The Acacia Spirit - April 1919 - Vol. 14, No. 4

IDQr Araria

April15, 1919

NEBRASKA NOTES.

M. L. Springer, in a recent report , states that the Nebraska Chapter, on January 1, 1918, rented its hou s e to a sorority. Such furniture as was not needed by e women was stored in the basement of the house. On March 1, 1919, there were seven active members and eight All were rooming in the same but no table was being run. The ter has bright prospects for the next and has hopes of building a home of own. On February 1, 1919, a copy of "The Asp" was sent out to the alumni. The war record is being compiled. It will Include about a hundred and twenty-five names. Parts of "The Asp" are copied tor the benefit of Acacians not belonging to Nebraska Chapter:

"The armistice seems to be the natural to start this year's history, for it not until the call for men had ceased, that Acacia harbored any thoughts of re· organization. Only two active men re· turned in time to be in school part of the ftrst semester and upon them rested the of forming a nucleus about which to ·'--'"··"" the fraternity. 'Old Walt Blunk' nnurutm from the Naval Reserve and like 'old salt' took the helm, (wearing low necked middies makes one like 'nautical' stuff). He has proved hima 'first class seaman' and steering us of the reefs and rocks, now has the ship Acacia under full sail with seas ahead. Glen Foe, a younger er of 'Sim's,' returned from camp in "M·-·-"- and being the other active, into a committee of one by as Venerable Dean, and put to Merlin Springer, who was also in aval Reserve, was the only available from last year and practically has to the Chapter the assistance of an Clifford C. Meyer, another last pledge, returned in time to be with men for the winding up of the semesand will be a big help in the work Marschelle Power, who will be by all old men as the 'chem the fraternity, had a younger snooping around Dr. Edwin

Maxey's Law College, and he became our first victim. 'Peewee' Power is a Mason and will soon be attending active meetings. Howard Yost, a dentist and senior, next entered the fold. 'Doc' has his application in and is traveling upon an easterly course. Yost was a bit lonesome, being the only dentist, so another man was taken from the 'Tooth Carpenter's Union,' Leo B. Shreve, a Mason and Sophomore in school. Neil T . Chadderdon, a Junior and brother student of Commerce with our Venerable Dean, has put in his application for Masonry and became our next pledge.

"These men have lent untold enthusiasm to every detail of work given them, and the outlook for next semester i s bright to say the least . We cannot make a definite estimate as to what men will b e back, for each day now brings new surprise. Today 'Spud' Boyd, a last year's pledge , returned from the Navy, slipped quietly through the assignment committee, shook hands with the boys, took off his coat and is ready for next semester. Fred Silsbee, although not in school and not actively connected with the fraternity, has been in Lincoln ever since his discharge from the Balloon School and has rendered much· assistance in reorganization and in making plans for the future. Fred will be in school next semester. Lieut. Graf and John Vetter have received their discharges and will be back in school next semester. Glen came up from Camp Taylor, where he was stationed in the Field Artillery, and will continue his work in the Law College this semester. Vetter has discarded his aeroplane and will return to the study of old 'terra firma,' as taught by Dr. Condra.

"Lieutenants Carr, Brown, Pettygrov e, Hubble and Powell are some of the old men that have dropped in on their way home from the service. Carr stopped off on his way to Scotts Bluff where he was looking up future location. 'Bus ' Brown is at home in Lincoln with his mother, and is a regular visitor at the weekly meetings. Mrs. Brown still has the same

old interest in the boys and needless to say, there will never be another 'housemother' like her. Hubble and Powell are at home and Pettygrove, we understand, is contemplating going west to grow up with the country. Capt. Taylor has returned to Lincoln and resumed his old duties. Harold Holtz made us a short visit upon return from England. Holtz has been extremely fortunate in his period of service, having been with three of our foreign allies, seen service upon two fronts, and twice decorated for bravery in Italy. Myron Gary has also returned and expects to be in school the next semester or the following fall. Harry Ellis, who was severely wounded while rendering active service in France, has been returned to this country but is still in a base hospital at Des Moines. 'Bob' Ganz was a seaman upon the ship which brought Ellis back and he is still rendering active service. Leslie Ellis has received his release from the navy and visited the 'gang' for a few days upon his way home to Bloomfield, Nebraska.

