As reported recently in "The Times", Harvard University is preparing for the celebration of the completion of three hundred years of its history. While the important role which the American university plays in our national life will be made evident, the assembling of distinguished scholars from many countries will demonstrate the international character of scholarship and "commemorate the extension" to this continent of the ancient world" of learning"--a message we are prone to forget. For a month or more next Autumn Harvard University itself will be "on view" to the general public, affording opportunity to all who are interested to become better acquainted with our first American college, which has grown into a university that has been authoritatively rated as "pre-eminent'--a place of distinction which it is accorded not alone by age.

Above all, the anniversary events in which the academic world will have part should have a wholesome influence in marking the importance of preserving the scholarly tradition of education carried on and developed through three centuries, but especially the tradition of "free inquiry" which first came to our shores three centuries ago. As President Conant says in his brief annual report, it is particularly important and fortunate that the anniversary celebration is held in these days when "the academic institutions" of more than one country have been "crippled by persecution," for it should help to demonstrate to the nation at large the significance of our colleges and universities.

But while the past is being gratefully celebrated, it is obvious from the vigorous, forward-looking plans of the president that he is thinking of what future such a distinguished past should have in the conjugation of its life. The initial steps beyond the threshold of the fourth century are definitely planned: first, the creation of a number of new professorships to be known as university professorships with "roving commissions" among the departments, but "without portfolios" and free from departmental restrictions and administrative duties, yet free to carry on investigation in any laboratory in the university; and second, the establishment of new Harvard national scholarships. But for the latter he has not had to await the coming of the new century. The historian and philosopher Henry Osborn Taylor, of the class of '78, approaching his eightieth year, has led the way by the endowment of the first one.

It is in Emerson's "terms of men" teachers and students alike--that plans for the century ahead are being made, and it can hardly be that we are entering a "static period" in our educational history--certainly not at Harvard. --N. Y. Times