The Acacia Spirit - August 1919 - Vol. 14, No. 5

Where the Grand Conc l ave will be held September 17th to 20th, 1919. The Victory Conclave for Rehabilitation , Reconstruction, Reconsecration. An epoch-marking meeting for Acacia.

THE GRAND CONCLAVE.

The Grand Conclave is set for September 17th to 20th, 1919 It will be h e ld with the Illinois Chapter at Champaign, Illinois. It will be an epoch-marking occasion. Upon its delib e rations and d ecisions the future of the .Frat e rnity may depend. The walls which have been broken down by war must b e rebuilt. The tribes which have been scattered must be gathered together once again. The brethren must bring tithes into the etorehouse that the work of Acacia may be carried forward.

The Illinois chapter is strongly entrenched. It will prove itself a hospitable and fraternal group of men Its own faith in the future will inspire confidence In the mind of every delegate. The UniYersity of Illinois is a fraternity institution. It encourages the organizations. Its neighborhood is notably marked by attractive chapter houses of excellent architecture. As a university it has gone forward by leaps and bounds in recent years, so that delegates from other institutions will be astonished by what they will see in Urbana and Champaign, the twin cities which house the University and its students and faculties.

But the Con c lave itself should be the great drawing factor. Things must be brought to pass. Acacia must find itself after the turmoil and confusion of war. It must combine rehabilitation with reconstruction. Those members who are fortunate enough to attend this Conclave will long rem ember its busy sessions. With Purdue near by and with Chicago within a few hours there should be a large attendance of both active members and alumni. Every member of the Fraternity should help to encourage attendance, so as to make this occasion the larg est and most inspiring gathering in Acacia history.

A MASONIC FRATERNITY.

Whoever knows the history and the traditions of Acacia loves to linger near the landmarks of the Fraternity. It was a great moment when the founders back at Michigan conceived the idea of a Masonic college fraternity. That was something different. That was a thought for men. That was an inspiration of true brotherhood. They knew that Masons everywhere were selected folk. They knew that Masons who were given the chapce for study in a university were

THE ACACIA SPIRIT.

twice selected folk. To pass that pany once more under inspection and from them, by a third selection, choose those kindred souls who would enjoy and profit by a closer association, that was a real vision. The announcement of the birth of Acacia was hailed with satisfaction. Men felt that there was a chance for an ideal fraternity. For the membership everywhere was to be made up of men, of lawful age and well recommended. One fraternity at least was to be free from the puerile and inane accompaniments which, so often, have brought the ordinary college society into disrepute. So, as another Grand conclave draws near, here's a toast to the men of vision, the founders of Acacia! And here's to the Masonic fraternity which may well point with pride to its record during the short fifteen years since it was established at Ann Arbor!

THE TRIANGLE.

Many members of Acacia are regular readers of "The Builder". It carries a sub-title, "A Journal for the Student." It is published monthly by the National Masonic Research Society of Anamosa, Iowa. It is under the general watchcare of· that prince among men, brother George L. Schoonover, at present Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Iowa. So much for the information of those members of Acacia who do not invest two dollars in this unusually high grade periodical dealing with matters of importance to the craft. There is seldom a number which does not have something of value for Acacia as a fraternity, meaning by that the indefinite, intangible thing, sometimes called the general fraternity as distinct from an individual chapter or a group of chapters.

For illustration: In the February issue is a significant and illuminating study of "The Triangle", written by Harold A. Kingsbury. It is illustrated by a figure representing the famous Forty-Seventh Problem. A distinction is made between the Right Triangle and the Equilateral Triangle, and something regarding each is indicated. As showing the interest of the article a paragraph or two may be quoted · here:

"The Right Triangle is to the Mason, as it was to the ancient Egyptians, the symbol of Universal Nature. The Egyptians, long prior to Pythagoras, the statement in the Monitor knew of this symbol and of those peculiar properties set forth in the statement of the

Forty-Seventh Problem,-"In any right triangle the square of the side opposite the right angle is equal to the sum of the square of the sides making the right angle." And the Egyptians, making use of these properties for the purposes of symbolism, considered one leg as symbolizing Osiris, the Male, considered the other leg as symbolizing Isis, the Female, and considered the hypothenuse as symbolizing Horus, the son and product of Isis and Osiris. Thus, plainly, the Right Triangle presents to the Mason, for his most earnest and devout consideration, God's Great Handiwork-Universal Nature."

Other paragraphs might be quoted. But perhaps that one will lead to a re-examination of the February issue of "The Builder." There is a little bit that might be extracted from the March number. It is found on page 83, in the course of a long communication . A part of the obligation of the Master's degree of one body of Masons is reproduced. These words stand out in black type: "Upon the acacia, symbol of rebirth and newness of life, I promise to instruct the Compan· I ions and Apprentices to labor for the ! intellectual and moral emancipation of · Mankind." The sentence is somewhat suggestive of the open motto of Acacia, found upon the ribbon beneath the coat ' of arms, "The Service of Humanity." As · it is read, it carries one right back to the February article on the "Triangle," to examine again the paragraph immediately ' following the one quoted above: "More· over, this symbol, in calling attention to Osiris and Isis, points out to the Mason the probable source of an important Legend and teaches him that that is but another and, so far as the spectAC character of its incidents is relatively "up-to-date'' version of a old legend told and retold to us, as ancient Egyptians, by the rising, si11klrtf1 and re-rising Sun and by the PI·oc:essMil. of the Seasons."

PURDUE'S PUSH.

Purdue put over the War Fund in fine style. Here is the report Dean Coulter. A check for $296.25, promise of $25.00 more coming. chapter, 23 subscribers, raised Three honorary members gave $43. faculty members contributed $65. three alumni sent in $123. The of the Drive were $19.75, leaving balance of $321.2i. "Bully for Purdue!"

E. A. WREIDT, Ch ic ago.

E. A. Wreidt, of the Chicago Chapter, known familiarly to the great company of Acacians as 'Rasty', has become State Sup ervisor of Industrial Education of Illinois. He is an appointee of, and work!!> under the general direction of, the State Board for Vocational Education, of which Director Francis W. Shepardson of the Department of Registration and Education, also of the Chicago Chapter, is the chairman. During the past two years Brother Wreidt has been Assistant Director oll Registration and Education. In accepting the new position he receives also a substantial increase in salary. What is more to his taste is that he is now in the special field in which he has long desired to work. When the vocational education plan was first being introduced at Washington before it finally took shape in what is known as the Smith-Hugh es Bill, Brother Wreidt was secretary to Senator Hoke Smith and had much to do with the preparation of the

first notable report on vocational education. Brother Wreidt has his home in Springfield where he finds great joy in a young son, Niel Marne Wreidt, for whom he is already looking toward membership in the Acacia Fraternity at Chicago, although it will not be possible to pledge the youngster for a number of years. In the activities of the Chicago Chapter and of those of the Chicago Alumni Chapter as well, Brother Wreidt has always been closely associated. The members of the fraternity will be glad to see his picture as it appears in this number.

ACACIA'S GOLD STARS. •we never can finish the work of life, Nor live to our fullest here, we must carry away from its house of clay The vision we've cherished dear. We dream fair dreams for the years to be, But merchant and toiler, too, .And the soldier brave take into the grave Some deedll they bad hoped to do." -EDGAR A. GUEST.

No compilation has as yet been made to show the losses by death suffered by the Acacia fraternity in the great world war . Through the courtesy of the Illinois and Minnesota chapters this number of the Acacia Spirit pays tribute to a few of the fallen by the insertion of their pictures. One of the first things to be done in the new college year is to secure definite and final record of the activities and achievements of Acacia in the war. Some of the chapters have fairly correct data. Others are far behind.

IOWA ITEMS.

Plans to put the Iowa Chapter of the Acacia Fraternity back on its feet after the period of inactivity which was brought on by the war were discussed at the Founders' Day banquet at the Hotel Jefferson, May 12

A committee composed of Harold Evans, Iowa City, attorney, Prof. C. F. Kurtz, of the School of Commerce , F. A. Sheldon, W. A. Beiderman and A. A. Herrick of the active chapter, was appointed to act, procure a house and to supervise the chapter for the coming year.

At the close of the school year in May, 1918, the · Iowa Chapter decided to become inactive in view of the many difficulties which were certain to beset the path of the fraternity during the continuance of the war. Many of the men left for the army or navy before school was out and by the middle of the summer all but one of the active men were in Uncle Sam's service, and this one was barred because of physical disability. The financial affairs of the fraternity were wound up in good condition and the furniture stored with local alumni members until a chapter house was reopened.

After the armistice was signed and school affairs began to take on, in some manner, their former character, three active men were in school as a nucleus with which to work. Since that time seven men have pledged, two pf whom have recently been initiated. With the coming of the new school year next fall several of the men of last year are expected back, as well as a large number of Masons in the student body from which to gather new material. Prospects for next year are encouraging.

The Founders' Day banquet was a rousing affair in which the old Acacia spirit was much in evidence. The local alumni were enthusiastic in their hopes for the chapter and were greatly pleased at the financial standing despite the war.

President Emeritus Thomas H. Macbride of the University, Dean George F. Kay of the College of Liberal Arts, "AI" Clement, and Harold Evans were on the toast program. Frank Thayer, director of the course in journalism and chapter adviser , was toastmaster.

-FLOYD E. PAGE , S ecre tary.

CALIFORNIA CHAPTER.

The custom of the Birthday Banquet of the California Chapter of the Acacia Fraternity was revived on the evening of April 12th, at the Key Route Inn, Oakland, after a lapse of two years Those present were: John Adams, Harry Hansell, Pete Daley, Frank Haight, Neal Harris, Hiney Hiller, William Hiney, Marc Holzer, Casey Lebrick, Kenn Rogers, William McDonald, Claude Monlux, Frank Pinska, Ben Pratt, Halley Stephenson, Charlie Stewart, Carlos White, Bert Wilson, Archie Billingsley, Ed Flynn, Fred Cozens, Bill Keyes, Ted Berringer, and Charlie Swanton, of California Chapter, and Jimmie Marshall and L. Bussert, of Leland Stanford Chapter.

At the beginning of the banquet, Brother Lebrick, who acted as toastmaster, had each man rise in turn, give his name and a brief outline of his activities during the past year. Two facts to be remarked here are that so many of the brothers present were employed by one oil company, and secondly, that so many of those present were so fortunate as to be able to report recent additions to their families. Brother Hiney, arriving late, excused himself on the grounds of the birth of a daughter twenty minutes before.

The California Chapter of Acacia War Record and Alumni Directory were read and corrected where later information ' could be given by any one present. California Chapter is justly proud of her War Record, having fifty-two men in the service of the United States, out of a membership of one hundred and eight.

Brother Lebrick, after announcing there would be no formal speeches, .,... , ...u for a general discussion on the reopening the house. Owing to conditions the California Chapter has been closed since January, Many valuable suggestions, largely nected with bringing to light of Acacia material, were brought out. most important of these was an originated by Brother Daley. This put in the form of a motion and, amendment, was unanimously The motion was: That a committee of

limited number of members closely connected with college affairs, be selected and empowered so that any one member of this committee, in conjunction with any two members of California Chapter, might pledge a prospective member without further action on the part of the Chapter. Any such action taken by a member of the committee is to be reported to the chairman without delay.

The committee was reminded of it s responsibility and instructed to formulate plans to bring, as nearly as possible, all eligible men up for consideration and to take the necessary steps preparatory to pledging those selected. The sum of $24 was collected and turned over to defray expenses arising from correspondence.

Following remarks on the building fund by Brother White, a general discussion ensued on the advisability of purchasing a lot in the near future, if something desirable as to site and price should be located. The general opinion was that present conditions in Berkeley did make such action advisable.

It seems that the attention of the alumni has not been properly called to the following action, taken at one of the last formal chapter meetings.

Extract from minutes of Regular Meeting No. 454, April 9, 1917 , of the California Chapter of Acacia Fraternity:

"Motion was passed that an invitation be extended to all alumni members of Leland Stanford Chapter of Acacia Fraternity to become associate alumni members of California Cha pter , and any such alumni of Leland Stanford Chapter desiring to affiliate, shall give to the secretary of this Chapter a petition, stating his desire to become such an associate alumnus member. Upon receipt of such a petition, the member petitioning shall be duly recorded as an associate alumnus member of California Chapter."

The spirit shown by the alumni present at the banquet, when the plans for reopening the house were being discussed, was truly inspiring. Too much emphasis cannot be laid upon the value of such encouragement. Those of us who will be most actively engaged in this reorganization thoroughly appreciate this attitude on the part of the alumni.

-A. S. BILLINGSLEY , Secretary.

NEW YORK ALUMNI.

Several articles in the New York Masonic Standard in recent months have told of the activities of the New York alumni chapter of Acacia. In March there was held a smoker at the Columbia Chap-

ter House to which all Master Masons at Columbia University were cordially invited. Fifty members and guests spent a most enjoyable evening. Many brethren but recently returned from military service were cordially greeted .

Maj. Graeme M Hammond, who served in the Medical Department of the army during the entire period of the war and examined 78,000 soldiers for nervous and mental diseases prior to their embarkation for overs eas service, gave a talk on

LINN P. CooKsoN, Illinois. (Died September, 1918.)

his many experiences at Camps Upton and Merritt and at Base Hospital 1, Gunhill road. Dr. Theron Wendell Kilmer, who has spent 25 years in the study of the growth, development, and care of children, and is also an expert photographer, gave an illustrated lecture on the mensurgraph, a new and unpublished photographic method of permanently recording changes of form and size of objects or persons due to any cause. Dr. Wm. H. McCastline, who served as a contract surgeon during the war, assisted with lantern slides. Sorrowful announcement was made of the death of Dr. Timothy Matlack Cheesman, an honorary member of Columbia Chapter. In April came the Victory Dinner. The Standard says:

"The New York Alumni and Columbia Chapter of Acacia Fraternity held thelr first annual Victory Dinner at the Masonic Club last Thursday evening, and it proved a brilliant success.

Some 30 Acacians, including Brothers Ryan, Spooner, and Rogers, newly initiated members of Columbia, were present and patriotic addresses of a high order followed an excellent dinner.

"Brother G. Alfred Lawrence presided as toastmaster. Lt. A. A. Jenkins, formerly Grand Secretary, discussed reconstruction and the problems of the immediate future in Acacia as a university Masonic movement. Lt. D. A. Embury spoke of the inadequacy, the frequent unjust sentences imposed, and the need of radical reform in the present military

C. G. HADDEN, Illinois. (Died April 2, 1918.)

court martial system. Lt. J. J. Hillsley described the activities of the Dental Corps. Lt. Spooner told of his sensations as an officer in the Aviation Corps while at an elevation of 15,000 feet. Lt. Ryan described military life in the Coast Artillery.

"Brother I. W. Driehaus in an eloquent address urged greater opportunity for higher education, especially in the rural districts, as an after-war reconstruction

measure and to relieve the intense congestion of population in the large cities, pointing out that many families endured the discomforts and insanitary conditions of tenement life for the sake of the greater educational advantages afforded their children in large cities. Brother Benj. R. Buffett related experiences as a legal member of• the local draft boards.

"Brother Lawrence, who served as a medical member of Exemption Board 106, described the organization of the Medical Veterans of the World War and the various other patriotic societies rapidly forming and suggested that all such movements be consolidated into one powerful patriotic order made up of the 5,000,000 active participants in the war, who could thus wield a most effective influence in demanding efficient preparation and adequate defense of the nation's interests, keep alive the spirit of loyalty, and insist upon a high order of administrative abil· ity and absolute honesty as necessary qualifications in all aspirants for political office.

"Brother H. A. Brown spoke of the splendid care given to some 750 wounded soldiers at the East. View buildings of the Westchester Department of Charities and invited all Acacians and their ladies to be guests of Mrs. Brown and himself at their next monthly meeting.

"A letter was read from Brother R. W. Lamson, U. S. A. Base Hospital No. 82, France, announcing his promotion to captain and describing military hospital conditions over there.

"A silent toast was drunk standing to the brethren that had 'gone West' in the great conflict and to the late honorary president, Brother Wm. Homan."

In May a picnic was held, the Standard reporting:

"Some seventy-five Acacians and their ladies accepted the cordial invitation of Brother and Mrs. H. A. Brown to celebrate Founders' Day (May 14) at beautiful Grasslands, their country place in the Westchester hills, near Eastview. Some went by automobile and others were met at the Eastview station by buses. Gen· eral Base Hospital 38, containing over 750 wounded soldiers, was visited during the afternoon and words of cheer and good wishes extended to the boys in khaki. A picnic luncheon was thoroughly enjoyed and games of cards, music, dancing, and singing sped the hours away.

"At the annual meeting a unanimous vote of thanks was extended to Brother and Mrs. Brown for their charming hospitality. The reports of officers and (Continued on Page 44.)

Wqr 1\rnrin Spirit

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.

SONG BOOKS.

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

PERSONAL POINTS.

Robert G. Buzzard, who furnished the picture of the Acacia boys at Fort Sill in December, sent in also these personals regarding Chicago Chapter mates of his:

Ellsworth ' Faris, Ph.D. '14, has been Acting Director of Iowa Child Welfare Research Station during the war, leaving his duties as Professor of Psychology at the University of Iowa.

Frederick M. Thrasher, A.M. '18, has been Director of Red Cross Home Service Institute at the University of Cincinnati.

William H. Kadesch, Ph.D. '15, is now Principal and Manager of the Calvert School, a naval preparatory school at Annapolis, Maryland, leaving his former work at the U. S. Naval Academy.

Wilkie Clay Ham, Ph.B '15 , was a Captain in Company "F," Officers Training Camp, Camp McArthur, Texas

Charles A. M. Waterhouse , A.M. '14, was a Second Lieutenant in the 168th Squadron, Air Service , A. E. F.

Lloyd K. Riggs, Ph.D '18, was employed in the laboratories of Squibbs & Co. at New Brunswick, New Jersey, engaged on army serum problems.

Leslie T. Bare was a Second Lieutenant with the Field Artillery, A E. F.

Willard Carl Smith was a Sergeant First Class with the Sanitary Corps, Water Supply Department, American Expeditionary Forces

WALTER SCOTT GARVEY.

Walter Scott Garvey, of the Minnesota Chapter, died on April 25, 1919. He was buried in LeRoy, Minnesota, his boyhood home. He graduated in Electrical Engineering in 1916. He was a member of Alpha Kappa Sigma, the honorary engineering fraternity. During the stress of war difficulties he was selected by the Grand Council as the Chapter Adviser for Minnesota. At the time of his death he was residing in Duluth He was a brother of whom Acacia had right to be proud.

ILLINOIS HONOR ROLL.

