The result of last night's debate must be a disappointment to the University. The speakers had worked hard and all had hoped that the defeat of last year was to give way this year to victories over both Princeton and Yale. But this hope must now be deferred for another year.

In considering the outcome of the contest it is, above all, advisable to give the Yale men full credit for their victory. The decision may have been a surprise to the audience, but it must be remembered that the audience was one of Harvard supporters. The ideas entertained at Yale as to the propriety of faculty coaching of debaters may be different from those held at Harvard, and it is certainly desirable that the two universities come to an understanding and meet hereafter on terms which are unquestionably equal; but such considerations are, for the present, out of order. Harvard was aware of the situation and consented to the debte. If this University had won it might now be well to insist upon a satisfactory agreement in regard to the question of faculty coaching; but, under the circumstances, it is best to have nothing to say.

So much for the attitude toward Yale. Let it be one of congratulation, not of recrimination. Let this debate be thought of only as an incentive to future victories. Victories can be won, but only by the disinterested and earnest co-operation of the debating clubs in careful preparation: preparation not only of the speakers when they are chosen, but of all who speak in the debating courses and in the weekly club debates. Constant practice must be regarded as all important. It is not only an indispensable condition to success in the intercollegiate contests, but ought to be considered the main part of the debating activity in which these contests are only stimulating incidents.