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It 3Kappa ight Nraternitg NOVEMBER, 1911.
Vol. I.
No. 1.
Grand Journalist and Business Manager Box 283, Danville, Va. CHARLES K. DILLINGHAM Associate Editors 6 Green Street, Charleston, S. C. liENRY P. WAGENER Hastoc School, Spartanburg, S. C. J. DECHERD GUESS 1547 Euclid Avenue, Berkely, Cal. D. P. HARDY 1621 Marion Street, Columbia, S. C. T. J. LIPSCOMB, JR
TABLE OF CONTENTS. PAGE
Mount Soracte and Horace's Sabine Farm.
3
Letters
7
Editorials
10
Chapter Letters
13
Personal and Alumni Notes
18
Greek Clippings
22
Published by The Issued in November, February, May and August. to the Fraternity. R. L. Bryan Co., Columbia, S. C., Official Printers
(effturo ui tilt Ili Kappa 1It Frattrnitg HEADQUARTERS, CHARLESTON, S. C. ORGANIZED 1904.
Grand President L. HARRY Mixsom, Alpha...40 Montague St., Charleston, S. C. Grand Vice President 6 Green St., Charleston, S. C. H. P. WAGENER, Alpha J. D. CARROLL, Sigma
Grand Secretary Box 240, Columbia, S. C. Grand Treasurer Fowler, Cal.
H. L. LONG, Gamma
Grand Historian 90 Broad St., Charleston, S. C. Sutton Foamy, JR., Alpha Grand Journalist Y M. C. A., Danville, Va. CHARLES K. DILLINGHAM, Sigma Grand Chaplain Hartsville, S. C.
C. E. BYRD, Delta Grand Custodian Gus E. REID, Beta
Rock Hill, S. C.
Grand Council L. HARRY MIXSON, Alpha...40 Montague St., Charleston, S. C. Box 240, Columbia, S. C. JOHN D. CARROLL, Sigma W.H. Mosrcicrox, JR.,Sigma..803 Richland St., Columbia, S. C. Prosperity, S. C. HERBERT LANGFORD, Zeta Berkely, Cal. Ave., 1547 Euclid DAVE P. HARDY, Gamma
0.11r ftr attb Kamp Published in the interest of and under the authority of the Pr KAPPA PIII FRATERNITY
Vol. 1.
NOVEMBER, 1911.
No. 1.
MOUNT SORACTE AND HORACE'S SABINE FARM. The chief charm in a visit to Italy and Rome, especially to the classical student, lies in the continually recurring associations with the Roman writers themselves, and with personages and events already familiar to him from the literature. In the light of these associations every group of ancient walls, every bit of old street or road becomes transformed. The Forum ceases to be merely a collection of uncovered ruins when he can walk along the Sacra Via with Horace, as on the day when took place the encounter of the poet with the bore. He can accompany Horace along the Via Appia on his journey to Brundisium, or, as after passing out of Porta Pia he walks along the line of the old Via Nomentava, he can see Nero fleeing for his life and hearing the shouts of the soldiers for the Prwtorian Camp not far distant, as Suetorius describes it. And so with every part of Rome, ancient, medieval, and even modern, it is the personal associations, many of which have become an actual part of our lives, which make it the most fascinating city in the world. What is true of Rome itself is true also of the country surrounding Rome, whose history is inseparably joined to that of the city. With our authors as guides, many pleasant excursions can be made.
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THE STAR AND LAMP.
