FOR LACK OF ARGUMENT

The fact that but twelve men were present at the trials for the Boston College Debate on Saturday is indicative that debating as a form of extracurricular endeavor has fallen into disrepute. No longer are intercollegiate debate contested with the vehemence which enlivened similar consists at the turn of the century.

It is true that debating at Harvard is not an attractive activity. To the student who is not genuinely interested in argumentative speaking, or who is not intent on improving his own forensic ability, without going through at course in Public Speaking, the Varsity Debating Council offers little appeal. The organization is decidedly hampered by the lack of any permanent home or the use of any satisfactory auditorium. Although the Corporation gives the Council two hundred dollars annually, the sum, while generous, fails to cover much more than administrative expenses; consequently the activities of the Council are, for the most part, limited to Boston, and its vicinity. The fact that the Debating Council, unlike many other extra-curricular activities, offers no social advantages detracts from its appeal to a large group.

Nevertheless, as long as Harvard debating teams continue to debate before relatively large audiences here and elsewhere, Harvard will be judged by the quality of the debate. In order that such judgment may be to the advantage of the University, everything possible should be done to rescue the activity from the limbo into which it has fallen. Help can come to some extent from the college administration, but unless it is accompanied by an abrupt revival of undergraduate interest, it will not save the Debating Council from being, at best, ineffectual.