In the Army-A. N. Abbott, H. G. Abbott, T. R. Agg, F. D. Ball, H. H. Bartells, I. C. Benedict, E. C. Bennett, F. S. Benton, B. A. Black, L. Booth, F. W. Boye, F. A. Bush, W. H. Bushman, L. L. Beyers, L. C. Cannon, T. M. Cannon, P. W. Carbaugh, H. M. Cassidy, J. A. Chase, S. C. Clark, 0. R. Clements, C. D. Collins, L. H. ColU'ns, D. C. Colmey, F. H. Congle· ton, H. H. Crawford, E. C. Cristian, L. E. Cutler, W .H. Doerscher, T. J. Douglas,

R. Dunham, R. W. Feik, F. S. Fields, D. F. Flemming, C. H. Fletcher, L. S. Foote, R. A. Gale, R. E. Gayle, K. H. Gordon, H. M. Gray, T. A. Haish, R. P. Hall, M.S. Hanes, B. S. Rite, R. L. Hermann, C. 0. Herr, R. E. Himstedt, 0. ·w. Holmes, H. H. Holtzman, L. E. Hostettler, N. D. Jenkins, H. M. Jones, G. S. Kennelley, H. S. Kilby, W. I. Kirby, M. B. Kugler, A. W. Larson, R. J. Lascelles, A. T. Loomis, H. W. Mateer, W. J. McFarland, C. W. McKnight, J. C. McLean, L. M. Mongrieg, H. H. Morris, W. R. Morrisoq,

D. 0. Mount, C. J. North, L. J. Nye, P. W. Oberg, R. T. Olmsted, R. G. Olson, W. 0. Pendarvis, I. L . Peterson, G. L. Randolph, T. G. Ratcliff, H. J. Reiger, H. D Robinson, W. E. Rominger , R. R. Root, R. L Sanders, W. C. Stevens, W. M. Smith, E. A. Smith, E. R. Suter, R. J. Todd, W. H. Tucker, J. K Tuthill, G. W Unger, G. P. Vaughn, J. C. Walmer, F. D. Webster, L. B . Wedge, A. T . Weydell, 0. Wing , H. W. Winkleman, H. C. Wolf, A. T . Young , J. T Zaleski, C. A. Zelle.

In the Navy-W. W. Anderson, K. M. Coggan, W. A. Diesel, L. A. Hammond, V. H. Kern, W. E. Krieg e r , H. H. Love , R. R. LaFollette, R. A. Olsen, E. E. Pro,bst, R. I. Shawl , G. C. Smith, G. K. Wetzel!.

In the Constructing Quartermasters' Division-F. H. Brown, H. E. Reynolds, C. H. Knowles, E. F. Miller, C. A. Nye.

AROUND THE TRIANGLE.

WASHINGTO N chapter reports that a number of the members are back from army service, and that the prospects for next year are quite hopeful.

E. E. FARIS of the Chicago Chapter, who has been a member of the faculty of the University of Iowa for a few years, returns to the University of Chicago as a professor in th e Department of Sociology Dr. Faris is making a distin ct success of teaching, and promises to bring great honor to Acacia as the years go by.

MINNESOTA chapter has returned to its own home, 1206 Fifth Street, S. E., Minneapolis, Minnesota. All correspondents should note this change of address. The chapter recently issued an attractive number of its little paper, " A Sprig of Acacia."

ILLINOIS chapter prospers, judging from the thirty-eight page number of the "Heth Hello" recently received. There is a big service flag with 115 stars upon it, three of them of gold. There is a list of> thirtynine members who will be back to start the new year. There is a list of nine members who have had their thirtysecond degree. The chapter has pledged W. Elmer Ekblaw, Jr., weight ten pounds But there is not room for all the notes. Come, see for yourself what a chapter it is when you attend the Great Victory Session of the Grand Conclave in September.

WISCONSIN chapter issued numbers 2 and 3 of Volume VIII of the "Wisconsin Letter" on May 1 and June 13, respectively. A burning question on the shores of Lake Mendota appears to be, "Will Acacia have a new fraternity home at Madison next year?" The chapter has outgrown its present house. It talks

about forty members next year. Generous responses are reported in the way of subscriptions to the house fund. It will be an occasion for great rejoicing if the chapter goes over the top on the driv for a fine new home.

WAR DRIVE Fmm. The Grand S ecretary reports the following contributions to the War Fund Drive, in addition to the Pur· due subscription mentioned elsewhere: Chicago Chapter, $25; Chicago alumni, $100; Columbia Chapter, $149 (of this amount Cornell is to be credited with $5, Yale with $5, Penns y lvania with $3, and Harvard with $1); Harvard Chapter, $70.50; Illinois Chapter (McKnight), $2; Ohio State Chapter, $114; Kansas Chapter, $58, making a total of $518.50.

HERBERT A. BLOGG of the Washington Chapter should be addressed at 708 Belmont Place, Seattle. He left the employ of the Aero Alarm Company some months ago.

L. P. HoLT, of the Iowa Chapter, '18, put in part of Washington's Birthday in writing a letter to the Acacia Spirit. He had just received the September issue. He is with the Asiatic fleet, his letter being dated at Canton, China, at which place he arrived from Hong Kong the day before. He was with the submarine fleet for a time but was transferred to a cruising fle et . Lt. Holt reports that he has had an enjoyable time seeing the orient.

UNCLE SAl\1 reports that Frank S. Wetzel has removed from Tampa to 941 Oak Street, Jacksonville, Florida, and that H. H. Dewey is at 6620 Northwestern Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, having left Aurora, Illinois.

GRAND SECRETARY GROVES wants some extra copies of the Acacia Spirit for September, 1917, and December, 1917. If any chapter has extra copies of these two numbers, or individual members are willing to spare them for the Grand Secretary's files, he will appreciate the attention to this need of his office.

CoLoRADo CHAPTER r e ported to the Grand Secretary early in May that it had initiated fourteen new members. That is an encouraging note from the mountain state.

OMAHA AcACIANS are planning an alumni chapter. They are anxious to know the names and addresses of all members of the fraternity residing in their city or vicinity. If any one who reads this item knows of an Acacian in Omaha he should send word to Brother Thomas Zacek, Michigan '15, whose address is 2024 Sherman Avenue, Omaha, Neb.

ACACIA MEN AT FORT SILL.

Left to right-Rear Row . R. G. Buzzard, 2nd Lt. S. C. (Chi cago); A. H. Frost, 2nd Lt. F. A. (Kansas); H. H. Bartells, 2nd Lt. F . A . (Illino i s); C. B. Marquand, 2nd Lt. F. A. (Ohio State); R. A . Wenger, 2nd Lt. F . A. (Ohio Stat e ) ; R. S. Erlandson, 2nd Lt. F. A. (Wis c onsin); E. A. Vaughan, 1st Lt. F. A. (Kansas State) .

Left to right-Front Row . F. J. Heller, 1st Lt. Dental (Northwestern); W. R. Shriener, 2nd Lt. F. A. (Kansas); T. J. Palm e r, Jr., Major F. A. (Harvard); G. A. Kenderdine, Captain A. R. C. (Iowa); D. J. Teare, 2nd Lt. Ord. (Wis c onsin); Jack Cummings, 2nd Lt. Air Service (Kansas).

ALICE MARY is her name . She arrived this spring at the home of the Grand Secretary in Ripon. She is reported to be a young lady of excellent accomplishments in music and" domestic science. The enthusiastic father reports, "While she is not eligible for masonry , she wears a 'Mason's first pin.' "

WILLIAM G. MANN, Pennsylvania chapter, former Grand Editor, is Case officer on the Federal Board for Vocational Education, Rehabilitation Division, District 13, at Seattle.

EARL J. GuNTHER, Washington chapter, recently purchased a drug store and is reported to be doing a good business out in Seattle.

PURDUE chapter's "Hour Glass" for June, Volume V, No. 2, contains twelve pages of interesting matter. There are some appealing illustrations for the benefit of the alumni. The Homecoming celebration of the chapter will be held on Octob e r 11, 1919.

CARROLL W. COLLINS, recently inHavana with the National City Bank of New York, is now at Estrada Palma No. 4, Camaguey, Cuba. He sends a dollar in order that the Acacia Spirit may reach him during the coming year.

CHICAGO ALUMNI CHAPTER raised $100 for the War Fund Drive in short ord er at its April meeting. The subscribers included: Chicago Chapter, Woods, $10; Moore, $10; Parker, $10; Jones, $5. Illinois Chapter, Cattron, $10; Wenger, $5. Northwest e rn Chapter, Bain, $5. Ohio Chapter, Wright, $5. Purdue Chapter, Shera, $10; Eddy , $5; Robinson, $5. Syracuse Chapter, Harris, $10 . Yale Chapter, Hendrickson, $10.

NEw OFFI CE RS of the Chicago Alumni Chapter are as follows : President, Glen Eddy of Purdue; Vice-president, Dr. Moore of Chicago; Secretary and Treasurer, Bain of Northwestern; Editor of "The Dope Sheet," Wright of Ohio State .

THE ACACIA JOURNAL.

One of the topics for the forthcoming reconstruction conclave will be related to the return to the Journal. The AcACIA SPIRIT perhaps has accomplished its purpose in providing a medium for holding the membership together during the trying period of the war. But its limitations are apparent to every one. It is smaller

in size than some of the individual chapter papers. It lacks the dignity which ought to attach to a publication of a fraternity like Acacia Motives of economy, of course, have dominated those who have had the affairs of the fraternity in charge. The SPIRIT was a war emergency project. The war is over. The bounding enthusiasm of the fraternity looks forward to a prosperous futur e. Along with the d eve lopment certain to come and with the oth er forward steps which must be taken, should come the return to the Journal. In all probability, too, it should be published oftener than quarterly. There ought to be a minimum of six numbers during the college year. It would be desirable to have one of these numbers serve as a sort of fraternity year book in which the lists of active members of the chapter might be published and a general summary which would enable any one to know the conditions existent everywhere throughout the country so far as Acacia is concerned.

A CATALOGUE NEEDED.

One imperative action by the Conclave should be the provision for the early publication of a creditable catalogue oil the Acacia Fraternity. Th ere hav e be en lists of members published from time to time in the Journal. Even these were confessedly faulty. Th ere are rosters of individual chapters which are printed at least once a year, the little chapter papers being utilized for this purpos e. Thes e lists, as a rule, have a sp ecial group of those whose addresses are unknown. After fifteen years of honorable history it is time for Acacia to have a catalogue. The mailing list of the SPIRIT is faulty in many respects. Editorial work on the SPIRIT is hampered because of the lack of any means of !mowing who are members ol:' Acacia and therefore who should rec eive proper attention in the SPIRIT. either by way of personal note or with more extended comment. Inquiries come from various sources asking for a directory of the fraternity. One of the latest is from Omaha where a group of enthusiastic members desires to become an alumni chapter and desires to know what Acacians are resident in the city. Happy chance is the only way in which such members can be brought together. This is all wrong. The catalogue is the most important administrative publication now needed by Acacia.

THE ACACIA SPIRIT.

FOR CONCLAVE DELEGATE&

Grand Secretary Groves has prepared the following note for Conclave Delegates:

Grand President Ekblaw has well said that this Conclave will be characterized by reorganization effecting greater na· tional unity and greater c ontinuity in chapter ideals and activities. Your delegate should b e thoroughly familiar with your local conditions and capable of carrying back to your chapter the greatest benefits from the conclave. He should have definite information concerning:

1 Finance-Building valuation, equity, chapter accounts, dues, assessments; steward, board, room, debts; Grand Fraternity, initiation fees, per capita tax,

2. Records-Membership records and accounting books on all finances.

3. War R ec ord-Date o:li inactivity, men in service, men lost, memorial for lost men.

4. Reorganization- Active members September, 1919; pledges, September, 1919, prospects for new members. Will you need outside men in order to support your house?

5. Chapter Life-Officers, duties; meetings, attendance, social meetings; scholarship, relative standing, Freshman supervision.

6. .Alwmni-Names of those who do things.

7. Honorary Members-Their service to your chapter and to the fraternity.

8. Former Conclaves-Minutes of recent Conclaves. Constitution an(j. by-laws.

(Continued from Page 38.) committees showed the New York Alumni Association to be in a flourishing condi· tion, much war work accomplished, and peace and harmony prevailing to a marked degree.

"The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: Brother Irwin D. Driehaus, President; Leslie E. McCuen, Vicepresident; R. A. Fyfe, Secretary-treasur· er; G. Alfred Lawrence, Delegate to the Grand Conclave. Brother Lawrence waa also elected Delegate to the Grand Conclave to represent Columbia Chapter at the annual chapter election previously held. Brother Driehaus is a Past Ven· erable Dean and the Chapter Adviser of Columbia Chapter and Past Master of Washington Lodge 21.

Acacia Fraterni ty

CURRENT GRAND OFFICERS

Grand Presid ent

. W. ELMER EKBLAW 713 W. Washington Bvld., Urbana, Illinois.

Grand Counselor ....... H ARRY E KILMER Centerview, Missouri.

Grand Treasurer

Grand Editor . •

Grand Secretary

C. S. HUNTINGTON 1910 Conway Bldg., Chicago, Illinois.

FRANCIS W. SH EPARDSON Capitol, Springfield, Illinois .

J. F. GROVES Ripon, Wisconsin.

Report of the War Conference

Held in Chicago, May 31, 1918

Grand Presid en t Brown. The Special War Conference of the Acacia Fraternity will come to order. This is a very unusual meeting of the Fraternity. It is regular insofar as it is a meeting of the Grand Council and irregular so far as it is taking the place of a Grand Conclave. The meeting cannot have any official status or proceed to any definite legislation except as that may be done through rulings of the Grand Council and laws laid down in the constitution and by-laws, and that, always subject to ratification ·by the n ex t r egular Conclave. I think that the great emergency of the time warrants us going about the business in this way. · I should lik e to hear from the chairman of the CredeRtial Committee, Brother Collins of Michigan.

Michigan. Broth e r Brown , I shall read the names of th e- delegates:

California-Not represented. W. Collins , Chicago-F. W. Shepardson,

Active, Delegate. Alumnus, Delegate. Minnesota-A. LeRoy Thomas, C. N. Gould, Alumnus, Visiting. Active, Delegate. Colorado-N ot represent e d . Missouri-L. A. Wilson , Columbia- G. A. Lawr e nc e, Active, Delegate. Alumnus, Delegate, and Dele- Ne braska - Not repres e nted . gate from N. Y. Alumni Assn. Ohio-C. I. Reed, Active, Delegat e. Cornell-C. D. Grinnells , M. L. Wright, Alumnus, Visiting. Active, Delegate. Penn State-Not represented. Franklin-Not represented. Purdue-H. B. Collings, Harvard - Not represented. Active, Delegate. Illinois-W. Elmer Ekblaw, L. Selby, Alumnus, Visiting. Alumnus, Delegate. G. B. Wilson, Active, Visiting.

E. C. Christian , Active , Visitor. E. L. Moon, Active, Visiting. G. H. Eddy, Alumnus , Visiting. Iowa--'W. A. Weber , Active, Delegate. Syracuse-W. D. Harris, Iowa State-]. c. Cort, Alumnus, Delegate. Alumnus, Delegate. Texas-Not represented. Kansas-]. E. Miller, Washington-Not represented. Active, Delegate. Wisconsin-M. M. Morris, Kansas State-G. C. Gibbons, Active, Delegate . Active, Delegate. G. H. ] enkins, Alumnus, Visiting

H. D. Ryan, Active, Visiting. Yale - Not represented.

This is the list of men from the chapters represented. The following members of the Grand Council are present:

Harry L. Brown , Grand President.

]. A. Woodward, Grand Counselor.

]. F. Groves, Grand Secretary.

C. S. Huntington, Grand Treasurer.

Wallace Meyer, Associate Grand Editor.

Special War Conference of the Acacia Fraternity

Grand President It certainly speaks well for the loyalty of the Acacians and for the future welfare of our Fraternity when with much less than one month's notice we can get as assemblage of this size together.

J.t will be neces·sary for us to complete this meeting today and Y OU will pardon me .for reminding you of this fr.om time to time. We shall have to Jay plans today and leave the rest to committees. Inasmuch as this i's a. war meeting, we sha.JI dispense with all formality .

GRAND PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS

Pre sented to the 1918 War Conference Met in Lieu of the Twelfth Grand Conclave

It should have been my privilege as well as pleasure to have just now called to order the twelfth Grand Conclave of Acacia, Fraternity. But as the times are abnormal, so also must be the · doings of our beloved brotherhood We are therefore met this day in a war conference o•f Acacia, which I believe will be i-n all essentials, a regular Conclave, and 011e perhaps of more than common importance in the history of the Fraternity. The problems we shall consider are of great moment, fo r they 'Pertain not so much now to the development of our organization, as to its very existynce: When a great war like the present c omes upon a people , it has a splendidly unifying influence upon a nation, but at the same time a strongly disintegrating influence upon such institutions .as Acacia, the functions of which, however noble and necessary in peace times, may seem quite unessential when their needs are contemporary with the call of country. Ye t the very evident decline in the activities of the Fraternity, in itself rather disheartening, is, when viewed from a br·oader aspect, a glorious tribute to the patriotism and valor of our membership, for in most instances, the present weakness of a once strong chapter is an indication of tho strength of contribution it has made to the glorious cause of this war for the right.

And Acac ia has certainly contributed generously to the man power and financial backing of our fighting farces The majority of the Grand Council approved the .acti on , and Grand Treasurer C. S. Huntington purchased $700 of bonds of the First Liberty . Loan. In supplying man power , several of our chapters have been forced to close up thei-r houses and discontinue the active chapter homes, as the men had all answered the call. Others have been able to keep the house going, only by renting out rooms to it s alumni, to · non-membe·rs such as enlisted men taking special mHitary courses at the universities, to groups of, men from another fraternity, etc. F or next year the outlook for men to operate our houses is even worse, or from the patriotic viewpoint it is more splendid, for it means that Acacia will be represented in the service by even more men.

I cannot give definite figures, but I estimate that we now have nearly ·500 men in the various branches of the service. The Grand Council has not been unheedful ·Of the call of our country. On May 5, 1917, Grand Secretary A. A. Jenkins tendered his resignation to the Grand Council that he might

Special War Conference of the Acacia Fraternily

be free to attend the second reserve officers' training camp, at the conclusion of which he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in Infantry. On May 21, 1917, Grand Treasurer John W. Shera resigned to enter the second officers' training camp at Fort Sheridan, which awarded him the commission of Second Lieutenant in Infantry. Since January I st of this year I have been giving my utmost to the task in the office of the Chief Signal Officer of the Army, for which I was called to Washington. Since February 15, Grand Counselor John A. Wood war<! has been serving the Government as a ballistic expert in the Lowell, Mass., plant of the U. S. Arms Mfg. Co. In fact, the men of Acacia have universally shown themselves ready and willing to sacrifice all plans and ambitions, comforts and loved ones, and respond in more than usual numbers to the needs of this great land of liberty and honor. Long may it live.

But let me add that the undergraduate men who have withheld from the impulse to j oin the colors in 'Order that they might complete their college courses, have acted wisely, for there is no doubt that they will be able to give a fuller measu re of service, and be of greater value to the country for having thus prepared themselves. Let no Acacia man who has sincerely remained behind that he might complete bis study, feel that he is in any sense a slacker. There will be ample opportunity for him to get into this great war game when he will have completed his training and equipped himself with the fundamentals he will so greatly need. President Wilson has said in an open letter -to Dean ,M. E. Cooley of the engineering college, University of Michigan, that he has "--very great concern that none of the educational processes of the country should be interrupted any more than is absolutely unavoidable during the war." This should be the guiding policy.

