The Dartmouth Suggestions

(From The Manchester (N.H.) Union)

The suggestions of President Hopkins of Dartmouth for radical changes in the conduct of football have aroused widespread interest. Not that they have met unanimous acceptance: for that matter, a plan to everybody's liking is beyond human ingenuity. One criticism offered is that the proposals would do very well for large colleges, but would work hardships upon small institutions; but here it is to be noted that Mr. Hopkins specifically advises a conference on the program by a group of institutions abundantly able to meet the requirements. Some of the chief objections to present-day football certainly would be met-by the Dartmouth plan. Undergraduate coaching, a two-team system permitting "home and home" games, and selection of players limited to the junior and sophomore classes would go far toward remedying conditions of which great complaint has been made.

In the existing development of the game football has certain points of strength and other points of weakness. They know football at Hanover, know it thoroughly. The Dartmouth plan is an endeavor to preserve the good and get rid of the bad. It represents close study of the situation. A large element of the public would be glad indeed to see it tried out.