THE UNION PROBLEM

The Union, as Harvard men now know it, is to go by the board; so much has been definitely decided. It is reasonable to assume that functions now performed by the Union will be adequately provided for under the new system.

In at least three ways the Union has vindicated its existence. It has served as an eating place for a large number of students, most of whom will in all probability be cared for under the House Plan when it is in full operation. Eight dining halls will take the place of one; certainly provision can be made for all men in college. Graduate students, on the other hand, present another problem. It is understood that they will be invited to use the Faculty Club for purposes of meetings. Their eating problem so far has been left in the air. The eventual solution may be found in some such scheme as Yale's graduate quadrangle.

The Union has always served as a convenient place for certain types of undergraduate meetings and social functions. Phillips Brooks House, properly remade, may possibly be able to take its place. And finally the barber shop, billiard room, and library are examples of the everyday services which any Harvard man has come to expect from the Union. These problems are admittedly unsolved as yet, and it would be foolish for the CRIMSON to attempt immediately to suggest the remedy.

The University administration may be criticized with a certain degree of justification, for leaping before looking. But in the long run, the proposed disposition of the Union will probably be found to be the best plan, and cooperation from the start is the only way of reaching the ultimate practical solution.