Harvard gladly added Princeton to the number of her opponents, confidently went to meet her old rival, and now returns disappointed from the contest. In the study of causes which led to the defeat of Saturday, we find one which was wholly unforseen. It was but a week ago that Harvard was congratulated on having played eleven men through an entire game, with increased snap and dash in the second half. Conclusions of the most gratifying nature with regard to the physical condition of the team were freely drawn at the time. Now, apparently these must be reluctantly abandoned. During the first half of Saturday's game the Harvard men clearly outplayed their opponents; then, when reasonable hope ran high, an unexpected weakness gave Princeton the chance of victory which she was still able to take. This particular disappointment is very trying. Former games have somewhat accustomed Harvard to chagrin at the sight of "star" backs helpless for lack of proper interference; but it is hard to accept the fact that the staying power of the team has been overestimated. Still, though the physical training of the men is a point in which much pride has been taken, the lesson of the game with Princeton must not be disregarded. Repeated defeat must be made the guide to victory, or it will become the cause of a discouragement which will prove disastrous to athletics at Harvard.

It would be unjust to notice only the failings of the team. The University recognizes that each player did what he could, and that the performance of some of the men deserves the highest praise. In particular, the work of the light backs is much appreciated. No three men of their weight could have done more to win the game than they did in spite of discouraging weakness in the interference. If this can be remedied, if the strength of their running can be given a fair chance to show itself, a very different outcome of the big games may confidently be expected. Harvard has yet to play the Universities of Pennsylvania and Michigan. It is not too much to hope that the experience of the game with Princeton will prepare the way for victory over these later opponents.