The SPHINX | Spring 1916 | Volume 2 | Number 1 191600201

-

•

'

•

1

BraiauttuaifttimjBCTma^^

THE SPHINX

ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY FEBRUARY 1916 M^YiWMW^WVriWTO^^

DIRECTORY

GENERAL OFFICERS: President -

H. H. Long, 204 Chandler Street, Worcester, Mass.

Secretary

- Geo. P . Hinton, 2191 East 46th Street, Cleveland, O.

Treasurer

• Chas. A. Tribbett, 958 Yale Station, Yale University, New Haven, Conn.

Alumni Chairman Editor

-

-

-

F. H. Miller, Mound Bayou, Miss.

W. A. Pollard, 2347 Ga. Ave., Washington, D. C,

CHAPTER OFFICERS: Alpha—President, Moses H . Dorsey, 142 Linn St., Ithaca, N. Y. Secty, James R. Westheitner, 1)4 Central Ave.,Ithaca,N. Y. Beta—President, Herman E. Moore, 2347 Ga. Ave., Wash., D. C Secretary D. J. Firse, 2347 Ga. Ave., Wash., D. C. Epsilon—Pres., A. A. Taylor, 608 Fuller St., Ann Arbor, Mich.

Secty, John R. Grossland, 608 Fuller St., Ann Arbor, Mich.

Zeta—President, Chas. A. Tribbett, 958 YaleSta-, NewHaven.Con. Secty, A. C. MacNeal, 207 P a r k St., New Haven, Conn.

Nu—President, F . C. Shirley, Lincoln University, Lincoln, P a .

Secretary, Harold Brown, Lincoln University, Lincoln, P a .

Omicron— President, A.D. Stevenson,271 Ellis St., P i t t s b u r g h , P a .

Secretary, J. P . Dancey, 2703 WTylie Ave., P i t t s b u r g h , P a .

Xi—President, Daniel L. Ferguson, 227 18th Ave., Columbus, O. Secty, Emmett B. Sandors, 398 w . 5th Ave., Columbus, O. Pi—President, Daniel D. Fowler, 2213 E . 39th St., Cleveland, O. Secretary, Geo. P . Hinton, 2191 E. 46th St., Cleveland, O. Rho—President, Secretary,

William Gardner, 4026 Sansom St., Phila., P a .

Harry Bouden, 3414 Ludlow St., P h i l a . , P a .

Sigma—President, James McLendon, Harvard University Law School, Boston, Mass.

Secretary, A. H. Tavernier, Boston University Law School, Boston, Mass.

THE

SPHINX

O F A L P H A PHI A L P H A T H E OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE A L P H A P H I A L P H A FRATERNITY

FEBRUARY. 1916.

VOL. II.

NO. 1

ALPHA CHAPTER Top row left to right: M. H. Dorsey, Pres., D. M. Johnson, H. R. Wootan, G. H. Fletcher, P. J. Rayford, Treas., A. P. Chippey, Ass. Ed., and T. H. Amos, Jr., Corr. Sec. Bottom row: V. R. Daly, W. H. Seabrook, A. J. Jackson, Jr., C. A. McCoy, A. I. Cassell, O. M. Waller, and J. R. Westheimer THE

EIGHTH

ANNUAL

CON-

VENTION.

T h e Eighth Annual Convention was held at the seat of O m i c r o n C h a p t e r , I ' i t t s h u r g h , Pa., D e c e m b e r 27, 28 a n d 29, 1915. T h e s u d d e n notice of the c h a n g e in the d a t e s of the c o n v e n t i o n g a v e rise to t h e belief t h a t t h e e i g h t h a n n u a l g a t h e r i n g w o u l d be d e p r i v e d of its full q u o t a of r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s , and hence lack t h e a r d o r a n d e n t h u s i a s m that have c h a r a c t e r i z e d former g a t h e r ings. It w a s g r a t i f y i n g to note, h o w ever, t h a t , despite the s e e m i n g disadv a n t a g e , t h e d e l e g a t e s w e r e , for the most part, o n time, a n d the convention, on the whole, t u r n e d o u t to be one of the best ever held u n d e r t h e auspices of our fraternal o r g a n i z a t i o n .

