LECTURES ON RUSSIA.

A series of lectures in a college on a contemporary controversial subject may prove a dangerous experiment if not carefully conducted. That it may be of good value to the undergraduates, however, if managed wisely, is shown by the success of the series of talks on the Russian situation, the fourth of which is being given in the Union tonight. During the war the practical value of a college education was vindicated, somewhat to the surprise of many skeptics who deprecated the worth of this type of training. In order to carry this wartime supremacy into the present time of peace, the undergraduate must keep his mind not only informed, but also keenly alert on current topics. Lectures by competent speakers on contemporary affairs are the best way to attain this result, and further series on other subjects should follow the present talks conducted by the Liberal Club.

After several years of almost complete confusion, the air has cleared a little and we are at last able to reach certain fairly definite conclusions in regard to the present Russian problem. Above all, we must recognize the great need of Europe for the food which Russia is capable of producing. During the war the United States was able to ship a large excess of provisions, but with production so slack, and waste and expenditure so great, it seems probable that only a negligible share will be left for Europe.

Recognizing the necessity of putting Russia on a productive basis as soon as possible, the United States must steer between the Scylia of recognizing the murderers at Moscow and the Charybdis of military intervention. For the United States to steer its course in this way will be of the greatest value to us, to Europe, and to Russia.