THE MAIL

(Ed. Note--The Crimson does not necessarily endorse opinions expressed in printed communications. No attention will be paid to anonymous letters and only under special conditions, at the request of the writer, will names be withheld.)

To the Editor of the CRIMSON:

In the CRIMSON yesterday appeared an article which severely criticized what seems to me to be one of the chief advantages of the House Plan. I refer to that of Headmaster Winser of Middlesex, suggesting that Freshmen be included in the House Plan.

Now, the whole idea of having the Freshmen together for one year is to give them a chance to get acquainted with one another, and to give them that class consciousness which, if not important during their college days, is very necessary afterwards. The first year is the best year for a class to be together since, by the Senior year other acquaintanceships have been made, some have dropped a class while still others have had their names completely erased from the college records.

Mr. Winsor speaks of having Freshmen "assigned" to a House, and then "moulded" by the House Master to fit the House. But Harvard does not try to "mould" its men, now, and there should be no more moulding after the new Houses are in being. Why isn't it much better to let them have a year to choose their friends and choose their House. Under Mr. Winsor's suggestion. I'm afraid there would be a great deal of changing Houses at the end of the Freshman year. The House Plan is to be one essentially of choice.

Then, too, the Freshmen have their own athletics, their own yearbook, and have interests more common to all than the other classes.

Last, but not least, the Freshmen would not be ready for the leniency, and other general traits of the Houses. Most of them do not know how to study properly, none of them would have tutors, etc.

In conclusion, I might mention that Yale's new House Plan is to include Freshmen, and in this matter, I believe will lie one of Harvard's future superiorities. W. R. Harper '30.   Member of S. C. Committee on the House Plan.