THE ADVOCATE-MONTHLY

In the eighties when the Harvard Advocate was something of a close corporation, the Monthly appeared to answer the call for a democratic College magazine. Since that day life in the University has changed, and now men stand more nearly on an equal footing with their fellow-students. Both of our literary papers have felt this liberalizing influence, and as a result the policies of each are so nearly identical that a little effort would make them coincide. The former cause for separation has disappeared.

A College magazine never receives universal support, and usually has to fight for existence. Among undergraduates the number of men interested, either as subscribers or contributors, is limited--yet Harvard has two literary magazines. If they unite, the number of candidates for literary and business departments would at least equal the present aggregate. It ought to be greater, for the impetus gained from such a union should count for something. Although both publications are good, a higher standard would be the natural result of a combination. Furthermore, the cost of publishing would be less and the subscription rate much lower than the combined price of the two.

The graduate editors are the chief objectors to the suggested plan. When some of them were in College, there was a reason for two magazines and such men have the old days in mind. Others oppose on sentimental grounds. Their influence with the boards is great, for to some extent they subsidize both papers. This last fact is one of the best arguments for the change. With a clear field, one magazine could doubtless stand alone.

After all, the interests of an undergraduate publication lie chiefly with the undergraduates. Some day needless rivalry will cease and the Advocate-Monthly will be the result.