctor Stone inquired.
“I am,” was President Treat’s answer.
“Did you not debate with him some time ago?”
“I did.”