DANGER OF DEMORALIZATION

The University is undoubtedly awake to the gravity of our situation. What with the urgings and exhortations of the nation's patriotic leaders, the majority of eligible men in college, except for the select pacifists who are always with us, are engaged in some sort of military training. The minority have decided what they will do the moment war is declared. No state of indecision exists at Harvard.

Already the Athletic Committee has announced that all schedules will be cancelled and formal athletics will be discontinued upon the advent of war. This action enables all University athletes to make definite arrangements for joining military units at a later date. Already the Faculty has passed rules governing undergraduates leaving College to join state or national organizations. Already special plans have been arranged to facilitate the members of the R. O. T. C. continuing their course, provided increased hours of instruction are added. All these preparations have been wisely made in advance. However, war has not yet been declared, and although we may expect it, such a declaration is not a certainty. Until the final step has been taken University business should go on as usual. Since there is a possibility of special final examinations being given in a short time, the present hour examinations ought to be considered more seriously. For some men they may in great part be the deciding element in the final grades for the year's courses. Like-wise, it is poor judgement for men to drop organized athletic work on the supposition that all contests will be cancelled.

Men may well feel the responsibilities of the future, but present duties must not be forgotten. Let every individual arrange detailed plans to be followed the moment war is declared. At present ward off danger of general demorilization and be guided by the phrase "Business As Usual."