Crescendo

To the Editor of CRIMSON:

The announcement yesterday that there was a serious doubt about the advisability of holding a Junior Dance this year was disappointing surprise to many members of the class. The Junior Prom is an old tradition at Harvard, as in most colleges, which is anticipated with pleasure. It is a pity that the indifference of a few members of the class should be more in evidence than the strong desire of many to continue the custom. It is strange that a militant move should be underway in the Sophomore class to hold a dance this year, while the Juniors should be expressing a lack of confidence or interest in one at the same time.

Although a majority of the class has rarely attended past Proms, the number necessary for a successful dance has usually been on hand. The positive evidence of a desire of such a number this year should outweigh all indifference and active opposition.

Since cost seems to be the main point in the argument of those who desire to dispose of the tradition, the figures of last year's Prom may shed light on the matter. Yesterday's editorial stated that the cost of a Prom is $3,000. Since 250 couples and 150 stages attended the dance last year if the price of tickets for couples and 150 stages attended the dance 1st year if the price of tickets for couples alone had been ten dollars instead of eight, there would have been no deficit. To attend a "Special Night" at a night club costs fifteen dollars or more which shows that the charge for the Junior Prom would not be excessive even at ten dollars per couple.

The cry to "get rid of this old tradition" condemns itself, for much of the value of the dance lies in the fact that it is a tradition. Many who never attend any other college functions go to this one because it is a strong tradition and one worth observing. Since this is one of the few traditions still secure in spite of Harvard indifference, let us keep it so. Sincerely yours,   F. B. Thurber '30.