In most of its aspects the effervescence of adolescent enthusiasm fills a vital need in this mundane world. The picture of several hundred close-cropped heads milling around a few precious yards of painted wood assures the amused alumnus in double Q that youth has not lost its vigorous fling for modified mayhem. But the Subway riots during the hockey season call forth from administrators and the press sharp distinctions between energetic fun and the disregard for the property and personal rights of non-combatants.

At least half the burden of blame must be shared by a subway company which provides no extra accommodations for the extra customers, which allows cars to become so crowded that it requires only the spark of a merry jostle to fire mob imaginations. But this is hardly sufficient to excuse the hilarious destruction. Regardless of incentive, no gentleman will forget that there are rights other than his own, that in the event of a riot his name, coupled to that of his College, will make splendid first page news for Boston city editors.

Elsewhere in this column is reprinted a letter from Dean Hanford, explaining the stand which the Student Council and the administration have taken with regard to subway rioting. The threat of punitive measures in this instance is unfortunately reminiscent of that shiny strap behind the bathroom door, but there are apparently still those who have yet to outgrow the urge to carve their initials on the furniture.