T h e general officers a n d d e l e g a t e s to the v a r i o u s C h a p t e r s r e p r e s e n t e d w e r e as f o l l o w s :

General Officers: L. L. McGee, editor S p h i n x ; S. D. S p a r k s , t r e a s u r e r ; II. II. L o n g , s e c r e t a r y ; a n d A. L. Simpson, vice-president.

The Delegates: Alpha, H. H. Dors e y ; Beta, W . A. P o l l a r d a n d H . E. M o o r e ; G a m m a , W . A. H a l l ; Epsilon, L. B. L a p s l e y a n d L. E v a n s ; Zeta, C h a s . A. T r i b b e t t ; K a p p a , D. L. F e r g u s o n a n d W . L. H o p k i n s ; N u , F . C. Shirley a n d E . S. B e c k h a m ; O m i c r o n , \\ . Hanks a n d A. D. S t e v e n s o n ; Xi, A. L. F o s t e r a n d L. A. M c G e e ; Pi, I. F . M o n t g o m e r y a n d G. P . H i n t o n ; a n d R h o , W . B. C a r t e r . ( ' w i n g to the a b s e n c e of t h e General 1'resident, H . A. Callis, t h e c o n v e n t i o n was [(resided over by the V i c e - P r e s i dent, A. L. S i m p s o n , w h o d e s e r v e s c o m m e n d a t i o n for t h e dignified a n d efficient m a n n e r in which he c o n d u c t e d the e n t i r e session.

B r o t h e r Green of O m i c r o n , w h o repr e s e n t e d t h e p r e s i d e n t of his C h a p t e r ,

2

T H E

made the address of welcome, to which Brother H. E. Moore of Beta responded.

In the opening remarks of the presiding officer the aims and ideals of the fraternity were well outlined.

The reports of the standing committees were followed by the reports of the delegates. The report of each Chapter bespoke a keen sense of the duties and responsibilities incumbent upon us. Not only the progress and achievements of each Chapter were with care itemized therein, but to each report was appended a few valuable recommendations, all aiming to the betterment of the body fraternal.

The report of the general officers, which was tendered by Brother A. L. Simpson, was pregnant with noble thoughts and optimism. The report reminded the brothers that though we seem to have stood still with respect to outward development, yet we should feel that the lapse in outward appearance can easily be balanced by our increased interest in the internal working of the fraternity.. That a people must often give up their desire to extend themselves in order to make themselves, on the other hand, worthy of extension. Although all of our plans have not yet materialized, yet with added vigor and more application they will be realized, and our failure should but serve as stepping stones on the road to success.

The report of the secretary was mi.nute and exact in every particular; as is characteristic of Brother Long, his report showed the thoroughness with which he performed his duties.

Treasurer Sparks is worthy of note for his clear and accurate report, which accounted for every penny received during his incumbency.

The work of each officer reflected the

S P H I N X judgment and forethought of the seventh annual convention in its selection of the men who have so well conducted the affairs of the general body.

Alumni Present at Convention.

The convention was favored with the presence of the following prominent Alpha Phi Alpha Alumni: S. R. Morsell of Zeta, secretary of the Pittsburgh branch of the Y. M. C. A.; S. S. Booker of Gamma, secretary of the Baltimore branch of the Y. M. C. A.; Attorney R. L. Vann of Omicroh, local practitioner; Dr. Fred H. Miller, M.D., of Epsilon, Monnd Bayou, Aliss.; and J. C. Judgson of Theta. Bros. Vann and Morsell, in their inspiring addresses, gave many valuable and helpful advices to the brothers. All the Alumni were unanimous in their plea for a stronger band of union between undergraduates and alumni.

The Social Side.

The strenuous duties of the convention. and the short time within which all were to be transacted, left but little room for social engagements, outside of those scheduled on the program.

Omicron is due thanks for the hospitality tendered the convention, especially when the size of the Chapter is taken into consideration. The banquet, which wound up the convention, was exceptionally fraternal in its nature, and everyone parted feeling imbued with a deeper love for Alpha Phi Alpha.

The following officers were elected for the year 1916: President, Brother H. H. Long; Vice-President, Brother A. L. Simpson; General Secretary, Brother Charles A. Tribbett; Editorin-Chief, Brother W. A. Pollard.

On the invitation of Brother L. L. Me Gee, it was decided that the Ninth Annual Convention shall be held on I kcember 27, 28, 29 and 30, at the Seat of Gamma Chapter, Richmond, \ a.

