To the Editors of the CRIMSON:

Many of the students who come to Harvard College as Freshmen come under strained financial conditions, and their choice of Harvard as the emporium of higher education is largely influenced by the reputation the college has of offering many opportunities for needy students to work their way through. There are two methods: one, by winning scholarships through honor marks; and the other, by taking positions in and about Boston which do not conflict with recitations.

It is certain that the first method is far more desirable, because it is not only lucrative, but it also brings credit upon the student. However, there are some who cannot get honor marks (we frankly admit there are some) and it is for these that the existing regulations of the Freshman Dining Halls are a distinct detriment. If a Freshman secures a position which makes it impossible for him to eat certain meals at the dining halls, the college makes no allowance, but forces the student to pay not only for his meal outside, but also for the one he does not eat at the dining halls.

I, among others, made several protests during my freshman year to the authorities on the subject, but to no avail. Several similar cases have come to my attention in this year's freshman class. If the college professes to extend to new students opportunities for making money, it cannot put such a regulation in the way of needy students, and at the same time retain its reputation. Students are allowed to "sign on" at Memorial Hall for as small a period as a week; is that a privilege which cannot be extended to the freshmen, or is it a bit of systematic hazing by the college authorities?

Among all the authorities I interviewed last year concerning the question, I found not one who could offer a satisfactory defense other than that it was a University regulation, and could not therefore be broken. If the protests of a few sufferers last year did not bring the matter to the attention of the authorities, perhaps public opinion via the CRIMSON may succeed. ROBERT S. KELLER '23.

November 10, 1920.