Harvard's chances for success over Yale in athletics this year are discouraging. The material for the nine cannot be compared with that which Yale has; the crew is light, and Yale is displacing men who had seats in last year's boat because of the superiority of new material; and, even when the two probable Mott Haven teams are compared, Yale seems at present to have a clear advantage.

Such is the situation and it must be faced; but no matter how black the outlook, one great truth is to be recognized. Defeat will not be caused by the indifference of candidates, or the carelessness of captains. To throw blame where it is not deserved, where, in fact, high praise ought to be given-this would make a bad matter worse. The men who are trying for the teams are doing hard and steady work, and no fair-minded man could ask more from the captains than they themselves are eager to do.

It is not a time for unjust criticism, but rather for unhesitating support. Because things look bad, there is all the more reason why the University should show its appreciation of honest effort. We believe that Harvard men have as much pluck as Yale men, that the quality of courage and persistence produced in Cambridge is not a whit below that in New Haven. But now is a time for Harvard pluck to be proved, for Harvard to make every one believe that she is not dismayed because the odds are heavily against her, but that she will give her team the heartiest support, when they are placed in the worst circumstances.