HARVARD TOTAL ABSTINENCE LEAGUE.

EDITORS HARVARD HERALD : I should like to have some one interested in the above society to make, through the columns of the HERALD, a statement of the aims and probable programme of that organization for the coming year. Last year the society had what I should call a passive existence. That is to say, there appeared to be but little effort made to stir up an interest in temperance matters by any discussions of questions bearing upon the subject. It is quite laudable for a temperance man to keep sober, but if we would make headway against our opponents or even hold our own sufficiently to command their respect, we must do more. We must work. This spirit is spreading all over the country, and is especially growing strong towards the West. Thousands of dollars are spent annually to carry elections in the interest of liquor men, and on almost every corner discussions of temperance questions arise, the warmth of which reminds one of the old slavery wrangles in ante vellum days. Various laws are now presented in the different states, some tending to protect the business and others looking towards its abolition. It is safe to say that never before were there so many points under dispute upon which temperance men should be prepared to meet their opponents.

If I may be allowed to do so, therefore, I should like to suggest that, in addition to securing occasional speakers to address the society, the society itself should do active work. It should hold at least bi-weekly meetings for the discussion of temperance questions which must be argued before the people long and well are we can claim a victory. At these meetings papers should be read and discussed, and in a great variety of ways could the time be profitably employed for those of us who in after life expect to war against the curse of strong drink. I am aware that a temperance organization in this university receives little enough encouragement from either the students as a whole or the authorities at the head of it. In this regard it certainly does not represent the best thought of the country. But this should not deter us who have convictions of the iniquity of the liquor business from putting forth our best efforts while here to thoroughly equip ourselves for our side of the fight which has already begun.

RADICAL.