An Erroneous Sentiment Corrected.

[We invite all men in the University to submit communications on subjects of timely interest.]

To the Editors of the CRIMSON:

In Monday's Herald, among other remarks on the football situation, appeared the following: "Alley, a 215-pound guard who reported with the Harvard squad early in the season, has either quit of his own accord or else has been given the quiet tip to make himself scarce. He played with an Oklahoma college team two years ago, and was rated as a find. The coaches refuse to discuss the case, and several undergraduates are of the opinion that Alley was not given a fair show."

In justice to the coaching staff I feel that a word from me would not be out of place. Especially at this time--the most critical point in the season--it is essential that this department be given the enthusiastic and undivided support it merits.

There is no mystery whatever connected with my withdrawing from the squad. Neither is it in any way due to the possibility that I "was not given a fair show." On the other hand, during all the time I participated in the work on Soldiers Field, I was treated with uniform courtesy and consideration by the coaches, the trainer and the management. I was given every opportunity to make good. After my participation in the Bowdoin game I was assigned to the University locker room and the training table--a distinction which I will remember with pleasure.

Soon afterward I received an injury in a scrimmage against the second team, which kept me out of active work during the remaining times that I was on the field. The ultimate cause of my withdrawal was due, not to this, but to a former injury resulting from an accident of last summer, and from which I had supposed myself recovered. This injury had not interfered with the lighter work in the first part of the season, but began to tell on me increasingly as the work became heavier, impeding agility of movement and making greater the danger of another and permanent injury to that part.

I withdrew from the squad most reluctantly and only after careful thought and considerate advice as to my future physical welfare. Just how much that decision cost me, and how dearly I prized this--my only opportunity of making good on the famous Harvard University squad--are points not material to this discussion.

As a participant in the great game from the stand-point of one coming from the southwest, I wish to give voice to my unreserved admiration for the thorough and scientific methods of coaching on Soldiers Field, the personal care and attention given to individual candidates. I have a firm belief in the system inaugurated by Head Coach Crane, aided by his well chosen staff of assistants. His work is characterized by that thoughtful zeal and clear-headedness which in the end must bring success.

The stubborn defensive stand on the one-yard line Saturday, followed by that brilliant set of offensive plays, which, in the closing moments of the game, transformed a defeat into a clean-cut victory, should in themselves be sufficient to establish confidence in the minds of the most exacting critics. It is up to the Harvard men to rally to the support of Coach Crane for these remaining three weeks and accord him that necessary element in all campaigns--enthusiasm--the kind that always wins victories.

After a glance back at the seven already to our credit, let us look forward to "ten straight" for the season.  J. ALLEY '08