We cannot deny that there is a certain force in the communication from "Ninety-Four," which we publish this morning. The criticism which it directs toward those who are always making excuses for defeat is put none too strongly. The writer, however, fails to distinguish between the spirit which characterizes the excuse makers and that of those who, while feeling keenly and bitterly the humiliation which defeat brings just because it is defeat, cannot refrain from expressing their appreciation of the men who, as they sincerely think, "did the best they could," "played a sandy, up-hill game" and "played like gentlemen." Applied to last Saturday's game, such expressions are not "nonsense" nor are they generally received as such as witness Mr. Elder's letter and most of the newspaper reports of the game. We agree with "Ninety-Four" to the extent of thinking that it is quite possible that such a view of defeat may be dwelt on excessively. In general we believe it the duty of the defeated side to say as little as possible, to grit their teeth and work to win next time. But a mere recognition of the fact that the team has done its best to win, if made sincerely, is certainly no more than just when the season is over. Severe coaching and outspoken criticism will undoubtedly do good when the practice is going on, but when a team has played the way the eleven did last Saturday, can we best "back them up" as Ninety-four urges us to do, by giving them "the cold shoulder."