New-York tribune., 1897-01-31
THE "TREE SCRIMMAGE1
SOME FEATURES OF THE HARVARD Gus.
TOM WHICH THE CORPORATION
SOI-GHT TO ABOLISH

The most exciting Incidents OF a class day n
Harvard occur around big elm tree the little
square lawn between Harvard Hail. Holden Chanel
and Hollis Hail. with the fence on Harvard SQUARE
forming the remaining side TEey the tree
scrimmage." which the corporation recently threat
ened to abolish. and which the remonstrances and
offers OF compromise made by the undergraduates
have induced that august body finally to retain
with notifications What the notifications 70
be does not yet appear; but that any modified
tree will satisfy the longings Of the present
undergraduate or recall the memories OF his own
class day to the old graduate may be open TO
doubt. Both however, probably congratulate
ing themselves and the University that the ancient
rites are not TO be done away with altogether
And there Is another class that IS doubtless re-
joicing equally at the decision. and that is the
sister and best girl" who form the major part OF
the spectators at this class-day function.
The tree" comes after the dignfad and stately
exercises OF the mornng-after orations poem ard
ivy" grafton have been duly delivered in San.
dcrs Theatre. to the considerable boredom prob
ably Of all except those most Immediately inter-
ested in the speakers. When Sanders Theatre Is
empted Of its dress-coarcd seniors and their white
gowned sisters and sweethearts and the spreads
have received all due attention there Is. about the
middle Of the afternoon. sudden scattering Of the
Immaculate hosts to their rooms.
They emerge soon afterward transformed both
In exterior and in spirit The black clothes have
given place to all sorts OF rough suit. adapted 70
sports. The manners OF the givers OF entertain
ments receiving their guests have changed TO q
grim determination TO win victory In an approach
ing struggle The members of the class gather In
front OF Hollis and Stoughton: waiting for the
signal. When 1t comes they file into the little
There too a transformation has been wrought.
A high fence shuts off the view OF the outer world
from the direction of Harvard Square. Backing
up against Harvard and Hollis halls; high rows OF
seats have been built. after the circus fashion.
These are packed with the guests Of the day. who
faces In the middle OF the little lawn stands the
immemorial elm High above the rsach OF the
aWers taest mani naed s to ek the bark VII" 04' 0'
The class ode Is sung. with the help OF brass
band-and the effect Is chiefly OF band-under the
lead OF the ''odst" who has composed it. There is
cheering; everybody Is cheered-from the presi-
dent down through the ranks. Then the business
Of the hour is attacked At signal: general raj
tree AS these are out OF the reach OF any one
somebody's shoulders and grasping what ne can
get his hands upon. With three or four hundred
confused and indistinguishablc mass. each trying
to get some other mans back, the scene II
without It's resemblance to certain moments Of
football game AS In the case OF this athletic
sport. the experience OF years has brought system
longer an indiscriminate and dsorganzed scramble
to attain the object In view Combinations are
made A number OF men unite to work in coop
ton works It's way TO the tree and standing sol-
idly shoulder to SHOULDER raises one OF ns mum, N,
the coveted flowers. pulls them off In fragments
and ragged strings. and passes them down 10 his
them Then the victorious fraternity withdraws
and makes way for another The no"ers are sup
to be a hd ne % OF He dow 70
posterty AT any rate. they give the occasion for
an exciting diversion in the day devoted espe.;
ciay to the senior and his admring relatives and
friends.