Mr. Page, in his letters to the Nation, has brought to light statistics that are very gratifying to Harvard. No doubt, to a great extent, the story that they seem to tell is true, but, on the other hand, Harvard men must not be carried away by facts that have to do only with outward growth. Unless there has been an inward growth in some degree commensurate, it would be more than folly to pride ourselves on appearances. We do not call attention to this possible fallacy with the intention of asserting that there is foundation for it in Harvard's case. We sincerely believe that a spirit of true scholarship and earnest manhood has developed along with the development of resources and possibilities. We would not draw comparisons between Harvard and her rival in this regard, for such attempted comparison would be not only discourteous, but even untrue. Harvard of '86 can, however, be compared with Harvard of '66. Within these twenty years a disposition has asserted itself to do away with school-boy tricks and college barbarisms, on the part of the students, and to abolish police surveillance on the part of the faculty. The authorities have thus encouraged a spirit of manhood, and the students have been eager to sustain it.

This is the great feature of Harvard's prosperity. It can not be shown by charts, but the testimony of those who have known both sides, is not to be doubted. If Harvard wishes to put more meaning into the reasoning of Mr. Page, and to render his figures even more expressive than they are at present, let her assert an intelligent and consistent manhood.