Of late the Vagabond has been a little appalled with the hoopla of anticipation called forth by the new beer bill. As a rule he eschews politics, but in a matter that comes so perilously close to home, he feels that he must speak out. To be brief, he considers the provision for 3.2 per cent peer the most piffling undersized insult ever thrown in the face of a great people, and he cannot understand the careless acclaim with which it has been accepted. He is driven to the mournful conclusion that Americans never had any discrimination in their taste for beer, or that they have forgotten it during their period in the local Wasteland. Not only in this, but in all alcoholic matters, they seem to lack the rightful fastidiousness about what is put in their cups. And they are also much too indifferent about the kind of place they are going to get it in.

There is nothing to be done about the general situation, he realizes, the flood gates of 3.2 per cent beer will doubtless soon be opened upon the whole nation. But in Cambridge, with a faculty and a student body supposedly versed in liquid lore, a complete return to the era of lager beer and sawdust floors can be averted. The Vagabond has a definite ideal as to how things should be around the Square after repeal. In the matter of public drinking he acknowledges his debt to German and English sources: there ought to be at least one Biergarten, right in the heart of things, which might have to be closed-in from the wet and cold of the New England winter, but which, in spring, would expand luxuriously onto the sidewalk with its tables and chairs. To achieve the most pleasant contrast, he hopes it would be located next door to some particularly staid establishment, like the Harvard Trust. For those who want beverage without food, however, he has planned his piece de resistance. This is to be a combination of the best features of the English pub or alehouse, and the tavern. Since this would be a vital part of the life of the college, it should have some official sanction. The proprietor would be elected by the graduates, or by representatives of the students and faculty in caucus, or perhaps he should be some sort of self-perpetuating body, to insure stability and quality in the cellar-stock.

The stock, is of course, the most important consideration. It would have to keep always to the delicate line between heartiness and vulgarity, inclining not too much to the spirituous side, nor overstressing the products of the barleycorn. First, beer on draught, and then some good English ale; Bass No. 1 would do admirably. Then stout, not in bottles, but in the wood, and a good variety of the other malt brews; hard cider, with some Perry that is not too strong; rum, whisky, gin, and a few of the cheaper wines.

The Vagabond is carried away merely by thinking on the possible bliss of mellow afternoons and roistering evenings over the tables of the university pub. In the mild spring twilights, after a long stroll along the river, he would stride obliviously through the bustle of office-workers returning home, choose himself an obscure but well-placed table, order himself a pint of ale, and observe the passers-by with that careless insolence which is proper only to Vagabonds and dowagers. Or perhaps, driving in from a gay, day-long junketing in the newly green countryside, he and she would stop for a glass or two of sherry to cap off their Dutch cheese and devilled eggs, talking lightly of picnicking, the newest books, and love. Even in the darker moments that fell to his due, the Vagabond could betake himself to the official inn, as to a sanctuary. "A pint o' bitter, dearie," to the bar maid; and his solace would be there before him, to be taken not in long draughts this time, but in frequent sips, to further whatever consolations philosophy might offer. Even now he is reminded of the darkling lines:

"Look into the pewter pot To see the world as the world's not."

and that principle of more general application: "Ale, man ale's the stuff to drink."

TODAY

9 O'Clock

Primitive Music and the Dance," Professor Tozzer, Semitic Museum.

"The Essay," Mr. White, Emerson A.

10 O'Clock

"The German Social Democratic Party," Professor Fay, Harvard 1.

11 O'Clock

"Samson Agonistes: General Consideration," Professor Matthiessen, Emerson A.

"The Battle of the Standards," Professor Schlesinger, New Lecture Hall.

"Roosevelt and the Balance of Power," Professor Baxter, Harvard 1.

"Secular Law and the Family," Professor Zimmermann, Emerson 209.

"George Moore," Professor Maynadier, Sever 21.

12 O'Clock

"Right of Property," Professor Hocking, Emerson D.

"Shakespeare's Othello and King Lear," Professor Murray, Harvard 3.