Two years ago the custom was begun of having an annual foot ball dinner. The first object of this dinner was to recognize the unselfish exertions of the men who work all through the fall as candidates for the eleven. A second, and really more important, object was to bring the University as a whole, the graduates and the undergraduates into closer and better understood relations on athletic matters. The dinner in the two years that it has been held has been one of the most stimulating and helpful occasions of the college year.

One of the most characteristic things in Harvard life is the readiness and freedom with which every man discusses and criticises whatever concerns Harvard men as a body. This is the result and direct expression of the strong individuality which is the distinguishing feature, if not the sum and substance, of Harvard life. There is not that sort of unity here which brings absolute subjection to authority. In many respects this is a good thing; in some respects it is a dangerous thing. It unquestionably develops individual strength and originality of character; but it is very apt to take a form of expression which is not understood by those who do not know us and who are not in sympathy with us. It often leads us to say and do things which are judicious so long as viewed from within the college, but which become injudicious when quoted and misconstrued outside, because they seem to indicate a lack of harmony of effort among us which might justly furnish ground for criticism. We know well enough ourselves that we are all working for the same end, the enlargement of Harvard in every direction. If we can make this unity of all which really exists, though masked by strong individuality in every man, we shall help Harvard abroad as well as at home.

The foot ball dinner has served just this purpose. It has afforded a chance for the expression of what men feel ought to be done, and has shown that our single purpose is to bind together firmly all the separate and varied phases of Harvard individuality in one great effort to develop our athletics along the right line. Individuality has there received its fullest expression, and from this our leaders have found the way to secure greater unity. We hope that the foot ball dinner is not to be omitted this year. A slight change could be made advantageously, however; let the dinner be not simply in honor of the foot ball team, out of the crew also. That will bring the necessary element to furnish the enthusiasm of victory, and will give the public recognition of the glorious work of last year's crew which has not yet been made.