LIBERTY--FRATERNITY

Although vexing questions on the subject of the House Plan seem to be infinite in number and variety, there will be a feeling for those vitally interested, that with the statement of Professor Rogers the last word has finally been said.

The exact nature of this last word is not quite clear, but Professor Rogers very evidently feels that a serious situation of some kind exists among colleges in general, and at Harvard in particular. He speaks of a "breakdown in the social organization" and although he implies his belief that the House Plan is a step in the right direction and not altogether false, yet he says it is plainly "artificial". In the first place it violates a Harvard tradition not necessarily a good one but nevertheless a tradition--of individualism. In the second place, a system of fraternities is the only real solution anyhow. Thirdly, or perhaps incidentally the House Plan is "un-American" and "exotic", and it is quite apparent that these qualities have no part in Professor Rogers' conception of true snobbishness.

No specific remedy for all this is mentioned, but the Professor's statement is in itself a bread enough hint for the understanding reader. Traditions, persistent and tenacious things, are not to be altered at the more whim of an Administration. But the idea of fraternities is something else again. Dunster House, under the name of Omega Alpha and Lowell House disguised as Lambda Lambda Lambda would stand a far better chance of saving a critical situation. Add to this the penalty of expulsion for playing bridge or for speaking when spoken to, and the success of the House Plan is ensured.