To the Editors of the Crimson:

I wish to call attention, through your columns, to the first regular debate of the New Harvard Union, to be held in Sever 11, tonight.

Many complaints have been made, in these columns and elsewhere, that public speaking at Harvard is on the decline. It has been said, and truly, that the college has offered but little opportunity either for those interested in debating to hear lively debates, or for those desirous of becoming good speakers to develop their powers. It is to satisfy this longfelt need of such a Union as will offer these opportunities, that the old Harvard Union has been reorganized and placed upon an entirely new basis.

It is not maintained that the particular methods adopted are perfect in every respect; but the general plan which has been followed seems in the light of the mistakes and failures of the old Union, to be practical and expedient. We have here, at least, an honest attempt on the part of those who have at heart the debating interests of Harvard, to elevate and improve them: and it is the duty of every Harvard man, by his presence and by participation in the debates, to give this new movement his hearty support.

The debate tonight will be competitive. A committee of judges, consisting of Dean Briggs, Professor Peabody, and Mr. Cummings, will submit the names of the best speakers; and from the list of men thus chosen new members of the Union will be elected at once.