Over-Optimism inexcusable

(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:

After one experience with a world-beating Harvard team that was almost universally expected to swamp a supposedly weak Yale team in 1910, I want to offer just a word to the undergraduates, with the exception of the Seniors: to them, I am sure, 1910 taught a valuable lesson.

No matter how powerful, how versatile, or how heralded our Harvard team may be, Yale always puts on the field against us a team that is 100 per cent stronger in football ability, in fighting qualities and staying powers than at any other time during the season. There is no man in Harvard's backfield today who can "touch" Percy Wendell, none is better than Ham Corbett, and the quarterbacks are no better than those of 1910. Injuries may come at any time or the same unaccountable, unfathomable feeling may permeate this year's team that subconsciously enshrouded the team of 1910 after a disappointing scoreless first period.

I am not pessimistic and I know that our team will fight as all Harvard teams can and do, and I know that there is no man in the country that can teach as good or as much football and instill as much spirit as Coach Haughton, but if the shouting of victory is to be ours lets save it until the 23rd. W.M. MINOR '11.