ACTION SPEAKS LOUDEST

For the first time in five long years of much discussion and little action, Harvard has taken definite steps to ameliorate its Housing problem. Yesterday University Hall gave out the gladsome tidings that the Associate Member Plan has been adopted and that preference in the admission of upperclassmen to the Houses has been assured. Such a move as this must be gratifying not only to the Freshman class but to the whole college as well; for the cleavages between House men and out-of-Housers which have become increasingly sharp recently will now tend to disappear.

Whether this action will prove sufficient to solve the House Question "in toto" is very doubtful, but a great step has been taken. For when thought is once converted into action, as has happened in this instance, it is likely that suggestions for definite measures in the future will be more readily met. Indeed, it is this aspect of the decision that is as cheering as any tangible achievement made toward alleviating this problem. For, excellent as these moves are, they cannot be regarded as final solutions. There yet remains to be solved the very thorny question of House selection.

These considerations, however, do not detract from the advances that have been made. The House Masters are to be congratulated for their acceptance of these plans; and the Council, for suggesting them in its report. There can be no doubt that Harvard will benefit tremendously from yesterday's decision.