A Better Symbol Than a Dorm

To the Editor of the CRIMSON;

The communication appearing in today's issue "In Defense of Holyoke" is Open to some criticism. The writter construes your editorial of October 14th to be "an index of the degenerate times in which we live", while in point of fact it is an index of the degeneracy of Holyoke House. Those who have lived there are unlikely to share in the "consternation, dismay, and incredulity" with which the student body is alleged to have received the editorial in question.

I am inclined to agree with the writer that "an airshaft is a vital necessity", where direct ventilation cannot be obtained, but I should like to call his attention to the fact that a tightly-covered airshaft ceases to function as such. It is highly probable that an ingenius architect might devise some simple expedient whereby a current of air might be induced to enter at the base of the shait and escape through a suitable vent at the top, thus securing an adequate circulation of fresh air without admitting rain and snow. Such feats of engineering nave been accomplished in the past, and might conceivably be duplicated.

While I am also inclined to agree with the writer that it is quite reasonable for drinking fountains to be placed above sanitary basins. I should question the degree of sanitation of those in Holyoke House.

The writer goes on to say that "any one who has ever visited the rooms of Holyoke House on a winter's night could not have been unimpressed by the glowing hearthfires, the softly shaded lights, and the very traditional atmosphere of the place". I cannot resist the temptation to paraphrase that artistic conception: Anyone who has ever visited the rooms of Holyoke House on a winter's night could not have been unimpressed by the glowing as jets, the dimly lighted corridors, and the very considerable atmosphere of the place!

I think there is some truth in the writer's conclusion that "Holyoke House must ever stand endeared in the hearts of those who have known it, as a symbol rather than a college dormitory". It is undoubtedly a better symbol than dormitory. STUART HUCKINS 1G.   October 21, 1921.