INSTITUTE AND UNIVERSITY.

Competition between the Schools of Applied Science of Technology and Harvard has never been intentionally cutthroat, but its effect, nevertheless, has been to lower the efficiency of each institution in the field of science. That rich phrase, reduplication of effort, has always pointed an accusing finger at the obvious waste of rival educational institutions serving the same community. But a sort of desire for solitary completeness has been put aside and co-operation, which sixteen and eleven years ago, was suggested and failed to carry, has finally begun. The details of the agreement which was accepted yesterday are bewildering; but there are only a few of them that need bother any but their administrators.

Students in the co-operative school will be students in Harvard with the privileges of Harvard with the privileges of Harvard professional school students. Practically this means simply that they will not be eligible for athletic teams and such distinctly College activities. They will be allowed to room in Harvard dormitories, which may solve the problem of refilling the rooms which the Freshman Dormitories will empty.

As regards the granting of degrees, students in the departments of science affected by the agreement will receive them from both institutions, unless they especially request otherwise. This arrangement is similar to the one already existing between the Andover Divinity School and the University.

But the most important phase of the plan for co-operation is the feeling of cordiality between Technology and Harvard with which it has been made. Jealousy between rival schools and the roaring sentiment of graduates have always been overwhelming. In western states, notably Iowa, where rival scientific schools have existed, both of them under the wing of the state, the feeling has been too strong to allow even state authority to bring about a union of any sort. Harvard and Technology have overcome these natural sentiments and, without common authority, have joined in a plan which will carry influence all over the country. Institutions of such prestige cannot but set an example which will be followed. It is interesting to note in this connection that a similar co-operation has been contemplated by the scientific schools of London and will probably soon go into effect.

Thus co-operation instead of competition has wisely been undertaken, and in at least one great instance the public good has, at the same time, been made paramount to wasteful institutional pride.