We published yesterday a communication criticizing the editorial of a few days back in which we saw fit to support the action of the Athletic committee. Certain statements in that communication seem to us to deserve reply.

In the first place our purpose is not necessarily, as our correspondent would seem to suggest, to express the prevailing opinion of the college in this matter, but rather to give utterance to our convictions. The question in hand certainly has two sides; the CRIMSON has taken that which seems to it most tenable.

Our correspondent is quite right in bewailing any display of "childish" feeling in the present crisis; and yet we do not believe that any such feeling prompted the Athletic committee in their action. Whatever may be the result of their vote they acted on their convictions, prompted by what they believed would be for the best interest of Harvard. For this, at least, they are deserving of credit. But not for this simply. Time will prove that their action was justifiable. Whether outsiders sneer or not is a matter of no consequence. If Harvard has chosen the right course it is her duty to pursue it. What, then, are the fundamental facts in the matter? Just these: In the past Harvard's athletics have been too important a factor in her life. The same, to be sure, is true of other colleges, but it is Harvard which we are considering now. Just as soon as men begin to come to any college exclusively for athletics, just so soon is it clear that athletics have assumed too prominent a place in the life of that college. Such has been the case with Harvard and now has come the time for reform. Her athletics have been established on too broad a basis. She has had too many games to play, and her team too much work to do. The interest of the college in athietics has been weakened by being divided among too many events. The time has come for some restriction.

The football controversy no doubt has hastened the reform, but at he same time it has put Harvard in a better position for making that reform thorough. The controversy as a controversy, is to be regretted; its results have been beneficial. Harvard is now in a perfectly tenable position, and after the excitement of the crisis is passed, we shall, as a college, regard the action of the Athletic committee more favorably.