Educationally Harvard is operating at present under a system of distribution and concentration. In the Freshman year we have distribution "trying to know a little about many things" perhaps an occasional movie on Friday evening included. Upon this platform is built the concentration "trying to know a little more about some one thing." Upon the platform of the Freshman dormitories the University is building these Houses, to deepen, richen and concentrate those many acquaintances and experiences with which a Freshman first comes in contact when he enters college.

Although Harvard like Yale has found it advisable to deal with Freshman problems separately, this policy is not based on close: "supervision" of Freshmen. The Harvard authorities do not care to direct the mode of living of its students either in the Freshman dormitories or in the Houses. What Harvard does is to place the opportunity before an undergraduate, and with the possible exception of the question of standards of scholarship, leave it up to him to take it if he wants to. Freshman Deans, Advisers. Proctors and Supervisors are on hand for anyone to consult who wants to, but unless a man is in scholastic difficulties they are still only an opportunity. That these advisers are tutors, instructors, professors as well is not only necessary but advisable. Harvard has not as yet come as other colleges have to a "personnel" department.

The House plan is designed to do these things:

1. To give greater opportunity for varied acquaintanceship without compulsion.

2. To give better physical opportunity, everyone to lead a more comfortable and sane student life.

3. To give greater opportunity for the student to really know his tutor to educate himself outside as well as inside the classroom and to study because it interests him.

If Freshmen were admitted to the new houses it would narrow their possible field of acquaintances their life would not be much more comfortable than it is now in the dormitories or would be in the Yard, and they would not be in a position to avail themselves of the opportunities offered by the tutors.

Perhaps those who advocate the inclu- sion of Freshmen in the new units, are doing so because they feel that the Freshman dormitories have failed to meet a Utopian ideal. If so, they will be gravely disappointed in the new houses. Perhaps they feel that there will be more restriction and supervision in the new Houses. If so they will again be disappointed.

As far as the influence of upperclassmen is concerned I think it of doubtful value as regards Freshman problems. What would be eliminated however would be President Lowell's annual visitation to the Parent's league of Boston, to ask them not to invite Freshmen to Debutante Balls, and to answer the usual question about locking the gates of the Freshman Halls at midnight by saying "Madam, would you have me lock them in or out.