FOOTBALL REFORM.

Such a conference as was held yesterday by President Hadley, President Lowell, Mr. Camp, and Mr. Haughton is significant of a new spirit entering into football affairs. That the game is in such a condition that reform is needed has been apparent to all; that four men representing the interests which these men represent should start the reform, is a very hopeful sign for the future.

We do not believe that the abolition of the game is seriously considered. Football has been played too long and by too large a number of men for such a move to be taken suddenly. Its value as a developing influence in education has been too well proved for the injuries of a single season to cause the dropping of the game. Mere financial considerations dictate a cautious policy, for an investment of millions of dollars is represented by stadiums and athletic fields which can be used only for football.

Those reactionaries who fear to see any least change made should be reconciled when the changes are in such good hands. The game in its present form is the result of a series of developments extending over many years, and there is no reason to fear that football with not still be football when the changes are effected intelligently and in the true reform spirit.