THE ACACIA FRATERNITY
NATIONAL OFFICERS
GRAND PRESIDENT
FRANCIS W. SHEPARDSON, Grand President
U. of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
GRAND VICE-PRESIDENT
GEORGE E.. FRAZER
.203 East Green Street, Champaign, Illinois
GRAND TREASURER
R. CECIL FAY Olathe, Kansas
GRAND SECRETARY
HARRY E. KILMER
Ce.nterview, Missouri
THE ACACIA JOURNAL
HARRY E. KILMER, Editor. Associate Editors T. F. McCoy, E. D Flynn, A. A. Jenkins, L.A. WilsonThe Acacia Journal is published on the first day November, February and May, at Menasha, Wisconsin. Subscription price One Dollar per year in advance. Single Copies, Fifty Cents. Remittances should be made by check, express or money order, payable to the Grand Secretary, Centerview, Mo.
EDITORIALS
THE RITUAL
Editorials are mainly suggestions and the expressions of personal opinion on topics of common interest; at other times they are exhortations to peform a manifest duty which, due to whatever cause, has been neglected. This latter, then, may be the classification of this article, and is offered not only for the purpose of urging the proper performance of each member's duty in the exemplification of our ritual, but also in the hope that, if there is any latent suggestion in it, you will adopt and develop it and really work out some of the vast possibilities in it, probably not contemplated by the founders themselves.
First-One of the most necessary requisites in the proper exemplification of our work, is that each of the officers, no matter how small his part may be, should have it letter-perfect and be able to give it entirely from memory. It carries a far greater conv iction to the novitiate, impresses the solemnity of the ceremony on him, his vows and the duties expected of him, to have the officer look him in the eyes, and in a natural and sympathetic but forcible tone, create a loyal and earnest desire in the beginner to emulate the high ideals set forth in the ritual and prove himself really entitled to the honor of membership in the Acacia Fraternity. Subconsciously, the officer must puff his chest just a little when he reviews the fact that Acacia is a nation-wide organization; that he himself is a member , and that he is adding, by his words, one more link of strength to a marvelously growing infant fraternity, united by just such men as the novice should prove himself to be. Don't forget for a moment that ymt are conferring a favor and a privilege on him by asking him to join you and not that he is bestowing a kindly and gracious favor on your humble selves . If this attitude of pride in your chapter is not a fact in it, something is wrong with you, not the chapter nor the unit to which it belongs. We're an organization of college men and should be able to grasp and use the psychology which a situation presents. Are your most vivid remembrances those you have gained by the mere sight or hearing of simply words or by the things you have felt from the associations with them? For these reasons, the initiating team which has its ritual down "pat" can
de vo te their eff o rt s t o ward making a deep impre s sion o n the candidate f o r admi ss io n , and n o t have a s their chief anxiet y, the disc over y of what word co me s ne x t. The F o unders of the Fraternity wished to create an obligati o n o n the part o f the candidate and not listen to a mere reading le sso n . If that is all that is accomplished by the initiation, they might better ha ve co nserved yo ur time , the novitiate's , and their own spent in labori o u s ly perfecting the ritual and, if any thing at all was required , caused a f o rmal declaration of membership t o be sufficient.
Get yo ur team together; choose men fitted for the part if the regular man is n o t w ell qualifiec:l; rehear se carefully and then put a man thr o ugh and w at ch the different effe ct produced . Don ' t initiate one man until yo u do. Then watch yo ur chapter pick up in every way. The ritual is co mp os ed o f manl y w ords but, when the y are mumbled or one monoton o us tone is u s ed continually, the victim suffers from ennui and is lulled to gentle s lee p w hile the brothers will exhibit ab o ut the same amount of interest. Di stan ce is the s uggestion in the c; aptain ' s hail. Do you lend any realit y to it?
Stud y the ritual carefull y and these opportunities for realism will co n stantl y . appear.
Se co nd-Free the initiati o n from all horse play. The ritual w as n ot de s igned t o create fear nor t o be a test for any yellow streak in your pledge. Primarily it teaches the difficulty of overcoming hardship s in the path of life , and this is no comedy. Let everything be quiet and o rderly; no talking, jesting or walking about other than absolutely necessary, wear soft-soled shoes or rubber-soled slippers; these in themselves create an atmo sphere of mystery, very impressive and beneficial to the candidate. Of course , if it is thought neces sary or beneficial in toning down a pledge who do es not seem to have a proper idea of his new situation, write up a supplementary ceremony but let it be distinct and separate from the real one. We have one here at Michigan, used occasionly, which can be used as a suggesti o n for others. However the key-note is solemnity and seriousness. None of the Delegates to the last Conclave who witnessed the Grand Pre s ident's exemplification of his ideas in the conduct of the initiation could fail to be impressed by it. Nor could the brother who was being initiated.
Third-Use all the stage properties named in the ritual. None are named which are unessential. By all means have altar lights. These in the shape of our triangle, shining out from the surrounding darkness, impress the candidate deeply.
Several of the chapters do not garb their officers. It adds greatly to the effect to have each officer dressed in the regular mortar-board and academic gown, but of a different color typifying his office, and with the triangle over the left breast.
These things kept constantly in mind will surely help our organization.
Fraternally,
WHOM SHALL WE CHOOSE?
T. F. McCoY.A Chinese proverb says that nothing in the world is so hard to find as a brother. Usually no search is required and no choice given in the matter of brothers, and natural affection and family pride cover the mistakes of
nature. A fraternity, though called a brotherhood, is fundamentally different from a family relationship-in many ways is a unique institution. It is based upon a deep need of " brother-feeling" and brotherhood is its only end. Its success, therefore, is measurable by what it is, not by what it does. The instinctive American distrust of anything not having an ulterior, accomplishing purpose for existence explains the strength of the recurrent attacks on fraternities. The difficulty of many member-s in realizing that a fraternity explains it self "as such" leads to most of the misunderstandings and troubles in a local or national organization. Such a conception should be least difficult for Acacians, already awake to the call of brother to brother.
Enlightened by such a truth our chapters should judge themselves not by arbitrary standards or superficial criteria. Eating or sleeping together is no more an essential of brotherhood than is the wearing of an odd band on one's hat. Preeminence in scholarship, dominance in politics, or social distinction is no more an infallible measure than is luxuriousness of furnishings or hilarity of feasts. The sole test of a fraternity's worth is the fraternal spirit in it, its depth and sincerity. A fraternity has no spirit of itself-this must be found in the members. The fraternal feeling can exist only when they find in each other that sympathy of ideals which, as a union of intellectual respect and spiritual kinship, bears fruit in affection and trust. This kinship is what we are seeking. It can be s in cere only with true men, deep only with strong men. If, therefore, Acacia, about at the limit of its expansion, is to grow, it must be by developing within a brother-feeling that will attract the strong and the true.
The newly adopted pin admirably exemplifies the principles that should govern this development-the uniform triangle typifying the one fundamental requirement, scholar ly, Masonic manhood, and the absence of detail suggesting the freedom for differentiation which is indispensable for strength and for fraternal feeling. The more scope given for this differentiation , the greater the opportunity for growth of personal and chapter individuality. The greater the uniformity in national or chapter requirements the greater the loss in individual worth Uniformity there must be if a brother is to be a brother in every chapter, but richness in life decreases with the growth of the typical. Our uniform requirement, scholarly, Masonic manhood, cannot be too strongly emphasized. As we raise or lower our ideal of this in choosing a brother we raise or lower the worth of that which is our sole reason for being a brotherhood, strengthen or weaken our chapter . Upon this base should be built as much individuality as is consistent with organic development. The individualistic and organic demands are constantly in apparent conflict. It is as great a mistake to think that the individual always must surrender as not to realize that some individuals are incapable of surrendering to the general will - and so are impossible material for a brotherhood. One of the chief benefits of fraternity life is its training in the correct estimate of the varying ratio of individual and group obligations. Questions do arise when a single member must oppose the whole brotherhood-for the good of the whole . Such a question must be vital but he is no true Acacian who will not dare do so when a vital question faces him. He must oppose any lowering of the prime requirement for brotherho od. Now as we begin with a new year the old task of seeking brothers, the success of the chapter and of the whole fraternity depending on it , too much
THE ACACIA JOURNAL
thought cannot be given to the importance and difficulty of it. Remembering that once a brother means always a brother, a wise conservatism should govern our choice. Temporary needs and momentary likings should not blind us to the future , to our duty to raise our ideal of fundamental requirement, not to narrow it. Not all men meeting this test are capable of fitting into a brotherhood, for we are not a Masonic body-the closeness of our fellowship demands a narrower basis-but the broader it is the richer will be the material out of which we must rebuild our chapters and nourish that brother feeling which is our only aim. Having this all things shall be added unto you . Knowing our one essential, we can grow within by raising continually a higher and higher ideal of it.
A. A. jENKINS.THE DEVELOPMENT OF SENTIMENT
BY FRANCIS W. SHEPARDSON, GRAND PRESIDENTThe Madison Conclave brought out clearly one important feature of Acacia chapter life. Its period of duration is comparatively short. Chapters begin the year with a handful of members. They make a good many initiations. By May first they are in full swing of prosperous activity. The next autumn the process must be repeated almost exactly. In other words, the age requirement fundamental to membership in Acacia makes the average duration of active relationship with a chapter probably less than two years.
With such a rapidly changing constituency, how can Acacia develop that sentiment and those traditions which are absolutely essential to fraternity strength and continued alumni interest and support? It was brought out in the Conclave that many members graduate from an institution without having had any opportunity to learn of the history either of the chapter or of Acacia at large. The charm of national consciousness which a Conclave delegate soon appreciates never has any chance to find a place in the ordinary chapter life. As a result the Acacia alumnus sometimes lacks that deep interest in the fraternity which often is noted in the case of other similar societies .
It is evident that our chapters must pay more attention to fraternity sentiment. The promised song book will be a great help, for its melodies are certain to emphasize the fraternity spirit and the fraternity ideals. The promised catalogue will have its distinctive worth, for the discovery of unexpected names and of nearness of neighbors will arouse a livelier national feeling. A more frequently published JouRNAL will aid in creating esprit du· corps, as the development of fraternity life in various parts of the land is chronicled. Each passing year will bring fuller realization of the growing power and influence of Acacia.
But there must be something more than this. The individual member must be made to appreciate the fact that he belongs to something more than a mere college club. He must be taught that his chapter is an institution, established by earnest fellows with definite purpose and with an idea that it should exist for many years He must be brought to feel that the chapter house is a chapter home, growing richer each year in that sentiment and those traditions so dear to American college students. The absolute neces-
of adding something !o the common stock must be impressed upon And then must discover that his local chapter gets its authority, Its .character, and Its very existence from a larger and more powerful institutiOn known as the general fraternity . If he travels this far in search of truth, it will be an easy step to become interested in the principles and ideals of Acacia as these are working out nationally.
More than one Conclave speaker referred to the need of a series of examination questions , answers to which should be required of every candidate before his initiation. Some of the subjects suggest themselves n ;adily:
I. When and where was Acacia founded?
2. How many founders were there? What are their names?
3· How many chapters h<;1s Acacia?
4· Where are they located?
5· How may a chapter be established?
6. What is the Grand Conclave? What authority does it have?
7. What is the Grand Council? Who are its present members?
8. What is the JouRNAL? When and under what circumstances was · it established? Where is it published? Who is its editor?
- 9. What is the fundamental requirement for membership in Acacia? What strength comes from it?
10. What are the ideals of Acacia as set forth in its constitution and laws?
1 r. Where and when have Grand Conclav-es been held?
12. When was chapter founded? Who were its charter members?
Other questions of like value in teaching fraternity organization and history might be added. Under ·such an examination system no novitiate would enter Acacia without knowing something, at least, about the fraternity's history.
But the training should not end with this preliminary examination. At least once a year a chapter dinner should be given in more or less formal style with the express purpose of stimulating interest in the chapter itself. In connection with it there should be speeches or papers, recounting the story of the chapter beginnings, describing the charter members, repeating perhaps familiar tales about earlier days. These things should be emphasized strongly, and every possible means should be used to create chapter sentiment and chapter solidarity. A few years of such systematic endeavor will make any fraternity chapter a strongly welded association. Nor should the opportunity be lost to indicate clearly the chapter ideals as a part of the university environment in which it is placed.
One more educational step should be taken. There should be instruction regarding Acacia as a national fraternity. A Founders' Day has been established. All chapters are urged to celebrate May 12 of each year with a special program. This will be the proper occasion for a chapter dinner , designed to develop interest in the general fratetnity. Papers or speeches should tell how Acacia was founded at Michigan, how it spread throughout the country, how its nomenclature developed, how its ritual was written. how its plan of organization and administration was perfected. A personal letter from one of the founders would add much to the interest. A report
regarding the national spirit displayed in a Conclave would have great value.
These are some of the steps Acacia should take through its chapters to foster fraternit y sentiment and to bind its members by a stronger tie of affection . The s uggestions ma y not appeal to all members but they will to some, and it is absolutely certain that those who do seek to know the fraternity history, the fraternity principles and the fraternity ideals will be the ones who will be enthusiastic and loyal alumni in later years. After all, sentiment counts for much in a college fraternity. If Acacia members get a sentimental affection for the fraternity and find that sentiment increasingly emphasized in chapter life , in fraternity song and story , and in fraternity tradition, the future w ill be secu re.
WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT, ACACIAN
BY W. E SCHULTZIt was June Fourth, and not July Fourth, that became a big letter day in the history of Yale chapter for 1913. The fireworks were modest, and the noise was confined mainly to 16 York Square; but those present at the Acacia House had tl!_e distinct pleasure of witnessing the initiation into the fraternity of Yale's most distinguished alumnus, Ex - President William Howard Taft, of the class of '78. ·
Brother Taft arrived in New Haven on April 4th, to assume his duties as Kent Professor of Law in Yale College, and Professor of Constitutional Law in the Law School. At that time he received an ovation from the student body never before accorded to any person under similar circumstances . Professor Taft's response in his brief address to the Yale men who had welcomed him home gave evidence, at the beginning, of his strong Yale spirit and his great desire to contribute from his long experience in service as a member of the faculty. Professor Taft was no stranger at Yale when he left the White House. For a number of years he had been connected with the corporation, attending important meetings during his term as President. As Secretary of War, and before, he had taken part in Commencement celebrat ions with his class. His son, Robert A. Taft, had graduated here as late as 19ro, keeping up the family tradition. The connecting link with Acacia is this: Mr. Taft, as President-Elect, was made a Mason at sight in Cinc innati , Ohio, on February 18, 1909. His interest in things Masonic has grown constantly from that time. As President he showed his appreciation of the Yale Masonic Club by allowing · himself to be enrolled as an Honorary member. It is unnecessary to say that Yale chapter of Acacia needed him , and that at an early date after his entrance into the Yale community he was unanimously elected to Honorary membership in Yale chapter.
Professor Taft, in accepting the proposal of the fraternity, made clear his interest in Acacia. He was kind enough to say that he considered it a privilege to come in contact with such an organized body of Yale men from all departments, bound together by the Masonic tie, as well as a group of students, considered as such, among whom he might have some influence through intimate acquaintance. These ideas were again expressed in his
hearty speech after the initiation ceremony, when he complimented the work of Yale chapter, and proved conclusively that he had been over the by allusions to the ritual. From the side of Yale chapter, httle can be satd except that we count it a memorable achievement to secure the co-operation of Brother Taft, and are sure that he will do us great good. He promises to be an occasional visitor at the House and here he will always be given a most cordial reception.
In connection . with this account, Yale chapter takes pleasure in announcing that on the same evening-what we call the Taft night-Professor
HON. WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT• John Milton Berdan, one of the most popular men on the Engllsh faculty, and Mr. Arthur Marvin, the well known Registrar of the Scientific School, were also introduced to the mysteries of our tomb. Dean Charles Reynolds Brown, of the Divinity School, who was to be included in the list, was unable to come on account of sickness, but he expects to travel into Egypt early this year. · We congratulate ourselves again on the connection of these prominent brothers with Yale chapter.
Although the program of June Fourth was hastily prepared, owing to the lateness of the term, and the examination schedule, notice to the neighboring chapters and to our alumni in the vicinity of New Haven was given in time for a number of visitors to attend. Those present from out
eg
v all fos aff( s on te n o n( s e n get e re fra m the the ini w a s L< St l st : w y se y cc te In h: w lJ p h tl n h p a s t
IO
THE ACA C I A JOUR N AL
of t ow n w ere : B r o thers Homan , Lawrence, Holmes and Smith of Columbia , Gale o f Harvard , Farnesworth of Cornell , and the following alumni of Y ale chapter, D o wns , Hilditch and Hunter of New York , and - MacD o nal d o f ·w allingford , C onn. After refre s hments had been served in the Hou se parl o rs , short addre s ses were given by the new initiates , including o u r bab y B rother o fficer , who pla y ed the goat of the evening , and the vi s iting br o thers from C olumbia , Harvard and C ornell . The words of Bro ther Ho man were peculiarl y appropriate , since in I909 he had gone to C incinnati to see President-elect Taft made a Mason , and now on this night, f o r Y ale chapter , had administered the Acacia obligation to the same distingui shed brother. The ' meeting broke up at a late hour , but not until the Y ale chapter clock and calendar had recorded a good long impression of th e o cca s ion for future reference , and the Yale cheer, with nine Tafts, and a l o t o f o ther appendixe s, had di s turbed the quiet of the Square.
OUR GRAND PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
GREETING
Ha v ing again been honored by unanimous re-election to the re s ponsible position of Grand President of Acacia , I take this opportunity to extend greetings to the chapters at the opening of a new college year. I trust that Acacia ' s record ma y be a splendid one when the review is made in June , I 9 I4. Let us all work hard to keep Acacia in the fr o nt rank in ever y thing which makes for manhood , high scholastic standing, and genuine fraternit y life. The remarkable enthusiasm and harmony which have marked our C onclaves in recent years are prophetic of still greater things for our gro w ing fraternity. I invite your hearty co-operation in making Acacia s tr o ng in every way.
THE CONCLAVE
The Eighth Conclave was a notable success . The boys of the Wisconsin chapter left nothing undone to make the visitors welcome and contented. The same strong feeling for the fraternity which marked the C hicago Co nclave of 1912 was notable at Madison in 1913. There is no doubt o f the s teady development of the national spirit in Acacia. Our chapters are found in many states. They have varied environment, but their purpo s es and ideals are the same. The delegates from the Atlantic coast looked into the faces of those from the Pacific and saw that they were brothers with the same fourfold tie. great region between these territorial extremes sent enthusiastic members, whose zeal for the fraternit y · was just as strong. Everything looks bright for Acacia. I count on your chapter to work hard during the year to push the fraternity still further ahead.
DECENNIAL ANNI VER S ARY
The Conclave determined to hold the decennial reunion with the mother chapter at Ann Arbor, Michigan, during the last week of June, 1914. Keep this fact before your alumni in every communication you send out. We should have a memorable gathering in that place so dear to Acacia because of the birth of the fraternity there. We had half a hundred at the Madison banquet. We want more than twice that many at Michigan next June. Will you do your part?
THE FRATERNITY CATALOGUE
The Conclave endorsed the proposition of the Grand Council that a complete catalogue of the members should be published during the present college year. Please have some one instructed to begin work on your chapter list at once. We want every name correct. We want every address verified. · Get street addresses of those who live in cities. · The sooner this preliminary work is done, the sooner the long-needed catalogue of Acacia can be printed. Will your chapter receive praise for the correctness of its membership roll?
THE SONG ROOK
The Conclave was enthusiastic about the proposed song book. Brother W. E. Schultz, of the Yale chapter, is the chairman of the committee. All brothers who have ability in writing words or music should give us their aid right now . We need the song book very much. It cannot be published unless there is general co-operation. The first songs are quite likely to be the ones most cherished in the years to come . The opportunity for making a definite impression upon the fraternity was never better. Old, familiar tunes, with fresh, new and appropriate words, is the best combination for Acacia purposes and needs. Will your chapter represented by some good songs when the book comes out?
THE JOURNAL
The Conclave decided to publish the JouRNAL three times during the collge year . Have a chapter editor appointed who will be on the job all the time. Send in personal items about the alumni. What are the boys doing who have gone out from college? Are they making good? Tell us all about it. Give us your ideas regarding the best interests of the fraternity. Help us to develop sentiment for Acacia. Help us in strengthening the national tie. Watch the chapter editor and have him keep busy. Have him read his letter before the chapter before sending it to the editor. By hearty co-operation we can make our magazine much more helpful to the fraternity everywhere.
ALUMNI CHAPTERS
Alumni organizations of Acacia have been formed in Chicago , Los Angeles and New York. One is being planned at once in San Francisco. There should be half a dozen more alumni chapters started this year. Tell your alumni about this in your communications to them. Send word about your alumni to the secretaries of the chapters already formed. Their names and addresses will be found in the JouRNAL. No better way can be found to develop and strengthen fraternity interest and enthusiasm. Will your chapter help this movement by activity now?
MEMBERSHIP RECORDS
No report to the Conclave aroused greater enthusiasm than that regarding membership records The Grand Secretary has been hammering upon this theme for years. He is happier now, because great progress was made during the past year. We are after a record now. We want him to report to the Michigan Conclave that every single membership record, properly filled out, is on file in his office. Can we count on your chapter to do its part? It is an important matter, and we can have our ideal
J2
THE ACACIA JOURNAL
realized if special attention is given the subject by your officers. Are you with us on this?
CHAPTER ARCHIVES
Great stress was laid by the Conclave upon the importance of chapter archives. How are yours kept ? Does your recording secretary keep full minutes and transcribe them neatly into a permanent record book? Does your corresponding secretary keep his letters properly filed for easy reference and for permanent preservation? Does your treasurer have his acco unts ready for audit at any time? Does your chapter keep a scrap book for the preservation of clippings, menus, programs, kodak pictures and other things certain to be of interest in days to come? Have you a complete collection of photographs, in groups or singly of your members Have you a charter framed and properly displayed in the chapter house? Have you the framed pictures of the several Conclaves? Think of these things, and see that everything is preserved in these formative days of Acacia. A quarter of a century hence all these articles will be of priceless value fr o m a sentimental and historical viewpoint.
INTERFRATERNITY RELATIONSHIPS
Acacia is a member of the National Interfraternity Conference, which meets annually at Thanksgiving time. This fact entitles each of its chapters to membership in local interfraternity associations . Seek admission into such organizations if you are not now recognized. If there are no such local associations, co-operate in starting them. The object sought is betterment of American college fraternity life. Acacia must have a part in this forward movement. Let not failure in any instance be charged, even in part, to the neglect of Acacia to co-operate heartily . If you are refused admission anywhere , let me know the exact facts, and I will report them to the national body.
HIGH SCHOLARSHIP
Acacia stands for high scholarship. Its chapters have occupied very satisfactory positions in published lists. In some cases the fraternity has not been first. The fact of more maturity of membership should be a powerful factor in primacy . I look to your chapter for earnest work in this matter. If you cannot make the first place, get as near to the top as possible. No one thing will give the fraternity stronger rank with university authorities than consistent attention to this fundamental feature of college life. Will you help to keep Acacia at the top?
PHILIPPINE ACACIANS
It is quite likely that I may spend part of the year in the Philippine Islands. I want to see every Acacia member in that far off land. Please let me have away the and address of each member you may have now resident there. I w1sh to arrange in advance a meeting of the brothers, in case my present plans work out. An early response to this request will be appreciated.
CREATE SENTIMENT
.I urge you. to do everything po.ssible to create and foster fraternity sentiment. Wnte some songs and smg them. Use the whistle. Use the yell. Use the flag and arms of Acacia . Keep in close touch with your
alumni. Get out a little chapter paper to alumni. Do not try to make it too elaborate at first. Strengthen the fraternal tie in the chapter. Keep discord far away. Make membership in your chapter a prize to be coveted by every candidate. Interpret the ritual to the best of your ability. Make initiation a time for deep impressions upon the new member. Study chapter history. Familiarize yourself with fraternity history. Sentiment counts much, and it should be strong as we enter our tenth year of fraternity life.
THE CHAPTER HOUSE
Take pride in the chapter house. Keep it in good condition, o utside and within. Make it as nearly like a home as you can. Guard its reputation zealously. Have no accounts standing against it. Do not let the "University authorities consider it a place where anything is do ne which is contrary to the highest ideals for a fraternity house. If practicable, have a house mother and co-operate with her in the development of a healthy home life. Let Acacia take the lead in this as in other things.
ANTI - FRATERNITY FEELING
Is there any tendency to snobbishness? Check it. Do any brothers have -a tendency to indulgence in intoxicating liquors, in gambling, or other forms of immorality? Make them the objects of sincere fraternal solicitude . .Keep up scholarship. Let it nowhere be said in truth that Acacia is guilty of a single thing which may be urged against the college fraternity system. I look to you for earnest efforts along this line.
THE WORK BEFORE US
Get busy now in the year's work. Make careful choice of new members. Imbue them with Acacia spirit right at the start. Stimulate the older members to increased zeal. See to it that all relationships with grand officers are prompt ·and effective . See to it tha t local administration is business-like and aggressive. When the year is finished have your chapter record clear in every way. With a hearty greeting and with best wishes for happiness, prosperity and unqualified success, I remain, in fraternal bonds.
FRANCIS W . SHEPARDSON , 5558 Kimbark Avenue, Grand President. Chicago, Illinois, September 25, I9IJ.
JULIUS HOUSEMAN AMBERG
Brother Amberg of Harvard chapter has won the signal distinction of being elected to the Board of Editors of the H arvm·d Law Review, an honor whic h is awarded only to such students of the Harvard Law School as have made the very highest standing in their class. Brother Amberg 's grade for l ast year was 82, one point be low the ranking grade . The H arvard Law Review is published entirely by the board of editors conststlng of ten men chosen from each of the two upper classes of the Law School. The edito r ial matter is a lso written entirely by the student editors, though important articles are obtained from eminent legal thinkers.
THE ACACIA JOURNAL
Brother Amberg entered the Law School last session, and was taken into Acacia in April. He is a graduate of Colgate University, from which institution he obtained· an A. B. in 1912. His college honors are numerous. To mention a few: led his class in college, made Phi Beta Kappa , was
}ULIUS HOUSEMAN AMBERG
leader of the 'varsity debate team, was editor-in-chief of the college weekly and the college annual, and won the first Latin and the first English prizes. Brother Amberg is the second member of Harvard chapter who has succeeded in making the Law Review, as W. H. Best, 'o6 L., one of our first initiates, was an editor.
MINUTES OF THE EIGHTH GRAND CONCLAVE
Y. M. C. A. HALL, UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN. MADISON, \ iVIscoNSIN, SEPT. I7, I9IJ.
Acacia Conclave opened Wednesday, September 17, I9IJ, at 9 :30 a. m., wtth prayer by Grand President, Francis W Shepardson.
The Conclave was called to order by Grand President. Francis W. Shepardson, with following National Officers present: Francis W. Shepardson, Grand Prestdent; Geo. E. Frazer, Grand Treasurer· and Harry E. Kilmer, Grand Secretary. '
The following delegates were present: T . F. McCoy, Aleph Chapter; E. M. Hogg, Beth Chapter; W. C. Magathan, Gimel Chapter; L. Meier, Daleth Chapter; E. D. Flynn, He Chapter; E. B. Hawes, Waw Chapter; A. A. Jenkins, Teth Chapter; E. R. Suter, Heth Chapter; W . G. Mann, Yodh Chapter; H. H. Thurston, Kaph Chapter; E. H. Whitcomb, Lamedth Chapter; H. K. Thatcher, Mem Chapter; L.A. Wilson, Nun Chapter; F. R. Polk, Samehk Chapter;]. F. Groves, A yin Chapter; J. R. Scht].ltz, Pe Chapter; T. W . Veness, Tsadhe Chapter; R. H. Moyer, Koph Chapter; H. D. Evans, Resh Chapter; F. P. Weaver , Shin Chapter; E. C. Carr, Aleph-Aleph; F. E. Hagen, Aleph-Gimel; F. E. Lott, Aleph-Daleth.
The reports of the Grand officers were then called for.
REPORT OF THE GRAND PRESIDENT
To the Eighth Grand Conclave BROTHERS: The year I9I2-I3 was one of general prosperity and success for Acacia. With one exception the chapters have been active · and aggressive, working hard to push the fraternity forward to an assured position of prominence and power. The feeling of solidarity and unity so strikingly manifested at the Seventh Conclave made its influence apparent all through the college year. The fraternity life was marked by earnestness and zeal and there is no doubt that Acacia looks forward to its tenth year with confidence and courage.
ANTI-FRATERNITY SPIRIT. The most notable characteristic of the past year, so far as college fraternity experience is concerned, was the appearance of a strong sentiment of opposition in a number of states. The old charges against secret societies were reinforced by complaints urged against the social features of fraternity life. The chapter house became the center of attack Arguments were made that liquor-drinking, gambling, immorality of other forms, snobbishness, extravagance and poor scholarship, found welcome and support in these homes of associated students. In the searching ' scrutiny Acacia came out with a splendid record. Fundamental obligations and laws bar liquor and gambling from our chapter houses. Cases of other immorality have been rare and have been handled promptly and thoroughly. A democratic spirit has been manifested everywhere. Expenditures for fraternity purpose have heen moderate. In scholarship ratings Acacia has stood at the top or close to it in most institutions where it has a chapter. Furthermore, the fundamental Masonic requirement for membership, gave Acacia a peculiar influence with hostile legislatures. It is a source of great pride to have other fraternity men acknowledge the obligation due to Acacia in c_onnection with the fights in Wisconsin and Ohio. The assistance rendered by Acacta members not only helped powerfully in checking anti-fraternity legislation, but it also. Acacia greatly_ in. the of those who sometimes have not seemed W!llmg to accord to tt tts nghtful place in the There is just congratul;;ttio_n •. therefore, as we meet in Grand Conclave, because of the htgh standmg of our mdtvtdual chap.ters and also because of our improved position in university circles.
INTERFRATERNITY RELATIONSHIP. The fraternity was represented officially at the Interfraternity Conference, held in New York, on Saturday following Thanks-
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giving. In several local instances there has been increased consideration of Acacia. As the national Conference is thoroughly committed to the care of the local Interfraternity association the chapters should continue to seek representation in such organizations. The good work described above will be reported to the national gathering by officers of other fraternities and there is little doubt that Acacia will find much more cordiality shown to it because of the plain evidence of its strength and it s power in time of difficulty and danger. It is recommended that the Grand Conclave reaffirm its adherence to . the National Interfraternity Conference, and again provide for official representation at that notable convocation of American college fraternity men . If such action be taken, however, each chapter should understand that it will have the duty of co-operating heartily in all local attempts to better the conditions of college fraternity life .
THE FRATERNITY HISTORY-At a meeting of the Grand Council, among other important matters considered the p.reparation of a history of Acacia found favor. The Grand President was appointed official historian and was instructed to prepare and publish the . history. This work has been done as is evidenced by the r6 pp. pamphlet now presented to the Grand Conclave. Available records were examined with great care. The conflicting and fl'equently duplicative enactments of Conclaves were studied critically, digested and summarized. Important dates were collected from many sources. The several Grand Conclaves seemed to be the natural centers around which to build. While by no means completely satisfied with results, the historian believes that the foundations at least have been laid and that the story of nine years has been so told as to make future chra.nicles much less difficult of j>reparation. The writing of the historical sketch has been attended by thoughts of a more complete Hand Book of Acacia, which might contain also the Articles of Incorporation, the Constitution and Laws, the rosters of chapter membership, and pictures of Conclave groups, Grand officers, owned chapter houses and similar historical material of illustrative value. The Grand Council is on record as favoring a Catalogue of Acacia to mark the completion of ten years of fraternity life. The idea of the Hand Book is commended to your favorable consideration as perhaps a more desirable medium for giving to Acacia a revised and connected history, an illustrated and complete code, and a reliable catalogue of its membership.
CoNSTITUTIONAL REVISION-It is recommended that the Conclave refrain as far as possible from altering or amending the organic law of the frat-ernity. One who reads . the records of the seven Conclaves so far held is astonished by the number and character of such amendments There has been constant change. Enactments have been repeated in successive Conclaves with no ap.parent knowledge of what was done previously. Amendments have been so numerous that it has been practically imp.ossible to have in printed form a correct and complete edition of our organic law. The Grand Council has appointed a special committee to prepare a code. The ·early years of an institution are attended naturally by much uncertainty and experimentation. Acacia has now worked out most of its problems. The time has come when the Constitution should be considered fairly complete Changes in its terms should be made only under stress of exceptional circumstances. The Laws also should be given a thorough trial for several years, modifications being made slowly and only after clear evidence of their necessity By this path, alone, can Acacia gain that fundamental strength which it ought to have at the close of a decade of constructive labors. The same argument applies to the Ritual. There may be dissatisfaction with some features of the ceremonial, but it is worth consideration whether it will not be better in the long run to give the Ritual a chance to commend itself by some years of careful trial. During the year the Grand President has made a thorough study of the book The critical suggestions made by Brother Charles Chandler of Ayin Chapter have been examined and in the main accepted and approved. Certain infelicities of expression have been corrected. Anachronisms in dates have been eliminated. A few changes in terminology have been made to secure harmony with actual historical conditions in the supposed period of the ceremonial story. It is believed that the orders of the seventh Conclave have been obeyed. Corrected Rituals will be furnished the chapters by the Grand Secretary. An appeal is made for at least one year's further trial before any alterations are made in the attractive ceremonial by which new members are welcomed into Acacia.
THE ARCHIVES-The imp.ortance of the national and local archives of Acacia cannot be overestimated . The history of the fraternity or that of an individual
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chapter is up of the records of yearly achievement. Where these are well kept, labor lS li.ghtened. Where there is carelessness or inattention what might seem to be most obvwus facts are oft en difficult of verification . Chapter records should be watched carefully: The minutes of meetings should be kept with much detail and should be transcnbed promptly into a permanent book. The individual records of membership should be filled out patiently, particular attention being paid to the pho.tographs. .chap.te: scrapbook be a popular feature in every house, an mterested arch1v1st havmg every opportumty to place coming generations of members under lasting obligations to him for his fidelity. Programs menu cards newspaper clippings, kodak .Pictures, and souvenirs of many kinds,' relating to chapter, alumnus or achve member, should be collected and pasted in the substantial volume . As the fraternity gains in age, its store of historical material should increase rapidly. THE JouRNAL has been a great warehouse for such valuable materials. It ha s be en rich in articles and illustrations. But there will be a mass of materials not of a character to warrant reproduction and yet of much importance from the viewpoitJ.t of the historian. This Conclave should make some definite provision for the collection and preservation of fraternity memorabilia. ·
FRATERNITY INSIGNIA-The Grand Council has been active in connection with the designing of a coat of arms and a fraternity flag. In each case simplici'ty was sought. lt is believed that the designs favored will grow in popularity the more they are studied They are dignified. They are emblematic. They compare satisfactorily with those of similar organi zations They are correct from the viewpo int of heraldry. In this connection I venture a question regarding the fraternity badge Should its jeweled borders be retained? The simplification of fraternity jewelry and its reduction in pric'e have been marked in college life in recent years. A small minority only now pc:rmit jeweled badges. Many prescribe and publish a fixed p rice beyond which an initiate is not to go. Acacia badges cost too much relatively. If the jeweled features were prohibited it would mean conformity to popular sentiment, and, more importap.t of course , a marked saving in money to our members. attention should be paid to the standardizing of the badge. There are too mallY variations seen. The Conclave should consider the possibility of selecting one firiP as official jewelers and should inquire whether a profit sharing agreement might be made that would insure a steady income to the fraternity treasury in with such a plan.
