Communication

(We invite all men in the University to submit communications on subjects of timely interest, but assume no responsibility for sentiments expressed under this head.)

To the Editors of the CRIMSON:

I write you in regard to a matter which was, I understand, recently the subject of comment in your columns, the conflict between a proposed half-hour test in Physics 1 on November 8 and the proposed expedition to Princeton on the same day.

When the Dean of the College gave his official consent to certain students who wished to visit Princeton on the day in question, he did so, and he supposed the students understood the matter, subject to the following condition, which is of long standing: "Neither the Office nor the Committee on the Regulation of Athletic Sports has power to excuse any student from any examination or other test that an instructor may wish to require." That is, the Dean meant that the Office would not discipline the students for the mere act of cutting or absenting themselves from Cambridge. Beyond this his permission did not and could not extend.

After discussion of the matter with many of my colleagues. I am now satisfied that there was a genuine misunderstanding of the scope of the Dean's action, and I shall accordingly postpone to Tuesday, November 11, the half-hour test which would regularly be given on November 8.

I hope that in future we shall be able to avoid misunderstandings of this kind.  PROFESSOR EDWIN H. HALL