T H E

3

S P H I N X

IMPORTANT RULINGS AND CHANGES.

No Chapter shall use the coat of arms of the fraternity on its letter-heads.

The office of Editor-in-Chief of the Sphinx was made constitutional.

The rap of admission was changed and made mure significant.

An additional Chapter, known as Sigma, was authorized, same to be located at Boston, with Harvard as the center, and to be composed of students from Harvard University. Boston University, Tuffs College and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

The time of the Annual Convention was lengthened one day, making it four days, instead of three.

The Sphinx should be regarded as a strictly secret journal; should never be left carelessly on desks or tables; nor should its contents be read by or communicated to any other than members cf Alpha Phi Alpha.

COMMUNICATIONS.

Dear Editor of the Sphinx: A new administration is starting out upon a new year's task. Each year liecomes more important because it brings greater vision, carries us higher in the hierarchy of accomplishment. and entails tasks of a different order and content. The progressive sweep calls for unity guaranteed by devotion.

Our fraternity is so thoroughly democratic in regard to its members that if it is to continue to succeed, the power of the individual member must be backed by a deep, motivating sense of

msibility which will lead him not only to meet his financial obligations, but to act each day as if the fortune and fate of a half thousand men depended upon his conduct alone.

What we must continue to have is men who, with foresight and control, will distinguish themselves in their circles at least by doing something worth while. W e must be aristocrats in the benevolent sense of the term.

We ought to fear mediocrity and eschew ease and satisfaction.

In the college fraternity work the graduate, alumni and honorary members have an enviable opportunity to inspire, to give vision to, and impress with a sense of responsibility the undergraduate who, pent up with untapped energy, is seeking direction for the spend which must come in time.

The graduate and alumni members ought not to wait to be sought, but ought themselves to seek to live to the full usefulness of which they are capable.

Finally, let me urge that every member of whatever standing seek to revitalize the delinquent Chapters. Write the members of these Chapters whom you know and encourage them to start anew.

Fraternally, H O W A R D LONG, President.

BIRTH. We beg to introduce to Alpha Phi Alpha, little Miss Catherine Brown Middleton, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Charles S. Middleton. Bro. Middleton is a graduate of Epsilon, 1912, and is now a successful Physician of Savannah, Georgia.

4

T H E S P H I N X

THE SPHINX Published Quarterly by the Alpha P h i Alpha Fraternity Printed at Washington, D- C

EDITORIAL S T A F F Editor-in-Chief W. A. Pollard BUSINESS S T A F F T H E P R I N T I N G COMMITTEE

Editor-in-Chief, Chairman Ralph J. Young (Beta) J. P . Sampson (Beta) Subscription

-

-

-

$ 1.00 Year

(This publication is intended for members of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity only)

Address all communications to The Editor-in-Chief FEBRUARY, 1916 EDITORIAL.

After nine years of struggle, Alpha Phi Alpha now stands as a living monument of the work of those inspired youths, whose imaginative genius gave birth to an organization which is destined to be so important a factor in shaping the lives of the colored men of this country. Within its encircling folds it envelops not only the chosen few who now sit within the college walls, either as devout pupils or assiduous instructors, but many whose influence is greatly felt in the community in which they labor. E v e n field of endeavor has within its rank members of this body who are to a

great extent rendering effective services in the interest of humanity.

Our onward march, however, has not been without the accustomed misfortunes that attend similar organizations ; many have fallen by the wayside, many have strayed from the paths of rectitude, but, like the plant which blooms with more luxuriance after the pruning knife has rid it of its superfluous branches. Alpha Phi Alpha seems wim renewed vigor to acquire more strength, to make more progress, when, by design or otherwise, it is rid of any seeming obstacle. The march is always onward, upward.

A true Alpha Phi Alpha man must be proud of the eminence the organization has acquired, of the respect which it commands, and especially must he delight in the influence it ex•rts, for, after all, the true worth of any enterprise must be determined by its ultimate benefit to society.

The torch is kindled, and if fed with proper fuel nothing can impede its progress. Within so short a space of time a system of government has been developed that bids fair to equal, if not "ipass, many older organizations in procedure and dispatch of business, as was so well exemplified at the last General Convention.

The internal cchanism of each Chapter is likewise. in itself, a complete whole.

