ELIMINATING THE ATTIC

The fire in Massachusetts Hall which for a few hours caused unwonted excitement in the Yard one April Sunday seems to have started more than a futile investigation of its causes. That the hall should be converted into a dormitory is perhaps even more than was hoped for by those who objected to the present use--or misuse--of the building. Certainly any change which will free the oldest, the historically most interesting, and what has often been declared the most beautiful building of the University from a clutter of old lumber, discarded scenery, and unsightly office partitions is to be welcomed.

In part the problem of Senior dormitories which grows more pressing as classes increase in size will doubtless be solved by the conversion of Massachusetts Hall. While it has always been possible to use Weld and Matthews, the fact that they are in general gloomy and uncomfortable dormitories has militated against such a plan. When Massachusetts is remodelled there is little doubt that as satisfactory a rebuilding can be accomplished as in Grays.

After all, the policy of having Seniors room in the Yard is an attempt to perpetuate traditions and to preserve as much as possible the atmosphere of an earlier Harvard. With Massachusetts added to Hollis, Stoughton, and Holworthy as a place of student residence another link is forged to the elusive past; and by a return to its old function Massachusetts helps to make the western quadrangle what it has often been termed--the heart of the University.

There are, however, disquieting features in the proposed plan. The college police and janitors may find quarters in almost any building about the square and by judicious crowding the economic tutors can find places in the officers of Holyoke House, but the 47 Workshop is apparently left without a home. Since it manages to get along without its own stage or theatre it might be expected with equal ingenuity to discover some neglected basement in which to construct scenery and rehearse its plays.

A more pleasant thought, however, is that when its homelessness, its lack of equipment, is realized, a genuine effort will be made to construct suitable quarters. The need for a University theatre and auditorium has often been suggested, but it is apparently necessary to focus attention by some unusual incident and to stimulate effort by revelation of a glaring deficiency. The conversion of Massachusetts Hall may accomplish this highly desirable result.