AFTER THIRTY YEARS

With the announcement that a debate between Harvard and Boston College has been planned for Symphony Hall later in the winter, comes also the realization that debating has a history of its own as a factor in intercollegiate relations. Not since 1898 have Harvard and Boston College met upon the rostrum, from which no inferences seem to follow. There is merely the fact that, after a lapse of thirty years, the orators will meet again.

But it seems to be a fair speculation to suppose that the significance of the coming debate will be flavored by this very simple fact. Not that the qualifications of Al Smith for the presidency form a topic that promises unusual forensic fireworks beyond a measure of dry humor, but the debate itself will have the interest of a novelty along with the attraction of something long established.

Although debating is scarcely a subject for the display of great partisan enthusiasm, rather the contrary, if a decision left with the judgement of the audience is to be regarded as a dispassionate criticism, nevertheless the identity of the speaker is never completely overshadowed by his subject. Though Harvard and Boston College will meet over the body of Al Smith, there will be, something more to the discussion than picking him to pieces. Relationships fostered on the rostrum are intangible and individual. It is, however, a satisfaction that Boston College is not a new opponent, while there is a measure of almost paradoxical satisfaction even in the long lapse that has occurred. And that is from the very fact that the encounter will have enough novelty about it on both sides to insure its success.