"Frank Kohn and Alfred Reese are on their way home from France with Base Hospital No. 49. Lieut. Marschelle Power is still in France and is in active service with the Sanitary Corps. Lieut. Walters, Lieut. Kelley, Lieut. Clark, Capt. Morris, Lieut. Kieck, Lieut. Herb Reese and J. C. Ketridge, as far as can be told from last information received, are still in France. The above mentioned men are those with whom we have come in touch or been in correspondence, and from them we have received the inspiration and encouragement to carry on and lay the foundation for a greater and better Acacia next year.

"The Alumni of Acacia, recognizing the Chapter's great need of a house, are beginning to organize and formulate plans for the building of a home, to be ready for occupancy next year. At present, the fraternity has apartments located at 1730 M Street, where to a certain extent, the men can be together and assume a fraternal relationship. But, as a whole, this is not a satisfactory arrangement and does not afford the opportunity of expansion and reorganization that is so much needed at this time. The present plan of the old men is to build a house costing from twenty to twenty-five thousand dollars. About eight thousand of this sum has been pledged, and without a doubt, wheri all old Acacians recognize the need and hear the call, the remainder will be quickly subscribed. Brother Geo. N. Foster is at the head of this movement upon the part of the Alumni and any

man desiring more definite information concerning what has been done and what remains to be done to attain its success. should not hesitate to address him at the Law College, University of Nebraska."

HARVARD HAPPENINGS.

M. V. Conner, Chapter Adviser, writing from 44 Bromfield St., Boston, on March 20, 1919, reports: The men who have re• turned to the University are about to organize the Chapter again as a going concern. They have already had several gatherings to meet eligible Masons in tk University with the result that there will be a number of good initiates taken in soon. On this you will receive a report in the near future. We have not made as much progress in the War Fund drive as anticipated, first because we asked for a reply to our appeal a little too soon to enable our letters to reach all our men who are scattered all over. Some in the service have not yet returned from abroad. To overcome this we are to send out a second apoeal to those who have not so far subscribed to the Fund. Hence our final returns will not be in until late in April. Brother Schaefer, Treasurer of our Drive, reports between $50 and $60 already on hand, and we will send you check for that at any time you are ready for it. Then we will endeavor to double this before May 1st. I am personally keenly disappointed at the small returns for I was confident that we could make a showing that would at least yield $1.00 per man for an Alumni membership of approximately 175 Acacia men.

OHIO OPTIMISTIC.

Lawrence H. Brown, in an interesting letter from the Ohio Chapter House, 1836 Indianola Avenue, Columbus, Ohio, under date of March 15, 1919, gives a good report. He writes:

"The Ohio Chapter of Acacia Fraternity, through various means, such II@ sharing the chapter house with other fraternities, and extending invitations to officers in the S. M. A. at 0. S. U. to board and room at the Chapter house, has managed to keep the house open and retain their charter. It has been a loq hard pull during most of the time but at the present moment we are the most trying period of all. for membership is at its lowest since the outbreak of the war. At ent there are thirteen in the We are in better financial o.;vuu1uvu we were a year ago. Our slate is mt:-• •

except for a three months rental obligation. But this we expect to clear away by the end of the college year. Our response to the War Fund Drive has been small, so far, owing to the lack of funds on the part of memb!'lrs. Copies of our Chapter news letter of February 27, 1919, and of a letter sent out by Brother Arthur S. Watts are enclosed."

From these two communications extracts are made, as they contain much worth general circulation.