To maintain prosperity, however, is often harder than to acquire it, and our attainments and hopes will avail us nothing if we do not unite as one to keep alive the true spirit and lofty ideals embodied in the term Alpha Phi

T H E

S P H I N X

Alpha. Undergraduates, alumni and honorary members should join hand in hand in the promotion of this noble cause.

The undergraduates should feel that every noble deed or worthy achievement performed adds another laurel to the crown of Alpha Phi .Alpha, while every untoward act detracts tenfold from her fame and good name. The alumni should feel that their work for the good of the frater nity does not end, but begins with their graduation, and their obligation is always in proportion to their advantages.

There should be no faltering, no cessation, no dissension, but mutual cooperation for the advancement of the common cause, and with hands and hearts united,, the good work begun v ill continue to spread until the name of Apha I'hi Alpha shall be known in every clime and her enobling influence felt in every community in which our race is found.

/

SPECIAL ATTENTION OF T H E " A L U M N I IS D I R E C T E D TO THIS ARTICLE. P>re hren: It has been the experience of the financial committee in other years to find itself handicapped by the shortage of funds to supply the demands of the general organization. The sole objeel of he committee this year will be to get and to maintain the organization on a good sound financial working basis, and the energies of that body

5

will be expended in urging the delinquent brothers to assist in the support of this move.

It seems to be the opinion of a great man}' brothers that their financial obligations to Alpha Phi Alpha cease with their passing from the so-called "active circle" into the ranks of the alumni; the Opinion of others seems to be that the life of the general organization is but for the last few days of the year during the sessions of the Annual Convention. The consequence is that the former, thinking they have been exempt, fail to pay any tax at all; while the latter, believing, and rightly, that a dead body needs no nourishment, wait until almost the last hour before making any effort to get their tax in, and then find themselves late. Of course, this is only felt by the general administration, which finds itself short of funds, and also by the delegate to the National Convention, who suffers the embarrassment of disfranchisement.

To the one it is but necessary to recall the oath of allegiance, and to the other it needs only to be said that a casual reading of the publications of the Sphinx will verify the fact that the general organization is in actual exs ence 365 days of the year.

Brothers, the work of the fraternity Tiust go on and is going on, but certainly this can only be through the loyal support of every man of the Alpha Phi ' lpha brotherhood. The grand tax, as f 11 merly, is two dollars and twentyfive cents ($2.25), one dollar of which s the regular tax to the general organization, one dollar for the subscription to the Sphinx, and twenty-five cents for the reserve fund. With this amount collected from each of our five hundred or more active and alumni members, the organization would be in a position to launch out into a greater

6

THE

work in the furtherance of the ideals of Alpha Phi Alpha.

Current expenses are g o i n g on all t h e time. P e r h a p s the g r e a t e s t of these is that incurred by the publication of the Sphinx.

This publication, u n f o r t u n a t e l y , is the only m e d i u m t h r o u g h which the b r o t h e r s of our g r e a t o r g a n i z a t i o n can be kept in touch with one a n o t h e r generally.

I fence it is indispensible.

SPHINX H o u s e , " to receive the b o y s ' d o n a t i o n s , and this y e a r it took t w o e n o r m o u s b a s k e t s to hold the provisions. T h e n .

too, several of the boys gave "The H o u s e " a magnificent

mission daven-

|i >rt.

W e e n t e r t a i n e d more than three h u n d r e d and fifty visitors at our annual N e w Y e a r ' s D a y " A t H o m e . " T h e parlors were tastefully decorated T h e g r a n d tax is due April I, 1916 with palms, and the b o y s ' r o o m s .

Alumni, let me appeal to you to assist t h o u g h very college-like, as m a n y exy< ur C h a p t e r by g i v i n g this matter pressed it. were still homelike and aty o u r p r o m p : a t t e n t i o n ; actives, lei me tractive.

T h e visitors, after h a v i n g u r g e you to do y o u r share in facilitat- been shown t h r o u g h " T h e H o u s e . " ing the task of y o u r C h a p t e r in collect- were served wi.h refreshments.

W'c ing t h e s e t a x e s ; and Chapter officers, had the p l e a s u r e of h a v i n g Brothel let me advise you to get b u s y a ' once, C h a r l e s A. T r i b b e t t . our newly elected faking a special effort to r o u n d up General T r e a s u r e r of / e t a , with us o n â&#x20AC;˘ o u r alumni and those actives w h o wil' this occasion, who joined us in enterbecome alumni this J u n e . t a i n i n g our guests.

