GENTLEMEN OF THE PRESS

The relations of Harvard with the public press have in the past been more than unsatisfactory. The way the scrub-woman case was handled is a notable example. One of the outstanding policies of the CRIMSON has been to emphasize the true value of harmonious dissemination of University news to the metropolitan dailies. Recently the University, in its public relations bureau and H. A. A. News Service, has shown welcome signs of a realization that it serves itself as well as facilitating the work of correspondents.

This new policy has engendered a radical change of thought from the formerly conservative and aloof attitude of the authorities. There are random indications that they are not fully convinced of the efficacy of its abandonment. The breaking of the release date by a New York newspaper yesterday of the announcement of changes in the football coaching staff for next year will undoubtedly hinder complete acceptance of the fact that the press should not be ignored. There is a certain amount of justice in the criticism that the H. A. A. was withholding legitimate news for no other reason than to satisfy a dinner committee, but the important point is that all correspondents at a conference Monday agreed to hold the story until this coming Saturday, the date set for release. When the New York paper violated the ethics of journalism there was, of course, nothing for its rivals to do but protect themselves by printing the story also.

Admittedly, Harvard would gain nothing by a relapse into its former silence, allowing the press to misrepresent the University because of faulty information. On the other hand, such instances as that of yesterday succeed in reopening a breach, too recently closed, which can lead in the end only to mutual distrust. The Fourth Estate, in protesting against Harvard's indifference to the public, has seemingly forgotten that it, too, has its responsibilities. There are two sides to this particular bargain.