"No doubt everyone is aware of the Inroads which the great world war has made upon fraternal life and we, to say the least, were not spared. We began the school year of 1918 with but seven active men and with but very little prospective material. Since that time we have initiated four new men: R. E. Mueller, C. W. Knappenberger, E. R. Snedden and J. W. Hepplewhite, all of · whom are very promising fellows and who can be depended upon to bring credit to the fraternity. In addition to these, we have pledged two new arrivals-H. W. Scannell and C. P. Roberts, who are just 'receiving light.' The annual Masonic Smoker held at the Chapter House, February 13th, brought together an excellent representation of Masonic students and faculty members. Everyone present expressed his deep appreciation of the cordial welcome extended him and of the Impromptu remarks by several alumni and active members. We only regret that business exigencies prevented the presence of several of the alumni who have always possessed a strong feeling toward the chapter. Up to the present time we have reduced our social activities to a minimum having held but two house dances in conjunction with the Phi Alpha Gamma (homeopathic fraternity) who Shared the chapter house with us during the first semester. The next social function was an informal dinner-dance held at the New Southern Hotel on February 22. About 21 couples were present and everybody enjoyed themselves, as manifested by their smiles, up to the last dance.

"The Grim Reaper has taken from us five brothers, four of whom have given their all for our country: Laird K. Roborts, Defiance, Ohio, died at Brest, France, on Jan. 15, 1919, of pneumonia following inftuenza. 'Jerry' enlisted in the navy and intended to return to Columbus to resume his course of law. We shall all miss 'Jerry,' his cheery manner his pleasing music. Harry Heifner at Camp Sherman, Chillicothe, Ohio, on October 4, 1918, of pneumonia follow-

ing influenza. Bro. Heifner was a private in the infantry and was married a short time previous to his enlistment. Guthrie Burrell, New Lexington, Ohio, died ot wounds received in France while in the service of the U. S. Medical Corps as lieutenant. Carl Stebbins died at Stevens Institute, Hoboken, N. J., October 19, 1918, of pneumonia following influenza. He was a warrant officer in the Naval Reserve Force. 0. J. Johnson died at Miles City, Montana, on November 11, 1918, of pneumonia following inftuenza.

"Defying the high cost of married life, E. Schaefer, Benj. Cole, R. Studler, C. B. Marquand, C. O'Brien, H. D. Baldwin, L. G. Schlegel, L. C. Flickinger and D. M. Hickson have slipped the noose about their necks, thrown aside the yoke of single blessedness, and are trying to prove that Jove in a cottage is commensurate with fraternity life. The active Chapter earnestly desires that these brothers will please inform us of additions for our prospective list. Deep mystery surrounds the movements of L. H. Brown. Each evening, almost immediately following dinner, his footsteps can be traced to a certain home on Highland Street. 'Brownie,' we fear you are slipping or have slipped and the 'Free Lances' miss you from their circle at roll call.

"Carl D. Bossert, Washingtonville, Ohio, dropped in on us about two weeks ago. A school year is never complete without several visits from Bossert and we enjoy them as much as he. He has just received his discharge from the U. S. Army in which he held a lieutenant's commission. R. W. (Doc) Wenger usually surprises everyone at least once each year. From all indications we deduct that army life must be strenuous to the extreme since 'doc' has spent most of his visit in the dormitory. Nevertheless, he holds the laurels for 500. J. T. Jamison of Pennsylvania State Chapter has been detailed to Columbus on research work for the Government. Both he and his colleague, W. L. Harris, are very welcome to whatever comforts Acacia has to offer. C. I. Reed is also with us on the same business. Bro. Reed has been ill with influenza but has gained strength quite rapidly. Earl Elliot, recently discharged from active duty overseas, spent two days at the Chapter house last week. Army life has indeed worked wonders with 'Frog Eye.' I. I. Stamm, the 'Wandering Acacian,' has been with us since his discharge from the Aerial Gunnery Service. Nevertheless his feet are burning to be on the move again. Lloyd Thompson is

THE ACACIA SPIRIT.

