In granting a contract, of its own free will and without compulsion, to an outside union, the University has vindicated its liberal tradition and ended three months of negotiations that may well serve as an example to corporation in other parts of the country.

The pill was not easy to swallow. For three centuries Harvard has been "the boss," treating its employees in its own way and forcing them to rely on its beneficence. There was good cause for it to resent the intrusion of union leaders into what was seemingly none of their huskiness. But in its long history Harvard has had to distinguish between fads of the moment and trends that have come to stay. In 1776 a royal charter did not prevent the University from recognizing the American Revolution; today tradition has not kept it from hailing this new revolution.

If the University had disregarded the spirit of the law and stuck to the letter, it might have served its won interest; for the process by which locals can force contracts from employers is long and cumbersome. Moreover, the independent, "inside" union has made great strides in membership, and has clearly shown that it would be less exacting than the American Federation of Labor. But Harvard has chosen to discard technicalities and to make the kind of settlement the majority of the dining-hall workers desired. For this it is to be commended.

Yet the striking aspect of the agreement is not that it has been reached, but that throughout the negotiations a maximum of courtesy and respect has prevailed on both sides. Not once did the University treat the union leaders with hostility; not once did the speakers in Cypress Hall cast doubt on the honesty or sincerity of the University. In the absolute harmony between employer and employee is proof that Harvard has once again adapted itself to changing times, and once again set an example for institutions of its kind.