New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-03-15
FOR A CLUBHOUSE AT CAMBRIDGE.
MR.. THAYER'S PLANS COMMENTED OPoN
FAyORABLY AT THE HARVARD CLUB.


Plans for a University Club at Cambridge were
presented at the monthly meeting Of the Harvard
Club, in its house at No. q West ty-fourtn-st'
last night William r. Thayer. OF Cambridge
secretary Of a committee appointed 70 make ar
rangements for the University Club, was present
at the meeting to submit the proposition 10 INC
Harvard Club for Its approval
The plans the outcome OF a condition al mar
ward explained by Mr.. Thayer follows: Nearly
two hundred and fifty of the students do not live In
Cambridge. but are day scholars coming from
places remote as Danyers and Abingdon, LIZ"
occupy college dormitories and 400 live In private
halls and lodging houses often distant from half
a mile to n mile and a half from the college cam
pus The decentralizlng effect Of such scattered
residence on intimacy is apparent. Numbers also
inevitably prevent mealtime at Memorial Hall from
being agreeable occasion for social intercourse
AS 1l50 dine In the hall, and there are seats
for only 80 those who come first having to give
place to those who are waiting-an arrangement as
little conducive a city lunch-counter to socia-
blity, good manners or digestion.
Outside of the half-dozen societies. there Is no
recognized meeting place for social intercourse be-
yond two public billiard saloons and q sandwich
counter where some students congregate In fact
tho students do not meet. and the result Is what
may be expected. Unless fellow comes from a
largo preparatory school, or has had special adj
vantages in other directions he may never enjoy
that good fellowship which Is one Of the most i'm
porant formative influences as 1t Is one of the
dearest memories. OF college life.
in order TO learn the views of the students
themselves the committee placed books at con-
venient points to be signed BY such students as
would join university club. In less than four
days loo men signed. The signatures represented
every class school and set in Cambridge, popular
leaders and society men being proportionately as
numerous 'non-society men, and the contingent
4 those who live most economically being notice
ably Of 10 students who boa I'd
at the Foycroft sighed the book there.
THE students complain OF isolation OF Harvard
Indifference. which they attribute TO the crowded
population. socially unorganized; of the lack of
personal acquain lance with their instructors and
governing officers. because there is no opportunity
for informal contact outside the class room. Many
illustrate the situation by reference 10 the lack OF
interest In the athletic teams. The students do not
know-they have special chance OF knowing
their athletic representatives. 1t Is therefore rec
commended that the subject be laid before the
alumni and that subscriptions be solicited for a
university club. There should be handsome
building In a central location; It must be large
enough at the outset to accommodate at least 1000
members; II must. first OF ALL furnish its members
with certain definite conveniences at the lowest pos
sible cost
These sentiments approved by members OF
the Harvard Club.