still in service at Ellington Field, Texas, and entertains no hope of being released for several months. There is little doubt that he will be with us again during the next school year. 'Bill' Rose, the old sage, is among us with his headquarters at the Federal Chemical Company, Columbus, Ohio. Arthur Burket, Robert Otsot, Harry Ewing (mother), Leo Schlegel, C. B. Marquand, E. Fasig and H. R. Yost have all gathered about the fireplace at different times this winter. Chester Swaim (Picardy Chet) finds Wilmington, Ohio, just a trifle uninteresting at times so he comes to the capitol city to brush off the dust. D. S. Bolon and H. D. Barger recently received discharges from the service and are now chasing the elusive dollar. Harley Banks in his last Jetter to the fraternity, modestly states that he will soon receive the Distinguished Service Cross, and the details of the incident he will give as soon as he receives his citation.

"While many fraternities and other Chapters of Acacia have been disorganized and reduced almost to bankruptcy, our Chapter has survived with no vital injury, thanks to the unselfishness of a few men who have kept the house open regardless of expense or inconvenience to themselves. Seventy-four of our members and alumni have given their military services to our country and three have made the supreme sacrifice.

"While we grieve over the loss of these three brothers, we must remember that the work must go on and those remaining must take up the task of restoring the Chapter and the national organization to a pre-war basis. We have just had a good letter from Grand President W. Elmer Ekblaw explaining the plan of the Grand Council. You probably realize that the Grand Council has had practically no income during the war and the individual chapters are in no condition to contribute both to the re-establishment of their local organization and that of the Grand Chapter just now. Brother Ekblaw has a plan that if carried out will put the Grand Council on its feet and not be a hardship on anyone. He wants every member and alumnus to contribute one or two dollars toward a fund to finance a national conclave and support the Grand Chapter through the reorganization period. Also some chapters are completely disorganized and some funds will be needed to reorganize them. Now, brother, this is an obligation that should be gladly shared by each of us who has been spared

from this war. If you can contribute 1 little more than your share it will hell make up the shortage due to deaths disbanded chapters. Don't let this sli1 your mind. Send your contribution a ; once. Also, when are you coming in fOJ a visit at the house? We have a crowc of old men most every week end and wil soon have some from overseas. You can'1 afford •to miss some of these reunions." -

TEXAS TALK.

0. B. Archer, Treasurer of the Chapter, reported March 16, 1919, that conditions were fairly hopeful. He wrote:

"We remained active the whole period of the war, but were forced to move into a small cottage, as we did not own our own Chapter house. Only three or four men were here so the rooms at the cottage were rented out to other boys and expenses partly met in that way. Our debts were not so heavy but that we managed to meet them very well and have practically all bills paid to date. We were rather lucky in not having any big obligations to meet during the crisis.

"At present we have eleven active men and three pledges. However, these active men are not all in school. Six are in the University and two of these are really graduate students. At present the outlook is not as bright as it might be, as material is very scarce and there doesn't seem to be much brighter prospects for another year on that account. We expect, however, to keep going and are hoping for the best.

"Of a total of sixty-five members we had forty-two in One of made the supreme sacrifice. Capt. Moore was killed in action the 11th October. He was with an engineers' regiment.

"In the past we have issued two mfDl:.. eo graph letters to the 'bunch,' but haven t done so this year, due to more unsettled conditions than last year. We expect tD put out some sort of a news letter tbil spring term.

"The report of the War Conference received some time past. Since the is over and things are getting again, it seems to the treasurer V. D. that a Conclave next R ,nt.lllm,'l! would be beneficial to the whole nity. Further than this we have no gestions to offer."

Wqt

1\raria

Continuing THE ACACIA JOURNAL

The Official Organ of The ACACIA FRATERNITY

FRANCIS W. SHEPARDSON, Editor 1330 Lowell Blvd., Springfield, Ill.

Single Copies, Ten Cents Yearly Subscription, One Dollar Mailed 'free, postpaid, to all members in the service upon receipt of address.

Published every six weeks during the college year. Entered as second-class matter, March 10, 1919, at the Post Office, Springfield, Illinois, under the Act of March 3, 1879.

