COLONEL APTED

The Dunster House assault is only one of the cases which has given the College unpleasant notoriety this fall. While the conflict between freedom and personal responsibility in the matter of excessive drinking is at the root of these tragedies, there are several important secondary questions which the coming College investigation must consider. The first is Colonel Apted.

The Colonel's testimony in court Friday showed clearly that he was responsible for subjecting an innocent man to untold mental agonies. This was because his investigation was hasty, brutal, and prejudiced. Although many undergraduates were certain of Ryan's guilt, he never took cognizance of this sentiment and failed to see Francis, the only witness to the attack.

Upon his own testimony, he carefully concealed evidence, the polo coat and the note, which he considered of great importance. Upon his own testimony he took but fifteen minutes in which to complete his complicated investigation of five people. His "anything you say will be held against you" attitude in dealing with George is uncomfortably reminiscent of the methods of the blustering sergeant. And this is the basis of his recommendation for George's arrest. His conduct of the case and his testimony in court are a disgrace to Harvard.

This blunder is even more significant as one of a series. With the officious and unsympathetic air of a pompous egotist, he has constantly terrorized undergraduates suspected of misdemeanors, when human treatment might have elicited accurate information and prevented humiliation and error. We are forced to conclude that Colonel Apted's tenure of office has been detrimental to the best interests of the College and recommend his immediate dismissal on grounds of incompetence.

Not only should his successor possess ability and an understanding of human nature, but his post should become as important in practice as it is in theory. First, such an individual should organize the Yard Police on standards of efficiency and decency. Secondly, he should take over the duties of the Regent. Thirdly, he should have a seat on the Administrative Board. In other words, he should be a well-paid assistant to Mr. Hanford, who can intelligently aid the administration of undergraduate disciplinary policies and prevent the entanglement of Harvard in unsavory scandals.