The men who are to speak for harvard against Yale tonight need hardly be reminded that this debate is in some ways the most important that has ever taken place between the two universities. Those who have not, however, been actively interested in debating should consider the situation for a moment. Up to last year the representatives of this University had won every debate ever held with Yale at which a decision had been given, thus clearly illustrating the superiority of Harvard's system of instruction in public speaking up to that time. Last year a combination of circumstances gave the debate to Yale. The defeat, while disappointing, could not be taken to show conclusively the relative strength of the two universities in debating: the true test comes tonight when Harvard, after a long succession of victories, has lost a debate and now makes the attempt to regain the position once held. The Harvard speakers, whether they win or lose, deserve the thanks of the University for the work they have done in preparation for the affair. But, after all, the fact that a decision is to be made, that one side must defeat the other, gives these debates the important position which they now hold, and the Harvard men must go to Sanders Theatre tonight with the firm resolve to merit the decision of the judges and re-establish the debating supremacy of the University.

We would add a word in regard to the attitude of tonight's audience. The speakers for the University at which the debate is held have always been thought to have an advantage over their opponent. It only remains for those who attend tonight to be so impartial in their demonstrations that the visitors may think Cambridge as fair a place for the contest as any neutral ground.