New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-06-03
THREE YEARS At HARVARD.


The chief tonic for discussion in college
circles during the commencement season which
is inst bepinning has been suddenly assigned
Nv Harvard University. Many individuals
ontside of Cambridge have probably been
aware that the question OF piacucallS reouoi,'6
the course of study to three years mas neeh the
subject of serious consideration by the liar'aru
authorities for year or more but we suppose
that until the fact was divulged a day 0r TWO
ago few persons whose advice had not Deen
solicited knew that this wide departure from
ancient rules and practice had been sanctioned
NV the faculty. the academic council and the
corporation of the university, and only re-
o,,;red for its actual adoption the concurrence
&c tho BOARD of Oyerseers. A nearly even
d;rsion of opnion is said TO exist among the
nresent OverSeers and, inasmuch as the maj
verdict will not be rendered until next fall, the
voting body of alumni will influence ana may
determine the result of their choice OF repre-
sentatives to nil the existing vacancies III 'he
BOARD II is evident that this Will be the con-
trolling issue in the coming election OF mem
hers of that body and hence it may soon be
,ossible TO forecast its action. During the IN
terval the interest and solcitude OF college
officers graduates and students will be deep
and universal.
Other academic problems, and particularly
those relating to elective courses ana olsci-
plne have excited wide discussion III recent
years. but not one of them has possessed the
vital significance which belongs to TINS pro-
nosal 70 base the degree of ABB primarily upon
courses of study completed instead OF upon
time amended within college walls, for the
avowed purpose of making a diploma generally
attainable at the end of three years. The four
wears course has been the one single feature
common to American colleges. Inc Oldest
and largest of them all cannot cut OIL year
without directly affecting every other-how
nrofoundly it is impossible to predict. That,
in effect is the Harvard idea, though the more
abruptly radical proposition to close the course
ord confer the degree at the end of Junior
year was discarded. Il has always been pos
sible at Harvard, Yale and elsewhere for
student of superior attachments or Of cXccp-
tional intellect and industry TO complete the
curriculum and obtain his diploma IN shorter
period than four years. II Is not the prmar!
wish of the Harvard authorities to reward
superiority by additional facilities or To sum
ulate ambition by additional pressure; bu'' =!
reducing the number of courses, to make 'hc
requirement of a diploma in three years al
most as easy as it has hitherto been IN Jour
possibly quite as easy, since part or 'he Sihd"
extra burden might be thrown back upon the
preparatory schools.
The principal argument for this fundamental
change is the dcsirability of enabling grad
mates of Harvard to begin productive work or
professional study and hence TO become sell
s,Ipportng. a year earlier in life than the eX-
listing system permits. The main objection I"
II is the one suggested by Colonel Higginson.
that the enrolling Influences of university
aro more valuable than It's specific Instructions
To such as accept that theory in its simplicity
the sacrifice of full year will seem grievouS
loss. Some of them will not be easily con
vincod that this concession TO the spirit OF the
ace can he in any wise repaid by an influx Of
students or by closer identification WIN the
practical work Of the world.
The men who are bound to promote the par
ticular interests of a single university as they
understand those interests are not under obi
cation 10 regard the welfare OF other lnS'ltu-
tions save in a general sense but, in consider
ing the step which Harvard proposes to take
if is impoSsible TO reflect without concern upon
the possible effects of such course on small
and feeble colleges which, whatever the CIR
cumstanccs and conditions OF their iounHa-
ton. have honorably indicated their Ight 10
exist. II is to be feared NAT some at least OF
these could not reduce the period OF Stud!
without seriously lowering the quality OF inc
men whom they graduated. 1t would be Ma
tional misfortune if the example of Harvard
should operate to cheaper the general standard
Of higher education. and to make a diploma
rather than that for which diploma ought to
stand the object of endeavor among con
siderable number Of American students Ana
vet that example, if once set by university
Of great repute and commanding resources,
would be far more easily initiated than
summed The step has not yet been taken
and may never be; but we may be sure tha'
i will he anxiously discussed from this time
foruard at every seat Of learning in the
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