THE result of the Harvard Union on Friday came to us too late for anything more than a mere statement of what had happened. We cannot but feel that, on the whole, the vote to disband and reorganize on totally different principles was a wise measure. It comes as a rather hard blow to certain members of the Union, to all in fact who, in the opinion of the judges at the coming competitive debate, are not included in the list of the best twelve speakers. Yet if debating is to be put on a popular footing here in Harvard, the character of the debates must be such as to command respect. To do this the standard of the Union needed to be raised; not only that but the Union needed thorough reorganization. We would gladly see the whole university take an active interest in debating and public speaking. But the interest cannot be effectively aroused merely by increasing membership with a view of members only. No club which anyone can join can occupy a very high place in the opinion of college men. Let proved ability alone be the criterion for membership and the Harvard Union will soon become a society, to which some honor will be attached. Let Harvard's representatives in debates with Yale be chosen from such a body of men and then the intercollegiate contests will assume some of the importance which rightfully belongs to them.