TIME MARCHES ON

Although there is no special divinity which lends infallibility to the resolutions of Crimson editors in these columns, the Ballantine-Bowditch proposal to reorganize the Student Council does strike effectively at faults which have weakened that organization in recent years.

The Council at present utilizes very few of the functions which originally made it a Student Council. No longer does it make any real effort to "create the general sentiment that it is a question of individuals and college honor to maintain a strict attention to scholastic duties" or exercise direct jurisdiction over individual students. These approaches are incompatible with the Harvard theories of independence and individuality. No longer does it exercise the powers of advising student organizations concerning their conduct, of checking up on the scholastic misdemeanors of students, of guarding against evils in the conduct of athletics, or of investigating the infringement of any college rule or regulation. For one reason or other these powers have all been thrown into the discard.

What is there left? First of all, there is the administration of undergraduate affairs, such as elections, which is carried on by individuals. Secondly, there is the valuable report-making function which is carried on in committees. Thirdly, there is the function as a safety-valve for both University Hall and students in infrequent emergencies which is carried on by the Council as a whole.

Of these activities the Council only performs the report-making function above reproach. Its administration of undergraduate affairs has been marked by inefficiency which well-considered plans and rules could have avoided. It has failed to develop its function as "safety valve" to the point where it is exerting, the greatest possible benefit to the College and the student body.

Some changes are necessary if the conflicting aims and lack of vigor which have characterized the Council in recent years are to be conquered. Possibly, this will come from a changed attitude within the organization, but the reasons which prompted the resolution under discussion should receive detailed attention.