PRESIDENT LOWELL'S REPORT.

An intelligent study of President Lowell's annual report is well worth the while of anyone who takes an interest in the solution of the larger problems of policy and organization which constantly face the head of a large University. The report shows that the past year, although marred by the loss of several of the greatest men on the Faculty, has been one of continued progress in all branches.

As was to be expected, nearly all of the departments, affected by the recent increase of tuition, with the brilliant exception of the Business School, have suffered a slight loss in the number of new students. The increase of tuition was a measure of imperative necessity, and it is hardly probable that it has deprived Harvard of more than a very small number of students.

The reorganization of the Dean's Office immediately following the resignation of Dean Hurlbut, is in conformance with a general policy of creating a closer personal connection between the students and the officers of the University. Another important step towards the substitution of personal contact and influence in place of authority, is the exchange of College House for Randolph Hall. President Lowell expresses the hope that this is but the beginning of a larger movement having for its end the housing of all students in buildings owned by the University.

An investigation into the Department of Economics by means of questionaires addressed both to past and present students of the department, showed that they considered the results of economic study of cultural rather than vocational value. The answers also showed that they rated the various methods of instruction used in the following order: assigned reading, class room discussion, lectures, reports and other exercises. The results of this investigation should help other departments to decide which method of instruction demands chief emphasis.

Of late years the number of students at the Law School has increased out of all proportion to its endowment and to the provisions for its teaching staff. "The 100th anniversary of the founding of the School, which falls in the current academic year, would seem an appropriate occasion for increasing the endowment, and providing new professorships."

President Lowell closes his report with the significant statement that by raising the tuition, Harvard has drawn on her last source of supply. If she is to maintain her present position among American universities and attract men who can adequately fill the chairs of the great professors whom she has lost by death or resignation during the present year, more funds must be forthcoming. The $10,000,000 endowment fund is the best answer which Harvard's graduates can give to this plea.