INDIFFERENCE AGAIN

Coach Conly's suggestion that the reluctance of Harvard students to go out for boxing arises from their inexperience is a point to be well taken, but its implications are manifold. The question of why the students are inexperienced in the manly art occurs, and insidious doubts creep into the mind. That the South Boston attitude toward Harvard men is justified--that the "college young gentlemen" of Cambridge are deficient in masculinity--are conclusions from which the intellect recoils. But if Harvard men are really uninitiated to the mysteries of the left hook and right cross to the jaw, there are those who will claim that jelly must be an important constituent of their backbones; for even in this age of soft living occasions come up when a stiff punch in the nose is called for.

Another explanation is necessary, then, in order that Harvard's self-respect at least may survive. Perhaps the cause may be found in that traditional characteristic of indifference which is said to be inherent in all students at this college. When there is no actual motive for trading haymakers with somebody, especially if you do not know him, an already acquired habit of indifference is likely to act as a double deterrent. This is particularly true if you suspect that you are being recruited as cannon-fodder for some fast-stepping varsity cauliflower vender.