The Harvard Union.

At the beginning of what promises to be a most brilliant and successful year for this well known Harvard society, a few words concerning it would not be without interest especially to those who are as yet unacquainted with our college institutions. The Union was formed in 1880. Its object was the discussion of the political and social questions of the day. There was at this time in the college curriculum a course essentially devoted to this same purpose, but the Faculty, thinking that its place was now filled, withdrew it from the electives. So great, however, was the interest aroused in Parliamentary matters, it was thought best last year to revive it. A knowledge of Parliamentary roles, an ability to express oneself clearly and logically, firm grasp of the subject under consideration in order to be able to do this, a self confidence and freedom from embarrassment in addressing an audience are among the inestimable results of an active participation in public debate. Nothing is so humiliating to a man as to be called upon in some public meeting to give his views on a particular measure and to find that though he may have a perfectly clear understanding of the question, he is yet entirely unable to express himself so as to be understood, simply because he has not had the necessary training which it is the object of the Union to give. No one who intends to be a lawyer, minister, or other public speaker, can hope for success unless he has had some preparation of this kind. Membership is open to all students of the University; and even if one may not take an active part in its proceedings, he cannot be otherwise than benefited by attendance on the debates.

R.