';t'he idea of abolishing the pledge pin is warmly endorsed. When every effort is beihg put forth by college authorities to minimize the evils of the rushing season, Acacia ought to take an advanced position against a method which tends to adverti se the pledged man as set off in some manner from his fellow students. A mason' s word should be a sufficient evidence to a chapter of the sincerity of a pledge's intenttons, and a note to each rival chapter announcing the pledging of an individual shou)d be sufficient publication.
HoNORARY MEMBERs-Some of the chapters continue to favor the election of honorary members . A growing sentiment is developing against this method of adding to our lengthening roll the names of those who already have won distinction. Jn the first years of our life, when policies were uncertain and the future development problematical, honorary members proved helpful in certain cases. If it is the desire of Acacia to advance along the well trodden road of American college fraternities, this form of electi0n must be abandoned before long. If the ambition is to develop i'JtO an order, rather than a fraternity, and there is no wish to p,rofit by the experience apd the wisdom of other organizations of college men, then there may be no need for consideration of this subject. It is clear, however, that, in the main, the power and strength of Acacia must come from the developed abilities of college men who find inspiration and ambition growing out of earnest and happy hours of active membership. If honorary members are to be chosen, they should become honorary members of Acacia rather than of individual chapters, and their final choice should be made by the Grand Council or the Grand Conclave. The method sometimes pursued by chapters of asking the Grand Council to ratify elections already announced to the favored individuals has a tendency to make the process a farce.
SoNG BooK-The Committee on Song Book, appointed by the Grand Council, reports p-rogress. It has not received as much co-operation as was hoped for, and cannot present its complete manuscript until a later date. There must not be too great disappointment in this case. ·Fraternity songs cannot be manufactured to order.
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They must grow out of experience, out 'Of sentiment, out of deep affection. The Conclave should take a strong position in favor of the early publication of the Song Book. Its members should urge the subject in chapter meetings at home. Members who have ability in composition should be encouraged to contribute to the committee's manuscrip,ts. The fraternity needs songs, songs of sentiment, songs for the chapter meeting, songs for the table, marching songs, songs reflecting each phase of Acacia life. While from modern student enterprise in music some new melodies may come, the most popular and successful songs are quite apt to be those set to old, familiar and easily remembered music. Let us in this Conclave determine to make a complete and satisfactory Song Book a reality before Acacia's first decade ends.
FouNDER' s DAY-An important step in the direction of crystalizing fraternity sentiment was taken by the Grand Council in establishing May 12 as Founder's day, this being the date of incorporation of Acacia. The chapter representatives in this Conclave should take measures to secure a general celebration of this day in 1914. Each active and alumni chap-ter should have a banquet There should be interchange of greetings among neighboring chapters. The program should contain appropriate addresses on phases of fraternity history. A spirited song to the Founders should be one result of the celebration. The fraternity flag should be flown from each chapter house. The fact that May 12, 1914 will be the tenth anniversary of Acacia should help to make the day more notable. It will be a powerful sentiment when each chapter comes to realize that every other chapter is meeting on the same night to sing Acacia's glory.
ALUMNI CHAPTERS-The mention of alumni chap-ters is occasion for calling attention to the gathering of Acacia clans around the festal board. Chicago, Southern California and New York have organized. As the fraternity increases its membership groups will begin to form in other centers of population. An alumni chapter is an important agency in stimulating fraternity activity, in developing and preserving fraternity sentiment, and in perpetuating the strong friendships of college and fraternity life which mean so much in America. In this connection it is to be noted that the active ch-apters are doing much to keep- the alumni in close touch with the progress of Acacia. Several little chapter papers are being published with that end in view. They bear interesting names. The H eth Hello, the Yale Triangle, the Nun Traveler, the Letter from Home, the the Daleth Asp-all bear the stamp of desire to spread the fame of Acacia and to sustain the interest and enthusiasm of alumni. These papers and other less pretentious correspondence are imp-ortant factors just now in the solidification and strengthening of Acacia. Without alumni support our fraternity growth must be slow and difficult. With it our chapters are assured of satisfactory homes and constantly increasing influence in their respective institutions.
THE JouRNAL-It is apparent that the Seventh Conclave made a mistake in connection with THE JouRNAL. The fraternity needs greatly a medium of more frequent communication among the chapters. Just as soon as possible a periodical of six or eight numbers a year should be published. While the time is not yet ripe for so marked an advance in Acacia, there is no doubt that THE JouRNAL should be issued four times during the coming college year. Its Editor should be given exclusive power to judge articles submitted for publication and should be encouraged to develop his own ideas in the conduct of a fraternity magazine. The amount of news matter printed in the chapter papers already mentioned is indicative of what might be offered, if the fraternity should have at least a quarterly publication. THE JouRNAL has been an extremely valuable factor in Acacia's p-rogress. Let us make it more effective through more frequent issues and through the cultivation of a constantly increasing editorial power consequent upon greater freedom.
FRATERNITY ExPANSION-The extension of Acacia should go forward slowly. The number of institutions is not large where a sufficient amount of material can fo11nrl: consid.ering the Ma.sonic of the fraternity. The Grand. VIce-president has this m his particular charge and will make report upon It, no doubt. Although the mne years have seen the loss of two chapters two hastily establ.ished, .the roster of Acacia is one. of exceptional excellence. The' pronounced sentiment favor of house membership precludes the of chapters of small m colleges, so that our hnes of exp-ansiOn seem in the main clearly defined. should not lead us !O be s.o sl<?w in moving, however, as to encourage the orgamzat10n of another fratermty havmg hke ideals with our own.
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In the fra.ternity zeal has abundant opportunity for express ion in the study and so lutwn of the mtern a l problems which arise in each chapter's life.
LIFE-The social life of Acacia ha s been impro ved during the year Ly the ?ccupatton of chapter houses at Yale and Chicago and dormitory grouping at Columb1a. Our chapter houses are becoming centers of fraternity sentiment and rallying places for energetic enthusiasm. Several of the chapters are moving toward permanent homes. No complaints have reached the Grand President about the conduct of a ny of Acacia's h o us es . Such as hav e been visited have been found well kept and attractive without and within. A pride in the appearance of the chapter house must always be a fair ind ex of the fr a t ern ity interest and zea l of a c h apter . Some chapters are not as energetic as others in connection with the collection and framing of pictures of permanent fraternity value for wall decoration, but, in the main, the chapters are watchful of this important interest.
ADMINISTRATIVE SuGGESTIONS-Further reflection has not altered the opinion expressed at the Seventh Conclave that there would be district administrative gain if the members of the Grand Co uncil were to be chosen in classes of two each in stead of having the terms of all expire simultaneously. While sufficient workers may and probably will be reelected from time to time the system seems wrong which carries with it the possibility of a complete change of officials at one time. The Conclaves of Acacia h ave no element of continuity. Chapter delegates change each year, and, as a re ult there has been a vast amount of ne e dless duplication in legislation and discussion. If the Grand President and Grand Treasurer were to be chosen at one time for a two year's term, the Grand Vice-president and Grand Secretary being elected in alternate years for a s imil a r term, there would be a gain in the re spect mentioned. If each official were to have a four year term, one position becoming vacant each year, sti ll greater administrative strength would result. The importance of havin g in the fraternity some element of g reater permanency than is afforded by a one year's tei-rri for all four officers appeals so strongly to me, as I study Acacia's organization. That I urge consideration of the subject, even though it is recognized that the suggested changes are but illustrations of possible ones. In this connection the question is again raised, whether some use should not be made by the fraternity of the enthusiasm, zeal and experience of those who, in the past, have been honored as Grand officers. The District system still appeals to me as an administrative plan well adapted to Acacia's needs. A national fraternity, our chapters cover a wide geographical area. Our financial condition does not permit us to have a traveling secretary or to provide even occasional visitation by a fraternity official. Our chapters are not brought together to compare notes, exchange ideas, and develop fraternity enthusiasm. Each is left much to itself to work out its own destiny with only the supervision which the Grand Secretary can give by correspondence. If the chapters were grouped into districts, each with a deputy in charge, much might be gained in the direction of fraternity so lidarity. No ideal arrangement of districts would be possible at first owing to geographical difficulties. No compensation or expenses could be allowed the deputies for their services. But the burdens of the Grand Secretary might be greatly lessened, splendid workers for the fraternity might be trained, and increased effectiven ess in local administration might be secured by the adoption of a plan which has proved its value in the development of quite a number of efficiently administered college fraternities. In the cases in mind, the fear of the development of local interest as opposed to national has never found any justification. All results have been favorable. Were the suggestion deemed worthy of consideration by the Conclave, four districts might be proposed, as follows :
District I.
District II.
District III.
Harvard Michigan Minnesota
Yale Ohio State Iowa State Columbia Purdue Iowa
Pennsylvania Illinois Missouri
Pennsylvania State Chicago Kansas
Svracuse Northwestern Nebraska
c·ornell Wisconsin Colorado District California Stanford Washington
It i<: not imoo ssib le that brothers who are "on the road" might be found, who would be glad to do deputy work the fraternity of .zeal enthusiasm it. Even if it were found impracticable to hold d1stnct reumons until smaller groupmgs were made, more frequent interchange of visits certainly might be stimulated. I
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am so confident ·that some such plan of district organization will eventually be adopted by Acacia that I have paid it so much attention at this time, even though no support for it may be found at present.
I renew also my recommendation that the Conclave favor the budget system for chapter financial administration Under such a plan a careful estimate of expenditures is made at the opening of the college year, this being based on actual experience for several years preceding. The proper allowance having been made f o r the several departments of chapter administration, the budget as a whole is adopted as a working basis No additional outlays are to be permitted unless the chapter votes an additional ap-propriation to be provided for by an extra assessment or by a formal transfer of unused funds from one section of the budget to another. A member is entitled to know just what financial demand his fraternity will make upon him during the college year. The fraternity should have as part of its regular work the training of its members in correct business habits. The budget system accomplishes both of these ends. It works toward economy and efficiency. It is so far superior to the old fashioned method of special assessments, regardless of funds on hand or individual ability to pay levies, that where it once is adopted it never is abandoned. Since Acacia is composed of men, who are of a lawful age and well recommended, its business affairs should be administered on business principles. The fraternity should lead in this respect also, as it seeks to lead in other ways.
OuR DECENNJAL ANNIVERSARY-The Ninth Grand Conclave will mark the completion of ten years of Acacia. Sentiment naturally suggests that it be held with Aleph chap.ter at Ann Arbor. The q1other chapter will do its full part in arranging a sa tisfactory program of exercises. But this Conclave should plan for active cooperation in making the occasion one forever memorable in the annals of Acacia. There should be a notable gathering at the shrine where th.e altar fires were first lighted in 1904. We look forward to our first complete catalogue at that time. We hope to sing glad songs from our first song book We should have a rallying tommittee to stimulate our alumni to attend. Former grand officers should be summoned to appear at the birthplace of the fraternity. A strong appeal to sentiment should be made during the year and every effort should be put forth by grand officers and by chapter authorities alike to secure a large, enthusiastic and representative assemblage of ardent Acacians. For the ordinary Conclave we must be content with a meeting of delegates. But the happ.y completion of our first decade must be celebrated by a larger gathering of the clans.
THE CoNcLAVE WoRK-And so, brothers, I summon you to the duties and lay upon you the responsibilities of the Eighth Grand Conclave of Acacia. We have assembled from widel,y scattered chapters to work for our growing fraternity. The honor of being a Conclave delegate is a cherished one. But the position is no sinecure. The stability and strength of Acacia depends upon our actions here. The future of the ft:aternity is in our hands. Our organization is young in years but there are those who have given to it their thought, their prayers and their sacrifices. We assume the responsibility of continuing the building. Let us be men of vision, ignoring the trifling obstructions at our feet as we press forward toward the mountain top of triumph. Let us meet upon the level, act by the plumb and part upon the square. Let harmony and brotherly love prevail and every moral and social virtue cement us. There may be sharp differences of opinion and spirited debate. But let us remember the fourfold tie that unites us and how truly "we be brethren." Thus we shall best accomplish the purposes for which we are assembled and best illustrate that harmony which is "the strength and support of all institutions, especially this of ours." Let us here once more "spread the cement of brotherly love and affection; that· cement which unites us into one sacred band or society of friends and brothers among whom no contention should ever exist, but that noble contention, or rather emulation, of who best can work and best agree."
But I am not content with calling to your minds the duties and responsibilities of this Conclave, important as they are. There is a greater work for Acacia and Acacians without the cloistered walls. We encourage our novitiates to seek the Truth that they may use it to give light to their fellow men. Our fraternity is but a small fragment of man's ministry to humanity. The call to service comes in clarion tones from every side. Let us strive more eagerly to develop leaders for life's great con.flic,:ts. ..,L.et us struggle more earnestly to train men, clean, honest, virile men who will · be . proud in· their life and conduct, to exemplify the principles and exalt the
ideals of Acaci_a, and so will find surer place in the foremost of every movement for better college hfe, for better cit_izenship, for a purer and sweeter humanity. Let. us not !orget that. Immortahty m which we are taught to believe, that unknown of hght hfe ete:1_1al where human influence shall have no bounds or where nchest frmtwn shall be found for all of life's patient untiring and faithful endeavor. '
So before we begin the deliberations of our Conclave I invite you to join with me in a great song of brotherhood:
"We're born of one great mother And we drink one common air ' And brother joined with brother Sings away all carking care.
For the st<;trs once together a sweet fraternal song And the nvers , rushmg sea word, their harmonies prolong; A thousand leaves are murmurous in the music of one tree And mother-nature lulls to sleep one great humanity. '
We toil and moil together
And we think on anxious years; In storm and stress of weather
Let us sing away our fears.
Brothers in what's before us, Brothers in birth and death, One living sky bends o'er us
Let us sing with joyous breath.
For the stars once sang together a sweet fraternal song And the rivers, rushing seaward, their harmonies prolong; A thousand leaves are murmurous in the music of one tree, And mother-nature lulls to sleep one great humanity."
FRANCIS W. SHEPARDSON. Grand President. Madison, Wis., Sep·tember 17, 1913.
It was moved by Br<_?.- Flynn of He, seconded by Bro. Mann of Yodh, that the report of the Grand President be accepted and placed on file. Motion carried.
Report of the Grand Vice-President, W. Elmer Ekblaw, was read by Bro. Suter. This report was written July 15, five hours off the coast of Labrador. ·
REPORT OF THE GRAND VICE-PRESIDENT
Brethren in Acacia, in National Conclave assembled:
Perhaps this unique report of your Grand Vice-president, has no parallel in the history of our fraternity. It is written aboard the little sealer "Diana" now off the coast of Labrador in the straits of Belle Isle, surrounded by large, beautiful icebergs gleaming in the brilliant sunshine, sturdily plowing through a sea as blue as the clear sky above, and with a brisk north wind blowing cold from the far-off lands to which the tiny ship is going. Besides your Grand Vice - president, your former Grand Treasurer is aboard, at present curled up on a pile of boxes of pemmican, basking in the warm sunshine. We are both bound for Ellesmereland-and where, from our headquarters on Flagler Fjord, we shall explore the unknown countries to the northwest. We greet you fraternally in the bonds of Acacia, whose colors fly from the halyards of our brave ship.
The report of my office must necessarily be brief. In the short time I had to give to the affairs of my fraternity before I sailed, very little of moment occurred Our Grand President has undoubtedly given you an account of the session of your Grand Council, and our Grand Secretary will give you a report on the vote for the granting of a charter to the Masonic Club of the Manhattan, Kansas Agricultural
College. I hope that the vote on this petition was favorable, and I trust that it was, for if ever a club deserved admittance to our chapter list the K. S. A. C. Masonic Club does.
umerous inquiries and correspondence led to no satisfactory rlevelopments with other prospective petitions. The possibilities of further chapters seem decidedly limited. The most interesting work of this office has been the correspondence with Brother Franklin Taylor of Harvard chapter, Superintendent of Schools at East Braintree, Mass., with regard to reestablishing our chapter at Dartmouth. I believe that in the course of a year we should be able to regrant the chart er if the matter were properly pushed.
In three years we hope to return from the Northland to present to you one of the two Acacia pennants which we carry with us. Till then Auf Wiedersehen! \V. ELMER ERKLAW.
It was moved by Bro. Meier of Daleth, seconded by Bro. Polk of Samehk, that the report of the Grand Vice-president be accepted and placed on file. Motion prevailed, and it was so ordered.
Brothers:
REPORT OF THE GRAND TREASURER
I beg to submit herewith my report as Grand Treasurer for the fiscal year 1912-1913-
Received balance from A. R. Keith, Grand Treasurer, Sept. 28, 1912. $ 830.65
Received from H. E. Kilmer, Grand Secretary, Sept. 22, 1912, to Sept. 16, 1913, as per receipts numbered r67 to 178 and r8o to 207, incl... 3477.83
Disbursements from Sept. 22, 1912 to Sept. 16, 1913, as per numbered F I to F 13 and roo to 119 mclus!Ve
Balance , Sept. r6, 1913 , as per deposit in Merchants and Savings Bank, Madison, Wis ......................... $2540.09
Less check , number ror, outstanding..
$1844.32
75.93
Fraternally yours, GEO. E. FRAZER, Grand Treasurer.
It was moved by Bro. Flynn of He Chapter, seconded by Bro. Hogg, Beth Chapter, that the report of the Grand Treasurer be accepted and placed on file.
REPORT OF THE GRAND SECRETARY
For the period from September 10, 1912 to September 15, 1913. Including a Financial Statement and Journal Report.
Brothers :-At the close of my fourth term of office, I submit the following report of the work of the Grand Secretary's Office, covering the period above stated, together with certain recommendations.
I feel that there ought to be a change in the personnel of the conclave or you will get to taking mental lapses during the reading of my report. This report will be just like those that have preceded it. It will be an attempt to set forth as briefly as possible the condition of our affairs as a Fraternity, together with certain recommendations which are submitted for your consideration.
The special duties assigned to this office by the last conclave have been performed. Again I ask that a full and complete investigation of the methods employed and the work performed be made by the respective committees, and that the delegates feel free to make any inquiry they may deem advisable. I hope that no brotherly or personal consideration will prevent any brother from criticising the work done or the methods pursued, for as delegates you owe it to the chapters and to yourselves to
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see that the work of this office is properly and that such methods are pursued as will ensure its greatest u sef ulne ss to the Fraternity.
We shall note the work which has been performed under the respective headings which follow.
MEMBERSHIP RECORDS.
The keeping of the records is one of the most important branches of our work. 'vVe feel that we have certainly kept this matter of membership records before the members of the Fraternity. No Jo uRNAL ha s gone out without having so mething to say on this subject, and in fact by letter and pamphlet we have preached, plead, prodded and b eco me dangerously near being a common scold. But I am pleased to note the change that has come about in the years that I have known something of the work of gathering in the membership records. The great majority of the chapter secretaries take pride in the fact that they have a complete file of records or that they are working to get a complete file on record. Several of the alumni have made it their business tQ help get the files of their chapters completed. We have in most of the chapters the proper interest and und e r stand in g of the importance of this work and let us hope that every chapter in the fraternity may soon get a full realization of its importance. I could name seve ral that ought to receive honorable mention for good service in this important work, but I need not enumerate them here, for the consciousness of havin g done our duty should be our full measure of reward . 'vVe have not accomplish ed as much as we should like to report. We have done our best. Some of u s have labored so lon g together on this work that we :have come to know each other although we have nev e r met face to face, and in the work we have found such comrades as Villars of Daleth, Merrifield of Kaph, Guillaudeu of Waw, Boyden of Teth and a number of others.
There is no cause for discouragement : Five years ago we had a file of lll,!:mbership records about three inches thick; now we have four loose leaf binders that will soon have to be added to in order to afford space for the new ones. Th e report of 1909, after a year's work showed 905 records on file and 185 missing; in 1910 there were 1441 records on file and 73 missing; in 1912 there 2122 records on file and 57 missin g. There are now 2450 records on file and 49 missing
In this connection I wish to call attention to the fact that we have at last mad e a permanent roll of the Fraternity. For four years we have been keeping the roll on loose paper, for the reason that we did not want to make the roll out in permanent form until we were reasonably sure that we had all the memb e r s a nd could enter them somewhere near their chronological order. The preparation of this roll has been no small task.
On the subject of membership records I have said enough, but let us as delegates see to it that no member is initiated into the Fraternity' until his rec o rd and duplicate are filled out and the original is sent to the Grand Secretary. Let this be one of the things yo u men remember when yo u go back to your chapters.
MEMBERSHIP.
This subject is now an important one before the Fraternity and in fact has been a bone of contention eve r since I have known the Fraternity. But whatever may be the differences of opinion re "a rding so-called fundamentals, we are glad to report that the chapters have guarded the portals of th e Fraternity. Only one case of expulsion has been reported. Our chapters are doing a great deal of sifting before admitting members, and this is proper.
For several years I have noted a tendency on the part of some to abolish honorary membership. I have never favored such a step, but the expe rience of the last year has brought home to me a realization that some radical action must be taken in this connection.
In three chapters we have had members initiated as honoray members before the sanction of the Grand Council has been obtained and we have had a number of chapters that seemed impelled to initiate all the high Masonic officials of their respective states. Now I realize in speaking on this subject I am getting dangerously near home, as may be seen by an examination of the roll of :my own The cause for this great addition to the roll of honorary members 1s not entirely apparent and no doubt differs in the several chapters.
The files of THE JouRNAL will show that I have tried to point out the law on this subject and in numerous letters I have done my best to m"tke the matter
THE A CACI A JOUR A L
plain . D esp ite th e se efforts there are now pending . three cases where members have been initiated as honorary members without the sanction of the Grand Council, and we ha v e gotten two or three case s out of the way during the y ear
W e belie v e there is need of legislation on this s ubject . We therefore recommend a constitutional amendment limiting the number of living honorary members in each chapter to fi v e members and w her e a chapter ha s already to exce e d that number that then no other honorary members be admitted until the number shall be less than five.
In this connection I wi s h to call the attention of the concla v e to a defect in our law, in m y judgment. You will note that under our law the Grand Council has power to su s pend a chapter but that it has no power over an individual member of the Fr a ternit y. This i s a fatal d e fect, for suppo sing A . B. has been initiated by a c e rtain chapter and he becomes a bum a nd d ead be a t and imposes on other members of the Fraternity after he gets out of school or aft e r he leav es his chapter. This membe r m ay h ave s uch influence with hi s ch a pter as t o pr-ev ent his expulsi o n o r discipline. N o w the Gr a nd Coun c il s h o uld ha ve full p owe r t o ex pel such a m e mber , s ubject to the right to appeal to th e ne x t concla v e The poower of the Council to susp end the charter in some cases ha s no terrors . A nd wh en men take oath to compl y with our law s and then fail to do so we should ha v e some method of ridding our brotherhood of them. I tru s t y ou w ill see y our way cl ear to provide for this amendment and the other s referred to in the Minutes of the la s t Grand Council Meeting. These Minutes are to be found in the May Bull e ti n, copies of which are now in y our hands.
In clo sin g on this s ubject of membership I sh a ll submit a summarized statement o f th e m emb e r s hip o f ea ch chapt e r and the numb e r o f rec o rds o n fi le and th e numb e r mis sin g
Total Membership Active and Alumni
Membership Records Missing ..................................
Total Initiates for the year
Members Active December 1st , 1912
Members Active May 1st, 1913
CHAPTERS.
The year has been one of the mo st satisfactory we have known when we look over the roll of chapters. We have every reason to point with pride to the record of the chapters when taken as a whole. There has only been one exception in the whole list of chapters and this exception was to be noted at the last conclave. . I must be spe.cific in order to do my whole duty. There are some chapters wh1ch have never g1ven cause for a great deal of trouble on our part. Aleph, Gimel, He, Heth, Teth, Lamedth, .Mem, Nun, Samehk, Koph, Tsadhe, Aleph-Gimel, and Aleph-Daleth, have never g1ven any great amount of trouble though some of this list have had lapses . '
I feel that Daleth and and Yodh have made great progress during the year. The first two have certamly done better than they have done for some time.
Chapter seems to . have at last fal_len into proper hands. The progress of Ay1fi and Pe Chapters IS one of the bnght spots m our year of achievement. Both of these chapters no w have houses and the year has been one of real growth. AlephAleph and Shin Chapters have been fighting a good fight and Shin Chapter seems now to be on the way to a great victory.
This brings us to a consideration of Aleph-Beth Chapter. I have done all I could and Brother Shepardson has given the affairs of this chapter consideration. J at one time thought of moving the Council to suspend the charter, and in order to be within the law, I shall at the meeting of the Council h ere move the suspension of Aleph-Beth Chapter. The conclave then can hear from Brother Shepardson and take such action as it deems advisable. I have not been able to get any information from Aleph-Beth for over six months, and I believe upon full investigation you will find it advisable to recall the charter.
All the chapters have their troubles. Some of these are financial and some are due to lack of harmony. But when taken as a whole, the chapters are stronger and better in every way, than they have been before. Let us not forget to make adequate provision for a better method of keeping chapter accounts. When we have proper attention given to chapter finances then most of the other troubles will depart.
Let us see to it that the rule is not relaxed requiring petitioning bodies to maintain a chapter house for a year prior to their installation. Remember that a chapter house is the center of the chapter, and without a house a chapter cannot, unless under extraordinary circumstances, become .a real vital link in the chain.
And again let us foster here a r ea l pride in the Fraternity; a pride based on the full realization of what our Fraternity stands for as a whole and then let us return to our chapters and try and bring home to the brothers there the fact that loyalty to the chapter means lo ya lty to the whole Fraternity.
CoRRESPONDENCE.
Upon this subject I have nothing to add to my report of last year. The correspondence of this office is one of its heaviest burdens an _d yet one of most pleasa.nt rluties one has to perform. The same helpful relatiOns have contmued to ex1st between this office and the chapters. I have striven to do my whole duty-to advise, to correct, to suggest, and to aid the chapter secretaries; and is !3. continued growth in the correspondence with the alumni .. Many of the alumm wnte me <?nee or twice a year telling about themselves and the1r work. I have on occas10_ns written to alumni in one city telling them that a brother was to locate m that c1ty and as this report was being written I received the thanJ<s of one who been helped by this means. I may be pardoned for notmg these thmgs m passmg, but it makes one feel that the bond that unites us is a real one, and that you and I and all of us are united in a great common service, and that the fraternity does mean something to us, and that it has real claims upon us.
THE ACACIA JOURNAL
Our files will show a very full and accurate account of chapter affairs. Some of the chapter secretaries have been delinquent. This has always been the case but we feel sure that there has been improvement .
I trust that as a Grand Officer I have been of assistance to the chapters and to every member who has made a call upon the office. It has been my earnest de,sire to make this office a clearing house of Fraternity thought, ideals and inforniation, and with all to be helpful. I have sent out 779 letters during my term of office, besides numerous packages and parcels as may be seen from the postal register, which will be turned over to the auditing committee.
FINANCES
Our finances were never in better condition than at present. Some of the chapters owe considerable sums, but in most cases these are old debts and these have been diminished. It may be well to note that we shall again be able to pay the expenses of this conclave out of the cash on hand. This will be the second time in the history of the Fraternity that this has been done.
The financial report will cover in detail our finances and is herewith submitted.
Initiations
Per Capita Tax
Acacia Song
RECEIPTS EXPENDITURES
$I744·98
I873 .7S
I4.0S Endowment Fund
Expenses Grand Vice-president Office Expen s es Grand Treasurer Keith Office Expen ses Grand Vice-president
THE ACACIA JOURNAL
In this connection I wish to ur ge that no change be made for the com ing year in the charges and fees due the Frate rni ty.
AccouNTS AND VoucHERS.
I - have nothing new to add on this sub j ect. But this is a subject we cannot leave without givi n g our former opinion upon. In l ine with what is n o new subject on my part since becoming a member of the Fraternity, I have striven to keep an accurate set of books and full and comp l ete vouche r s for all money expended. I tru s t that yo ur auditing committee will make a full investigation of my books and accounts; that they ascertain what money has been received and how disposed of, and that for a ll money expended by me they find whether vouchers are on file. I ask this as a personal favor and as a duty they owe the Fraternit y. The auditing committee is charged with the important work of verifying m y accounts and seeing what funds were received and how they h ave been expe nded My books and vouche r s should fu lly explain these matter s, a n d I tr u st that no brotherly or personal consideration will in the le ast induce them to refrain from criticism if such is merited. The Fraternity as a whole ha s the ri ght to know a n d ought to know what has become of its funds. You de l egates should determine in this conclave what work your Grand Officers are to ca rry forward for the com in g year and then you sho ul d make provision for the funds to carry forward this work, and your successo r s at the n ext conclave should see that the work has been performed and the funds expe nded as d ir ected. This can only be known when adequate books and vouchers are kept. Let u s not forget to demand these at all times from our Grand Officers, and let us strive earnestly to begin some system in our respective chapters that will give us a proper accounting system.
JO URNAL.
I have given this s ubject a great deal of thought. I must confess that THE JouRNAL does not altogether please me, and I may say that this feeling seems to be largely individual, or m embe r s who have written me have not been candid. There has been some criticism from Teth Chapter, the gist of the objection to THE J ouRNAL being that it has too mu ch to say on such common subjects as membership records, honorary members, per capita dues and the like From one point of view the ob j ection is a valid one. But m y opinion of the matter is that a young fraternity suc'h as ours must have these common subjects hammered on and in, until we get a sort of chapter consciousness of them. Then we can perhaps induce some member, who is large enough and broad enough, to give us a more li terary and idealistic treatment of the problems which confront the Fraternity. I sha ll be g l ad to see that day and will welcome it most heartily. I feel, however, for the present that it wou ld be we ll to l eave THE JouRNAL in the hands of the Gra nd Sec r etary, a nd as lon g as your Grand Secretary has as much to do as the present incumbent he will find little time for literary work, eve n if he had the abi lit y to do it. We ought not to despairl of THE JouRNAL. We are a young organizat i on . The day w ill come whe n ou r m ember-
THE ACACIA JOURNAL
ship will have many men who are able to write for us and the time will come when we can depend more upon the chapters for material to make THE JouRNAL more interesting and profitable.
Thirty-six volumes of THE JouRNAL files have been found. The cost of binding was 8o cents per volume The cost of printing THE JouRNAL for the last year for the two issues was $650 70. The December number cost $335.25 , and the May number cost $315.45. I have had the work done by the Buxton & Skinner Printing Co. of St. Louis. Their price was the lowest that I could obtain from any responsible concern, except the Geo. Banta Publishing Co. When I got in touch with the Banta Publishing Co. arrangements had already been made with the other concern. The Banta Publishing Co. make what seems to be a very reasonable rate. I think that it would be well to investigate their proposition carefully before letting the contract for the next year.
·
You have already noted that we do not have as many advertisements in THE JouRNAL this year as last. There seems to be no hope of our getting much financial aid from advertisers to defray the expenses of THE JouRNAL. I have already spoken at length on this subject and will not go into it further at this time.
THE JouRNAL has been sent to all the Grand Lodges of the United States and to several Masonic Libraries. I submit to the Auditing Committee an itemized account of the JouRNALS distributed .
The last year marked the trial of an experiment in the publication of the Bulletin. My own opinion of this experiment is this-that the Bulletin does not take the place of the correspondence that has to be done by the Grand Secretary, and that it does not accomplish what it was hoped to accomplish by its publication. I believe that the best solution of our present problem of getting acquainted is to have three publications of THE JouRNAL and have the Grand Secretary keep in touch with the individual chapters by means of correspondence, and then insofar as possible urge e·ach chapter to publish a pamphlet on the order of the Daleth Asp, The Nun Traveler, The Heth Hello and the like. Of course each chapter that publishes such a pamphlet should send copies to the other chapters and to the Grand Officers, as well as to their alumni.
CoNCLAVE.
The time and place of meeting of the next conclave should be determined by this conclave. This matter should be left to a committee appointed early in the conclave which will examine the subject carefully and report their findings. Let us not leave this matter until the last moment before adjournment and then upon the invitation of some chapter decide the matter. The question of the place of meeting of the next conclave means a large expenditure of the Fraternity's funds and these funds should be expended wisely. I strongly recommend an annual conclave, and I believe that we now have sufficient funds coming in to pay for an annual conclave. The conclave last year cost the Fraternity $1459.27 and we believe that the cost of the present conclave will not be much larger.
ENDOWMENT FuND.
The funds held by this committee amounting to $65.85 were sent by brother Clarence G. Hill to the Grand Secretary and forwarded by him to the Grand Treasurer, and the amount of cash given in the financial statement just read includes this item. Now I wish to recommend that a small sum be added to this fund this year and that the combined sum so set aside be placed in the hands of the Grand Treasurer and Grand President to loan out. They could no doubt place this where it would be safe and we would make a start on this fund and gradually increase it. In my opinion the idea back of the endowment fund is a good one. I urge that a committee be appointed to make an investigation of this subject and report to this conclave.
CARD CASES AND TRAVELING CARDS.
There has not been so large a call for card cases as in the past but the demand for traveling cards has increased. I submit to the auditing committee an itemized statement of this account.
COMMITTEES.
I shall not take up space in this report giving in detail the work of the committees appointed by the last conclave. This information may be had from the May Bulletin, copies of which are in your hands.
THE ACACIA JOURNAL
At the meetin g of the G r a nd Council seve r a l committees were appointed to carry forward work .that wa.s not .then co mplet ed. The committee on Acco untin g was changed and thi s committee w ill probably ha ve so met h ing to r eport here. Th e committee on a song book wi ll probably not have completed its wor k so as to make anything more than a preliminary report to this conclave
The Committee on coat-of-a rm s and flag report ed to the Grand President and these matters we r e taken up by the Grand Council and a coat-of-arms and flag adopted.
CoPYRIGHTS.
Two copyrights have been sec ured during the year, one on the coat-of-arms and one on the Acac ia Song.
ALUMNI ORGANIZATIONS.
Logically this s ubj ect sho uld hav e bee n treated under the heading of Membership, but I have left it to be consi d e r ed alone. Th e organization of alumni association s is a hopeful sign of the rea l wo rth of Acacia . It shows that our a lumni are going out into th e world of affairs a nd are not forgetting their Fraternity. There are associations at Los Angeles, Chicago a nd New York, a nd other associat ions will be formed in the near future. A co mmittee should b e appointed by this conclave to st udy this subject and it may be th at ce rtain c hang es in o ur laws are lo oking to a formal recognition of th ese assoc iations. I re spec tfully urge upon this conclave a close consideratio n of this s ubject.
INVE NTORY .
) submit herewith inventory of property held b y me b elon gi ng to the Fr ate rnit y : I seal; I O li ver Typewriter; I d es k; I Lund strum Filing Cabinet; I Edison Mimeograph; I lett er fi le; 4 membership r eco rd books; ledge r , cas h book, j o urn a l, ritual record book, and roll book; I stee l dye for member ship certificate s at Bu x ton & Skinners's; I s teel dye for ch arte r s w ith the R o und s- Truman Co.; IOI card cases; r8r rituals; I postai scale; several boxes of Jo uRNALS and fi les. There i s also so m e stationery and office supp li es on hand. There i s posta g e on hand amounting to 74 cents.
