THE UNDERGRADUATE'S DUTY.

CAMBRIDGE, April 27, 1898.

To the Editors of the Crimson:

MY DEAR SIRS:- I read with pleasure the editorial in this morning's issue of your paper. It seems to me to express the position which every student of Harvard should hold. The word to men going into battle is "Steady, men," and I think it applies in this crisis of our national affairs. Those young men who lose their heads at the first beat of the drum make poor soldiers and do not benefit the cause of their country.

I am sure every Harvard student is ready to lay down his life when the welfare of his country makes it necessary, but it is no evidence of patriotism to rush madly into enlistment when one's course is not clear. Our motto should be to pursue the college course with calmness, and drill.

The generosity of a few graduates has provided arms for all those students who wish to prepare for the emergency which may call for their services, and the quickest way to be useful is to learn to handle and care for their arms.

No one should forget that he owes a duty to his people whose wishes should be consulted before committing oneself irrevocably to a course which might give them pain. I do not think that any man who now belongs to a military organization and who is familiar with its duties should hesitate to go when that body is called out. Others should consider carefully, and when the conscience tells them it is time to go, will serve the better for the delay, especially if they have in the meantime learned the manual of arms. No one can question the patriotism of Harvard, which has shared every contest through which the country has passed, and the men of Harvard will be sure to bear their burden when the hour is sounded.

Very truly yours,

IRA N. HOLLIS.