"In my opinion it is not necessary to pick a final crew in any class, University or 150, until three weeks before the race, and if necessary, I shall make changes up to the last minute," declared Coach E. J. Brown '14, before 151 candidates at a meeting of the upperclassmen, yesterday afternoon in the Smith Halls Common room. The meeting officially inaugurated fall rowing, and was Coach Brown's first appearance as Head Coach. Other speakers were Captain Geoffrey Platt '27, W. J. Bingham '16, Director of Athletics, and Delmar Leighton '16.

No Rowing After Bad Weather

Captain Platt first explained the advantage of giving every man an equal opportunity by having no first crew or squad this fall. He stated that the crews will not continue on the water after the weather becomes disagreeable, and that there will be no work thereafter until after the Midyears period.

Delmar Leighton '19, who addressed the gathering after the Crimson leader spoke in behalf of the Rowing Committee. He attributed the fact that Harvard rowing has been on the defensive for the past several years to lack of co-operation. He requested every man to make up his mind to work for the development of a co-operative spirit.

"Policy and teaching ability have been the characteristics which we have striven for in our selection," declared W. J. Bingham '16 in explaining the two factors which had been taken into consideration in choosing as head Coach the former coach of the class crews. The Director of Athletics was greatly applauded as he finished his speech, turning to Coach Brown, he concluded, "We'll stick to you as long as you give intelligent instruction, and it is not on your victories that we are going to base your existence here."

Four Mile Paddles This Fall

Coach Brown then outlined his policy which is a distinct departure from that of the past. Frequent changes in the boats may be expected this fall, and no man on the squad may be certain of his position next spring. In order that the coaches may get a good knowledge of every man's ability, four mile paddles and frequent races will be characteristic of the work this fall.

Candidates for the Freshman crews met at 7 o'clock last night in the Smith Halls Common Room following the upperclass meeting and Captain Platt and Coach Haines made brief speeches. The Crimson Captain stressed the importance of absolute confidence in the coaches. Coach Haines assured the men that experience was unnecessary and even in some cases a handicap.

Freshmen with previous experience will have a chance to go out in shells on Monday, and they will probably be graded into definite crews before the week is over. After a week on the machines the novices will be taken out in the Leviathan, and, if they show as much progress as did last year's Freshmen, they will be put in shells after about two weeks more.