I s ubmit herewith the following r eco mmendations :
r. That great care be exe r c ised in makin g amendments to the constitution and by- l aws. The proce dur e i s simpl e, and I would suggest that the amendments be written out, and when finally passed that the a mendment be designated as a by-law or constitutiona l amendme nt and be read in it s final form and the vote taken by roll call, and that the written amendment be turned ove r to the Grand Secretary for compa rison with the note s of the stenog r ap her
2. That the Grand Secretary publi s h the minutes of thi s conclave in the fir st issue of the Jo uRNAL, and that the M inut es together with ot h er m at t e r s h a ll be issued, as a November Jo uRNAL; t h at two ot h e r numbers be issued, o ne o n February I and one on May 1, and that the chapter editors shall send in their letters for these numbers of the JouRNAL not later than October ro; J a nuary ro, and Apr il r.; a nd that de l egates notify their editors immediately upon their return of the d a te of the fir st chapter letter being du e.
3· That t h e subsc ripti o n price of the Jo uRNAL shall be one dgjlar per year o r fifty cents per sing l e copy to _all, except active members or orders made throu gh the chapter secretaries w hen the same sh a ll be thirty-five cents per copy; that each active member whose per cap it a tax i s paid on December Ist shall be entitled to the November number free, a nd that each active member whose per capita tax is paid on May Ist shall be entitled to the February and May numbers free. Finally, brothers, this personal word, I feel, should be made a part of this report. Since June I9Q8, I have h e ld the office of Grand Secretary. There probably is a fee lin g that if the office is an honor I have held it lon g enough, and if it is a burden I have carried it lon g e nou g h. I h ave no desire to make any answer to either of these propo sitions, save this, that since my first election, I have asked no member of any conclave for hi s supp ort, and today I feel that if you have a candidate in mind for the office, I sha ll be g lad to greet him as my successor. At times, I feel as if I can not carry on the wor k and attend to my other duties, and again at times I feel as if I co uld no t be with out the comradeship it gives me. I wish here again to bear witness to the courtesv that has been extended to me by the chapter officers and the members of the Gra nd Council. Their work speaks for itself and I can only hope that the same may be truthfully said of my own . Not all things were accomplished
that have been undertaken, but we hope that we have carried the work forward devotedly and earnestly and that something has been left for others to build upon more wisely and better
Respectfully submitted, HARRY E. KILMER, Grand Secretary.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
It was moved by Bro. Groves of Ayin and seconded by Bro. Jenkins of Teth, and Shultz of Pe, that the report of the Grand Secretary be received and placed on file. Motion prevailed and it was so ordered.
The Grand President called for the report of the Grand Council and upo n request of the Grand Secretary, the same was made the first order of business Thursday afternoon.
(Two telegrams of greeting received and read from F. P. Landrum and H. S Villars.)
The next order of business was the report of the delegates: Grand President: We now have an hour before taking a recess and we will spend our time as last year in hearing the reports from the 'individual chapters. Here is the chance for us to have a good old-fashioned talk-around, state such things as will ·be of interest to us . There will be perfect freedom in asking questions. Let us find out in this grand talkaround how we stand . I will call first on the representative of Aleph Chapter at the University of Michigan to make a report.
McCoy of Aleph: We expect our house to be ready about the first of February . We have about one of the best lots in town , that represents a value of about $12,000, located in the midst of the fraternity district and between the Psi U and the D. K. E., and we are planning to take a more prominent place in every way in the social and fraternity affairs at Ann Arbor. The house will cost twenty-five, or twenty-six thousand dollars, so, as has been mentioned, should we have the conclave next year, we shall have a fine place to receive you. We started in the year with a very small membership-a great number of seniors graduated and left us, and as a result when we came back in 1912 , there were seven members on hand, but every one of these seven were men of dauntlessness, and they buckled into the job with vigor and energy, and we have a membership of twenty. We have one pledge, a man from Calumet, in the Upper Peninsula. ·We are admitted into the interfrat conference . The new rules go into effect the second semester, which means no pledging of the freshmen during the freshman year.
A gain has been made in every way in the standing of the fraternity. There is no CJ.Uestion of the worth of the fraternity at the present time. In the Student Council we had three members-a representation greater than the other frats had. Did not take so active a part in athletics, but we will this year, for we have a man coming in from Nebraska, and we expect him to do things along the line of athletics. Other than that, I don't. know of any information.. I shall be glad to answer any questions on the standmg of the Fraterntty. We are in excellent shape financially
Member : What was the procedure to get the house?
McCoy : The house was secured by bonds. They are due, five, ten, fifteen and twenty years, and we have made excellent arrangements, due
to the influence of one of our honorary members-a very influential and kindly man, who ha s in a dozen different ways helped us since we initiated him. It is to a great extent due to his influence and kindness that we have been able to negotiate the loan which has enabled us to start.
Member: Do the new rules handicap you in any way in taking in men who are not freshmen?
McCoy: No, both in the collegiate and law departments there are men who have had work in other schools. It is going to be very favorable to us, because the men who come there are men who have had work 1n other schools to a great extent. They qualify higher than the freshman year, and in the law department now, it requires one year preparation in collegiate work-it will favor us in the law department,-we are better off than the majorit y of the fraternities, and by getting in some good work thi s semester, as we are planning to do, we shall forge ahead. We have a very capable body of officers this year. We are especially fortunate in our venerable Dean , a man whose ability is unquestioned.
Grand President: Where did you sell those bonds, to Acacia men, or to outside people?
McCoy: No, the German-American Bank took them.
Grand President: What security?
1\.fcCoy : A mortgage on the house.
Member: On the house and lot?
McCoy: No the lot is free.
Member: You borrowed the entire $26,000 for building?
McCoy: No, $25,000.
Grand President: You offered the security on the house and lot?
McCoy: Yes.
Member: What rate of interest?
McCoy: sYz per cent-the half per cent is your tax on the bond. The bank pays that , which makes us a 5 per cent interest, which is a very reasonable rate of interest in Michigan around that section.
Gra nd President: Do you adhere rigidly to the printed ritual?
McCoy: Yes. Last year the officers had their parts almost entirel y learned . This year it will be even better and there will not be a single officer who will not be qualified to take his part almost without the aid of the ritual. We have all the paraphernalia required or necessary, and such other as we feel we need, but is not required particularly by the ritual.
Grand President: Anyone else any question to ask?
Member: I would like to ask what method your pursue in locating your men?
McCoy: That is rather interesting. We have an organization at Michigan, known as the Craftsmen. Through it w.e get the name of .each Mason entering the school. Now at the present time, both the Prestdent and the Secretary of the Craftsmen are members of Acacia fraternity, and in that way we have the control of all of the records, the mailing list, the addresses of all the men, all the Masons in the school, and in that way we pull most of our initiates from the men who have registered. We have a Chairman of the rushing committee, who reports whether they look good, or whether they are valuable timber for acquaintance, and in that way we get acquainted with them and know a great many men that otherwise we
would no t have opportunity to know. In that way we get practically the first call on all the Masons entering the university. We have lost two or three. We get acquainted with their characteristics to a great extent and then we get them.
Member: What is this Craftsmen?
McCoy: The Craftsmen is an organization there. The object of the Craftsmen is to learn to a greater extent the history of Masonry. We arrange a program for the entire year-procure prominent speakers throughout the United States, and the expenses of those speakers are paid. It is a two dollar a year fee for the Craftsmen and it is paid from funds and from individual contributions, and different things of that sort. We have never had any trouble in keeping ahead and having a surplus instead of a deficit.
Member: I would like to ask if Craftsmen was organized by Acacia?
McCoy: No, before Acacia was.
Member : The Acacia men are members of it?
McCoy: Yes, nearly all of them. We feel interested, and it helps the fraternity.
Member: It is an elective organization?
McCoy : Yes, but not any great care is taken in it. If we find one that is undesirable, he is not taken in, but to a great extent, the name and address of the applicant is given , and as a general thing, they are visited or recommended by some member of the club. So we find very few cases, in fact, I don't know of a single case where we found out one undesirable member for the Craftsmen. It is well known throughout the state. They see the placards, "Masonic students register here ." We have those signs scattered around through the treasurer's office, for instance, and the different departments, the law and engineering departments, and in that way we fail to get few of the Masonic students.
Grand President: About what proportion, Bro. McCoy, of the Masonic students do you find fit timber for Acacia-how many at Michigan in a year?
McCoy: We have exercised very great care in choosing members of Acacia , we may have been almost too strict-
Grand President: What are your ideals, upon what lines do you pick?
McCoy: Upon the worth of the man. That is the basic qualification. We keep our dues, our table and our rooms down to the very bottom of prices in order that we may not miss good men who are qualified in every other way, but who may lack the necessary funds to carry them through.
Grand President: I wanted you to interpret the "worth of the man". What are the (You ar:e the Mother chapter) You must give us some light on what constitutes a good man.
McCoy: We look over the men carefully, his personality to a great extent, to determine his qualification. If he has a good personality, a live, bright, apparently energetic man, we want him. We have him downas I suppose you all d<r-three or four times; usually three times, and look him over pretty carefully, and we have each man get acquainted with him as well as he possibly can. And by the time we have had him down there three times, we have a pretty good idea of his personality, his virtues, or his lack of virtue, whichever it may be, and in that way we find out what there is to a man before we pledge him.
Grand Pres ident : Do you know any member s of th e C raft smen who feel bitter because the y cannot make Acacia?
McCoy: There have been two in s tan ces of that la st year ; one we cared nothing about. He was of the Jewi sh persua s io n, a Maso n , and was at temptin g to get hi s brethren in. Acacia, the Aleph chapter , controls to a great extent the C raft s men and they are content that the A leph chapter sho ul d exercise that ·control.
Grand Preside nt : Would you feel free to tell u s what the expenses of yo ur chapter are?
McCoy: The initiation expense is $25 , and t o that we add the national , $2.50, a nd $5 quarterly dues.
Grand Presiden t: Living expenses?
McCoy: Boa rd ran $4.00 a week last year; r ooms, $2.00. Really, out side and individual st udent s ca nnot get congenial s urr o unding s and board at that price.
Gra nd President: So you think that the argument sometime s advanced that living in a fraternity hou se is an expensive lu x ur y, does n ot apply to Michigan?
McCoy: It d oes n o t apply to Aleph. Io, it does n o t. I know men who really spe nd le ss in th e chapter house than o ut s ide
Grand Pres ident: D o you see any tendenc y t o sn obb ishne ss?
McCoy: We try to a cer tain extent to be exclusive. In a way we are congenia l to all Masons. We welcome them at any time , but ther e is a distinct ion drawn between whether yo u are an Acacia man o r whether yo u are not.
Grand President: I s there enough of that so that the charge that the fraternity is an exclusive o rganizati o n , se lf-centered and snobbish, co uld ar ply to Acacia?
McCoy: No, I think n o t. We tr y t o inculcate the principles o f Masons.
Grand President: There i s one very imp o rtant matter connected with ed u ca ti o nal life, I don ' t think you touched upon?
McCoy : That has been a sore point, I regret to s a y . The scholarsh ip tool< a sudden slump, but you will find that condition ha s been entirely removed, this last year.
Grand President: Have you lost any men through faculty action?
McCoy: No, so far as the faculty is concerned, Acacia stands high. They still have confidence in us.
Grand President: \Vas that drop due t o o ne or two fellows who did not attend to business or was it general?
McCoy: There were five or six members of Acacia who caused that , and this next year will see an entirely different complexion put on that . We will rank as high as any general fraternity. There was but one Aunk in all subjects taken by members of Acacia , and really, that was excusable.
Grand President: How does Acacia rank with other fraternities?
McCoy: No, it is recognized as a new fraternity , and at the Ja y Hop (which is abolished) we probably would have had a place , which is a mark of prestige . But a great many other fraternities are in_ the same line. We have an organization known as the Paladium-the etght oldest frats-that control things .
Grand President: I think that will work out in the course of a year or two. What do you call the annual publication, the students' annual?
McCoy: Michiganensis.
Grand President: It is put in that in the order of its establishment, with the other fraternities?
McCoy: Yes, we occupy space with the other fraternities. \Ve were only admitted a year ago.
Frazer: Has there been any tendency to take in a Mason who belongs to another general fraternity?
McCoy: No.
Grand President : Has there been any tendency on the part of any fraternity to try to take an Acacia man from you?
McCoy: No . It is a question of "hands off" all around. That is simply a thing that is recognized there. A fraternity that would do that, under the new rules would be forbidden to pledge any man the rest of the year .
Member: W auld not the giving of a pledge pin give him sufficient distinctiveness?
McCoy: Yes.
Grand President: Do you think the pledge pin sets the fellow apart and makes him feel better than the ordinary freshman?
McCoy: It depends on the characteristics of the man more than anything else .
Grand President : I am aiming at the criticism that the pledge pin gives a fellow an undue sense of importance.
McCoy: It gives him a certain pride in himself---:-an elevated standing among other people, but not the element of snobbishness . We are democratic at Michigan . One man is equal to the other whether a member of a fraternity or not. That spirit is not permitted about the University of Michigan.
Member: To return to your house-what means did you use of procuring your lot?
McCoy: That I hardly know. That dates beyond my time. At the time the fraternity was founded in I904 some sort of a deal was made by which they secured a lot through extension of payments.
Member : That has been paid up?
McCoy: Yes. We made a proposition to the alumni; $3()()() was outstanding on the lot at the beginning of I9I2, and we made a proposition to our alumni that if they would raise $I 500 of that fund, that the active chapter would raise the other $I 500 and that has been done and has been paid.
Member: The original proposition was handled by the alumni association?
McCoy: No, we had no alumni association. That was due entirely to the efforts of the active chapter at that time. At the present time--that was one of the conditions we had to meet in order to get our loan. We had to have the property free of any incumbrance.
Member: You gave personal notes for that amount?
McCoy : No , the plan that was followed there is : Each senior when he graduates gives his note for a certain amount. It ranges anywhere from
ten to one hundred ?ollars. All the active members have pledged that in advance and have given our notes for amounts varying from ten to one hundred dollars. The seniors have ten years in which to make these payruents.
Member: Do you find they are pretty prompt in their payments?
McCoy: Yes. Ten dollars a year doesn't represent a whole lot to a man who is making a lot of money, and that is the way we have paid off the lot.
Grand President: This $rsoo the chapter raised was in cash?
McCoy: Yes. The active members of the chapter did all that last year. They had to hustle.
Member: Is this scheme regarding notes compulsory?
McCoy: No, entirely optional. It is customary. Custom sometimes has the force of compulsion.
Grand President: How much of the $26,000 have you already pledged?
McCoy: We have not very much pledged. We are not raising it that way The income from the house and the income from these subscriptions will meet the bonds as they fall due. We figure on that.
Grand President: How long do you figure it will take you to meet the indebtedness ?
McCoy: Twenty years, and we can pay it off before that. It is hardest to meet the first bond. After we drop that and get away from the interest accruing on those bonds, it will be easier-the increase comes up pretty rapidly.
Member: Do you ever have any trouble with the men in the house not settling the accounts?
McCoy: We had; in fact, there are some accounts not yet paid.
Grand President: What do you do in case an account is not paid?
McCoy: We try diplomacy. We don't have many whose negligence has been such as to annoy and I don't know what action will be taken. We thought of sending out statements and sort of appealing to their sympathy for the financial condition of the house, in view of the fact that we were building the new one.
Grand President: Are those accounts for board?
McCoy: Two of them are, but the chapter extended the time of payment on one of these simply because the member was pretty hard pressed. He was making every effort he could to get through the year and in several of those cases, they extended that as a favor and as an aid to the individual. All of those have been paid.
Grand President: How many songs have you?
McCoy : Quite a repertoire.
Grand President: Have you turned them in to the : Committee on Song Book?
McCoy: No.
Grand President: I would like to have you make that suggestion whe.n you get back, and you should get up a song to the founders of the fraternity. See if you cannot get up a rattling good song to the founders.
McCoy: I think we can. We have one man who is very prominent in musical circles there. I think he can get up something of that sort.
Grand President: Have you started a chapter library?
McCoy: No.
G r a n d P r es id ent : I m ean a spe cial A ca cia librar y? Have y ou a co m p let e file of the J ou RNA LS ?
McCoy: Y e s, th a t is on fil e with the Co rre sponding Se c retar y. \\" e have all our pre v iou s co rre sp o nden ce , ever y thing on that line . We have not g o tt en it sy stematized as w e wo uld like. We are making plans for that in the n ew ho u s e. We ex pect to put in cases and expect to get books a s we can .
G rand P resident: Have yo u a scrap book?
M cCoy: Yes , and N o. N o t in the f o rm of a scrap book, but o ur pr ogram s and picture s ha v e been preserved .
G r a nd President: Could yo u tell us what you have at Aleph in the wa y of w hat you call memorabilia-have you a copy of the original articleso f incorporation ?
M c Co y : We have the charter framed and pictures of all the members and in the ne w house w e expect to have s o mething which I believe was s ugg este d and had b y s ome o f the o ther chapters-that is o ur fireplace. We will ha v e the name o f each man who has ever been a member of Acacia. Ce rtainly it w ill recall a g oo d man y good companionships.
G rand President: H ow are the y t o be put on the brick, when the brick is made?
Mc Coy : Ye s, this is of course tentative.
G rand President: In what condition are your chapter minutes?
Mc Coy : In fine conditi o n . We have the minutes clear back from the founding of the chapter, the first meeting.
Member: How o ften do y ou have chapter meetings ?
McCo y : Every two weeks.
Member : A regular meeting ?
M c Co y : No , it is a monthly meeting, the second Monday. We have lots of s pecial meetings .
Member: You find yo u can handle the busine s s of the fraternit y in those special meetings?
McCoy: Yes .
Member: Is thi s property held m the name of the fraternity, or in the name of the alumni?
Mc Co y : I don ' t kn o w. I believe it is held in the name of the fraternit y, alth o ugh I am not positive.
Grand Secretar y : I think it is held by a Board of Trustees.
Grand Pre s ident: By an alumni association.
Member: How are you going to furnish the house?
McCo y : We have at the present time quite a lot of furniture, but we have not planned on elaborate furni s hings for a while-that is a matter of future development. We expect to have it furnished nicely and neatly. That will be an additional debt.
Member: Do y ou turn the full amount of your initiation fees that does n o t g o t o the grand body into your house fund?
Mc Co y : Ye s- I think that the suggestion of a budget is a good one . I cannot speak ver y definitely or fully on the keeping of the funds of the house.
G rand Pre s ident: Y o u d o n ' t know whether the initiation fee is used for ex pense s ?
THE ACACIA J OURNAL
McCoy: It goes into the house fund.
Member: How do yo u run yo ur table?
Me oy: We have a s teward.
Member: One of yo ur ow n member s?
McCoy: Yes. We make him an allowance of $3.50 a week on his board. The Treasurer gets $2.50 and the Co rre spo nding Sec r eta r y is allowed $r a week o n his roo m rent.
Member: Does the Treasurer o f the chapter co llect the bqard o r does the teward collect the board ?
McCoy: The Treasurer collects all funds.
Member: In ot h e r words, the bo arding table and the h ou se are nm in the same fund?
McCoy: Yes, he handle s all the fund s, but the Steward gets th e amount that is paid to him for board.
Grand Preside nt: W h o is responsible f o r the potatoes?
McCoy: The Steward-no, the fraternity is resp o nsible for sup p li es.
Grand P re s ident : Have you any s afeguard s to prevent bills fron1 being charged to the frat e rnit y ? You could, for example , get some flowers and get t hem c harged t o Acacia h o u se?
McCoy: Yes .
"Grand Pres ident : Do you find that a safe thing ?
McCoy: We have found it safe. There has ne ve r been an y abuse of it at a ll. The expenditure of any fund s o ut s ide o f the supplie s i s provided fo r in advance, ma y be, the chairman of a committee is in structed to make an expenditure or to create an obligation.
Membe r: Social affairs, do you handle thr o ugh the Trea sur er o r c hairman of so me committee as a special a ss istant ?
McCoy : A special as s istant . We have a dance committee.
Membe r: Do you let the dance committee run the whole yea r?
McCoy: Yes.
Member: The steward orders his pr ov is io n s thr o ugh hi s ow n account?
McCoy: Yes.
Me mber: Doe s he open a personal account?
McCoy: Yes the Steward does that through the Treasurer.
Member: Then all the Trea s urer has to do is to collect the amount after the Steward has turned the account over to him?
McCoy: The Steward 's bills are paid b y the Treasurer.
Member: Suppose sometime s omeb o d y might be irregular in board. H ow is that arranged. Does the Steward generally take charge, or d oes the Treasurer have that in charge?
McCoy: The Treasurer has that in charge. Hi s books show whether one is delinquent in board , or due s
Member: Does the steward make a report every month to the chapter?
McCoy: This year, he will. The reports last year were irregular and to a great extent unsatisfactory to the rest of the chapter, but thi s year o ur constitution calls · for a monthly report, but we could not always get a report. ·
Member: How much did you say you paid the various men for handling- those thing-s?
McCoy: Steward, $3.50; Treasurer, $2.50, and the Corresponding Secretary, $r on his room rent.
Grand President: What does that represent? Postage?
McCoy: His time and labor. We try to keep our records pretty carefully. There is a lot of correspondence--one thing and another.
Grand President: How many visitors do you have up there a year? Suppose a local fellow drops in to dinner, does he pay for that?
McCoy: No, we are glad to have him there. Of course if he feels that he is coming too much , where he , for instance , a man who lived in an adjoining town of Ypsilanti · came quite frequently , and he insisted on paying. It was a convenience to him.
Grand President: I asked that question with a definite purpose. A good many fraternities are seriously embarrassed by visitors They don't want to seem to be small , and yet the dropping in of a good many, means a large increase of expenditures , and my impression is that it would be a good thing to have go through the fraternity that if a man takes a meal at a fraternity house, he ought to pay for it, 25 or 35c, whatever it is, and let the initiative come from the men as a custom, and let no one think that is not hospitable, to harge him for his meal. Work it out gradually, so that when a fellow goes to visit a fraternity house. I mean, I would not, if a man came from Chicago to Michigan, I would not have you charge him for his meals; but suppose a fellow living at Detroit, who came frequently-let him pay that bill. You would be saved a good deal of outlay that becomes burdensome.
McCoy: I know of no good understanding that we have in that regard. I think there is some sort of a rule that if he stays more than two days, then he is under obligations-that applies to a local member. We are too glad to get outside men.
Member: Do you have men living outside of the house that eat there?
McCoy : Yes, we had four or five men outside last year.
Member: Do you ever have any trouble with their accounts?
McCoy: No, not a bit.
Grand President: What excuses did they offer?
McCoy : His aunt lived there in town and could not be alone. We were so glad to get that man, that we were glad to have him stay with his aunt.
Grand President: Have you had any give the excuse that it was too expensive to live in the house?
McCoy: No, because it is cheaper to live in the fraternity than to live outside. Aleph chapter has not tried to splurge socially. We gave four dances last year. None of them were formal. Our Christmas dinner was formal, but other than that, we tried to entertain our visitors and give them a congenial jolly time without too great formality.
Member: Is your board and your room rent on a weekly or monthly basis?
McCoy: Monthly. We put it on a weekly basis, you pay for what you get.
Member : What was your board?
McCoy: Four dollars a week. We came out a little ahead on the table-not so much as usual, due to the increased cost of living, perhaps.
Member : Yo u s aid board w as $4 and r oom rent $2 . W ha t a r e yo ur reg ula r chapte r due s?
McCoy: F ive dollars quarterly due s . That takes care of in cid en ta l expenses W ell , o f course , the depreciati o n cost and thing s o f tha t so rt. T h e outside me m b ers pay $ro per quarter be cause the y g et th e u se of th e parl or, th e p ia no, and light s and rooms and all that and w ith o ut p a yi ng a ny r oom ren t in t h e ho u s e , s o we think that keeps them ab o ut even on it.
Membe r: H a v e yo u a Universit y Commons?
McCoy : No.
Member: How about dormit o ries?
McCoy: No. Mi chigan Inn is the neare st appr o a ch t o a Co mmo n . I don't t hin k the y h ave an y extra r oo ms o ther than f o r their o ffi ce r s .
Me mb er : Ho w man y doe s -it ac commodate?
McC oy : I can n o t tell yo u that. It is quite a large dinin g r oo m 1 s u ppose I so.
Membe r: Th e g eneral rule is f o r student s to bo ard o ut s ide ?
McCoy : Y es the boarding h ouses are all ov er the cit y. There I S no Commons o r D o rmitor y s ys tem.
Me mb e r: Did no t the C raft smen at o ne time attempt t o f o rm a n ati ona l assoc iatio n ?
- McCoy : I don ' t kno w ab o ut that.
G r a n d P r es id e nt : I think p e rh a p s we can ex cu s e B r o ther McCoy o f A leph. Mr. Kilmer has a fe w que s ti o ns.
G r a nd Secretary : Largely becau s e I want to get this matter be f o re yo u as de leg a t es-the se member s that do not pa y up , yo u s a y yo u ha v e one o r two that have not p a id , is that right?
McC o y : Yes.
G r a nd Secretary: The y failed to pay also the nati o nal due s ?
McCoy : We had so me back on their nati o nal dues , but the y paid up a t t h e e nd o f the year.
G r a nd S ecretar y : I had the impres s ion that yo u had a couple o f membe r s who are yet behind wh om you feel are competent to pay .
McC o y : N o , n o t last y ear ·
G r a nd Secretary: This is not personal. You have in Aleph chapter t wo o r three men wh o m yo u feel are capable of paying and who have n ot p a id-that is my inference?
M cC oy: Yes.
Grand Secretary : I do n ' t want to embarrass you. Now d o es Aleph chapter have any feeling on the question of whether they owe it to the fraternit y and themselves to rid the chapter of such material?
Mc C oy: No, not a bit. We can help them more by still keeping them on the roll until we get in such a pressure that it is necessar y . I don't think any action will be taken In fact we had a man graduate thi s y ear, he had been the Treasurer, but had kept his so ver y lax that the auditiRg committee could make very little out of tt. There WCJ. S no question of his honesty, but he had not kept his records-there was an amount back. We have his note for that amount, a personal note , unsecured in any way, but we feel that his honor and his in Acacia will meet that. We give him as much time as we can. I thmk the total indebtedness is $6o.
Grand Secretary: The o nly thing I am trying to get at is whether y ou do no t hav e in some chapters that sort o f feeling that wo uld make it imp oss ible f o r the chapters to carry upon its roll and therefore have their name s carried upon the rolls of the national fraternit y, men w h o have failed t o pa y their o bligati o ns and w ho are able-! don ' t mean men who are n o t able. Whether you have in Aleph chapter that sort o f a clean-cut, moral decisi o n that would make it impo s sible t o carry that so rt o f man on y our chapter r o ll?
McC oy : N o ab s olutely none.
M ember: D o yo ur men ev er s how an y feeling that becau s e it is the fraternit y, that it is not so necessary for them to s ettle their acc o unt s a s it would be with some o ne not so closely associated ?
Mc Co y : I think that feeling would come o ut at an y time. I think that is not a bad feeling to have-that you can imp o se certain hardships on them to help yo urself, at times But we have a two week s rule , soc additi o nal added to each week to his board and room rent. That doe s not mean a penalty exactly. It is urged to keep up so we can keep the books. We started in an absolutely clean condition in our books and ever y thing. We know exactly where we stand on everything at the beginning this year. I don ' t think our financial affairs could be any cleaner cut , any m o re settled , an y more co ncise than they are now.
Member: Do you think that if you sent out statemet ts of indebtedness to these men that they would feel angr y about it?
McCoy: No, I think it is a just debt. They feel it is negligence. They will be sent out. I had intended doing it. It is the duty of the Corresponding Secretary to do that-to send out statements before I left school. It was not done. It w ill be clone this fall and tho se men will be urged to meet that debt as quickly as they pos s ibly can. There is no threat made. We feel that they recognize it is a just debt. It will be paid as promptly as they can . ·
(Presentation of badges.) .
Upon motion of Bro. Hogg of Beth , seconded by Bro. V eness of Tsadhe, the conclave adjourned at 12:10 until 2 p. m. at the same place.
WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON SESSION
At 2 p. m . the co nclave was called to order by Grand President F. W. Shepardson.
The report of delegates was continued and Bro. E. M. Hogg, Beth chapter, was called upon for his report.
Brother Hogg reported that at the first of the last year · they had 16 in the chapter house, a number have been unable to come back so there are now 9 active members . " In the past year we have been trying to build up our membership, so far this year we have three new members : However Acacia has been in the past year having a renaissance and a great deal of attendant enthusia s m and we look forward to local prosperity. I hope to take up the task of getting the co-operation of the loc]ges of the state and get some sort of system and co-operate with lodges and get Masons before they go to other fraternities. We suffe·r, a s have other chapters , for the want of member s. As a matter of scholarship Beth ranks among the first. Last year there were 20 men belonging to Honorary Societies. Beth chapter does not own a house. We had a lot, but we sold it and found
a better location about a half mile from the campus. O ur house is democratic throughout. We have a h o u se manager and a steward who h ave their respective duties . As some of the boys f o rget to pay their bi ll s, we have today outstand ing $zoo. Tw o, men we have been una ble to hear anything from. We hope t o clear thi s up next yea r. In regard to the board and room , everyt hing is run by the m o nth , a ssessments at th e end of the month are levied and the indebtedness is divided among a ll members. Initiation fees are $25 . The rushing is d o ne the first of the sc hool yea r. " Ques. Have you thought of any scheme to ha ve a Mason register ? Ans. Yes. Ques. Do yo u ha ve much trouble with men leaving in th e middle of the year? Ans. No . Ques . Have yo u th o ught what to do with those two men who have n ot paid their bill s due the chapter? Ans. They can pay if they wish, I know that t o be a fact. Grand President: You h ave no definite idea what o ught to be done? Ans . We feel that we sho uld either get the money or s trike their names from the roll. It h as been suggested to wit hdra w these m en from the chapter. G rand P re s id en t : Boys, we want to put it in such form as will cause a definite feeling in the chapter as to what actio n o ught to be taken. A full investigati o n I think o ught to be made by the delegates and the chapters, to find some mean s to free us from them . Grand Preside nt Shepardson after presenting the neces s it y ari s ing f o r handling many of the questions of the Conclave b y mean s of committees whose reports would form the ba s is of intelligent action b y the whole bod y of delegates appointed the following committees:
Comm ittee on Constitution and Jurisprudence: A. A. Jenkin s, Teth; E. R. Suter, Heth; H. H. Thurston , Kaph; F. R. Polk, Samehk; E. B Hawes, Waw.
Commit tee on next Conclave: W. C. Magathan, Gimel; F. P. Weaver, Shin; H. D . Evans, Resh.
Comm ittee on Res o lutions: E . D. Flynn, He ; T. F. McCoy, Aleph; L.A. Wi ls o n , Nun; W. G . Mann, Yodh, F. E. Hagen, A leph - Gimel.
Committee o n Auditing: F . W . Veness, Tsadhe; L. F. Meier, Daleth ; E. C. Ca rr , Aleph-Aleph.
Committee o n Auditing of Delegates' Expenses: E. M . Hogg. Beth; \V. G. Mann, Yo dh.
Acacia Pin: . T. F. McCoy, Aleph, L. A. Wilson, Nun; H. K. Thatcher, Mem.
C hapters: J. F. Groves, A yin; F. E. Lott, Aleph-Daleth; E. H. Whitcomb, Lamedth.
Comm ittee on Song Book: J. R. Schultz, Pe; H. D . Evans , Resh; R. H. Moyer, Koph.
Com mittee o n Cata logue: H. H. Thurston, Kaph; F. P. Weaver, Shin; R. H . Moyer, Koph; F. E. Hagen, Aleph - Gimel. Dro. Magathan, Gimel chapter was then called upon.
B r o. Magathan reported: During the past year we men have progressed although the number of our membership has not grown very large , but we find the strength of the individual members ·very great. Vve began la st year with 12 men in the chapter house. We lost two members, one graduated and one left school. The men are very good workers an d. good Acacia men. This yea r we expect to have 12 or 14 men back and vnll fill
up the house. Now with us Masonry is connected with membership. The regular rushing week we always look out for men. We hold regular smokers as the rest of the chapters do. We are on the very best terms with the other fraternities and with the lodge of Lawrence. Last year the degree work was given by a team from the chapter. We pride ourselves on our financial standing. We are square , we have no debts that I know of. The initiation money goes to the Grand Secretary and we see that it is not used for any other purposes. We try to have each year paid up and not have it drag from year to year . The active chapter pays the debts which are incurred for furniture. We did have some men in the past who did not pay, that's a debt which we feel we can carry. We have rented a house for 5 years, we have $4,500 on a new house but we prefer to wait as we want to get something good. We have an alumni association which is working toward the house. The practice has been established that each one sign a note of $so. We are all the time trying to welcome our old members, we publish a phamplet which goes to all members. We have a social committee. We hold smokers. We are looking forward to some sort of a formal affair. In politics we have been active. Every man is expected to take some active part in social activities. We agree at all times with other fraternities. In our relations with the Greeks we are always friendly. Athletics has somewhat improved during the last year . We had some trouble with the treasurer , he had his books badly mixed up but they were straightened out. Room rent is $S per month, board is $4 per week, $3 for chapter dues and $1 for social dues. In the past year we paid $so on the furniture, the year previous to that $90. Our average cost is $I7S, I believe . We pay $70 rent for our house, the house accommodates 14 men.
A brief discussion was made by President Shepardson on the Constitution and By-Laws, and also by Bro. Jenkins.
Bro. Meier, Daleth chapter, was then called upon.
Brother Meier reported that last year they had from 6 to 9 members in the house. "We had a very good rushing season. We made out a rushing schedule. We are always on the lookout for Masons . We find out the names of the Masons, invite them to the house, if we care for them we go after them good and hard. We do not have any register although every man is a regular , always on the lookout. We also take in Greeks . lW e have a large alumni, we are different from other chapters in this respect, that our membership consists of men from our own state of Nebraska. Our alumni are all very good workers. We expect to have a good school year. We are going to have 14 men , possibly more; we have room in the house for 20 men. We are going into a new house this year which rents for $85 a month the year around. We charge $6.so for room and $4.00 a week for board, $2 for dues each month. Our social affairs are handled by the social committee, which is elected by active members every semester; we also have smoking committees and dancing committees. We had one tennis champion last year. In scholarship we have the lead. We are intending to get a new house; we have already $200 from the alumni and a number of others have contributed. We have a small conclave debt hanging over us but expect to have that paid soon. We have two men who have a debt to pay but we feel that we were good enough to take them in, that they will
do the right thing by us and pay us as soon as possible. We have a steward. We give him his board for his services. Our initiation fees are $25."
Bro. Flynn, He chapter was then called upon.
