A COURSE ON SOCIALISM.

Last year about five hundred undergraduates--most of whom were not Socialists--signed a petition urging that a course on Socialism be given at Harvard. This seems to indicate a general wish that an opportunity should be given to learn in a systematic way what the principles of Socialism are. Whether right or wrong, Socialism is one of the most significant movements of today and one worthy of careful study under University auspices.

Such a course, taking up the history of the movement, explaining its various forms, and criticizing the remedies which it proposes for present day problems, should be able to transform the great amount of loose talk on the subject, current among undergraduates whose enthusiasm is perhaps greater than their information, into profitable discussion. The danger of Socialism in the hands of the masses is great. By learning from an authoritative source the advantages and faults of the movement while undergraduates, Harvard men should be better prepared to aid in the formation of a sound public opinion upon the question as graduates.