The report of the Harvard Board of Overseers on the reading periods before comprehensive examinations states that "it is expected... that for the first few years there will be an increased number of failures among the students who are disposed to neglect their studies". This illustrates the difference between the educational policies of Harvard and Princeton whose platforms are essentially the same but whose execution of them differs. For in the absence of an American tradition for the form of education that they are striving for Princeton alters gradually making precedent as she goes, Harvard changes abruptly.

Harvard will undoubtedly first attain the goal, but it seems that Princeton achieves greater success on the way, for no break is ever sufficiently great to cause an eruption--the Four-Course Plan was after all but a faltering step toward absolutely voluntary attendance at lectures no more than recommended by preceptors, absence of classes, and post-vacation examinations. Harvard, on the other hand, has greater freedom for students in the matter of lecture attendance, has now instituted something of post vocational exams, and the daily recommendation by the CRIMSON of certain worthwhile lectures is evidence that the students are readily falling into the spirit of the system. But the danger of abrupt changes is admitted by implication in the official report.

The local administration deserves praise for its consideration of the students attending college at the time of the changes, although its deference to parental and graduate opinion and control in other matters is certainly far less commendable than Harvard's indifference to what outsiders may think. Daily Princetonian.