Yard Dormitories.

To the Editors of the CRIMSON:

A question exceedingly important to the present Junior class comes up next week for final consideration. It is the question of to what extent and in what attitude of mind the class of 1912 will avail themselves of the opportunity of living in the Yard during Senior year. It is a question for Juniors to decide; but surely in their deliberations the Juniors can profit by the advice of a few Seniors who have already experienced life in Senior dormitories.

Going into the Yard for the Senior year appeals to some men because it is inexpensive, to others because it is pleasant and to a few because it is a direct means of increasing the spirit of class unity and intimate friendship. All three reasons are valid. It is cheaper to live in the Yard than anywhere else except pigeon-hole private houses on the back streets. It is more informal, more centralized, more suited to the nature of Senior year and in every way more attractive than a come-and-go existence in the scattered sleeping places on Mt. Auburn street. The most inviting rooming arrangements of Sophomore or Junior year are those in which a whole floor, or even a whole house is occupied by a congenial group of men. The Senior dormitories favor precisely this group system. And now that the building alterations of last year have removed the disagreeable features, Yard rooms are being enjoyed entirely without the old drawbacks of horrible plumbing and shabby pretences at a heating system.

More important, however, is the attitude which those who move into the Yard next year will take toward life in Senior dormitories. If the class of 1912 decides to go into the Yard because it believes in widening acquaintances and deepening friendships, no doubt it will in its day reap the benefits which the present Senior class already enjoys.

This communication is prompted merely by the desire to pass on to 1912 the verdict of some Seniors on the value of Senior Yard dormitories.  F. AYER, JR.  A. BEANE.  R. C. FLOYD.  A. GREGG.  R. HORNBOWER.  C. B. MCLAUGHLIN.  P. D. SMITH.  S. B. STEEL.  L. WITHINGTON, JR