FOR many years it has been a cause of surprise, if not of regret, to those interested in Harvard, that all attempts to organize a debating society worthy of the place which Harvard holds among American colleges have proved futile. Educated persons are expressing more and more frequently the opinion that the educated should take more interest in the political affairs of the country, and that by their influence and example the tone of our representatives should be raised. It seems most fitting that some elementary training in these matters should come from the University, in the shape of an organization of the students themselves, where political questions could be discussed in as sensible and practical a manner as is compatible with a necessarily limited experience. Reference need only be made to the Debating Club of the Oxford Union to show how successful a similar venture might prove here, if its members were in earnest from the outset. The benefits to be derived are numerous. We should train ourselves to speak clearly and concisely in public, - an acquirement to which too little attention is paid; we should become familiar with the usages of debate, - valuable to almost every one, but more especially to those who intend to practise law; we should learn to reason carefully; and, finally, we should keep alive our interest in the great political and social question of the day. It may seem to some that these results are painted in too glowing colors, but we feel confident that, under proper management, a Harvard Union might in time compete with its elder English rival. Of late, the subject has been talked of seriously here, and at the request of several members of the University, the Crimson will call a meeting, - time and place to be announced hereafter, - where all those interested may discuss the advisability of organizing a debating society. While we thus take the initiative in this matter, we desire to have it understood that the Crimson lays no claim to the control of the society, should it be started, but hopes to see it supported by all those in college who will work earnestly to make the venture a success.