Discord

The man that hath no music in himself, Nor is not moved by concord of sweet sounds, Is fit for treasons, stratagems and spoils. . . .

--SHAKESPEARE

When West Point Cadets attend chapel, clear and true peal out the notes of the chapel organ. Last week, however, the organ's integrity was seriously threatened. It seemed possible that in the not distant future it would be giving forth sour, discordant notes, offensive to the sensibilities of future generals. For the State of New York planned to run a new highway through the academy grounds, not far from the chapel and it appeared that the vibration from countless passing motor cars would be gravely detrimental to the pitch and harmony of the organ's music.

So Colonel C. B. Hodges, acting superintendent of the U. S. Military Academy, wrote to the State Department of Public Works forbidding the passage of the proposed highway. Promptly replied Colonel Frederick Stuart Greene, pointing out that Secretary of War Dwight Filley Davis has issued a permit for this highway back in October, 1926. But Colonel Hodges said that the permit was revoked and it appeared that Secretary Davis was ready to back him up--the New York Herald Tribune, indeed, printed a picture of the Secretary with the title "Guards West Point's organ."

The resultant controversy developed the following points: Organ experts testified that vibration was injurious to organs, that organs in Manhattan (where traffic vibration is not inconsiderable) were kept harmonious only by weekly tunings. Colonel Hodges also objected to the highway on general principles, remarking "we are not running a public park up here, we are trying to run a school for military instruction." Colonel Greene held to his written permit and threatened to sue the Federal Government, since the State had appropriated $250,000 for the highway and spent $3,000 in preliminary work. It appeared that the present chief highway through the Academy grounds is difficult to traverse as it passes through the field of gunfire established when the Cadets are having artillery practice and is therefore closed during these periods.

At last reports, the State of New York and the U. S. Government appeared hopelessly disagreed on the issue.