PHI BETA KAPPA

"Scholarship standing as evidenced by grades at the College Office must not be the sole standard of election." These are the words of the writer of this morning's communication on the Phi Beta Kappa and it would be difficult to find others that more definitely embodied the opinion of the CRIMSON on the subject. In criticising the position taken by the CRIMSON has never even as much as hinted that entrance grades should be counted as a basis for eligibility to the society. In the second place, although perhaps an erroneous impression was given in our editorial Monday, our idea about the fixed standard was, that if maintained, it should ensure eligibility not election. On April 1, 1911, we defined our position: "If there were a set standard of work, and if Freshmen and Sophomores were eligible, then at once this standard would become generally known and men of ability at all studiously inclined would be attracted." Here, as in the editorial Monday, by eligibility of Freshmen is meant eligibility of men based upon their first year record, not their admission record.

We believe that Phi Beta Kappa is now a more powerful influence than any other to enlist undergraduate interest in scholarship. The fact that the Office grades are not the sole standard of election is perhaps a strong factor in this influence. But we think that it could make itself a still greater power for intellectual achievement if the suggestions made were adopted. It would be indeed a source of regret if the suggestion of a possible improvement should be interpreted as adverse criticism of so valuable an organization.