To-day the CRIMSON passes into the hands of the new editorial board, chosen some days since. With the retirement of '87 the paper will lose many who have been identified with its interests and policy for a long time; but we can safely assure our readers that the same devotion to Harvard and Harvard's interests which has been shown heretofore rather will be enhanced than lessened by the change. Our first thought shall be for Harvard. To her the CRIMSON owes its existence, and it would be rank disloyalty to do aught but further her interests. With this as our motto, "Patriotism to our Alma Mater," we enter upon our duties in conducting the course of the CRIMSON.

We do not mean by "patriotism," however, the blinding of our eyes to the imperfections that surround us, but the exertion of whatever strength we may possess in attempting to improve as well as to serve the customs and institutions which are in vogue here in Cambridge. In this the CRIMSON will be eminently conservative, and will endeavor never to transcend the bounds of propriety which limit expression of opinion at college as well as elsewhere. We shall keep within the limits which custom has assigned to college papers. But when we have once espoused a cause, our duty in devoting all of our energies to its furtherance will not be forgotten, but we shall "keep pegging away," if our first attempts prove unsuccessful.

As the base-ball season has just begun, and although begun so auspiciously for Harvard, it is fitting that we should consider now a restriction to which our nine has been lately subjected. Professional teams cannot be our adversaries on the diamond. The arguments used by our faculty in subjecting our nine to this handicap are well known, and seem sufficient to them; but if they should consider that old proverb, "Whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well," and should ponder over the fact that professionals not only play better ball, but play ball in a more gentlemanly way than most amateur clubs, they might at least be willing to bring forward the subject once more, and give an opportunity to the students who feel strongly in regard to the matter to present their view of the case that a fair discussion of the merits of the question may be had.

Finally, we wish to call to mind the degeneration of the Harvard cheer. Everyone knows that the cheer is three times three, but few ever cheer three times three. It is always nine nowadays. Formerly the Harvard cheer was slow and dignified; now it is rapid and assertive. Before Harvard men attempt to lead cheers, let them be certain that they know the interval which should be given between every third 'rah. All should keep this in mind. Remember the interval, and restore the characteristic feature of the Harvard cheer.