To the Editors of the CRIMSON:

Consternation, dismay, and incredulity mark the reception by the student body of your hot-headed editorial in the issue of October 14th on the shortcomings of Holyoke House. Never before has such vituperation been maliciously hurled at this ancient and venerable structure. And the fact that it now invites such groundless criticism can only be construed as an index of the degenerate times in which we live. For countless years, Holyoke House has sustained the loyal allegiance of students fortunate enough to have rooms there, and testimonials of praise are on the lips of all who live to remember its homelike qualities.

Your editorial finds fault with the airshaft, but fails to advance any reason why there should be no airshaft. Obviously an airshaft is a vital necessity, and what in the face of rain and snow, is less strange than that it should be covered? "Drinking fountains in the slop sinks" is a nasty phrase. yet only a phrase, since, after an inspection, it is noted that, like other drinking fountains, these are placed above sanitary basins to receive the superfluous water. "Mention might be made of the toilets, the lighting, and ventilation in general", but you do not make it. And to cap the whole business, you loss into the ring an unchallenged boast "that the mere specifications of the various objectionable features of the hall fill three closely written pages." In short, the article is merely a magnificent group of unsubstantiated claims.

Anyone who has ever visited the rooms of Holyoke House on a winter's night could not have been unimpressed by the glowing hearth fires, the softly shaded lights, and the very traditional atmosphere of the place. And the moderate. rent which these rooms command, more than pays for their many appointments. Whether or not, the editor who wrote this article was disappointed in securing rooms there, Holyoke House must ever stand endeared in the hearts of those who have known it, as a symbol rather than a college dormitory, and is unworthy of the mild criticism directed against it.  WOLCOTT COTT TREAT '23, October 14th, 1921