DOWN BY THE RIVER.

The Freshman Dormitories have been coming in of late for their full share of criticism. They are termed reactionary; Mr. Mackie in the Bulletin fears they are undemocratic; and, dearest of all objections, they are looked upon as the tombstones of Harvard individualism. But criticism or no criticism, the dormitories stand by the river in extremely solid and tangible form, and are to be occupied next fall. Their possibilities for good or evil have been pretty thoroughly thrashed out, so that we understand the pros and cons and have formed our opinions. We can argue and argue on them without affecting their course beyond a few details; and we can wear holes in the threadbare subject of their potential influence on individualism, accomplishing little except the creation of the holes. Suggestions as to beneficial modifications are always in order; but attacks on the scheme itself might well rest for the present until it can be observed in actual practice.