The intercollegiate chess tournament, which has been assured by the completion of the subscription among the graduates of Harvard, Yal Princeton and Columbia for the purchase of a suitable challenge trophy, is interfering as showing a possible tendency wards contests among the colleges in intellectual athletics, so to speak. The ? debates between Harvard and Yale ? winter illustrate the same tendency. ? interesting speculation may arise whether such contests would ever gain the pro+++ nence and importance in the undergraduate mind that the physical exhibitions now hold. It is hardly probable that they will ever be so popular with the public, but it is entirely conceivable that among college men themselves the rivalry in these competitions might become as keen and absorbing as that which is now associated with the contests on the track, field and water.

Mr. E. A. Caswell, who has been at the head of the movement for the intercollegiate chess contest, is to be commended for the persistent energy with which he has pursued his idea and the success which has attended his efforts to secure the money for the challenge cup. It is to be hoped that the Harvard Chess Club will take an active interest in the matter, and render what assistance it can in securing satisfactory rules for governing the contests.