Question: "Resolved, That some system ought to be adopted by which the degree of A.B. may be obtained from Harvard College in three years."

Brief for the Affirmative.

A. H. NEWMAN and T. SPALDING.Best general references: Harv. Mo. X, 206 (July, 1890), XI, 127-137 (Jan. 1890); Harv. Grad. Mag. II, 374 (March 1894), III, 206 (Dec. 1894); Atl. Mo. LXVI, 161-171 (Aug. 1890); Educ. Rev. I, 1-7 (Jan. 1891); Andover Rev. XIII, 75-79 (Jan. 1890); Pres. Eliot's Reports, 1885-85, p. 14; 1886-87, pp. 14, 16, 75, 76; 1887-88, pp. 12, 83; 1888-89, p. 21; 1890-91, pp. 7-9.

I. The public desire a change of system: Educ. Rev. I, 1-7; Nation, XLIX, 425. - (a) The four years course keeps away from college many men - (1) Who are unable to meet the expense, - (2) Who are unwilling to give the time. - (b) Our national problems need the aid of college-bred men.

II. A degree in three years is desired by the professional schools - (a) So that college graduates may enter their professions at younger age. - (b) So that more men may pass through college before entering professional schools. - (1) General college education desirable for all professions - (2) Modern specialization prevents professional schools giving it.

III. A shorter course would be advantageous to the students. - (a) The average age of graduation has now risen too high. - (b) Opportunity to save a year would be welcomed by many men. - (1) Preparing for professions. - (2) Possessing little means. - (3) Intending to enter business career. - (c) Other men might take regular four years course or enter graduate school. - (1) More serious work can be done there.

IV. Present system is a step in right direction. - (a) Custom of allowing men to petition for degree in the three years has gradually been evolved. - (b) Recognizes the need. - (c) Should be developed into regular three years course. - (1) Not sufficiently known. - (2) Partakes of back-stairs character.

V. Faculty are in favor of change. - (a) Approved by them in 1890. - (b) Proposition now pending.

Brief for the Negative.

S. W. PHILLIPS and E. P. WILLIAMS.Best general references: Professor S. M. Macvane, in Harvard Monthly, XII No. 1. p. 1, (Mar., 1891); Minority Report of the Faculty to Overseers, Dec. 23, 1890; J. P. Cooke, A Plea for Liberal Culture; Academy VI, 429, (Nov., 1891).

I. An A. B. should stand for something more than a mere given amount of book learning. - (a) Benefits accruing from continued residence under academic influences. - (b) Development of character and individuality.

II. The public do not want the course shortened. - (a) England has found it unsatisfactory. - (1) At Oxford the greater number graduate in four years; Minority Report p. 7. - (b) It has not been popular in America. - (1), Johns Hopkins has not made a success of it: S. M. Macvane, Harv. Mo., XII, 3, (Mar., 1891). - (2) Almost all our new colleges have adopted the four years plan: Ibid, p. 2.

III. If the course is too long it may be better shortened elsewhere than by dropping one of the four years of college. - (a) Our present system of preparation is radically bad. - (1) In primary education: Addresses and Proceedings of N. E. Assoc. of Colleges, Oct. 16, 1891. - (2) In the preparatory schools: D. C. Welles, Andover Rev. Jan. 1892. - (b) German and French boys know more than we require for entrance at a much younger age.

IV. The advantages of the three years plan may be secured without diminishing the maximum requirements. - (a) Candidates for a degree may be allowed to take professional studies. - (b) Exceptionally bright men may even be allowed to shorten their term of residence.