ATHLETIC COMMITTEE CHANGE

Yesterday came the announcement like a flash from a clear sky that the three Deans are no longer to be ex officiis members of the Athletic Committee, but that "three members of the faculty of arts and Sciences" are to be "appointed by the Corporation with the consent of the Overseers." This virtually means that the recommendation of the Joint committee on the regulation of Athletic Sports, after less than a year's trial; is to be partially, if not absolutely ignored. The "standing rules and orders of the President and Fellows and the Board of Overseers, concerning the regulation of athletic sports," are returned to their original wording, as they existed before the Joint Committee made its thorough investigation.

A year ago one of the ablest men who ever had a hand in our athletic control was dropped from the Committee in order to comply with the new recommendations. The three Deans, it was believed, would be relieved of much of the responsibility by the intended appointment of a general athletic manager. Until very recently no such manager was appointed, and the time of three very busy men was accordingly heavily taxed. At first the Deans did not altogether understand the work, but now they are in touch with the conditions and are proving most efficient members of the committee.

In short, just as the work bids fair to become easier, just as the duties are being learned, the way is paved for the removal of the most permanent part of a far too changeable Committee.

If the Corporation really believes that it made a mistake a year ago in adopting the recommendations, it is admitting a most deplorable blunder; by returning to the old policy it becomes responsible for another of those useless vacillations for which we are becoming so famous.

It does not follow from the vote that the Deans are not eligible to reappointment, or will not eligible to reappointment, or will not be given the choice of retiring or remaining in office. We sincerely hope that, with Mr. Garcelon in office, Dean Briggs, Dean Huribut, and Dean Sabine may have the time and the opportunity to accept the position both for the sake of the benefits of permanency and because we appreciate their efficient labors in behalf of Harvard's athletics.