The action of Mr. Finlay in resigning the captaincy of the crew, although it has occasioned much surprise, must in the end commend itself to everyone, not because Mr. Finlay could or would not fill the office of captain efficiently, but because it was done in a spirit which, if it prevailed throughout the college, would go far in restoring Harvard to the place she once held in inter-collegiate athletics. Mr. Finlay has realized that the position of captain of the University crew is one that carries with it too many responsibilities and requires too much technical knowledge and experience to be filled with the best results, at least, by a man who has rowed but one year. Feeling, therefore, that Harvard's chances for a successful crew would be made surer if a more experienced man than he held the position of captain, he has generously resigned from an office than which there is no higher athletic honor in college. We do not doubt that Mr. Finlay's action will receive the commendation it deserves.

In choosing Mr. Herrick as Mr. Finlay's successor, we think the crew has acted wisely. He is a man who understands rowing thoroughly, having stroked his class crew for two years and having associated closely with boating men since he entered college. We are confident that he will let no means go untried that will advance the interest of the crew: his energy in pushing the construction of the rowing tank and in obtaining the use of the Shawmut Boat Club house is assurance of that. With the warm support of the crew and the college, which we are confident he will well deserve, Mr. Herrick will have a chance to turn out an eight that will retrieve the fortunes of past years. We heartily wish him the best success in his work.