THE GRAND COUNCIL

Grand President-W. Elmer Ekblaw, 712 W. Washington Blvd., Champaign, Ill.

Grand Counsellor-Harry E. Kilmer, Centerview, Mo.

Grand Secretary-James F. Groves, 616 South Grove St., Ripon, Wis.

Grand Treasurer-C. S. Huntington, 1428 Lunt Ave., Chicago, Ill.

Grand Editor-Francis W. Shepardson, 1330 Lowell Blvd., Springfield, Ill.

CHAPTER ADVISERS.

California-Carlos G. White, Syndicate Bldg., Oakland, Cal.

Chicago-W. A. Woods, Suite 616, 112 W. Adams, Chicago, Ill.

Colorado-Prof. John A. Hunter, Boulder, Colo.

CorneH-W. W. Ellis, 309 Farm St., Ithaca, N. Y.

Columbia-!. W. Driehaus, 400 West 118th St., New York City.

Franklin-John W. Heins, 1401 Arch St., Philadelphia, Pa.

Harvard-M. V. Conner, 44 Bromfield St., Boston, Mass.

Illinois-Bonum Lee Kirk, Champaign, Illinois.

Iowa-Frank Thayer, Dept. of Jour. & Publ., State Univ. of Iowa.

Iowa State-H. R. Werner, Ames, Ia.

Kansas State-Prof. N. P. Sherwood, 1025 Maine St., Lawrence, Kan.

Kansas State Agricultural CollegeMinnesota-Walter S. Garvey, 511 Alworth Bldg., Duluth, Minn.

Michigan-Prof. C. T. Johnson, Ann Arbor, Eng. Dept. U. of M.

Asst. Advisor-John Lindenschnitt, Ann Arbor, Mich.

Missouri-Dr. A. W. Kampschmidt, Columbia, Mo.

N_ebraska-Geo. N. Foster, Lawyer, Secunty Mutual Bldg., Lincoln, Neb.

Ohio-Prof. Arthur S. Watts Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.'

P ennsylvania State-Frederick Weaver Agricultural Ext. Dept., State Col. ' Purdue-Dean Stanley Coulter School of Science, Purdue University. '

Assist.-Prof. A. G. Phillips, Dept. of Poultry Husbandry, Purdue University. . Syracuse-Louis Lindsey, 721 UniverSlty Ave ., Syracuse, N. Y. T exas -John Trevelen, School of Commerce.

Washington-Herbert Blogg 730 Central Bldg., in care of Areo Co. Wisconsin-John X. Newman 615 Lake St., Madison, Wis. ' Yale-

SONG BOOKS.

Copies of the Acacia Song Book may be obtained from Grand Secretary J F. Groves. The price is $1.25 a copy.

THE WAR FUND.

WEIGHTSTILL Wooos , adviser for the C_hicago Chapter, has the following stirnng . appeal in the current Midway Acaetan. It has the right ring. "Every Acacian knows now is the time to place our ideals highest. Acacia's sons return from war; some in flesh and blo?d; and oth e rs return in spirit only. thmr bodies remaining where war took them. Those in flesh have new purpose· those in spirit only have new glory. should build upon this purpose and this glory. The unifi ed and forward moving Acacia that shall gather now needs the weaving hand of a conclave. 'That must be financed by us individually until there are chapters active again to carry on. Publications must be renewed to carry the word of cheer. Chapter life must be and sustained through the period of readjustment. The Grand Council has seen and provided for this need. An Acacia War Fund Drive is called for. A fund for the high ideals of peace. Do your double duty. Write your chapter that promised lette r. Addr ess Acacia Fraternity, Box 130 Faculty Exchange University of Chicago. Enclose your gen: erous share of this fund to rebuild Acacia firmly. The Grand Council will wisely use what we give to Acacia, if we give at once. Make it $2 or make it $5-but make it now!"

CALIFORNIA CONFIDENT.

Writing from Hotel Bancroft, Berkeley, California, on March 24, 1919, A. S. Billingsley sends a message of in the future, in spite of the present situation of Acacia beneath the big "C" on the hillside.

