DISCUSSING THE FUTURE OF YALE.

EDITORS DAILY CRIMSON. - In a recent issue of the New York World appeared a report of the meeting of the Yale alumni. The choice of a successor to Dr. Noah Porter was discussed at some length, but the principal topic of conversation was whether Yale should have an elective system similar to the one now adopted at Harvard. One of the speakers said, "I never knew a boy who went to college at the proper time, from sixteen to nineteen years of age, who knew what line of study was really best for him. Yale has recently been compared disparagingly with Harvard, but although she has not at present so many undergraduates as that institution, no one can gainsay that she exerts a greater influence on the thought and culture of the times." Another speaker was quoted as saying that he hoped optional studies would be altogether discontinued. But what seemed to me the most queer part of it all was, that it was the earnest desire of the alumni to have the name of Yale College changed to Yale University. I do not know what men studying at Harvard will think of these remarks - I am rather inclined to believe they will not give them much weight. It seems absurd to call Yale a University, and then asking that optional studies may be altogether discontinued. Yale needs more elective studies, so as to give every man an opportunity to improve himself in a manner which he deems wisest. I believe a man entering college is capable to make his choice of electives, and a great many men often discuss the matter over with friends and teachers before entering. To give up optional studies is going just one step in the wrong direction, and is almost sure to meet with failure. Harvard has adopted an extensive elective system and its success is already assured. The men who graduate under it are fully equal to those who were obliged to follow only prescribed courses. I am not as certain as is one of the speakers that Yale exerts a greater influence upon the thought and culture of the times, but this question I will leave Harvard men decide for themselves. Harvard can justly call itself a University: when Yale adopts the elective system, and pursues on the whole a more liberal policy, it too can elevate itself from the ranks of a college and assume the more dignified name of a University.

S. B.