It has been rightly said that the only After the holidays the boys settled m e a s u r e of the interest and loyalty of down in e a r n e s t to p r e p a r e for t h e i r the individual brother that the g e n e r a l :ctive e x a m i n a t i o n s . T h e college o r g a n i z a t i o n h a s . is the p r o m p t n e s s boys vvere quite successful in their ex with which he r e s p o n d s to h e r appeals. aminations, while the Medics did exLet not your name be one of those to ceedingly well in their " B o n e " exam. be labeled disinterested, unfaithful, or Brother Willard G r i n n a g e led the disloyal, but see to it t h a i y o u r tax class with a m a r k of 120 per cent, and, gets to y o u r Chapter Treasurer. incidentally, w a s recently elected capBy the Financial C o m m i t t e e . tain of the 1916 varsity football team.

C H A S . A. T R I B B E T T , Chairman.

CHAPTER

LETTERS.

B e t a â&#x20AC;&#x201D; H o w a r d University.

Alpha Phi Alpha spirit is still run ning high at Beta.

The Christmas spirit, too, was very much in evidence d u r i n g the holidays.

T h e annual Alpha Phi Alpha C h r i s t m a s baskel for the poor was placed in the hall of " T h e

B r o t h e r E r v i n II. Lee, interne at F r e e d m e n ' s Hospital, passed the Maryland State B o a r d ; stood third with a general a v e r a g e of 90 per ce.it. A I youth fn m I l a r v a r d m a d e firs! with an a v e r a g e of 94 per cent.

Brother E. M. A. Chandler of Beta is d o i n g well at Illinois University, where he has been pledged f ir m e m bership to a very exclusive c h e m i s t r y fraternity.

B r o t h e r Louis Russell, formerly of Beta, was recently a p p o i n t e d a- a teacher in the City I [jgh School.

THE

SPHINX

Brother Hunt has given 'The H o u s e " a y e a r ' s subscription to three popular periodicals, for which we arc indeed very grateful.

B r o t h e r Hill of Nu spent the afternoon of J a n u a r y 29th with us. He is m a n a g e r of the Lincoln [916 football team, and was here n e g o t i a t i n g a contracl for the Fall s a m e .

At our last regular m e e t i n g we w e r e favored with a report of the A n n u a l ( ' ' . m e n t i o n by our j u n i o r and senior

delegates.

Primed by the first s e m e s t e r examinations, the b r o t h e r s are in fine trim f >r the final s p u r t . An investigation in the general a v e r a g e s of Alpha P h i Alpha m e n and n o n - A l p h a Phi Alpha m e n manifested the superiority of the former in the following i n s t a n c e s : General a v e r a g e of t e r m m a r k s of fraternity m e n , 78.7 per c e n t ; general a v e r a g e of t e r m m a r k s of non-fraterni y men, 74.1 per cent.

General average of fraternity elective 1 men, 88.5 per c e n t ; general average of non-fraternity elective h o n o r men, 82.4 per cent.

P e r c e n t a g e of fraternity elective honor men, 27.2 per c e n t ; p e r c e n t a g e of Beta has resolved to strive h a r d this 88 non-fraternity elective honor m e n , y e a r to do e v e r y t h i n g in her p o w e r for 7.6 per cent.

G a m m a men not only show superithe glory of Alpha Phi Alpha. ority over non-frat m e n in class work J. P. SAMPSON. and in executive ability in the v a r i o u s o r g a n i z a t i o n s of the university, but they also s t a n d in the limelight a m o n g Gamira—Virginia Union University, the d e b a t e r s of the College DepartRichmond, Va. ment.