California Chapter was not active during 1918. By the end of the fall semester of 1917 so few of our men were left that it was necessary to close the house in December, 1917.

The furniture we have stored with a number of our alumni who live here in Berkeley. The house itself we subleased until expiration of our own lease.

As to our financial condition, we are, I believe, just about square with the world. We have, however, a number of accounts due this chapter which so far we have been unable to collect.

This semester I am the only man from our house who is back in college. We have at present no pledges. However, by next fall some of the men who were actives before the war are expected back and we will, doubtless, have some prospective members to consider.

Our war record, a copy of which I am enclosing, carries forty-six names. J. M. Stephenson is the only one of our men who died in the service, so far as we have learned.

We have, since the first of the year, received Chapter publications from the Nebraska, Wisconsin, and Illinois Chapters, all of which were very interesting. All of these Chapters are to be congratulated on the speed with which they are coming back.

CALIFORNIA'S WAR RECORD.

On March 24, 1919, the roster of Cllllfornln Chapter men In service was: Austin, W. E., '13, Cpl. Field Artlllery, discharged.

Bailey, J . E., '14, Capt. Inf., France . Bardsley, Geo., '11, 2nd Lt. C. A., Ft. Monroe. Barkley, J. W., '16, 2nd Lt. C. A., discharged. Barton, L. H., '20, Pvt. Med. Corps, France. Bendel, R., '13, Cadet, Naval Training School. Bell, C. R., '17, Cadet A. S., discharged. Bell, L. M., '17, Cadet A. S. Bren!lel, F. B., '15, Capt. Med. Corps, discharged.

Rurrlll, A. S., Sgt Med Corps, France. Crawford, R. T., '97., Major Balloon Omaha, Neb.

Rlllingsley, A. S., '21, Pvt. C. A., discharged. Cline, E. H., '09, Capt. Q. M. C. Ducan, J., 1st Lt. Md. C., discharged. Elliot, W. C., '18, 1st Sgt. Md. C., France. IJ'erguson, N. C., Pvt. Md. C., France. Finley , Dozier, '02, Major Ord. Dept., discharged.

Fox, C. B., '12, 2nd Lt. M. G., tlischnrged. l<'oster , Douglas. Fowler, L. w·., 1st Lt. Inf.

Freshour, J., Pvt. Field Artillery, discharged. Haight, F. K.._:17, Ensign U. S. N., discharged. Hopkins, W. tl., '06, Sgt. Q. M. C. Houston, R. G., P. G., Ensign U. S. N. .Tenkins, L. T:.!. 1st Sgt. Eng. Corps, France. .Tohnson. W. c., '09, Lt. Inf. Killian, H. S., U. S. N. :\lcDonald, W. D., 1;;;t Lt. Chap. U. S. A., discharged McMahon B. S., Capt. Q. M. C., Ft. Wayne. :\lonlux, C. E., '17, 1st Lt. Field Artillery, discharged. ;\linkler, M. J., '17, Capt. Chap. U. S. A. Morris, F. F., '20, 1st Sgt. Md. C.. France. Nelson, C., Capt. U. S. Marine Corps, France. Price, C. G., M. E. Eng. Corps, France. Ream, G. D., 1st Lt. A. S., France. Reynolds, R. A., '19, 2nd Lt. Balloon Service, Omaha, Neb. Robson, F. T., '09, Major Eng. Corps. Schofield, R. 0., '18, Pvt. Md. Corps, discharged. Stephenson, H. E., '18, Pvt. Inf., discharged. Stephenson, J. M., Cadet Inf., deceased. Swanton, C. L., '20, Pvt. Md. Corps, Camp Fremont.

Taylor, P. E., A. S., discharged.

Walton, S. P., Sgt. Eng. Corps, France. Webber, A. G., '1o, 1st Lt. Eng. Corps, France. Soule, H. D. B., Pvt. Q. M. C., Camp Mills, N.Y. Vnndegrlft, R. A., 2nd Lt. Inf., Newport News, Va.

