The ignorance of the average mortal in regard to college affairs would be positively ludicrous if it was confined to speech alone; but when this ignorance finds expression in the columns of the newspapers of the country it greatly injures the reputation of the college. One article about the depravity of college life will have more effect and will sink deeper into the minds of the mass of people than any number of pieces to the contrary. All protestations of innocence, when coming from a college man, are fruitless. The public is determined to misjudge us. The term "Harvard man" is considered by many to be a synonym for contemptible lethargy-a man whose nominal residence is Cambridge, but who spends his time at Parker's or Young's. He is a man who is useful only in showing to the public the latest style of ulster or neck-wear. He is supposed to pass his examinations by means of assiduous "cramming" for several days before the examination, striving merely to get a mark which will prevent his getting "dropped." Few give us credit for the downright earnest work which is the rule here, not the exception. The men who spend their time in Boston (there are a few) are typical of but a small class. The majority of Harvard students are hard workers. We are aware that we have not reached the standard of perfection, but we object to having the reputation of the college injured by the actions of a few. If the newspapers of the country would give less credence to the reports of people who know absolutely nothing about college affairs, and pay more attention to what actually takes place, then true accounts might be the rule, not the exception.