Asa phoenix vol 5 no 4 feb 1919

THE PHOENIX of ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA----' MRs. WM. HoLMES MARTIN, Editor VoLUME V.

FEBRUARY, 1919

NuMBER 4

THE PHoENIX is published in October, November, December, February, March, April, May and June. Subscription is not open.

Application lor entry as second 路class matter at the postoffice at Richmond, Ind., pending.

DIRECTORY I_

_____,

NATIONAL COUNCIL

President-Mrs. Wm. Holmes Martin, N, 5 Cobden St., Roxbury, Mass.

Vice President-Ida A. Jewett, AB, 511 Hitt St., Columbia, Mo. Secretary-Margaret Veil, AG, Scalp Level, Penn.

Treasurer-Ruth Duffey, AA, South Charleston, Ohio.

Registrar-Naomi Caldwell, DD, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio.

Historian-Mrs. Charles M. Chenery, A, 311 S. Jefferson St., Petersburg, Va. Librarian-Mrs. Carl T. Brunson, BB, 211 North Weber St., Colorado Springs, Col. Ritualist-Minnie Shockley, GG, Alva, Okla. 路 BOARD OF ADVISERS

Alpha-Miss Mary E. Peck, High St., Farmville, Va. Alpha Alpha-Miss Martha Molyneaux, Oxford, Ohio.

Alpha Beta-Miss Rosamond Root, Kirksville, Mo. Alpha Gamma--Miss Jean R. McElhaney, Indiana, Penn.

Beta Beta-Miss Helen Payne, Greeley, Colo.

Gamma Gamma-Miss Minnie Shockley, Alva, Okla.

Delta Delta-Miss Elizabeth Garber, Athens, Ohio.

Epsilon Epsilon-Miss Catherine E. Strouse, Emporia, Kans.

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Alumnae~Helen Boggess, AA, 2712 Woodburn, Cincinnati, 0.

Art-Grace E. Lyle, AB, Memphis, Mo. Examinations-Grace G. Fultz, DD, 3445 Trimble Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio.

Extension-Edith E. Ramsey, BB, 122 East 8th Ave., Twin Falls, Ida. Music-Maude Barrigar, EE, 849 Balboa, Box 756, Ancon, Canal Zone. 路 Paraphernalia-Ruth Dempsey, AG, 1002 Linton St., Johnstown, Penn.

Scholarship-Frances Robertson, A, Blackstone, Va. Sorority Study-Mrs. Leroy Cole, GG, Fowler, Kans.

- ALUMNAE SECRET ARIES Alpha-Inza Lea, Danville, Va. Alpha Alpha-Ethel E. Pfeiffer, 3194 Hillside Ave., Cincinnati, 0.

Alpha Beta-Claire D. McCallister, Milan, Mo. Alpha Gamma-Martha Hill, 730 Horner St., Johnstown, Pa. Beta Beta-Ada A. Baker, 503 11th Ave., Greeley, Colo.

Gamma Gamma-Mrs. Frank G. Munson, College Hill, A lva, Okla.

Delta Delta-Naomi Caldwell, 88 University T errace, Athens, 0.

Epsilon Epsilon-Nell Grant, 1102 Commercial St., Emporia, Kans.

ASSOCIATION PRESIDENTS Chillicothe, 0.-Grace G. Fultz, 67 Paint St. Cincinnati, 0.-Bernadine Sutkamp, Bellevue, Ky. Edina, Mo.-Lettie Merrick, Edina, Mo. Johnstown, Penn.-Margaret Veil, Scalp Level, Penn.

Kirksville, Mo.-Mrs. Hoyt I ves, Ki rksville, Mo. Norfolk, Va.-Sallie Rawlings, 430 Redgate Ave. Pittsburgh, Penn. -Beatrice Jeffries, Avalon, Penn.

Springfield, Ohio, Unionville, Mo.-Gladys Howey, Unionville, Mo. Washington, D. C.-Daisy Rankin, 1529 Eye St., N. W., Washington, D. C. CHAPTER EDITORS State Normal School Alpha Elvira Jones Farmville, Va.

Miami Univers ity

Alpha Alpha

Alice Ottman

Oxford, Ohio.

State Normal School

Alpha Beta

Helen Gardner

Kirksville, Mo.

A lpha Gamma

State Normal School

Leona Maley

Indiana, Penn.

Beta Beta

State Teachers College Alpha Sigma Alpha House, Greeley, Colo.

Gamma Gamma

State Normal School

E lsie SolÂŁ

Alva, Okla.

Delta Delta

Ohio University

Helen Hoffert

Alpha Sigma Alpha House, Athens, Ohio.

Epsilon Epsilon

State Normal School

Hazel Harris

Alpha Sigma Alpha House, Emporia, Kans.

ASSOCIATION OF PEDAGOGICAL SORORITIES President-Mrs. A. J. Hathaway, SSS, Weiland, Ont. Secretary-Miss Ida A. Jewett, ASA, University of Missouri.

Treasurer-Miss Helen Cook, PKS,307 Adams St., Ypsi lanti, Mich.

Adviser to Panhellenics- Miss Virginia Stark, DSE, 123 Vennum Ave., Mansfield, 0.

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THE PHOENIX of Alpha Sigma Alpha February, 1919 BENEDICITE Dear Saint and Bishop Valentine, Once more I kneel before thy shrine.

My heart is sad and sore di stressed, My soul with crushing grief oppressed.

My soldier lad comes not again.

Stretch f orth thy hands and .ease my pain!

B enedicite!

Dost thou recall the day I came, Begging a boon in Christ's dear name, Asking for motherhood divine, Vowing, if such sweet g ift were mine, In honor's cou rt my son to train?

Stretch forth thy hands and ease my pa,in!

B enedicite!

Ah, when I placed above his bed The Crucifix, what prayers I said!

What hopes were mine that youthful eyes, Seeing the worth of sacrifice, Might welcome loss,-and count it gain!

Stretch forth thy hands and ease my pain!

B enedicite!

At Chateau Thierry he sleeps.

Above, a cross its vigil keep s.

When he awakes, his bed beside, His eyes will see the Crucified.

My vow was kept. I kneel again .

Stretch forth thy hands and ease my pain!

B enedicite!

-Selected

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THE PHOENIX

SAINT VALENTINE During many centuries it has been the custom for countries, cities, and even individuals, to have patron saints. The choice is usually founded upon some special service rendered by the beloved patron. Even as far back as the early days of Jewish history, the Archangel Michael was honored as the one who had at . heart the best interests of the Jewish people, for he was credited with having driven Satan out of Heaven, together with the whole tribe of rebellious angels. More than this, he was supposed to have been the guardian and guide of the Hebrews at the time that they broke loose from their captivity by the Persians. It was he who led the valiant Maccabees to victory on this occasion, and who later rescued the body of Moses from the power of the Evil One. St. George has long been honored as the special protector of England, and it is his reel cross that has been for many years the central figure in her banner. Combined with the white saltire of St. Andrew of Scotland, and the red crosses of St. Patrick of Ireland and St. David of Wales, it forms the well known "Union Jack." St. Louis, Crusader and King, is supposed to exercise the same watchful care over France today, as he did in the thirteenth century. St. Boniface, the Devonshire lad, who carried the cross from England to the pagan people dwelling along the Rhine, is regarded as the special patron of Germany. St. Nicholas, guardian .s aint of Russia, who restored to life three little children after they had been murdered by an inn-keeper, covetous of their gold, and who rescued three beautiful maidens from a life of shame by dowering them and thus securing good husbands for them, is a saint beloved in all Christian lands, where he is regarded as the special lover and protector of youth.

Another saint who is credited with a deep interest in youth is our own St. Valentine. Not so very much is known of his forbears, except that they were people of wealth and social position in Rome during the third century. The name, Valentine, indicates that his family was an honord one, and that his ancestors were either military men or physicians. The word, found today in our "valedictory," meaning "a farewell address," shows the significance of the word to be health, and so points to the possibility of familiarity, on the part of some forbear, with the ~1edical

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profession. This same root comes to us from the French in the words, valor and valiant, signifying courage, and pointing also to the possibility of soldier ancestry. However that may be, St. Valentine proved himself both a brave soldier of the Cross and the physician of persecuted Christians, as we shall now explain.

