PURIFICATION AD ABSURDUM

"Scrutiny of sources of income, whether furnished by alumni or 'earned' by the student, will mean that no man can play on the teams, can belong to the highest rank of undergraduate aristocracy, unless he is supported by his father or guardian". In such fashion does the New York Times cast doubt upon the wisdom of the "present purging". And although we recognize that such a danger is possible if the purification be carried ad absurdum, the true value of amateur rulings depends not on their phrasing or their explicitness but upon the spirit in which they are enforced.

The purpose of ideal college athletics is to furnish all who desire it an opportunity for exercise made more interesting by competition. Athletes of repute whose sole aim in college is to make a name and perhaps a professional position have no place in amateur sport. But the athlete of small means who is honestly aiming for the best in a university education should not be shut out from benefits, physical or social, because some friendly alumnus sees fit to assist him with funds.

To incorporate such a principle within the terminology of fixed rules is very difficult. Some clever evaders are likely to "get by", while some who are far more worthy of the privilege may easily be excluded. Rules of course are necessary but the enforcement should be according to the spirit rather than the letter of the law.

One step toward a fair and honest treatment of the question is the examination of individual cases of doubtful standing by a faculty athletic advisor. A professor, at least, could be trusted to decide such matters with impartiality toward both man and college, and sport would be rid of the charges of lying professionals.