NEW HAVEN, Feb. 1, 1896.

Crew training has finally assumed definite shape and a new interest in the work of the '96 crew has been given by the decision to enter the Henley regatta which takes place in the second week of July. this decision will not bring about so noticeable a boating feature as a race with one of the English universities would have done, but it is the best substitute and it is hoped will lead to an international university contest in some future year. Mr. Cook has been in town for several days, leaving Saturday evening, and has worked diligently with the candidates. He has a very good knowledge of the Henley course and of English strokes, and it is his purpose not to change the principle of the Yale stroke at all, but to make an improvement in the methods of tank work. The slow work in the tank has always made it difficult for the men to acquire proper action in the boat, so it will be the purpose of this season's coaching to accustom the crew to the same line of action in tank work as in open water. Mr. Cook's plans are so unsettled that he can not yet say whether he can accompany the crew abroad.

An attractive list of subjects for the thirtieth season of Mechanics' Lectures has just been given out. Twelve lectures constitute the course, given by as many speakers, Gen. H. P. Rockwell, Hon. Carroll D. Wright and Professor E. W. Wilson being among the latter.

Discussions on the adoption of an honor system in examinations continue and the question of the advisability of this step and the force of such systems as are at present used, has been debated many times in the Unions, societies, and less formal debates. The Princeton honor system is the main subject for discussion, as the conditions there are more like those at Yale than any other college. The Princeton system is far from being an ideal one and its adoption here would be generally deplored, but as it is a decided improvement over the present Yale methods, its use would certainly bear good results. Something definite should certainly be done here to stamp out that form of dishonesty so often seen, and an improvement in general opinion would accomplish this far better than prescribed rules. A series of extempore debates between junior eating clubs has been brought to a successful finish and others similar will probably follow.

At a special meeting of Phi Beta Kappa the constitution was amended, so that all men who receive junior appointments of the two highest grades will be eligible for membership, a restoration of the original method.

Dr. McKenzie of Cambridge gave a fine address in Chapel on Sunday. He is one of the best liked speakers before the college.

Basket Ball is being played to a large extent in the gymnasium, and the Yale team played the Waterbury Y. M. C. A. team Saturday evening.

YALE NEWS.