PENN STATE PROGRESS.

The Penn State Chapter of Acacia Fraternity managed to keep active until the close of the last school year, April 24, 1918. At that time, because of the fact that there were only two active members who would return at the begin of this year, it was decided that we pend as an active Chapter. our house was closed and our '"r"'"''r., ·• placed in storage. On March 1st, 1919, we resumed as an active Chapter with seven active member-s and two Our financial condition was as had a cash surplus. The outlook for fall is very favorable, as Penn State going to have a greatly increased ment. There were twenty-five members in the service, none of made the supreme sacrifice. We making any move to have a lication this year. Our knowledge General War Fund Drive and the Conference is very limited.-D. EDW KELLER, V. D. April 1, 1919.

SYRACUSE SURVIVES.

In accordance with the agreement the Syracuse Fraternity Alumni tion all chapters at Syracuse inactive till the opening of the Christmas vacation. Active at the Acacia were begun in 1919. During the period of the S.A. the house remained open for board

room to such Acacians as happened to be In the city and to outside college men under the direction of Brother Lindsey as steward. Although our membership has been depleted for the past two years, we have been able, through selecting outside men to room and board at the house, to provide for the maintenance of the house and table in a satisfactory manner.

Including the men recently returned from the service we have on March 1, 1919, six active members. We have no men as yet pledged, but the prospects are that we shall have a number pledged and Initiated before the close of the college year. The outlook for active men at the opening of the college year in September appears more favorable than it has for the past two years, though we shall probably lack a little of a sufficient number of men to fill the house so as to maintain it in a satisfactory manner.

Seventeen of our Chapter were in the service, of whom one, William E. Mosher, made the supreme sacrifice. Due to the fact that for two years practically all our active men and younger alumni have been in the service, the time of those remaining has been largely taken up with maintaining the Chapter house and in work for the resumption of Chapter activities, for this reason no time has been left for chapter publications or the prosecution of the Acacia Endowment Fund Drive.

The Chapter received a report of the War Conference at Chicago from Brother Harris who represented us there. We also received the printed copy of the proceedings.

We believe that the first care of the Conclave should be to use every m'eans to enable the Chapters to become active and to maintain their houses in a manner worthy of the Acacia Fraternity, but September is too late for the Chapters to know on what basis they will be for the college year. If it shall be necessary for some Chapters to combine with other fraternities or take in outside men in order to carry the operating expenses till more Masons return to college that fact should be decided not later than May 1 of the present year in order that the Chapters should be able to take advantage of the most favorable opportunities or if they are not in position to maintain they should be in a position to lease their houses, and we should be glad of a full expression of opinion regarding this from the other Chapters and the Jfficers.-JOHN W. WARREN, Secretary.

AROUND THE TRIANGLE.

WASHii\"GTON CHAPTER reports some prospects but nothing sure. Earl J. Gunther, 5557 Greenwood Avenue Seattle is the V. D. and acting secretar;. ' PURDUE makes inquiry about Song Books. These may be secured from G:rand Secretary Groves, Ripon, Wisconsm. The price is $1.25 a copy.

ILUNOIS issued Th e H eth H ello, a 14 page pamphlet filled with interesting matter about Acacia and Acacians. This number, dated March 1919, is listed as "Vol. 10, No. 1."

Wrs?ONSIN, under date of February 1, 1919, Issued "Vol. VIII, No. 1" of the Wis consin L etter It is a 24 page number, which will be read eagerly by all Wisconsin Acacians.

CHICAGO publishes its M i dway A ca cian regularly, despite the fact that the chapter is temporarily inactive. The number for March 13, 1919 contained nine mineographed pages.

NEBRASKA has sent out one issue of Th e Asp,. under date of February 1, 1919, the publication being in the form of a circular letter.

GRAND SECRETARY GROVES calls atten· tion to the fact that all orders for badges or books and all moneys for dues, initiation fees and Sp i 1it subscriptions should be sent to him.

