HYGIENE URGED FOR SCHOOLS

In an address delivered in the Union yesterday evening before a gathering of over 200 high school principals of Massachusetts President Eliot set forth his opinions on the elective system in schools as well as colleges, the value of physical instruction and the teaching of hygiene in the secondary schools, and various other questions of current interest to the educators of the country. The occasion of the speech was a dinner given in the Trophy Room of the Union at the close of the opening day of the first Conference of High School Principals of Massachusetts.

In opening, President Eliot said: "The principals of high schools have not kept in mind the importance of the elective system." He maintained that the cure of most of the educator's troubles lay in the proper adoption of the elective system, provided that care was used in carrying it into effect. He stated also that there was a need for physical training, such as is in force in the military system of Switzerland, and better instruction in hygiene.

"This country is desperately--desperately is the word, gentlemen--in need of instruction in hygiene and social as well as personal cleanliness, which is not given at home."