Bro. Flynn reported that at the end of last year they had 14 active members that were living in the house. "This year we have 12 men, r r old members. We have 22 active members and we pledged one. There are 8o Masons in school. Our relations with the lodges are very cordial. The present outlook is very much better than any other previous year has been. Our initiation fees are $30 of which $5 goes to a pin. We do this because some of the fellows think we can afford to let them have a pin for a short time and we have given them our pins to wear which causes trouble some times by not giving the pin back. We divide our initiation fees of $2 5 ; $5 goes to the National, $ro goes to our house fund or the building fund. We pay $20 for furniture $5 for wear and tear. The greatest trouble with us in the past is our finances. Our indebtedness is due very largely to poor management I think. Living expenses and other expenses in California are very high. Last year our books showed $640, which the chapter owed. We owed merchants, and we had to pay $roo for the rent of our house for the last t hree years. But by the first of October we expect to get a reduction on the house which will help. We borrowed $200 to apply on the fund. We have outstanding, $320. We are trying to get settlement from the men who owe the chapter, by sending out statements and by other means; most of these men are graduates. We are at the top with other fraternities in regard to scholarship. Our house accommodates r8 men and we pay about $30 a month for board and room. The steward tends to the buying and regular house affairs ; he gets his board and room. We have Chinese waiting on our table; they also take care of the rooms. In our social activities we are recognized by all Greek fraternities. Our secretary writes a personal letter to all the alumni members, which brings us closely together. The alumni pay shares of $ro. The alumni association has about $8.ooo." Ques. Do you pay your secretary? Ans. No, we pay our secretary nothing. Our regular meetings are held every Monday evening. We are cordial to the lodges and they to us. With the exception of our financial standing we feel very proud of our chapter. Bro. Hawes, Waw chapter, was then called upon. Bro. Hawes reported that his chapter had a good deal more to contend with than the other chapters do. "VI/ e are from the other chapters. The State Legislature of Ohio is against fraternities. During the past year there was much discussion in the legislature concerning the fraternities, but as our men and many others worked for the cause we won by a vote of 40 to 46 in our favor; which ended the trouble. Before we pledge members we always look them over carefully. The end of the school year we had 12 active members. We expelled two men who could not carry their work and keep up the standard. We have college regulations. The faculty has control; we have to make a monthly report; we must state how many meetings; whether for business or social; give the time the meeting begins and ends. We must state how many people we entertain, how many ladies we entertain, number of smokers given or any other social functions that we hold. We do not give any dances. If the report is not satisfacfactory they send a critic to the house who does nothing but criticize and
THE ACACIA JOUR AL
" sits around like a queen." We have two ladies to take care of the house, mother and daughter; the mother takes full charge of the meals and her daughter waits on the table; both have rooms at the house. We pay the mother $30; we pay $4 a week for board to her and she sees that it is spent in groceries , she manages to spend no more or less. We find it very economical in the end. We pay $6o for rent and $45 during the summer. We have lived in our house the la st 8 years . Within a year and a half we expect to move into a new house of our own . We have one member now a graduate who has set aside a certain endowment. When a fellow is hard up he gives him a note which he signs for which in return he digs down into his own pocket and helps him out , and when the man that signed the note is able he pays him back. Our initiation fee is $25. We advertise by means of a post card for the rushing week in order to get Masons . We do not compe l the alumn i to sign a $wo note but most of them do. They pay $10 each year for 10 years. Our scholarship is very good, we had no flunkers. We a re very strict in regard t o our scholarship. We expect to have 16 or 18 men during the year.
Brother Jenkins, Teth chapter, was then ca ll ed upon.
Brother Jenkins reported that there are 6 to 8 men in the house. "We are different in the east; we have on ly a small number as compared to the western colleges . Although we are unfortunate in one way, we are fortunate in that we have men from all over the country . We do occasionally receive men from Yale. The lodges in Boston are ve r y numerous, we have the honor of being invited to the conclave of the Thirty-third Degree of Masons. Our relations with the Masons is always cordial. We had the pleasure of entertaining the foreign delegates coming to Harvard. Socially the chapter has improved in the past year , we hold smokers once every week. Our financial standing is good."
Brother Suter, Heth chapter, was then called upon.
Bro. Suter reported that the standing in scholarship was good until a year ago when the standing went down. Grand President: That rumor is well spread; are there any booze fighters in your chapter? Ans. No, not that I know of. Some of our very best men were accused of being T. N. E's. We did have a man we found o ut later that actually belonged; he was presented a silver cup when he left for South America He has left and I don't think there are any T. N . E.'s among any of our men. Our table board is $4.25 per week, our room rent is $8 per month. We pay $75 for the house a ·month. President remarked that this was an interesting point to note that the chapters in small towns charge nearly as much for room and board as those in the large cities.
Bro. Mann of Yodh reported conditions in his chapter, briefly followed by Bro. Thurston of Kaph.
Brother Whitcomb, Lamedth chapter, was then called upon. Brother Whitcomb reported that they looked forward to a successful year. "Our initiation fees are $25; we charge each member $8 for a pin which is engraved in gold; we always keep these in stock. Two years ago we won a silver cup for scholarship and we have kept it ever since. We have a steward to run the house; he takes the responsibility and we give him his board. Our board is $4.50 a week and rooms are $2 per week and preference is given to the older men in the house. We have an Acacia
Association and we r e nt the h o use from them; the y make the necessary repairs on the house fr?m time to time. We se ll the stock w hi ch costs $25 a share , each member ts expected t o take so m e s hares. Last year we had one man on the track team. We are friendly to m os t of the fraternities. In social affairs we take a n active part. Last year at the University Prom we had a box on the first fl oo r. "
Moved that the Co nclave adjourn to meet at 9 o'cl oc k Thur sday morning. Mot ion carr ied.
THURSDAY M O RNING MEETING
At 9 a. m. The Conclave wa called t o o rder by G rand P re s id ent F. W. Shepardson, followed by roll-call by Grand Secretary H. E. Kilmer , every delegate responding.
Next order of b u siness was the report of delegates.
The report of delegates was continued and B ro. Thatcher, Me m cha pter, was ca lled up o n f o r his report.
Bro. Thatcher reported that the chapter has pr og re ssed m o re in the last year than any yea r before.
Bro. Holbrook, N un chapter, was then called upon and rep o rt ed bri(;!fly cond ition s at Co rnell.
Bro. Po lk , Same hk chapter, was then called up o n.
Bro. Polk reported: The chapter does . not tak e in any G reek men . In the last year we were 14th in sc h o larship o ut of thirty fraternities. We buy in w hol esa le with the Delta Tau Delta , coal and groceries. We also have a s t o r e keeper in the house, during Christmas our bt;s y season we made $40. Vve have an Acacia building as soc iation, the chapter pay s a sum of money to them each year. We have a $2o ,ooo h o u s e which i s o n e of the best and is owned by the association. At graduation each m e mber s ign s 4 note s o f $25 each. We have a member s hip co mmittee of three men, thr o ugh which the ru s hee must get. This la st year we had 16 members.
Bro. Groves, Ayin chapter, was then called upon.
Bro Groves rep orte d : During th e last y ear the chapter has been in good condi ti o n. With the exception of the Conclave debt , we owe $200 whic h is n ot due from negligence on the part of any member. The members are always confident and always o n the job . In Chicago the university is ope n the year around; they have just as large a staff during the summer, and we always look for many members during the summer. Many men come here during the summer to work for higher degrees, these are nearly all older graduates. This summer we were a little sh o rt , but not in strength. Our books are in good shape, we have a uniform system. We have a s teward who takes care of the house. We charge for table board $4.50. For rooms we charge $25 for one quarter. We want to co-operate with each other, which can be easily done by a postal card . I want to get in touch with members of all the chapters. Grand President: It would be a good idea for all the chapters in the large cities to get the names of all members residing there as in New York , Boston, San Francisco , and Chicago; let us help one another and get acquainted
Bro. Schultz, Pe chapter, was then called upon.
Bro. Schultz reported that the chapter was progressing . "The chapter at Yale started in a very small way. We have made the start. Last year
THE ACACIA JOUR AL
we had 7 in all, just enough to keep us going. The trouble here is the same as in the other eastern colleges and with our brothers at Harvard on account of the large dormitories. They are cheaper and many of the students are unable to pay any more. There will be 6 active members back this year. We have a number of smokers and social stunts added this year on a small scale. Chapter dues are $10 a year. We had to raise our dues to meet our needs. Our house is arranged in a rather peculiar way, but nevertheless it helps to keep up. My own family have the house and live in part of the house. We pay $6o a month." Grand President: Does your mother give you any advice? Ans. Yes. Grand President: I think that is a good idea.
Bro. Veness, Tsadhe chapter, was then called upon.
Bro. Veness reported about the way in which they did their rushing. " Our rushing is done by advertising some kind of a smoker. We do not mention the Acacia. We show the men a good time which is strictly first class. We take in Greeks. In the matter of debts we are in good condition. We owe a small sum to the Conclave, about $6o. As to getting the money, if you go after it real hard you can get it if you really want to. We issue a circular letter to all the alumni members and last year we had a banquet on the 10th of May. We heard from 95 men from different chapters. We invite Honorary members who have something to say and to give us some good suggestions. The members in our chapter are older than most of the members in other chapters. We change our regular meetings to suit the convenience of our members. We rent 3 pianos; we have a regular dormitory life; we have 18 Acacia men who live on the same floor. A house costs about a million dollars for any sort of a house so we would not think about buying a house. Most all the fraternities rent their houses. Half of the men are Greek." A discussion on the examination of members was entered into. Grand President: I think that each member ought to know a little about the history and purposes of the Fraternity and they ought to be questioned concerning this matter before initiation.
Bro. Moyer, Koph Chapter was then called upon.
Bro. Moyer reported the conditions with which the Chapter had to contend, the Faculty of the school governs the Fraternities in that the¥ have a rule in which the students must have a year's credit before they can join a Fraternity. Most of the members are sophomores and some juniors before becoming members. "I have known instances where the men have lived in the house during the four years and after they graduate the initiation takes place. We are on good terms with the other Fraternities. We take in Greeks. Our house costs $goo a year. The steward handles and takes care of the meals. We divide our expenses up at the end of the month; we pay usually between $25 to $30 for room and board. We charge $3.50 per semester for chapter fees. Social fees $5. We have an Acacia Building Association. Each member signs 10 notes of $ro each payable to this association."
Bro. Weaver, Shin Chapter was then called upon.
Bro. Weaver reported on the condition of that Chapter. "We started with 8 men last year we went up to 25 active members 9 active members living in the house. We do not keep in touch with the lodges of the state as we had some trouble on this score. The treasurer pays all the debts at
t h e end of the mont h . Bo ar d i s $4. 00 a we ek. W e hav e a sma ll in deb ted ness but it is not very h eavy . We h ave n o out s tanding du es . We d o not ow n a house, we h ope t o h ave o ne soo n. W e s ell sto ck at $ ro pe r share a n d we want t o ra ise a f und so that w e can put it o n the h o u se ea ch y ear a n d in time wipe the deb t o ut. Most all of our m emb e r s a r e o lde r men. T h e ag r icu l tura l men a r e rank ed v er y high w ith us. W e t a k e i n G r ee ks. We h ave t h ree Fac ult y m em be r s in th e C hapter . In so cial affai rs we r an k ve r y high "
Moti o n was made a nd second e d t o adj o urn until t wo o'clock p. m.
THURSDAY AFTERNOON MEETING
Sep t ember 18, 1913 .
Meeting wa s ca ll ed to o r de r at 2 P M. by G rand Pr es ide n t S h epardson
Grand Pres ident Shepardson ca ll ed up o n th e d ele ga t e fr o m R es h C h apter , H . D . Eva n s.
Bro. H. D. Eva n s, U ni v er s it y o f I o w a, r eported th a t R es h C h apte r was making p rog r ess He gave con s iderati o n o f the finan ces of th e C h ap t er, and noted the met h od p ur su ed in finding ne w members , w hi ch di d n o t differ from the p lans su gges t ed by oth e r dele g at es .
He the n t oo k u p t he ma nage ment o f th e chapt e r h o u se . Ca ll ed a tt ention t o the fact t hat the ta bl e a n d ro o m we r e run und e r diffe r ent m a n ag ement. The C hapter ma in ta in ed a goo d cr edit. High standin g in sc h olar ship . P ledge pi n is worn. No t a m em ber o f P an-Hell eni c Co uncil. D o n o t a dmit Greeks. Te n old m en in th e h o u se
Bro . E . C. Car r , U ni ve r s it y of W ashington , then rep o rt ed co nditi o n s at A leph - A lep h. F ir s t matt e r di sc u ss ed w as the Int e rfraternit y Co nference, t h is Con f e r en ce be ing und er the direction of th e Fa cult y, and A ca cia was a me mb e r. R elati o n s with lo ca l lo d g es pleasant and helpful. Degree work pa r tic ipa t ed in by m ember s o f the C hapter. A ttempts being made t o reduce t h e r ent. Fac ult y m embers not very profitable. Difficult y in g etting materia l was di sc u sse d. F our men there in 1912. Now have o nl y f o ur men on hand. Ho u se p r opos ition ha s been discussed at length.
Gra nd P r es id ent Shepardson: H o'¥ do you feel o ut there ? I s ther e a feeling that Ac a cia ca n devel o p , or are some of the boys rather di scourage d ?
B r o th er E. C. Carr , Aleph-Aleph Chapter, (Washington ) : " \ iV ell some a r e pess im is ti c a nd so me are optimistic. I do not think the pe ss imistic on es a r e in the large majority, they ho ller louder. They all leave t o wn , very few o f them, onl y the Faculty sta y in town. They come to initiati o n, smoke r s, and dance s, etc. Our professional schools are all together. The sc hoo l is g r owing in attendance , but in that State the number of Masonic men a r e a great deal less than in other states, especially California. People a r e constantl y visiting there and leaving there. Masonry is not very strong. It is not universally made up of strong men. "
G rand Pre s ident Shepardson: They are fighting pretty hard problems o ut there and if we stick to it we will come out more than satisfied.
Bro. E. C. Carr , Aleph-Aleph Chapter (Washington) : "Last y ear our ex p en se s were about $40 or $so in the hole, that is, balance on the wrong sid e of the sheet. \iV e don't owe any members m town, that wa s the ba la n ce on the rent. Our credit with the members is all right."
G rand P re s ident Shepardso n : Aleph-Beth , orthwe s tern University ( Illinoi s), th e re being no one present we pass.
B r o . F r ed E . Hagan , A leph- G imel (C ol o rado ) : " The C hapter which I r ep r esen t ca n o ffer but little help t o the o ther chapt e r , a s it suffer s rather pec uli a r conditi o n s o f less M a so n s in the U ni ve r it y than at the time the C h a pt e r was in s tall ed. W e h a d a de crea se in a tt endan ce o f so mething ov er o ne hundr ed , due to financial co ndition s in Co lorad o . That decrease was made up largel y o f o lder men ; sec ond the d e cr ea s e w a s made up o f m en in th e sc h oo ls o f medi cine ; la stl y the de crea se in eligible men has been redu ce d ow ing to th e fac t that th e sc h oo l o f m ed icin e is in Denver. "
" We pa y $75 a m o nth t we lve m o nth s of the yea r. The C hapter ha s ne v er had an y over-due bill s . Th e $ 200 the C hapter o w e s is still due to facult y members The y ha v e gi v en u s $200 in the pa s t y ear. We hold all o f our initiati o ns in the Ma sonic Temple . A t the la st G rand Meeting I pre s ented the ma tter. The feeling t ow ard o ur chapter is v er y co rdi a l. Th e G rand M a s ter is the father o f one o f the m ember s . The chapter ha s the s ch eme o f ten n o te s of $ro a y ear for ten y ear s. The men are d isco uraged at the outlo o k this y ear , but I can as sure yo u th a t it is the int ention o f the facult y members t o se e that th e chapter keep s going. There is n o provi s ion f or b o ard thi s y ear, but the r oo m s a re $7 per month , and the y ha ve facilities f o r s ome .eighteen men in the h o u s e. The bill s are $2 a month ."
Grand President Shepards o n: You feel that the s ituation whi ch co nfront s yo u is not a permanent one.
G rand Pre s ident Shepardson : Y o u think at Co lo rad o that the G reek que s tion w ill so lve itself just by the eliminatio n o f them .
B r o. Fred E. Hagan : Well , y es , I think so
Grand President Shepardson : Where a chapter pr o po s es to take in a man from a town where there is another chapter , first, a letter ought to be sent t o the other chapter , asking them if the y know him , and perhaps in that w a y y ou can get some good sound advi ce. Committee s on C hapter s wo uld be a good idea.
Bro. Fred E. Hagan: There was a certain man in Nebraska and we didn ' t think he would be congenia l, but the other chapter s aid they wo uld take him in anyway .
Grand President Shepardson: But where it would work out b y the courtes y in o ne chapter, in another it would result in no acti o n.
Grand President Shepardson: Now we have gone a long journey We have heard from the mother chapter, now we come to the baby, Syracuse.
Bro. Fred E Lott , Aleph-Da leth Chapter (Syracuse University): "Last year was o ur s econd year . It was a ver y encouraging year. We have a ho use which w e are renting at present for $6oo, which is rented in Sorority Row, and was built especially for fraternity purposes . We have a great body of men. We secure our new members by means of the Masonic Club and by individua l scouting. The scholarship of the organization is good. The financial condition is good . Our initiation is $25, the dues $20. Each man secures his own pin. The initiation is really $50 for we demand $25 on the night of initiation and make them sign a bond for $25. We attempted to raise it up to $roo, and some of our brethren even thought it was established. Some want to establish it .at $100. Our standing in the com-
is Our relations We have felt the good of th1s orgamzatJon to b.nng power upon mdtvtdual members. By brotherly treatment and persuasiOn, we have been able to put our chapter in this condition. We take part in athletics. We have one man a high jumper. We have other men in various parts of the college world. We have no honorary members. Our Masonic relationship is excellent. It is possible for us to attend lodges down town any day in the week except Sunday. Bro. Harvey is leader of the men. All fraternities on the hill meet every Friday evening. We fine every man so cents for non-attendance, if there is no good excuse that he can show, and you would be surprised how that helps in bringing the men out. When they think of the so cents, they are there. We have started a chapter library. Our secretary has been very faithful. Our treasurer has been very faithful. We have been moving to incorporate, but last year two of our senior lawyers got things so badly mixed up that a good lawyer couldn't get it straightened out. We will try it next year . Our faculty members are a great aid, and we have some excellent men on the list; they are a great help not only financially but in other ways. We have a very cordial relationship with Cornell. They came over last spring, and we had a ball game. Cornell couldn't wish the score to be any larger and we couldn't make it any smaller. We have with us Dean Baker, and we feel very proud to have him with us as he is one of the fraternity leaders in the country. We feel very much encouraged. The solution of the board question is a question depending largely upon the selection of the steward. When we closed our first year the steward's account showed a deficit of $7S· When we came back last year, he thought he would lay in a fund of $wo to start on. The very first month he sunk that first $IOo. He got things in a great mix up. He bought more things than were necessary; also in selecting the kinds of food, etc. We elected a new steward with $7S hanging over from the year before and with the $100, and he lowered the rate of board from $3.so to $3 and put $18 in the treasury. Y..l e had a creditable table. He bought things to an advantage. Our treasurer is a senior engineer. His books would gratify anyone in that line of work. We feel encouraged about the conditions of the 'Baby Chapter.' There are in the college all told about sixty-five Masons counting our own men."
Grand President Shepardson : The Baby Chapter ought to get along all right with the high jumpers, a box for the ladies, and the good steward. Do you govern under the April rule?
Bro. Fred E. Lott: We require that the men live in the house.
Grand President Shepardson called for a few minutes for questions by committees.
Bro. Groves, Chapter (University of Chicago) submitted following from Committee on Chapters.
1. Dues.
2. Rent room of individual members.
3· Board.
4. Initiation fees (what included).
S· Do you belong to Pan-Hellenic?
6. Do you admit Greeks ?
7· How many active affiliate members have you-right now?
8. Your relative scholastic standing.
9· Do you keep a memory book?
10. How do yo u sec ure attendance at a meeting? I I. \ iV hat per cent of your acti ve members really attend meeting?
I2. Do you fa v or the pledge pin ?
I3. Do yo u favor the j ewe l pin?
I4. Do yo u instruct ne w m e mber s in the work of the chapter? IS. Do yo u have delinquent members?
I6. Do yo u favor expelling these men?
J7. Number of Masons sc hool.
Grand President Shepardson: I8. Ho w many men have yo u lost by faculty action (wha t reason ) ?
I9. Would the method of interesting Masons be in line w ith this same set of questions.
G rand President Shepardson: A lot of fell ows have been dropped out by faculty action, because the y were unprepared to do the work.
20. Percentage of membership that is in the college, if a student were undergraduate.
Grand President Shepardson : We cannot find much on that question. The first matter to come up after lunch today was the report of Grand Council.
A committee will report on uniform accounting that was prepared by request of the Grand Council. It is rather a difficult thing to present to the Grand Conclave, and will be understood much better when entered in THE JouRNAL. Your committee recommends therefore that the Conclave act and that the Grand touncil be authorized to adopt an accounting system which will make these effective. This will be presented in the form of a resolution later on. There being no objection to the report introduced it was left to be taken up later on.
Bro. Flynn ,· He; Bro. Hagan, Aleph-Gimel; Bro . McCoy, Aleph; Bro. Wilson, Nun; Bro. Mann, Y odh, composed the resolution committee.
Bro. W. C. Magathan, Gimel (Kansas), Chairman of the Committee on Next c;onclave submits the following report:
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON NEXT CONCLAVE.
Your committee on the next Conclave begs leave to recommend that the Fraternity accept with thanks the kind invitation of our Mother chapter, Aleph of Acacia, to meet at Ann Arbor in 1914. That the t-ime of this meeting be fixed as June 25, 26, and 27th, in accordance with the recommendation of the Conclave. Your committee further recommends that the of the Grand President relative to the celebration of this Tenth Anniversary be carried out. Your committee further recommends that the Fraternity accept the kind invitati o n of Beth and He Chapters t o meet in California in 1915.
Respectfully submitted,
W. C. McGATBAN, Gim,l, F. R. WEAVEll, Shin, H. D. EvANS, Resh.
Grand President Shepardson: The holding of the Conclave should in June or July , which ever date should be the best.
Bro. T. F. McCoy, Aleph (Michigan) : I wish to extend an from the Aleph Chapter . We can accommodate a large number. It is Tenth Anniversary of the chapter. There are a great many girls during the week of commencement.
Grand President Shepardso n: A suggestion in r egard to time. There i s much to be said in favor of June, and much to be sa id again s t June." When Michigan is in its glory is a thing to be recommended. In the first p!ace, I have .never in t?Y with college men, now covering fortyS IX yea r s of hfe exclustvely 111 college t owns, see n the lu cky fellow- wit-h--anymoney in hi s pocke t after commencement was ove r. Boys are generally "b u sted" as they ay, and chapters are usuall y " busted. " As a rule they " flu s h '' up about September first. They u s uall y have their pockets replenis hed with the summer's work. The money comes more readil y then. It takes a month to come from the coast t o attend a Co nclave . Wo uldn 't it be more satisfactory to have the Co nclave earlier in Sep temb e r and thery sc h oo l wo uldn ' t be started and Co nclave delegates co uld have the surpmer to work up anything that they we re la cking in and were no t familiar .with-?-
Dro. Ed D. F lynn, He Chap ter (California) : · I think I can speak for the Ca lifornia Chapter. It is most difficult for fall or even spr ing . O ur sc hoo l s tarts in Aug u st and is out by May ro. We could be ab sen t fr om our work now ju st as well as we cou ld the first of Sepfember. It take s u s out of conside rabl e wor k in o ur school, becau se we are usuall y men w h o are in the senior or junior cla sses . Any time between the September date and the end of June wo uld be perfectly satisfactory to us. It would be much eas ier for any delegate of He C hapter to attend at that time than any o ther time. He C hapter i n <;I Be th C hapter desire the Conclave in 19'r 5. It gives th e only chance for a convention now perhaps for a good man y ye ar s; but that vear there will be a tremendous reduction in rates and there will be n o a great many Acacia men on the coast, and would like poss ibly to have it along in June. It is the prettiest time of the y ear and it wi ll be the liveliest. Two chapters ought to be able to handle it.
It was moved by Bro. Flynn, He (California), seconded by Bro. Hogg, Beth (Le land Stanford), that committee be instructed to favor a June for Mic higan C hapter. Motion carried.
Grand President Shepardson : The committee will be so advised. The Grand Co uncil may have a special reason exercising its authority as to the time and place of holding Conclave
Mot ion t.o adjourn until seven o ' clock sharp.
Gran d President Shepardson: Initiation will start at the house immediately after we adjourn from this meeting.
Bro. McCoy, Aleph (Michigan), moves that the Conclave be adjourned until seve n o'clock sharp, seconded by Bro. Flynn, He (California). Motion carr ied. \Ve will now take a recess of two hours and be back here seven sharp. ·
EVENING SESSION
September 18, 1913.
7:30 to 9:30
Conclave called to order by Grand President Shepardson, at seven P. M. Bro . E. D. Flynn, He Chapter (California), read the following repOrt m full:
SECOND PRELIMINARY REPORT.
We your committee on resolutions beg to submit this continued report. 1. 'Be it resolved by the delegates of the Acacia Fraternity in Eighth Annual Conclave assembled that:
THE ACACIA JOURNAL
It is the sentiment of thi s body that the individual chapters of this Fraternity incorporate in their respective Con stitution and By-Law s , a section which shall provide for the su spension or expulsion after proper summons and notification , due trial and proper le g islation, of an y member of an indi v idu a l chapter for th e nonpayment of any or all mone ys due said chapter and th a t notification of such suspension or expulsion be sent to the Grand Secretary and to the Secretary of each chapt e r and be it furth e r r eso lve d that a co py o f thi s r eso luti o n be s pread up o n the minute s of this Conclave.
2 B e it further resolved by the delegates of the Acacia Fraternity in Eighth Annual Conclave assembled that :
It is the s entiment of this body that all chapters of the Acacia Fraternity put forth every effort towards the completion of their membership files before the Decennial Conclave in 1914 at Ann Arbor ana be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be spread upon the minutes of this Conclave.
3· Be it resolved by the delegates of the Acacia Fraternity in Eighth Annual Conclave assembled that:
It be the sentiment of this body that each and every chapter of the Acacia Fraternity shall issue a chapter letter at least once a year and that a copy of such letter be mailed to the Grand Secretary, to each chapter secretary and to the alumni members of the issuing chapter.
Respectfully submitted, Committee on Resolutions, E . D. FLYNN, Chr., T. F. McCoY, FRED E. HAGAN, L. A. WILSON, w. G. MANN.
Moved by Bro. Carr, Aleph-Aleph (Washington), seconded by Bro. Veness, Tsadhe Chapter (Columbia University), that partial report of com-mittee of resolutions be adopted. Motion carried.
Grand President Shepardson : We will now hear the report of Committee on Catalog by Bro. Thurston, Kaph Chapter (Minnesota). Motion by Bro . Jenkins, Teth Chapter (Hanrard), to postpone action until report on finances be given by the Grand Council. Report of Grand Council was read by Grand Secretary, Bro. Kilmer:
Brothers:
REPORT oF THE GRAND CouNCIL.
We the members of the Grand Council submit the following report and recommendations:
1. We urge a careful study of the recommendations made by this body in the minutes of the last Grand Council meeting as published in the May Bulletin, copy of which is in your hands. We believe the adoption of the suggestions therein noted will make for the advancement and progress of the Fraternity.
2. We report the ratification of the election of the following honorary members and their enrollment:
John Ludenschmitt, Aleph chapter; Maurice P. Fikes, Aleph chapter; Charles T. Gallagher, Teth chapter; Frederic W. Hamilton, Teth chapter; F. S. Moore, Samehk chapter; Allen Boulds, Samehk chapter; William H. Taft, Pe chapter; John M. Berdan, Pe chapter; James R. Cain. Jr., Daleth chapter; D. D. Jacobs, Samehk chapter; G. F. Kerper, Samehk chapter; Thomas H. MacBride, Resh chapter.
Other members have been approved but no report of initiation being made their names have not been enrolled.
3· A meeting of the Grand Council was held at Champaign, Illinois, last April There need be nothing further noted here, as a full report of its proceedings is givea in the May Bulletin.
4· The Grand President appointed three delegates to the Interfraternity 1erence: Bros. William Homan, E. F. Humohrey and Roscoe Pound.
c;. The vote upon the proposed constitutional amendments resulted as follows • Upon the J)'roposition to amend Section 3 Article II, provided that a
mu st be active one year, the vote s tood I3 for and 8 against, 3 not vot in g. Th e amendment is th e ref o re r e jected. Upon the propos iti on to amend S ection s Articl e II, defining the term "one year" the vote st ood I9 for and 3 against and 2 not voting. The amendment is therefore adopted.
Upon the proposition to a m e nd Section 8 A rticl e III, defining Honorary Membership, the vote stood IS for and 7 agai n s t a nd 2 not voti n g The amendment is therefore rejected.
Upon the proposition to a m e nd Section I A rticle V, r e la tin g to t he c h ange of time and place of holding the Co nclave, the vote stood 2 I for, I against and 2 not voting. The ame n dment is therefore adopted.
Upon the prop-os ition to amend Section I A rticle VI, r elatin g to the installing of n e w chapters, the vote stood I7 for , 5 against, 2 not voting. Th e a m endme nt is therefore adopted.
Upon the proposition to amend Section 2 A rticle II , relatin g to th e exclusion of Greek letter men, the vote stood IS for, 6 against and 3 not voting. Th e amendment is therefore rejected.
6. The Grand Cou n ci l recommended that Aleph-Beth chapter be susp end ed, and asks the Conclave to direct that a full investigat ion of Aleph -B eth's affairs be m ade and that the charter, if deemed advisab l e by th e Grand Co uncil , be withdrawn.
7. The G r a nd Co un ci l recommends the following Budget:
BUDGET
AssETS
Due on
Due for card cases
THE ACACIA JOUR AL
Moved by Bro. Flynn , He, that the report of Grand Council be accepted and placed on file and the budget be turned over to the Auditing Committee, seconded by Bro Wilson , un. 1\·fotion carried.
Bro . Thurston , Kaph Chapter (Minnesota), reported for the Committee on Catalog.
Moved by Bro. Hogg , Beth, that the report be adopted by section , seconded by Bro. McCoy, Aleph.
Matter discussed at length by Bro. McCoy, Aleph; Bro. Lott of AlephDaleth; Polk, Samahk; Schultz, Pe; Magathan, Gimel.
Amendment moved by Bro. Jenkins, Teth , that the Catalog be left in the hands of the Grand Council with instructions.
Moved by Bro. Jenkins, Teth, seconded by Lott, Aleph-Daleth, that . the Amendment be adopted. Discussion followed by Bro. Wilson, Nun; Grand President Shepardson suggesting his idea of hand-book.
Grand President Shepardson: vVho are our members? What members have we in Masonry? Suppose a member could have a book in his grip, telling him there were four Acacia men there and also telling him their addresses, he could look them up as soon as he arrived. I am rather inclined to think that if Bro. Jenkins's motion preferred to go ahead and publish a hand-book for the fraternity that woi.tld cost no more than $200, would be a good thing. :
Grand President Shepardson: The thought comes to me why couldn't it be done in the same way as our journals, the book gotten up by the Grand Council, and whatever it costs, sell it just the same as THE JouRNAL . is so ld . It would be a good thing to it, and quite a good many people would like to buy it.
- Bro. Jenkins, Teth Chapter: I think the matter of publishing a catalog should be referred to Grand Council, with the instructions to publish a catalog with the expense not to exceed $200.
Grand President Shepardson: There are two questions before u : Shall we have a ·catalog, and shall the Grand Countit handle the matter. Bro. Jenkins, Teth Chapter: I think the catalog should be issued, if nothing more than to publish a sing le list of names. Just what should go in should be left to the Grand Council. They should go ahead and put out a wholly creditable hand-book and in any case to put out some catalog.
Grand President Shepardson: I am satisfied that a book of one hundred pages, photographs of the eight Grand Conclaves, the list of the Grand Fraternities arranged alphabetically in a paper cover could be furnished at a total cost of $100. I just published a report of one hundred pages with 65 cuts in it that cost $344· This report cost $21 a page. It has good machine composition . Our lists set up in proper type. A print like this, perfectly readable and in good shape . I think the whole thing could be put in 65 pages. I think we ought to get at least 200 subscriptions for a Tenth year book telling the story of our first ten years. The expense to get this printed in ·good shape not to exceed $300. Motion moved by Bro. Jenkins, seconded by Bro. Veness, Tsadhe. Motion carried. This motion takes of the report of Catalog Committee.
Bro. McCoy, Aleph Chapter (Michigan) : Your Conunittee on Endowment Fund recommends that the sum of $34.15 be added to the amount now in the Endowment Fund.
Moved by B ro. Jenkins, Teth, seconded by B r o. Flynn, He, that this recommendation be accepted. Motion ca rri ed. Bro. McCoy, A lep h C hapter, then gave the report of THE JouRNAL Committee.
AcACIA
Your committee respectfully s ubmits :
I. That the minutes of the Co ncla ve be put in th e fir st i ssue of the JouRNAL as heretofore.
2. That the JouRNAL sha ll be i ss u ed three times this yea r , in November, on February I s t, and on May Ist, and that the c hapter edito r s sha ll se nd in their letters for the se numbers of the J ou RNAL not la t e r th a n October wth , January 1oth , a nd Ap ril Isl, and that delegates notify their ed itor s immediately up o n their return of the date of th.e fir s t c h apter letter being due.
3. That the subscr iption price of the J ou RNAL sha ll be $1.00 per year, o r fifty cent s per sing le copy for a ll except active m emb e r s or orders m ade throu <> h the chapter secretaries when the same sha ll be thirty-five cents per copy. "'
4· That each active m emb e r w ho se per capita tax i s paid on December Ist, shall be entitled to the Novembe r number fr ee; a nd that eac h ac ti ve memb er w ho se per capita is paid on May Ist, sha ll be e ntitled to th e February and May numbers free.
s. That the chap.ter secreta ri es be ur ged, in their alumni l ette r s or ot h e rwi se to increase the subsc ri ptions of the JouRNAL.
6. That each chapter throu gh their corresponding sec ret a r y se nd in a gro up picture of the members of that c hapt e r for publication in the May JouRNAL.
7. That the Bu ll etin be discontinued s inc e it ha s appa r e ntl y failed of the objec t it was intended to accomplish.
T. F. McCoY. L. A. WILSON. H K. TH ATC HER.
Moved by B ro. Schultz, Pe (Ya le University ), seco nded by Bro. Gross, A y in (C hi cago), that the report be adopted Bro. Frazer, Lamedth ( \Vi sco nsin ) : If we are going t o build up a strong JouRNAL, then we will have t o get into our minds the idea of paying for it. We pay o ur Grand Secretary about $so a m o nth , and it is worth about $300 a month. We will h av e t o d o this as long as we haven't got an y money. V.fe w ill have to pay him enough so he will have to get o ut a fir s t class book. I w is h that some of the members could devise a scheme that wo uld inter es t all of their Alumni. As long as we try to pay it out of our JouRNAL fund, $5 is all members seem to want to pay, and then too, we are look ing f or a Conclave o n the coast. Now, if we are going to have a $900 magazine, we will have to resort to some other revenue. Why n o t try this, the sc h e me of requiring every man in the Fraternity to subscribe for TnE J ouRNAL for five years; three years while they are a ctive, and two while they are ina ctive Requiring all alumni to subscribe while they are in the Frate rnity. THE JouRNAL is the only means now that we have of c ulti va ting real national spirit in the fraternity , and if we d o n ' t have a good JouRNAL we are going to have that much less . Bro. Flynn, He (California) : Would it not be possible to take thi s r epo rt back to the Committee by refusing to accept the report of the committee and then refer it back to them and let them add to it or change it. or offe ring u s some suggestion whereby we can finance a better JouRNAL. I feel that we should not accept the report of this committee, and it should be referred back.
