SILVER BAY

Ever since the Silver Bay Conferences have been held it has been custom to recruit undergraduates by describing the opportunities for recreation which the conferences offer. The ten days spent there, one was almost led to believe, would be as enjoyable as if passed in the gayest summer resort. Although it is true that conferences as they are now conducted are extremely enjoyable--there seems to be a danger that in an effort to get men to attend, this aspect of the conference may be over-emphasized.

The primary purpose for which these annual gatherings of college men are held is to face fearlessly and sanely the moral and spiritual problems that confront the college men of today." They are not intended as a pleasant ten days to help students recover from the year's work amid congenial surroundings. The purpose as outlined and as it is fulfilled each year is both praiseworthy and practical. There have been many men who have profited more than they knew how to tell by attending these meetings. They have returned to college better able to meet their own problems and to do their share in the University community.

It may be that there are many who would go to the conference if it were not for the fact that they considered it religious and that it is necessary to persuade such men that they will not be unduly burdened with religion while they are there. We believe, however, that those who are going to profit from the conference will not be frigntened away by the possibility of coming in contact with religion.

While the athletic and entertainment program is undoubtedly valuable--if not essential to the success of the conference, it is but an incidental. If Harvard undergraduates are frankly not interested in social and economic problems or in a chance to build up their religious faith, they should go elsewhere for their vacations. Better by far to furnish no quota at all than a delegation of undergraduates picnic-bent. For those who are interested, however, the series of lectures and the opportunity given for meeting students from other universities and religions leaders, cannot be too strongly recommended.