W h e n the t w o t e a m s were chosen for the L i n c o l n - U n i o n - W i l b e r f iree t r i a n g u l a r debate, the affiramative Brothers of Alpha Phi A l p h a — G r e e t - team was composed entirely of Alpha ings : I 'hi Alpha m e n — B r o s . C. S. J o h n s o n , C. First of all, we wish to t h a n k the II. T h o m p s o n and G. W . C. B r o w n — general Organization t h r o u g h the dele- while B r o t h e r V. I). J o h n s t o n secured gates to the E i g h t h A n n u a l Convention the second place on the n e g a t i v e team. for besti w i n g upon G a m m a C h a p t e r F r a t e r n i t y men. also, seem to hold a tb? honor of e n t e r t a i n i n g the Ninth monopoly on positions as teachers, for A n n u a l C o n v e n t i o n in Richmond. W e of thirteen such places on the univerassure you that it shall be our most si y faculty, only four are held by m e n persistent effort to see that the delewho are not m e m b e r s of the fraternity. s a t e s a n d visitors are m a d e as coniTl e m e m b e r s are now at work, en' rt b!e as possible at c u r university d.cav ri ig to m a k e the second term I1 ime. h e a r even more success and fame to T h e report of « ur delegate, Brother the C h a p t e r and fraternity than the lirs . W e are a b o u t to enter upon \V. A. H a l l , b r o u g h t to us from Pi ts • r e p a r a t i o n s for a s p r i n g initiation, b u t b u r g h , told of the excellent work t r a n s you m a y rest a s s u r e d t h a t all possible acted t h e r e by the convention, and care will be taken to p r e v e n t t h e enG a m i r a is a l r e a d y at work upon every trance into the sacred portals of Alpha nmendati m made.

T H E

ft

Phi Alpha all men who do not measure up to the standards of our fraternity.

We are doing our utmost to make the names of our Chapter and of our fraternity respected and revered.

Yours for the furtherance of Alpha Phi Alpha.

G. W . C. B R O W X .

S P H I N X

We have some very g.>orl materia! here, and_as we lose quite a number of the brothers in the senior class this year, we expect to have the roll of Alpha Phi Alpha increased in the near future.

Fraternally, B. C. S T Y L E S .

Zeta—Yale University.

Epsilon—Ann Arbor, University of Michigan.

Our delegates to the convention returned to us filled with new spirit to carry on the work of Alpha Phi Alpha here, hoping that we may make the coming year one of the most successful that we have ever enjoyed.

A very valuable addition to our library was made by Brother Oscar W. Baker, a leading lawyer of Bay City, Mich., in the form of a Michigan Manual. This manual contains a report of all the Negroes in the State of Michigan, their occupations and progress.

The book is published by the Freedmen's Progress Commission, of which Brother Baker is president.

Oar semester here is bearing its close, and just now we are in the midsi of our "exams." I am glad to report thai Epsilon is holding her own and ranks with any other fraternity in .he city in scholarshipBrother J. R. Crossland lias been elected our Chapter Secretary for the coming term, and Brother A. A. Taylor, President.

Dear Brothers—Greetings : Zeta was much gratified to learn that the Convention had found it fit to bestow upon its delegare the high and responsible office of General Treasurer.

We shall cer.ainly co-operate with Brother Tribbett to the extent of our power, and feel sure that the action of the Convention will not be regretted.

One of the most elaborate and successful social events of the winter season was a Yuletide recep ion given at the Music School Sett'ement, New York City, on the evening of December 27th, by the Alpha Alumni Chapter of that city, and Zeta. About fif y couples. including many visiting brothers, in whose honor the reception was given, and also guests from several nearby States, attended and "tripped he light fastastic toe" to the strains of a lively singing orchestra. During the evening Miss Carabel Cole, accompanied by Mr. Rosamond Johnson, gave a splendid exhibition of Greek dances. Brother Earley Caple, Zeta, with Miss Grace Lattimer at the piano, sang a pleasing tenor solo. Both numbers were very well received.

At midnight a dainty colla'.ion was served by Brother Clark. Dancing was then resumed and lasted until three o'clock. The congenial atmosphere of

T H E

S P H I N X

the whole affair, coupled with the animated scene of beautiful ladies in striking frocks and gowns and gentlemen in tidy formal dress, made an impression upon those present long to be remembered.

Dr. I. U. Porter, honorary member of Zeta, very recently had a miraculous escape from death, when his auto overturned as he was answering a hurried night call. Fortunately, he was not seriously hurt and has resumed his office practice. W e all wish him a speedy and complete recovery.

Brother Nimrod Allen, '15, has been appointed executive secretary of the Y. M. C. A., at Columbus, Ohio. We wish him the maximum of success, and feel from our knowledge of his sterling qualities that it will be his.

Brother Caple has been chosen superintendent of the Sunday School at Immanuel Church. This church boasts of the largest school in the city.

