The history of the Prospect Union given in another column must be as interesting to new members of the University as it is a pride to all who have been here long enough to become acquainted with its character and aims. Such a work as this, in that it shows the University as a living force in the community and not as a mere repository of information is as near an embodiment of the ideal of a university as is to be found in any place.

There is something about such work as that of the Prospect Union, which has a peculiar attraction for men of college age and this, too, in a sense distinct from that glamour of false sentiment under which much "slum-work" is carried on. Any idea of condescension is entirely foreign to the spirit of the Prospect Union. It is an association of college students and wage-earners for mutual helpfulness and the benefit derived by the student is not a whit less, if it is not even greater, than that derived by the wage earner. A proof of this is seen in the fact that the very best strength of the University has been freely spent in this service and that the union never finds serious difficulty in providing competent instructors for its classes.

We are not aware at this writing what claims the Prospet Union will have to make upon Harvard students this year, that have not already been met, but we are confident that any call for help that does come will meet with a generous response. The opening meeting of the union tonight will be sure to interest any who wish to get a more definite idea of the work.