REJUVENATED DEBATING

The announcement that the Debating Council is rousing itself from its lethargy is welcome news. Too long has it gone its separate way, debating here and there, now and then over the radio, but in no manner to arouse interest, or to attract to its standard Harvard's latent oratorical talent.

The proposed trial of Hitler, on the charge of crimes against humanity, centering around the events of June 30th, will be either a great success or a dismal failure, depending on the sincerity of presentation. The evidence must, so far as is possible, be based on facts; emotional appeals will accomplish little. A mock trial of Hitlerism was staged last spring before a rabidly prejudiced audience in Madison Square Garden, but proved nothing because there was no defense. From all reports, the Debating Council is making every effort to have its trial both real and judicious. If the Council makes the most of its opportunities, the trial should be most interesting, for the issue is full of dynamite.

If the trial stimulates interest in the Debating Council, it will have served its purpose, and if the Council adheres to its new policy of handling material of world-wide rather than purely academic interest, debating at Harvard may yet assume the proportions it deserves.