During his residence in Rome, the old pagan beliefs were the official faith of the Eternal City, so when the Christians wished to worship, they had to hold their meetings in secret places. Oftentimes they held services in underground tombs, called catacombs, which afforded them a measure of protection from spying eyes. There was a price set upon their heads by imperial decree, and there were always those willing to betray them and to hand them over to the authorities, who used the innocent victims to make a. Roman holiday. It was a c~mmon occurrence in those clays for C11ristians to be burned at the stake, or to be thrown to wild beasts in the Roman amphitheatre. It was in one of these underground passages that St. Valentine was ordained. to the priesthood and later to the bishopric of Rome. Here he preached and comforted his terrified people.

One of the few pictures of St. Valentine, and one of the loveliest, represents him in a Roman dungeon ministering to the spiritual needs of some of his people condemned to die on the morrow. In one hand is a lighted candle, in the other a golden chalice for the celebration of the Sacrament. It was while he was on such an errand of mercy that he was apprehended as a Christian, a fact which led to the emperor's order for his execution, in spite of the prominence and great wealth of the Valentine family. \iVhile he was yet in prison, awaiting sentence, there came to him one clay a powerful noble, one of equal rank with himself, who endeavored to show the Bishop the error of his ways, and who besought him to recant. \iVith this noble at the time was his beautiful daughter, Asteria, who had been blind for years, but who had come with her father to add her pleadings to his that one of such noble blood might not sacrifice his life, as they thought needlessly, for a faith that could not endure, and that appealed but to the poor and lowly. Valentine's answer to their kindly importunities was a touch of his hands on the lovely sightless eyes of the maiden. From that moment she was no longer blind. So deeply impressed were both father and daughter by the miracle they straightway embraced Christianity.

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There are several conflicting stories concerning the last hours of St. Valentine. Some historians maintain that he was beheaded on February 14th in the year 270, but other chroniclers declare that he escaped death at the stake most miraculously and lived many years to comfort and encourage his flock during the troublous days of the emperor's reign. According to these writers, just at the instant that the eager flames were leaping up to reach his body, there arose such a terrible storm, with such portents from heaven, that persecutors and friends alike were driven to seek shelter. When the fury of the storm had abated, and the sorrowing friends returned to seek his bones in the ashes, they found among the quenched embers only a crimson, throbbing heart, which they immediately carried off as a relic, and which they forever treasured as a sign from heaven that the love of St. Valentine should never perish from the earth.

Members of Alpha Sigma Alpha who are familiars of King Asa and know of his escape from death through the kindly offices of the wise phoenix, are most heartily in accord with those historians who believe St. 路 Valentine escaped martyrdom. More than that they are convinced that the kindly saint was no other than King Asa in one of his many manifestations. The absence of any trace of the body and the finding . of the glowing heart, added to the fact that love never has died in all the centuries since, would be proof enough for any ASA that St. Valentine still lives.

Should you ever go to Rome, you will be shown in the Church of St. Praxides the golden casket containing the crimson heart that was found after the miraculous disappearance of St. Valentine, and you will be directed to a Gate, once known as the Valentine Gate, but now called the Gate of the People. It is to be regretted that the door no longer bears the name of one of Rome's best loved and most noted sons, but perhaps the change in name was only natural, and quite as that famous son would like to have it, for the kindly saint held close to his heart the interests of all 'his people, poor as well as rich. The name may be gone from the gate, but it is enshrined today in the hearts of the people in every Christian land, and joyously do they set apart each year a day in his memory, a day on which each is to send a tender message to loved ones, a message that shall say, "My heart still beats, as always, with undiminished affection for thee."

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OUR CHAPTERS VIRGINIA Although December is a short month in actual school days , it is always crowded full of hard work and good times at S. N. S., and this year has not proved an exception to the rule. To begin with, our most exciting interclass basketball game, which should have been played at Thanksgiving had to be postponed on account of bad weather, so that came early in the month. The field was decorated with the colors of the respective classes whose teams were competi11g, and there was a brilliant array of red and white on one side and of green and white on the other. The entire student body and the faculty came out to root for one or t-he other team, and between quarters the girls sang and snake-danced.

Our Imogen \Vright starred for the green and white, and was considered by many the best player on the field, so those of us who were wearing her colors were mighty proud of her. The red and white, however, won, but this did not trouble us particularly, though we might be wearing the other colors, for a great many of the red and white people were ASA's, and we simply told them they could not fail to win \Nearing those ribbons.

A new society has been started in the school. It is known as Pi Kappa Omega, and it stands for scholarship, leadership and service in the state, as well as in the college. Dr. Jarman, our President, addressed the four professional classes at the society's inaugural in the Auditorium, and then presented the seven charter members, the six associate faculty members and one alumna member. For the present the organization is confined to our own institution, but steps may be taken later to extend it to other 1xofessional schools of the teachers college type. It is to mean to us what Phi Beta Kappa does to the cultural college and university.

The week before Christmas was a very happy one, for all of us were planning for the approaching holidays, and such plans lighten the most prosaic tasks. Our Christmas spread was a very enjoyable affair, though quite simple and inexpensive. We held

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it on a dreary afternoon in Elizabeth Lewis' room. Perhaps you will think we were selfish because we did not invite the rushees, but we wanted to have one nice long afternoon to ou rselves after the hurry of pre-Christmas preparations. The room was delightfully cosy with its decorations of red and white in addition to holiday greenery. The salad, sandwiches, cake, fruit and candy were in harmony with the general color scheme. After the repast we sat around in the rosy candle light, singing and telling stories.

At S. N. S. we observe a great many of the old Christmas customs, which are dear to the hearts of the student body. The Glee Club always has a beautiful carol service several nights before we leave. This year it seemed more beautiful and attractive than ever before, for there were several solos and duets taken from the Messiah, and a chorus, dressed in white and carrying lighted tapers, sang "Silent Night, Holy Night." At the close of the entertainment, the student body joined in singing several old, familiar carols.

The "Hanging of the Greens" is another pretty custom that is carried out under the auspices of the Y. W. C. A . There is a short program of Christmas music in otir lovely big living room, and then some one tells us of the quaint old Christmas customs and superstitions. Following this every one present takes a spray or wreath of Christmas green to hang in the living room, the home office or the reception hall. The place soon acquires such a festive look, and is so redolent with the woodsy fragrance that we are almost loath to leave it.

On the morning of the clay our holidays begin, a large proportion of the student body goes carroling out in town. They leave school before it is light, going all over Farmville, as dawn is breaking, singing especially at homes where there are old people or where there is sickness or sorrow. Then they return to our grounds to serenade Dr. Jarman and the faculty.

ELVIRA J ONES, Historian.

MIAM I Initiation took place on December 14. None of the old girls could come back, and there could be no banquet either on account of the epidemic, but our patronesses, Mrs. Clark, Mrs. Richards and Miss Swisher, and our Adviser, Miss Molyneaux, took dinner with us in the dining room annex of Hepburn Hall. The

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table was cleverly decorated in yellow and white, the centrepiece being a basket of sunburst roses. Yellow candles in crystal sticks supplied the light. The dinner was a three course affair, grapefruit cocktail, veal, mashed potatoes, peas, hot biscuits, ice cream and cake. The ice cream carried out the two colors, as did the cake, which was so beautiful that it was brought on as a decoration and cut by Miss Molyneaux. After the last course Helen Fix, one of the initiates, spoke on "Aspire" , Mrs. Richards on "Seek", and Marjorie Stier on "Attain". Later we adjourned to the suite of Anne Roberts and Marjorie Stier.

ALICE OTTMAN, Historian.

Born to Mr. and Mrs. Chester Johnson (Elizabeth Newhall), a son, Donald.

Helen Boggess, Dorothy Clason and Catherine Arbogast, all of whom are teaching in the Cincinnati schools, have rented a furnished apartment.

Their first ASA stunt is to be a meeting of the Cincinnati Alumnae Association.

KIRKSVILLE Alpha Beta's belated initiation for its eleven new pledges was held on December 7 at the home of Anne Evans I ves. The fact that the initiation had been delayed until so late did not in the least detract from the beauty or the solemnity of the service.

We were most fortunate in having Miss Jewett with us as presiding officer, and the dignity and charm with which she conducted the ceremonies added greatly to the impressiveness. 路One attractive feature of the service was a new ASA song- written

by Miss Jewett and sung by Mary Shouse.

The beautiful and spacious Evan s home was admirably suited to the purposes of initiation, and the chapter feels greatly indebted to Mrs. Ives and her parents for so generously extending the qse of their home, as it was quite impossible, owing to epidemic restrictions, to rent a public hall. Lucile Nickell, Gladys Howey and Mildred Guiles were the only out-of-town alumna present, others who had planned to be present being prevented by the prevalence of the epidemic. After the initiation a lap luncheon, prepared by Miss Jewett with the help of Lucile Nickell was enjoyed. As the Historial reads this over, she fears she may have given the impression that Miss Jewett was overworked , but the girls did pass the plates and wash the dishes, and Lucile made a wonderfully efficient "side do' kicker."

