The Painting of the Statue.

To the Editors of the Crimson:

After the painting of John Harvard's statue some years ago, people said: "Yes-Harvard men win a game and then paint their founder's statue." Graduates and undergraduates alike felt the disgrace deeply, but it did seem as if such a misdemeanor would never occur again.

To say that the repetition of an act criminal enough the first time it was committed has disgusted Harvard men is putting it mildly. One and all are ashamed and exasperated that there should be a man among us who thinks that the way to glorify his University's athletic achievements is by smirching her reputation.

There is danger, however, that the fellows will, in this case as in others, think it unnecessary for them to take an active part in the matter. They should not look at it merely as an offence against college property, however, which it is the business of the administrative board to deal with, but as a personal insult against them as Harvard men.

A committee of undergraduates has been appointed to investigate the matter and the college authorities are in favor of action on the part of the students. It is not a case of common significance but one which puts the whole University in a very unfavorable light. It therefore seems the distinct duty of every Harvard man, even if personally affected, to lend a helping hand.

'98.