SMOKER SCREEN

To the Editors of the CRIMSON:

Harvard University seems to have some excellent young deans, with a great deal more sense than the wise, old, old men who this year are running the CRIMSON and who in a few more years no doubt expect to be running the nation, the Watch and Ward Society and the W.C.T.U. Obviously, if the Editors of the CRIMSON or any other people feel unwilling or unable to enjoy themselves at an affair like the Smoker, they don't have to come! The nature of the Smoker was well known to everyone before-hand, and those who came intending to have a good time did have a great time. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves except the CRIMSON photographers, who couldn't seem to stir up any bloodshed for good copy. While I do deplore the shameful waste involved in the pouring of so much beer on the Memorial Hall floor, that was the only part of the evening's entertainment that I believe could be objected to. However, sensationalism is a mispractice dear to the heart of every immature newspaperman, and "It Happens Every Spring" is in the worst yellow journalistic traditions, though its author is obviously quite pleased with the exalted position from which he condescends to gaze at humanity. Let us consider the facts of the matter. The accident to to which the editorial alludes could well have happened at any other time and should not be connected with the Smoker, much as the author would like to. You state that rather than good fellowship, clique rubs elbow with clique. This would mean that Harvard is made up of a series of cliques something like city gangs. I find this item quite uncalled for! . . . You completely ignore the two hour entertainment program at which a majority enjoyed themselves, all save the "Puerto Rican faction" as Al Capp referred to them. As to the waiters "ruffling up" anybody, while they may have been slightly overzealous in performing their duty, they, in the main, did an admirable job. I feel that continuing the Smoker is advisable although possibly minor alterations could be made. In contrast to the editor, I feel that it does perform its function. Jan Basch '57