CHANGE--FOR THE BETTER

For the revision of the recent parietal rules, the President and the seven House Masters of Harvard should receive the gratitude of the University. This step not only proves a willingness to hear and consider the unanimous sentiment of the undergraduate body, but also reveals the determination of the authorities to avoid, wherever possible, reactionary methods of discipline and intolerable instances of police control. In the face of this type of administration, Harvard will never be accused of antiquarian methods of running its own house or of failing to live up to its promise of progressive liberality in all its dealings.

Perhaps most striking of all is the way in which this change was effected. Previous publicity of an unfortunate nature, resulting from several mishaps during the past two years, necessitated a tightening of the parietal rules. For want of a better method, the "two-woman" plan was instituted and was immediately condemned on every side. Backed by a large majority of the undergraduates, the CRIMSON came out strongly against the rule and conducted a poll to determine the exact amount of adverse sentiment.

The findings of the poll are history. Harvard pronounced itself overwhelmingly in favor of immediate revision of the new regulations and a return to the previous standards; the matter was submitted to the corporation and their immediate attention was urged.

Today the rules are once more revised, this time along hearteningly liberal lines, and, it is to be hoped, they will remain final. Whether this is to be the case, however, is squarely up to the Student body. Repetition of the unsavory occurrences of the past few years, with their resulting publicity, will simply mean that the parietal rules will be harshened and will be sternly enforced--this time without hope of speedy change. A great deal of responsibility has been placed in the hands of the undergraduate body and its will has been regarded and accepted in this matter. The future is solely in its hands. In view of this, it can only be hoped that this expression of faith on the part of the authorities will be fully justified.