The following week the chapter observed the required Christ-

'

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mas celebration with a party at the rooms of Mary Shouse and Mary Harris. The program consisted of the ASA Christmas songs, the Bible story of the first Christmas Eve heralded by "Our Star," the legend of our Narcissus, the Star-flower, and a Christmas prayer. Then there was a Christmas letter from Miss Jewett. Afterwards the girls made fudge, ate apples, and enjoyed the toys they had bought for one another. Later the toys were given to some poor children.

On Monday following a pledge service was held for Florence Sublette, one of the most prominent girls in the school. Florence has been active in all phases of school life, having held various class offices, won debating honors, been editor-in-chief of the Annual, and President of Y. W. We are very happy to have her one of us. Her initiation will bring our new members up to the round dozen.

Near the end of the quarter, one路 Assembly hour was devoted to a memorial service for Dr. Clark. From the eulogies given

by Pres. Kirk, Profs . Burrows and Jones, and a student, the audience learned of the much valued services rendered by this able scholar, teacher and gentleman, first as President of the Kearney, Neb., Normal School, later as head of the Department of Education at the Peru, Neb., Normal School, and finally as Chairman of the Division of Education in the Kirksville Normal School.

Convocation exercises were held on Tuesday, December 17, and were of a military nature, as that was the clay set apart for the mustering out of the S. A. T. C. Four ASA's received certificates and diplomas on this occasion, Ruth Crookshank and Mabel \ Vilson being graduated from the freshman class, I sabel Robinson from the sophomore, and Nettie Dickerson from the junior. Isabel is not returning as we had hoped. She has been offered a splendid business opportunity in her home town, and will fill that until she matriculates next Fall at a school of commercial art. Grace Jones was offered a fine position in the schools of Unionville, but is expecting to return for work at some other quarter. Mrs. Anna Fowler Swartz we lost at Thanksgiving, but her going back to Nevada, Mo., was not unexpected as she was here on leave of absence from her school work until she could secure final credits for her degree.

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With the arrival of Christmas week came the beautiful snow and the jingle of sleigh bells. On Christmas Eve the Camp Fire Girls rode about the streets in a big bob-sled singing carols at the homes where there was a gold star in the window. At the close of the drive they went into the home of a poor consumptive girl of their own age, where they decorated a tree and showered the invalid with gifts.

The New Year will bring the girls back to school. vVe are hoping to accomplish much more in the months to come than we did last quarter, if we are spared further interruptions of school and social activities. We are also hoping that the process of rebuilding our burned building will proceed as rapidly as it has begun, and that the spring quarter will find us in full possession of our commodious Pershing Hall. Don't you envy us the right to name one of our buildings after a son whose military genius helped so much to bring a quick and decisive ending to the great war?

HELEN GARDNER, Historian.

Li eut. and Mrs. _Wm. Moorman Boone, Jr. (Carey Butler), have established their new home in Brooklyn, N. Y., at the St. George Apts., 570 Pacific St. Carey is planning for a gathering of the ASA's in New York City at an early date.

Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Alexander (Ethel Newmyer) have anounced the birth of their son, Wm. Walter, Jr., on January 2, 1919.

Leo Rachford entertained the Washington ASA's at a delightful breakfast on December 22. Plans had been made for the initiation, under special dispensation, of Daisy Rankin, but she had been called away to Missouri by the sudden and serious illness of her father.

Mr. D oyle, father of Elva Doyle Reed and Gertrude Doyle Benson, is in France.

Ida A. Jewett is chaperoning the Missouri University Chapter of Delta Delta Delta.

Grace Lyle, who underwent a very serious operation at the Grace Hospital in Kansas City, is recovering wonderfully ascording to latest reports.

P ENNSYLVANIA Alpha Gamma had a number of pleasant rushing parties during December. The grand finale was a banquet, which proved to be very successful. Since the affair came shortly before the Christmas vacation, the holiday colors were used in the decorations , and a tiny tree served as the central decoration of the table. Twenty-two were present.

A much larger affair in ~hich Alpha Gamma was particularly interested was the Christmas party given by the two literary societies of the school, the Erodelphian and the Huy-

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ghenian. There was an immense tree on this occasion, on which each member had hung a present. These were distributed at the end of the entertainment. Among the special features was a Colonial Christmas dance that was very attractive.

Alpha Gamma has been most fortunate in having a number of its alumnae back for visits. It had hoped to have many more, but the quarantine upset everybody's plans. Those who were so fortunate as to get back at the rare times when visitors were received were, Katherine Froelich, Miriam McKee, Eleanor Mitchell, Lovell Rebhun and Margaret Rose. Through these we learned of the marriage of two other alumnae, Sara Gough and Lamie Ellis, but we did not get the full particulars and so are unable to give the names of the fortunate men.

The sororities have been passing through a rather serious experience. In some way or other an agitation was started for the abolition of the Greek-letter societies. It is rather difficult to explain just how this idea took root, but before we were really quite aware of the gravity of the situation, Panhellenic had called a meeting and put the matter to vote. When it was seen that there was opposition to the movement on the part of some <_>f the sororities, Panhellenic settled the whole matter by asking the President of the School to render a decision. Dr. ;Keith, believing that the sentiment was wholly in favor of abolition, ruled that the sororities might disband at any time, but that they n1ust ?is band in June.

Whether this decision is really final remains to be seen. Those who did most of the talking in favor of the i路dea maintained, of course, that sororities are undemocratic, that they take too much time, that they do not serve the purpose of the best friendship.

To state that a sorority does not foster true friendship is not an arraignment of the system, but only an acknowledgment that the speaker herself has failed to secure friends through her own particular organization. The very fact that such a person is ready to destroy what thousands acknowledge to be the greatest influence in their lives is conclusive proof that the agitator is incapable of making .friends.

To abolish sororities on the ground that they consume a student's time is equally absurd. Who was it said, "If you have two loaves, sell one and buy daffodils"? Bread will feed the body,

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but the soul needs food as well, and bread alone will not nourish the spirit. With the daily grind must go a period of relaxation.

It is a scientific fact that machines that are given seasons of rest last much longer and produce a larger final output than those kept at top speed all the time. Community celebrations are good in their proper places, as are large student affairs, but neither can ever tal~e the place of simple home festivities or of the associations made possible by a small group of congenial spirits.

To state that sororities are undemocratic shows ignorance. It is something that has yet to be p1'oved. No mere statement of that sort is proof. Nietsche once said that Christian morality is the most malignant form of all falsehood, that it had corrupted mankind, but this statement of his, though lauded by his followers, has never been accepted as true by any save those who would wilfully destroy the supporting columns of society, indeed millions have laid down their lives in Flanders' fields, as gladly as ever martyr went to the stake, as proof of their unwavering faith in the potency of Christian ideals.

Just as there are those who would wipe the Christian religion from the face of the earth, so there are those who would destroy the sanctity of the home, for there are men who maintain that fatherhood and motherhood are mere incidents, that children, to be properly reared, should be taken in charge by the State at an early age and placed under scientific training. The majority of people would consider such doctrines absurd, but the agitator who could never otherwise secure attention will often advocate absurdities, in order to get into the limelight. That others build painstakingly, even prayerfully, is no concern of his. He would destroy, but he is usually keen enough to realize that, to attain his end and secure any kind of a following, he must at least put up some pretense of logic, so he prates loudly of personal liberty and the common weal. He who would destroy fraternities, for spite, because of fancied wrongs, or because of a warped idea of justice, invariably talks "democracy."

Whatever the exciting cause at "Indiana," whether it be the act of iconoclasts, or the antipathy on the part of local sororities toward the national organizations, or just hysterics, the School has suffered irreparably. The sororities are the force that has kept alive the interest of alumnae and that has established a bond of

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sympathy between the youngest matriculate and the teacher long graduated. Eliminate the sorority, and the alumna is lost, for who would return to a desolate fireside? If " Indiana" is wise, it will see that the home fires are kept burning, for the loyalty of former students is the most valuable asset that any educational institution can have.

