The first fortnightly meeting of the Harvard Union was held in Sever 11 last evening. After the reading of the minutes, the following question was chosen for the next debate:

"Resolved, That the pending federal bill should be passed."

F. W. Dallinger, '93, opened the affirmative side of the resolution that "the action of the majority in the present House of Representatives merits the endorsement of the country." From 1860 to 1888 the Republican party, he said, had almost absolute control of all branches of government. They were elected by an open suppression of the Republican vote, and while in power did practically nothing. The 51st Congress met in 1888 with the resolution of the Democrats that they would not pass a bill favored by the Republicans. Only by the energy of Speaker Reed have they accomplished what they met for. They have passed the Federal election bill, against which there is no constitutional doubt. The men who oppose it do so because they want to oppose honest elections. It has been called a "force bill;" there is no more force behind it than behind the McKinley bill or the Bankrupey bill, or the River and Harbor bill.

S. C. Brackett, '91, opened the negative by saying that nothing had been said for him to refute. The Democratic party desire fair elections and true returns, but not such a bill. The McKinley Tariff bill only protects a few economic principles; it shuts off trade, ruins the poor, helps the rich. Prof. Taussig says that though the action of the silver bill may not be seen within a year, it will within two. The method of action in congress is bad. The minority has stood up for the rights as it should do. Not long ago Mr. Blaine and Mrs. Reed were both strong for the minorities' rights. What has been done in Congress has been done by overruling the minority.

In continuing for the affirmative C. C. Blaney said that the Republican measure is a revision of the tariff, which would reduce the duties on articles not competing with manufactures here. This the McKinley bill does. Each part of the country will gain by by its passage.

The theme of R. L. O'Brian's rejoinder was the consideration of the Republicnn party for their party first, and the country second. The motive of the Federal election bill was to control the only perpetual suppression. The motive of the Pension bill was to control the soldiers' vote. No matter what is sacrificed, the party comes first, the country second.

The result of the votes was as follows: On merits of the question, affirmative 35, negative 25; on merits of principal disputants, affirmative 13, negative 59; on the debate as a whole, affirmative 15, negative 21.