TODAY OR NOT AT ALL

Patriotism is measured by a man's contribution to his country. It doesn't mean idle talk or a superficial waving of the flag. It requires real sacrifice, of money, of time, and of human lives. We who still remain at home can do little enough toward furthering our country's cause. When called upon for that share we must not be found wanting.

Harvard undergraduates have not been slow to realize the war's obligations. Our enrolment has shrunk to one-half its normal figure. Our student body has fully supported every war cause presented to the nation. There are times, however, when students have seemed to fail their country's demands. The charge of Harvard's indifference is largely exaggerated, but it is not entirely unfounded. A glaring example of it is afforded in the failure of the University to contribute properly to the second Red Cross Fund.

There are three great incentives in this campaign. There is the need of supporting the organization which keeps our military establishment fit; there is the great appeal of alleviating human suffering; and there is the baser but important stimulant to action of the smallness of the solicited contribution. If such appeals fail to pierce the student's armor of indifference, Harvard's future is a sad one. Everyone has at least something to give. The man who cannot sacrifice for such a cause is no man at all. He lacks the essentials of true national spirit. Today is the last day of the Red Cross campaign and the last opportunity for Harvard undergraduates to do their duty. Wake up to the urgency of the need of Harvard is to maintain the record which it has in the past established.