Brother John Anderson, '15, is head of the mathematics department at St. Paul's College at Lawrenceville, Va. Several Zeta men have been asked to take part in "Experience." a moral play to be given by one of the leading churches. Last year this church presented "Everywoman" and Zeta men took the leading male parts.

Brothers MacNeal and Ilageman have become real scribes. They are representing the "Crisis" and "Guardian" in this section and are trying to educate our people to appreciate good literature.

9

Brother Tribbett has offered his services to the Elm City Literary Club here and will try to awaken more public interest in this club. Brother Tribbett will also drill the club members in the art of public speaking, argumentation and parliamentary procedure.

Already Zeta is making preparations for its annual spring initiation. The number of initiatives, though not definitely decided upon, will be small, owing to the lack of good Alpha Phi Alpha "timber."

In closing, I wish to extend to the retiring officers, in behalf of Zeta, our high appreciation of the able manner in which their duties were performed during the past year; and to the incoming officers our sincerest wishes for a successful completion of the duties that now devolve upon them.

Fraternally yours, J . FRANCIS WILLIAMS.

Nuâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Lincoln University.

The approach of Yuletide brought gladness to all members of Nu, and every member left the campus with the exception of Bros. Brown and Tildon, the position of the former as Superintendent necessitating his remaining. and the latter is in charge of the Library. Bros. R. L. Lockett, R. T. Locke.t,-Creditt, Stewart, Wyatt, and Clark spent their holiday in Philadelphia, where they attended many of the social functions. Bfo. Comegys, unfortunately, was cast into the hands oi Clotho by sickness. Bros; Burton, Aiken, and Cooper enjoyed the respite afforded by the occasion by assisting Bro. C. M. Cain in his work at the Y.

10

THE

S P H I N X

M. C. A. in Atlantic City. Bro. Goss played his usual brilliant game at centre on the basket-ball team, and his work was especially commendable at East Orange, N. J. Bros. Hill and Boulware were ushers at the muchheralded Redding-Locke nuptials on the 29th of December in Baltimore, which received so much comment. The bride is a member of one of the families of the Ethiopian aristocracy of that city. Bros. Dawson and Carpenter spent the holidays in Baltimore, and the other members spent the period at their respective homes.

On January 4th the college activities were continued, and, all the brethren having returned, the pendulum of A. P. A. began to swing upward again.

Owing to the proximity of the midyears, which are epochs in the Lincoln student life, the brethren contented themselves to wait until after the same to hold their- first meeting.

Though the examinations were very difficult, the brethren tied their latent faculties of concentration to the polar star, which guided them successfully through.

The report of our worthy President and Delegate was received at the first meeting, and, aside from the progress of the general organization, Nu was favorably impressed w i l l the renewal of her impression of the advanced aim of A. P. A. After the receiving of the report, the Chapter enjoyed a very elaborate repast.

Bro. D. G. Hill, the newly elected football manager for the coming season, is working very assiduously, and with his assistant, Bro. T. T. Tildon, promises to make a brilliant success.

Nu extends greeting to all Chapters and trusts that this year will be one of unusual success.

GEO. B O U L W A R E .

Piâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Case School of Applied Science.

Bros. Quinn F. Montgomery and George P. Hinton were our delegates to the National Convention.

Pi is desirous of taking this opportunity to thank our brother Chapters for the confidence placed in us by the election of Bro. G. P. Hinton to the important office of National Secretary.

Bro. Montgomery has left to matriculate in the University of Illinois. We are sorry to lose Bro. Montgomery, but feel that he will ably represent Alpha Phi Alpha in this university of the Middle West. On February 2d the Chapter held a banquet in honor of Bro. Montgomery. As usual at such gatherings, everyone had a ripping good time.

Bro. H. Ardene Leatherman, who is attending Purdue University, spent the holidays in the city, and was able to be present at two very good meetings of the Chapter. "Ardie," as he is more familiarly known, has a faculty for bright and happy thoughts. The latest of them is that there should be two departments to our research work. In addition to that already provided for in the ritual, he indorses a research committee of which every member attending any college should be a member. While at the said institution he would have said committeeman make elaborate and exhaustive notes upon

THE

SPHINX

the merits, defects and general qualities of the various pedagogues with whom he comes in contact, especially with reference to their leaning towards Afro-Americans. He thinks that a blue book of such information would be very valuable and very much worth while to our boys in encountering new teachers with whom they are not familiar, Surely this thought would be in considering.

