(We invite all men in the University to submit communications on subjects of timely interest, but assume no responsibility for sentiments expressed under this head.)

To the Editors of the CRIMSON:

The University Register is in need of urgent support of its friends at the present time. I have been requested to tell enough of the Register story to make its position well understood and let the student body know definitely how it can be of assistance.

When the Student Council was organized in 1908, one of its first undertakings was to investigate vague reports of irregularity in certain so-called "Harvard Publications." The investigation, which was conducted very quietly, revealed that the Harvard Club Book and the Harvard Register, two books issued durthe the course of the school year, were being used by individuals to obtain money from Boston merchants. The business men were prevailed upon to advertise in these books with the promise that in this manner they would succeed in getting the bulk of the student trade. These publications, they were informed, came out early in the school year, in an edition of about 3500 or 5000 copies. As a matter of fat, the books were issued as late as April 20, in an edition of 300 to 500 copies. And they did not contain one-sixth of the information the merchants were assured they would.

Excess of "Trade Ads."

The student Council immediately took active measures to suppress these publications, and eventually bought out the rights of the Harvard Register for $400. The Register, which is now owned and controlled by the Student Council, was published last year on December 10. The book contained the information relative to University affairs the merchants were assured they would contain. Slowly but surely the Register Board, selected by the Student Council, re-established the confidence of the Boston business men in the publication, and made amends as far as possible for the misstatements and misrepresentations of the earlier book of the same name.

The cost of publishing such a volume as the Register is very great. The men who solicited advertising for the old Register and the Club Book found it increasingly difficult to get advertising, and eventually were forced to prove that it was advantageous to the Boston business men to advertise in the books. This proof they endeavored to give by making what is known as "trade ads." The merchants agreed to take space in the publication and credit the publication with the value of the ads, in trade. For instance, if the advertiser agreed to take $25 or $15 for space in the Register, the solicitor would agree to take payment in merchandise instead of cash. The Student Council management has been forced to accept trade ads, in order to get advertising and have an opportunity of re-establishing faith in the Register. The amount of such advertising accepted by the Register this year was less than that of last year. Next year it is hoped that very little trade advertising will have to be take, as the merchants are now becoming acquainted with the reforms the Student Council has inaugurated.

15 Per Cent Discount Offered.

The predicament in which the Student Council finds itself at the present time is this. About $1350 in trade ads, was accepted this year. Approximately $1000 worth of trade credits with reputable business firms is still on hand. The Register offers 15 per cent, discount to those who use a Register trade credit when purchasing goods. The trade on hand includes tailors, art goods, photos, flowers, hotel trade, etc. Mr. K. W. Snyder, 31 Dana Hall, and Mr. G. N. Phillips, 37 Thayer Hall, can inform anyone desiring to assist the Register, of the kind and amount of trade credit still on hand. The proceeds from the sale of this trade advertising will be applied to the payment of the Register printing bill, $1000 of which is still unpaid.

An edition of 2000 volumes of the Register was issued this year at a cost of over $1 a books. It was planned not only to supply the demand of the student body for the publication but also to make possible for students and alumni to send copies to high and preparatory schools, colleges, and libraries throughout the country. In this manner the manifold student activities and interests of the University would be brought before people interested, as well as prospective sub-Freshmen. Unfortunately the plans and expectations of the Register Board miscarried. Eight hundred volumes are still on hand. It is hoped that the student body, the preparatory school clubs, territorial clubs, and Harvard clubs will unite in placing the Register where it will be of benefit. Your co-operation will be greatly appreciated. A. K. READING 2G.B.,

Manager Treasurer Harvard University Register.