DEBATING, POPULAR OPINION AND REASON.

One of the two important debating events of the year takes place this evening, when the Freshmen meet Yale and Princeton in the annual triangular contest. Why expand on the benefits of debating? They are widely enough admitted, even if so few seek them. But aside from the value which it holds for the men who follow it, it may be of very significant, though little recognized, educational value to the men who listen to it. No one considers it absurd to urge men to support an athletic team; since there is something to be derived from a debate, it is not absurd to urge men to attend it. Of course the successful appeal is to popular opinion rather than to reason; but those who think carefully may find causes for their hearing the Freshmen debate the immigration question in Sanders tonight.