JOHN W. BAUMGARDNER, a Charter member of the Chicago Chapter of the Acacia Fraternity, died after long illness at his home near Phoenix, Arizona, on I?ebruary the Fifth, 1919. Mrs Baumgardner sent the sad news to the Chapter. The older members remember Brother Baumgardner with sincere affection. He was frank, manly, democratic, and sincere. He had been a student and teacher all his life. He was devoted to fraternal and religious work."-Midway Acacian.

BROTHER E. K. CHAPMAN, Professor of Physics in Wabash College, Crawfordsville, Indiana, writes under date of January 22, from Bloomington, Indiana as follows: "I did not get into war service or wear Khaki clothes, but I have been training men to undertake signal corps work "over there". During the summer months I had a call to come from Wabash College to Bloomington, Ind. to assist in training men for the signal corps work. This work was undertaken by the university on response to a request from the government to establish such training school. All methods of conveying infor-

THE ACACIA SPIRIT.

mation in the army were taught, my work being mostly with the wireless. Of course that is all gone now, and as I have year's leave of absence from Wabash, I am spending the year here doing a little teaching and considerable studying, looking toward my doctor's degree. I am a temporary widower, as I left my family in Wabash. However I get home occasionally to see my good wife and kiddies. I am sure I should be glad to meet any Acacia man who happens to come into this vicinity " Brother Chapman writes further of the possibility of organizing an Acacia chapter at the University of Indiana, and states that there is a strong Masonic organization there, and a desire for a chapter. Chapman is an Acacia missionary.-Midway A. caci an.

BOYS' WORKING RESERVE.

George W. Friedrich, formerly V. D. at Chicago, writes about his work as assistant Federal State Director of the Boys' Working Reserve:

The motto of the Acacia Fraternity is "Human Service." When one helps to elevate humanity, while endeavoring to place himself in an advantageous position, he establishes the spirit of our motto. A large per cent of the brethren undoubtedly are doing this very thing. Sometimes the peculiar work which one is doing stands out in stronger relief than the average man's service. The work, however, need not necessarily promote a more lasting type of citizenship.

I happen to be identified with an organization which is commonly accepted as that of pure service. This organization is called the U. S. Boys' Working Reserve. We have been attempting throughout the United States, to draw the high school boy, during his vacation, from the city to the farm. Last year, Illinois alone placed 20,000 boys on farms. As Assistant Federal State Director, I had occasion to be of value in this work. An incident which will indicate the value of the Reserve may be shown by a unit of a hundred boys who were placed and supervised in

Bureau County, Illinois. These lads, largely from the University of Chicago High School and suburban schools, without previous farm experience, were rated by their farmer as unusually valuable farm help. Ninety-three per cent of them were considered by the farmers as having made good. From a disciplinary point of view, the results were ideal. The boys gained rugged bodies, a cheerful outlook on life and an understanding of "how the other half lives." A concrete illustration of the value these boys were to this country during the war crisis may be shown by the following incident: A farmer by the name of Ralph Allen, utterly dis· couraged because of the lack of man labor, as the last resort, took four boys on his farm. In five weeks these lads had prepared and planted 410 acres of winter wheat. This past year the farmer had averaged 55 bushels of wheat per acre for 80 acres. At the rate of 35 bushels per acre, these boys wnt have been entirely responsible for 14,350 bushels of wheat in the 1918 crop. It was my pleasant duty to hav.e placed and supervised the boys. I a• now at work getting the loan of implements and horses for the Chicago High Schools and Su Schools. These institutions are agricultural courses with demonstration work. Emphasis is being placed on the value that months farm work will be to the and the assistance it will be to starving people of Europe.

While engaged in this found time to do my "bit" ernment in a more concrete enlisted in the Officers' Training Heavy Artillery, Fort Monroe, received about six weeks when the men were released.

The ideal of human service may always be shown in a man's work concrete manner. Yet one who seeker for a position would do my estimation if, having the tunity to choose his life's voca could accept a position in which, he benefits himself, he also benefits community in which he lives.