And for those who are 1hus engaged in their educational courses, there is no end of vasNy important work they can do, such as a.ssisting in floating Liberty Loans, raising Red Cross funds, and promoting much other war auxiliary work. Acacia men have already taken important parts in these things and there will be other opportunity to do so in increased measure and thus give service of vital importance while they are pursuing their studies.

WHY 'l'HE WAR

The loss ·Of active membership we have undergone has of course considerably depreciated the normal income into the treasury of the national fraternity. While the normal expenses have been substantially curtailed, there has nevertheless been a shrinkage in the national balance. To have held a conclave at this time with ' its accompanying high cost, would have practically drained the treasury, a particularly bad thing in the face of unusual financial responsibilities brought upon us by the war. At the same time, as you no doubt comprehend from what has already been said, it seemed essential that a meeting of the whole fraternity be convened, at the earliest possible moment, to deal with the important problems. A meeting not providing representation in the specified manner could not, of course, have the status of a conclave. Thus was the plan of this War Conference developed to accomplish the necessary business without the usual heavy expense of a regular conclave. I trust that the reports of the Grand Secre-

Special War Conference of the Acacia Fraternity

tary and Grand Treasurer will indicate a ,balance of funds and give reassurance to the pew administration such as could ·cert·ainly not have existed had it been necessary to turn over a fundless treasury.

THE FRATERNITY EVENTS REVIEWED

I shall endeavor .to be brief as possible in my report on the trend of affairs in the •Fraternity during the two-year period since the last Conclave, for there is much ground to cover and it will be necessary t.o bring this Conference to a close tonight. This has ·been an ·eventful period, however, and there are several important circumstances which m\,\St be made a matter of record in the Fraternity by reading them into this report. Some of the 1!esser events will be passed over now with but a remark. These include the representation .of Acacia atthe ·eighth and ninth annua! ·meetings of the National Inter-Fraternity Conference in 1916 by Grand Secretary jenkins, Grand Counselor Woodward, Irwin ·W. Dreihaus ·and the writer, and in 1917 by Brother Dreihaus, ·w. W. Hilditch, Hubert Rosencrans and the writer. The first National Inter-Fraternity banquet, held in New York City in this connection in 1916, was attended by some twenty Acacia men, including the regularly .appointed delegates to the conference.

The two-year period has been marked by a healthy gmwth of the alumni interest in the Fraternity, as· is perhaps best evidenced by the fact that there are now alumni ·associations definitely recognized by the Grand Council in Chicago, New York, Ind ianapolis, Detroit, Minneapo•lis and Washington, D. C. The activity of most of these associations has recently ceased, but the pleasure derived from their earlier meetings will no doubt survive the war cause their re-establishment.

Previous to the entry ·of the United States into the war, there was every evidence at all the chapters of a most wholesome attempt to live up to the constitution, by-laws and customs of the Fra·ternity. In fact, I think I may say without reserwation that previous to April 6, 1917, Acacia was at its best attained height of loyalty to the national organizatioi\, ·of good local and inter-chapter feeli-ng and good fellowship, of prevailing desire to carefully observe all general FraternitY laws customs, and of pronounced interest in the doings ·and welfare of the ·Fraternity .as a whole. These admirable characteristics Of the membership have since been less in no doubt because of the sheer distraction -of attention from fraternity matters by the individual probl·ems incident ·to the war. There is now, therefo·re, in my opinion, no cause . to feel that the closing of at least three chapter houses and the cessation of all Aca·cia meetings and functions at several others, bear any sembtlance of lack -of effort or interest in the Fraternity. These are simply inevitable circumstances of which I fear we shall see more instances before we have finally accomplished .the peace of victory for which we now as a nation have staked our all.

One incident which will bear remark is the very s plendid support which the ·Masons and Scottish Rite gave to Acad.a upon being advised by the of the actions of the Texas governor, intended to abolish fraternities, including Acacia,· from the University of Tex·as. Telegrams and letters in reply imparted the information that the matter would be given prompt attention,

and the assurance that pressur e would be brought to b e ar upon the governor Just how closely this assurance was coupled to the subs e quent impeachment and removal from office of Governor Ferguson , I am unable to say, b ut the fraternity system is now apparently a substantial fixture at the university for some time to come.

One of the happiest achievements of the two years was the op e nin g in January, 1917, of a real chapter home for Columbia Chapter in New York City, at 357 West 119th St. The house has been a source of great enjoyment to all the members of Columbia and to the memb e rs of many oth er chapters who have sought the generous welcome of the chapter durin g the year and five months it has been open . It has naturally b een a great dezvous for Acacia men in New York , and particularly for Acacia offic ers and soldiers awaiting e mbarkation. Such a constant supply of transient Acacians has been available to keep the house full , each donating his small share to the general expenses, that in spite of a very lean year for the active chapter, it has been possible to maintain the house and r e alize a profit from its operation. The active chapter is now practically defunct, but the alumni who have the house in charge, having ·once tasted its great fellowship, are making every effort to maintain the house, and I feel sure they will succ eed And Acacian stopping in New York should take up his temporary quarters at ·the chapter house and thus assist in defraying the expenses and maintaining the house and at the same time enjoy som$! good fellowship and save himself some money. Th e same procedure should be followed whenever any Acacian is in any town where we have a chapter house, for all chapters are having great difficulty in meeting expenses owing to the decided d e pletion of membership .

STAi\'FORD CHAPTER DIS$0LVES

One event of regre table character has marred an otherwise progressive and pleasant administration. This was the withdrawal of the second oldest chapter , Leland Stanford , from Acacia .

•Previous to the Purdue Conclave, there had exi-sted some ill feeling on the part of cer tain members of Stanford Chapter toward the Grand Council, which had seen fit to reverse the decision of the chapter on an appealed case of expulsion of one of its members. At the Conclave, the Stanford delegate arraigned the Council bitterly for its action, but the Conclave upheld its judgment. After his mind had been freely spoken , there seemed to follow a clearing of the atmosphere, so to speak, a·nd a much more friendly attitude. And in answer to a direct question by Grand President George E. Frazer, as to whether he would endeavor upon his return to help the chapter live down its ill feeling and resume active interest, he replied _ with apparent sincerity that he would "do all in his power."

Nothing was heard from Stanford until immediately after the holidays, when without intimation that such an act was I received the following letter from Stanford, dated December 20, 1916:

"The Stanford chapter at her last regular meeting, held tonight, has, in view of the difficulties she has bad and the worse she is to have in the future, voted unanimously to respectfully extend the charter of the Stanford Chapter to the Grand Council of the Acacia

Special War Conference of the Acacia Fraternity

· "We wish to assure you that there is extreme regret on our part in turning this over, but we frankly acknowledge our inability to weather the past and futur·e

" The affairs of the fraternity hav-e been turned over to a receivership and the belongings in the way of furniture are to 'be sold with an attempt to liquidate our lebts.

"Some of our alumni are backing us to the ext·ent of guaranteeing any financial deficit there may be after sale of such furniture , "In parting fr om you, we do s·o with the best fraternal feelings and beg of you to see with us -that this is best for the Acacia Fraternity at large and for ourselves

"The semester is ending on the twenty-first of this month and we are disbanded.

·

"Communications M the imm e diate future may be sent to Stanley Herold, Box 802, Stanf-ord University, Cal. "

With best wishes for the holidays , we are , Respectfully y.ours, Stanford Chapter Acacia , (Signed) per STANLEY C . HEROLD, Secretary.

At , about ·the same time, a package containing five rituals was received from Stanford by Grand Secretary jenkins, with no letter of explanation accompRnying. Brother jenkins had a letter from the chapter in October, paying accounts, and one in November , sending in three new membership blanks. In neither of these letters was there any indication of trouble or any talk of withdrawing. While -the Jetter just quoted is phrased in respectful terms, it gives no information as to the developments in the chapter leading up to the action nor has it ever been possible to secure a clear account of the chapter proceedings After careful consideration, I took the following action:

The majority of the Grand Council sanctioned the immediate suspension of the Stanfo rd Ohapter, and on january 3, 1917, I wired Mr. Herold as Secretary of Stanford Chapter, as foHows:

"Charter regretfully received. I am greatly surprised and most disappointed. I cannot believe you are sincere. By Grand Council action , Stanford -charter is this day suspended."

At the same time I took steps to conduct two independent investigations to determine-

( I) The possibility of reorganizing the Stanford Chapter with such of the members as might be interested to retain their affiliation and their chapter, bringing in sufficient new members to ca-rry on the work; or

(2) As an alternative plan, if none of the members cared to enter into this reorganization, the possibility of organizing at once a new petitioning Masonic club which would soon be able to take up the Stanford charter through .the usual process.

To determine -these two points by two independent I appointed one committee of California chapter men composed of E. D. Flynn, chairman , E C. Leebrick and M. j. Minkler, and one committee of Stanford alumni composed of james G. Marshall, chairman, Charles M. Taylor and Robert E. Anderson. These two committees were instructed to

work entirely independent of each other in investigating the possibility and advisability of the first plan and then the second of continuing a chapter at Stanford, and upon completion of their work, to meet with and at the call of Arthur R. Keith, chairman of the committee of the whole, for the purpose of comparing their findings and devising ways and means of executing whichever plan seemed best, if either were possible . Me anwhile, I wrote to all alumni of Stanford chapter and urged them to co-operate with Brother Marshall in re-establishing the chapter This letter brought a number of replies which were about equally divided in supporting and condemning the Grand Council of the last administration for its action in the expulsion case. They also disclosed many things of interest and importance in studying the situation.

The reports of the investigating committee, forwarded only after a study on their part extending over a period of two months , were most conclusive. In my original instructions to them I had specified that the investigations should "not give any consideration to the expulsion case nor any other past history of the chapter, except insofar as it is needed to throw light on the possibilities of the two plans proposed." Hence the reports deal only with the two questions assigned: They are as follows:

REPORT OF '1HE COMMITTEE OF CALIFORNIA OHAPTER UPQN THE CONDITIONS EXISTING AT STANFORD UNIVERSITY

To the Grand President Qf the Acacia Fraternity: Dear Sir and Brother:

"In pursuance with your request that a committee of California Alumni look into the conditions existing in our late sister chapter at Stanford University, your committee begs to submit the following explanations and suggesHons: .

"In a conference with the General Chairman, Brother Keith and Brother Marshall of the Stanford committee, -it was thought best that only the chairman .of the California committee visit the University owing to the antagonistic attitude expressed by the members of the suspended chapter and the long standing idea of that chapter that California Chapter was antagonistic to everything pertaining to Stanford University and to the Stanford chapter in particular. This feeling was but a growth from the natural rivalry between the two Universities and was particularly intense at Stanford , due, no doubt, to the strength of the Stanford College spirit, rather than to any personal animosity toward the members of California Chapter.

"This decision of the General Chairman and Brother Marshall and myself was carried .aut and your Chairman visited the University. In accordance with the plan laid out it was deemed advisable that the investigation of the private and personal affairs Of the Stanford Chapter be left to Stanford Committee and to Brother Keith, and that the California Committee confine its investigations to the standing of the chapter in the University and to the general attitude of the University in regard to fraternities in general and Acacia in particular, in order to determine whether or not it would be advisable to reorganize or to form a new petitioning body.

We herewith submit the following :

1. "The standing of the Chapter at the University in regard to finances and credit was of a high order, probably of much better standing in this relati.an than any other fraternity on the Stanford campus.

2. "In social relations with the other fraternities and with University affairs as well, the Chapter was found to be very weak, in fact, neither of the above relations existed and the chapter appeared to be in a state of com-

Special War Conference of the Acacia Fraternity

plete social isolation The explanation of the standing in this regard was first thought to be a financial one wholly and such was par tJy the case, due to the fact that entertaining at Stanford was an extremely expensive proceeding and the boys could not afford to return the courtesies extended them. Upon ' further investigation, however, it appears that there was no social inclination in the Chapter whatever, except perhaps in two individual cases , and that t·he Chapter was h.aving so many internal difficulties that entertainment was out -of the questi·on on account of the morale of the Chapter.

3. "In college activities there was not the slightest sign of a desire to participate, due no doubt to the morale being s o disturbed and the insistent feeling among the active members that on account of the fact that Acacia ·was not recognized as a fraternity by the other at Stanford, any such participation was useless and futile.

4. "In Masonic relations the Chapter appears also to have been very lax, for though there existed the friendliest and most cordial feeling in the Masonic lodge at Palo Alto toward the bo ys, the latter took no particular interest as an organization in the Masonic fraternity. Lodge attendance upon th e part of the members of the Chapter was poor and though the distance of the Chapter house from the Masonic Temple perhaps had something to do · with this, still there seems to be ,no excuse for their laxity. The only active interest shown was in lodge politics in a manner which reflected not too favorably upon Chapter.

5. "The standing o f the Chapter with the University was not of a pleasing .character, but was no worse than the standing of the chapter s of other fr.aternities upon the campus. The fraternity situation at Stanford is very serious and your C9mmittee was informed by the Secret a ry to the President that the fraternities were at best only tolerated and that such toleration would not last ve.ry long unless the fraternities mended their ways both in scholastic standing and in the handling of their finances, let alone the low morale existing in nearly ever chapter on the campus. ,

"Your committee was informed that it was the desire of the President to rid Stanford of all fraternities, as he believed that they were a distinct menace to the program 'laid down for the Unitversity and we were informed very frankly that unless the .fraternities came to a very fi.rm footing within two years from August, 1916, they would be forced to leave the University Whether or not this attitude was to be maintained indefinitely was not ascertained, but it is quite certain that the Board of Contr ol is strongly against all such organizati'ons and that absolutely no co-operation exists between the faculty and the various fraternities.

"The ·program laid out by the University is one which will eventually make Stanford a strictly graduate school ; and it is the fee ·ling that at such an institution ·the fraternity has no place.

" We cannot help but fee'!, however, that this program has strong speakirig points for the success of a chapter of Acacia there, and that when the present members of the chapter have left the University, very great probability exists that a Chapter can be supported and maintained without much difficulty. '

"In accordance with the abcwe findings, therefore , your committee begs to present the fo!J.owing suggestions: ·

1. "That no attempt be made at present to form a petitioning organization.

2 . "That the cha rter of the Chapter be not revoked but held in abeyance for such time as it is deemed necessary until the status , of the fraternities at the University be definitely determined and opportunity is given to form a new body which can take up the charter with fresh blood and new ideals and make Acacia take its place at the University."

Respectfully submitted, The California Committee, (Signed) E. D. FLYNN, Chairman. ' M. }AY MINKLER.

Special

The report of the Stanford Alum!li Committee follows: San Francisco, Cal., January 27, 1917

To the Grand President and Officers of the Grand Council of Acacia Fraternity:

"The Committee, consisting of three Stanford alumni, appointed by the Grand President, has made a thorough investigation relative to the present status of Stanford Chapter. As alumni of this Chapter, we felt it our duty to go into the question thoroughly. We made a trip to the campus, calling the present active members togeth er and had a heart-to-heart talk.

"It was at once evident that t)"1e active men Of Stanford Chapter were discouraged over the whole affair. They felt keenly regarding the matter, but from the struggle they had been having and the doubtful outlook for the future, they believed the only reasonable course to be taken was to give up the charter.

"The Committee found, on account of the heavy overhead expense and the high cost of Hving, that the bills were beyond the means of the few men who found it possible to live in the house. Seven men were able to live in the house and pay board and room; four to pay room rent only. The Committee frankly concurs with the men that it is impossible to run a house at this time and keep up the dignity .of the fraternity without placing an undue and unjust burden on those who are pay ing the bills; but as an alternative, the Committee suggested that the charter be retained and a room be engaged for weekly Chapter meetings, the Alumni offering to pay all expenses involved . . With the exception of one man, this proposition was not considered feasible by the present active members and was voted down accordingly.

"The Committee feels that while there may be a slump in the Stanford Chapter on account of the dearth of Masons in school, and that the future does not hold out any glorious hopes in the face of the recent action by the Stanford faculty to discourage the registration of special students, and also the present attitude of President Wilbur toward fraternities in general, yet where there is life there is hope.

"If the tendency at Stanford is to be toward a graduate school, and that seems to be the program at the present time, this would seem to be a move to Acacia. Also, President Wi lbur's' reasons for his attitude toward ' fraternities has been on account Of their poor scholarship and their notorious disrega l'd for their honest debts, two things that hold no fear for Stanford Chapter. Attached, we submit a chart which is the best evidence that we can find bearing on the Stanford Chapter.

"In response to a letter written by Grand President Brown to Stanford Acacia Alumni, the Committee received many replies and they were unanimous in their appeal that Stanford Chapter should be saved, if possible. These letters really d·epict the tragedy of the whole affair. Men who have gone out in different walks of life, most of them far away from their Chapter, feel that the one thing that has made their Alma Mater near and dear to them was the Home on the Campus. Many of them have never returned , but they have been proud to tell of the days when they were "on the Farm." They have been content to be happy in the thought that the traditions and the same close fellowship were going on in the Stanford ·Chapter as in the "old days." These men realize, as all Acacia men do, that it is after a man leaves his chapter that he sees the real beauty and worth of Acacia Fraternity. One man stated that he belonged to ten orders, but that he considered Acacia the best of them all.

"It is for the sake of these one hundred and thirty Stanford Acacia Alumni that the Committee makes the following appeal to the Grand Councif of Acacia Fraternity: ·

"We, the undersigned, acting as a Committee to investigate conditions and secure data bearing on Stan ford Chapter, feel that, as the present Chapter spirit has been crushed and its hopes shattered, it is impossible to

Special War Conference of the Acacia Fraternity

I effect a reorganization, and, on the -other' hand, because of the few Masons independent of the acti,ve members it will be just as impossible to form a petitioning club. However, we do feel that by holding the charter in abeyance until September, 1919, after which President Wilbur's po licy towar<l frat e rnities will be defined and a more accurate determination of increased Masonic registration will be effected ·because of Stanford's tendency toward a graduat-e school , there may be a probability that St anford Chapter can be reorganized.

"Ther-efore , we , the undersigned , on behalf of the Stanford Acacia Alumni , hereby and hereon petiti on the Grand Council to grant the request of the aforesaid Alumni ·and place Stanfo·rd Charter in abeyance until September, 1919, at which time the Alumni agrees to make a final effort to once more reorganize this Chapter· and re-open the house.

"Aside from this possible holding of the charter in abeyance, the Committee feels that nothing else can be done at this time to savel Stanford Chapter.

(Signed)

Appendix to Report:

]AMES G MARSHALL. L. E. TAYLOR. R. E . ANDERSON.

