Athletic Committee for U. of P.

An editorial which has recently appeared in "The Pennsylvanian," strongly advocates the appointment of an athletic committee similar to the one at Harvard, to have entire charge of athletics at the University of Pennsylvania. The editorial says in part: "It isn't a very pleasant thing to have to say, but there is and has been entirely too much heard from some of the individual Directors of the Athletic Association; too much posing before the public; too great, far too great a tendency to rush into print on every possible occasion. Not only in the present instance, but many times in the past, has this morbid desire for publicity on the part of those who are ostensibly managing athletics in Pennsylvania's interest, but who often appear to do so chiefly to advertise themselves, done Pennsylvania lasting harm and made her appear ridiculous. The position in which we are now placed in regard to Yale is a mortifying one for all Pennsylvania men. There has not been-there is not now, the slightest chance of a Pennsylvania. Yale football game this year. We make this statement advisedly. Yale refused games last year in both football and baseball, certainly the only dignified and independent course for Pennsylvania to pursue was to wait until Yale, forced by public opinion and her own desire for fair play, should issue a challenge, but instead of that the reported statements of the Chairman of Pennsylvania's Football Committee and the Manager of the Yale Team make it apparent that having again made the first advances, whether officially or otherwise, Pennsylvania has again received from Yale a refusal to resume athletic relations.

A radical change should be affected, and that soon, by which the powers of the directors of the athletic association should be restricted, and the powers of the faculty committee extended, so that it may direct our policy towards other colleges. Harvard has adopted such a system, and her policy under the direction of Professor Ames, has been characterized by dignity, independence and fairness.

We are sure that such a system here would entirely do away with the possibility of any such unpleasant disturbances as the one which has just occurred, and would be a splendid move to advance the best and truest interests of Pennsylvania.

That the proposal of the Pennsylvanian is received with favor by the students, the following letter from an undergraduate of U. of P. will show:

Editor Pennsylvanian:

DEAR SIR:- The action of the Pennsylvanian in advocating the institution of a faculty advisory committee to supervise the athletic association, should receive the unqualified endorsement of the whole student body.

The firm, equitable and dignified position of Harvard in all athletic matters of recent years offers a telling argument in favor of having a similar body in control of athletics at Pennsylvania.

With such an executive, the position and attitude of Pennsylvania would be always clearly defined and our college would secure the proper recognition.

Very truly yours,

LAWRENCE H. MARKS.