Rro. McCoy, Aleph (Michigan): I think that the Chapter Secretary should be urged to send in subscriptions. I think we could start something
THE ACACIA JOURNAL
if we had our Corresponding Secretaries here. If we take it up with enough enthusiasm the delegates can take it up when they go back home.
Bro. Flynn, He (California): We have that system in California. Ever y letter that our Secretary writes to the alumni , he calls to their attention that their subscription is now due, whether they want it or not. He Chapter has more subscribers than any other . If you just write to them and say to them that their subscription to THE JouRNAL is now due, you will in all probability get their subscription. Although we ought to have a better way of financing our JouRNAL. The alumni are not enough interested in the fraternity to pay without being solicited for their subscription. I think some method should be devised.
Bro. Jenkins, Teth (Harvard): We want a good JouRNAL. We are going at this backwards. Instead of makjng men subscribe to something they do not want, I think this problem can be solved so that we can have this year a good JouRNAL, a JouRNAL that the active and alumni will be glad to subscribe for. See that the man who has charge of it has time to get it out. Bro. Kilmer cannot do the work of the secretary and do the work of THE JouRNAL too. This Conclave can elect an editor. This editor will be working in connection with the Grand Council. I think more time is necessary. I think at any rate that an editor for THE JouRNAL should be elected.
Grand President Shepardson: It has been my good fortune to know a lot of good fraternity editors. They have an editorial dinner the night before conference meets. There are two things you cannot count upon, one is advertising and the other is subscriptions. They had 2,000 subscriptions for the Phi Gamma Delta, but when the editor went to collect the money for the subscriptiol)s, it was all over and they could not get the money. Now, they are not published by subscriptions, but by the college boys; they put on a per capita tax and assign it to the publication of a Journal. But as a practical, efficient thing, the forty-one years of college fraternity journals testifies that alumni subscriptions are like lights bubbling over a marsh, you can see them, but you are never able to put your hands on the ligh.t.
Bro. Fay, He (California) : I succeeded in getting about 40 per cent of the alumni to subscribe for THE JouRNAL. I think Bro. Kilmer's figures will bear me out in that statement. We combined the subscriptions to the alumni with t letters from home. We charged a tax of $2 to each alumnus and we remi 1. ded him that the money was due and succeeded in getting 40 per cent, one to cover the subscriptions to THE JouRNAL and the other to defray the e:rpenses of the letters from home. They are willing to pay the alumni dues, because they are always anxious to get the letters from home. California chapter has got good results. California has more subscribers than any other chapter.
Bro. Jenkins, Teth (Harvard): The list of fraternities should be arranged in the order of number. THE JouRNAL is a good publication for its age. I believe that as it is run today is the only way it can be run.
Grand President Shepardson : In some cases they had all alumni subscribers, but they did not hold them.
Bro . McCoy , Aleph (Michigan), read the second section of the report of the AcACIA JOURNAL.
Bro. Frazer. Lamedth (Wisconsin): How did the scheme work out in fining the chapters?
Grand Secretary, Bro. Kilmer: Only two failed to send in letters in the November number of THE JouRNAL last year. If you have a secretary you usually have no trouble getting something from the chapter. The trouble is getting someone tied up to the job to secure subscriptions for THE JouRNAL. .If you compel a man by a fine to send something in to THE your secretary will ha-ye to find time to rewrite it or publish tt as tt ts sent m, and consequently it wtll not be as perfect.
Bro. McCoy, Aleph (Michigan), read the third section of the report on AcACIA JouRNAL, also fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh.
Grand President Shepardson : The motion is shall it be adopted entirely.
Bro. Veness, Tsadhe (Columbia) : Has it been changed since last time?
Motion moved by Bro. Veness, Tsadhe (Columbia), seconded by Bro. Jenkins, Teth (Harvard). The Ayes have it. Report is adopted and recommendation approved.
Bro. Jenkins, Teth (Harvard): Our Secretary for just issuing the letters ought to receive $100 a month alone . ·
Bro. Jenkins, Teth (Harvard), moved that the office of editor be created. seconded by Bro. Lott, Alephr-Daleth (Syracuse).
Bro. Groves, A yin (Chicago) : If we could get hold of an editor who has had some experience, we might be able to get a good JouRNAL here. There is only one representative here.
Bro. Mann, Yodh (Pennsylvania): In regard to Bro. Kilmer, I want to see him secretary, as he is capable of handling that office. I for one propose that an extra office be created to take care of THE JouRNAL.
Bro. Lott, Aleph - Daleth (Syracuse): There are some of the brothers giving their time for nothing. I am sure in the list of our membership of 2,500, that we ought to have some men who have had experience that would be willing to accept this burden that would relieve our secretary. This would be a division of responsibility, and certainly we have not yet tried any other plan. There has been some critici,sm of THE JouRNAL on the floor this evening, but it seems to me that it is not going to be any detriment to us to try some other plan. If we saw at the end of a year's trial that this plan was not the best plan, we could return to the old plan.
Bro. Frazer, Lamedth (Wisconsin): It seems to me that we are getting into our heads the idea of supporting THE JouRNAL fro01 the per capita tax. We have a man serving as secretary, who is not working for any particular amount of money per month. He is doing that for the same reason that Grand President Shepardson is giving his time as our President. He is already working as hard as he can for the fraternity I think Bro. Jenkins has in m!ind that eventually we must have a separate editor for THE JouRNAL. What I want to see is some method of financing when we want to take hold of it. We might divide up this JOURNAL. so that it would not be a one man responsibility. I find very few other men in the fraternity who make a practice of writing articles for THE JouRNAL. that is a good way to help your editor . Associate editors mean very httle. Three issues of THE JouRNAL a year is not enough. We ought to have a JouRNAL every month. We can't have a JouRNAL if we can't get enough news for it. I am not in favor of a stingy financial proposition. I
like to relieve the Grand Secretary for the coming year by giving him a boy to assist him.
Bro . Groves , Ayin (Chicago): Bro. Frazer made one suggestion that will help out the solution better than anyway else. Probably we ought to arrange for some kind of help to help Bro. Kilmer , but I am not in favor of launching a separate editor for this coming year.
Bro. Schultz, Pe (Yale) : I am still in favor of the motion of Jenkins. and I don't think there is any reason why the launching of a editor should dispense with Bro. Kilmer as Secretary. We ought to do something to improve THE JouRNAL . Really make it so that it will be a great help to the alumni. ·
Grand President Shepardson: Bro. Kilmer's attention is so taken up with correcting rituals , etc., so feel perfectly free to talk.
Bro. McCoy, Aleph (Michigan): The fraternity can use that suggestion of Bro. Schultz later to an advantage. Eventually that _ office will be created, but we do not feel that the time is ripe at the present time. As Bro. Frazer said we can do more to help out the editor than we have heen doing. We are a young fraternity . We are not fixed financially, nor have we the body of alumni from whom we can draw.
Grand President Shepardson: A chapter office may be created later.
Bro. Veness, Tsadhe (Yale) : I think the trouble can be remedied. If we have two or three associate editors to represent the fraternity at large. You could have certain of the letters sent to them. In that manner assist the General Editor. I think as you 'look at the question, having a man like our General Secretary, now my idea is to turn down this motion and to have two or three associate members to assist him.
Bro. Meier , Daleth ( N ehraska) : The fault does not lie in the editor of the paper, or the money that is to be put in it, but sim:ply lies at home. Now , it looks to me that the best way to remedy this is for each one of us, when we go back home, see that these changes which have been brought up here are attended to in our own chapter. Where is the fault, not in the National part of it, surely not in the editorship, but right at home. We have harped about the grammatical part of it, who is at fault; the whole fault lies right at home, and we have only enough money to print what we are printing. Let us keep on printing three JouRNALS until we can do better.
Bro. Lott, Aleph-Daleth (Syracuse): I believe we ought to relieve Bro . Kilmer of the responsibility, and we are not going to throw him out of the fraternity by doing We can have him as a right hand man yet, but it does seem time to reli eve him as editor, proof reader and helper-as it is piling too much on one, and the best way would be to give him a helper, and then we can bring this matter to a close. I second this motion with a great deal of feeling.
Bro. Hogg, Beth (Leland Stanford) : I would suggest that we elect a boy to help him in taking charge of the chapter letters. That if this associate boy is chosen, he should have the choosing, as the chairman has to take the responsibility and he will want to see it done in the best way possible, and he will really do the entire thing. If this Board is established I think the chapter editor should be retained. ·
Bro. Thatcher, Mem (Missouri): Do the letters intended for the editol' reach him on time? I would like to hear what Bro. Kilmer has to say
about this , he is the one who ha s t o co nt e nd with it. He can speak from experience.
Gra nd Sec r etary, B r o. Kilmer: Th ey do n o t. That is the g r eat tr o uble with THE Jo u RNAL.
Bro. Weaver, Shin (Pennsy lvania ) : I am in favor of a board of associa t e editors. Would that help you, B ro. Kilmer?
Bro. Kilmer, Grand Secretary: My opinion is that depends lar ge ly upon whom you get for h elp. Me n like our Grand Treasurer h ave co ntri buted what I think a r e some very good articles. O ne of th e best that co ul d be found in any magazine. You can get good men w ith o ut the assoc iate boa rd. I don't feel that you will ga in a g reat deal by associate editors. I think so me one man wou ld be better. The chapters ought to get t oget h er eac h one for them se lves. The present method is ju st as good as a board of edi t o r s.
Bro. Po lk , Samehk (P urdue ) : Bro. Meier hit the nail o n the h ead when he says that the fa ult li es at home. Vve s h o ul d do as he sa id , and when we go home wo rk up enth u siasm right in o ur own chapt er, to get up good articles from o ur alumni to send in to Bro. Kilmer. I think the fraternity ought t o be gu id ed by what B r o. Kilmer says, beca u se he has h ad experience and ought to know. THE J ouRNAL has progressed and I don't that we can c!o away w ith his services. I believe the thing ri ght now is to work right where the fault li es.
Bro. Carr, Aleph-Aleph (\Nas hington ) : This board of a ssoc iate editors would be men scattered a r ound the coun tr y, indiscriminately -assi s ting. I don't see how they co uld assist very much, unl ess yciu form some kind of a district organizat io n , or appoint a district ed it o r. This might be d eve l oped into a district system along that line The district editors to be appo int ed by the ed itor of TI-IE J ouRNAL . These editors t o work without salaries a n d to sec ure from th e chapter s in their district the contributions fr om the c ha pters and keep after the local c h apters until the y get the articles in . Of co ur se, we have to go back and hammer the chapters at h o me.
IJro. Hagan, A l ep h- G imel (Sy ra cuse ) : The correspondent ought t o be compe ll ed by his chapter to read hi s letter before hi s chapter in open meeting. It makes in a se n se the whole chapter r espo n s ible for the l etter.
Gra nd President Shepardson: The question is that Bro Kilmer se le ct from among the Fra ternity four associate se nior editors, representing different parts of the domain of Acac ia , to se r ve as associate editors
Jenkins, Teth ( Har var d ) : The suggestion is now not that you put in the hands of our Sec retary an immediate e ditor. I fail to see how that is going to expedite matters.
Bro. Veness, Tsadhe (Co lumbia ) : B r o. Kilmer could give to certain men the work of getting the letters from the different chapters.
Bro. Jenkins, Teth (Ha rvard ): By d o ing that we woul.d favor the om ission of a good man y articles . I do n ' t see how you are gomg to better it that way. I don't see h ow the app o inting of six or eight men to assist the man who ha s all the other work of the Secretary of this organization wi ll h elp. He is to describe the duties of these men. What we want is an editor. Those names don't mean an y thing. · We want the editor to get busy and put out a magazine. I don't believe in dividing things up.
Gra nd President Shepardson : Tliis JouRNAL came by acciden.t. The Grand Secre tar y was instructed to print the minutes of a conventiOn, the
constitution and the by-laws and publish them and s end them to the chapters . He then asked permission t o make that document the first number of a Jo u RNAL, and so THE J ou RN AL came into existence , no t as a literary magazine but as a medium between the Grand Secretary and the different chapters.
Bro. Frazer, Lamedth (Wisconsin): For several years we have discussed the de s irability of getting gr o up connections over our widely distributed territory. I think in this last motion made we have a chance of throwing the work off our Secretary . I imagine those four men will feel the responsibility so as to visit the chapters in their own territory We might try out in an experimental way this club idea. Now is the time to clo this thing and not wait until we are under district editors.
Grand President Shepardson: The motion is that the editor of this magazine appoint four a ss ociate editors to assist him .
The ayes have it . Motion is carried.
Grand President Shepardson: What has the committee further to report.
Next is the Committee on Song Book.
Bro. Schultz, Pe (Yale), read the report m full.
CoMMITTEE ON SoNG BooK.
The Committee on Song Book recommends :
I. That the efforts of the Grand Council to secure an Acacia Song Book be heartily endorsed.
2 That the representatives of the various chapters here represented be urged to do all in their power in their individual chapters to secure th e success of this enterprise. That songs already in use in various chapters be sent as soon as possible to the committee appointed by the Grand Cou ncil , and all members with ability in song writing be urged to begin work on new songs, and song poems. It is the belief of the committee that this is one of the most important matters before the Conclave in that if will do more than all else to develop Fraternity sent iment and sp-irit. S ong Book Comrnvittee, ]. R. S cHULT Z, Chr., H. L. EVANS , R. H. MOYER.
Bro . Schultz , Pe (Yale) : It is the belief of this committee that this is one of the most important matter s and we emphasize the request that all delegates here will do their part in seeing that this is stirred up. We are going to celebrate our Tenth Anniversary. We ought to have a good Acacia Song Book. We desire that you send in all the songs possible.
Grand President Shepardson: Shall this report be accepted.
Moved by Weaver, Shin (Pennsylvania), seconded by Carr, AlephAleph (Washington), that the report be adopted as read. Motion carried.
Magathan, Gimel ( Kansas): What is the status of this present committee on song book?
Bro . Jenkins , Teth (Harvard): How many songs will be required to complete a song book?
Grand President Shepardson : This committee has one song, but the Grand Council Committee have half a dozen and a number of others located.
Bro. Jenkins, Teth (Harvard): It seems with so few songs that we cannot do much about a song book.
S.chultz, Pe (Yale): I am in favor of adopting that suggestion of adJournmg.
Moved by .Bro. yY eaver , Shin (Pennsylvania), seconded by Bro. Thatcher, Mem (M1ssoun ), that we meet at nine o'clock Friday morning , Grand President . and seconded to mee.t at 9 o clock. We stand adJourned untll Fnday morning at nine. Adjourned at 9 :30 Thursday evening.
FRIDAY MORNING SESSION
September 18, 1913.
Roll call Friday morning: Nine o'clock.
Aye, Aleph Chapter, University of Michigan, T. F. McCoy.
Aye, Beth Chapter, Leland Stanford University , Elton M. Hogg .
Gimel Chapter, University of Kansas, W. C. Magathan.
Daleth Chapter, University of Nebraska , Louis F. Meier.
Aye , He Chapter, University of California, Ed D. Flynn.
\Vaw Chapter, Ohio State University, E. B. Hawes.
Teth Chapter, Harvard University, A. A. Jenkins.
Heth Chapter, University of Illinois, E. R. Suter.
Aye, Kaph Chapter, University of Minnesota, H. H. Thurston.
Aye, Yodh Chapter, University of Pennsylvania , Will G. Mann.
Aye, Mem Chapter, University of Missouri, H. K. Thatcher.
Aye, Lamedth Chapter, University of Wisconsin, E. H. Whitcomb.
Aye, Nun Chapter, Cornell University, L. A. Wilson.
Aye, Samehk Chapter, Purdue University, F. R. Polk.
Aye, Ayin Chapter, University of Chicago, W. F. Groves.
Aye, Pe Chapter, Yale University, J. R. Schultz.
Aye, Tsadhe Chapter, Columbia University, T. W. Veness.
Aye , Koph Chapter, Iowa State College, R. H. Moyer.
Aye, Resh Chapter, University of Iowa , Herold Evans.
Aye , Shin Chapter, Pennsylvania State College, F. P. Weaver. · Aleph-Aleph Chapter, University of Washington, E. C. Carr.
Aye, Aleph-Gimel Chapter, University of Colorado, Fred E. Hagan.
Aye, Aleph-Daleth Chapter, Syracuse University, Fred E. Lott.
Grand Presiden Shepardson : What will we do with this report on date of next conclave?
Moved by Bro. Schultz, Pe, seconded by Bro. McCoy, Aleph, that this report as to date be received and adopted.
Bro. McCoy, Aleph (Michigan): The dates are Thursday, Friday afld Saturday of June 25, 26 and 27. I move that the date be 24, 25 and 26, the commencement is on the 24. I can see no other reason why it should not be started on Wednesday instead of Thursday.
Moved by Bro. Jenkins, Teth, seconded by Bro. Suter, Heth, that the date be moved forward. Ayes have :it. Motion carried. ·
Grand President Shepardson : The next place will be. Ann Arbor and the last week in June, that is, 24, 25 and 26. ·
Bro. Jenkins, Teth: It is customary to have a . picture of the Conclave taken and I have not heard any plans.
President Shepardson: \Ve have been requested by our Bro. Whitcomb to meet promptly at twelve o'clock to have our photo taken.
Bro. M ann , Yo dh: Who among the delegate s know s the examination questions by heart.
Grand P resident Shepardson, called for uplifting of hands. Five knew them by heart. ·
B ro. Polk, Samehk: Most of o ur men take notice of examination We always give diff e rent questions. On ea ch one of our cards we have printed on it in drop lett e r form. Nobody wo uld ever pick it up .
Grand President Shepardson: It might be possible to have a letter c ipher to refre sh one's memor y if it did slip.
Grand Secretary, Bro. Kilmer: I wo uld n o t see any objection to such an arrangement. I w ish t o ca ll yo ur attention to the danger of putting it out in printed form.
Moved by Bro . Jenkins, seconded by Bro . Mann: That five copies of this questionnaire be prepared and sent to each chapter of the Acacia and that each initiat e after initiation before being allowed t o sit in a meeting shall pass upon it.
B r o. Groves, A yin: Each member might be given one if we print them in cipher.
B ro. Flynn, He: Use it just as Bro. from Purdue does, and have it printed o n the back of the traveling card. It is a pretty safe place, and if it is printed on the back of the member s hip traveling card it would be a good place fQr it.
Bro . Mann, Yodh: If that is written in the Masonic key, it would be unnecessary if a man is required to pas s an examination. I don't see the necessity of passing out these cards.
Grand President Shepardson: If J had a card when I go to see someone I could look at just before seeing them. I think Bro. Groves's suggestion is a good one . Five hundred would cost practically no more than one hundred and we might have one to present to each initiate to put in his case.
Motion all in favor of its adoption. The ayes have it. It is a vote. So ordered.
Bro. Polk, Samehk , reads Article II., Section I 1, page four of the Constitution, follqws: " Membership in any chapter of Acacia Fraternity shall be by invitation, and the name or names submitted at a stated or special meeting at least one week before final action." Where we get freshmen at the beginning of the year it is almost imperative that we get these men early. If we have to wait one week that means that eight days have passed before we can pledge a man and in that time the Greek's are there and we lose a man. We look carefully into the men we take. The men that we pick up quickly at the beginning of the year are just as good as the men who have been in college longer. It is far better to get a freshman than to wait until he is a senior.
Grand President Shepardson : What will you do with Article II., Section I I, by elimination of the words, "at least one week before final action."
Bro. Polk, Samehk: I move that Article II., Section I I be amended to read as follows: "Membership in any chapter of Acacia Fraternity shall be by m'<rua.uoa.i;i
and the name or names submitted at a stated o r spec ial meeting before final action," leaving out the words, "a t least one week."
Bro. Weaver, Shin: I second that motion. Some of the members may know them before come to college, but we cannot do anything inside of the first week. It 1s the custom of our Greeks whep they see a giOOd man to put a pledge pin on him. We cannot do in less than one week what the Greeks can do in one day. '
General debate followed in which Bro. Meier, Daleth , Bro. Hawes, Waw, Bro. Suter, Heth, Bro. Whitcomb, Lamedth and others made arguments for and against the proposition.
Grand President Shepardson: Acacia is trying to be a model Fraternity. It is seeking to prevent anything in the way of a scandal around its chapter houses. It is seeking to be something different. Now, the trend of educational thought is very strong looking toward action requiring the postponement of pledging and initiation until the last two or three years of the college course. Quite a number of colleges have forbidden freshmen pledging. A good many others are thinking of it. The general movement is toward it, but it is delayed. Where does Acacia want to stand on that proposition? Our rule s prohibit over-night rushing. We can't take him the first day he lands up town. We can't take him from the . bus. Our rules require that a week ' s notice should be given. What would be the effect on deans of colleges forbidding any pledging at all until after a week's notice. I do not know whether or not that has any bearing in regard to our decision here.
Grand President Shepardson: You are the active men. You are on the firing line, let us take an expression of opinion on this question. All who favor the adoption of this proposed amendment by striking out the words, "at least one week before the final action" say aye, those opposed no. It is hard to decide whether the ayes or noes have it.
Grand President Shepardson called for the roll call, which resulted as follows: Aleph, No ; Beth, No; Gimel, No; Daleth, No; He, No; Waw, No; Teth, No; Heth, No; Kaph, Aye; Yodh, Aye; Mem, No; Lamedth, Aye; Nun, Aye; Samehk, Aye; Ayin, No; Pe, Aye; Tsadhe, absent; Koph, Aye; Resh, Aye; Shin, Aye; Tav, absent; Aleph-Aleph, Aye; Aleph-Beth, absent; Aleph-Gimel, Aye; Aleph-Daleth, No.
The vote read by the Grand Secretary, Bro. Kilmer, was eleven for, eleven against and three absent or not voting.
Grand President Shepardson: r 5 votes are required in favor of the amendment; therefore the proposed amendment is lost.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON CHAPTERS
Your Committee on Chapters respectfully submits the following recommendations:
1. A uniform system of accounting and auditing to be adopted by the Grand Council, at their discretion. G. C. ordered.
2. In case of deferred payments by members to the individual chapters n9_tes shall be taken and in case members absolutely refuse to settle accounts aft_er bem.g given a fair opportunit y, they shall be expelled. Other chapters shall . receive notification of such expulsion and the reason therefor .
3 We recommend that chapters do not initiate honorary members until they have been approved by the Grand Council and that a chapter shall have not more than 5 honorary members (at any one Chapters having now more than 5 shall not be allowed to initiate, more until their number shall have reached 4 or less.
THE ACACIA JOU
4· The Grand Council sha ll have power to discipline members of a chapter whose charter has been withdrawn .
s It sha ll be the duty of a sister chap.ter t<;> make inquiry of a sister chapter located at the home of a candidate as to the sta ndin g of a candidat e in his home town,
6. We recommend that all candidates be instructed as to Acacia history and tradition , etc., prior to their initiation and pass an examination.
7· We recommend that each chapter be required at once to complete the files of its memb ers .
8. We su gges t tha t a lon ge r t e nure of memb er sh ip be urged upon all members.
9 . We recommend that as close a relation as possible be maintained between th e house corporation and the active chapter, b y electing a part of the officers from the active chapter and the establishment o f a custo m whereby each new member is required to sub scribe for stock in the corporation
10. We recommend that the chapter fil es relative to alumni be kept and reserved and that the a nnual banquet be h eld for them.
II. We recommend that affiliation to other chap.ters be urged by all.
1 2 We recommend that alumni associations be formed and we commend those already formed.
13 We recommend that each ' chapter be required to issue at lea s t one a year, a chapter letter to the alumni.
14. We recommend that each alumni association send a non-voting representative to the Conclave his expense to be borne by such association .
15. We recommend that the Grand Council or a committee appointed by it, visit and investigate the chapter at N. W. and if in their judgment they see fit, the charter shall be withdrawn.
16. We recommend that a charter be granted to the chapter at Manhattan, Kan sas.
17. We recommend that the ritual be followed closel y as regards regalia of officers and candidates as well as in wording of the work.
18 . The f o llowing have been suggested by members : Uniformity in size and setting of pin.
National Fraternity Jeweler for one year-Landrum-Co-op. buying. Respectfully submitted, COMMITTEE.
Bro Meier, Daleth, moved that this be accepted , seconded by Bro. Groves , Ayin , that the Grand Council is hereby ordered fo prepare at once or as early as possible a uniform accounting system.
Grand President Shepardson: The ayes have it. It is a vote.
Bro. Whitcomb, Lamedth, reads Section 2 of the report.
Grand President Shepardson: This is a matter of policy. It would not become a law unless it is phrased in proper fonn. This is a matter of expres sion on policy.
Brother Meier, Daleth: This then is a matter of Fraternity policy. Moved by Hawes, Waw, that we adopt this resolution, seconded by Bro. Schultz, Pe.
Bro. Whitcomb, Lamedth: This was intended as a suggestion to members who have come here looking for something of that kind. Each individual chapter can handle its affairs itself. Some have stated that they cannot handle their cases of unpaid bills or dues, for that reason this recommendation has been made.
Grand President Shepardson : Called for the reading of the second section again, so that we will all have it before us.
Section 2 was read by Bro. 'Whitcomb, Lamedth.
Grand President Shepardson: All who favor the adoption of the sec• ond section of the report of the committee on chapters will raise the . rigbt hand.
S eve n rai s ed in favor and nine rai s ed in o pp o sition. The n o e s have it. The m o ti on is lost.
Bro . G r ove s, Ayin: Would it be o ut of order if we ado pt this a s a re co mm e ndation o f the co mmittee.
G r a nd P r es ident Shepards o n : All who are in fav o r of lea v ing unpaid debt s t o the c hapters.
B r o Jenkin s, Teth : VI e just v oted that we s hall n o t o rder them to d o an y thin g els e .
. Pre s ident Shep_ard s on: many favor a nati o nal Fraternit y s enttm e nt 111 fa vo r of defimte charges 111 case of thos e who do not pay their du es, th a t we ad o pt th e re commendation o f the co mmittee , and that thi s i s th e ri g ht p o li cy.
B r o. F ly nn , H e, m oved th a t thi s matter be referred to the committee o n r eso luti o n s, seco nd e d by B r o . G r ove s. Motion carried.
G r a nd P r es id e nt S h epard so n : Section 2 of the report of committee o n c ha p t e r s w ill be ref e rred t o the committee on res o luti o n s .
B r o. \.Vhit co mb read s Secti o n 3:
B r o. F ly nn , He : I m o ve that this secti o n 3 be adopted , seconded b y Bro. Maga th a n , G imel. ·
B r o. Me ier , Dal e th: I think that there should be a limit t o this Hon o rar y nl.em b e rship. I think that the committee has g o ne at it in the wr o ng way, fo r in st a n ce a c h ap t e r might have five h o n o rar y member s. They might ha ve l o n g li ves. You mi g ht know a man wh o had very de sirable material in him f or an h o n o rar y member. and in the mean time you co uld have him s po tt ed. Now if the y w o uld put that so that a chapter could n ot initiate m o r e than o ne h o n o rary member in a certain number of years , it would give a se qu e n ce s o that the chapter w o uld save up and look over all the men and t a ke o nl y the best and if they saw a good one, -even save that one for five yea r s . The y might get very desirable men in this way. The chapter co uld ha ve fi v e d es irable hon o rary members in a very short time.
G rand Pre s id e nt Shepardson: All who favor the adoption of this secti o n a s pre s ented by the committee signify by raising the right hand: Eleven vot ing for and eleven voting against, the vote is a tie. Bro. Veness, Tsadhe , just came in late, the s e c tion was again read and Mr. Veness voted in favor of ad o pting thi s section, therefore, twelve voting for and eleven against. Th e r esoluti o n is ad opted.
Grand President Shepardson: This will be referred to the committee on jurisprudence.
Bro. Whitcomb, Lamedth, reads Section 6.
Bro. Magathan, Gimel: Is that an expression of the committee on resolutions?
Flynn , He: You can refer that to the committee on resolutions. Referred this to the committee on resolutions.
Bro. Whitcomb, Lamedth, reads section 9·
Bro. Carr, Aleph-Aleph: I move that this be referred either to the resolutions committee or the constitutional committee, pending on the will of the chair.
Bro. Lott, Aleph-Daleth: I move that this section of 9 be tabled. Seconded by Bro. Jenkins, Teth. Motion carried. (Ayes have it.)
Bro. Whitcomb reads section 10.
Bro. Groves, A yin: I suggest that the various files relative to alumni be well kept.
Moved by Bro. McCoy, Beth, seconded by Bro. Schultz, Pe. The ayes have it. Section IO is accepted.
Bro. Whitcomb , Lamedth , reads section I 1.
Bro. Meier, Daleth , moved, Bro. Lott, Aleph-Daleth, seconded. Motion carried.
Bro . \tVhitcomb reads section I2.
Bro. Weaver, Shin: Can we legislate for Alumni chapters.
Grand President Shepardson: Yes we can. We can request that the Alumni delegation send delegates to the Conclave.
Bro. Mc Co y , Beth, moved the adoption, seconded by Bro. Veness, Tsadhe. Carried .
Bro. vVhitcomb, Lamedth , reads section 13.
Bro. Magathan , Gimel: I move that this recommendation be carried out. Bro. McCoy, Beth, seconded . Motion carried.
Bro. Wh itc omb reads section IS .
Grand President Shepardson : The Grand Vice-President neglected to send to the Grand Council any statement of any vote and apparently we know nothing of the vote We might take a show of hands to find out how the chapter voted, or to give justice to these petitioners and show that there was a flare up.
Bro. Lott, Daleth: This seems to be a question of the judiciary committee. I move that this resolution be adopted , seconded by Bro. Veness, Tsadhe. Carried .
Bro. Frazer: The Grand Council will grant this charter when a vote of four-fifths favorable vote is received. The Grand Council asks the delegates here for information.
Grand President Shepardson:· If four-fifths of the chapters report favorably, the Grand Vice -President can refer the matter to the Grand Council, but we have no authority until four-fifths of the chapters have acted on it.
Bro. Groves, Ayin: I move that we adjourn.
Bro. Frazer: The motion is to adjourn until I :30
Bro. Groves, Ayin , made the motion, seconded by Bro. Flynn, He, that we adjourn until I :30.
Conclave stands adjourned at I2 o'clock until I :30.
FRIDAY AFTERNOON SESSION
September I9, I9I3.
I :30 P.M.
Conclave called to order by Grand President Shepardson. The matter of Manhattan was taken up. Bro. Shepardson gave interpretation of the law. Bro. Jenkins spoke against the subject.
Moved by Bro. Lott, Aleph-Daleth, that the delegates returnin.g to their respective chapters report the matter and that a vote he taken and the vote sent to the Grand Vice-President, and that he shall certify the vote to the Grand Council and the charter be granted, if four-fifths of the · votes ate favorable.
Carried. Jenkins voting no. ·.- ·., Bro. Whitcomb, Lamedth, read sect:io.n 16.
THE ACACIA JOUR r AL
The matter of the Fraternity Jeweler was moved by Bro . Hawes, Waw, that F. Landrum be made o fficial jeweler of the Fraternity.
Grand Prestdent Shepardson : The se agents are so high in price that I have used that word rob. They go around and visit Fraternity Houses and, of course, these firms were not doing that from a philanthropic desire to s_erve the college and the expense of the agents was charged up agamst badges to mdtvtduals. The over-charge was paid by th e boy who bought hts badge. The badge was so ld exactly the same as it was before. Every s in g le one of these fellows jumped at the chance to become offic ial jeweler, selling the badge for the same amount that it was so ld before. The committee let a contract that they realized $2200 in a rebate, and the boys didn't pay any more than they did before. Acacia might get in on some such sort of a scheme. I ha ve an offer fr om D . L. Au ld & Co., which proposes to give u s some var iou s styles of badges, rebates rangin g from $3.75 to $6 .75. Now under our plan by which we ha ve all kinds of badges, it is hard to get a rebate. If we had the same kind of a badge all over the country, we then could have a uniform rebate from the j ewe ler. Since we have differen t s ized badges we will have to have a lot of badges, o n which the rebate w ill vary in price . If we have to pay $r5 for a badge t oday, I don't see why we sho uld not be w illing t o pay $rs t om orrow , if m y chapter should receive the $3 from an officia l jeweler. I am dead se t against the official jeweler or the man who is a Mason for what th ere is in it , or an Acacia man for what there is in it , o r an official jeweler t o seek an object to put money in hi s pocket for the money there is in it. Why should we make Bro. Landrum sole jeweler agent of this Fraternit y . If he can furnish the same badge as any other jeweler , and then give our Fra ternity a rebate for being so le official jeweler equal to that of the others, then it might be well to favor him.
Bro. Ca rr , Aleph-Aleph: I m ov e that we establish the standard dimensions of the Acacia je w el pin to be as follows: Size (o utside dimensions) , Vs-inch on the base, 0 -inch on the altitude, %-inch on the hypothenuse. This provides for border of whole pearls and gallery crowned. There are only two kinds, pearls all around or pearls with garnets in the corners. The ra i sed ce nter with the same letters in it as usual. It will comply. with any other requirements now in existence. The color should be black enamel with gold letters.
Bro. Groves, A yin: I wish to second that motion and call for the question at once. ·
Bro. Lott, Aleph-Daleth: Because of the fact that we have other matters that may change the thought for the present consideration of this matter . I move that this be tabled.
Bro. G r oves, A yin: I second the motion, to lay this whole matter on the table.
Grand President Shepardson: The ayes have it, it is so ordered. Bro. Whitcomb, Lamedth, reads the following report:
1. We recommend that the Hebrew letters be dropped from the poin.
2 We recommend that the equivalent in Egyptian character be substitute_?. _
3 We recommend that in the naming of chapters the name of the .respective colleges or universities be substituted for the present system of Hebrew letters.
Bro. Lott, Aleph-Daleth: I move that the adoption of paragraph
number one, or we reco mmend that all the Hebrew terminology be removed from the Ac a c ia pin at present and that the report of the committee be adopted section by section.
Bro. Sc hultz , Pe: Since the motion is to be d iscu ssed, the matter of the Hebrew leit e r s for the chapter of name s wo uld ne cess aril y be included. Hebrew letter s s h o uld be remo ve d from the pin we feel. The names of the chapter s hou ld also be abolished. Our main obje cti o n is to the Hebrew letter s on the pin . There is nothing in o ur ritual h oweve r having to do with the Hebrew, as it provides for in the seco nd sec tion
There is very little con ne ct io n between our work and the present method of arranging th e Hebrew letter s . It wo uld be a considerable comfort t o man y of u s t o have the se changed. There is n o rea so n why we s h ould ke ep t h ese. I think inve stigation on thi s matter w ill show that the matter of keeping the Hebrew letter s upon the pin was not a point to be particularly guarded b y the founders. Ya le c h apter is favorable to r emov ing the letter from the pin. Personally I prefer very much the sub s tituti on of the Co llege or U ni ve r s it y for the desi g nation of the chapter. A great m a n y of the chapter s are given the right t o use their co ll eges or univer s itie s f o r the local chapt er name.
G r a nd Preside nt Shepardson: It see m s t o me perfectly proper that we h ave here under this head a discussion of the h eads of chapters t o ee ho w th e ch apte r s stand. B ut m o ti o n t o adopt this wi ll n ot affect the fact until properly framed by the Co n stitution and By -la ws Comm ittee and have been adopted by a referen d um vote of the chapter.s. The general question of policy I think we can we ll aff o rd t o discuss under this report.
