Crimson-Colored Glasses

The appointment has led the CRIMSON to print an editorial in which allusion is made to "the various groups of alumni who sometimes make the College's rowing policy a matter of concern to themselves." And the CRIMSON goes on, "There still remain vestiges of past rowing history which may hamper the new coach." This editorial and others which have appeared in the CRIMSON indicate that the undergraduate paper suffers from an obsession which is more or less widespread although it has no foundation.

Now, whatever may be the virtues and failings of the coach who has had charge of the university crew during the past three years, be cannot fairly be accused of truckling, even to Harvard graduates. The truth is that Harvard graduates have not interfered with the coaches, at least in the last forty years. It is easy for a disappointed coach, or for an enthusiastic father who believes his son has not been fairly treated in the competition for a place on a team, to say and even to believe that there was alumni interference, in particular by the graduate committees which existed until a few years ago, but those who have followed Harvard athletics over a long period feel sure there is just as much graduate interference today as there ever has been--namely, none. The misconception, based on ignorance or prejudice, or sometimes, it is feared, on malice, should lose its vogue. Harvard Alumni Bulletin, Dec. 19.