Debaters carrying overstuffed briefcases and index card files gathered in Cambridge this past weekend for the 25th annual Harvard Invitational Debate Tournament.

The debate's preliminary rounds were held yesterday and Saturday, and the elimination matches will take place today. One hundred and thirty four debaters from 34 colleges across the country are participating in the tournament. Although Harvard has a strong debate program, the debate team does not participate in its own tournament.

Karl Leo, a junior at the University of Redlands, California said yesterday that the tournament was "well-run, on-time, and, so far, fairly matched in team pairings." He added that the cold weather was the one undesirable aspect of the tournament. "It would be ideal if Harvard were in southern California," Leo said.

The national debate topic this year is, "Resolved: that United States law enforcement agencies should be given significantly greater freedom in the investigation and/or prosecution of felony crimes."

Bill Southworth, head coach of the University of Redlands debate team said yesterday "the Harvard tournament is quite competently run, clearly one of the best tournaments in the country."

J.W. Patterson, director of debate at the University of Kentucky, said yesterday, "there is a definite attraction in coming to Harvard. Just seeing Harvard Law School is an exciting experience for these kids." He estimated that 90 per cent of his debaters planned to attend law school.