Second Best

As another grand Crimson Key Weekend fades happily into the past, a silent vote of thanks arises for Harvard's social organizers. Understandably, there is also quite an audible mutter of discontent from those who like their good times retail, not wholesale. The much ballyhooed Artist's Ball Saturday night, and the corresponding eight-thirty parietal show all the signs of directed fun.

Of course, there is no obligation to attend the Crimson Key Dance, and those who do not happen to like Billy May and stuffy air are not dragged into the IAB. On the other hand any couple that prefers the sanctity and economy of a quiet evening in an individual suite should not be coerced to adjourn to a local bar.

Even if everyone did descend on the IAB--which seems to be the hope of the organized fun faction--there would not be enough room for them. The IAB as a dance floor has certain very obvious limitations.

Naturally the Key feels that it must take the lead in the All College Weekend because it is their creation. But Housemasters should not feel obligated to support the Key cause at the expense of the much valued eleven o'clock parietal. Nor should they follow the Key line in the numerous House Dances in the Fall. In this case also, the eleven o'clock parietal should be in effect.

If some couples find attendance at the Dances second best to quieter forms of entertainment, they should not be penalized for their decision by a cut in parietal rules.