COLORADO December was a very quiet month at college, for the quarantine was not lifted until a few days before the holidays. Just a night or so prior to our vacation a dance was given in the gymnasium as a farewell to the S. A. T. C. boys, and after three months of quarantine you can imagine how we welcomed it. On that same clay a Reel Cross membership drive was instituted. The presidents of the sororities were excused from classes, and donned Red Cross garb to parade the halls and gather the subscriptions.

Beta Beta scored 100 per cent., so Alpha Sigma Alpha had the distinction of being placed on the Honor Roll, which was posted in a conspicuous place in the entrance hall of the main building.

Beta Beta presented the house with a ukelele as a Christmas g ift. As one of our girls plays the mandolin very nicely, and as one of the pledges has a violin; we are expecting to have some fin e musical evenings when the new term opens. This will help to relieve the situation somewhat, if it should still be necessary to continue the quarantine, which we surely hope will not be our lot again. vVe recognize the need of these precautionary measures, however, and are only too glad to conform to any rulings that may secure for us escape from the dreaded epidemic.

MARY FRANCES ScoTT, President.

OKLAHOMA It seems strange, when one recalls the serious conditions precipitated by the epidemic, to remember that the Fall weather was quite the loveliest that Oklahoma has known in years. It seemed strange, too , when one was looking forward to springlike weather on Christmas Day, to find a world buried beneath heavy drifts of snow. The storm started three days before, and kept up so steadily that many of the students who depend on trains were unable to get home for the holidays. We were especially sorry for the members of Delta Sigma Epsilon, who were

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planning for a National Convention in Kansas City and had hoped to go in quite goodly numbers. We understand that the gathering was finally effected, but that it was delayed 路 several days.

Two of our members, Minnie Calvin and Eugenia Huddleston, have secured excellent positions in Pond Creek, and will be out of school next term, so our numbers will be considerably reduced, but we shall be content with almost any inconvenience, provided our girls keep well and school activities can be carried on with some measure of regularity. So many of our plans have been interfered with, we scarcely dare make any at all more than a few hours ahead.

One of our cherished dreams of this year was a house, but all our hopes miscarried because of the epidemic. You have no idea how we envy those of you who are fortunate enough to have sorority houses, h~w eagerly we read of your good times in them, how often we think of what comfort might be ours, if such was our good fortune. At present our only progress toward that goal is the possession of a victrola and a slowly accumulating furniture fund, but our goal is ever before us, and now that the war is over with its constant demands for money, we shall hope soon to realize our ambition, in part at least, for you see we want to be the first on the campus to possess a home.

President and Mrs. Faulkner are rejoicing in the fact that their new house will be ready for occupancy within a few weeks.

Incidentally Gamma Gamma is rejoicing too, for Mrs. Faulkner has promised us a party just as soon as they are settled.

LYDIA R ANK, President.

ATHENS All through December the epidemic situation was the chief topic of discussion. In our case we think that we have made a rather unusual record. Over one hundred of the boys had influenza, but our beloved Dean Voight kept such a close watch over the girls that only ten succumbed. Any hour of the day and half of the night our ministering angel could be seen with her medicine case on tour of the rooms. If you chanced to look in upon her as she made her rounds, you would find her taking temperatures and rubbing on Vicks.

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V\Te were under the strictest kind of quarantine during the month,-no dances, no picture shows, no visiting in town, but it was just that and the Dean's vigilance that kept our record so nearly normal. The University suffered the loss of but one student, a Chinese boy, a most brilliant and likable lad. One of the students esc.orted the body to California, whence it was to be shipped to China.

Ohio did not lose a sing le conference game this Fall, but the greatest victory was over Marietta, 52 to 7. The Marietta rooters came up in car loads with their band, but we were on the ground with ours too, as the results show. Marietta is probably our greatest rival, and the two teams always put up a pretty stiff game of the kind that attracts people from all parts of the State.

College seemed rather tame after the S. A. T. C. was demobilized and will probably seem eve!]. more so when the naval unit is also disbanded. We are hoping, of course, that many of the boys will return for the next semester, which opens in February.

Otherwise it will be some time before the university vvill assume its normal aspect.

Delta Delta held its Christmas celebration on December 19th, and a right jolly one it was. Our frat room was decorated with red and green streamers, forming a canopy.. Then in one corner, where the serving table was, there were other streamers that ended at the ceiling in a big gold star, beneath which was a picture of the Christ Child. The room was lighted with candles.

On the table we had arranged the gifts in attractive wrapp ings.

One blindfolded pledge handed out the packages as another read off the names. The names called, by the way, were well chosen, being most typical of the girl and easily recognized. A few minutes after this little ceremony, Dean Voight and three friends arrived. For the first hour there was a song service, and then the Dean read us a most wonderful Christmas story, "The First Service Star" by Martzolff. At six we donned our wraps and went to Hotel Berry for dinner. Dean Voight very graciously allowed us to remain there until eight, but even then we had not had our fill of jollity, so we made merry after our return to the house. It was altogether a happy Christmas celebration for us, and we enjoyed it every bit as much as we did our Ch ri stmas Dance of last year.

NA OMI C A LDWELL, Historian pro tem.

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EMPORIA Just as we were getting ready for the initiation of our pledges, one of our alumnae, Molly Wilson, came home for a vacation and immediately decided to be one of us. That gave us two even groups of four for two repetitions of the ritual. Everything was as it should be, and the ceremony seemed unusually lovely.

After the service the girls entertained themselves with si~ging and dancing.

In the last issue of our magazine we told you that we expected to give up our vacation in the cause of education, but at the last minute we were told that we were to have the usual holidays, so our Christmas Eve party promptly postponed itself, for every one was too excited and rushed to be able to give any thought to anything save train schedules and packing.

But a delayed Christmas party is not necessarily spoiled at all, at least ours was not, for it was celebrated in fine shape after our return to college. For years we have used one method in the selection of gifts . Each girl draws a name and purchases a gift at a stated price for the owner of that name. No one is allowed to tell the name drawn or to show the gift. All the packages are arranged on the Christmas tree and distributed

by Santa Claus.

This year each girl gave tvvo gifts, one under this old custom, the other to the house. A week before Christmas we had posted a list of the needed articles. As each girl made her selection, she crossed it off the list. In this way there were no duplicates. \i\!hen the house gifts were unwrapped, there was everything from tea towels to cut glass. Even a house can show its grateful appreciation when soap and bon ami are among the donations.

Speaking of our party reminds me of the one that our Y. W. C. A. gives every year to a number of poor children who would otherwise be strangei路s to Christmas joys. The children are called for and taken on a ride in automobiles, then carried to the college buildings. This year the beautifully decorated tree was placed in the rotunda and covered with gifts donated by students and faculty. The children sang and played about the lighted tree, then later were taken home, each happy in the possession of a toy and a bag of candy.

Epsilon Epsilon had such a pleasant thing come its way that

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it thinks it ought to share its satisfaction with the rest of you.

Through the Emporia delegate to the recent convention of Delta Sigma Epsilon we learned that the question of organization was brought up, and that it was stated by those present that Alpha Sigma Alpha has the finest organization of any sorority. Of course we knew it all along, as you did, but isn't it nice to realize that other people not only are ready to acknowledge the fact, but that they like us well enough to tell us so?

Just at present our cup of happiness is running over, for we not only have two charming pledges, Ruth Gardner of Eureka and Dorothy Hooser of Topeka, but Miss McCullough of our faculty , an alumnae 路member of our local and a most popular teacher, has signified her intention of becoming a member of Epsilon Epsilon.

Our recent initiates gave us a great surprise after our return from the holidays, for they had arranged for a dance in our honor at the. Commercial Club, all unknown to us. Such a good time as they gave us! The lights were covered with rose shades and the hall was decorated with flags. A three-piece orchestra with saxaphone and drums furnished the music. There were several favor dances, the last being a serpentine amid a shower of confetti.

Epsilon Epsilon has introduced an innov(ltion at Emporia, for it is to entertain the other sororities at a series of tea-dances on Saturday evenings. Our first guest is to be Sigma Sigma Sigma.

Resident alumnae, patronesses and faculty members are included in the invitation. If we are to judge by the interest in these coming events, we shall be amply repaid for any efforts we shall be called upon to expend. Our aim is, of course, a better panhellenic feeling in the college. The upsetting of conditions by the war and the quarantines made necessary by the epidemic had seemed to us to be raising barriers between the groups, so that we were becoming strangers to one another. This to . our thinking was a most. unfortunate state of affairs, for the sororities ought to be a unit on every point that makes for college betterment. We shall tell you later how it all works out.

HAZEL HARRIS,

H istorian.

