That American college students lack in public debate the ease of expression and the polished stage presence of English university men has been so often said that it has become a truism. And as a truism, it is likely to be accepted with characteristic indifference or resignation.

The announcement of this year's Sears Prize ought to stimulate new interest is debating as an important means of self-culture which, after all, is simply education in its true sense. It may seem drole to, suggest that the advent of radio is a reason for renewed interest in debating. Yet, with the new importance of the spoken word which radio has promoted, it is quite likely that forensic ability may return to something of its former glory as revealed in a Demosthenes, an Edmund Burke or a Daniel Webster.

In calling special attention to this prize the CRIMSON wishes to emphasize the importance of a phase of college life which does not receive its due at Harvard.