Ann Arbor, Mich., December 3--"The advance of civilization has been entrusted into the hands of old men, and very little of the progress made has been lasting," declared C. C. Little '10, President of the University of Michigan, in his address to the Convention of the National Student Federation here today. "The political, religious and educational systems are old and need the active interest of youth in order that we may be able to say that America has a future."

Little Speaks On Reform

President Little spoke briefly of college reform, advocating a sharp division between the first two and the last two years of college. He declared that there should be a series of compulsory general courses given in the opening, years of college whose purpose should be primarily to arouse and stimulate intellectual curiosity in the student. At the end of the Sophomore year general examinations should cover the field of these courses, and success in these should admit the student to the higher courses, where in the last two college years there should be specialization, and greater academic freedom. A modified tutorial system would provide the best means of effecting this condition of affairs, he said.

Proposal Is Acclaimed

This proposal was adopted by general acclamation of the assembly, and several suggested changes were referred to the committees to be proposed in the form of amendments at tomorrow's meeting. Meetings of the sub-committees were held this afternoon, and reports will be handed in tomorrow.

It is expected that the executive committee will be empowered to appoint a commission to study the curriculum of American universities during the next year, and make a full report at next year's convention.

New officers will be chosen at the meeting tomorrow.