Despite the fact that the Union "Song Night" was well advertised, despite the fact that a special orchestra was provided by the management, despite the fact that Dr. Davison gave his special attention to the project, the experiment tried last night was decidedly not a success. All the proper ingredients were mixed apparently, except one which was wholly lacking: enthusiasm on the part of the undergraduates.
This total lack of interest in a project that in theory at least is highly commendable is most disappointing. It might be supposed that students would be more than willing to profit from the guidance of a teacher of Dr. Davison's renown. It might be presumed that Harvard students would enjoy learning to sing their own songs. Certainly such experience would save many moments of hopeless embarrassment at banquets and reunions. At other colleges as the press comment from the Princetonian in the next column indicates, the love of a custom of song services is so deeply in-trenched that violent protests are made at any disturbance of them.
The much maligned Harvard indifference may be conjured up as the reason for last night's episode. But in this case "indifference" has defeated its own ends. It is a spirit occasioned by the desire of men in the College to live their own lives, to make the best possible use of the advantages offered by the University. In this case an advantage has been offered under appealing circumstances and has been rejected, deliberately or indifferently. The Union can not be blamed if it refuses to arrange another program, nor Dr. Davison if he refuses to lead at another "Song Night."
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