Advertisement

None

No Headline

The suggestion made by Mr. Winslow at the dinner the other evening deserves, it seems to us, more than a passing notice. For two years and over we have been casting about for an explanation of Harvard's athletic decadence, and theory after theory has been advanced and exploded. Have we not, however, a means of solution, or at least an aid, among us? The day surely has passed when students adjudge the members of their faculty capable only of gaining and imparting knowledge. Is it not just possible that among this body of men of matured judgement there may be some who, as a result of years of quiet observation, are able to tell us, and tell us truly, wherein our athletic system and methods are at fault? The supposition certainly seems a plausible one. The CRIMSON cannot believe that these men are dead to Harvard's athletic interests; on the contrary, we believe that they are thoroughly alive to the success of her teams. Their presence at the games is proof of that. It stands to reason, then, that they entertain ideas of athletics which might-yes, which would be of service to the captains and the management of our organizations. But the initiative in this matter must come from them, and here of course lies the difficulty. We are thoroughly aware that save in affairs of general management, it would be a delicate matter for our faculty to express their opinion of our athletics. It can be done, however, and that in a spirit of not even seeming interference. Something must certainly be done. A Harvard spirit stronger then ever before is now rife among graduates and undergraduates, and it can hardly be that this has failed to reach the faculty. If it has reached them it is their duty to speak. They will be gladly heard; and, at the same time that they help to heal the breach between themselves and students which is more nominal than real, they cannot fail to benefit our athletics, at least in some degree, If we can but thoroughly stir the spirit of Harvard, we may perhaps regain for her the athletic prestige which she has lost. The columns of the CRIMSON are gladly opened to faculty, graduates, and undergraduates alike.

Advertisement
Advertisement