HAA BUDGET

To the Editors of the CRIMSON:

It is evident from last Wednesday's CRIMSON that the coming year will be most crucial for the future of Harvard Athletics. For during this period the administration will decide whether to continue full support of the athletic program or whether to put a ceiling on athletic expenditures. If the latter course is adopted, such sports as wrestling, soccer, and 150-lb. crew would presumably be reduced to club status.

I realize that the University must economize wherever it soundly can if it is ever to keep costs under control. But to reduce sports to club status just to save what is really a mere pittance is false economy. By degrading lacrosse the University saved $5,000. Was this sum, almost an undistinguishable digit in the multi-figured budget of the University, worth all the furor and ill-feeling that resulted? This $5,000, twice the $5,000, and I wager seven times this $5,000 could be saved if some efficient person delved into the general workings of buildings and grounds--the department responsible for the up-keep of University buildings.

So instead of taking the easy way out by disregarding its obligations towards some of the less prominent sports I propose that the University authorities take a step back and carefully evaluate the general running of buildings and grounds. I think that the results may prove interesting.

If this department can prove that it is efficiently run as it should be, the University must have other resources real or potential elsewhere with which to promote competitive sports so essential to the financial and physical well-being. To let each sport survive as best it can on its own would be unfortunate. Albert Gordon,   Capt. Track Team.