Bro. Magathan , Gimel: I ri se to refer that t o the committee.
Bro. Flynn, He : Let the committee discu ss it and thresh it out and repo rt. That will sav e time.
Grand President Shepardson: Do you want to refer it to the committee or do you want to discu ss it now.
Bro. Polk, Samehk: Let us discu ss it right here.
Bro. Flynn, He: I move that it be referred to the committee to bring it bef o re the Conclave in correct form . The committee can bring it in in proper form. I move that that be referred to the committee and that they bring it before the Conclave in correct form.
Grand President Shepardson: It has been moved that this suggestion be referred to the committee on jurisprudence for consideration and report.
Moved by Bro Flynn, He, and seconded by Bro. Carr, Aleph-Aleph. Twelve for, nineteen against.
Bro. Groves, A yin: The question is what conditions have you got at home to deal with. The Greek letter has become a part of our education which has been solely passing away with us. When it comes to these people our original brethr.en we don't want to have our Clubs with them.
Bro. Flynn, He: If Bro. Jenkins has any reason for such a change. I move to adopt the first and third recommendations of the committee. I move that we drop the Hebrew letters from the badge, also eliminate the Hebrew characters from the badge.
Grand President Shepardson: I call for a vote by .roll call . Aleph, Aye; Beth, Aye; Gimel, No; Daleth, No; " He, Aye; Waw, No; Teth, No; Heth, No; Kaph, Aye; Yodh, Aye; Mem, Aye; Lam-
edth, Aye; N un , Aye; Aye; Ayin, Aye; Pe, Aye; Tsadhe. Aye; Koph , Aye; Resh, Aye; ., Shm, Aye; Tav; A leph- Aleph No· AlephBet h ; A leph -G imel, Aye; Aleph-Daleth, Aye. ' '
Grand Pre.sident S.hel?a.rdson: for and six against.
The comm1ttee on JUnsprudence 1s mstru cted to bring in the neces sary changes in the constitution and by-laws so that they be referr ed t o the chapters in proper form. -
COMMITTEE ON CHANGE F RO M HEBREW TOMENC LATUR E
Your committee r espectf ully submits the following as amendments to our Constitution and B y-Laws:
r. That Ar ticle VI Section 6 b e changed to r ead as follows: "Each chapter shall be known and designated b y th e n ame of the institution at which said chapte r is located." ·
2. That Section 2 0 of the Ly-Laws be changed as follows: By striki n g out the last four lines beginning with the wo rd s "within each of these sma ll er triangles."
3· Your committee recommends that the Grand Council be given power to make any c hanges in th e R itu al n ecessi tat ed by th e foregoing a m e ndm ent s. Respectfully s ubmitted , T F. McCOY, Chr. ]. R. SCHULTZ. F. E. LOTT.
- Gr and President Shepardson: Moved and seconded that: No letters at all be placed on the badge , except the triangle .
Voting by acclamation , the ayes are in the min o rit y, noe s have it. Amendme nt is los t.
G r and President Shepardson: Are yo u read y for the question that the Egyp tian letters be placed on the badge.
Moved by Bro. McCoy, Beth , seconded by Bro. Whitcomb, Lamedth, that we substitute Greek letters for the Egyptian.
G rand President Shepardson: Th os e who favor that the Greek letter s be placed on the triangle say yes, those opposed no. The noes have it in vo lume, but in o rder that we may better decide those in favor raise the right hand (seve n f o r ), those against (s ixteen against). The propo se d amendment is los t.
Bro. Lott, Aleph-Daleth: I move that the Hebrew letters be changed to Old English, and the Egyptian characters be substituted for Hebrew.
Bro. Meier , Daleth : We place within the smaller triangle the Egyptian letter "G", which mean s a gateway .
Grand President Shepardson: Bro . Meier, Daleth, proposed that we put one letter o n the pin , which means gateway.
Bro. Frazer: Leave the three triangles blank, that will leave more mystic ism than anything we can put on it. The logical solution is the plain pin.
Grand President Shepardson: Those who favor Egyptian characters on the badge say aye (e ight in favor), those opposed no (eleven noes ) . The motion is lo s t.
Bro. Jenkins, Teth, moved that the chapter take the name of the sc hool w her e in the y are situated, seconded by Bro. Wilson, Nun. ·
G rand President Shepardson: It has been moved and seconded that the chapter shall be known and designated by the name of the institution at w hi c h said chapter is located. The ayes have it. It is carried . unanimously.
THE ACACIA JOURNAL
Bro. Fly nn, He, reads the report of the committee on resolutions.
B ro. Schultz , P e, moved the adopti o n of thi s report, seconded by Bro . Veness, Tsadhe.
Bro. \Vhitcomb moved ( by expression of sentiment) that we accept this section I , seco nded by Bro . Mann , Yodh.
Bro . Weaver, Shin: I move that we substitute the word " fees" for the word " moneys " .
Bro . Fl y nn , He: C hairman accepts the substitution of that word.
Grand President Shepard son: The ayes have it. Carried unanimousl y
Bro. Magathan , Gimel , calls for section 2 , and moves that it be accepted. Bro . Jenkins, Teth , requests that the word " be" in each of these three sections be struck out and the word "is" be placed in its place. Seconded by Bro. \Veaver , Shin . The a y es have it. Carried unanimously.
Bro Magathan , G imet , moved and Bro. Weaver, Shin, seco"nded that section 2 be accepted with the substitution of the word. The ayes have it. Carried unanimously.
Bro. Flynn, He, reads section three for expression of sentiment.
B ro. Meier , Daleth, m oved the adoption , Bro. Evans , Resh , seconded. Ayes have it. Carried. It is so ordered . - ·
Grand President Shepardso n: \ Vhen the reports are brought in in regular form, the amendments to this Conclave will be without further action .
Bro. Hogg, Beth, gave the report of the Auditing Committee, on expen s e of delegates.
Bro. Flynn, He, moves its acceptance and that it be placed on file, Bro. Vv" eaver, Shin, second s the motion that the report on the expense of the delegates be received and placed on file . The ayes have it. It is carried.
Respectfully and Fraternally submitted, ELTON M. HOGG, Chairman , HARRY E. KILMER, W. G. MANN
Bro.) enkins moved that the reports of the Grand Officers b"e. .prepared and published and a copy be handed to the delegates at the Conclave, seconded by Bro. Carr, Aleph-Aleph, that the Annual Report of the Grand Council be published, and a copy be furnished to the delegates in advance or at the Conclave.
Grand President Shepardson: The motion is that the report of the Grand Council hereafter shaH be printed for the benefit of the delegates, to be presented at the beginning of the Conclave. The direction of this Conclave will signify by saying aye. Ayes have it. Motion prevails unanim ous ly.
Bro. Schultz, Pe: Our chapter presents another song which was written by my musical brother. This is on the order of the orie that was published last year. I would like to bring this one before the Conclave. I would like to have this one printed in the same way as the other and the receipt s to go to the Grand Council or to the Fraternity, therefore, I present you the manuscript of a new song written by my brother so that it may be acted upon.
Bro. Groves, Ayin: We would soon spend enough money to buy a new song book. Y.,T e might put them in the hand-book. I make a motion to publi sh this right away.
Bro. Frazer: It would not cost a very great deal if it was printed. I am very much in favor of getting another song.
Bro. Whitcomb, Lamedth: I move that the Grand Council be instructed to publish this song and see that it reaches the chapters in the form of the other song, seconded by Bro. McCoy, Beth. Ayes have it. Carried unanimously.
Bro. Whitcomb, Lamedth: I move that the proper resolutions be spread upon the minutes in regard to the effort of Bro. Schultz.
Bro. Carr, Aleph-Aleph: I move that that motion, regarding the standard ization of the badge, its jewels , etc., be taken from the table, seconded by Bro. Hogg, Beth. Ayes have it. Carried unanimously.
Grand President Shepardson: I announce that Section 3, Article II of the Constitution which you will find on page three of the Constitution, has been amended to read as follows:
"A ny student who shall have been an active member of any chapter may upon graduation or upon severing his connection with the university or college become an alumnus member of such chapter after the expiration of one year, or if he so elect, remain an active member by paying the regular dues, provided that he must be an active member at least one calendar year."
Grand President Shepardson: Article VI, section 1 of the Constitution has been amended to read as follows :
"A charter for a chapter of this Fraternity may be granted by the Grand Council upon the application of twelve or more Master Masons in good
THE ACACIA JOURNAL
standing and members of lodges working · under the jurisdiction of a regular Grand Lodge of free · and accepted Masons or · Ancient Free and Accepted Masons who are students in or o.f. Jaculty of any college or university , after due investigation and favorable report by the Grand Vice-President and a four-fifths favorable vote by all chapters in good standing, which favorable vote shall be followed by a four-fifths favorable vote of all the delegates convened at the first succeeding regular Grand Conclave."
Bro, Lott. Aleph-Aleph: Moved that we adjourn until 5 o'clock.
Bro. McCoy: I move that the Conclave take a recess until 5 o'clock sharp. The ayes have it. We will take a recess until 5 o'clock. "'
FRIDAY EVENING SESSION
September 18, 1913. 5 o'clock.
Meeting called to order by Grand President Shepardson.
REPORT OF AUDITING COMMITTEE
Auditing Committee respectfully submits the following report: This report is incomplete to the extent that some chapters failed to hand in reports of the sums sent in.
The books show a very complete and detailed statement of expenditures and receipts, which the committee wishes to commend.
The committee herewith reports that the books, after a careful examination, are entirely correct, to the best of its belief.
This committee recommends to the Conclave the adoption of the Budget as proposed by the Grand Council. ·
Respectfully submitted, T. w. VENESS, Lours F. MEIER, E. c. CARR.
Moved by Bro. Schultz, Pe and seconded by Bro. Whitaker, that report d Auditing Committee be accepted and placed on file.
Report of Special Committee on Amendments to Constitution read in f111l by Bro. McC'ov. Beth, Chairman:
REPORT COMMITTEE ON AMENDMENT TO CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS
Constitution. Article IV, §s. Carried.
In case of the revocation or suspension of the charter of any chapter, the charter, ritual and records of the chapter shall immediately be placed in the hands of the Grand Secretary.
§6. Carried.
The Grand Council shall have power by unanimous vote to suspend or expel from the Fraternity for conduct bringing discredit or dishonor upon the Fraternity any member of a chapter whose charter has been suspended or revoked. Due notice of such action shall be sent by the Grand Secretary to each chapter. A member thu disciplined shall have the right to appeal from the action of the Grand Council to the next <;;rand Conclave, which may reinstate him by a two-thirds vote of the delegates present. In case of an appeal thirty days notice in writing shall be filed with the Grand Secretary. Provided. however, that if the action of the grand Council be taken within thirty days of the meeting of a Grand Conclave the membet may appeal directly to that Conclave or to the next. In case of an a'ppeal and reinstatement by the Grand Conclave, the transportation expenses of the member and from the Conclave shall be paid from the Grand Treasury.
Recommendations:
It is the opinion of the Committee on Constitution and jurisprudence that
further change should be made in the laws regarding the erection of honorary members.
Passed.
It is the opinion of the Committee on Constitution and jurisprudence that no change should be made in the by-laws regarding the examination of initiates upon Acacia history.
Passed. ,
That the present Section 5 of Article IV of the Constitution be numbered 7. Resolved: That the . Grand· Secretary have printed· the exainin'ation on the ritual and send five copies of each chapter and that each chap ter require every initiate to pass an examination before being allowed to sit in the chapter meetings. Carried. ·
Moved by Bro. Whitcomb, Lamedth, that, ( r. That Article VI, Section 6, be changed to read as follows: "Each chapter shall be kinow and designated by the name of the institution at which said chapter is located." Seconded by Bro. Tsadhe. . . . . .
Roll call Friday evening: Aleph, I; Beth, I; Gim'el, I; Daleth,· I; He, I; Waw, I; Teth, I; Heth, I; Kaph, I; Yodh, I; Mem, I; Lamedth, I; Nun, Yes; Samehk, I; Ayin, I; Pe, I; Tsadhe, I; Koph, I; Resh, I; Shin, I; Tav; Aleph-Aleph, I; Aleph-Beth; Aleph-Gimel, I; AlephDaleth, I.
Grand President Shepardson: The proposed amendment having received the ConstitUtional majority will be submitted by the Grand Secretary for the referendum vote.
Rro. McCoy, ' Beth: I move that Section 20 of the By-laws be changed as follows: ·
By striking out the last four lines beginning with the words "within each of these smaller triangles ."
Bro. Carr, Aleph-Aleph: This is the proper place to bring up the subject in regard to the standardization of the pin
Grand President Shepardson: The motion is now on the specific recommendations of the committee.
Bro. Flynn, He: I move that Section 2 of the report be adopted, seconded by Bro Evans, Resh.
Grand President Shepardson: Then you favor the amendme-nt of the By-laws as received by the committee. The ayes have it, and the By-law is amended.
Bro. McCoy, Beth, read section 3 in full, as follows : "Your committee recommends that the Grand Council be given power to make any changes in the ritual necessitated by the foregoing amendments."
Bro. Groves, Avin: I move that this section 3 of the report be adopted, seconded by Bro. Magathan, Gimel. The ayes have it. It is a vote and so ordered.
Bro. Evans, Resh. I move that the first resolution in regard to honorary members be accepted, seconded by Bro . McCoy, Aleph.
Grand President Shepardson: That no change be made in the Bylaws in regard to the subject of honorary members . The ayes seem to have it.
Bro. Flynn, He: I move that the recommendation of this committee be adopted, but the formulation of this be left to the Grand Council. Moved by Bro. Jenkins, Teth, seconded by Bro. Schultz, Pe.
THE ACACIA JOURNAL
Grand President Shepardson : The committee recommends no requirement for the examinations at present , but refers the matter to the Grand Council for a of questions. The ayes have it. Carried.
Bro. Meier, Daleth: I have not had time to talk with any of the delegates y et. I shall make thi s amendment and leave it to the Conclave, it ha s been brought up at different times before and discussed.
To amend Section 2 of Article II by making the first word of the Section, "Hereafter"; also by substituting the word "Chosen" instea d ef · and adding to the Section: "And who are not already a member of a general social fraternit y. Furthermore upon joining any general social College Frater.nity, he shall lose hi s member ship in Acacia."
The Section then to read : _
"He reafter the active member s of each - chapter shall be chosen -entirely of students , members of the faculty and alumni of the University or the College at which it is located, who are Master Masons in good standing, members of a lodge working under the jurisdiction of a regular Grand . Lodge of full and accepted Masons, vouched for by some member of the chapter, and wlio are not already members of a General Social College Fraternit y . Furi:hermor'e upon joining any General :Social College Fraternity he shall lose his membership in Acacia·."
LOUIS F. MEIER, Daleth Delegate .
Moved by Bro. Meier, Daleth, seconded by Bro McCoy, Aleph. Bro. Schultz, Pe: I move that the motion be tabled, seconded by Bro. Flynn ! He , and also by Bro . Whi!comb, Lamedth.
Grand President Shepardson: Those in favor of laying it on the table, your hand. Twelve are in favor of tabling it, eight against it. It is "carried, the matter is laid on the table. ·
Grand Pr(!sident Shepardson: It is moved and seconded that Acacia ·send delegates to the International Conference at New York. Ayes have it. It is a vote. •
Veness, Tsadhe: That the wearing of the pledge pin be discussed.
Grand President Shepardson: It is not for the Conclave to decide whether it wants to discuss this matter or not. It is purely an educational o_oe . Among the fraternities in the West there is an undercurrent against 'fraternities. The fraternities tend to set a man apart from his fellows. I believe that there must be some regulation in regard to rushing, and that there is too much attention paid to the freshman. It sets him off from his fellow freshmen . . Those are the two main thoughts.
-_ Moved by Bro. Carr, Aleph-Aleph, seconded by Bro. McCoy, Aleph, that no action be taken by this Conclave in regard to this proposition, that is, the wearing of the pledge pin.
The ayes have it. Carried.
Grand President Shepardson: Recommended that the fraternity color be the red of the Richmond Rose.
Bro. Mann, Y odh : There are other things of more importance to be considered than the color. All fraternities have hat bands. The colpr would not be attractive on the hat band and colors as a rule are taken from the coat of arms. I move that we discuss the question in connection with the coat of arms.
Grand President Shepardson : The recommendation of the Grand Council for the Richmond Rose will be withdrawn for a short time. last Conclave directed the Grand Council to adopt the flag and coat of au.._,...,
which presented to the Acacia. through the Bulletin. There is nothing preventing the next Conclave changmg that action and adoptinrr some other coat of arms if it so desires. b
Moved by Bro. Lott, Aleph-Daleth, That the coat of arms and the colors as adopted by the Grand Council be approved by this Conclave.
Grand President Shepardson: That the coat of arms ordered by the last Conclave and prepared by the Grand Council be so approved. Seconded by Bro. Polk, Samehk.
Grand President Shepardson: Moved and seconded that the coat of arms presented by Bro. Neumann be substituted for the one adopted by the Grand Council, subject to the changes for recommendation of which he has just made. The ayes have it. Raising of hands: Twelve for, five against. Seems to be carried.
Bro. Lott: Chairman of committee on 'chapters.
One question we have attempted to put through and that is an amendment to keep the Hebrew element. That we adopt an amendment to be submitted in the regular way, which would provide that hereafter in Acacia Fraternity, not one of Hebrew expression be permitted to join. Moved by Bro. Lott, Aleph-Daleth, seconded by Bro. Wilson, Nun. B_ro. Meier, Daleth, moved that we table the resolution.
Grand President Shepardson: All those in favor of tabling the motion just proposed by Bro. Lott, Aleph-Daleth, that the By-Laws of Fraternities be so amended as to exclude the initiation of Hebrews. Uplift of hands: 13 for, and 6 opposed. Motion carried.
Bro. Lott, Aleph-Daleth: I move that in the future reports the Grand Council be ordered to draw up a questionnaire and thus save the time of the committees drawing them up . In making up a report if we had a certain list of questions laid before us we would be able to go through our reports with less time. I move that the Grand Council be authorized before the coming Conclave to prepare a set of questions involving the points upon which information is desired and that a list of questions be sent to each chapter, seconded by Bro. Veness, Tsadhe.
Grand President Shepardson: Moved and seconded that the Grand Council be instructed to prepare a questionnaire to be sent out to each delegate and that they come to the next Conclave with such information .
President Shepardson: The motion is now on for those who favor the proposed questionnaire. The ayes have it. It i s carried .
Bro. Jenkins, Teth: I move that the Grand Council be instructed to make all arrangements with, to enter into and contract with and designate the official jeweler of the Fraternity
Grand President Shepardson: All who favor the adoption of this resolution, say aye. The ayes have it. It is carried.
Bro. Magathan, Gimel: vVhat was done about this matter of Fraternity colors.
Grand President Shepardson: That was laid over pending the d iscussion of the coat of arms and we have not taken it up yet.
Bro. Thatcher, Mem: What is the question of colors.
Grand President Shepardson: The question is this that the Grand Council recommended that the Fraternity color be the red of the Richmond Rose.
Bro. Mann, Yodh : The colors of a family are taken from the coat of arms. 'vVe want to think heraldr y, not talk it.
Motion moved by Bro. Meier , Daleth , and seconded by Bro. Lott, Aleph-Daleth, that no action be taken by the Grand Council regarding the colors of the Fraternity. The ayes have it. It is carried.
Bro Mann, Y odh: I would like to have the hat band adopted.
Grand President Shepardson: Lehigh and Penn ylvania wear them, they are the only ones. Mr. Mann's motion that \>Ve approve the wearing of the co lors in the form of a hat band. This is a matter of sentiment.
Moved by Bro. Mann , Yodh, seconded by Bro. Lott, Aleph-Daleth, that . the Fraternity wear the colors in the form of a hat band. ayes have it. . It is carried.
Grand President Shepardso n: The next will be the election of the Grand Officers of the Fraternity.
Bro. Veness, Tsadhe, moved that President Shepard so n be nominated for President, seconded by Bro. Mann, Y odh.
Grand President Shepardson: I am not at all sure but that the time has come for me to say that you should choose some one else as Grand President. I am a great believer in this Fraternity. I am gratified beyond measure by the increasing spirit by the evident development of a national spirit. I am gratified beyond measure at these evidences . It will not make any difference to me so far as my feeling is concerned whether I am ·an officer or not. Hasn't the time come now to elect a President from the Acacia who has arisen from the ranks. hasn't the time come now to choose a President from the alumni to develop the Fraternity along the lines it ought to go?
Bro . Frazer: All in favor of the motion rise. A rising vote in favor. The election is unanimous.
Grand President Shepardson: · The election of Grand .Vice-President comes next. I appoint Bro. Moyer , Koph , and Bro. Evans, Resh, to collect ·the ballots.
B ro. Suter, Heth: . I move that we dispense with the balloting for the Grand Secretary and mstruct the Grand Treasurer to cast a unanimous ballot. Motion by standing.
Gran?
In the election of the Grand Secretary, the ballotmg be dtspensed wtth and the Grand Treasurer be instructed to cast a unanimous ballot in favor of Secretary Kilmer. Ballot was cast by Grand Treasurer Frazer. ·
Twenty-three ballots were cast for Grand Vice- President, as follows:
Geo. E. Frazer
T. W. Veness
E. F. Humphrey
E. W. Ekblaw
I9
2
23
Grand President Shepardson : Vice- President. I declare Bro. Frazer elected as Graad
The checks for your expenses will be handed to you during the baltqa•
The Gra nd Treasurer w ill be balloted upon next: R. C. Fay ............. . ....................... IS A. A. Jenkin s H. · S. V illar s 1'. \ V. \ 1eness . ... . .... . ................. .. .... . I 4 2 22
G r a nd President Shepardson: C. Fay, w ho received a majority Treasurer . .
There are 22 votes cast, and Bro. R. of the vore s cast, is elected as Grand
G r a nd Secretary Kilmer : tors of the AcACIA ) ouRNAL: -
The following are chose n as associate edi-
B ro . Jenkins, Teth; Bro. Wilson, Nun; Bro. Flyn n, He; Bro . McCoy, A leph. .
Bro Frazer reinstalled Bro. Shepardson as G rand P re s id ent of th e Gra nd Co uncil.
Grand President Shepardson in stalled B r o . Frazer as Gra nd Vice-Presicient; also in s talled Bro. R C. Fay as Grand Treasurer; also reinstalled Bro. Ha rr y Kilmer as Gra nd Secretary.
P re s ident Shepardson, at 7 o' cl oc k , pronounced the E ighth G rand Conclave of the Acacia Fraternity adjourned.
SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON RESOLUTIO NS PRESENTED BY BROTHER FLYNN
r. Be it resolved b y the delegates of the Acacia Fraternity in Eighth Annual Conclave assembled that :
A vo te of thanks be given to Brother W. E. Schultz of Pe chapter for hi s efforts in g ivin g to the Fraternit y a new song and for his work in conjunction with the so ng book.
Moved for adoption by Carr; seconded by Jenkins. Adopted.
2. Be it resolved by the delegates of the Acacia Fraternity in Ei g hth Annual Conclave assembled that:
It is the sentiment of this Conclave that chapters should be discouraged from pl acing their chapter delegates under binding instructions, we feeling that conditions of the Fraternity as a whole are better understood in the discussion of the Conclave than by the individual chapters.
Be it further resolved that both these resolutions be spread upon the minutes of this Conclave.
Respectfully su-bmitted, CoMMITTEE oN RESOLUTIONS.
Moved by Lott to adopt; seconded by Jenkins. Adopted .
RESOLUTIONS
I. Be it resolved by the delegates of the Acacia Fraternity in Eighth Annual Conclave assembled that:
We express in this manner our appreciation of the successful efforts of Lamedth chapter in the entertainment of the visiting delegates and brothers and be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be spread upon the minutes of this Conclave.
2 Be it further resolved by the delegates of the Acacia Fraternity in Annual Conclave assembled that:
We heartily recommend the fraternal spirit displayed by brothers Eckbla':"' and Tanquary on their journey to the far north, and that we extend to them our smcere wishes for successful voyage and safe return, and be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be mailed to Brothers Eckblaw and Tanquary and a copy thereof be spread upon the minutes of this conclave.
THE ACACIA JOURNAL
3· Be it resolved by the delegates of the Acacia Fraternity in Eighth Annual Conclave assembled that:
The gratitude of the Acacia Fraternity be expressed in the strongest terms for the untiring and continued labors of our Grand President, Francis W. Shepardson, in the preparation of a complete history of the Fraternity to date, and be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be spread upon the minutes of this Conclave.
4· Be it resolved by the delegates of the Acacia Fraternity in Eighth Annual Conclave assembled that:
We express our appreciation of the services of our Grand Secretary, Harry E. Kilmer, in connection with the membership records of the Acacia Fraternity, and be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be spread upon the minutes of this Conclave.
s. Be it resolved by the delegates of the Acacia Fraternity in Eighth Annual Conclave assembled that:
We extend a vote of thanks to Brother F. H. Landrum of Waw chap.ter for the token of friendship and brotherly love presented to the delegates and grand officers of the Acacia Fraternity, and be it further resolved that a copy of this vote of thanks be sent to the brother and a copy spread upon the minutes of this Conclave. Respectfully submitted, Committee otJ Resolutions, E. D FLYNN, Chairman, T. F. McCoY, L. A. WILSON, w. c. MANN, FRED E HAGAN.
A HEALTH TO ACACIA
(Fratres Convivati.)
Words and Mu sic by W. E. Schultz, Yale Chapter, I9IJ.
We gather tonight in the same old way, with hearts that are light and free; The cheer of good - fellowship holds its sway, wherever our band may be.
So here's to the health of Acacia fair, , the Queen of the loves that are-That her glory may shine at the close of the day, and brighten into a star I CHORUS.
Hail, Acacia true, ever our love expressing, Keeper of strong men's lives that grew fuller, rich with thy blessing. Singing, comrades gay, all in her praise agreeLet the toast pass-fill we the glass, Our Mother Acacia, to Thee!
Th o o urs is the present tonight, my lads, to give us the best, it seems The spirit of friendship shall fonder grow, to sweeten our future
So here's to the health of Acacia fair, the Queen of the loves that are-That her glory may shine at the close of the day, and brighten into a star I CHORUS
GRAND SECRETARY'S PAGE
The Minutes of the last conclave are in very poor condition. We have done our best to get the tangle straightened out. It seems that we will be compelled to get an official stenographer for the next conclave.
TIIE JouRNAL will be late in reaching the chapters, owing to the failure of one of the stenographers to send in her transcript of the minutes on time.
We are prohibited by Bro. Jenkins and others from making ou r u s ual opening add ress to the chapters discussing the outlook, but we do feel that this is to be a great year. We feel just as we have felt at the opening of the years that have gone before, only more so.
Bro. Jenkins is a good critic and also a good worker. He has clone good service o n this number · and we may expect him to carry forward his part of the work of making THE Jo uRNAL what it should be.
Those chapters that do not have corrected rituals should send in their rituals and have them corrected.
Again let us urge that we get complete files of membership record s Let us · close this tenth year of our history with this much accomplished. We are binding the records sent in and adding to these volumes copies of the records we have on file. This takes a great deal of time but be patient and we will send you your bound records. They will be a source of pride and of great use to the chapter for many years to come. Be sure and arrange the records you have and send them in for binding.
Let us all have a part in THE JouRNAL. Two of the associate editor s have clone g_9ocl work, Bros. McCoy and Jenkins. See to it that your chapter does its full part to meet the requests made by the associate editors.
Again we urge that just plain courtesy compels you to acknowledge receipt of communications from your Grand Officers. Some chapter secretaries receive letters and communications from the Grand Officers and do not even bring them up in the chapter. We trust that every chapter will get after the secretary, who failed to read to the chapter and acknowledge receipt to the Grand President of his timely letter.
Remember that copy for the next JouRNAL is due January 10. Attend to this matter promptly.
We shall soon be at work on the handbook. Be prepared with the names and addresses of your alumni. Get the list ready.
Report the names of your members active on December r. Do this promptly, whether you can send the dues or not.
Read Bro. Shepardson's annual message and his letter to the Chapters. They should be our guide for this year and future years.
YOUNG ATHLETES WHu WON NUMERALS LAST
C. F. FAST Freshman Varsity Baseball 0. F. FLETCHER Freshman Varsity Baseball jOHN CHASE Freshman Class Football 0. A. LANSCHE Freshman Varsity •·ootball (The gray slouch hats are the newly adopted headgear of the Sophomore cia.-. at the University of Illinois.)CHAPTER LETTERS
CHAPTER DIRECTORY
.A'leph chapter-T. F. McCoy , Acacia House, Ann Arbor , Mich.
Beth chapter-E. M. Hogg, Acacia House, Stanford University , Cal.
Gimel chapter-]. W. Hill, 1541 Tenn. St., Lawrence, Kan.
Daleth chapter-C. N. Brown, I325 R St., Lincoln, Neb.
He chapter-John E. Bailey, 2634 Bancroft Way , Berkeley, Cal. Waw chapter-H. D. Barger, W. 8th Ave. , Columbus, Ohio.
Teth chapter-]. G. Hall, I6 Prescott St., Cambridge , Mass.
Heth chapter-F. M. Cockrell, 505 E. Green St. , Champaign, Ill.
Yodh chapter-\i\T . H. Dallas, 210 S. 36th St., Philadelphia, Pa.
Kaph chapter-H. H. Thurston, roo Beacon St. S. E., Minneapolis, Minn.
Lamedth chapter-W. S. Taylor, 6I5 Lake St., Madison, Wis.
Mem chapter-H. H. Fleming, Acacia House, Columbia, Mo.
Nun chapter-H. E. Griffith, 708 E. Seneca St.. Ithaca, N. Y.
Samehk chapter- T. S. Townsley, Acacia House, W. Lafayette, Ind.
Ayin chapter-:-W. A. Woods, 5729 Kenwood Ave. , Chicago, Ill.
Pe chapter-F. :r:. Haigh, I6 York Square, New Haven, Conn.
Tsadhe chapter-]. L. Stenquist, Livingstone Hall, New York City.
Koph chapter-W . E . Bean, 2818 W St.. Ames. Iowa.
Resh chapter-H. D. Evans, E. College St., Iowa City, Iowa.
Shin chapter-M C. Reynolds, Acacia House, State College , Pa
Aleph-Gimel chapter-E. C. Carr, 4760 21st Ave. N. E ., Seattle , Wash. Aleph-Gimel chapter--M . ]. Dickson, Acacia House, Boulder, Colo. Aleph-Oaleth chapter-Louis Lindsey, I20 Irving Ave., Syracuse, N. Y.
ALEPH CHAPTER
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN, ANN ARBOR, MICH.
Michigan Chapter presents her warmest greetings to her sister chapters and wishes them a prosperous and fruitful year . We wish that all the chapters could start the new year with as roseate prospects as does the mother chapter. Why? Because we have back this fall , fourteen men of last year's valiant crew; an affiliated brother from Minnesota chapter whose loss is very much our gain; seven pledges of the finest caliber; a fine, big, new house in construction which we shall occupy by February first; and, in addition to all that, a splendid forest of Masonic timber in school from which we expect to draw at least eight or ten pillars for the Acacia Fraternity. Why shouldn't we feel happy?
We returned to Ann Arbor on the twenty-fourth of September and at once began an effective rushing campaign; when school opened on the thirtieth, we had four good pledges-Soddy, Mitcheltree, McEwen and Riggens-and since then have secured three more of similar caliber- Thorington, Dratz, and Davidson. These ·we expect to instruct fully in Acacia principles on October eleventn1and about the twenty-fifth. Meanwhile we
have had a number of other s for dinner and are waiting for the deci s ion o f another str o ng man.
On the sixth of October , the C raft s men , an organization open to all s tudent M a so ns , held their opening smoker at the M ichigan Union at which th e plan s f o r le cture s, et c., for the y ear were explained and the men got acquainted. In cidentall y it wa s a mighty fine o pportunit y t o get a line on an y likely men for the chapter and w e certainly improved the shining moment s.
The chapter gives the fir s t dan ce o f the s ea so n o n O ctober twent vf o urth at the Country club f o r w hich we have chartered special cars. Thf" br o thers ha v e made . a diligent search am o ng the fair sororit y buds , and bec au se o f the be w ildering array , have a dilemma to choo s e. We shall b av e one m:o re dan ce , probably , before mo ving into the new h o u se when• we ha v e our o w n ample dance floor.
W e are fortunate in having Bro . B arne s of the M inne sota chapter with u s this y ear . He ha s alread y s ho wn great energy and enthu s iasm in the affair s o f thi s chapter and will p ro ve one of o ur strongest men .
The B ros. of Michigan C hapter are taking a prominent part in campus activities this y ear; two are o n the Student Council , one of whom is s ecretar y ; Bro . Dratz is a pro mi s ing candidate for end on the all-freshman team w hile B ros P ar so ns, B ushnell, and Shaftmaster, becau s e of their musical ability , will und o ubtedly make the Glee Club. Others wih play on the various cla ss teams and will be prominent in the class ele ction s of officers which takes place soon.
This chapter is rnaking ever y effo rt t o get men fr o m the Freshman and Sophomore clas s es , not onl y be cau s e they will b e with the Fraternity longer but in this way , we shall in s till into our o utgoing members each year in the future, that love and loyalty and interest which come s only from a longer residence and activity in the affairs of the fraternity , the lack of which many chapters believe due to the short average life in their chapters of their alumni. Too short to get the real Acacia and Fraternity spirit.
We extend a sincere invitati o n to an y brother who comes into our vicinity , to come to the house and visit with us. Our door is always open to you.
T F. McCov, Correspondin g SecretaryAL U MNI
NOTES.Ralph S. Kingsbury, '12, made a pleasant call on Michigan Chapter last Sunday. As usual , things got " going " a s soon as he came around. " King " carries the same tactics into his business which accounts for his series of promotions to the Auditor's Department of the Pere Marquette. 'N. R. Thompson, 'w , also dropped in on us Sunday and exemplified the exactions of a banker ' s life in Hudson , Michigan, which compelled but a short visit. However, he has promised to be with us during the next Conclave in June, so we are looking forward.
Harry L. Brown , '12 E , occupies the position of Associate Editor of the Electric Traction magazine, published in Chicago. Since "Brownie" is on the road a lot, we hear from him through his many friends in the other '=hapters who speak of him as one of their most welcome visitors. He i !l making pians to be with us for the "big" game. This is mentioned to remind the "old" men to make similar plans. We'll have some time.
Bros. Wm. L. Miggett and Charl.es A. Sink, faculty members at Michi-
and members of our. memorable body of "Fo under s," had a pleasant tnp thr oug h the West th1 s s ummer. Too bad the western chapters were not a t home during the time of their trip, for these men represent the be st type of Acacians.
W. S. Hopkins, 'r 3 E, is with the Liquid Ca rbonic Co mpan y of Ch icago and reports all things well with him . " Hop " keeps in t o uch with the active chapter and is alway s watching for Acacian visitors in C hicago.
A. R. Smith, 'r3, ha s been in C hicago during the summer taking a co ur se in G rain Analysis and Flour Chemistry. Behold in him a future flour king. "S mitty " came back to help us get started properly , before leaving for his home in Great Bend, Kansas. We shall miss him greatl y but he is the kind that we like to s end out into the world. He practices what others usually preach and he goes out with our every confidence in his ab ilit y t o " make good" anywhere. The C hapter en masse e sc orted him t o the train.