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HERMES Some of the most charming myths 111 Grecian literature are connected with Hermes. According to legend he was the grandson of Atlas, the powerful giant who carried the world on his shoulders. Atlas had seven lovely daughters, all of whom were sought in marriage by both gods and heroes. The young beauties, however, were not at first attracted to any 路 of their suitors, but attached themselves as virgin companions to the huntress Artemis. It was while they were in attendance on her that they were pursued by the mighty hunter, Orion. In answer to their prayers to be saved from him, Zeus changed the maidens into doves, or Pleiades. If you will look at the sky some winter night, you will find them, with Orion and his dogs in hot pursuit. There will be visible, how~ver, only six, for when the time came for them to wed, all but one married gods. The exception is so mortified by her inferior social state that she keeps out of sight always.

By far the fairest of the seven sisters was Maia, the eldest, who won the love of Zeus himself, and became by him the mother of Hermes. So gloriously beautiful was she, the Romans named one of their months in her honor, and offered sacrifice to her during its entire duration, reserving the twenty-fifth day, however, especially for the worship of her son. Our May Day customs all trace their origin back to her month and to the celebrations held in her honor. So popular were the festivities of that month, the early Christian Church was forced to institute similar customs, substituting the Virgin Mary for the Roman Maia. On the last Sunday in May, which was the nearest to the Hermes festival, the children of the early Christians were taken to the churches where they decorated the statue of the Virgin with garlands. To this day, Italian children in all parts of the world carry the Virgin's statue in solemn procession, and sing songs of praise in her honor on this May festival. There were other mortal women on whom Zeus bestowed his favor, but none were so honored as Maia, nor were any of their children ever ranked as more than heroes. Hermes alone attained the dignity of a

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seat on Olympus as one of the twelve immortal gods. Because of this fact he was supposed to have a deeper interest than any of the other gods in the welfare of mankind, and was regarded, therefore, as more approachable.

Hermes is said to have been born in a cave of Mt. Cyllene in Arcadia, and there was his most ancient seat of worship. Thence the cult spread rapidly to the rest of Greece, for Hermes was supposed to restore lost health, to secure success in any undertaking, to grant happiness to whomsoever he .chose. Because of these attributes he was unquestionably the most popular of the Grecian gods, and his statutes were found more often than any other in Hellas . Owing to the fact that he was looked upon as the guardian of all wayfarers, his likeness was set up at frequent intervals along the roads, at garden gates, and at the doors of houses.

These last were usually only the bust, invariably mounted on square columns路, since the number four was sacred to him. Hermes was adopted by the Romans under the name of Mercury, and there are many beautiful statues of him in different parts of Italy Most of the marbles and bronzes show Hermes with the winged cap and sandals, the gift of his father, Zeus, upon his appoint~1ent as messenger of the gods. Wearing these he could travel with the speed of the wind. Some of the 路sculptured likenesses also show him with a purse of gold, for Hermes had the l)Ower, according to legend, to bestow abundant wealth at will.

Another distinctive symbol often found on the statues is the caduceus. The story of how Hermes came into possession of this magic wand will take us back to the very beginning of his most interesting life.

Long ago, in a beautiful cave of the 路 blue hills of the Lotus land, a little bright-eyed baby lay asleep. He slept as softly in his little rock cradle as little now-a-day babies do on their downy pillows, for the bees h~mmed his lullaby and the birds sang his cradl路e songs. The cave was filled with sweet scents from flowery fields and no passerby disturbed the tiny sleeper. Since Hermes was the son of so great a father, he was, of course, quite different from other children. Indeed he was a very wonderful

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THE HERMES

OF

OLYMPIA

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baby, for when he was but four days old, he crept out of the cave, then stood up, and after a few trials began walking along the soft sand. Very soon he began to talk to the bees, the birds and the flowers. Everything was new and beautiful, so the little Hermes was very happy for a time, but later he grew tired of looking at the wonders about him, and began to hunt for something else to interest him. Just at that moment a tortoise went by, and baby Hermes thought he was going to have a very pleasant companion to play with, but the tortoise was not at all gracious and paid no attention to his salutation.

This silence on the part of the tortoise irritated Hermes, and he was quite determined that the ill-natured fellow should be made to speak, so he killed the tortoise, and then stretched strings across the shell, thus fashioning it into a musical instrument. Hermes made every string give out a different tone, and much pleased with his efforts he began to play and sing. Everything was silent as the 路 sound of the lyre trembled on the air.

The birds, attracted by the music, hopped up to the little child, and even the animals drew near to listen. Hermes sang of the ocean with its white-crested waves, of the sandy beach and the pink-lined shells, but he sang best of all of his great father, Zeus, and of his beautiful mother, Maia.

After a while he tired of even this pleasant occupation . Looking around him, he saw on the far-away hills the white oxen of Apollo grazing. Then he thought what great sport it would be to drive the oxen from hill to hill. He knew that he could show them where the greenest grasses grew. Surely, he thought, since Apollo had so many oxen, a few would not be missed. Thus did the little Hermes try to ease his mind, for, although nobody had ever told him that it would not be right to drive the oxen away, still he knew that it would not be treating the owner fairly. But finally the temptation proved too strong, and he decided to help himself.

Sly little Hermes! In order that Apollo might not learn which way the cattle had gone, he tied soft twigs to his own baby feet and to the hoofs of the oxen. Then he drove them by a

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crooked path to a distant cave. He did not feel exactly right about the matter when he returned to his own cave and went back to his cradle. You see he was still the baby Hermes, so he was very tired and sleepy after his long jaunt. But somehow he could not get to sleep. His conscience was troubling him, and he began to wish that he had not meddled with the oxen.

Of course, Apollo was very angry when he found his cattle missing. His usually good temper was dreadfully ruffled, and he went about in a great hurry asking everybody he met about the lost oxen, but finding r~o one who had seen them. At last he came upon an old man who had watched from a thicket when Hermes was driving the animals away. At first he refused to tell anything, but when Apollo promised that his vines should be fruitful and his harvest good, the old man was so pleased that he told the god 路how he had seen a little boy driving the oxen off over the hills.

Now Apollo knew who the child was, so he went straight to the cave, and there he found Hermes pretending to be asleep.

As Hermes paid no attention whatever to him, Apollo was obliged to go to Zeus with the whole story, and, in spite of the . pleadings of Maia, Zeus ordered 路Hermes to place the oxen in Apollo's pastures again. When the mollified Apollo went later to the cave, Hermes showed him the lyre he had made. As Apollo swept his hands over the strings, even the little waves of the sea stopped chasing one ano't her long enough to listen to the music.

Then, too, they sang the same song, and they sing it to this day.

Hermes was so delighted he gave the lyre to Apollo.

Apollo was greatly pleased with the gift, and felt that he must do something in return, so he gave the little boy a wand that had the power of making friends of those who were enemies, and, since he realized how much harmless pleasure Hermes got out of driving the oxen, he told the child that he could tend the cattle as often as he wished. So any day you choose to look for them, you can see the white oxen, and you can know, when they move, that Hermes is driving them, for the oxen are the clouds and Hermes is the wind. We use his name today with this

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meaning when we talk about anything being sealed "hermetically," for by that method we are keeping the air, or Hermes, out.

Like all little children, Hermes had to try his toy at once, so when he happened to come across two serpents quarreling, he touched them with his wand, and, lo, they twined themselves lovingly around it. With the passing of time, the Greek physicians appropriated the caduceus with the entwined serpents as a symbol of their trade, just as doctors today put an M.D. after their names, only the caduceus in this way was far more picturesque, since it was symbolic of the poisonous disease and the ofttimes poisonous drug that lose their venom under the skillful hand of the physician. Thus it came to pass that Hermes was considered the special patron of the medical professicm. It is also interesting to note that green, the color regarded as particularly sacred to Hermes because it is symbolic of regeneratimi., has come adown the ages as the distinctive color for physicians.

Hence its use as a lining for the hood of the doctor's gown on Commencement Day, as well as the employment of the green cross on the physician's automobile.

There is no better tonic for sick and discouraged people than fresh air, so Hermes is in very truth the greatest doctor of bodily and mental ills in the whole world. Interesting, however, as Hermes is in the role of physician, and especially so in view of the fact that our other exemplars have had that same name applied to them,-Christ as the "Great Physician," St. Valentine as the healer of broken hearts, and King Asa, whose name in the Hebrew means "physician," yet it is rather for the other attributes of the god that Hermes was chosen as a patron of Alpha Sigma Alpha. Hermes is essentially the guardian of teachers, for, according to the Greeks, he invented the lyre, the syrinx, or pan-pipes, the alphabet, numbers, weights, measures, astronomy, gymnastics and music, as well as many other things.

