We were sorry and surprised to learn yesterday that the president and corporation had not taken and would not take any steps towards inviting Mr. Matthew Arnold to lecture here. It seems to us that, as has been the case before, the college missed not only an opportunity of honoring so distinguished a man as Mr. Arnold, but also was in some measure forgetful of the interests of the students. The honor might be slight, but the interest and value in hearing the son of Tom Browne's Doctor Arnold, and a man who has played so distinguished a part in the literature of his age, can not be well estimated. Mr. Arnold is perhaps best known in America as a great critic, who in these days of materialism boldly stands forth as the advocate of the ideal, as represented in his wish for more "sweetness and light," and as the scorner of all that is low and common to the masses. But we think his fame will rather rest on his poetry than on his criticism. He is distinguished among all his fellow poets by a far sweeter diction than they possess and by a calm, elevated, thoughtful style. Fortunately, not withstanding the indifference of the college authorities, arrangements can be made with Mr. Arnold to give a lecture here on Monday night, which is the only one left at his disposal during his stay here, and he has kindly offered either to deliver one of his lectures or read some of his poems on that night.

As Mr. Arnold is by no means a wealthy man and as he comes to America for the purpose of earning money he can not be expected to give us this lecture. A book therefore has been placed at Bartlett's for the names of those who wish to subscribe for tickets at one dollar apiece, and before final arrangements are made with Mr. Arnold one hundred and twenty-five dollars must be raised to pay expenses. We think it would be a lasting shame to Harvard College and its students if this plan fell through. It would reflect so seriously and prove so completely our indifference when the opportunity is so unusual that we are almost ashamed to mention the possibility of failure.