WINDMILL JOUSTING

The Harvard delegates to the American Student Union Conference at Poughkeepsie acquitted themselves better than on some occasions in Cambridge, and showed qualities of leadership and intelligence which have been often lacking in their actions nearer home. Following the trend of the times, they successfully defeated the Oxford Pledge group, compromised on an anti-conscription resolution, and stood out firmly for a policy of placing economic sanctions on an agressor nation. Their ability was recognized when Robert Lane '39 was elected to the National Chairmanship by students from all over the North American continent.

The good judgment displayed by the Harvard delegates seemed to indicate that the new officers would bring the benefits of a "new deal" back to Cambridge, and would at last contribute more constructive thinking to the intellectual life of the University. But the recent speech of the National Chairman at the Leverett House banquet seems to hold dangers for such contribution.

Mr. Lane warned his organization against becoming a mere discussion group, and stated that discussion was but the prelude to action. If "action" means repetition of last fall's fiasco, when certain members of the Labor Committee of the Student Union so approached the Boston Chapter of the C. I. O. that those worthy gentlemen took it as an invitation to pay a visit to Harvard, the less that the University has of it, the better. If "action" means public rallies, circularized pamphlets, and participation in local politics, the Union is accomplishing nothing for its greater good at Harvard.

However, there is action of another type which involves study of governmental and political problems by actual observance. This practical and first-hand experience is valuable and educative in itself, so long as the study groups refrain from taking sides on the issue involved. As a live, intellectual and worthwhile discussion group, the Harvard Chapter of the American Student Union has great potentialities, and, if it were so inclined, could become a leading force in the Yard. The student's most effective place is in the University, where he has time and opportunity to study, learn, and think; but when he plays the Quixotic role in the world of real life, before he is prepared to cope with it, he fails in the role of self-education.

When students participate in controversial issues, a minority group may tie the hands of the majority by unwise actions which compromise the organization as a whole, and limit the scope of its effectiveness and growth. It is to be hoped that Student Union "action" will be diverted into fields of intellectual leadership, with much intelligent, academic, and practical thinking applied to the problems of today.