Because of these inventions, Hermes was also regarded as the special protector and inspirer of childhood and youth. One of his most famous statues, that known as the Hermes of Olympia, depicts the god as the Educato1'. In spite of such mutilation as the marble has suffered, there can be no doubt but that the upraised right arm held some coveted prize just out of reach of the eager baby hands, in order that the little one might be

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induced to put forth some effort to gain the thing desired. The strong, sustaining left arm that safeguards, but does not too much restrain, is full of significance and suggestion for those whose best thought and effort are to be given to the training of youth.

Then, too, 路 in his role as messenger of the gods, there is for all interested in the problem of education an additionally helpful hint, for Hermes is the one who interprets to mortal man the immutable laws of their Creator, while at the same time he gives them the inspiration and the courage to struggle up ward toward the heights where dwell the Immortals. Hermes' i11essage to mankind is "Aspire, Seek, Attain," and that is the teacher's message to all those entrusted to her fostering care.

, SANE EDUCATION A boy without a memory can not be educated. A man without a memory needs someone to look after him, or he will go on repeating his mistakes because he is always forgetting what he needs to remember, and especially the one thing he ought always to remember, namely, that it is not the man who makes a mistake, but the man who repeats his mistakes, who is known as a fool.

And a nation without a memory is in the same deplorable plig ht.

To remember well the things that ought to be remembered and to profit by them is the rule for a safe, strong and wi~e life for every man and for every nation.

The past is not dead and gone. Whether men care to have anything to do with it or not, it remains a fact that the past has a great deal to do with us. The past is the 'parent, the producing cause, of the present. Science has 路 taught us by a thousand proofs that the universe is what it is because of what it was, and that men are what they are now because of what men were before. And the big book of history, whrch is the world's memory, points the one "moral of all human tales" in revealing the truth that, no matter what else has changed, the human heart is still swayed by the same passions as ever. To learn well thi s lesson and never to forget it in the conduct of life, personal or national, is the one foundation for a sane education.- N. E. A. Journal.

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KING ASA King Asa was one of the best rulers that the Chosen People ever had. Like his great, great grandfather, David, and his great grandfather, Solomon, he reigned full forty years, but not over so wide an extent of country, nor over so many tribes of the Israelites. Solomon did that which was not acceptable in the eyes of the Lord, and, though for love of his father David, God did not dispossess Solomon during his lifetime of any of his territory, or any of his vast wealth, still the Lord decided and decreed that Solomon's son should pay the penalty of his father's transgressions. So it came to pass soon after the crowning of that same son that all the tribes save Judah and Benjamin transferred their allegiance to another ruler. Likewise all the accumulated wealth of King Solomon was dissipated, or carried away by force.

It was King Asa who restored to Jerusalem much of her ancient prestige. King Asa was wise and good, "perfect' with the Lord all his days," says the old chronicle, but he was more than wise and good. He knew not fear, and his strength was as the strength of ten , because he had the Lord as his ally. It was this valor that made him victorious over the m~ny enemies that laid \ siege to Jerusalem. One of his greatest triumphs was over a vast army of Ethiopians that outnumbered his own men two to one, while it was superior in many other ways because of its splendid equipment. Just before the battle, King Asa cried aloud unto the Lord God and said, 路 " It is nothing with Thee to help whether with many or with them that have no power; help us, oh Lord our God; for we rest on Thee and in Thy name we go against this multitude."

On another occasion when the ten other tribes of Israel attempted to seize Jerusalem under the command of their King, Baasha, Asa not only prevailed against them, but he destroyed the citadel of Ramah, which Baasha had built, "to the intent that he might let none go out or come in to Asa, King of Judah," and with the stones thereof he built the mighty fortress of Mizpah, giving it a name which signifies, "God be with us until we meet again."

All this and much more you may read in the chronicles of the kings of I srael, for Asa's mighty acts are all recorded therein

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29

with great faithfulness, and were preserved with the utmost care in the archives of the Temple. But there is much of deep interest about King Asa that you will not find in those records. According to these chronicles, he was supposed to have died and to have been buried "in his own sepulchres, which he had made for himself in the City of David .. , Indeed these same chronicles go on to say that the people "Laid him in the bed which was filled with sweet odours and divers kinds of spices prepared by the apothecaries' art; and they made a very great burning for him."

As a matter of fact, King Asa did not die at all. That was just his long-headed plan for making the people think he had died, for he was weary of ruling even in so wonderful a place as Jerusalem, and he was anxious, for time in which to continue his studies of life from different angles than those possible to a king whose mind was entirely taken up with problems of government. Yes, King Asa was a very wise man, wiser than his great grandfather even, for Solomon never knew how to go right on living indefinitely, whereas King Asa did. How he discovered that secret is a most interesting story, but to tell it one must go back to the very beginning of his life, to the clays when he was only a little boy in the palace of his father, King Abijah.

It is said that the child is father of the man. Never was this 路 statement more true than in the case of little Asa. He learned wisdom and circumspection from the very surroundings into which he was born, for, in addition to having a warlike father who did not care particularly about him and a mother who ran after strange gods and worshiped idols, there were in the palace thirteen stepmothers, not to mention twenty-one stepbrothers and sixteen stepsisters. Certainly his mother, Maachah, had provocation enough to warrant her trying to get some comfort from other gods, for, though she was queen by right of priority and though her son was in line for the crown because he was the first born, still she could never be absolutely sure that her boy would come into his own, and there were, of course, countless things happening every day that cut her to the quick. Poor Queen! Is it to be wondered at that she set up an idol in a grove, that she prostrated herself before it, that she offered it daily sacrifices,

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thinking that it might grant her prayers and make possible the realization of her hopes for herself and her son? Little Asa quite naturally could not understand why she spent so much time before the wooden image. He wanted her to play with him beside the sparkling fountain, to romp with him under the wonderful palm trees in the grove, to tell him stories when twili~ht fell on all the land. Is it strange that he grew to hate the wooden image, since it deprived him of his mother's companionship, since she seemed always so sad-eyed in its presence?

The antipathy that little Asa felt toward that image staid with him always, even until he was a grown man and a king. One of his first acts after he had assumed the crown was to go out into the grove, cut down the image, stamp on it and burn it beside the Brook Kidron. It was the only ungracious act ever recorded of King Asa, and it was really a very childish thing to do, but we must remember that Asa had to be a child at least once. You see he had never had any real childhood, for there was never any time when he was free from the tasks set by his tutors, the ~olemn-visaged rabbis, free from the interference of thirteen stepmothers, twenty-one stepbrothers and sixteen stepsisters, free to be glad in the sweet outdoors under the palm trees in the twilight hush, for even in the beautiful grove there was always the sadeyed mother kneeling before the wooden image.

It was only natural that he should want to knock that image clown and stamp on it, for it spoiled for him the only part of the day that he had for recreation. But, being only a little boy, there was simply nothing that he could do except wander off by himself and try to find something interesting to do. One clay he went farther away than usual, quite to the limits of the grove, to where it was surrounded by a high stone wall. Of course, he knew that beyond that wall was the wide, wide world, for he had a glimpse of it once from the back of a camel when he went with the royal train on a pilgrimage into the desert, but it had been such a little glimpse, for he had been obliged to keep his eY.eS closed almost the whole time, because the strong wind was blowing the hot sand right into his face. However, he had studied a lot about a Reel Sea and about strange peoples whd lived beyond it or far to the East. How he did wish that he might somehow see some of the marvelous places that he had studied

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about in Jewish History. To be sure, Jerusalem was quite the most wonderful place in the world, and the Temple was assuredly the most magnificent of its kind, but then there went along with these the solemn-visaged rabbis, the father who scowled, the mother who wept, not to mention the thirteen stepmothers, the twenty-one stepbrothers and the sixteen stepsisters, and that exasperating wooden image! If he could only get away from it all!

He need not worry about hunger, oh no, for was there not manna in the desert, nor about thirst, for were there not springs in the oases too, nor about any giants or wild beasts, for hadn't his great, great grandfather, David, when a mere lad, killed them all quite easily with pebbles from a sling? Yes, he guessed he would run away one of these clays. Well, why wait? Why wasn't today as good as any other day? \Vhy not climb that great palm over by the wall, jump from it to the top of the rampart, then get down on the other side by means of some convenient tree?

