(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:

In the face of the somewhat adverse criticism of the Harvard Battalion which is in the process of formation, it has seemed to me appropriate to ask your indulgence for the expression of a point of view which is held, I believe, by many of those who have enlisted and which, it seems to me, has been unduly slighted by the recent criticism in your columns.

Probably no group of men realize more fully than those who have been to Plattsburg how much training is required to make an efficient army officer, and what slight progress can be made through the medium of the Battalion under consideration. Nor does the average man of no such experience as that of Plattsburg expect to attain to any large degree of military preparedness in the necessarily limited time which can be given to the drill and instruction of the large group of men now signed up. In fact I am convinced that for many of us the actual military knowledge which we expect to acquire is of minor significance. The all-important features of the whole movement are these: that at last there has been some definite step taken by Harvard University students to show not only by words but by action the widespread realization of the responsibility of the individual to the Government for the maintenance of the country's integrity; that to date over one thousand men have come forward and have signified their intention and willingness to give up three hours a week of their limited time to actual work towards that end; that the citizens of this country may at last turn their eyes to the natural place of leadership in the community--the universities--and see that the men who, through the advantages of their environment and education, should be capable of forming a wise judgment of this country's needs, have voluntarily and definitely put their stamp of approval upon the efforts of the President to improve the military status of the nation.

The formation of the Battalion at Harvard may not have much military value. It is, however, all that many men are able to contribute. The significance of the undertaking is wider and more fundamental than the actual material profit that can be expected; it is the public expression of the patriotism and responsibility which one thousand educated men at Harvard University feel for their country. As such the Harvard Battalion deserves the support not only of every man in the University but of every patriotic American. WESTMORE WILLCOX, JR., '17.