Y. M. C. A. Criticism Unfounded.

(We invite all men in the University to submit communications on subjects of timely interest but assume no responsibility for sentiments expressed under this head.)

To the Editors of the CRIMSON:

While a communication in reference to the Cambridge Y. M. C. A. tank appearing in your paper recently, is so utterly without foundation as to hardly need refutation, since erroneous opinions of swimming conditions might result, I take the liberty to reply. My impression gained from reading this article is that the writer beseeches us to engage quarters at the Infirmary before bathing in this "too filthy" "breeding-place of disease." Then, lest our undergarments become carriers of disease, he begs us refrain from washing our "light clothing" in this "laundry-tub." Can this mean other than that Mr. Woodbridge '17 is holding the University authorities libel for criminal negligence in failing to prevent their students from firing with sickness? Is he not casting slurs upon the character of the swimming team manager? For surely it would be only the most unscrupulous of persons who would fall to report such irregularities as the correspondent alleges are so obvious.

I truthfully believe precaution is taken to prevent swimmers from entering the tank without a thorough cleansing in the showers. Furthermore a notice is posted in a conspicuous place to the above effect, and several members of the swimming team attest remembering it. Nor do these gentlemen recollect seeing the "water so milky the bottom could not be seen."

The only garments permitted in the tank are abreviated swimming suits, furnished and cleaned by the Y. M. C. A. itself.

I have always believed the drainage and purification system to be extremely well attended to; that a large quantity of fresh water was pumped into the tank each day; and that a proper amount of chemicals was regularly placed in the tank to destroy, possible germs. I verified this through the Y. M. C. A. and learned, furthermore, that they had, as an experiment, attempted to flood the tank, but failed to pump water fast enough to overcome the displacement of the drainage tubes, which, incidentally, were neither broken nor in the habit of becoming stopped up. R. A. WHITING '16,   Manager of the University   Swimming Association.