The very thing!

The rough bark cut the little bare legs, but he was of the stock of David, and so he persisted until he was at last high up in the sheltering foliage. It was quite a formidable distance from the . place where he was perched to the top of the wall, but the clarkness had come on so suddenly while he was climbing that he never realized that he could not make the leap, that he must surely go to his death on the walk below . He did not stop to consider the danger, however, for he was thinking of the joy of being forever freed from the things that were eating his heart away. He balanced himself for a moment as he got ready for the spring.

"You mustn't do that," said a voice.

Asa looked aro~mcl the tree and up and down the path, but saw no one. It must have been the Giant Fear, he told himself, and, of course, he was not going to be afraid, not even of that Giant. He would jump, if for no other reason than to show that he was not afraid . 路 "You mustn't do that," said the voice again.

This time little Asa located the voice. It came from a very tall palm close at hand. Looking up quickly, he saw in the foliage a very large and beautiful bird. It was quite different from any other that he had ever seen. The most peculiar thing about it was that the feathers seemed to radiate light, so much indeed that Asa

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could see the whole outline quite distinctly, though the grove was by now in complete darkness. He could also see that there were glints of red here and there.

"You mustn't do that," said the bird quite positively.

"But I've just got to," replied little A sa, "for I can't live in this place any longer with the solemn-visaged rabbis, a father who frowns, a mother who weeps, thirteen stepmothers, twenty-one stepbrothers and sixteen stepsisters. Besides there's the wooden image in the garden. I've just got to run away," he went on quiveringly.

"But you mustn't do that," said the bird still more emphatically, and Asa, being only a very little fellow said, "Why?" "Because you are not able to jump that far, and you would go to your death on the path below," replied the bird.

"But I'd a great deal rather be dead than to have to stay here always," said the brave but trembling little lips.

"It is cowardly to want to die," went on the bird. "It is so much braver to face life,'' continued the voice, "and besides life is ever so interesting."

It was Life that was talking, Eternal Life, that knew the needs of man, because it had dwelt close to his heart since the beginning of time and therefore realized that heart's capacity for joy and its capacity for pain, understood how to rejoice with it in the time of gladness, how to sympathize in the hour of sorrow. It knew just what to do in this particular case, and it did it so well that little Asa was soon smiling happily through his tears, for had not the wonderful bird promised to be his playfellow, to take up its abode in the grove, to come at his call? To be sure, there were reservations. The Phoenix would come only in the twilight hush, and it would not answer his call, unless he had tried to do his duty all the long day. As the twilight hour was the only one when Asa was without supervision, since he was supposed to be with his mother in the garden at that time, and since he had always tried to do his best, Asa felt sure that he would never fail to see his friend for a single night. And he didn't! Every time that he stood under the glorious palm and, clapping hi s hands twice, called "Phoenix," "Phoeni~,'' the wonderful glow appeared in the foliage, and there was the bird, just as he had promised, ready to talk or play, as little Asa preferred. In the beginning it was

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mostly play,-hide and seek, tag, and a lot of other fascinating games that the bird had learned from his long residence in many lands, but, as Asa grew older, the time was spent more and more in conversation, because there were so many things that the boy wanted to know, things that his tutors could not or would not explain satisfactorily, but which the Phoenix always seemed to understand perfectly.

For instance, there were many customs connected with the faith of his fathers that seemed strange, even senseless. His tutors seemed unable to give answers, such as Asa wanted. Their invariable reply was, "It is the law and the prophets," but that was no answer to give an intelligent child. The Phoenix, on the other hand, never once failed to answer his queries in a perfectly satisfactory manner. So it came to pass quite naturally that Asa, though only a youth, surprised his tutors and others of the priesthood with his unusual wisdom. After a while the knowledge got abroad that the king's eldest son was quite a remarkable youth.

This assurance that their next king would probably be both wise and good was the greatest possible comfort to the people, for they were not at all satisfied with his father and looked forward eagerly to the end of his reign.

This event came to pass very much sooner than anybody had expected, for King Abijah was relatively a young man when he died, and Asa came to the throne while still in his teens. Proud indeed were the people of the handsome young heir, and quite magnificently did they plan for his coronation. It was the most imposing that had ever been held in the temple, for neither his father nor his grandfather had been liked by the people. His grandfather had been the one who had lost the allegiance of the ten tribes, and his father had had few friends and many enemies.

It was not surprising that Asa's head was a little turned by the pomp and ceremony of the coronation, by the very evident adulation of the people, for it was all so different from that to which he had been accustomed. Heretofore he had had to obey orders from morning to night, with only the brief twilight hour and his talk with the Phoenix for respite.

So many were the festivities in his honor, so many the demands upon him that day of his coronation, so long drawn out the ceremonial affairs, there was really no time when Asa could

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steal away to the garden and be alone. All the next day the hours were filled with matters of state, and even when night came on there were those whose position in the kingdom demanded his attention, so for the second time Asa failed to keep his tryst with the Phoenix. On the third day, however, there was a little more leisure, and along with it came some very weighty problems on which Asa felt that he simply must have the advice of that neverfailing friend, so he took good care that he should be in time. On the way to the palm tree he happened to pass the wooden image.

His mother was not kneeling before it as had been her custom in clays past, but the very sight of it irritated him and along with the sense of exasperation came the realization that as king he could do as he liked about it. \tVithin the brief space of a minute he had knocked it over, stamped on it, and ordered it burned by the Brook Kidron. Then, giving orders that he was not to be disturbed, he passed quickly into the deep seclusion of the grove.

Reaching the palm, he clapped his hands twice and called gaily, "Phoenix," "Phoenix." But there was...,no answering glow . Again he called, this time a little impatiently, but with no better result.

In his voice, when he called the third time, there -was not only the tone of command, but there was also the semblance of a threat, as he stamped his foot. It was then that he heard above him the sweep of wings that moved always farther and farther away, until at last they were heard no more. \Vhen Asa called the fourth time, he was lying prone on the ground, crying aloud in his misery, "Oh, Phoenix, Phoenix, I have lost you forever." All through that summer n~ght Asa remained in the garden broken in spirit, knowing full well that he had forfeited the friend ship o f his beloved adviser. He had been overproud during his coronation, not humble in the face of his great responsibilities. The Phoenix was not angry at his failure to keep the tryst on the two preceding evenings. The bird had understood why he could not come. It had been in its accustomed place, he well knew, for he had heard the sweep of its wings. Now it had gone away forever! Of that fact he was perfectly positive, for his sins had been many and his treatment of his friend unpardonable.

It was with a sad heart that Asa returned to the palace as the dawn rose over the distant hills, and it was with a spirit much subdued and chastened that he presided over the councils of state

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that day. Every one who came into his presence marveled at the dignity and patience of the young king . They noticed too the sad look in his eyes. All sorts of plans were evolved for his entertainment that evening, but Asa had only a courteous refusal for all friends and followers . Long before the twilight hour he was under the palm tree kneeling in prayer, acknowledging his faults and asking forgiveness.

Over all the land came the darkness, first slowly, then swiftly.

The whole grove lay in shadow, but on Asa's head there rested a golden glow like a caress, and, looking up at its gentle touch, he beheld his friend and comforter, more radiant than ever. Before he could speak, however, the Phoenix said, "Your name, dear Asa, means 'physician,' but before you can even hope to help others you must first learn to. cure yourself.

You have confessed your faults and I am with you again, as I . hope, for always." ' Long hours they took counsel together, for the business of being a king was a very new experience to Asa and he needed advice on countless points, advice that the Phoenix was well able to give because of its age-long experience, advice unequaled by that given by the hoary-headed priesthood, for the rabbis were not of one mind on religious questions, and the leaders in other departments of the government w~re like~ise often at variance, one with another. It was quite necessary that Asa should be able at all times to point out that there was always one way that would mean the greatest amount of justice to the greatest number of people.

There were many occasions early in his reign when the patriarchs were startled and shamed by the simple, straightforward statements of their young king. He seemed always to be able to see the end right from the beginning and to know what was best in every case. It was all most inexplicable to them, this evidence of profound wisdom on the part of one so young and so inexperienced.

Of course, the solemn-visaged rabbis took all the credit to themselves and reaped a rich harvest tutoring the sons of wealthy men, but no one knew the real reason, and Asa did not enlighten them, for such was the wish of the Phoenix.

