Let no man say Harvard lacks a soul, that University Hall is merely another manifestation of the bureaucratic trend in American institutions, harsh and unfeeling, meting out judgment to wrongdoers. For with Christmas in the air, even the patriarch of Deans has fallen prey to the good will of the holiday season. As his present to upperclassmen, Dean Hanford has spread the glad tidings that no attendance will be taken Saturday in courses other than those regularly open to Freshmen.

With the star of tolerance rising over the Yard, and the spirit of peace and understanding permeating to the humblest House, there is need of Wise Men to speak a carefully considered word or two. Even greater will be the need on Saturday morning, as professors eye the serried ranks before them. May there then be some to realize that because a man takes advantage of a privilege it is no indication he is unworthy of it. Just as in the arts, where what is said is not so important as the spirit in which it is said, so in the gentle science of cutting, what is cut is not so important as the spirit in which it is cut. But true wisdom is universally applicable, and it should be borne in mind that to continue receiving presents--whether at Christmas or any other time--it is necessary to show appreciation, and when to gifts are attached considerations, to neglect them would be folly. Thus, as one Wise Greek has long since pointed out, moderation is the part of wisdom. Now that the Hall has become blessed as a giver, the College is obsessed with the difficulty of receiving graciously. Freshmen, alas, have no other course but to refuse. In the hands of their elders lies the alternative of having present gifts withdrawn, or the promise of further Seasonal Compliments from their honors, the Deans.