Police, Proctors Quell Freshmen In Yard Rioting

A combination of spring fever and dissatisfaction with House assignments precipitated a minor riot in the Yard last night. Although no injuries were reported, many of the participants lost their bursar's cards, and at least one proctor hinted at further disciplinary action.

The fracas, conceived early in the day by a few disgruntled freshmen, began at 10 p.m., when a shower of firecrackers dropped from the windows of Grays, Weld, and Matthews. Crowds began to pour into the Yard, only to be stopped by proctors and University police.

Most of the participants satisfied themselves with occasional cheers and shouts from the windows. Others threw bottles filled with water at those who were milling about the Yard.

John C. Pittenger '51 3L, a proctor in Mower Hall, was doused twice with water thrown from Stoughton Hall and proceeded to take bursar's cards from "more than half" of the freshmen there.

A suggestion by one freshman to "march to the Houses" failed to result in any action. Several of those participating, however, did mention dissatisfaction with their House assignments as one reason for the incident.