Mr. W. M. Salter of Philadelphia lectured last evening in Sever 11 on "Walt Whitman-his significance as a poet." The lecturer said he would not discuss the poetic value of Whitman's work; he wished merely to show his thoughts. The central point of Whitman's poetry seems to have been the significance of individual existence. He looks on every man as a separate personality, whose place neither in time nor eternity can any other take. This presupposes a peculiar view of human nature. We are used to contrasting the littleness of self with the greatness of nature. Whitman stands at ease before nature, which he holds is only to serve man's purposes.

The lecturer then discussed at some length the charges of immorality made against Whitman. He believed that, while Whitman may violate some tastes, he contravenes no moral principle. He taught that the body should be reverenced and no part of it despised.

As Whitman teaches the dignity of the body, so he teaches the worth of labor. He is the first true democratic poet.

Whitman's idea, when it takes political form, becomes democracy. His word to Americans is "Resist much; obey little." The great city is to him one where the populace rises in revolt to right abuses.

For the future Whitman has unmeasured hope. Leaning on the past, he hopes for great things in the future. The universe is a spot where we are placed to grow.

The speaker closed by reading Whitman's "Passage to India."