The CRIMSON has this fall devoted a good many columns to discussions by eminent authorities of the question of limitation of armaments. Thanks to the interest and cooperation of a few graduates and the political writers, we have been able to give our readers some articles of not a little value. Furthermore we hope to be able to continue such articles as long as the Conference is in session.
Our purpose in this has been, of course, to stimulate interest--particularly among undergraduates. This, however, was also the purpose of two meetings held in the Union, one by the Student Council, and the other by the Liberal Club, to discuss the Washington Conference. These meetings were well attended--by graduate and foreign students. The undergraduates evidently had other engagements. But whatever the reason for their non-attendance, little interest was aroused among them.
That these meetings, however, were in one sense most successful is not as discouraging as it might appear. It indicates not that there is no interest but that undergraduates do not believe in the value of this sort of discussion. The Disarmament Conference, we believe, is being discussed constantly in the college not in a formal, organized way, with probably as much benefit as it there were frequent meetings.
But (and those who are accustomed to spend their time arguing with their friends on questions ranging from the immortality of the soul to the last dance will agree to this) informal discussion--in dormitories, at the table, whenever the spirit moves,--suffers in that it is a criticism of those who know the facts. Particularly is this true when the subject is such a one as the Washington Conference.
For this reason we particularly urge students to contribute to the communication column on this question. We have already published not a few such communications from members of the University--but they have, for the most part, come from graduate students. If undergraduates will begin to contribute also, we believe the results will be decidedly worth while. An expression of opinion which is not founded on fact may go unchallenged among friends who entertain similar beliefs. When it is printed it is likely to be corrected at once.
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THE CITY OF MYSTERY