"This chart, while t here may be omissions or errors , has been carefully compiled by the Committee , and we believe it gives the history of Stanford Chapter for the past six years in the best possible way. It is compiled, taking the school year as a basis , yet with the possible exception of the y e ar 1913-1914, there has never been the full number of men, as appears in ita Ji.cs, in the house during the entire year. (For example, during the year 1915-1916, there were eleven men in the house the first semester and sec ond semester, nine . )

House

with.

during year.

Number paying own way.

Number receiving remittances. '

Number of Masons in school (estimated).

"It wHl be noted that although there are eleven men this year ( 19161917) from which revenue is being derived, four of the eleven are paying fo ·r room .rent only, leaving seven to pay the bulk of the expenses. It will also be noted -that there is a marked decrease in Masonic timber and an increase ,in ·special students . This is very vital to the existence of the Chapter in the light of the new ruling at Stanford that, after October, 1917, the registration of special students wiH be refused."

REPORT OF GENERAL CHAIRMAN, A. R. KEITH

Dear Brother Brown:

"I am sending you the reports as submitted by the two committees headed by Flynn and Marshall.

"They have gone into the situation carefully, have drawn these reports after due and careful consideration and answer, I believe, your questions concerning the advisability of reorganization or the creation of a new petitioning body.

"You will quickly note that both committees arrive at the same conclusion and recommendation, and having made a personal investigation myself, I most readily add that I, too, feel it the best action for the Fraternity to take.

"Were there no local problems confronting us, I would feel that these reports dispose of the entire matter, but the attitude of the men at Stanford and many of their actions relative to the situation call, I am firmly convinced, for some very drastic action.

"After authoritative legal advice, and boiling the matter down to its finality, without going into detail (I would have to write a book, I guess, there are so many angles to the affair) I think the situation suggests the following action:

"First, owing to the very unpleasant publicity, etc., that would follow any legal action (and it is doubtful as to tile ability of the alumni to recover, inasmuch as there is no organization) it would be best to ignore all of the acts performed by the members active at the time they voted to surrender the charter and the subsequent selling of the house furniture .

"Secondly, hold the charter in abeyance as requested by the alumni, secure the records, and then, if possible, bring charges against all the men actively concerned in the surrender, for they certainly have flagrantly violated their Acacia obligation, and expel them from the Fraternity.

"These are my conclusions after several weeks of thought and after receiving from time to time various bits of information which have always been followed by conference with Marshall. The one thing I have been unable to find is anything in our national law making it possible to do this, but I think that if Woodward will come out here with a full and complete knowledge before he leaves the coast, a final and workable solution of the entire matter will have been found." (Signed) A. R KEITH.

P. S. "I meant to have incorporated in this letter a comment on the paragraphs in the California report referring to the attitude of the University toward fraternities in general. I think Flynn has made some rather strong 'and positive statements and suggest that they not be taken too literally, for I feel that, at the present anyway, the situation at Stanford is entirely too undecided to permit such an opinion being entirely correct."

After following the case most closely from beginning to end, I believe the conclusion of the two committees, that the matter of revoking the Stanford charter should be held in abeyance until September, 1919, should be the ruling of the Conference, and I so recommend, but add that this time should be extended until one year after the conclusion of the war.

THE YALE QUARTERS EXPERIMENT

Another of the important events of the Fraternity in the last two years was the problem at Yale Chapter. The chapter had voted in June, 1916, to return its charter to the Grand Council in view of the difficulties of operation with which it was confronted, and had later re considered its action in order to give the Grand Council an opportunity to state on what basis it would support the chapter in a renewed struggle for existence.

Special War Conference of the Acacia Fraternity

The report of the meeting held on january 12, for · the purpose of determining what should be the policy ·of the Grand• Council on the Yale problem was given quite fully in my letter to all cha pters, dated February 16, 1917. In substance, a plan was agreed upon whereby a suite of well located, attractively furnished club rooms would be maintained ·as a substitute for a chapter house and provide a plan of operation decidedly more in keeping with the customs and requirements of Yale University. This was simply recognizing again, as was pointed out in my report as Grand Counselor at the last Conclave, that with our universities differi ng so materially in characteristics, we must expect t.o have differences in our types of chapters of Acaci•a, although a fraternity uniformly homogeneous in its tradiHons and plan of operation at all chapters is highly desirabie.

On consideration of the ·privilege of this substitute for the chapter home, the home being obviously impracticable at Yale, the chapter was to proceed whoie-hearted on a vigorous prosecution of the new plan and was to be given until the Conclave in 1918 to work out the plan and to have something ddlnHe to show and Teport to the Conclave to indicate the success of the club quarters for Yale and to show cause why the chapter home should not be required.

Of course ,the war has upset all our plans and I do not think that Y·ale should be held to account on this pla:n until it may have been given a fair trial. This of course will only be possible after the war. It wi!l be interesting to learn, however, what progress Y·ale made with this plan up to the time the war began seriously to take away our co'llege men in great numbers.

Despite the very particular rebuke which Washington Chapter sustained at the ·Purdue Conclave for its practice of pledging non-Masons and allowing them to live in the chapter house, it continued· its unlawful procedure for time af.ter the Conclave . This gave rise to several rather strenuous letters to the chapter, which finally brought forth the positive assurance from the Venerable Dean early in May, 1917, that there would henceforth be no d ·eviation fr·om the laws ·of ' the fraternity.

GRAND COUNCIL WAR RULINGS

The war conditions fell heavily upon Acacia, as all its active membership was within the draft age, resulting in the immediate necessity of special measures to cope with the problems brought upon the chapters. As the conditions were without precedent, so also were the rulings which the •Grand Council found it necessary to make, some being entirely beyoQnd ·any constitutional provisions. These should now be ratified or disapproved so that the weight of this Conference shall be behind whatever measures stand as law upon its adjournment.

The · foliQwing special rulings of the Council were foQrwarded to the chapters on May 26, 1917, fifty days after the declaration of war:

1. During the c·ourse of the war on·ly, it shall be ·pennissible to rent rooms in Acacia Fraternity houses to non-members, preference being given in the following order for quarters within the chapter house: active me!ll'-

bers, alumni members, Masons, non-Masons Also the chapter table may be opened to non-member boarders who shall pay in advance.

2. The visitation of chapters by the Grand Counselor is indefinitely deferred, or until such time as the finances of the Fraternity and the state ·Of affairs at the active chapters shall, in the opinion of the Grand Council, warrant a resumption of this work. This measure carried with it a discontinuation of the Grand Counselor's salary and appropriation for traveling expenses.

3. It was d•ecided to completely change the style and purpose of the journal during the war period. It is essential that the journal play a particularly acUve part at this time in maintaining the interest of all members in order to bQld the fraternity together as much as possible in these disintegrar.ing times. It must be made the medium of holding the interest of "the men who are in the service and of the who will be called upon to carry on the work of the fraternity in the absence of the men. It was therefore decided that the Journal could best serve this purpose by discontinuing its present and substituting for this, a four or six-page pamphlet of the same dimensions as the present publication, but devoted entirely to the news of the fraternity and especially of the men at the front and in the various training camps. In this form it is to be published ten times a year. NQ attempt will be made to publish feature articles of research nature, nor articles on general fraternity subjects, but instead the pamphlet will be filled with news items, small pictures and short newsy and human interest stories Qf what the men are doing at the various places in the Government service. It will serve as the official bulletin of the fraternity as it has in the past, except that it will be of greater value, since it will appear more frequently. It will be made as attractive as possible and still keep ·the cost per issue not in excess of $75, including mailing. The · total appropriation for the ten copies for the next year was placed at $750. Copies are to be · mailed to ·every member of the fraternity, active and alumnus, whether he be a subscriber or not, and a small card will be carried somewhere in the issue stating this fact, but that since the cost is approximately $1.00 , the receipt of a check for this amount will be very acceptable to the national fraternity. This little paper may have to be the bearer of a lot of sad news, and it is intended -that it shall be the permanent record of the service which the fraternity gives to our country and of the names of the men injured or killed, and as much about them as possible.

4. In line with the necessity to curtail expenditures on every hand, t·he salary of the Grand Editor was reduced fr-om $400 to $150 a year, the Council not presuming to intimate that this amount is anything like adequate pay for the work which will be required.

Curtailment of expenses was one of the principal objects the Council had in mind in making these rulings, and ·they accomplished a reduction in the annual budget of $2,500. Whether or not it will now be necessary or advisable to still further reduce ·expenses depends on the final report of the Grand Secretary.

Special

NEED TO EXPAND THE NATIONAL ORGANIZATION

To fill up in a measure the gap in t he fraternHy work made by the omission of the visitations of the Grand Counselor, I appointed a local alumnus of each chapter to act as a special representative of the Grand Council for that chapter. The names of these appointees were published in the January Acacia Spirit. I have been too much occupied since these men were selected t·o give much attention to the direction ·o·f their •work, but I beli eve the chapter adviser system, in the absence of the Counselor work, offers possibilities of close between chapter and national fraternity worth more complete development.

In ·addition to these chapter advisers, there is an urgent need for an enlargement of the national organization in order to maintain a closer contact between the chapters and the Grand Council, this havi ng been made particularly evident by the war conditions. The most logical plan of organization to supp:Jy the need would be to create at least three, and bet ter, five, sectional jurisdictions of the fraternity, with a Vice-President at the head of each. It would be his duty to keep in close t·ouch wHh the chapters of his jurisdiction and being not very distant from any of his chapters, to personally act for the Grand Counc:il when any important matters required direct representa.tion from the Grand Council. These positi•ons might also be considered as stepping stones or training for Grand CouncH positions. Likewise, the chapter advisers, who should be elected by the local chapters to serve as the special mediator for the Grand Council befor.e their chapter, should be the logical candida.tes for election to the vice-presidencies. This would make an organization of such proportions as would be able to keep the most intimate contact with all fraternity affairs without taxing the ·time of any of the indi'Vidual officers. The members of the Grand Council would keep the vice-presidents informed of any matters, Other than routine, affecting any of the chapters of their jurisdiction by carbon copies of letters sent direct to the chapter, or by dealing with chapter only through the vice-presidents. The latter would likewise direct the work of the chapter advisers and keep all advisers in their jurisdiction advised of matters affecting their chapter, etc.

It is my opinion that some such organizati on should be approved at this meeting, for the events of the past two years have demonstrated quite conclusively that in times of .really great need of supervision in the fraternit¥, a small group of five men who must shoulder the full responsibility of the entire fraternity administration and must work against the handicap of no funds and lack of time to get on the ground personally when trouble comes, cannot maintain the proper Intimacy of relation between the chapters and the national fraternity.

OUR OONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS INADEQUATE

These same events have also demonstrated the gross inadequacy of our constitution and by-laws. If they ever served the purpose, we have certainly outgrown them and are now badly in need of a recompilation of laws worthy ef the dignity and activity of Acacia. I shall not attempt to enumerate the inadequacies of the present code, because of th ·e short time at our disposal, but shall hope to have an opportunity to put my findings before a properly constituted constitutional committee later on, when I shall have more time for reflection than I have in writing this report.

Special

TO REFLECT THE TRUE "ACACIA SPIRIT"

As to the above ruling changing the character of the Acac ia Journal , it is believed that a small monthly paper, skipping perhaps the months of July and August, •of proper style, represents one of the most important activities of the fraternity, much more so now than in normal times, and it is impor t ant enough at any time. We were formerly spending about $2,000 a year to get out four issues of a magazine for distribution to about 500 subscribers. Under this new plan, for $1,000 we can publish ten issues of a little paper burs ting with news of great interest, for distribution to every one of our 3,500 members, whether he pays a subscription or not. What could be of greater value in keeping intact the interest of the men in the service and the .alumni in the fraternity than frequent news of the doings of the men "over there" and of the chapters back here. Then, too, we want to have a record of the service our men give to the country and we want to · have a medium •of frequent issue ·through which to give those who make the great sacrifice, the . due which is theirs in the eyes and memory of their brothers in Acacia. We have not yet ·attained quite the finished pr<lduct in the few issues of the paper which have ·appeared and which Grand Editor William G. Mann has chosen to call the "Acacia Spirit"-an excellent name, by the way. But there is ·an opportunity to do a tremendous service for the fraternity by making this little paper pop open with news and life each month and in foll<lwing the movements of members so that they will receive the -result ·of our efforts and be so inspired that they will send in other news. This keeping up the mailing list is one man's job all in itself. Likewise, the work of editing and publishing this monthly paper is more than should be asked of one man. It is therefore believed highly desir·able and in keeping with the general organization expansion already outlined, that the Conference of succeeding years should elect in addition to the Gr.and Editor, an associate editor and an assistant editor, the last to have the specific duty of maintaining the mailing list •of ·the frnternity. The importance of the "Acacia Spirit" really warrants at least three elective offices, and I trust the Conference will ·approve the plan to supply sufficient personnel to make the paper a success.

THE ALUMNI l\IDS':r HELP

Another important matter which should come up for consideration at this meeting is the question of a national V()luntary assessment upon all alumni members. The income to the national fr·aternity from the active chapters will not be adequate during .the war to provide f<lr the necessary expenditures. The fraternity work cannot be properly carried on without ample funds. Any increase in tax upon the active men is out of the quesHon So it seems that if we are to avoid another situation such as the pres, ent where it was necessary to ask each chapter to finance its own delegate to this Conclave, thereby necessitating calling it a Conference and giving it irregular status, that there is no alternative but to inaugurate some means of inducing the alumni to contribute the equivalent of an annual per capita t.ax of $3.00 per member, $1.00 of this due to be considered as pay for the Acacia Sp.irit. The income from this source should go into the general fund

War Conference of the Acacia Fraternity

and the surplus accumul·aHon, if any, at the end of each year should be placed to the credit of the endowment fund >Of Acacia . As the collecti on of alumni funds is quite apart from the work of the Grand Secretary, who is well occupied keeping account of the active chapter affairs, it might wen be made a part of the Grand Treasurer ' s duties t<o Iook after and be responsible for the collection of the alumni tax , all payments, however, t·o be made to the Grand Secreta·ry to conform to our present bookkeeping and banking arrangements. Of course, neither this Conference nor a Conclave has the power to levy a tax upon alumni and force its collecti.on, but it is b,elieved that if the alumni are appealed to, to universally contribute a small amount as necessary to the maintenance of the fraternity, they wi-ll wiliingly oomply.

OT;HER NEED FOR LEGISLATION

There has been some slight agi tation toward the end of dropping, during the period of the war, the eight dollar pledging fee which was provided for in a by-law passed at the last Concla.ve, the fee being specified for use in purchasing a badge -Personally , I do not believe there is any need of revoking this by-law , but if th er e is any particul'ar feeling that it hinders securing new members it should be brought up.

The-re is much difference of opini on as to what procedure should be followed in properly concluding affairs when .a chapte.r is forced to close up its house and cease to exist as an active chapter because of war conditions. In niy opinion the chapter thus f.orced to close up should return its charter, which is the pr oper ty Of the national fraterni ty, to the Grand Secretary, pr.omptly, for safe ke e ping. It belongs within the jurisdiction of the national fraternity, and should not be left in the hands of some J.ocal alumnus. In turning in a charter and the records of a chapter to the Grand Secretary under such circumstances, there should be no feeling of discredit or disrepute on the part >Of the chapter . This procedure is simply that of placing the charter in competent possession, the Grand Secretary's office being permanently -the seat >Of records of the fraternity, while the home of an alumnus is of very uncert·ain' permanence. This question should be settled one way or the other at this Conference

The Conference should draw up s·ome specification as to the use and care of the national archives of the fraternity at the Michigan chapter house in Ann Arbor The accumulati>On >Of v·aluable things located there is growing and arrangements should be made whereby none ,iJf this property will be dispersed except upon the or?er of the Grand Secretary. There should be an accurate account kept of every item placed in the archives, and every item taken out, together with a careful file of the ·authorizatioh for each disbursement. The Michigan chapter should elect some responsible member each year to the position of Keeper .of the Archives, and report the name of this man to the Grand Secr.etary, and publish the news of his election in the Acacia Spirit. His electi'On should he subject to the approval of the Grand President.

There is need for much work t·o be done, very ·apparently, in connectio n' with the program outlined. But due to the shortness of the time avail-

Special War Conference of the Acacia Fraternity

able, it will necessarily be the order of procedure at this meeting to lay plans only, leaving the work for committees to do after this meeting is adjourned. Obviously there can be no time for committees to meet and prepare reports today and we must therefore content ourselves with directing much of the work ahead, without hearing final reports until some time later. This will ·provide the new officers with the necessary machinery ' with which to accomplish great strides in the advancement and preservation of Acacia.

This has been rather tedious and I appreciate very greatly your interest and patience.

Respectfully submitted,

(Signed)

HARRY L. BROWN, Grnnd President.

GRAND COU,NSELOR'S REPORT

To the Grand President and Members of the War Conference:

With our entry into the war, it was deemed necessary to conserve the finances of the Fraternity, and to this end, the visitation of chapters by the Grand Counselor was discontinued in April, 1917. During the preceding year, all except five chapters had been visited and these chapters were Cornell, Syra,cuse, Missouri, Kansas and Kansas State. A number of points that were a subject for discussion a year ago are now superceded by a complete change of conditions. Realizing that the time of this Conference is limited and that present condi tions, rather than those which prevailed a year ago, are the center of interest, I have made this report as brief as possible. The comple te reports on each chapter have been reviewed by the members of the Council.

My first t rip was made during October, 1916, and included Iowa, Ames and Nebraska. Iowa Chapter was found to be in a flourishing condition. The delegate to the Purdue Conclave had returned full of enthusiasm and the chapter organization had been revised. The new officers were capable and enthusiastic. One of the chief needs of the Iowa Chapter was greater campus activity.

Ames Chapter was enjoying the best year in its history, characterized by a high degree of team work. The chapter was well represented on the campus and at the time of my visit, was completing a fine chapter house with accommodati·on for twenty-five men. The house is well designed and rivals any other fraternity house on the campus. While Ames Chapter is probably feeling the stress of war conditions, yet the financial policy was conservative and they will probably have less ·difficul-ty than most chapters with new houses.

Nebraska Chapter at the time of my visit was very much alive. Practically every man was engaged in some form of campus activity. Not only was the chapter taking a leading place on the campus, but they were leaders in scholarship and social activities as well. The chief criticism at Nebraska was, the chapter needed development within. The Venerable Dean had not succeeded in getting the full measure of team work of which this chapter was capable. Another condition was that of the pledges. At the

Special War Conference of the Acacia Fraternity

time of my visit there were s·ome sixteen p.ledges, some of whom usurped the pri•vHeges of full membership. A pledge society had been organized. I pointed out to the chapter where these difficulties might lead to setting up factions within the chapter, and advi-sed all intra-chapter organizati.ons or pledge societies be disbanded and that the active chapter give more consid'eration to the training of pledges to take their pro·per pl•ace in the ·chapter after initiation.

The next chapter visited was •Michigan. The mother chapter was ·enjoying a prosper.ous year, but with the new chapter house, they were con_ fronted with serious financial problems. The chapter was well represented on .the campus and maintained its leadership, .although there was room for improvement in scholarship and several phases of chapter operation.

