Nearly 400 members of the University gathered in the Living Room of the Union last evening to celebrate the 80th birthday last Wednesday of Major Henry Lee Higginson '55. The first speaker of the evening was President Eliot, who touched on the various phases of Major Higginson's career. He laid particular emphasis on the fact that Major Higginson "followed his own bent to a successful conclusion," especially in the study of music at Vienna. "The establishment of the Boston Symphony Orchestra was a great and wonderful service to the community," he said.

President Lowell also expressed his appreciation of the services which Major Higginson has rendered. "We have met here," he said, "to show our gratefulness and respect to Major Higginson, because he has benefited the community in more-ways than any other man who has everlived in it."

Major Higginson himself was the last speaker of the evening. He said that Soldiers Field and the Union were dedicated to "friendship and good fellowship," and declared that there was no pleasure in the world as great as that of helping others.