Page:Samuel F. Batchelder - Bits of Harvard History (1924).pdf/182

 An unusually mature and methodical protest occurred in 1807. “Owing to the serious defects in the quality and character of Commons, which seem to have continued for a considerable period without amendment,” the three lower classes, ignoring the “immediate government,” or Faculty (who were by that date in charge of such matters), drew up a formal appeal to the Corporation direct. The Corporation expressed its sympathy by requesting the President (Webber) “to see that all reasonable relief was granted”; but as no immediate results were observable the complainants became restive. After a week of turbulent outbreaks the lower classmen held a solemn conclave, and determined to leave the justice of their case to the seniors (who had so far held aloof) and to be guided by them. At dinner-time accordingly all eyes turned on the graduating class. Those immemorial arbiters of undergraduate opinion