THE LAST OF THE BIG LITTLE SPENDERS

To the Editors of The Crimson:

It really is funny the things that end up in print together. Take for example a couple of stories that appeared in last Friday's Crimson (Nov. 1).

One article told us that Harvard is sending a delegation to Iran "to explore the possibility of Harvard aiding in the development of the Iranian higher education system." It lists at least five people making the pilgrimage. Chase Peterson noted that "any action taken would have to [be] consistent with our educational purpose. Our job is to teach school and do research in Cambridge..." He states further that Harvard would pay for the trip "because we don't want to be under any obligation." By current rates for air travel that amounts to at least $7000 and possibly $10,200--for air travel alone! I think that it is wonderful that Harvard has so great an excess of resources.

On that same front page of The Crimson, there is an article about saving money. We are told that "the administration has compiled a list of possible areas for saving money...including the discontinuation of...the bells desk at Currier House." Later in the article, Joan Keenan, co-master of North House, suggests that "priorities must be set before changes are made." I must differ with Ms. Keenan--I think that it is very clear that the administration's priorities are set. H.A. Decker '76