We recognize the disinterested spirit in which Mr. Garrison, whose letter on "Harvard Economy" we reprinted yesterday, censures the prevalent customs of Harvard living. But we confess our inability to see in how far such a criticism can effect the change desired by those whose opinions Mr. Garrison has so well represented. We acknowledge much truth in what the gentleman urges, but take exceptions to his sweeping method of dealing with the evils. Let us see. What do we have proposed? The abolition of the secret, societies "whose end is secrecy and exclusiveness," a decrease in the monetary support of all athletic teams as well as the secondary expenses incurred by a personal support; and finally the discontinuance of all inter-collegiate contests. Now little knowledge of Harvard or of any great university is needed to show the utter impossibility of accomplishing such fundamental reforms without the strictest regulations upon the part of the faculty, seconded by the most determined stand made by parents; and, what is more, by a thorough reform of the personal character of the students themselves. It is true that great and needless expenses are incurred by the more wealthy of the students, but to claim that the student body as a whole is given over to expensive living because of the above cited existing abuses, so called, is to deny the exceptional advantages offered to and embraced by students of small means to pursue studies at Harvard, - advantages which confessedly surpass those presented by any other American university. A struggle for social position with all its attendant expenses is absolutely unavoidable among students thrown together, as are those of Harvard. Those who are most determined to secure such position will not consent, nor do their friends so encourage them, to a return to the Puritan methods of life. We deplore the evils resulting from such a race, but see in them only the reflected influences of home life. Let Mr. Garrison carry his weapons into the home and there preach simplicity. Regulations by the government of the university can only tend to destroy the good relations at present existing between faculty and students, while they will be found wholly inadequate to remedy evils here existing in reality far from their source. We are loth to believe that a want of gentlemanliness is so far encouraged at Harvard that the poorer students are compelled by the force of public opinion either to incur expenses beyond their means, or to lose caste among their fellows. It is necessary to the welfare of the university that young men of few resources can here gain an education, and any reasonable improvements, which shall prove efficient, toward such an end will, we are certain, be as readily acquiesced in by the wealthy students of Harvard as by Mr. Garrison himself.