Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1943-01-06

electives to obtain liberal &C
quaintance in many
Started House Plan"
He established the preaching
tutorial system and the general ex-
aminations, both new to American
college life in their applicability to
the student body as a whole.
Finally, as capstone to DR..
Lowell's many accomplishments,
came the celebrated house PLAN"
one of the most revolutionary eX-
periments ever attempted by an
American college
This plan, first outlined in 1926,
realigned the social life of under
graduates by subdividing Harvard
College, the univerSity's school of
liberal arts as distinct from its
graduate and professional depart
ments, into seven units or houses
The plan was brought to fruition
in 1880 through the generosity OF
Edward Hardness, New York CAPT.
talist and philanthropist, who gave
Harvard nearly $l5,000,000 to make
the houses possible.
To DR.. Lowell, it marked the
browning achievement of long
career and when, two years after
the last house was opened, he an
nounced his decision to retire to
the quiet of private life, he felt he
had accomplished what he had set
out to do.
DR.. Lowell was born in Boston.
December l3, 1856, son of wealthy
parents and the grandson of the
two men whose names are per-
petuated by the great textile cities
of Lowell and Lawrence.
He was graduated from Harvard
in 1877 with highest honors in
mathematics and subsequently at
tended the law school from which
he was graduated in 1890 For II
years thereafter he practiced law
until he accepted an offer to lecture
on government at Harvard.
Shortly afterward, he was ap-
pointed Eaton professor of govern
ment and assumed direction of
government L. one of the largest
Introductory courses at the uni
versity.
In the next few years he came
gradually to take over many of the
administrative duties of President
Eliot, while at the same time he
was building up a reputation as one
of the leading experts in this coun-
try on the science of government
His most notable book, The Gov
eminent of England" published
year before he was voted the pres
ldency, brought him into interna-
tional prominence and was regarded
as having done much to obtain him
that coveted post.
Gave Sunday Receptions.
DR.. Lowell was for years a striking
figure about the Harvard yard.
Slightly stopped, but alert of man
ner, the only inirmity he carried
into retirement was touch of deaf
ness.
His appearance had become al
most traditional. His suit coat was
nuttoned only at the top; a heavy
gold watch chain almost invariably
spanned his trim waist; he carried
his feet 10 inches well, and his
penetrating blue eyes regarded the
world and the university with seren-
ity. And by his side there trotted
spaniel.
To the undergraduates Dr. Lowell
was one of the most accessible of
university heads and his Sunday
afternoon teas. to which students
and members Of the faculty needed
no special invitation, were always
we'll attended.
DR.. Lowell had no hobbies. In his
youth he was a member of the
Crimson track team and in age, he
took his recreation mainly by walk
ing. He read extensively and, like
his conversation with intimates, his
reading was cosmopolitan and many
sided.
His New England breeding was
reflected in his intense dislike of
personal publicity. He never gave