Penn State was the next chap.ter visited and the writer found a decided improvement over oonditi·ons of the ye·ar before. The Venerable Dean was especially capable and gave a great deal .of his time to adv·ancing the interests ·of the chapter. Owing to· restrictions in appropriation recei<Ved from the State, the University had suffered from having to limit attendance to fifty students from ·outside the State ·Of Pennsylvania. The chapter is seriously handicapped >by withholding of proper recognition by members of the faculty, among whom may be mentioned President Sparks. The writer talked with President Sparks at the Inter-Fraternity Conference in New YoJ"k, during December, 1916, and he seemed .to have very fixed ideas as to our proper scope, which were n.o.t in accord ith the aims of our Fraternity, as typified in other institutions. Without d bt, this attitude is hindering <>ur deveJ.opment at Penn State, but neither t adive chapter nor faculty members could suggest a feasible plan of <>vercoming .the antagonism. Penn State is also suffering from a lack of sufficient material, to enable the chapter to be as careful in its selecti-on of membership as it should be. This condition also operates to the disadvantage <>f the chapter. The chapter is further handicapped by its isolation from main lines M trav el, which results in compara tively few alumni returning and hence the problem of alumni interest and support is especially seri<>us. Local alumni support is very good, but I believe the chapter must devise some means of obtaining pr<>per recognition, if it is to make progress.

Franklin Chapter was visited on this same trip. -Reviewing the Counselor's rep ort for the previous year, this chapter had taken the criticism in the best of spirit and made conscienti.ous eff'Ort to carry out every suggestion ?ffered. The chap.ter was ·especi'ally fortunate in having such men as Brother Edinger and Brother Armour, who gave their best efforts to the work in hand. 1'he chapter organization was strong, the chapter life had shown a decided improvement in the way <>f various refinements that added much to its attractiveness, chapter finances were in good condition and the interest of the chapter in the Grand ,fraternity and its support of the Journal were especially commendable.

Minnesota ·and Wisconsin were visited on the next trip. Minnesota Chapter was enjoying the best year in its history, due to chapter re<>rganization and the capable guidance <>f Br<>ther Neubauer, as Venerable Dean. I found the chapter was falling behind in its operation of the table, due to

heavy advance in prices, but the steward was taking steps to remedy this condition. There was also a Jack .of team work on the part of a few members of the chapter, who seemingly failed to realize their responsibBities to the Fraternity as a whole. However, . I have reasons to hope this condition has changed.

Wisconsin Chapter gave the impression of a chapter that was making the most of its opportunities. The chapter life, the campus activities, social activities and interest in the Grand Fraternity seemed highly developed. The chapter has been fortunate in having a strong personnel and active leadership The interest of the chapter in the work of the Grand Fraternity was especially encouraging and their attitude on the Journal, while critical, was also constructive.

Ohio State was the next chapter visited. The chapter had moved into their own chapter house an·d showed marked progress over the preceding year. Development had been hampered through a complete change of officers, due to sickness and men leaving the University . Ohio State has been especially fortunate in its alumni support, which has been a large factor in its success. The chapter needs greater participati on in campus activities and a little more .attention to fraternity refinement.

Harvard, Yale and Columbia were the next chapters visited. Harvard must be viewed from the standpoint of local conditions. Harvard University is essentially a graduate shcool and fraternity life is incidental. These men regard their graduate work as a business proposition and allot, more or less arbitrarily, a definite part of their time for fraternity work. Most of them have had the social side Of fraternity life in their undergraduate schools and do not care for it here. In all their meetings .and work the members are very conscientious. The chapter maintains the chat)ter house with perhaps less than half of the active membership living in the house, and they do not operate a table. Last year there was no •attempt to maintain a table at the Common, as ha<i been previously done. The only time the chapter gets together as a whole is at regular meet ings or social events. The personnel of Harvard Chapter is very strong and their interest in the Grand Fraternity is good. We must, however, recognize that their ideas as to the proper aims of the Fraternity. are quite different than those held by the middle western chapters. This, however, is largely due to local conditions, as far as H affects membership.

Yale Chapter was visited at the time of the alumni meeting held in January, 1917. This meeting was also attended by Br-others Brown and Jenkins. It developed that the delegate to the · Pu;due Conclave had not informed the Conclave as to existing conditions at Yale. The chapter was practically non-existent at the time of the Conclave, having disposed of all its furniture, etc., and used ·the alumni building fund ·to clear all of its accounts, although the alumni were not as yet informed. A resoution had been passed at the last meeting of the chapter held in the spring of 1916, to surrender the charter, yet none of these facts were reported to the Conclave. The chapter had been to all purposes non-existent since the meeting prior to the last Conclave, but the charter had not been sent in nor report

of conditions made to any member of the Council. The meeting held in January was by way of giving alumni the opportunity to express their before the charter was surrendered. The results of this meeting have been reported by the Grand President to all the chapters. From my observation of local conditi·ons at Yale, I am of the opinion that there is not sufficient materi al available to support a chapter and .allow the proper measure of discriminati•on in selecting the m.embership. The final plan agreed upon was to hold in effect until the next Conclave, when its success or failure was to be reported-the charter to be held over until such time. This matter is doubtless .a subject for consideration at this Conference.

Columbia was found to have made considerable progress, the chapter having gotten into a chapter house. Local conditions, because the members have so many ·outside interests, are such as to handicap the chapter. While the chapter home .life has to be developed and a great many difficulties overcome, yet with the loyal support of their ,alumni, I feel this chapter will soon enj.oy the same progress as has marked the Chicago Chapter.

My next trip included Colorad•o, Washington, Calif.ornia, Stanford and Texas Chapters. I found Golorad<> Chapter housed in an attractive home well up on the mountain side, which they had secured furnished from the Hathaway House <>f Chicago. · The chapter had made an earnest effort to <>vercome the problem ·of dual membership .and even such of its members as were Greeks have insisted On a chapter by-laws prohibhing the initiation <>f any members of ·other social college fraternities. The chapter feels that its local prestige can only be maintained by such a policy and would prefer to give up its charter rather than change the standa rd. At ·the time the chapter was installed at .Golorad o, there was a larger fie\d of material than at any time since, and prospects f.or the {uture oare not very bright. -The writer talked with the President <>f the University and it was his opinion that the development and growth of the University w<>uld be limited some time to come. Owing to this limited field of material, the chapter had taken into its house two men who were not pledged nor eligible to membership and had accorded them the general privileges of chapter life. This was largely an emergency measure required to meet their financial problems and the chapter was quite frank and open in dealing wi·th the matter. They admitted the gravity of the proposition and that it was in direct contravention to the national by-laws and rulings of the past Conclave-but justified it on the basis of necessity. Fmm my conversati on with the active and faculty members, I am doubtful .as to whether Colorado can maintain their chapter at the desired standard and at the same time meet their financial problems. Washington Chapter was next visited. I f ound the chapter lodged in a comfortable chapter house. Thjs chapter has made progress in straightening out the financial affairs of the chapter. In keeping the chapter alive and meeting its obliga:tions, the chapter has disregarded the national constitution and by-laws and the warnings given to its delegates at the Michigan Conclave, the San Francisco Conclave and the Purdue Conclave. The writer found two men wearing the pledge pins of the Fraternity who were in no way eligible f.or membership, yet these men had been pledged in the usual manner and their pledging announced to the campus. This was done despite

Special War Conference of the Acacia Fraternity

the protest of the delegate to the Purdue Conclave and the warning of Brother Mann. At the meeting held by -the writer, demand was made that these pledge pins be removed at once and the pledges revok ed. The personnel of the chapter discussed the matter and the next day called me into a meeting in which the proposed action was protested as unfair to the men in question. 'f>he writer gave them time until his return to Chicago to comply with the ·order or the charter would be revoked by the Grand Council. The chapter finally oomplied before that time. Conditions at Washington University have never been satisfactory and protest must be made of the fact that delegates to the Conclaves, with the exception of the Purdue delegate, have not made a complete report of chapter conditions to the Conclave.

I found that of the active membership over half were not eligible . at the time of their pledging. I found that these so-called pledges were participating in the meetings, accorded all the privileges of active membership, excep t knowledge of the ritualistic work and wearing the pin, and that these so-called pledges proposed and voted on new members, participated in the discussion 'Of National Fraternity ·affairs and voted in the election of chapter officers and delegates to the Conclave. The chapter had even repudiated the ' promises made by .the Purdue delegate a'nd censored him in the chapter meeting for his stand in promising the Conclave to see that all such conditions would be eliminated at Washington. At the time of my visit one of these socalled pledges, who had never become eligible for membership, returned with all the assurance of an old alumnus. On investigation, I found there was not sufficient material on the campus to. constitute a chapter according to our requirements, to say nothing of exercise of the proper choice of membership. At the time of my visit of the known material that was constitutionally eligible, all except two were members of the chapter. While Washington is a University having some five thousand students on the campus , yet it does not give promise as a field for Acacia.

California Chapter was next visited and I found a strong chapter, both in the personnel of the active chapter and of the resident alumni. The same spirit that contri buted so largely to the success of the San Francisco Conclave was everywhere in evidence. This chapter, while isolated from active contact with the other chapters, was keenly interested in every phase of the Grand Fra ternity, especi ally the work of the individual chapters. The chapter had derived considerable benefit from the Conclave and showed marked progress. There was a greater participation in campus affairs, more attention to social activities and while Brother Minkler characterized the scholarship as unique, yet I found this was due to an unusual average of several other fraternities rather than any particular weakness of our own chapter. The chapter •had shown a very fine spirit in the Stanford matter in seeking to help in their problems, without in any way interfering. They had accorded the Stanford alumni the same hospitality as extended their own alumni and made every effort to welcome them to the chapter house and their social aff.airs. This chapter has had unusual alumni support, which has been a considerable factor in its progress. The chapter had received proper recognition ·On the campus, and had a good building fund .and plans in process for

Sp ecia l War ' Conference of the Acacia Fraternity

a fine chapter house On the whole, I wotrld say California Chapter was making steady progress.

While on the coast, I investigated the Stanford situation , but prefer noi ' to. incl u de the same in this report. Such a report should come from the Grand Council as a whole, fr·om the data in hand. .

Texas Chapter was next visited and th e baby chapter was found to be in flourishing condition. The chapter had the benefit of having most of the charter members with them for the year-but prospects for the next year were not so good . One condition that o'perates to the disadvantage of fraternities at Texas is the attitude of the faculty. Some years past, the frater- 1 nities completely dominated campus and social activHies to the exclusion of non-fraterni ty men. This created an attitude of bitter antagonism on the ' part of some · of these non-fraternity men: It happens there are a number of these on the present faculty and they have so restricted fraternity operations as t•o seriously handicap the fraternities. The chief of these restrictions is the one that prohibits pledges from living or boarding at the chapter house, nor may they be entertained there more of.ten than once a week. No pledges may be initiated until they have completed a year of satisfactory work at Texas University There is no consideration given to the man who enters from another school with advanced credits. This condition deprives the chapter from a considerable source of revenue and the worst feature is that it prevents the pledges being pl'operly trained and becoming familiar with the aims and ideals •of the fraternity. At the time of my visit, there were ·ahout twelve pledges and most of the active membership would · graduate in June. The result would he a majority Of the chapter for the next year would not be grounded in the principles of the fraternity nor experienced in chapter operation. The writer met the chairman of the facul1:y committee on fraternities and pointed out the hardship of such a ruling and it might foster the very condition they wished to eliminate. There is a ruling in effect as regards matriculation, that any man who has reached twenty-one years of age, may be admitted to the University on trial, even though he has not fulfilled the entrance requirements. I pointed out that such a rule s·hould be operative in the case of fraternities, that they be premitted t<O iniHate any man <Over twenty-one years of age who had completed there months of satisfactory work in the University. The chapter ' was arranging to enlist the co-operation of other fraternities in the movement and the faculty chairman was impressed with the fairness of the proposal. The chief aim of my visit to the Texas Chapter was to point out the weak points of chapter operation and the necessity for being alert to prevent the chapter falling into some .of these difficulties, as they were largely dependent upon , their own resources, having no large alumni list to fall back on

The next trip included Illinois and Purdue Chapters. I found Illinois Ohapter located in their fine new chapter house, with an active membership· of over thirty men. The· personnel of this chapter was strong and their chapter life was attractive. They were confr,onted with serious financial problems , ·but thus far had been able ro meet their payments. ·The chapter

is well represented on the campus, active in social affairs and th e ir scholarship was fair.

At Purdue Chapter, I found a very flourishing chapter, where the results of the Conclave were quite apparent. The chapter had a very strong personnel and active leadership, tnat made them the ranking fraternity on the campus. 'rhe chapter was especially well regarded by the non-fraternity men for their straightforward attitude in campus affairs and the gener.al democratic spirit of its members. The chapter was very active on the campus, practically every member being engaged 'in at least ·one form of activity and they also were leaders in social activity and scholarship. The financial affairs of the chapter were in excellent shape and the chapter took prompt steps when war was declared to prevent a large deficit from accumulating. The operation of Purdue Chapter has been especially good and ev.en with their chapter house only partially paid for , I beli e ve they will have little trouble in meeting the new conditions.

Chicago Chapter was next visited at the time of holding a Grand Council Meeting in Chicago. The time was liipited due to th e necessity of attending to the accumulated work of the Council. The chapter had be en fairly successful during the year, but with increased costs , the table operation was somewhat of a problem. The chapter officers were capable and conscientious and without doubt Chicago Chapter will weather war conditions as long ·as any of our chapters.

This brief summary covers the salient points of the various offici a l visits. If this were a regular Conclave, with representation from every chapter, there are a number of details it would be desirable to r e vi e w and discuss. From my observations , I believe the Fraternity must be prepared to lose several chapters, even under normal conditions. I am of the opinion that the conditions at Yale and at Washington do not justify the continuance of their charters, in view •of the outlook for material at these universities. I am hopeful that Colorado may be able to weather the storm , and t;rom the fine spirit they have shown, I think every reasonable assistance should be granted them until they are satisfied to make a final decision. The Stanford matter is closed and so far as rehabilitation of the chapter is concerned, I recommend it be not considered, as the whole Fraternity outlook at Stanford is critical.

The writer intended visiting the Oklahoma petitioning club, but while at Austin, the general railroad strike was threatening. It was desirable to get past St. Louis before that time so that I could avail myself of interurban service if necessary. My reason fvr holding off on the Oklahoma ballot, which was C·oncurred in by the majoority of the Council, was the necessity of assuring ourselves of the available material, local restrictions and the outlook for the future by a personal investigation. There is no doubt but what we have several chapters that have been installed where the favorable conditions were only temporary and there had been insufficient investigation. The Okl-ahoma Club had prepared a very fine petition, which was sent out to the various chapters during the year. When war was declared, a ruling wa s passed by the Council that no new chapters should be char-

Special War Conference of the Acacia Fraternity

tered during the war .and subsequent developments have proven the wisdom of such a policy We have advised the Oklahoma Club that we shall be glad to review their petition as soon as conditions return to normal and will not require a new petition, but if after investigation by the Grand Gounselo r, the conditions so warr.ant ttiat the charter would be granted direct.

There have been numerous inquiries rec eived during the year in reference to the possibility of receiving a charter, but most of these were from small colleges or professional schools . Only -one seemed to give promise and tha·t was the Aztec Chib of Oregon Agricultural College a-t Corvallis, Oregon. From the the writer received while on the coast, this club was considered .as a very strong local club.

In conclusion there are several general observati ons resulting from these visHs that I wish to call special attention to. The first of these is the absolute necessity of the Conclave and the Council demanding a strict compliance with the constitution and by-Jaws. There should be no deviation, such as the condition at Washington, countenanced.

2. No further charters should be granted until we are assured beyond reasonable doubt that there is sufficient material to justify such a chapter and that conditions are not temporary.

3. Legislation should be enacted to prevent intra-chapter organizations such as pledge societies, the "Deutscher Club," "Yellow Dog," "Hinkie Oinks," etc. The sole b.asis for thei r existence is the exclusion of some other member to •his discomfiture and these lead to setting up factions within the chapter. The Stanford case traces back to the instituti on of · "Hinkie Oinks." I believe Conclave legislation on this ·subject would be desirable.

4. That in some chapters the members are not in touch wi th the financial affairs of the chapter and finances are not brought to their attention un.til a crisis develops. Th e big problem in this connection is to awaken the individual responsibility of every member and make him realize thllt the chapter's problems are his problems.

5. That on the part <>f the ·active there is a lack of appreciation of what Acacia stands for nationally and that one of <>ur chief problems is to devel-op the national spirit of the Fraternity, rather than a purely Iocal chapter spirit.

6. That the Journal is not read as much as it should be and that all our efforts should be turned to make the Journal more attractive, with more illustrations, more news of what Acacia men are doing their University or after they have lef.t it. In other words, the development of the personal side of the Journal.

7. That the success of our chapters may be measured largely in the ra tio of alumni interest and that to insure progress the chapter must devise , means of keeping in touch wi.th the alumni, retaining their interest and showing that the chapter has an interest in them.

As my time is completely taken in the work of the Ordnance Department, I have not been able to give proper attention to the Fraternity work.

Special War Conferenc e o f the Acacia Fraternity

I ask this Conference to select a successor who ha s the experience and the time to serve the Fraternity properly.

In closing , I wish to express my personal appreciation of the courtesies accorded me during my term on the Council and of the co-operation of the chapters in my work as Grand Counselor.

Respectfully submitted, (Signed) J. A. Wo oDWARD .

REPORT OF THE GRAND TREASUR ER

Tv the Grand Council and Chapters of Acacia:

The following is a statement of the condition of financ e of The Acacia Fraternity, May 28, 1918:

GENERAL FUND

Received from Shera . ........... . ...... . ... . .. .. $ 895 .94 'Received from Jenkins

.22 Received from Groves

Received from Interest

$ 6 ,896.07 Cash paid out warrants 113 to 170 inclusive, paid by checks 77 to

ENDOWMENT FUND

Received from Shera $ Received from Hall Appropriation by Conclave for 1916 and 1917 Interest Received from Groves

Appropriation by Conclave for 1917-18

Total. $1,125.45

Fraternally yours , (Signed) C. S. HUNTING TON.

*This report shows $32.06 more than the report of _Grand Secretary Groves. This amount is interest and was not sent through h1s office.

REPORT OF THE GRAND SECRETARY

To the Members of the Grand Oouncil, Chapter Delegates and Alumni in War Conference Assembled, Greetings:

For the Grand Secretary to make any satisfactory report at this time covering the last two year's work is double difficult. In the first place war conditions made it necessary that there be a change in this office without ample time f.or transferring the duties in the proper manner. In the second place , war conditions have so disorganized many of our chapters that it is almost impossible for them to follow the usual routine in their relations with this office. Successive changes in chapter officers during the past year have prevented the usual efficiency. An effort has been made to assist inexperienced ·officers whenever possible. Please bear in mind tha.t the Grand Secretary's report must depend upon the report of tlie various chapter secretaries.

