The prime object of college athletics is character building, not victory on river or field, and the alumni who demand the scalp of a coach merely because his team fails to win misunderstand the purpose and mission of the coach. This was the burden of a series of heretical utterances by William J. Bingham, director of athletics of Harvard University, in an address before the Beacon Society Saturday night which, anomalous as it may seem, won the enthusiastic approval of representatives of Dartmouth. Amherst, and Yale, who commended the attitude of Director Bingham in the warmest terms. The diners were hardly prepared for this point of view from an official whose function it is supposed to be to develop winning teams at whatever cost, but as Mr. Bingham explained his philosophy surprise turned to admiration for it was recognized that here was a man destined to dignify college sports and to assure them a standing in the curriculum which they have been struggling for generations to attain.

Such a philosophy is wholly admirable. It leaves no place for commercialism, and it demands a type or coach of as fine a character as graces the professorial chairs. "Bill" Bingham was introduced to his audience by Vice President Garcelon as "the character-builder." The man who is building character into his teams also is creating winners. The Boston Transcript.