FIREPROOF PLANS READY FOR SEVER, HARVARD HALLS

Harvard and Sever Halls may be fire-proofed in the near or distant future.

Blueprints, drawn up to provide additional means of emergency egress from both buildings, are now in the hands of the State Department of Public Safety.

Only joker in the scheme, according to Aldrich Durant '02, Business Manager of the University, who made plans known yesterday, is that the funds for the renovation are not immediately available.

Money Needed

When and if the State approves, action will be held up until money can be appropriated from official sources.

Broadly outlined, the arrangements call for another staircase to Harvard Hall, probably on the longitudinal side facing Holden Chapel, and for Sever a new outside fire escape to relieve the present ladder which has been judged inadequate.

A screening of the inside stairway would also be provided for in any renovation of the Romanesque landmark.

Result of Agitation

In drawing up plans and indicating desire to move forward the University takes action on agitation repeatedly urged through a number of years.

Last year interest centered particularly in Harvard Hall around the menace from fire and the daily delay in getting out after classes due to congestion in the narrow staircase. Student feeling, as voiced in CRIMSON editorials, learned from Cambridge City Hall that though the building might possibly be a firetrap, ample windows presented safety avenues for an emergency.

This year Sever has borne the brunt of investigation by students and faculty alike.