The peri•od covered by Brother Jenkins must be of limited emphasis since no formal closing of the books could be made. In regard to Brother Jenkins' work, the day book was not sufficiently full for me to tell what the money received was for or just what the charges were for. The books were turned ·over to me in August , 1917, and I shall read the report of the auditing committee:

To the Grand Council of Acacia:

Cambridge, Mass., July 27, 1917.

We, the undersigned members of Harvard Chapter of Acacia, have audited the books of ex-Grand Secretary A. A. Jenkins, and submit the following report:

1. The balance as carried forward from Grand Secretary Kilmer's books has been correctly entered in the cash book.

2. The warrants drawn on the Grand Treasurer as given by the stubs have been compared with the entri es in the cash book and found to agree with the exception of warrant No. 22, in which there is an apparent discrepancy of 10 cents, since the stub calls for $47.01, while the entries in the cash book and the ledger are for $47.11.

3. The cash book has been found to show a true balance.

4. All entries in the cash book have been correctly posted in the ledger.

5. The ledger accounts could not be checked since chapter statements were not available.

6. We recommend that some system be devised whereby the accounts of th e Grand Secretary with the individual chapters may be easily audited whenever occasion may require. We suggest that a monthly statement of all money sent to the Grand Secretary be made to the Grand Treasurer by the treasurer of each chapter.

7. We find the system of bookkeeping as used by Grand Secretary Jenkins to be simple and very satisfactory. We recommend that the use of this system be continued.

(Signed)

A. E. BECKER, Ex-V. D. Harvard. RALPH KEFFER, Sec'y Harvard. PAUL AMUNDSON, V. D. Harvard.

You will note that although I began work June 1st, 1917, I ·received the books in August. I have not to make any additions to the

books. If they were not prop e rly posted they rem a ined that way. I ma d e a not e where I took up the books to indicate wh e re my work b eg a n .

Following the 1916 Conclave, excellent progress was mad e b y ne ar ly all of the chapters until our entry into th e war. This n e ces s aril y greatl y disorganized chapter affairs everywhere, especiall y in Acac ia , s i nce pr acti·cally all men eligible to membership are subj ect to draft. Broth e r J e nk ins worked faithfully and the chapters made usual progr e s s. Me mber s h ip records came in, in good shape, and the usual numb e r of me n we r e initiated. However , some things were not satisfactor y. Wh e n I r ece ived the books from Brother Jenkins , I found that a numb e r of chapt e r s had n ot sent in their reports. One of our most pro g r essiv e ch a pt ers owes $ 77. 50, which was due about the time that Broth e r j e nkins clo se d t h e boo ks.

By the middle of th e year I was able to mak e a r e port t hat on ly four chapters had not paid up and two of th ese had promi se d to p ay.

An oral report was mad e se tting forth th e da ta cont a in e d in th e following table:

$62.50 & P. C for yea r .

3,009.74 $6,864.01 $6,864.01

*This includes many items which are really miscellaneous. Fraternally y>Ours, (Signed) J. F. GROVES.

Grand President. I am extremely sorry that . Brother •Mann is not able tO be with us. However, Brother Meyer, who has been connected with him in this work, has a report from Grand Edi tor Mann which he w.ill read for him.

REPORT OF THE GRAND EDITOR

Read by Wallace Meyer.

To the ·War Conference:

I regret more than words can describe my inability to be with y'Ou at this, one of the most important gatherings of the Fraternity. The future of Acacia may he determined by your actions and your votes and .it is therefore essential that you sfudy •thoroughly every question confronting you. , Remember to place yourselves in the posi·tion of those unable to be with you and I know that nQthing but good can come from your decisions. The Acacia Spirit is .the result of a meeting of Grand President Brown, · Grand Counselor •Woodward and Grand Treasurer Shera, held in Chicago about a year ago. A report of the deliberations of this gathering was forwarded to your editQr under date of May 23rd. Among other things this

Sp ec ial War Con fe r ence o f the Acacia Fraternity

report stated that th e pay of th e ed i tor had b ee n r educ ed , a nd th at it h ad been d ecided to chang e the polic y of Th e journal , maki n g it a pam p hlet devoted t o the news of th e Frat e rnity a nd es peci ally to th e n ews o f the men in .the service, instru c ting th e e ditor to s e nd th e s am e to all Ac ac ia ns and fixing the sum of $ 75 a s an allowanc e for e ach iss u e . The ch a pt e rs wer"e on the verge of disbanding for th e summ e r and man y o f th e m e n had d eparted for home when th e lett e r r e ach ed m e, with th e r es ult th at it was most difficult to obtain an y n ews o f th e m e n who had gone ,in to t h e se r vice. In August there was not enough materi a l on hand to mak e a two -p age pamphlet. With the opening of school , howev e r , news comm e nced to c ome in and during the second week of Septemb e r the proo f wa s r e ad f or th e fir st issue A strike was called by the Typographical Un ion to s upport str ik in g bindery employes and the y remain e d ou t for ov e r t wo wee ks, with Th e Spirit on the "stones " The cost of the firs t .issu e wa s $ 98.9 5 fo r 4, 00 0 copies wrapped, addressed and mailed . .

The Sherman Printing Company was .one of five bidd ers obtain e d b y your editor whose bids were opened by the Committe e on journal at th e Purdue Conclave. The Sh e rman bid was the low bid and th e editor was instructed to give them the work. Brother Brown , familiar with pr i ntin g costs, obtained estimates from The Edison · Press of Chicago , stating that they would do the same w.ork for $ 68.50

The problem then was to reduce the cost, so I could come with i n th e cost limits set by the meeting in Chicago. I decided that the only way wa s to mail to subscr.ibers, active members and to the men in the service. Th e November issue finally went to press and the total cost of printing, wrapping and addressing was $ 48 for I ,400 copies. This reduction would not have come about had not Brother Brown called to my attenti<on the fa c t that the Sherman Printing Company was charging entirely too much

I then received a criticism of content, regular.ity and make-up of Th e Spirit, under date of December 21, from Grand President Brown He suggested that I allow him and Brother Meyer to get out the January issue in Chicago I wired Brother Brown to go ahead , and he and Brother Meyer made up the January issue in Chicago and forwarded the same to me for mailing. I was unable to secure girls for wrapping and addressing this issue, so Brother France of the Cross-France Publishing Company did th e work for $ 39.45 , charging only what it had cos·t him. At the same time he requested me to have the wrapping and addressing done elsewhere in future.

A comparison of the November issue and January issue will give you the result of Brother Brown's criticism. A comparison of the January issue .with the March issue will give you an idea of rhe editor's adaptation of th e ideas of Brother Brown. I also am of the opinion that " lead" makes for better composition. However , I feel that the men in th e service are more concerned with reading matter than with technical points.

The March issue cost $ 48 .00 for printing and $ 26.00 for mailing and wrapping. The cost of the April and May issues can be approximated from this figure. The two issues were mailed together to save wrapping and

I.

Special War Conference of the Acacia Fraternity

addressing and were printed in two issues so that the addresses would be in one issue only. The May issue was made to contain all of the changes in addresses at the suggestion of Brother Meyer and at the re'quest of several men in the service, who informed the editqr that they l}ghtened their kits by clipping the changes of addresses of men in the service.

The editor has written numerous letters, answering requests f.or the riames .of Acacians in the same camp. Not all .of these requests have been answered In cases where the men received the preceding issues of The Spirit, or where there were no other Acacians .in the camp, the man was referred to these facts . In some cases where the edito.r had reason to beHeve that there were others in the camp ·of which he had no record, he published the name of the man who requested the information.

If it is the <>pinion of the Conference that The Spirit should be sent to all the brethren, I would · recommend that the Fraternity make provisions for havi'hg addressograph plates made, which will make the mailing of each issue cost ab•out $ 12.00. The plates would pay for themselves in the course of a year and a half, and we would be able to make up a complete cross index for the secretary's and editor ' s office. This would save the editor a great deal of time and lighten somewhat his work.

I would like to suggest that the meeting seriously consider the advisability of rev isipg the mailing list I do not feel that the Fraternity should ·mail The Spirit to those members not manifesting enough interest in the organization to subscribe I feel that every loyal Acacian should be willing to subscribe. We have had several contributions from men outside of the service and all have been f·o·rwarded to Brother Groves, and have been covered, no dol,lbt, in his report.

As I write this report knowing that it will be read to a gathering of men interested in Acacia and her welfare. I desire to thank those men who have so actively assisted me in my task-Brother Meyer in particular; and Brother Blogg of my own chapter, who has spent many nights with me working on The Spirit.

When you consider the task that you have assigned to The Spirit, I earnestly request that you look carefully for someone who can better serve in the capacity of editor. For four years I have carried the burdens of this office. Inspired by the close assqciation of SQme of the grandest me11 <lf Acacia, I have served you to the best of my ability. Discouraged at times, cut to the quick sometimes by weB-meaning criticism, I have always remembered that those associated with me were as much interested in the welfare of Acacia as I, and that their love for Acacia prompted all their actions. With this thought bef.ore me I have t<>iled on, nor would I have refused the service under any conditions. I have toiled long, but with my labors there has come a deeper , love fo r her brotherhood, her associations and her men. For this I am grateful.

During the first year I served without pay, and· should the finances of the organization require such a sacrifice again, I for one would be willing to make the sapriflce, providing there is no one available who can do the work better. But I earnestly pray that you wiil try to relieve me of the responsibility.

Special War Conference of the Acacia Fraternity

Bro ther Ha rry E. Kilm er, whom I admire above all others for his true worth and devotion to the cause, sacrifices, accomplishments and willingness to serve, once used an expression somewhat like the following in an attempt to resign: "If it is a job, then I have been favored long enough; if it is an honor, then I am more than willing that someone else should share it." So I requ est that you seriously endeavor to find someone else who shall relieve me of this task, which ha s b ee n suc h a burdensome pleasure, and leave me free to live true to our motto of human service in my work with the Council of' Defens e, The Juvenile Boy Work, and my practice. Frat ernally y ours , (Signed) WILLIAM G. MANN.

Grand Pr esident. We have just thirty minutes and fifteen chapters to hear from . We will give just two minutes for each report . In making these reports , please bear in mind these three vital points, namely:

1. Present status of your membership.

2. Present status of your chapt e r finances.

3. Outlook for next year as to !IJembers and financ es.

CHAPTER REPORTS

Michigan. Brother Brown: We have eleven active members , all of whom are rooming in the house, as well as boarding there . We hav e four nonmembers ,rooming in the house and three of them are boarding with us . We have cash on hand to the amount of $715.36. Regarding our indebt e dness, we ·owe the Grand Fraternity nothing, since the balance due is in the mail. Our house indebtedness is $ 24,000. Furniture debt is $ 1,400, reduced from $2,300. Our floating indebtedness is $5,000, secured by $ 300 notes signed by alumni, and supported by dues from alumni m e mbers. War tax, interest, etc., is square. Regarding next year, we have had two requests b y fraternities to come into our house and occupy the third floor. The oth e r opening is to try to g e t enough non-members who can afford to pay our rent and board to fill up the house. This year we had nine non-members. Th e outlook is rath e r dark . We expect to have nine men back. If our local alumni 'Qeci<le to take in these other fraternities , we can make it. Kansas. Brother Brown :The report I must make from Kansas is not a very good one. We have just worried along all y ea r. If next year may be judged from this last year , the outlook is not ver y good. Ju:;t now we have five active men , all of whom are rooming and boarding in the house. We also have one alumni rooming in the house and one pledge, as well as six nonmembers We have $ 100 in cash. The fact that the officers have changed often must be taken into consideration. We cannot expect good results while this lasts. This year we had three secretaries, and three presidents taken by war and marriage and such other things. The speaker had to be the Venerable Dean. He has been abl e to give very little time to the Fraternity as he had business of his own to attend to. With three members bac k next year an d nine pledges, we are going to quit worrying along and have real results.

Special War Conference of the Acacia Fraternity

Ohio. Grand President Brown: ' At this time the·re are only three active men in the house. We have initiated s eventeen men. At :the of school last week we had nine -teen -active men, four alumni rooming and boarding in the house, and four non-members rooming and boarding in the house. We, have one man pledged Cash on hand $96.74. Accounts more than ten days past due from members $164.56, and from non-members $44 .51. We owe $300 on hous·e rental. The man we have pledged will be in the house next year. We have six men in the Reserve, one of whom will go into the service and two others will be employed away from the house. We can ·only see where there will be four active men in the house next year. We have fiftysix men in the service. The number of Mas ons in school is greatly reduced. We have been able to bring in a number of ·officers who are instructors in the Aviation Ground School. These men will p!"obably be with us .this sumJ mer and next year. They help to run the table and by this means reduce the indebtedness to the stock company. The stock company had an indebtedness -of $12,500. The mortgages are held by the Building and ·Loan Associati-on and by the relatives of one of our alumni. St ock subscription $15,000 and $2,800 now due.

Grand President. Have you no Outstanding indebtedness to banks which is due?

Ohio. None.

Grand President. Wnat is your total indebtedness?

Ohio. $12,500. One mortgage for $10,000 -and another for $1,500, arid the . rest is held by unsecured J.oans from alumni.

Illinois In pres enting my report I shall read what was given me by the Venerable Dean Number -of active men at the beginning of the year thirteen. Of these one still remains. Tw o pledges hold over until next year. Twenty of this year's membership entered the service. Eighty-nine men of Illinois ,Chapter are now known to be in service. One of these men has given his life. , In scholarship for the first semester, 1917, Acacia was tenth among nati.onal fraternities, with an average of 3.23, on the basis of 5.00 equals 100. We are unable to say what the average will be for the second semester, but according to monthly reports, the average will no doubt be more than last semester. Twelve men of this year were members of other organizations. We owe $102 for back board and room rent; $77.50 to the Grand ·Fraternity for unpaid per capita tax for thirty-one members of last year. In regard to chapter finances, the chapter has a total •equity ()f $10,000 in real estate, with a t·otal valuation of $33,300. Indebtedness is amply secured, so that there is no doubt as to the future of Illin()is Chapter. The alumni are rallying to the support of the chapter in a way unprecedented in the history of the chapter. We have had four Venerable Deans this year. Eight men were taken ·out of our chapter last week because of an unusual .and unexpected call from the local board. However, the chapter -is solvent, has -a ·considerable surplus, in fact. Pr·ospects for next year are not particularly bright. We are making -plans to take in another fraternity to live

Special War Conference of the Acacia

with us. In that case, they will sign a contract to pay an annual rental based on a certain number of men, and with $5 per man for additional men taken in and occupying rooms. The commissary rates are to be pro-rated. Matters <>f discipline will be left to a committee composed of three men of the incoming fraternity and five men of the active Acacia Chapter. In addition, the alumni have promised .to see that the rent is kept paid.

Minnesota. We have had a very successful year. Began with twelve active men and initiated eighteen. We have eighteen active men now, two alumni, two pledges, and one n<>n-member rooming in the house. We have two men pledged. Cash r()n hand $44.35. Accounts more than ten days past due from members $156.63. We owe $125 on the house payments. Regarding our bills, one of our men haS" been sick. He has a hill of $80. We have another bill of $40 owed by a man in the city, and we expect to collect this or tomorrow. I have two checks with me to cover the per capita tax and initiation fees. I will hand these to the Grand Secretary Board is 90 cents a day and room rent is $8.00 a month. We found at that rate we could come out all right. House will accommodate twenty-two and table twenty-three. The •outlook for next year is very good. We expect fifteen men back and eleven of them will J.ive in the house. One pledge will also live in the house. With fifteen active men, I think there is a chance that Minnesota will be better next year than this. I do not ·!lave a house report, since two of our men are out of town. Ten dolalrs is collected from each man as he leaves school and he signs notes to pay ten dollars each year for ten years towards the building fund. One man has paid up $100 already · and other amounts are coming in.

Wisconsin. Grand President Brown: At the beginning of the year we had eight active men and tw<> alumni. Now we have fourteen active men, nine of whom are rooming in the house and twelve boarding there. One alumni rooms and boards with us. Cash on hand $305.46. Resources $665.58. We initiated sixteen men during the year and lost fourteen during the year. I have a per capita check for $55 for Grand Secretary Groves in my pocket. As to our house, we st.ill owe $4,900. We are paying $1,000 a year on our land contract. We plan this year to get a deed and obtain a title, securing the money by mortgage. At our last meeting we voted to increase the senior notes from $25 to $50, payable in five yearly installments. We also voted to increase our house capital from $1,200 to $6,000 and to begin plans to secure stock in an alumni house association and try to reduce our indebtedness. As to next year, we have seven men who say they will be back and probably two or three non-members who will board at the house. We are very fortunate in that our officers will probably be back. Our Dean, who is also our Steward, is in the Medical Reserve and will undoubtedly be back in school. Our Treasurer is in the Engineering Reserve and will probably be back also. Our prospects are not good. In any event, we are going to keep the open, even if we have to rent every room in the house to ma.intain a home for our alumni members.

Special War Conference of the Acacia Fraternity

Missouri. Brother Brown: We started out with three active men. One of these is still with us. We now have sixteen active men and four alumni , rooming in the house. Our finances are in fairly good shape. We have an outstanding indebtedness of $200, all of which is covered by assessment and which .j.s collected, so that we will end Our year ahead of the game. We expect to rent rooms this summe·r to students who are in school. We expect sixteen men back next year. Eight men are pledged. Under these circumstances we feel sure that we can carry on QUr house. We have two Masonic organizations which•.are working for us. One of these organizations has in H a man who operates the .students' co-operative book store. He keeps a Masonic register which every Masonic student is asked to sign. Our pr ospects for next year are good. We 11re sure a number of men will come back and these men are the kind that will be ' behind the thing straight throug_h.

Cornell. Grand President and Delegates: Conditions were rather bad at Cornell last fall. We started with three men. One man played out, so there were only two of us. Going back into history, in 1915-16 we had $300 to be paid out and $400 to be collected. W,e tr.ied to collect the $400, without success. In 1916-17, there were accounts oOf $350. There were only two of us, as I said, to start school, and neither one of us were officers. So we laid low and let the alumni take over the financial situation. This' year we have been fairly successful. We have paid ·all of our bills. Brother Groves says we owe per capita tax and war tax. But since I have a check for the war tax, we will have to strike that out. We have paid all of our bills and have $208 in the treasury. Regarding our financial situation, we have been fairly successful this year. The alumni association owns the chapt·er house, on which there is $8,900 to pay. This is carried as bonds and mortgages. The outlook for next year is not very good. Six men say they will be back. We are sure of one man. This year we would go up the hill and land a good man, but as we were br inging him home we would find another man moving o0ut. We have .initiated nine men and never had more than f<Qur in the active chapter.' Some one W!lS enlisting and breaking things up. · Every brother has held an office this year. The alumni interest seems to he increasing this year. The appointment of Brother EUis as special represen:tative is one of the best things ever done for us.

