FAIR EXCHANGE

One of the sound economic principles upon which every vast, business or industrial unit has been established is to receive profits commensurate with the value of the goods dispensed. Whether or not those goods are material, physical, or intellectual, a fair evaluation ought at all times to be determined if returns are to be considered. In spite of momentary fluctuations, therefore, the price scale retains a comparatively even level.

To estimate the value of his goods, is the task of each individual producer, a task upon which to no small degree his future, may depend. In accordance with this principle, Harvard is not to be denied the right of establishing whatever tuition fee may seem reasonable. Presumably the current income is calculated to defray merely the yearly running expenses of the institution.

The fact that the University has deemed it necessary in the past twelve months, however, to increase the fee exacted for additional courses, focuses attention on the underlying reason for the incidental source of income. The fee comes as a natural consequence in the case of a student desiring more courses than are ordinarily allowed under present tuition rates; on the other hand upon the conscientious man who prefers to enlist his efforts in bearing the brunt of concentration during his early college career, the fee falls with undue severity. No well defined arguments can be conceived to support a scheme which makes the price of the same education more expensive for one student than for another.

In view of the strain which Divisional Examinations impose upon Seniors, most of the major departments of concentration give logical encouragement to the handling of one extra course during either . Sophomore or Junior years; under ordinary circumstances this is for the sole purpose of alleviating the pressure of rigid obligations when preparation for orals and theses is in progress.

The departments, therefore advise it; the feasibility of the general programme is acknowledged; yet when graduation approaches, no adjustment is made. To those who are paying more than the usual price for a normal Harvard education, the University owes a definite obligation. The entire situation deserves a firmer economic foundation.