PRACTICAL PROBLEMS.

Criticism abounds among undergraduates. On all sides are heard complaints against this or that method of administration, and pessimistic views on the problems confronting the University. The present system of section meetings appeals to none: to the honor men it is a bore; to the indolent it is a bane. To many the section assistant is an unapproachable being, devoid of all human interests and of all the qualities that make a successful teacher. The athletic system is a source of anxiety to students who believe that at present intercollegiate sport is conducted on a commercial and professional basis. Although scholarship is generally regarded as a useless and unnecessary asset in modern life, there are still a great many serious minded students who regard the problem of scholarship as Harvard's chief concern and never cease to worry over our present low standard. These are only a few examples of problems confronting the University. So various and widespread are the sources of discontent that a constant stream of editorials, communications and essays, most of which are critical and only few suggestive, continues to agitate our College community. So another question is added to our already long list--how to obtain clear and suggestive undergraduate opinions as to the best way to solve our difficulties.

To find such recommendations for improvements and outlines of reform the Advocate has continued the policy inaugurated last year of holding a prize contest open to students of Harvard College. As subjects for the prize essays the Advocate has selected six vital problems of the University and allows the contestants to take any point of view they choose in considering the issue. This has been done with the hope of obtaining at least the beginnings of practical answers to these six important subjects. Certainly this contest affords an admirable chance to all students in the College to give their views on some of the University's problems and to make suggestions for their practical solution.