SELECTING THE TEAMS.

The Spirit of the Times, in an article headed "Harvard Notes," speaks of a new scheme for the selection of the teams in the various branches of athletics in the following manner: "As regards the team selections, the objection is against the system which has prevailed for years, and is not in any respect to be considered as a stricture upon any individual. Tersely stated, the proposition advanced is that the captain, or other superior officers, should not have the selection of the men, but that unbiased outsiders should designate the men, and the captain should simply train and manage the material selected under suitable advisors. The arguments advanced by the supporters of this scheme are, of course, numerous, and include among others the abolition of the charge of favoritism, which is not infrequently heard; the offering of a larger number of men as candidates, if they know outside parties are to consider their qualifications; more conscientious play by those selected when they realize that their position is not dependent upon the favor of the captain, but upon their own merits; better playing on the part of the captain himself, who now often remains idle, that he may see his men in practice before choosing, etc. As a proof that the idea is feasible, the supporters point to the crew where the plan is carried out to some extent, but they desire a much more comprehensive arrangement, and hope to place the entire management in the hands of the board they seek to organize.

Exactly as to how the details should be arranged, should the plan be adopted, has not been fully settled, but one of the plans suggested provides that for each special sport, as base-ball, foot-ball, cricket, boating, athletics, etc., there should be, say, three advisers appointed who have practical knowledge, and who should have special charge of their particular branch. At stated times it is proposed that all these several boards should meet in one body, and, in connection with the Faculty Committee of athletics, consider all questions which may properly come before it, especially in regard to playing, schedules, etc. Of course, objections are not wanting to this plan, but the supporters claim that a modification of some of the details, if necessary, will make it practicable and, as a need of some such action, will right the numerous defeats which Harvard has suffered where the cause can be assigned to the improper filling of a position by an inferior man.