So the years passed, each adding more honors to Asa's name, but never taking from him any of his goodness or simplicity. So far did his fame finally extend that potentates that ruled over

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nations quite at the ends of the earth often sent emissaries to him to ask his advice on knotty problems, or to get his views on life in general. In every case these embassadors brought gifts of great value, and, bowing low, they would say, "Oh, King Asa, live forever! Our mighty ruler has sent you these tokens of his regard and would ask your advice on many things."

King A sa always received them most graciously and sent them away satisfied, but the visits never failed to bring him more than he gave, because the conferences opened the way for him to learn much about these distant peoples. Besides there was all the joy of talking it over in detail with the Phoenix afterwards. In this way he acquired a great deal more knowledge than from simply meeting the representatives of other monarchs.

After a while, King Asa's duties became more or less a matter of habit, and so it was possible for him to spend much time with the Phoenix in discussions concerning subjects quite outside the range of his daily life. Asa was particularly interested in the future, and this the Phoenix could tell him a very great deal about, because the bird could forecast what was to happen from the knowledge of what had transpired in the past. Just as you and I would know, if we saw a kernel of corn, that it would grow into a ~talk that would bear many ears of grain, so the Phoenix could tell that certain results would surely follow certain conditions.

The Phoenix, for instance, could look ahead and predict what new peoples would arise and what they would be like. At times he spoke of the many nations that would acquire vast territory, nations that would expect in their arrogance to endure forever, and that would in consequence take as their national emblem the Phoenix. He instanced the Roman Nation, foretold its glories and its later destruction at the hands of an uncivilized horde, because it had failed to practice the simple virtues of its sturdy forefathers . He spoke of many others that would meet a similar fate, and then one clay he prophesied the rise of a nation in a land yet 路 unknown, a land that was to stand for equality and fraternity, a land where men would be as brothers, each equal before the other.

That nation was to meet with marvelous success, would use the Phoenix as one of its most cherished emblems, and this people

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would endure for a longer time than any other, for as long as it stood for the everlasting things, for truth, for justice, for brotherhood.

King Asa found this all very interesting, and the more he heard of the wonderful things that were to come to pass in the centuries ahead, the marvelous inventions and the growth of knowledge, the more did he wish that he might live to see that clay.

Once he expressed that wish while listening to the Phoenix as it related how men would one clay fly through the air and swim under water. Much to Asa's surprise the Phoenix said that the, wish might be granted, if Asa would apply himself closely to study under direction. Of course, Asa was only too ready to attain that which had been denied to every other human being, so he gradually turned over to his son many of the responsibilities connected with the kingly office, thus securing more and more time for meditation and study.

As time went on, King Asa built a sepulchre under the direction of the Phoenix and left nothing undone to secure the success of his plans. When he felt sure that the people would in no wise suffer by his passing out of their lives, he took a certain drug that brought on the similitude of death. His son, who had loved his father as few fathers were ever loved, carried out faith fully every one of his instructions, hence the "very great burning" alluded to earlier in this tale. Long and sincerely did that son mourn for his father, but of that grief King Asa was wholly unaware, for he had gone immediately after he had been laid on the bed of weet spices to far distant lands with his beloved friend and compamon.

This all happened about the year 900 B. C., and since that time Asa has lived in all lands and among all peoples. Whenever it became necessary that a leader should arise to direct the people in the right way, there Asa would elwell for a period, taking on the semblance of some individual and thus bringing to pass many needed reforms. There is every reason to believe that he was none other than St. Valentine, for legend says that when St. Valentine was to be put to death by burning at the stake, there arose such a terrible storm that every one was driven to cover. After the fury of the elements had subsiclecl, the friends of St. Valentine searched in the ashes for his bones to give them decent burial in

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consecrated ground, but all they could find was a cnmson and throbbing heart. This they interpreted as meaning that their adored bishop was not dead after all, that he was still looking after t.he interests of the Christians in Rome. Other generations followed, still carrying in their hearts the knowledge that St. Valentine had never died, and interpreting the glowing heart found in the ashes as a symbol that Love should never die, and sure enough it hasn 't, for Love has lasted all through the centuries right up to the present time and as yet shows no lack of vigor.

If there were time and space, we should like to tell you something about the other incarnations of King Asa, of his glorious deeds on the great battlefields of the world, of his sage counsel in times of stress and upheaval, of his wonderful work for the relief of the downtrodden and oppressed of all nations, but all these interesting stories will have to be postponed until another occasion, for we are concerned just now most particularly with King Asa as he is today.

Very few people know that King Asa is alive at the present time, and as they are all pledged to secrecy, it is not at all likely that the world at large will ever hear anything about him. Mon~足 over, that would be his Highness's wish in the matter, for he very much prefers to work quietly when accomplishing his various purposes. He has seen so much of life that the pomps and vanities of the world possess for him no attractions whatsoever. His hope is to establish his kingdom in the hearts of his people, and, if those who have sworn allegiance to him will only love and trust him, he promises in return that prosperity and all other good things shall come to them.

All loyal subjects of King Asa will want, of course, to possess a picture of his majesty, so we herewith append the only authentic portrait extant.

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Let us call your attention to the remarkable intelligence and goodness depicted in his face. King Asa has always believed in the square deal. He did not get it when he was a lad in the palace of his father so he has been strong for it ever since. It is the first thing that he always insists on, whether the deal be between his own people, or between his own subjects and those of some other ruler.

King Asa's nose is not his handsomest feature, by any means, though it is most assuredly a strong nose. He came of a stock that is not noted for beautiful noses, so we must not be too critical.

Such lines about it, however, as are strictly Grecian are above reproach and like so much else in Greek art denote both strength and repose. His eyes, as you will acknowledge, are deeply thoughtful, but they show, as well, a fine courage. They can fla sh fire one moment, and yet be wells of sympathy the next.

But it is the mouth that is perhaps the strongest feature in King Asa's face . Notice the firm , straight line and the inscrutable Mona Lisa smile. You can see that anything that he will say will be not only very worth while, but also strictly to the point, yet tempered always with courtesy and kindness. Taken as a whole, the face is deserving of close study. It is the kind of face that grows on one, that seems to have new qualities every time that one sees it, the kind of face that becomes more and more attractive with acquaintance. You will certainly acknowledge that it is a "spealling" likeness.

One of King Asa's Privy Council says that the real secret of the fascination in the picture is the strength of character shown in every lineament, and, moreover, points out the "I WILL" that is stamped so indelibly on mouth, nose and eyes, not once, but twice. The human face is always an index to the character, so it is not surprising to find decision deeply chiseled on King Asa's face. As his royal acts have been at all times above reproach, it is not surprising to see also in his portrait the carvings of earnest thought, together with a marked indication of justice and an unmistakable kindliness of spirit that seeks ever to find its best expression in service for his fellowmen.

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OUR $4000 BOND Alpha Sigma Alpha has kept its pledge to the Government, as was to be expected, for Alpha Sigma Alpha fulfills its promises, giving always full measure, even though in so doing it may be called upon to make great sacrifices. How great is to be the sacrifice in this particular case remains to be seen. For the present the PHOENIX bids you farewell.. Whether he comes to you again this college year depends wholly on how much the alumnae want him.

Our Drive in aid of the Government was necessarily an alumnae affair, for to the undergraduates belongs the responsibility for the carrying on of the chapter activities in the colleges. Many of our alumnae have contributed to the great cause, as our Honor Page shows, but not enough of them did, and so it was necessary to use some of this year's PHOENIX funds to meet the final payments on the $4,000 Bond that the Sorority pledged itself to take.

If another issue of the PHOENIX is desired this school year, it can, like so many .other good things, be had for a price, but the price is one hundred dollars, for that is the cost of a single issue.

Four alumnae, taking one life subscription each, can present another issue to the entire membership, for the hundred dollars received in this way will replace another hundred dollars of current funds that had to be used to complete the payments on the Bond .

There is even now much of great importance to pass on to the membership via the medium of our magazine, for the present issue carries the a.c coupt but little beyond the Tew Year's. There are rumors, moreover, of new chapters, of installations, of delightful chapter affairs, but none of these interesting facts can be di stributed by means of the printed word, unless four alumnae are ready to arrange for the publication of another number of the magazine. Surely there must be four alumnae who will gladly do this, quite aside from the glory that will be theirs because of their assistance in this critical hour, but who are the~y ?

That is the all important question. Are they to come from the chapters that have already done so much to help Alpha Sigma Alpha keep its pledge-Alpha Beta, Gamma Gamma, Alpha Alpha -or will the members of other chapters press forwar-d and show that they too can be depended upon when the welfare of so vital a part of our organization is at stake? We await the answer.