Put due. Brother Brown: This report is complete up to May 31st. School ends Just 1st. On an average of the men in the house this year have been non-members. We have initiated twelve men. Our house will accommodate This year we have had no more than twenty-·three at any one t.ime. We now have eleven active men and three pledges. All the active men, two of the pledges and f.our non-members live and board at the house. Taking into consideration the supplies we have on hand, we have $469.09 to sta·rt next year. We started last year without anything. Regarding our house, we are $801 behind. How we are go.ing to raise this money we do not know. We could pay $300 <Qr $400 on it. There is a possibility of getting it from alumni and active members. As to next year, it

Special War Conference of the Acacia Fraternity

is possible that thirteen men will return. Last year we expected twentythree men back : Nine came. However, we are going to endeavor to keep the house running.

At this point, Grand President Brown announced the appointment of the fo.Jlowing committees, stating that the Qn!y time they would have in which to meet and formulate a report would be during the luncheon , and during a thirty minute adjournment upon completion of the chapter rep orts:

Committee on Grand Council Reports:

Carroll W. Collins, Michigan, Chairman . Francis W. Shepardson, Chicago.

H. B. Collings, Purdue.

L. A. Wils on, Missouri.

Committee on Organization Expansion:

W. 1Elmer Ekblaw, Illinois, Chairman.

Francis W. Shepardson, Chicago.

J. C. Gort, Iowa State.

Committee on War Emergency Chapter House Financ-ing:

G. Alfred Lawrence, Columbia, Chairman. William A. Weber, Iowa.

Meade M. Morris, Wisconsin.

Committee Qn Next Conclave:

H. B. Collings, Purdue, Chairman. Leslie Selby, Purdue Alumnus.

G. C. Gibbons, Kansas State.

Committee on the A.cacia Spirit:

·Wallace Meyer, Wisconsin Alumnus, Chairman.

G. Alfred Lawrence, Columbia.

M. L. Wright, 9hio Alumnus.

Committee on R itual:

G. Alfred Lawrence, Columbia, Chairman. W. Elmer Ekblaw, lllino is.

Claude D. Grinnells, Cornell.

Committee on Auditing:

W. D. Harr is, Syracuse, Chairman. A. LeRoy Thomas, Minnesota.

J. E. Miller, Kansas.

Committee on Alumni Voluntary Assessment:

Meade M. Morris, Wisconsin, Chairman. W. Elmer Ekblaw, Illinois.

J. C. Cort, Iowa Sta.te

Francis W. ShepardsQn, Chicago. Leslie Selby, Purdue, Alumnus.

Committee <>n Resolutions:

J. C. Co·rt, Iowa State, Chairman.

G. B. Wilson, Purdue.

On motion the Conference adjourned until 2:00 P. M.

.

Special War Conference of the Acacia Fraternity

AFTERNOON SESSION

Grand President. The meeting will come to <>rder. We will proceed with reports of the active ·chapters, bearing in mind that we must insist on twominute reports. I will call on Brother Lawrence of Columbia. Columbia. Bro.ther Brown and Delegates: We have five active members, two of who,m are rooming in the chapter house, four alumni and one nonmember, also rooming at the house. Cash on hand $233.05. In regard to our future , I do not know whether any of these men will be back next year. However , we 'have appointed an executive committee of the Alumni Associa'tion .to look after things . The chapter is to be maintained at any rate.

REPORT OF THE N·EW YORK ALUMNI ASSOCIAII'ION

The New York Alumni Association of Acacia Fraternity has passed the most successful and active year of its existence , 'with a membership of one hundred and twenty-fom, <>f which twenty-two a're ·in active military service Practically every member of the association, in addition to those actually. wearing the khaki and the blue, has been engaged in some form of war activHy.

Eight enthusi•astic patriotic meeting have been held, with an average attendance of twenty members. A patriotic committee was appointed at the first meeting held last fall, and each member of this committee was assigned the names of certain members in active military service and requested to write at least one Jetter a month to each brother on his list. At every subsequent meeting reports from each member of this committee were called for . This kept the association in the closest possible touch with our brethren in servke and those in the nearby cantonments were c<>rdially urged to attend our meet ings, which some of them did. A patriotic reception and dance in connection with the Columbia Chapter was a great success and our br ethren in the service were the special guests. A service flag was presented. to the New York Alumni Associati<m, and patriotic exercises, music, dancing and refreshme'nts at the chap.ter house completed a most enj oyable evening.

One meeting was devoted to a i'oint dinner with the Columbia Chapter, to which members of the Franklin Chapter were invited as special guests. Founder's Day was celebrated in connection with Columbia Chapter in the form of a picnic supper and dance at the residence of Brother and Mrs. H. . ' A. Brown at East View , N. Y. Patriotic exercises, a brief resume <>f the history of Acacia, and the annual meeting with election of officers for the ensu ing year were a part of the program

At the Christmas holidays, a five-pound package of Huyler's sweet chocolate, with Christmas cards, were sent to each bro ther in active military service. Some ·of the ladies of Acacia knit ted mufflers and sent them to Acacians in service. We have cash <>n hand, $33.32.

The most cordial relations exist between our association and the various Masonic bodies of New York State. The work of the National Masonic Research Society was pr·omoted by our membership.

Special War Conference of the Acacia Fraternity

The utmost harmony and closest possible co-operation with Columbia Chapter has characterized the year's work and we have made the Chapter House oQur headquarters. Every effort has been made to get in touch with visiting Acacians and our Grand Officers have a standing ' invitation to enjoy ·our hospitality. War conditions prevented the 1918 Conclave from being oQUr guests.

In conclusion, we cannot too strongly urge the formation of Alumni Chapters at centers where even a small number of Acacians may be in residence, and that .they establish the closest fraternal relations with nearby active chapters.

C hie ago. Mr. Chairman: I am sorry I cannot give a very definite nor very encouraging report. The Chicago Chapter ceased active operat-ioQns on II th of April, the membership having disappeared. The house proposition is in a precarious situation. It is pressing very hard and as yet we do not see our way out. What the outlook for next year is, is entirely problematical. I am inclined to think that we will not have a chapter there for several years. I .thought we had the thing so fiqnly rooted that it could withstand any storm. There are four active men at the house, two alumni and one non-member. This is about as good a report as I can make , an .d you see it is very bad.

Iowa State. Brethren: I am glad to say that I have a good report to make. We have initiated nineteen men; twenty-three pledged, but four were called to war before they could be initiated. The house will be maintained during the summer. Our outlook is exceedingly br ight for the coming year. Financially, we are in good conditioQn. The house building board has obligati-ons of $17,000. We have lived ·two years in the fraternity house. I think the success we have had is due to the fact that we have a good house for the fraternity to live in. Each member as he goes out signs a $50 or $100 note for the -house fund. The fraternity has paid over $700 on its furniture and several bills which were due from past years. We have cleared up all bills and a good bl t on hand.

Iowa. Mr. President: We started with four active members in the house and three out of the house. We initiated fifteen men. Eight left us in one week for service. We have fourteen active men, eleven of whom and one pledge are living in the house. We expect four or five back next year. We rented the house to a fraternity. They take it with the underst anding that we can start the Acacia Fraternity at any time. Besides paying our bills, we bought $200 worth of Liberty Bonds. We are entirely out of debt except for $9.50, and we will settle that soon.

Syracuse. Brother Brown: I haven't been in Syracuse for some time. However, the boys have sent me a reporl We have been handicapped by having only two active men, but they have kept the house going. We are . going to run the house for summer school. We 'have several non-members and several are to be initiated next fall. Four men were initiated last week. We -w.m have same number t·o initiate next fall. We now have six active

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men , two alumni and f.our pledges. Our bills are paid date. We will meet our house bill in July. Everything is being left in bus!ness-like shape. i believe the Syracuse Chapter will emerge from the war much stronger than before the war. It seems to me that Syra{;use Chapter should be a lot stronger next year than it has been this l.ast. There is no question but what the house will be opened next fall and the fraternity will keep up tthe house and table .

Meeting adjvurned for thirty minutes f.or committees to prepare reports.

Kansas State. (Delegate absent a.t previous call.) Mr. President: This report is more ·Or less imperfect because I have been out of town and it was made up over the long distance telephone. This year we have been living in a new house . We started with six active men .this fall, to meet and rush men and enter school at the same time ·We maintained a chapter of approximately fifteen ro eighteen men ·and the personnel of the chapter has changed two or three times this year. We have eleven active members at -the present time . We have had two Venerable Deans and as inany men in each of the other -offices. In the face of all this, we have paid off a $125 mortgage to the Building and Loan Association. We have a debt of $6,000, which is taken care of by the !Building and Loan Association. They stand ready to give us a straight loan for tpe duration of the war. The treasurer told me yesterday that every bill was paid. No a{;counts outstanding every member having paid his full assessment. The slate is clean so far as we are concerned locally. The war tax was paid to the local revenue collector. It appears that .they wish to make the Kansas quota as large as possible. It looks as if we will have to continue to pay it this way. The per capita tax was {;Ollected at the end of the school year and will be sent to the Grand Secretary in a short time. So far as the standing of the fraternity at Manhattan is concerned, we stand second in our grades. We feel that our men are very well known on the hill and the spirH on the hill is indeed gratifying. The president of the college .is an Acacian, as is also the vice-president. The head of nearly every department is in our fraternity. We expect to have twelve men coming back next year. Five men will be eligible for initiativn in the fall. '

REPORT OF THE GRAND COUNCIL

The members of the Grand Council submit the following report and recommendatiQns, as required by la·w: •

1. The ratification of the following honorary members and their enrollment is reported:

1. low a State---Joseph Fort Newton.

2. Kansas State-Geo. S. Murphy; Governor Arthur Capper. We recommend they b'e recorded as members.

2. Two Grand Council meetings were held the past two years. At the first one, held May 12, 1917, Grand President Brown, Grand Counselor Woodward and Grand Treasurer Shera were present, Grand Secretary ' 40

Special War Conference of the Acacia Fraternity

Jenkins having resigned and Brother Mann being absent. As Brother Jenkins' resignation was made in order that he might enter the service, it was accepted, and J. F. Groves, of Chicago Chapter, was appointed his successor. In view of the imminent prospect of other members of the Grand Council entering the service and to the further fact that another Grand Council meeting was improbable, the Council members expressed preference for successors for all Grand Officers , empowering the Grand President to appoint the successors as vacancies occurred In accordance with this arrangement, upon the receipt of Grand Treasurer Shera's resignation, Grand President Brown appointed C. S. Huntington, of Illinois Chapter , as Grand Treasurer. The chapter visits of the Grand Counselor and his salary and expenses were <iiscontinuep as a necessary step in curtailing expenses. The plan of the Journal was changed to reduce the expenses. The Grand Editor's salary ·was reduced from $400 to $ 150. The budget for the Journal the war period ·only, to rent rooms in houses to as the war period only, to rent rooms in fraternity houses to non-mambers as a means of meeting chapter expenses in the absence of regular members. A more extensive account of this meetin& was prepared by Grand President Brown and sent to the various chapters.

The second meeting was held at the Morrison Hotel, Chicago, Illinois , May 30, 1918. Grand President Brown, Grand Counselor Woodward , Grand Treasurer Huntington and Grand Secretary Groves were present, with Grand Editor Mann absent.

After full consideration of the report of the special Stanford investigating committee appointed by Grand President Brown and of all other evidence in connection with the dissolution of the Stanford Chapter, the Grand Council voted to expel Stanley C. Herold from membership in Acacia. It also decided that a resume of the case be prepared by the Secretary and sent to every alumni member •of the Stanford Chapter and one copy to each chapter of the Fraternity.

3. It is recommended that the Grand President be given author.ity to contract with a jeweler t o serve as official jeweler of the fraternity for a peri·od of two years from January, 1919, and that all chapters be required to purchase all badges through the Grand Secretary.

4. It is recommended that the following annual budget be adopte? for the period dating from this Conference until the next Conclave is held:

BUDGET FOR 1918-1919

Sp

War Conference of the Acacia Fraternity

* (The Committee on Alumni Assessment later recommended a drive for $ 5,000, which would cover the .items of "Journal" and "Alumni Assessment" given under receipts.)

5. The books of the Grand Secretary show that . the cash balance and accounts receivable to this date exceed the liabilities by $3 ,009.74. The Treasurer's books show $3,041 .80, or an addition of $32.06 , which is interest and was not sent through the Secretary's office. Of the amount above mentioned, it is recommended that $ 75 .00 be apppopriated to be placed to the credit of the Endowment Fund.

The Grand Council gave this report as a matter of information to the delegates present at the War Conference, and no action was taken . It will stand as an action of the Grand Council, subject to the approval of the next Conclave.

Grand President I should· like to hear from Br·other CoHins, Chairman of the Committee on Grand C-ouncil Reoorts.

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON GRAND COUNCIL REPORTS

Resolved that the support of the Conference be given .to the decision of the Grand Council based on the recommendation of the several special Stanford investigating ·committees and of the Grand President that the charter of the Leland Stanford Chapter of the Aca cia Fraternity be held in the hands of .the Grand Council until one year after the conclusion of the war, it being understood that the regular Conclave meeting at about that time shall finally d e termine its disposition.

Adopted

Resolved that the approval and support of this Conference be given to the ruling -of the Grand •Council made on May 12 , 1917 , permitting the renting of rooms and sale of board to non-members in Acacia Fraternity houses , as a temporary war measure.

AdoP.t ed.

Resolved that the approval and support of this Conference be given to the ruling of the Grand Council made on 12, 1917, whereby the visitati-on of chapters by the Grand ·Counselor was · discontinued, as was also his salary and the appropriation for his traveling expenses.

Adopted.

•Resolved that the War Conference heartily approve the recommendation of the Grand President regarding the necessity of changing the ·organic law of the •Fraternity. It recommends tha·t the Grand Council consider seriously the advisability of the appointment of a committee to study the constitutivn and by-laws with the view of better adapting them to the present and future needs of Acacia.

Adopted

Resolved that it is the opinion of this Conference that when a chapter ceases to exist , its chahrter , rituals, records , e tc ., should be placed in the hands of the Grand Council for proper preservation; and that the natural depositary be the archive room ·Of the Michigan Chapter at Ann Arbor.

Respectfully submitted,

CARROLL W. CoLLINS , Chairman , FRANCIS SHEPARDSON , H. B. COLLINGS

, L. A. WILSON.

After much discussion as to when a chapter " ceases to exist ," it w a s the general opinion that this should be left to the Grand Council. Motion was made for the adoption <>f this resolution and it was passed.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ORGANIZATIO EXPANSION

Your Committee on Organization Expansion, in conformity with the suggestion of your Grand President, rec<>mmends:

1. That as a special temporary measure, to con1inue during the present war, the chapters of Acacia Fraternity be grouped into the following districts: 1. 2. 3. 4. Harvard, Yale, C<>lumbia and Franklin. Cornell, Syracuse and Pennsylvania State. Purdue, Ohio and Illinois. Michigan, Wisconsin and Chicago.

5. Kansas, Kansas State, Missouri, Colorado and Texas.

6. Minnesota, Iowa State, Nebraska and Iowa University

7. California and Washingt<>n :

Of these, if considered desirable and expedient by the Conferenc e, Nos. 1 and 2 may be combined, and also N<>s. 3 and 4.

2. That in each of these districts a Counselm be to superv ise the activities of the chapters within his district, encouraging them to adhere to the traditions, the ideals, the customs and the laws of the Fraternity; advising 1hem as to the best way to meet the critical difficulti e s of these troublous times; and maintaining close the relationship between the chapters and the Grand Fraternity.

3. That these Counselors be chosen as far as possible from Acacians without the membership of the chapters in the district.

4. That the present system of an alumnus representative or chapter adviser for each chapter be continued until definite action is taken by the next Grand Conclave.

Respectfully submit ted, W. ELMER EKBLAW, Chairman, FRANCIS W. SHEPARDSON, ]. C. CaRT.

After much discussion as to the advisability and methods of carr y ing out this plan, the report adopted . By motion, the Grand President was authorized to appoint district counselors and chapter advisers.

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON WAR EMERGENCY CHAPTER HOUSE FINANCING

We respectfully recommend the following:

1. If no active members are to remain in the chapter , or an insufficient number to carry on the work of the chapter, the chapter may appoint a War Executive Commi1tee with full power to represent the chapter in all matters and composed of resident alumni members of the chapters.

4 3

2. If a Grand Conclave is called during the per.iod of the war, the expenses ·of delegates to the same to be provided for other than fr·om the Grand Treasury.

3. Alumni Associations Qf every center where a chapter is situated are urged to Tender any necessary financial or other assistance required to keep the chapter If no Alumni Association is in existence, where a chapter may exist, all Acacians in the vicinity of said chapter are urged to organize into a War Emergency Committee to assist the said active chapter.

4. Each chapter secretary is urged to render .a monthly report of the addresses of- brethren in active military service to the Grand Secretary and Grand Editor.

Respectfully submitted,

G. ALFRED LAWRENCE, Chairman, WILLIAM A. WEBER, MEADE M. MoRRIS.

Adopted.

Two other resolution of the Committee on War Emergency failed to pass. One had reference to renting rooms to non-Masons during the war per.iod. It failed because the Grand Council at its meeting in 1917 had arranged for such a program. The other had to do with pledging men under age. After much discussion it was laid on the table.

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON NEXT CONCLAVE

Resolved that a Conclave be held on or about September 1, 1919, should the Fraternity finances at that time warrant the expenditure. If not, as soon thereafter as the Grand Council deems advisable.

Resolved that in view of the fact that the expenses of such a Conclave should be kept at a minimum, we recommend that some centrally located chapter be chosen as the place of meeting.

Resolved that since the Illinois Chapter fills this requirement and in addition has extended a most c·ordial invitation to entertain the next Conclave, we recommend that this assemblage so act.

Respectfully submitted, H. B. CoLLINGs, Chairman, LESLIE SELBY, G. c. GIBBONS.

Adopted.

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON "THE ACACIA SPIRIT"

Resolved that this War Conference formally approve the action taken by the Grand Council on ' May 12, 1917, in discontinuing The Acacia Journal and replacing it with The Acacia Spirit for the period of the war.

Resolved that the Editor be given the full co-operation of all the Grand Officers and of the active chapters in securing paid subscriptions of one dollar per year from all alumni members not in the service and that The Spirit be sent free to all Acacians in the service.

Special War Conference of the Acacia Fraternity

Resolved that each chapter delegate one man to contribute the names and news of its men in the service promptly and regularly to the Grand Secretary and Grand Editor.

1Resolved that the Grand Council be authorized to order whatever changes in form or content that i1 may decide upon from time to time . Resolved that the Conference approve the printing of some chapter news in The Acacia Spirit from time to time.

Respectfully submitted,

WALLACE MEYER, Chairman, G. ALFRED LAWRENCE, M. L. WRIGHT

Adopted.

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON RITUAL

The Committee on ' Ritual respectfully report that they recommend the Committee on Ritual appointed by Grand President Harry L. Brown, consisting of Brothers W. S. Dye, Jr., G. Alfred Lawrence, and Ben G. Smith, be continued, and report to the next Grand Conclave in full. This committee, originally appointed by Grand President Brown, devoted three days to a session in New York City but a year ago, and found many slight errors, made grammatical changes, and in some instances transpositions of paragraphs. In a few instances the striking out of some parts and substitution of others was deemed advisable-all to simplify, clarify and carry out the historical uniformity, sequence and accuracy of the Ritual.