Mr. Thaddeus H. P. Warren, dentist, I.o has been practicing at You vn, has returned to Cleveland.

A. G. EVANS.

Sigmaâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Harvard University.

To the Editor of Sphinx: Sigma Chapter, authorized by the last General Convention, is now established at the seat of Harvard University. It is at present made up of the alumni of Zeta, Epsilon, and Beta, who are attending schools in and around Greater Boston.

At our first regular meeting the following officers were elected: James Ale London, president; A. A. Pope, vice-president; A. H. Tavernier, secretary; E. H. Crampton, corresponding secretary; W. M. Clair, treasurer; and L. D. Turner, chaplain.

The Chapter hopes soon to be able to initiate a few select men iiom the schools of Greater Boston The prospects are bright and we trust that within the near future we will be able to shoulder our part of the burden of Alpha Phi Alpha. We have a fertile

n

field and we ask your aid and sympa thetic co-operation.

E. H. C R A M P T O N . ( Alpha Phi Alpha extends a hand of welcome . to its new offspring, and prays that the seedling which sprung up on so fer:ile a field, may implant its roots so deeply in the Eastern soil that it will not only be able t.> wi.hstaid ihe misfortunes of the prevailing storms of adversity-, but be itseif a nucleu around which other plants may spring.)

Rho Chapterâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Philadelphia, Pa. Bro. Emile E. Raven, M. D., has recently begun the practice of medicine in Cambridge, Md., and reports great success in his undertaking.

Bro. G. A. Saunders, M. D., who completed his internship in the Douglass Hospital last September, has opened an office in Philadelphia, and is making good. He is a lecturer in the Nurses' Training School of the Frederick Douglass Hospital, and Assistant Pathologist to the Hospital.

Bro. Adolphus Hodge, an alumnus member of Beta, has recently graduated from the Philadelphia School of Pedagogy with honors, having received the faculty gold medal for submitting the best essay in a competitive contest. He has the distinction of being the only man of color in a large class of white men. We expect soon to see him permanently appointed to Philadelphia's corps of able teachers.

Bro. Russell Nelson of Nu is now attending the University of Pennsyl-

THE

12

S P H I N

vania, preparatory to the study of medicine in that institution. He has announced his intention of affiliating with Rho. Bro. William Grant of Gamma is now in the post-graduate school of the University of Pennsylvania. He, too, intends to affiliate with Rho. Bro. Charles A. Lewis, M. 1 >., ,of Rho, an alumnus of the tJ. of I'., has the distiac ion of being attached to the Phij ps' Institute (a department of the I . of P.) which devotes itself to the study of tuberculosis on an extensive scale, and. as such, is the only man of color receiving a salary from that institution in a scientific capacity.

Our brother. Dr. Lewis, is not yet thirty years of age, and is perhaps better informed on the subject of tuberculosis, and especially tuberculosis among colored people, than any other man of ,,lor in this section of the country. lie lectures extensively along this line on problems of hygiene, sanitation and social service in different cities.

He has ever since the organization of our Chapter been active in advocating our bringing prominent men from different cities to Philadelphia to give lectures and educational talks.

X

Bro. Hill of Nu is manager of the Lincoln football team for 1916.

Bro. Lee, Beta, passed the Maryland Medical Board, with an average of 90 per cent, being third on the list.

Bros. McCoy, Jackson, Waller and Seabrook, of Alpha, who are the only colored students registered in introductory inorganic chemistry at Cornell University, were all exempted from the final examination.

Of the six speakers selected by Virginia Union University to represent her in the coming triangular debate between Lincoln and Wilberforce Universities, four are Alpha Phi Alpha men. Bros. Johnson, Thompson and Brown comprise the affirmative team. while Bro. Johnston is a member of the negative team.

Bros. Temple and Goodlow, Beta, have been selected to represent Howard University in the coming triangular debate between Fisk and Atlanta Universities.

DeHAVEN HINKSON.

STEPHEN LANE FOLGER PERSONALS.

OFFICIAL JEWELER TO

Bro. Grinnage, Beta, is captain of the Howard football team for 1916.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity 180 B R O A D W A Y ,

Bro. Nimrod Allen, / e t a , '15, has been appointed executive secretary of the Y. M. C. A., at Columbus, Ohio.

NEW

YORK

Club and College P i n s and Rings