C. ]. Conover , 'r3, forrester , is in the Federal Forestry Service with headquar ters at Grants Pass, Oregon, from which he distributes smiles ancl practical suggestions to his men. "Co nnie" had the faculty of u s ing his s mile o r suggestion in ju s t the right place and the tales we hear o f his success, s how that he ha s n o t los t the art.
BETH CHAPTER
STANFORD UNIVERSITY, CA L.
To the Grand Officers and Sister Chapters of Acacia: Greetings. The reopening of College brought back to Beth Chapter ten men, ]. W. Jones, Dean, Phi Delta Kappa, Phi Lambda Upsilon , Education Club;]. M. Erickson, Vice-dean , law; E . M . Hogg , Sec 'y , Phi Lambda Upsilon, Sigma Xi, chemistry; J. G . Marshall, Assistant in law; R. M. Phillips, Stanford Military Band, law;]. A. Miller, law; J. T. Marcker, C. E . ; G. C. Ingelow , E ngli s h club, teacher Palo Alto High School; ] . S. Topham, Assistant Curator St anford Museum; and B. S. Lyman, Assistant in Mathematics. They immediately got together as the nucleus of Acacia activity and started things off with sufficient impetus to give incoming Masons the idea that Acacia was worth considering.
On October 20 the following men were initiated: N. A. Elliot, chemistry; L. M. Bussert, Sec'y., Stanford Section A. I. E . E . ; C. H. Pettit, B. S. G rinnell, Mech. E.; C. E. A. Nelson, Valpariso & Colorado, press artist Chaparral, economics; C. S. Davis thirty-second degree, Cornell & Harvard law. Brother Davis has held the office of U. S . Commissioner to Honolulu and is a prominent member of the Chiefs of Hawaii; A. N . Mackenzie, Troop geology.
We have one pledge, R. E Richards, A. I. E. E. Brother Richards receives his Third on October 28, and the House Degree Team expects to confer the Second Section.
Out of about fifty Maso n s in College, these seven men were selected as probable good material for Acacia. Beth's policy has always been very conservative; not in regards to scholarship especially, b u t as to personality. We live near to each other, and scholarship and social activity do not, in the least, guarantee peace and harmony. Then too, a candidate must be a good Mason, because Masonry is the foundation of our Frat.ernity and the basis on which the individual superstructure of Acacian achievement is to be built.
THE ACACIA JOUR AL
Our chapter is in close touch with the Masonic bodies of the tate. Frequent visits are made to Lodges in the district. October 2 was Acacia night at the Palo Alto Lodge and our men made a very favorable showing. We have entertained Right 'Worshipful Brother Wright , of New York State, who is now with us, and in whom we find an inexhaustible source of inspiration and help in strengthening the ' Masonic spirit of our Chapter. Beth is now planning the second Masonic smoker for Faculty and Student . These gatherings are beneficial to all concerned and cause us to realize that the ties which bind us together are strong indeed.
Beth is taking a more active part in athletics. Phillips is on the football squad, Ma,ckenzie is out for base-ball, Marshall is playing soccer and four of our men are in track.
We have seen the urgent need of a stronger organization in our chapter, and under the excellent leadership of Bro. Jones , numerous committees have been appointed to assist in the training of the new men so that they can carry on the work when the old ones drop out. At the last Grand Conclave we heard the plea for continuity of organization in the Grand Council, and the same is needed for the individual chapters. Give the new men a chance to help share the responsibilities before the heavier burdens are precipitated upon them.
Beth is endeavoring to keep in touch with her alumni. Whaley is Superintendent of schools at Vallejo. Fore is Electric Operator for the P. G. & E. Co.; Wood is practicing law in San Francisco; Righter is Physical Instructor at Monrovia; Lundgren is in the U. S. Forestry Service; Hudson is doing brokerage at Watsonville; Shaw is superintendent of Construction for the P. G. & E. Co. at San Jose; and Taylor is Statistician for the P. T. & T. Co. in San Francisco.
A Joint banquet with He (Christian name; California) Chapter is planned for November 8, the evening before the annual football game. Beth hopes to make this meeting a real revival as far as enthusiasm goes and to begin work immediately for the 1915 project.
Beth Chapter extends her best wishes to all sister chapters.
ELTON W. HoGG. Chapter Editor.GIMEL CHAPTER
UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS, LAWRENCE, KANSAS
Gimel chapter extends hearty greetings to all sister chapters of Acacia, and hopes that they will enjoy a very marked degree of success during the present school year.
Although we lost several good men, by graduation last June, twelve active members returned this fall to assist in putting Acacia to a still higher rank (if that be possible) in the University. Harmony, which is a vital element in building up such an organization as ours, is at its best here, and all the men are actively working together for the best interests of the fraternity. All are very enthusiastic and intend to make this a record year for Gimel chapter. ·
There is an abundance of new men on the "Hill" this vear, and the outlook is exceptionally bright. During the first week of school we gave a 1smoker for Masons at the house and in this way became acquainted with
a great many of them. We are planning for another Smoker to be given at the Temple in the near future.
On October the third, we held our first initiation of the year for the folliwing men: q.ilbert .Clayton,. a junior in the college who was pledged last year; Retd, a semor.law, Ottho Fisk, a junior in the college; and Paul Thtele , a freshman engmeer . Our pledges at the present time are: Arthur Duston, a senior in the college, and Frank Ackers, a junior in the college, and by the time the JouRNAL is printed we expect to have at least six more good men ready for the voyage
Grand Treasurer R. Cecil Fay, honored us with his presence at our first initiation and ably assisted us with the work. He also gave a very inspiring talk which was appreciated by the old men as well as the new members. Our new men are very enthusiastic about Acacia, and are readily eninto the spirit of making this our banner year.
We expect to be more active socially this year than previously. We have already given one smoker and an informal party at the house. Another smoker has already been planned, and a series of dancing and dinner parties have been arranged for. This year we intend to give a formal party in the spring, which we expect to make an annual affair. On November the 15th Nebraska plays football here, and we are looking forward to having the pleasure of entertaining some of the members of Daleth chapter at that time.
Bro. Magathan, who represented us at the Conclave, gave a very interesting report of the meeting, especially noting the harmony and zeal that was manifested by all the delegates present. We feel that the Conclave not only assists us by their legislation but that the chapters are brought into a closer relationship by this gathering of their representatives.
To begin the work of the year we had: F. J. Leasure, Pres., R. D. Grayson, Vice-Pres., J. W. Hill, Sec., W. C. Magathan, Treas., Ross Clayton, H. C. Hanson, H. C. Pauly, Paul Royer, S. R. Ingalls, Ross Hall, C. E. Basinger, E. W. Johnson and also our newly acquired bull terrior "J ube." All of the men are living in the house, and several of the new men have moved in, so the house is about filled up at this time.
We are also making an effort to take part in campus affairs. We have one man on the student council, one man on the Soccer team, three men in the university band, two of our new men are on the Freshman football team, and at the time this letter was written, three men are candidates for class offices.
To aid us in the study of Masonry we have arranged with Rev. Stanton Olinger, an officer of the York bodies of the state, to give us lectures every two weeks on Masonic history.
Concerning our graduates who left us last June, Hepworth has affiliated with Yale chapter. Snoddy is attending Clarke University at Worcester, Mass., where he holds a fellowship in Educational psychology, "O le" Fuller. is with the Steel Structural Co., at Kansas City, Hornbaker is attending the law school at Chicago University, Halleck is employed by a mining company at Bisbee, Arizona; "Bob" Sellers, is in the monument business at Paola, Kans. Frank Helm, is a civil engineer at La Junta. Colo., "Eddy" Edmonso n is' co'nnected with the law firm of Lyons & Smith at Kansas City, "Orn" Rhine is superintendent of the city schools at McLouth, Kans., "Jack"
THE ACACIA JOURNAL
Turkington is with the Westinghouse Electric Co ., at Wilkingsburg, Pa., and Ash e r Hobson is attending the University of Wisconsin.
At the first of the year we enjoyed the visits of Bro. Jean Hall, who was on his way to Harvard, Bro Ray Gilman, who returned to take up his duties as Instructor in Mathematics at Princeton, Bro. Hornbaker, Bro. Rhine , Bro. Fuller and Bro. Porterfield.
With our alumni , Cupid took an active part during the summer. Bros. E. W . Tillotson, Frank Brock, Archie Weith, Brainard Stocks, have all sent us announcements. We congratulate these men and wish them all the happiness that could be desired
Fraternally yours , }. WILFORD HILL.
DALETH CHAPTER
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA, LINCOLN, NEB.
The men of Nebraska chapter wish to use this of "breaking out in print" to extend a most cordial invitation to the brothers of other chapters to visit them in their new home. To put it less formally, "Slip in and see us, fellows!" You can never come too often or in too big a crowd to suit us, and we have better facilities for entertaining you than ever before. All we want you to do is to let its know when you are coming so that the steward can order a few more beans.
We are fortunate in having a new house this fall of which we are exceedingly proud. In addition to this we are blessed with an enthusiastic and loyal bunch of alumni members, who furnished it for us. After voluntarily creating a fund they turned it over to us to purchase what we desired. Needless to say we took advantage of this opportunity, and now have a collection of furniture which we may say, without boasting, to be equal to if not superior to that of any other fraternity at Nebraska. They are large, durable pieces of fumed oak and add much to the appearance of an already beautiful fraternity home.
For initiating and carrying out this plan we are deeply indebted to Bro. Robert I. Elliott, Deputy State Superintendent. He already held a warm spot in our hearts and this act but served to strengthen the tie which binds us to him.
Prospects are bright for a very successful year As a result of a successful "Rush Week" we have four pledges to add to the list of prospective Acacians. These men are John Jeffords, Cleo Bates, Joseph Elwell, and Prof. Taylor of the University Temple High School. \Ve hope to have one or two more men within a short time, but even now we have all the men we actually need. Eighteen of the old men are back in school this year which gives us a firm foundation upon which to build for the year. In scholarship for the past year we find that Acacia stood first of all the fr;;tternities. This is gratifying to us but for the last four years we have maintained the lead in scholarship with the exception of but one or two semesters so that it was not entirely unexpected. It is our belief that scholarship should stand paramount among- the various aims and ideals of fraternity life. although other desires should not be entirely sacrificed upon the shrine of knowledge. We are constantly striving to broaden out and to take an active part in every phase of university activity. At the same time
we are endeavoring to gradually become a dominant factor in the social life of the university.
Perhaps a resume of our prospects and plans will not be amiss at this time. In athletics, we are represented in football by Bro. Elwell and Pledge Heller. Both men have excellent prospects to make their letter this year. The former won his "R" two years ago, and the latter was considered an important cog in the freshman machine last year . The featherweight, lightweight and middleweight of the university wrestling team, viz. Bro. Ganz, and pledges Gunther and Bates, you will find seated at our table.
Bros. Williams and Meyer are on the tennis team. The former is university and city champion , and was runner-up in singles in the State Championship Tennis Tournament last summer.
Bro. Meier will doubtless be found on the basketball squad, having won his "R" last year. It is difficult to predict our chances on track but several of the boys have expressed their intentions to "kick up the cinders" and there is no reason why we cannot hold our own in this also. Pledge Bates has had considerable experience in track work and we expect him to come out strong this year.
The Dramatic Club includes in its roll of members the names of Bros. Williams, Yates, Meier, and Sinkie, who hope to be able to greet more of the brothers after the fall try - outs. Bro. Sinkie is also a member of the German Dramatic Club.
The assistant to the Commandant in the military department is Major Charles Kennedy Morse, to use his full title, but he modestly prefers to be hailed by the gang as "Cluck."
Several of the brothers belong to honorary fraternities. There are three in Phi Delta Phi, two in Alpha Zeta, two Sigma Taus, and two in Delta Sigma Delta. Bro. James "Heilopus" Fonda is president of Delta Sigma Delta, the recently installed dental fraternity . .
Recently we were pleased with the fact that Pledge Gentzler had been elected to the presidency of the · sophomore class. He had very strong opposition as he had to go against an organization that is recognized as being a political machine. After a strenuous campaign he defeated the rival candidate by a majority of sixty votes.
Several of the old boys have become benedicts within the last few months. Those whom at present we recall are Bros. Carl Richardson, Roy Pepperburg, Charles Sturmer, George Meier , "Sandy" Griswold, and "Jim" Tucker. Vve wish all of the boys success in their new undertakings and hope they will bring the new "pledges" around.
This summer we published the first issue of The Asp and it presaged other journalistic attempts in the future. The results from the circulation of the little bulletin have been excellent and numerous old grads have been heard from whom we feared had forgotten us.
The Masonic drill team which was found to be so successful last year when we gave the third degree at the Lincoln lodges, has been reorgani:ed. There is no doubt but that it is enabling the men to become more profietent in the three degrees, and fitting them that they assur:ne responsibilities of any office in the lodge A school of mstructwn wtll also formed to enlighten the brethren and reveal to them more of the symbohc significance of Masonry.
THE ACACIA JOURNAL
Along this line our new honorary pledge, Bro . "Bob" Cain, Past Grand Master of ebraska, was able to be with us during "rush week" and aided us materially in all of our work. We love the old boy more every time we see him . . Incidentally the bankers of ebraska elected him president of the association at the convention here.
It is rather early in the season to enumerate any social events save those of the first week of school. At that time the main events were a smoker and buffet luncheon, at the chapter house, and a dance at the Temple. Both of these were enjoyable occasions and were instrumental in enabling us to meet new men.
ebraska chapter will give her fi·rst formal party upon the night of Feb. I4, I9I4, and we would like to have as many of the cohorts from other chapters as possible, to insure its success . Remember that we want you here on that date, so arrange to be with us even if you are forced to "ride the rods" to here. We are looking for you!
The chapter wishes all her sister chapters the greatest success and prosperity for the ensuing year.
c. NEIL BROWN.NEBRASKA ALUMNI NOTES.
Bro. Calvin T. Moore has just returned from a government topographical survey in the wilds of Alaska. Cal now has a new line of "Bull" which consists of expressions couched in the Esquimo language.
Bro. Howard Plasters was down to spend a few days with us recently. He intends to return next year to finish his last two years of law.
Bro. George Foster is again a professor in the law college this year and continues to be an active member among us.
Bro. Charles Sluyter is at present working for the Lincoln Telephone and Telegraph Co. Bro . Paul Johnson has a position with the Lincoln Traction Company.
Bro. "Dutch" Chauner, All-Missouri Valley end in I9II, comes down every week to assist in the coaching of the Cornhusker eleven. He is now an instructor of manual training and coach of athletics in the Wahoo High School. Bro. George Blackstone also teaches at Wahoo, and comes down every Saturday for his regular course of treatment at Doctor Bailey's Sanitarium. "Good Night, Nurse."
Bro. "Zack" ·Hornberger, varsity guard in '10, '11, finds time to lend us his inspiring presence between his busy moments of working in a bank, assisting to coach the team, and visiting his girl.
WAW CHAPTER
OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY, COLUMBUS, OHIO
Waw has harnessed the enthusiasm brought back from the Conclave by her chapter delegate, E. B. Hawes, who made his report a few weeks ago. As shown at the Conclave, co-operation means success; this Waw has practiced although her first impetus was received from her alumni. This is clearly shown by the fact that we are to play the initiative team of nine this coming Friday and Saturday nights.
You may wonder as to our alumni impetus, but by that I mean to
picture t_o you success through co-operation, namely, the marriages of Bros. H1lton S. Longenecker , Fay McMullen, Harrison M. Kitzmiller. Dr. T. B. Hinkle, Francis H. Shaffer and Captain John S. Shetler.
In addition t.o the marriages, perhaps it would be well to state, for the beuefit of our alumni that the most promising man in all Iowa is Amos Peas ley Potts, Jr. No other small additions to this chapter have been noted to date. In case we have overlooked any, we would be gratified t o receive a word from them.
Since we have told you of our pending initiation, perhaps it would be well to name the welcome but unfortunate guests. They are as follows: Bros. Paul Geiger of Hebron, 0.; Jay Austin Wolfe of Lancaster , 0.; James E. Campbell, Jr. , of Columbus, 0.; R. L. Mundhenk of Arcanum , 0.; M.A. Muskopf of Beach City, 0.; Leslie T. Bare of Clarington , 0.; Harry John Cu rts of Carthage, Ill.; H. W. Clark of Niagara Falls, N. Y.; and Joseph P . Hershberger of Lancaster, 0. This is the largest cla ss ever initiat ed into Waw chapter of Acacia Fraternity.
The soc ial activities of the chapter have been very quiet since most of our co llege functions occur after the holidays. Our first banquet will be given in honor of the initiates on Sunday, October I2th. Cigars and sto ries concerning their journeys will be plentiful. We expect this to be a reunion of ou r alumni and city residents who are members of other chapter s .
S ince the college year has opened Waw has had the pleasure of entertaining but one guest from another chapter, Bro. Prakken of Samehk. However, several of our alumni have been with us at different tintes, namely , Bros. Hilton Longenecker of Chicago, Bunch Hartzell of Erie , Pa., and Representative Aetling of Wayne Co., Ohio.
During the commencement festivities of June, I9IJ , Waw chapter was s ho cked by the unexpected death of Bro. Byron L. Lukons, of South Solon, Ohio.
Waw has no keys to her chapter house and any visitor is welcomed by an open door. She extends her heartiest wishes to the individual members of the various chapters of the fraternity.
E. B. HAWES.
TETH CHAPTER
HARVARD UNIVERSITY, CAMB RIDGE, MASS.
Harvard chapter started the year at the same old place, I6 Prescott Street, a place already dear because of its associations to many Acacia who have come and gone , but especially dear to those of us who are _Its present occupants, now that we can feel the pride that comes from owmng it.
When we came back this fall we scarcely recognized our headquarters, so immaculately neat, modern and tasteful have they been made by the efforts of Brother Liming and Brothe r Gale, who undertook the work repairs last summer . Both these brothers have left the touch of their artistic genius upon the work, and as a a bunch of members is now enjoying the feeling of havmg a real home-hke chapter house.
There are thirteen of us who are back this year, John Baker, President; Hugh Hastings, Vice-pres ident; J. G. Hall, Secretary; "Charlie" Gale,
THE ACACIA JOURNAL
Treasurer; " Skeet" Merrill, Alumni Warden; Leland Duxbury, Arman Becker , Walt Mann, ' Jimmie " James , "F letch ' Clark, 'C ap" Harris, Ca rl Parsons, and Julius Amberg. We hope that the number thirteen will n o t prove an unlucky one. At any rate, we are going to try to live down that hoodoo by making every effort to lift our chapter to a tip-top place this year. Our policy and purpose for the y ear may be summed up in the words, Internal Expansion, Chapter Activity, and Masonic Intere s ts. These plans are in accord, we believe, with the general object of the fraternity at large, "to strengthen the ties of friendship one with another" and " to develop greater zeal for the Masonic Institution."
By internal expension, we mean, of course, the filling of the chapter roll. But zealous though we are for full membership we are not unmindful of the fact that the chapter cannot grow within unless we get members of the finest calibre, men whose character and personal qualities will be such as to make the name "Acacia" known throughout the fraternity world as denoting the best and highest ideals to be found in college organizations.
As to chapter activity, we mean to interest ourselves in everything which will carry the chapter and our Fraternity upward and onward. Perfect exemplification of the ritual, full attendance at our dances, teas and other so cial affairs, closer touch with our alumni and with our sister chapters , are some of the ideals we have before us. We already have an initiation team rehearsing their parts for our first "work" which is to come on Friday evening, the thirteenth of October, (that lucky thirteen, still follows us.) In the near future we expect to have new initiation gowns and a regulation triangular altar, and we feel that these things will help to give impressiveness to our ceremonies.
Bro. Mann, of the dance committee, has secured Whitney Hall for a series of four dances and is hot on the trail of the musicians. He tells us that the first dance will be given on November 15th. We take this opportunity to invite any and all Acacia brothers who may be in or around Boston. Hastings, of the smoker committee, has to his credit one very pleasant affair at which we entertained some fifteen Masonic brothers. We are taking up with Yale and Columbia chapters the plan of having a joint banquet in ew Haven on May the twelfth, for the purpose of celebrating the tenth anniversary of Acacia's founding. We have hopes of making this one of the biggest events of the year, and we will make a special effort to get all the alumni of these three chapters to attend the "feed".
As to the Masonic Interests, we plan to make several visitations to lodges in Greater Boston, according to our annual custom. We are proud to announce that Bro. Roscoe Pound, 33°, will again give a series of lectures on Masonry. This will make the third year that Bro. Pound has lectured for us, and those who know the profundity of his intellect and the extent to which he has carried his Masonic studies will appreciate what exceptional good fortune is ours in being privileged to sit at his feet and learn. Bro. Pound in his lectures of the past two years dealt with Masonic History , Philosophy, Symbolism and Jurisprudence. This year his subject will be "Ritual".
Thus we have outlined our aims and plans for the present year. If we can only realize them by expanding within, by keeping actively engaged in all matters claiming our attention according to the old Masonic saying of
"who best can work and best agree " and by continuing to develop our interest for the Masonic Institution, this should be a banner year for Harvard chapter.
PERSONAL NOTES.
Of those who left us last year, Bro. Broughton is now practicing law in Raleigh, N. C., and has hung out his shingle next door to the office of one <;>f ex-governors. We a_re glad that Bro. Broughton has thus early got to hne for the governorshtp. Another Southern gentleman, Dwight L. Savage, better known as President Wi ls on's henchman, is engaged in the same practice in Arkansas.
C. L. Harris is teaching school in Fairview , Maine.
Joe T. Marshall, our V. D. of last year, not content with light in the western hemisphere, is now planning, like Pythagoras of old , to travel the world over in pursuit of knowledge. Bro. Marshall sails from San Francisco about the middle of October for the Orient, and expects to spend some time in Egypt. We hope that Joe will not find any pitfalls or poisonous asps.
Bro. R. T. O'Neil is in Osage City, Kansas, where he is a member of the law firm of McLaughlin and O'Neil.
We have not been able to locate Bro. Meredith, but presume that he is still dodging bill collectors.
Bro. Bacon-Soule, who affiliated with us from California chapter, is now in Germany studying music.
Bro. "Trig" Palmer is also in Germany, having won a law fellowship, which has taken him there.
As for the "Old Boys", Bro. George ·wilson is down looking over his "famous Texas holdings."
Bros. Dewey and Hoar have formed a law partnership in Boston.
" Believe Me Xantippe" is now on everybody's lips. Bro. Ferd Ballard , our brilliant playwright, is the originator. His play, after havinl; enj oyed a ten weeks' run in Boston, is now drawing capacity houses in New York.
Bro. B. E. Estes is with the Amoskeag Company at 64 Ames Building, Boston.
Bro. Curtis Guild, ex-governor of Massachusetts and recent amba ssador to Russia, returned to America last spring and is again residing in Boston.
Bro. Frank Cooper has a fine boy.
Brother Jensen is with the Bank Commissioner of Massachusetts, with headquarters in Boston.
Bro. "Peedie" Blair is still with the legal department of the Boston Elevated.
Bro. McCuen is a member of the law firm of Sneeden & Sneeden , Plattsburg, New York.
Bro. Allen Boyden is still teaching in the Harvard Medical School.
Bro. Ray Merwin, affiliate from Kansas chapter, leaves in November for Central America, where he will have charge of excavations for the
RAY I. SHAWL
Edito r o f the Illi o, (Uni v ersity year boo k .)
Member Military Band
FRANK M. COCKRELL
Manager The Illinois Magazine
President Ionian Literary Society
Treasurer Electrical Engineering Society.
Secretary Heth Chapter, Acacia
B o N L. KrRK
Wh o re cei ved a gold medal for four years service in the Military Band o f the University.
RUSSI!.LL P. HALL
Manacer The Illinois Acriculrurist, (Monthly publication of the College of Acriculture.l
Leader Second Bud.
Museum Bro. Merwin's researches in Anthropology wo n for htm hts Ph.D. last June. Ray now s a ys, "C all m e doctor, boys ."
. .Bro: our little Porto Rican, is now teaching Manual Trainmg m. hts native wtlds. Tom announces that he is going to make himself a Chnstmas present of. " the sweetest, m os t loving little girl in the wo rld. " Bro. AI Schaefer 1s now practicing law with the firm of R opes Gray & Gorham in Boston '
The following brothers have recently entered that delectable state to which all Acacians aspire , viz , Matrimony: Benton, J os h Re y n o ld s, Hoar, Travers , Best and Parsons.
HETH CHAPTER UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS, URBANA, ILL.
As one of the parts of the Great Acacia Fraternity we extend to the Grand and all of the other chapters the most hearty greetings.
Thts chapter was never in better condition than it is today. We have twenty-two active men and five pledges , and a total chapter r o ll of one hundred and sixty, four of whom are deceased. The active chapter at the present time knows the addresses of all but one or two of our alumni.
We hear regularly from most of the alumni, and try to keep them informed as to the doings at the University of Illinois and of this chapter through our Heth H ella and Dope Sheet. Our alumni are scattered all over the United States, and are making good in their several lines of endeavor. And it is a great deal of encouragement to the active men to have the old men drop in; which, we are glad to say, they frequently do. In fact, we feel that much of our success is due to the interest our alumni take in us.
In the active chapter we have m:en who are doing things. Last spring we had five "I" men. Watts was captain of the baseball team and pitcher. He received his gold medal for playing three years on the team. Charley Fletcher was catcher for the team. Both of these men made the All-Western team. Clements is captain of the water polo team for this year. Sanders is captain of the track team. His record is 49 seconds. He holds the world's record for intercollegiate mile relay. Suter won his "I" in baseball la s t spring. He played center field. Chase is regimental sergeant major. We ha<i four men make their class numerals last year. They are Fast, Lansche, Chase and Frank Fletcher. Lansche is playing left tackle on the varsity football team this fall. Cockrell is business manager of the Illirt<Jis Magazine, a university publication, with a circulation of about fifteen hundred. Hall is leader of the second band and editor of the Agriculturalist. another university publication with a circulation of about three thousand. Shawl is editor of this year's college annual, The lllio. Kirk received his gold medal last spring for playing in the band four years. Albrecht was business manager of the band last year.
In view of the abundance of the Acacia material at this university and the success of this chapter, Heth ·feels that it needs a home of its own. We have a lot in a fine location, the plans for a house are completed, and the Building Committee is now getting money together to start work. We hope to be in our new home by September, I9I4. We have plans for a nice
THE ACACIA JOUR AL
house which will accommodate twenty-four men, with two guest rooms, and with dormitories on the third floor. The plans have been given most careful consideration, both as to ar'chitecture and the needs of the fraternity. They call for a fire-proof vault in the basement. The total cost of the house will be about $25,000. The house proposition is being financed by the payments from each man on his building fund notes. In this way we figure we can have our home entirely paid for in fifteen years, or less time. We have a corporation not for profit , and six of the eight directors of the company are elected from the alumni , and the other two from the active chapter. The Board of Directors has control of the financing and building of the new house.
We enjoy the confidence of local business men , and have friendly relations with other fraternities here , but owing to the opposition of some have not been able to get into the local Pan-Hellenic.
Socially we believe our chapter stands high. Vve give four or five dancing parties a year, one of which is formal.
Scholastically we are far from being at the foot of the list.
At our chapter house we enjoy true Acacia fellowship. We sing the Acacia song; gather around the fireplace and discuss Acacia history and the future of the fratt>rnity.
To all the chapters we wish a most prosperous year, and to all members of Acacia we extend an invitation to visit us.
H. M. C.
Y O DH CHAPTER
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, PHILADELPHIA, PA.
The college year I9I3-I 4 opened with many changes in the chapter membership. Before the close of college, and after the publication of the last JouRNAL, we initiated Bros. Marvin Y. Neeley , of the Civil Engineering Department; R. B. Little, Jr., of the Veterinary School, and William H. Dallas, of the Wharton School. All of these men will be actively engaged in carrying on the work of the chapter during the coming year.
We lost through graduation in June, Bros. W. H. Wood, George R. Lord, J. S. Hughes, J. W. Davis, W. F. Deitrich, R. R. Chandler and W. Y. Payne . We will miss all of them, but feel sure they will not be lost to us entirely, as we are all interested in their work and want to hear from them frequently. .
Bros. E. S. Ross and LaR. Yoder from Shin chapter, have taken up work in the university, and are living at the house. We hope it will not be long before we have them both on the roll.
Bro. J. R. Manigold, of Lamedth chapter, is spending a few months in Philadelphia, in connection with his business, and we are pleased to have him living at the house.
Bro. West, of Resh chapter, has entered our Medical School, and has been welcomed to the house on several occasions.
Among the undergraduate membership but few changes have taken place. Our President, '""' illiam G. Mann, was taken into the Lu Lu Shrine during the summer, and Bro. Herbert A. Blagg has been appointed Executive Assistant to the head of the Architectural Department.
In regard to the present year, we can safely say the prospects are exceptionally good. We have quite a large number of Masons in the uni-
versity; some. we got .acquainted with last year, and many are new men. We an: a senes of smokers, and hope by this means to be able to entertam and size up a larger number than it would be possible to do in the ordinary way.
At our first meeting we discussed the various matters considered by the Grand Conclave, as reported by our president, and are thoroughly in accord with their disposition of things. ·
Plans are under way for a thorough renovation of our house and a greater co-operation with our alumni club for the increased financial of the chapter, and the building fund.
ALUMNI NOTES.
Cupid has been busy in our alumni ranks. Jules Hofstetter took the plunge in June, and Harry F. Cubberly has announced his intentions.
Bro. Kimball announced the arrival of Victor G. Kimball , Jr., on September I8th.
Dr. James Ball Hardenburgh has been appointed Director of the Laboratory of the State Livestock Sanitary Board, in Philadelphia.
Dr. George W. Oestreich -is practicing dentistry at 7IO Roger Williams Buildipg, I7th & Chestnut Sts., Philadelphia.
Bro. Harry J. Haas has for sometime been assistant cashier of the First National Bank of Philadelphia.
Bros. Hardenburgh and Cubberly have gone into the Lu Lu Shrine in Philadelphia.
Bro. Knauer, who has lived at the house for several years, has been transferred to Oil City, Pa., as assistant manager of the F. W. Woolworth Store in that city.
Dr. J. W. Davis passed the North Carolina State Medical Board examination at the top of the list, and is now an interne at a hospital in Sayre, Pa.
Bros. Wood and Lord have been admitted to the Bar, and are practicing law in this state.
Bro. E. F. McSherry has returned to the Medical School to take up a special course in Public Hygiene.
We are informed that Bro. C. P. McCord is now Medical Superintendent of School at Albany, N. Y.
KAPH CHAPTER
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA, MINNEAPOLIS, MINN.
Minnesota chapter started the year with ten active men, but with only five at the house. We were also unfortunate in that we lost most of our officers, so that an election of new officers was necessary at an early meeting. The result was as follows: Harold Thurston, V. D., M. W. Bray, S. D., Ross Cutter, Sec., and H. A. Irwin, Treas.
We are very fortunate in having more than usual this year, and during the first two weeks have pledged !llen, three w?om moved in at once. The pledges to date are: BenJamin Cole, Agnc. 14, Canby, Minn.; Roswell Snody, Ed. '15, Oswego, N. Y.; Morrill King. Ac. '18,
THE ACACIA JOURNAL
Fairmont , Minn.; R. Rose Gr. '15, Duluth, Minn.; Ralph Wheaton, Ag. 18, Caledonia, Minn., and C. Hanson , Law '13, Minneapolis, Minn.
A successful dinner dance was given at the chapter house at the close of the school year last pring at which all of the active men were present. Bro. and Mrs. G. E. Borchardt, and Bro. and Mrs. Gustav Machman adequately chaperoned the party. This fall we have given two smokers for "rushees" and are making plans for an all Masonic smoker at the univer it lodge hall.
Bro. Thurston, our new venerable dean, returned from the conclave with lots of enthusiasm , and from the pre ent outlook we will be better off financially than ever before.
Since the last letter we have entertained the follo'Y_ing brothers from sister chapters: Ross A. Fife , Resh chapter; L. R. Reifsnider, Waw chapter; E. R. Suter, C. H Watts and C. H. Fletcher, Heth chapter; J. E. Trevelen and C. S Ashmun, Lamedth chapter; Geo. H. Bardsley, He chapter; R. A. Dutcher , Mem chapter. We wish to urge all the brothers to be sure and call on us when in this vicinity . ·
Last spring an Acacia Lunch Day was inaugurated . One day each week was set aside, on which all faculty members of the chapter were invited to lunch. This proved very successful and from twelve to fifteen men were entertained each week. We thus got the faculty more interested in us and also became better acquainted with them. We plan to continue thi policy during the coming year .
We are very pleased to have Bro. Otto Winter of Lamedth chapter with us this year. "Fat" is our human alarm clock and sees to it that everyone is up at six-thirty.
Ross CuTTER.
LAMEDTH CHAPTE R
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN , MADISON, WIS.
At the last session of the legislature of this state a bill was introduced which in the original form asked for the abolition of all fraternities at Wisconsin. This was voted down and a substitute was presented which demanded an i nvestigation of all fraternities by the faculty and regent . This leaves the matter in the hands of men who are familiar with student affairs and are capable of deciding intelligently. Acacia at Wi s con in has always stood for all that is sane and sound, combining these qualitie with our national principal of "seeking the truth and giving light"; we can not help being conscious of the fact that we have an important mission here, that of serving our institution.
The Iational Conclave just adjourned has taught us many lessons and it would require a separate article to enumerate even the mor e important ones. Every man who had the good fortune to be present at these meetings, listen to the messages from the various chapters and st: e the law which will govern our fraternity, in the process of making, received more of the goodly teachings of Acacia than could be obtained in years of any other form of chapter communication.
The earnest and business-like manner in which the delegates labored day and night in the interests of the fraternity at large has proven to us
that the organization is made up of more than ordinary college timber. Their action which was the result of a thorough understanding of fraternal conditions has given us faith in the prophecy made by our Grand President: "We will ' see the day when Acacia will be looked upon a s leader in thing s pertaining to fraternity affairs."
We lament the fact that more of the members of this chapter could not be present to meet and help entertain the visiting brothers, but our chapter is very cosmopolitan, representing nineteen states and Canada, and the fall of the year opened with but twelve of the thirty-five members back.
Although we have lost two-thirds of our chapter through graduation and matrimony we are not discouraged for every day brings us tidings of new material and it is needless to say that we are following their tracks closely. This chapter is fortunate in having a large 11umber to select from, but nevertheless the selection proceeds slowly. The new members are chosen on such qualifications as character, scholarship and personality and with these prerequisites for our foundation we are , we believe, building up a healthy chapter roll.
Since the l ast issue of the JOURNAL there has been admitted to our brotherhood , after taking the usual course of instruction, Francis S . Lamb of Maaison; George E. Youngberg of LaCrosse, Wis. Bro. Youngberg has the distinctive honor of being initiated and instructed by the Grand Officers and some of the delegates.
Before the close of school last June Acacia was successful in capturing for the second time the trophy awarded to the fraternity which presents the best decorated float in the annual Water Carn ival of the May Fete. This same evening was chosen for a joint dance given at a pavilion across the lake by the members of Alpha Sigma Phi and Acacia , at which eighty couples were present. Our annual picnic was also held during this festive week at the cottage of our Bro. Ray S. Owen.
In athletics we had several aspirants for varsity positions but none were so successful as Bro . "Cull" Casberg, who accompanied the crew to Poughkeepsie . Acacia managed to attain the position of second in its division in the interfraternity baseball league. Our desires have been e x · pressed that some loyal member award a booby prize for next year in order that we increase our mantle decorations.