-Respectfully submitted,

G. ALFRED LAWRENCE, Chairman, W. ELMER EKBLAW, CLAUDE D. GRINNELLS.

Adopted.

REPORT OF AUDITING COMMITTEE

An inc9mplete report was presented and Chairman Harris moved that a new committee be appointed and be permitted to take sufficient time to completely audit the books.

Motion passed.

Mr. W. E. Ekblaw, Grand President, Acacia Fra.ternity, Urbana, Ill.

Chicago, Ill., October 21, 19'18.

Dear Sir: The Audit-ing Committee has audited the books of the Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer. They have found the same to be correct, and to agree with the reports handed in by the Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer a.t the War.Conference held May 31, 1918, with the exception of an error of ten cents which the Grand Secretary's balance shows to be more than the Grand Treasurer's account. This same error was carried forward from the books of Grand Secretary Jenkins and Grand Treasurer Shera. The Auditing Committee was not able to check the money received by the Grand Secretary from the various chapters and other sources. The committee would suggest that the Gr.and Secretary keep a duplicate receipt

Special War, Conference of the Acacia Fraternity

book, the to be given to the chapter ·or person paying in money, and the carbon copy t·o be retained for the purpose of auditing the books. The constituti<On provides that each chapter bring .in reports to the Conclave from which an audit may be made, but does not provide for an ·audit to be made at any other time. The duplicate receipt book wouM provide ·the · Grand Secretary with a protection against chapters which have claimed that their accounts have been paid.

This report and audit cover the peri·od from June 1, 1917, ro May 25, 1918. Fraternally,

(Signed)

W. D. HARRIS, Syracuse Chapter, M. L. WRIGHT, Ohio State Chapter, GLEN E. SMITH, Wisconsin Chapter, Auditing Committee.

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON RESOLUTIONS

Whereas the duties of the Grand of the Acacia Fraternity have been exceptionally arduous and difficult during the troublous times through which our nati·on is pow passiljlg and,

Whereas the Grand Officers have discharged their duties to the Fraternity with whole-hearted zeal and indomitable energy, keeping in mind the ideals and needs of our arganization,

Be it resolved that the delegates of the chapters of the Acacia Fraternity in War Conference assembled do hereby express their appreciation of the splendid work done by the Grand Officers and thank them in behalf of the whole Fraternity.

Adopted.

Whereas the ·committee •on arrangements has so creditably planned for our entertainment and arranged the necessary details for this meeting,

Be it resolved that the delegates of the chapters of the Acacia Fraternity in War Conference assembled do hereby express their appreciation of the faithful work done by the committee on arrangements and thank them for their hearty welcome. ·

Adopted.

Whereas Mrs. J. F. Groves has been giving liberally of her services in assisting Grand Secretary Groves in ' the work of his office, in preparing for the Acacia Spirit .and in reporting this Conference,

Be it resolved that the delegates of the chapters of the Acacia Fraternity in War Conference assembled do hereby express their appreciation of the splend id work done by Mrs. Groves and thank her in behalf of the whole Fraternity.

Adopted.

Whereas the hist-ory of the world records no nobler response by the patriots of, any land to the call of their country for "the offer of their service, their interests, their lives, ·than the almost universal response of Acacians to the call of their beloved country,

Be it resolved that this Conference express to all the brothers in the

Special War Conference of the Acacia Fraternity

serv.ice its appreciation of their enlistment in the ranks of the defenders of liberty and permanent peace and of the highest ideals of humanity and civilization;

Furthermore,

Be it resolved that the Acacia Fraternity wish them final and complete success, and whether 1hey return safely or make the supreme sacrifice, that it assure them the place of first honor in the annals of our brotherhood .

Adopted.

Whereas the delegates of the various chapters of the Acacia Fraternity in War Conference assembled this thirty-first day of May, 1918, in Chicago, Illinois, are agreed 1hat President Woodrow Wilson is discharging the duties of his high office w.ithout fear or favor and in a manner above reproach , and in prosecuting this great war for freedom and democracy in a way to endear him to every patriot in every liberty-loving land,

· Be it resolved that the Acacia Fraternity extend 1o President Wilson .its whole-hearted endorsement and support and express its appreciation of his noble efforts to obtain for the world a permanent peace and freedom from autocracy, tyranny and the dread of war.

Adopted.

Furthermore,

Be it resolved that these resolutions be spread' upon the records of the Acacia Fraterni ty and that a copy of them appear in the next issue of the Acacia Spirit.

Respectfully submitted, J. C. CoRT, Chairman. G. B. WILSON.

Adopted.

RECOMMENDATION OF COMMITTEE ON ALUMNI VOLUNTARY ASSESSMENT

It is recommended that the Grand President appoint the district counselors and chapter representatives as a committee to prosecute a drive to raise $4,000 among the alumni and active members to sustain the Grand Fraternity throughout the stress and difficulties of the • present war. The allotment to each chapter shall be apportioned in accord with the total initiated membership and a report of progress shall be published in each issue of the Acacia Spirit.

Respectfully submitted,

MEADE M. MORRIS, Chairman, W. ELMER EKBLAW, ]. C. CoRT, FRANCIS W. SHEPARDSON, LESLIE SELBY.

Special War Conference of the Acacia Fraternity

A preliminary report was made by the Committee on Alumni Assessment, and after much discussion the a:bove report was prepared and passed with the following amendment: "That the amount of money to be raised be increased to $5,000 and that a contribution to this fund should entitle the donor to a subscripHon to the Acacia Spirit."

Grand President. I wish to app.oint the following Standing Committee ·on Constitution and By-Laws: Francis W. Shepardson, R Cecil Fay, Irwin W. Dreihaus and Oscar C. Hull. The duties of this committee will be to prepare a pr-actically new constitution and set of by-laws and it will make a final report at the next Conclave.

The appointment •of chapter advisers and district counselors wiii be reserved for the new president to make. '

Is there any unfini.shed business?

Brother Lawrence of Columbia. I have a letter from Brother Hall, Chairman of the Endowment •Fund Committee, and as a member of the committee, I wish to read it at this time.

"On behalf of the Endowment Com'mittee I wish to submit the following information and report:

"A letter is now being prepared to be mailed to all brothers who have pledged to this fund giving the informati on herein contained and requesting those with unpaid pledges to pay up as fast .as possible. In this connection, it seems t·o the committee that .after the war it will be necessary to have all members pay in at least $15.00 in cash before they shall be entitled to receive the rights and benefits of their membership.

"The committee would appreciate .at this time some expression of opinion from the Grand Council as to the wisdom and practicability of sending , out a general letter all Acacia brothers on behalf of this fund."

Grand President. There was no recommendation in this, was there?

Brother Lawrence. No. Howev er, I would suggest that it would not be wise to send out a letter costing from $200 to $250 at this time.

Grand President. That is a matter that should be left to the succeeding administration.

Brother Lawrence. I move that the present Endowment Fund Committee be re-appointed by the succeeding Grand President ·or that he . appoint another ·committee carry on the work.

Seconded and passed.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

Grand President. We will now proceed to the election of officers. This Conference has no right to elect officers, but the Grand Council is empowered by the Constituti{)n to perpetuate itself. The only way this can be done is for the Conference to express a choice for a member for each , office and for the members of the Grand Council to resign in turn and the !'emaining members to choose a man to fill the place. In order that the presiding officer may retain the chair, we will proceed with the election in reverse order.

Brother Mann has asked to be released from the position as Editor. He has served for four years. He has been arduously employed. It seems only fair that he be relieved and that we accept his resignation at this time. We ask that the War Conference express its choice for Grand Editor Mann or f{)r a new candidate.

Shepardson of Chicago. It seems to me, if I may make the suggestion, that a committee ought to be appoin{ed on recommendations. Those who have been looked to for leadership don't lik,e to say anything, since they are somewhat involved. It seems to me there ought to be a committee to look over the ground and make out a slate with two or three men for each position for the guidance of the brethren assembled i,n this Emergency War Conference. One of the weaknesses of the Acacia Fraternity is its lack of continuity. Now everything ·has been overlapping a bit because of outside demands on members of the Fraternity. If this be a War Conference with the backing of such, reason calls for careful deliberation. If the Grand Council has any slate or has thought over the matter, I make a motion that the Grand Council make suggestions to this Conference, even if it be that their own names are involved, rather than that it should be taken up by the Conference as a whole.

Grand President. •Will someone the motion that ·the chair be given opportunity to express the opinion of the Grand Council? The Grand Council has made up its mind as to whom it thinks are the best candidates of -the comparatively few available. Many men who would mak e excellent Grand Officers are in the service or are subject to call. There are comparatively few who have had experience. These limits make the choice quite narrow. If it is agreeable to the War Conference, the Grand President will state what the Grand Council has deemed wise in this ma-tter. It would be the pleasure of the chair to have the Conference give its unanimous approval as to whatever candidates the Council sees fit to nominate. If 1he Conference so desires, I shall entertain a motion to this effect.

Meyer of Wisconsin. I move you that the Grand Council assist the Conference by giving the names of the best successors for itself. Seconded and passed.

Grand Secretary. Brother Brown, before you do this, I wish to make the statement that no member of the Grand Council had anything to say concerning his own re-election.

Special War Conference of the Acacia Fraternity

Grand President. The Grand Council arrived at the naine of Brother W. Elmer Ekblaw, -of Illinois Chapter, the best man available at this time and certainly a splendid man at any time, to assume the duties of Grand Presi. dent. . The reasons the Council had for this conclusi on were that Brother Ekblaw was ·favorably engaged for conducting the affairs of the ·Fraternity, since he is d oing research wo-rk where his time is very much his own, and has mapped out fo r himself a program which includes much travel, whereby he shall be able to visit some of the active chapters, which is extremely important. In addition, Brother Ekblaw has served as Grand Vice-President of the Fraternity and is therefore an experienced man on the Grand Council. Except for the period when he was thousands of miles away from any news, he has been closely connected with the Acacia .fraternity. He has informed himself thoroughly of all that happened while he was away. These are the principal reasons, except that we feel Brother Ekblaw will give time to the affairs of Acacia Fraternity. The principal criticism I have heard regarding him is that · he has been too aggressive, so we need have no fear of a lax handling ·of Fraternity affairs.

Shepardson of Chicago. •Brother tBrown, I would like to move that this be heartily concurred in . - I wish to testify to Brother Ekblaw's efficiency. I think the Grand Council has made a splendid choice. I move we heartily endorse Brother Ekblaw for Grand President.

Ekblaw of Illinois. I am going to ask that the Fraterni-ty carefully consider its choice. This is a time of great responsibility. I am willing to serve if there is not a man who is better qualified for the position .

Grand President. The approval of Bro ther Shepardson's motion is , sufficient to elect Brother Ekblaw, as its disapproval would signify that you had further candidates.

Motion seconded and passed

Ekblaw of Illinois. I wish to thank the Conference for the honor conferred upon me. I wish to assure the delegates that I will serve the Fraternity ro the best of my ability. With the assistance of the other Grand Officers, I hope we can pull the Fraternity through these strenuous times.

Grand President. Grand Counseler Woodward has done a worthy work. He has won the undying confidence of the chapters he has vi-sited. The only reason we have not urged his re-election is, ' that he is in war work like myself and will undoubtedly be calJed t o put on the uniform soon.

The thought of the Grand Council regarding the Grand Counselor was that Brother Harry E. Kilmer, who served fo-r eight years as Grand Secretary and who is the best loved man in the Fraternity, is the man f(}r the place. We know full well if he were here he would -object to taking this position, but with all visitations discontinued, it will not be so much work. It would give all alumni members great assurance to have this man as Grand Counselor. I am sure if we elect him and tell him he is to accept the office he will do so.

Special War Conference of the Acacia Fraternity

Ekblaw of Illinois. I meve that we concur unanimously in selecting Harr y E. Kilmer as Grand Counselor.

Seconded and passed.

Grand President. Brother C. S. Huntington of Illinois Chapter very ge.1erously .submitted t<> taking the office of Grand Treasur e r at the time Grand Treasurer Shera resigned . He is not lik e ly to be called into the service soon. Since it is highly desirable to retain as many old officers as possible , we recommend his re - election

Morris of Wisconsin. Grand President Brown, I move that the report of the Grand Council be accepted in this matter.

Seconded and passed.

Grand President. At the time of Brother Jenkins' resignation to join the Second Officers' Training Corps, the Grand Council was indeed in a quandary as to kn<>w where to find a man capable of undertaking the work of the Grand Secretary's office. We considered Harry Kilm e r very seriously at that time. After considerable thought and endeavor, we concurred in the appointment of Brother James F . Grov es. Th e greatest assurance the Grand President had regarding his appointment was a postscript to a letter from Harry Kilmer in which he said it would be impossible for him to take the secretaryship. He said he would like to suggest th e name of Brother James F. Groves of Chicago Chapter. I immediatel y wired Brother Groves and received a favorable wire from him.

The Grand Secretaryship is one above all others which should not be changed more than necessary. It is highly desirable that the office remain in the hand·s where it is now. There is not nearly so much credit due any member of the Grand Council as to the Grand Secretary . The Grand Council is in favor of retaining J. F. Groves as Grand Secretary.

Reid of Ohio State. Brother Brown, I move the Conference concur in the selection ·of Brother Groves for Secretary.

Seconded. Brother Shepardson heartily endorsed the re-election of Grand Sceretary Groves and the motion passed.

Grand President. Grand Editor Mann has faithfully and diligently served the Fraternity for four years. He has helped to build up the Acacia Fraternity. He writes that he is loaded down with work of his clients and war work and should like to be relieved. The Grand Council has thought it would not ask him to continue if a suitable man to fill his place could be found. We find there are several possibilities. There is no other Fraternity work which plays a more important part in keeping the interest of alumni men and men in the service. The work is extremely important. The best possible man who can be found should be selected. Such a man must be found who can give considerable time and a man of journalistic training is also needed. We must depend upon his enthusiasm to get the news. We need a high-grade man to undertake to make the Acacia Spirit the direct connection between all members of the Fraternity.

Special War

Conference of the Acacia Fraternity

There several suggestions on this matter. The Grand Council did no t come to any defini te conclusion. Thayre of Wisconsin, Searson of Kansas State and Rice of Kansas were mentioned as possibilities. Shepardson of Chicago. Sometimes in a meeting you will see a man develop who ought to be considered. I have been listening to several reports f.r om a certain brother who ought to be interested in this matter . If it were up to me to suggest a man, I would not go ·outside of this room find one suitable for the position . I suggest the name of Brother Wallace Meyer.

GJ and President. He has been associated with the Editor of the Acacia Spirit for the past eight months or more and is a man who is giving all of ;his time to publicity work. He certainly knows the viewpoint of the chapters , having lived in the Wisconsin Chapter House for four years. The Grand Council was afraid to appoint anybody who was <thinking of leaving for war, so we did not consider his name. However, I should certainly be pleased to see Brother Meyer accept the position as Grand Editor

Shepardson of Chicago. You want a Fraternity crank for this position. You want somebody who knows the game. Brother Meyer has shown that he has the right kjea. He strikes me as the right kind of a man.

Grand President Brother Meyer has been a unique man. He has been a great help to me. When I would be rather disgusted with some point, Brother Meyer would help me to see things in a broader light. Brother Meyer has the good wishes of every man who comes in contact with him. If Brother Meyer can only see his way clear to conduct the Spirit, by perhaps not doing so much of his regular work, I should be glad to see him accept the position. Brother Meyer, can you not see your way clear to accept this position?

Meyer of Wisconsin. I would like to be and would be proud to be the Editor of the . Acacia Spirit . I think we would have some chances f.or help <that Brother Mann does not have. There is Frank Thayre out in Iowa to help. I would really be glad to take charge of this proposition. But both · of my brothers are on the ocean and while I don't seem to be able to get into that service, I think that by the end of the year I shall be in Washington.

Morris of Wisconsin. It seems to me that Br·other Meyer should accept this office. Even if he is called in three or four months, he will have reorganized the paper and in tha·t way it can be turned over to capable assistants . It seems to me we take a chance by electing a new man, whereas if we elect Brother Meyer we know he will make good.

Grand President. Brother Meyer, would you accept under those conditions?

Meyer of Wisconsin. I should like to be the Grand Editor, because I think it is a very useful position. I would be glad to work as Associate Editor, but when I go to Washington, I will want to put my entire time on the government work.

Grand Pr esid e nt . I should like to mak e th e f oll ow in g suggestion: T ha t Brother Meyer be appoint e d as Grand Editor , se le ct in g s uch a ssociates as will help in publishing th e Acacia Spir it.

Sh e pardson of Ch ic ago I am satisfi e d no w tha t m y s u ggestio n was the right one. The spirit that Brother Me y e r has s ho w n h e r e a g ood o ne. This is a critical time in the Fraternity. Sud<ienl y th e F r a te rn ity is co nfronted with a situation- one with which it must stru gg le a nd ou t of whic h H must come for the ev e ntual success of th e fund a m e n tal p rinciples for which we stand.

There are many w ays of serving the nation. On e is th at service wh ich finds expression in putting on the uniform and followin g th e fla g. Th e n there is another which gives everything to some w orth y cau se. Broth er Meyer can act as Edi·tor until h e is called for mo re r es pon si bl e work. H e will at least have tim e to organize things and let th em g o forwa rd with a good start . I mak e the motion that Brother Me yer b e m a d e G r and Editor .

Ekblaw o f Illinois I wish h e artily to seeond and urge upon Bro t h e r Meyer the acceptanc e of thi s offic e .

Motion carried

Following this the Grand Council formally el e ct e d th e offic e r s r e co mmend·ed ·by the War Conference by resigning one at a tim e and a ppoin t in g the men recommended by the Confer e nce to fill th e vaca n cies Th e n ew officers were formally installed as provid e d for in the ritu a l and r e qu ir e d by the consti·tution and by-laws.

This was followed by a discussion regarding the printing of th e minutes of the War Conference. It was the concensu s of opinion th a t th e minutes should be so edited as to save pap e r , cost and t h e tim e of thos e reading them.

Br-other Brown moved that one hundred copies of th e compl e te r e port be made up in mimeographed form and be run in the Ac a cia Spirit a s a story.

Seconded.

Brother Lawrence amended this by substituting one thou s and for on e hundred and the word printed for mim e ographed. Seconded. Amendment carrie<!. Motion carried

Grand Secretary Groves called the attention of the delegates to the importance of getting membership records, war tax and per capita tax in on time. He also called attention to the History of Acacia Fraternity , written by Francis W. Shepardson, and to the constitution and by-Jaws , both of which were for distribution.

Special War Conference of the ' Acacia Fraternity I

After some discussion regarding the war tax, th War Conference adjourned sine die.

An informal banquet in the evening was attended by about forty of ·the Grand Officers and alumni, Past Grand President Brown acting as toastmaster. Professor Shepard son was the principal speaker of the evening, and he gave those present a very interesting and inspiring talk about fraternity life and this great war.