AS the recent action of the authorities in regard to the Annex and the Library is held by some to be an arbitrary exercise of power, an inquiry into the propriety and justness of the action of the authorities cannot but be pertinent. First, let us see how much the library privileges of the Annex have been abridged. The Annex is allowed to take out books on the same terms as the College. In the reading-room of the Annex, books taken from the Library are reserved as they are in the Library for the College. Finally, whatever books on the reference shelves of the Library are wanted by the Annex can be taken out for the night, but not until after the College has been served. The Annex has merely, then, been excluded from the use of the alcoves in which books of reference are kept.

Looking only to the present, there was no cause for the action of the authorities, as only three of the young ladies were accustomed to use these alcoves, - so few that objection could not be made to the room which they occupied. Looking, however, to the future, the action of the authorities was timely, reasonable, and just. The number of men who study in the Library is rapidly increasing, and it will not be long before there will be a question of room. But behind all this there is a principle involved dear to all those who wish to see Harvard maintain her ancient prestige. When the Annex was first started, it was said that the young ladies were coming to Cambridge simply to be instructed by our professors, and so intimate a connection between the College and the Annex as has come into existence was not a part of the ostensible scheme. To check this tendency of degeneration into coeducation, the first step has been taken; and, if need be, the authorities ought not to hesitate to take the second.

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