HOME RULE FOR THE UNION.

In a recent editorial the CRIMSON asked the question: "Why can't the Union have home rule?" By this the CRIMSON means that those most active and interested in the Union should control it. While the men elected at the last election are able men and representative of important University activities, with a few conspicuous exceptions they have not showed themselves particularly interested in the Union. Indeed, this is only natural considering the great amount of their time which is taken up by their other activities.

Why could not some offices in the Union be put on a competitive basis? Candidates could be called out who should do various kinds of work connected with the management of the Union and the extending of its service and its use by men and clubs. They would thus thoroughly learn its problems and methods; and those showing the greatest interest and ability could be elected members of a House Committee or other body. Within this committee the competition could be continued for certain of the higher offices.

A striking analogy is furnished by the case of the University Register. Up to this year the book had been a financial failure, the outstanding indebtedness having reached over a thousand dollars. This was largely due to non-competitive methods of management. The issue for 1914-15, however, was managed on a purely competitive basis; and the result was a larger and more complete volume and a net earning of more than four hundred dollars. No stronger proof of the value of competitive methods could be adduced.

There seems to be no reason why a similar system could not be installed at the Union. An office in the Union, since it is by far the largest organization in the University, carries with it enough honor to attract candidates. A tradition could be built up and the prestige of the competition would grow. The Register has already taken its place as an important college activity; the management of the Union should a-fortiori do likewise. Of course, some elective offices, as at present, should remain, in order to secure representation of the members. But some process of natural selection should be also adopted to assure the choice of interested and active men.