A Critical Situation

The policy of the Athletic Council of publishing its financial statement for the inspection of alumni was adopted last year as one step in the direction of keeping Dartmouth men closely in touch with its problems and policies. The extent of the Council's reverses suffered last year (1933-34) is revealed in these pages this month. The lean years have followed one another until the Council's reserves have been greatly diminished. They will be practically wiped out by the end of this current year. It is quite apparent that recreational and intramural athletics form the greatest financial barrier in the 'path back to a balanced budget. These activities were originally started by the College itself and were subsequently taken over by the Council when athletic receipts became large enough to bear that particular burden. There is no compelling reason why the Council should continue to carry the responsibility of the whole "athletics for all" program. Certainly its chief functions are concerned with intercollegiate sports. It may be argued that the College should assume control of and responsibility for recreational activities, since they have become an integral part of the educative process in Hanover.