EDITORS HERALD-CRIMSON- I should like to improve the opportunity afforded by Gen. Swift's lecture on the temperance question, to set forth the nature and objects of the Total Abstinence League. Two years ago this spring attention was especially drawn to the disgraceful drinking habits prevalent in the college, and several meetings were held with the object of forming a society for the purpose of checking this evil if possible. All shades of opinion were represented in the preliminary meetings, and very lively discussions took place as to the principles on which the society should be based. Those who believed that total abstinence was the only safe foundation carried the day, and a society was organized under the name of the Harvard Total Abstinence League.

While the conditions of membership was made very strict, requiring "total abstinence from the use of any intoxicating liquor as a beverage," it was cleared from the unpleasant features of the ordinary temperance pledge, by relieving from all obligations as soon as membership ceases, and by allowing membership to cease on written resignation. Thus a member of the league is free to change his views and practice whenever he likes.

This plan was adopted in the hope that many who were not "wedded to the total abstinence doctrine" might be led by a spirit of student patriotism to give up even the most moderate drinking during their college course. Had this hope been realized, and enough students joined the league to make it popular, and to make a refusal to drink less odd than an invitation, great good would have accrued to our college. There can be no doubt that it would be a great gain to the students as a body to give up entirely during the college course, the use of every sort of liquor. In the four years which a man spends in college he is far more likely to fall into fatal habits of excess than in any other period of his life.

But the hopes of the organizers of the league were not realized. Our proximity to Boston, the traditional customs of some of the societies, and other influences were too strong to be overcome by a rush, and few men joined the society, except those who were already total abstainers. These unhappy conditions continue to such an extent, that, I think, a man who sees no harm to himself in a glass of wine or a mug of beer, should sacrifice his own pleasure for the sake of influencing by his example those who are, perhaps, sacrificing their chances for even respectable success in life. But this cannot be expected from more than a very few men, as each student thinks his own influence would be of little consequence, while such a course would bring himself much discomfort.

However, it does seem as though those men in college who are total abstainers should be willing, yes, anxious to stand by their colors, and increase by their names the popularity of that principle which they believe they are themselves profiting by.

Another reason for joining the movement is the fact that the membership of the league is taken as the strength of total abstinence sentiment at Harvard. The number of members has been constantly increasing, until now it is nearly 90, a fair showing, perhaps, but far less than it ought to be.

Gen. Swift's reputation for eloquence and wit will doubtless draw a large audience, and I understand that there will be an opportunity for those who wish, to become members.

MEMBER.