When in 1901 the Union was formally presented to the University an address was delivered that ought to be read by every man who enters the building. It is full of a magnanimous spirit of generosity and devotion to Harvard, and cannot fail to arouse in anyone who reads it the feeling that his highest privilege as a member of the University is to give something to that University. And yet there are those who, ignorant or forgetful of this dedicatory address, even in the very building that is a monument to generosity and devotion are endeavoring to get something for nothing from the University and its benefactors in a mean way. The Union was intended for the use of all Harvard men, but all who use it are expected to contribute their share towards its maintenance.

We find it hard to believe that there are men in the University so mean-spirited as deliberately to use the Union without becoming members. It is mainly through ignorance or failure to realize the intentions of the donor that this nuisance occurs. A glance at the rules of the club will dispel any such ignorance; a reading of Major Higginson's words would make anyone ashamed to use his gift without contributing something.