The Harvard CRIMSON, in conjunction with the college debating society, has recently entered into a campaign to modify the Eighteenth Amendment. They have solicited the support of college newspapers throughout the country and some interest has been aroused concerning the attitude which the News-Letter intends to take on the matter.

We will not join with the CRIMSON in its anti-Volstead crusade. The reason for not taking part in the movement is not that we disapprove of the object which the CRIMSON desires to attain. We believe, however, that a college newspaper exists for two purposes: to bring news items of general college interest to the students and to influence campus opinion as much as may be possible on topics pertaining to college. The discussion of national problems can find no legitimate place in the columns of the News-Letter or in any other college sheet except those published by certain mid-western institutions which serve as town papers. College papers should discuss college questions: papers which serve both colleges and towns should carry items of interest to both, but neither the News-Letter of the CRIMSON are members of the latter class.

Furthermore, the editors of college papers should not express their views on national questions for purely ethical reasons. The college editor is chosen for his familiarity with regards to college matters. His opinions on the World Court, on the selection of Mr. Hughes as Chief Justice, the outcome of Mussolini's dictatorship and like matters are not considered in his choice. Therefore, if he utilizes the privilege given him of commenting on student affairs to divulge his own opinions on totally irrelevant topics, he breaks faith with his electors.

The CRIMSON should not be unqualifiedly reproached for its campaign, because it is only spreading the views of another campus activity, namely, the debating society. It is the duty of the editor to report to the students all projects undertaken by the undergraduates. Furthermore he should comment editorially upon matters of real importance. But to crusade against conditions which are not within his field, however evil he may think them to be is to overstep the bounds of both modesty and commonsense.