The interfraternity bowling league played their first game of the season and from all indic ations our team will have an even chance to win the cup.
At the close of last school year our guest calendar showed that we entertained over one hundred and sixty guests at our table; in spite of that fact the steward reported a substant ial balance for the year.
Wisconsin usually draws a number of outside members at its summer session. With the pier which was constructed in conjunction with Alpha Tau Omega , Kappa Sigma, Alpha Sigma Phi, by our strong armed engineer , and convenience, we can readily understand why a successful summer was reported. During the six weeks of summer school the following social functions took place: the house party had two fraternity picnics , one dance at the cottage of Bro. Owen , and one dance at the house at the close of the session. It was found quite necessary to rest up before leaving for home , after so strenuous a summer, and to accomplish this end , a house party across Fourth lake was planned and given at which Mr . and Mrs. F o rd Magregor acted as chaperones.
THE ACACIA JOURNAL
For the coming year five dances have been arranged for, the fir t one to be given in Lathrop Hall of the university in the near future. The date for the formal has not yet been set, but u ually comes in the early spring. The coming events to which this chapter alway look forward with great pleasure are the Thanksgiving dinner and the Christmas celebration. The latter has become a fixed institution and the chapter is anxious to have all the other chapters know just how useful this eventful day is to us. The celebration usually starts off with a big Span Faerkle dinner at which as many Acacia men as we can find in or about the city take part; after dinner Santa Claus waits on us and presents us with many useful tokens, and we find that the chapter is never forgotten. During the past four years we have received from the men who were initiated during the year such presents a a silver meat service, a sterling and cut glass center piece and a very valuable set of cavalry chimes. The active chapter, not including the new men, have presented the house with a large Saruk rug while the alumni bought a set of wicket' tapestry furniture. It 1s on these festive nights that we need our Acacia song book and let us all do all in our power to assist Bro. Schultz in making this a reality.
Before closing this letter it may be proper to explain why the chapter has dwindled down to so small a membership. We lost nine men by graduation and we are pleased to state that in every case the men are nicely located. Taylor and Evans have gone back to the " Sunny South" and have good position in university work; Bro. Treleven is also in that section of the country in a position as Professor of Accounting. Last year's crew man, Sjoblom, is stationed at the University of Illinois in the capacity of Hydraulic Engineer. Ashmun is with Wells & Dickey of Minneapolis as expert accountant. Kuechenmeister and Black are connected with the University Extenison and make Milwaukee their headquarters. Nelson has severed hi connection with the University and i chief bacteriologist for the ational Purification Company.
There was also the usual number who were excused from living in the house for good and sufficient reasons. Ed Fisher of this city was married to Miss Florence Delaney of Poynette, Wis., early this spring. In June occurred the wedding of our "Foxy Grandpa" Webb. Casper Ielson entered the finals this summer when he and Miss Josephine Mortibois accepted the matrimonial ties. Last but not least, our friend Tom Jones returned with a life partner having been married to Miss Jane Ann Williams of Lime prings. Herbert Steiner and Roger Williams have recently taken upon themselves additional obligations along the above line.
During the year we have had the .pleasure of greeting several brothers from vanous chapters and have gamed much from their visit . Let us make the same statement to every Acacian that we make to our own older members , "If you are a good Acacian come directly to the hou e when you come to Madi on and hout your preference of room and ' bunk ' . The large sleeping porch is at your service, there is always plenty of room." With kindest regards to all chapters of the fraternity.
J. X. EWMAN.
MEM CHAPTER
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI, COLUMBIA, MO.
Fourteen of last year's active men of Mem chapter are not back this year. The Venerable Dean elected last year for this year was unable to return to school. Are we discouraged? Certainly NOT. The chapter simply got busy and now , early in the year as it is, everything is going smoothly and things point to a bright year.
The men who returned to take up the work this fall are H. K. Thatcher, Rex Wickham, H. H. Flemming, T. Chester White, Miles Thomas , Clay Lewis , C. E. Barkshire, J. D. Blackwell and E. M. Todd.
Two new men have been initiated this fall-H. Loy Shrader, senior agriculture, and L. G. Graff, senior law Shrader will be remembered by so me, doubtless, through the " free advertising" he got last year as a result of being "discovered" by the athletic department as "the perfect man". \V. 0. Lockhart, a senior aggie, and P M. Talbot, an engineer, have been pledged and will be initiated soon. Several other strong men are being considered.
With the old bunch and the newer additions , Mem is getting together and has set out to make the year a record breaker in many ways.
Of the men who left last year, every one stepped into a good position. W. C. Davidson, who kept his membership active while in Columbia as deputy state highway engineer, is with an engineering concern in Fort Worth, Texas, and is making good. Warren Roberts has gone into the contracting and building line of work and is at present engaged in putting the finishing touches to a $IOo ,ooo courthouse at Chillicothe, the contract for which was awarded to him before he left Columbia.
F. I. Kemp, V . D. last year, is traveling for a St. Louis Engineering company. 0. E. McLane is in St. Louis with the Bell Teleph one.
"Billy" McCausland is working life insurance in Alabama, John Atterbury is practicing law at Paris, Missouri, and Ben (57) Heins is city atto rney at Carrollton, having been elected on the "dry" ticket. vViley is with the U. S. astronomers at \i\Tashington, D. C. H. A. Tistadt is farming near Caruthersville and learning , he says, farming instead of agriculture. Weaver is teaching in the Manual Training School of St. Louis. Lloyd Thatcher and George Sasse are still in Columbia, the one teaching in the university and the other an architect, but are not active this year. Charles Swift is a minister at Centralia.
Sasse it is understood, is to be married soon to a nurse fr o m the Parker Hospital of Columbia. Anyway, the new .spapers say so, and G. T . and the girl refuse to deny it.
"Dutch" Dutcher , ' 12, who taught last year at Champaign, Ill. , is now at Corvallis, Oregon, as an instructor in the Oregon Agricultural College. He teaches agricultural chemistry.
Walter O'Bannon, in a card to the chapter, has announced the arrival upon the scene of action of Walter A. O'Bannon, Jr. The youn gster's address is 3405 McKinney Street, Oklahoma City, Okla.
The Missouri chapter of Acacia sends the other chapters her best wishes, which is synonymous with saying that we hope all of your prospects are as bright as our own .. ERNEST M. TODD.
NUN C H A PTE R
CORNELL U IVERSITY 1 ITHA A 1 • Y.
The Cornell chapter of Acacia fraternity begins the year "ith the cheerful con ciousness of a .bright and prosperous future. ever have the prospect for a successful year been more encouraging. Eleven of the old active members have signified their intention of being with us, and there seems to be no limit to the supply of good material in the university.
At the present time we have six men awaiting initiation, five of whom will be with us, not only this year, but for two or three years to come, a they are working for advanced degrees. They are as follows: J. F . Bradley, 'I I, is doing graduate work in English, and will receive his Ph. D. in 19I6; H. M. Pickerill, 'II, an instructor in Dairy Bacteriology and will receive his Ph . D. in 19I5; as will C. 0. Dalrymple, 1 II, in Plant Pathology; L. M. Massey, A. B. 'I2, (Wabash College), an assistant in Plant Pathology, will receive his Ph. D. in I916 Among the undergraduates we have C. ]. Burnham and W. ]. Barnes, the former being a senior in Civi l Engineering and the latter a j unior in Mechanica l Engineering.
Subsequent to the publication of the last edition of the JOURNAL, we initiated the following men: W. W. Ellis , A. B., who is Assistant Librarian of the university; K. M. Dallenbach, who received his Ph. D. in 19I3; V. B. Stewart, Ph. D. , who is Assistant Professor of Plant Pathology in the Agricultural College.
Eight of last year's members, however, will be missing from the active chapter this year: Carter, Suiter, Holbrook and Rothenberger by graduation, and Peach, ex - Venerable Dean , who has just sailed for India, where he will have charge of the department of Mechanic Arts at one of the large Methodist schools; Bro. Teeter, who is now Professor of Civil Engineering at Oregon Agricultural College; Bro . Dallenbach, who is an Instructor in Psychology at the University of Oregon, Eugene , Ore.; and Bro. Thompson, who is located in Detroit, Mich .
Despite the exodus of so many of our members, every room in the chapter house is occupied .
On the evening of Saturday, Oct. 4th, the Cornell Masonic Club, organized last year, gave its opening smoker. The affair was a decided uccess, being attended by about seventy - five university Masons. One of our own men, Brother O'Donell, is the president of the club.
Last spring we played our annual baseball game with Syracuse chapter. and, although they were our guests, we were so discourteous as to defeat them. o hard feelings resulted, however , and we expect to have the tables turned when we go to Syracuse this year .
The local chapter has recently been very pleasantly surprised by the receipt of a letter from Bro. R. A. Basham of Colorado State University chapter, in which Bro. Basham stated that he would ail from Liverpool on Sept. 25th and would visit us early in October. We are eagerly awaiting his arrival, and he may be sure of a hearty welcome when he reaches Ithaca. Three of our alumni , during the past year , have become entitled to the appellation "Daddy" ; Bros. Kimball, Morrow and Wilson. We derive much satisfaction from this fact, a it in ures a goodly number of Acacian among the rising generation.
We have likewi e received announcements during the summer of the
marriage of Bros. Hyde, Rothenberger, Conlee, Kessler , and Carter. This fact also induces a cheerful glow of optimism, as we contemplate the pleasant possibility that we may some day attain to the same delightful distinction. In the meantime we all join in extending the best of wishes t o each of these brothers.
SAMEHK CHAPTER
PURDUE UNIVERSITY, WEST LAFAYETTE, IND.
A warm welcome awaited each of the old members of Purdue C hapter when they returned from the summer vacation, and each one was agreeably surp rised to find our new home looking so cheerful both inside and out, due to the efforts of a few of our Brothers who were spending the summer in Lafayette.
We brought the last school year to a successful close with a h o use party extending throughout Gala week in honor of our thirteen departing seniors. Hoping to keep up our end in social affairs with the thirteen men , we are planning for a house party and home coming dance, for October I8, which is the occasion of the Purdue- Wisconsin game. We opened the present year with fifteen old men, and at the present writing we have six pledges who bid fair to bring additional honors to Acacia The se men are C. L. Wilson 'I4 of the Mechanical Engineering school, B. H. Thompson '14 and A. Fleenor 'IS of the school of Pharmacy, H. K. Laramore 'IS and L. Selby 'I7 of the sc h oo l of Agriculture, and L. D. Reed 'I 7 of the school of Civil Engineering. The school shows a large increase in the enrollment over any previous year, and at the same time the per cent of Masons has greatly increased, which gives us more opportunity for the selection of good material. We hope to become better acquainted with every Mason in school through the means of a Masonic smoker which we are planning to give in the near future.
We are represented at the present Co nclave by Brother£ Polk, Mallott, Shriver, and Brackney, and are planning to send a large delegation t o the Michigan Conclave next June.
Realizing the need for a more uniform system of initi<'ttion we have set the following initiation dates: November I, December I9, April 4, and May 23, and especially invite all Acacians to visit us on these occasions.
Although we lost an exceptional politician on the graduation of Brother Didlake, we are still holding our own in s tudent activities. Bro. Ely, 'I4, was elected chairman o f the Tank Scrap Co mmittee; Bro. Mallott, 'I4. C hairman of the Gala Week Committee; Bro. Davieson, '14, Manager of the Harlequin C lub; Bro. Townsley, 'I6, Representative on the Student Co uncil; Bro. Eddy, I6 , Representative on the Purdue Ath letic Association; and several members of the chapter have political aspirations in the coming class elections. These in addition t o the men holding offices from la s t year give us a good representation in school affairs.
Bros. Shriver and Wilson are supporting our end in athletics by h o lding clown positions on the f ootball squad.
C upid took his toll from our number during the past year, Bros. S touder, ' I3. Stockton, 'I2, Richeg , 'I2, Spencer, 'IS, joining the ranks of the benedict.
We were greatly pleased to entertain Brother Leonard o f Yale Chap ter , now Professor of Economics at Wabash Co llege, also Brother Prakken 'o8, after the Purdue- Wabash game on October 4· We have also had fre-
quent v1s1ts from Brothers Stockton Didlake, Cook, Brackley, Thomp on and Wakefield.
Purdue Chapter extends congratulations to all newly elected officer , and wishes all Acacians a most succes ful year.
I. S. BORLEY. Chapter Editor.
ALUMNI OTES.
J. C. Cook is employed with the Federal Creosoting Co. at Louisville, Ky . His address is 513 S. Second St., Louisville.
H. \N. Driver '13 is located at LaGrange, Ill. and is working in Chicago.
J. W. Shera ' 13 is teaching Manual Training in the high school at LaGrange, Ill.
E. H. Didlake '13 is connected with the Big Four railway. He ha evidently proven his ability to his employers as they have recently placed him in the position of Resident Engineer at Middleton, Ohio.
K. L. Stockton '12 is having as much success in teaching as he had in athletics wh ile in school. He is back for another year with the High School at Whiting, Indiana.
E. A . Beck '13 is Assistant Division Engineer for the Wabash Railway and is located at Peru , Indiana.
E. P. Brackney '13 is successfully managing several hundred acre of land near Brookston, Indiana.
B. 'vV. Thompson and W. M. Knapp, graduates of the 'r3 clas in pharmacy are showing their ability in a business way . Brother Thompson is running a Pharmacy at Brookston, Indiana , while Brother Knapp i holding a similar position at Roanoke, Ill.
\TV. S. Harrah '13 is employed with the Remy Electric Co. at Anderson, Indiana, in the position of Chemica l Engineer.
A YIN CHAPTER
UNIVER TTY OF CHICAGO, CHICAGO, ILL.
Chicago chapter has experienced important constructive growth since la s t seeking sp ace within the Jo RNAL covers. The pre ent writing chronicles the narrow span of one year, whose very brevity is emphasized by eventful range of development. In unity of life , breadth of and outreach of ideals our progress has approached a revelation.
The quarter system of year division , the environment of a university community rigidly sectionalized into department , and the presence of a great city with myriad attractions, have forbidden in former years a close acquaintance among our men and altogether prevented that continuity and permanency of chapter life toward which all aspire. The lack of permanent quarters or address li ts ever rendered very uncertain the presence of a quorum at October meetings. Pledging time and initiation came tardily and by the hardest worl< in entailing erious personal burdens in securing halls and arranging the banquets to follow. carcely would spirited association be achieved ere di persal time cut off progre s; and the following quarter compelled a primitive beginning anew. There was no connectednes of purpo e. Lines of activity and degree of preseverance varied noticeabl y
as this or that person bore the burdens, or this or that university department by chance supplied the active majority which shaped our policies.
Our house was opened last April inaugurating a marked change. The shifting group of passably good fellows, from time to time approving each other's society, gave place to a fixed institution where tradition plays a needed part, where the personal labors that formerly shriveled into forget · fulness now remain to blossom and bear fruit in the chapter life under the care of successors long after the laborer has gone to ride the billows far out in the world. Greater difficulties arise to block our paths and demand more concentrated efforts. But they serve only the better to mould and cement our growing sense of oneness.
Six men had been initiated the previous July and August. Five more were added in December; and six were conducted into a safe harbor when we served the first meals at our chapter table. The summer ' s search for good material brought in eight. This gives us a total since the founding of the chapter in 1908 of sixty-eight initiates and five affiliated. For every one of these seventy-three a membership record is on file with the Chapter and the Grand Fraternity Secretaries.
On Founders' Day, May 12 past, the Acacia alumni of Chicago who hail from all over the land, paid our chapter house an informal visit and were informally entertained. Several talks, statements of experience, and enlightening conversation were features of the occasion. Our relationships with this body have been most cordial, and we hope to increase the mutual helpfulness as time passes. Through the friendly influence of this organization we wish to spread broadcast among Acacians the earnest wish we have that all who pass through the City of Chicago at any time shall have our house in mind. Write us if possible, and never fail to make us a visit.
During May, June and July were held numerous small social events at the house with lady visitors as invited guests. Several distinguished Masons, educators and travellers from far States, Canada, England, Holland, Australia and elsewhere dined with us from time to time, and afforded inspiration for lively evening conversation.
Before the house was opened it was a rare event to even learn that an Acacian had been in Chicago or about the university. Before we could get the parlor rightly furnished we had the pleasant surprise of visiting brethren beginning to call. A number of chapters were represented by April visitors. Waw, Daleth, Heth, Mem and Samehk appear in our guest-book for May. In June there were men from Lamedth, Kaph, Gimel and Teth. Pe; Heth and Lamedth appear on the roll in July and August. And September has entries from Heth, '0/aw, Daleth and Tsadhe. Our geographical position is somewhat unique; and we are planning to use it to the largest advantage of the fraternity to secure as frequent and extended an interchange of chapter ideal and sentiment as opportunity may suggest.
We record in sadness the death of our promising alumnus, Charles Merchant Fargo, who died December last from effects of an accident during an operation in a Chicago hospital. He was a princely fellow whom all admired. Of other recent alumni: Carl Blinn Stiger is practicing law at Toledo, Iowa. Charles Boyle Campbell is teaching at the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa., after spending the winter, and summer. in extended study and travel over Europe. Ellsworth Farns IS connected with
the Department of Philosophy at the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa. Daniel Webster Mumaw is practicing law at Youngstown, Ohio, James Edgar Bell joins the faculty of the University of Washington, Seattle. Fred Miller Drennan is interne at th e Presbyterian Hospital, Chicago. . Car l Otto Rinderspacher holds at the Cook County Hospital. Ralph McReynolds similar profession . at Magee Obstetrical Hospital, Pittsburgh. Wtlham Harley Barber is professor at Ripdn College, Ripon, Wisconsin. Henry Harrison is likewise engaged at Fayetteville, Arkansas. Earl Quincy Gray is practicing law at Higgins, Texa s. Henry Otto Schwabe goes to the University of Michigan as instructor of Germanics. Robert Cushman Woolsey is engaged in the practice of law at Galesburg, Illinois. William Elwyn Jones is similarly engaged in Chicago. Others have gone out in the same manner, but space forbids individual mention of each and all. We have reason to be proud of the achievements of everyone.
We open the new school year with six or eight men for active chapter work. We have an official chapter seal, book maker, and considerable paraphernalia. The records are beginning to take on acceptable appearance and volume We have two complete sets of THE JouRNAL with the single exception of the December , I908 , issue. We have extra copies of severa l other dates that we shall be glad t o exchange.
We send herewith our hearty greetings to every chapter and all Acacians. May the interchange of hopes and inspirations bring greater zeal and our endeavors approach a high and worthy goal.
WEIGHTSTILL Wooos.
PE CHAPTER
YALE UNIVERSITY, NEW HAVEN, CONN.
As the first chapter letter of the yea r is due so soon after the opening of Ya le, it is impossible to tell very much about what the chapter has done; we can merely disclose a few of our plans for the coming yea r, and hope t o be able to announce the consummation of them in a subsequent number of th e JOURNAL. .
We might mention, h owever, that on June 4th, Professor William Howard Taft, Professor J. M. Berdan, Arthur Marvin, Registrar of the Sheffield Scientific School , and C. B. Officer, were initiated int o the Fraternity , the work being exemplified on the last named candidate. A detailed account of this is given elsewhere in this is s ue.
The following named men have also been initiated s ince o ur last letter: C. E. Martz, 'I 5, Yale College; Robert Fletcher , Graduate Divinity; A. B. Timm, Medical School; Frank G. Mooney, Graduate School; H. S. Woodman , 'I 5, Yale College.
The Schultz brother s and Suttie resided in the h o u se during the greater part of the summer, and report an enjoyable visit fr o m Bro. Middlemass of Syracuse. They attended to the purchasing for the h ouse of a number of new furnishings, including a handsome player-piano. .
Fifteen of last year's members have returned, thr ee of them-Hatgh , Lee and Williams-ha ving with them better halve s. \ Ve hav e added t o our roll by affiliation R. G. Hepworth o f the Kan sas University
THE ACACIA JOURNAL
chapter, and Paul R. Rider of the University of Chicago chapter. The former is taking Graduate Law, the latter is in the Graduate School.
VI/. E. Roberts of Canton, Mo., has recently been pledged.
J. L. Leonard, Venerable Dean of last year, has accepted a position a head of the Economics Department at Wabash College. R. B. Wear, a! o of last year ' s bunch, has gone to Shanghai, China, where he will engage in Y. M. C. A. work. A. B. Timm has entered the Medical chool of Cornell University. C. B Officer is located with a mechanical engineering firm in Chicago. R. W. Lyman is practicing law at Northhampton, Mass. W. I. Gilson has taken unto himself a wife, and is Instructor in Forestry in the Michigan Agricultural College. C. R. Nesbitt has a fellowship in Economics at the University of Wisconsin.
Venerable Dean J. R. Shultz, our delegate to the Conclave, reports an enjoyable time, as well as a profitable session.
In a recent publication of the junior appointments, both of our juniors show up with honors, Martz with a philosophical oration, the highest honor, and Woodman with a first colloquy.
An institution of this year is the Acacia table here at I6 York Square. It is very convenient, in a great many ways, to have meals served at the house, and goes far toward increasing the feeling of fraternity.
George Snoddy of Kansas chapter was a welcome guest at the opening of the session .
By the time this appears in print we shall have given an informal reception and smoker for the Masons in the university. This is our custom at the beginning of each year, and serves as a means of getting a line on prospective members.
F. L. Haigh has resigned as secretary, as he resides at some distance from the house and felt that he could not keep in close enough touch with the work. The writer was elected to fill the vacancy caused by the acceptance of this resignation.
PAUL R. RIDERT S ADHE CHA P TE R
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY , NEW YORK, N. Y. '
With twenty active members back a·t the wheel this year, seven of whom are charter members, Tsadhe chapter can boast of an encouraging outlook. It has been the policy of Tsadhe to consider for membership only those men who expect to remain in the university at least two years, and since most men who attend Columbia take either graduate or professional work, Tsadhe has perhaps a greater continuity of membership than can be maintained by any of our sister chapters.
Tracing the footsteps of our brothers who have strayed from us this year across "desert sands" and railroad ties, we find them engaged in a variety of tasks. A. A . Bright is efficiency man for the Brill Car Work at Philadelphia; N. C. Carr is back at the teacher's desk in Texas; H. B. Farr has a shingle out in Missouri; W . C. Ham is attending Chicago University , where we hope he will be as enthusiastic a worker for Acacia as he was with us. K. J. Hoke is correcting the kiddies in the schools of Richmond, Virginia; G. W. Kessler is terrifying Tammany in municipal
statistics in. this. city; C. B .. King is a divinity student at Oxford, England; E. W. Kmght 1s m. the htstory department of his Alma Mater, Trinity College, North Carohna; and last, in the dead of the night, we found Bro. Ray P. Smith teaching the kiddies in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.
Oh! happy fate we did not say that some of our brothers had to be traced on other ties than those of the railroad. Tied, yes, on the monorail system, where two are one, and cradles run at high speed. I. W. Driehaus has agreed to conduct Miss Orton through the world ; C. L. Robbins told the Parson that he could make Miss Hartman happy; and Ray P. Smith lasted long enough to answer in the affirmative to the most daring of questions- Wilt thou?- May good fortune and great fortitude attend the efforts of our brothers and may they be happy ever afterwards.
Plans are well under way for the ensuing year and cheered by the report from the Grand Conclave, we confidently expect to move onward successfully.
J. L. STENQUIST.KOPH CHAPTER
IOWA STATE COLLEGE, AMES, IOWA
At - this, the beginning of another school year, Ames chapter extends fraternal greetings to her sister chapters and wishes them a full measure of success throughout the year.
The active membership of Ames chapter was comparatively small at the beginning of the year but the prospects for the growth and advancement of the chapter were never brighter. We have started on an active campaign for new members and there seems to be an abundance of new material. Since the opening of the school year the chapter has been enriched by the addition of three new members , C. M. Co llins, H. B. Kinney and S. E. Conybeare . Bro. Collins spent two years at Parsons Co llege and then came to Ames a year ago to st ud y veterinary medicine. He did good work on the Parsons track team and we are expecting him to do things at Ames. Bro . Kinney of B lackf oot, Idaho, graduated from Drake University in I9I I. He then spent a year in post-graduate work at Ames. In September he returned to the Iowa State Co lleg e as assistant professer in the soils department. We are indeed glad to have him with us at the Acacia house. Bro. Conybeare graduated from Coe Co lleg e in r906 and then took postgraduate work at the University of Chicago. After a varied experience in newspaper work he went to Bangkok, Siam as principal of a commercial schoo l there. Last year Mr. Conybeare came to Ames as assistant professor of journalism. He also has charge of the publicity work of the college .
Last May our chapter was admitted to the local association of the Nationa l Interfraternity Conference and we are now represented in that association.
Bro. T. R. Agg, one of the charter members of Heth chapter is now associate professor of civi l eng ineering and has charge of the highway experiment work at the Iowa State Co llege. Bro. Agg graduated from the electrica l engineering department of I. S. C. in I905. We welcome him back to Ames and we have been glad to have him in our Acacia family for a few weeks before his family moved here.
THE ACACIA JOUR AL
We are also glad to have with us again one of the alumni member of Arne chapter. Bro. H. A. Bittenbender, ' I I, has been at till water Okla ., for two years but returned to Ames thi year to take charge of the extension work of the poultry department.
Our first social stunt of the year, an informal dance, was held October 4th. We were glad to have Bro. utty , I3, of evada , Iowa with us at that time . Prof. and Mrs. Potts chaperoned the dance.
Bro. Potts of Waw is beginning his second successful year in charge of the ceramics work here. His Acacia friends rejoice with him in the arrival of a son , born July 4th .
Bro. W. W. Wobus of Mem , who was instructor in the dairy department during the past year, has spent the summer at Delta, Colo. , and other points in the West. We regret that he will not be with us this year. \\'e miss his good fellowship and his fund of witty speeches and stories.
Plans have been made for an Acacia dance on 1 ovember Ist, the date for the Tebraska-Ames football game. A cordial invitation is extended to the members of the ebraska chapter and other chapters of Acaria to be with us at that time.
During the opening weeks of school we have enjoyed short visits from Bro. C. W. Hall of Ya l e chapter and Bro. Sears of the Iowa State University chapter. We extend to all Acacia brothers a hearty invitation to us at any time it may be convenient for them.
RESH CHAPTER
UNIVERSITY OF lOW A , lOW A C ITY , lOW A
The school year I9I3-f4 is now open and well under way. To Aracia at Iowa it promises to be the most brilliant and prosperous in every re pect since this chapte r received her charter five years ago.
vVe are now starting the second year in ottr commodious hou eon Ea t College Street with ten old members. To these we have added eleven pledges of all of whom we are certainly proud. Every department in the university is represented in the chapter house and every representativ is a man of high standing in his re s pective department.
Acacia, this year, perhaps for the first time in its history, is fortunate enough to be well represented in athletic activities. Bros. Garms and Bowen occupy the respective positions of guard and end on the football team. Bro. Hilliard promises to star in the cro country run and without a doubt Bro. DeFreece will add m o re laurel to his already brilliant record as a member of the track team.
Bro. C. vV. Wilkin on, who for the past year has been in charge o f the Clinic in the Colorado College of Dental Surgery at Denver, Colorad , is back with u again. Dr. \ ilkin o n wa formerly at the head of the linir at Iowa. He is now occupied in Research work in Histology in the Medical department.
Dr. William Grauel , a former member of thi chapter is a! o with u this year . He is taking post-graduate work in the College of Denti try.
Bro. Chas. F. Kurtz has been hon o red with a teaching fellowship in the department of Economics.
Bro. G. Kenerdine , one of the charter member of thi chapter. ha
recently accepted a position as Professor of Law at Drake University, located at Des Moines, Iowa.
Bro. Guy H. Dunn is at the head of the library staff of the College of Law. -
The social. side of our will not be neglected this year. We have the matenal and the facthttes necessary to make this part of our fraternity life the most brilliant in the history of this chapter. As a matter of fact, we have always starred in this regard, but this year we are planning to put forth strenuous efforts not only to maintain, but to vastly increase our past success and reputation in society.
Io-wa chapter extends greetings to all of her sister chapters in this great Fraternity and can only hope that they too are favored with s uch bright prospects as confront us on the morning of this school year.
HAROLD D. EVANS.SHIN CHAPTER
PENNSYLVANIA STATE COLLEGE , STATE COLLEGE, PA.
T_he Pennsylvania State chapter extends her greetings to her sister chapters in Acacia and wishes them all a prosperous year.
We closed the last year in grand fashion, having twenty-five active members on the roll. Of this number only seven were back for the opening of this college year. Last year's seniors are located as follows: K. P. Fuhrman and Levi H. Blouche are with the Bell Telephone Co. at Philadelphia, B. ]. Crotsley is at Swissvale, Pa., with the Union Switch and Signal Co.; A. I. Underwood was honored with the principalship of the Washington, Pa., High School; · Noah H. Rosenberger is teaching mathematics at Coatesville High School; George C. Lindsey with the American Bridge Co. at Steelton, Pa., took unto himself a wife soon after commencement and is endeavoring to gain on the rest of the bunch by starting out in the wide, wide world with a partner; Charles W. Hilbert , our retired V. D., had the ill fortune to be confined at the Reading hospital with an attack of typhoid fever this summer but hopes soon to be at his chosen work in the field of insurance; Sam "Fat" Newkirk was confined to the hospital soon after commencement for an operation but is out again and "hard at it;" Charlie Swab is at Kittanning plugging hard on the ladder to fame and fortune; "Bob" Diehl is at Rockford, Ill., following up his work in mechanical engineering, and Hugh Coon has left for far-away Florida where he is with the John J. -White Co.
We also lost E. S. Ross , '14, who this year is pursuing his law course at the University of Pennsylvania, and C. L. Yoder, who is also at the University of Pennsylvania with Ross , but is continuing hi s course m architecture.
The fellows who returned this year are P. W. Barr, '14 , industrial engineering; K. W. Burdic, '14, mining engineering; J. J. Hornberger, '14, civil engineering; H. B. Thompson, mining engineering; M. C. Reynolds , '14, electro-chemistry; C. H. Shepley,· 'r6, civil engineering; R. P. Diehl , '16, agriculture. We had one prospect and pledged him immediately so as to secure his services arid help in building up, namely, B. F. Simpson, '15, student in · architectural engineering.
THE ACACIA JOURNAL
Besides the above are F . P. vVeaver, instructor in agricultural who was our representative at the recent Conclave at Madi!"un and i occupying the chair of V. D. this year; Hugo Diemer, at the head ,,f the industrial engineering course; Doctor Dale, physician at the Pennsylvania State College; and Chester A. Allen, instructor in civil engineering. Charles E. McQuigg, head of the department of metallurgy and a member of the Ohio State chapter, R. I. Weber, head of the department of architectural engineering, and member of Purdue chapter, and George R. Green, head of the department of Forestry and member of the Michigan chapter, are again on Pennsylvania State's faculty roll this year, while Prof. F. W. Putney of the Missouri chapter has been added to our faculty. We hope to have the pleasure of their presence at our meetings and the benefit of their advice this year .
Since the opening of college the following men have been pledged: D. S. Cryder, '17 , freshman in industrial chemistry; Joy T. Jamieson, 14, senior in industrial engineering; C. M. Helwig, pecial student in the teacher ' s manual training course; H. D. Barnhardt and F. M. Barnhardt, special tudents in agriculture. In a week or so we hope to feel strong enough to take them over the "voyage" and enlighten them as to the work and ties that have bound us, as college Masons, into a united body . We not only feel greatly encouraged with the progress made so far but also with the prospects before us. Vve have a goodly number of prospects and have entertained a few of them. We hope soon to have them among us as they appear to have the qualities that we want in Acacia men.
At our first meeting this year we were favored by a presentation of a beautiful pennant by Prof. McQuigg in behalf of the University of Chicago chapter. We hope they have received our return gift by this time. \\ e wish . sister chapters who have not exchanged pennants with us would let us know about our delinquency in the matter and we will see that they have a Pennsylvania State pennant at once. We are extremely anxious to be represented on the walls of all sister chapters and want you all on our wall .
The commencement house party last June was an immen e success Our house was crowded all week with alumni and their guests and the families of the seniors. All expressed themselves as having had a "big time" and left us with an expression of their sincere intentions of being back next year. We always find room fo" r the "old" fellows and their guests and nothing makes us feel better than when we are entertaining them. It shows us that they are not drifting away and gets them interested again in us and gives them more than a mere mechanical feeling for the bunch back here. The crowning feature of the house party was the decoration . The seniors were through with their examinations before the rest and put in the time making the house look attractive Myriads of colored lights were strung through vines of crow's foot. In a corner of the club room a large pin was di played. It was an electrical representation of our Acacia emblem. This work of art was the labor of two of the pledges last spring.
Our plans for the fall are many. First comes the smoker for all Masons in college, both students and faculty. This is an annual affair to give the Ma on a chance to mingle informally and to become better acquainted with one another. Then we are to give a formal dinner for our faculty member and their wive . Over Pennsylvania Day, known a
Founders' Da.y in many other colleges,. expect to give a house party in accordance with the custom of fraternities at Pennsylvania State. In this anrl other events we aim to keep Acacia on a social footing with the other fraternities.
At prese.nt we are working to secure a good foundation in our college work. Acacia. has always ranked the leaders in scholastic standing at Pennsylvama State, and we mean this year to stay there and gain the lead if possible. Several of last year's seniors were elected to such honorary fraternities as Phi Kappa Phi, Tau Beta Pi and Eta Kappa Nu.
We hope to be in a home of our own by another two years. Last spring a corporation was formed under the laws of the state. Several houses have been looked at in an endeavor to buy one already built. So far nothing suitable has been found. The alumni have been pledging their support so it seems only a matter of two years until we will be occupying a home put up by Acacia members. One set of plans has already been bid on by several contractors
Taking all into consideration we look forward to a bright and prosperous year.
R. P. DIEHL.ALEPH-DALETH CHAPTER
SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY, SYRACUSE, N Y.
Aleph-Daleth chapter is beginning what promises to be the most prosperou s year of its existence. Not all our brothers have been able to return to the university this year, but such as are with us are either members of the faculty, or students who rank high in their classes and at the same time reflect credit upon us in the general activities of university life. Venerable Dean Hill and Bro. Lott represent us in the honor societies of their respective colleges. Bro . Ransier is acquitting himself credibly on the football squad. Bro. Littell, who is among our recent pledges , is one of the football hero e of the freshman class. On account of sickness Bro . Totten is riot able to return to college this year but we expect that he will be with us at the opening of the next college year.
Cupid has been active in our ranks during the vacation. Bro. Miller wa s the first to become a benedict. He still resides in the city. He was followed closely by Professor Sarason who is also still residing in the city. Bro. Brown who resides at Utica was the last to surrender to the winged god, although Bro. Roake is reported to be wearing the pledge button of the society of Benedicts.
The pledging of new members has already begun. On September the University Masonic Club tendered a reception to the Master Masons of the university at the Aleph -D aleth chapter house. The . attendance showed that the number of Masons in the university is increasing and that there is plenty of good material for new members.
Bro Allen reports a very cordial welcome on his recent visit to Nun chapter . . Aleph-Daleth recently enjoyed a pleasant visit from Bro. Bennett of Nun chapter.
Lours LINDSEY.OFFICIAL JEWELER TO
ACACIA FRATERNITY
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