JOYOUS KUDOS

With the sheaves of both sound and preposterous criticism which have swamped the CRIMSON since its evidently staggering proposal to give Dr. Hanfstaengl an honorary degree, it seems a fitting time to consider just what the requirements for one of these awards should be. Certainly in the last few years these much desired kudos have not all gone to men whose accomplishments merit recognition from the most renowned college in the country.

Convention, the need for well-balanced programs, "pull," and the seeming necessity of a pageant of notables, are the four elements which have undermined the impartial grounds on which these awards are made. There are always the easy choices such as Douglas, Cross, and Shapley last year, and probably Lowell, Lippmann, and Hillyer this year, but after these selections the other considerations seem to reign supreme. The usual call for diplomats last year resulted in the choice of the French Ambassador, undoubtedly a distinguished man, but his chances for distinction in this country had begun just a few weeks previously. The requirement that each man give a speech has forced the Corporation to think of the drawing power of the program. And then a friend on the Corporation or some other connection is of invaluable assistance. Lastly, the supposition has grown up that each year Harvard must have a pageant of notables decoratively arrayed on the platform for this important occasion. The choice of Alfred E. Smith last year not only gave Harvard a chance to show its originality, but lent a real color to the festivities. The fact that the accomplishments which merited a degree occurred several years before when he was Governor of New York prior to his retirement, made no difference. It really is too bad that Roosevelt has received a degree for Roosevelt and Hoover on the same platform would be an unequalled combination.

Thus to the CRIMSON the proposal to give Dr. Hanfstaengl a degree seems no crime against civilization. Not only would he lend Sever Quadrangle usual excitement, but he is a Harvard graduate who has risen to an important post in a foreign country. This, of course, is a deviation from a consideration of honorary degrees.

These four faults must be corrected. As far as Harvard graduates are concerned, each of the older class secretaries after consultation with some members of the class might send is names of the man of men they consider worthy of the award. An impartial committee composed of members of the Alumni Bulletin and Association would cut this list down to ten. They would select the same number of non graduates, it would then be the job of the Corporation and the President to select the recipients from this list. If they felt that there weren't sufficient men with records worthy of awards, the number would be cut down. But above all it is important to keep the award of Harvard degree on the basis of constructive accomplishment and not on the basis of a satisfactory program.