A PLEASANT SUGGESTION

Nothing, certainly, would be more pleasant for the undergraduate than the institution of an invitation system for football games. As one of those most interested and consequently most favored, he would be benefited by such a change more than anyone else. The alumni, also, would profit a little. But if the object of such an innovation were to stamp out commercialism in college athletics, it would very probably fall.

Aside from the difficulty of raising a $10,000,000 endowment fund to pay all of the University athletic expenses which as a matter of fact would prove far less inseparable than one imagines the plan itself has weaknesses that detract from its rather idyllic beauty. The feeling of exclusiveness which even now enhances the value of Harvard Yale game tickets would become almost painful if everything depended on invitation-although the people eligible for invitations would be just the same ones who may now secure their tickets by application. And the sordid, commercial value of tickets would be enhanced as well. The black-list would have to be maintained, for those who might part with their birthright, for the celebrated mess of pottage. The only real difference would be that the Athletic Association would have no gate receipts.

To meet this practical objection, a $10,000,000 endowment fund would have to be gathered; and since it would be for the most popular of all causes athletics this fund would have an unusual appeal. Even such as extraordinary amount might be secured. But in securing it, the entire object of the plan would inevitably be defeated. Athletics would receive such advertising as never before. It still seems best that those who enjoy the games should pay the piper.