We would like to follow Horace upon two of these, the first to Mt. Soracte, the second to his own farm in the Sabine Hills. Horace speaks of Soracte in the ninth ode of the first book, "vides ut alta stet nive candidum Soracte." As seen from Rome, it appears as an isolated mountain rising from the plain to the north of the city. It is easily distinguished on account of the jagged appearance of its top, which culminates in three distinct peaks. Even in the coldest winter, snow is rarely seen upon Sora:cte, although to judge from Horace's statement, conditions must have been different in the time of Augustus. The ascent is best undertaken from the little station of Sant' Oreste, or the tramway connecting Rome with Civita Casteliana. The tram follows the line of the ancient Via Flominia and shortly after leaving Rome passes the Ponte Molle (ancient Pons Milvius), where the Emperor Maxentius lost his life after his defeat by Constantine. About eight miles further on we reach Prima Porta, where are the remains of the villa of Livia, the wife of Augustus, where was found the famous statue of Augustus, now in the Braccio Nuovo at the Vatican. Not far off lay Saxa Rubra, where was fought the battle between Constantine and Maxentius, which marked the conquest of Christianity. About half way up Soracte and lying on the southeast slope is the little town of Sant' Oreste, typical of the hill towns of that part of Italy, with its steep and narrow streets, stone houses, church, and trattoria where the wine of the district can be bought. From Sant' Oreste a steep and rocky footpath leads upwards part of the way through an extensive grove, through whose trees appear the most beautiful vistas. Just below the top is the
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mbnastery and church of San Silvestro dating from
the eighth century. Upon the central and highest peak stands the small abandoned church of San Silvestro, occupying probably the site of the temple of Apollo, which stood here in classical times, and which is mentioned by Virgil (Aen. XI, 785). The view which has been gradually unfolding as we ascend, from the top embraces without interruption the surrounding country in every direction. To the north lies the Ciminian forest which for so long served as the stronghold of the Etruscans against the Romans. ,To the south lies Rome, easily visible on a clear day. Beyond Rome stretch the historic Alban Hills, and still farther to the South the Volscian Mountains. To the west lies the Lake of Bracciano (ancient Lacus Sabatinus), a volcanic lake on whose shore are the hot sulphur baths of Vicarello—probably the ancient Aqum Apollinares, whose popularity is proved by the number of votive offerings found there. On very clear days glimpses may be had even of the sea, as the sun is reflected from the waves. To the east almost at our feet stretches the valley of the Tiber with the river itself winding and twisting in and out, as we can trace its course for miles. Beyond the river are the Sabine Mountains and some of the peaks of the Apennines in winter covered with snow. It is in these Sabine Mountains that lay the farm given to Horace by Mxcenas, to which the poet himself was so deeply attached, and of which he never tires of speaking. It is from allusions in his own poems and by the identification of places mentioned by him with those now existing that the location of the farm has been established.
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THIS STAR AND LAMP.
The starting point for a trip to Horace's farm is the picturesque little town of Vicovaro, lying at the junction of the valleys of the Licenza and the Anio. About six miles below Vicovaro lies Tivoli (ancient Tibur), surrounded by vineyards and olive groves and easily visible from Rome. At Tivoli are the beautiful and famous waterfalls of the Anio, with the little round temple—so-called of the Sibyl— perched high up on the cliff above them. Vicovaro is identified with the town of Varia, to whose market Horace's tenant farmers carried their produce for sale. From Vicovaro the road follows the valley of the Licenza (ancient Digentia), but high up above the left bank of the stream. Not long after leaving Vicovaro the little town of Saracinesco becomes visible, built on the top of a steep hill on the opposite side of the valley and seemingly entirely inaccessible. Saracinesco was founded by •the Moors, and its inhabitants still preserve many of the physical characteristics and customs of their ancestors. About four miles beyond Vicovaro lies the little town of Rocca Giovane. It has been identified with the "forum Vacunx," where Horace wrote his letter to his friend, Aristius Furscus (Epst. I, 10). It is in the valley below Rocca Giovane that the site of Horace's farm probably lay. Of the villa itself nothing remains, and the place where it stood is covered with vineyards and olive trees. However, the natural surroundings have not changed, and we can realize why Horace loved the spot so ardently. As far as we can see extends the rugged mountain scenery in which the Sabine Hills abound, and the view embraces Monte Gennaro the highest peak in the Sabines (4,170 feet high), together with other lesser peaks, in winter with their
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covering of snow. Not far distant flows the Licenza, or Digentia, whose cold waters often refreshed the poet (Epist. I, 18). Buried beneath the ground on the spot where stood some Roman villa, whether that of Horace or not no one can know, is a characteristic mosaic pavement of the Augustan period. This is carefully uncovered for inspection, and as carefully recovered. About midway between there and Rocca Giovane a spring comes out from the side of the hill and flows down in a little rocky stream to join the Licenza. This is identified with the Fons Bandusix of Odes III, 13. Now as then, its water "brighter than crystal" as it bubbles out from the rock is shaded and cooled by the thickly overhanging ferns. In still another spot, from the end of a broken aqueduct descends a miniature waterfall, which, although dating not even from classical times, is in perfect harmony with its surroundings. These and memories are all that are left us of Horace's Sabine farm, but no one can visit the spot without having a new life and light shed upon what may have been before only a bit of dry and uninterA. PELzta WAGENER. esting literature. Baltimore, Md., November 24, 1911.
LETTERS. Fellow Fratres, in this, the first issue of THE STAR AND LAMP published since my election to the office of Grand President, I wish to express to my brothers my appreciation of the confidence they have in me. They have given me the highest office in their power, and I hope that I may so conduct myself and the affairs of the Fraternity as to win their approbation.
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THE STAR AND LAMP.
There are several great needs all too manifest to every man who has studied Pi Kappa Phi conditions, and in the filling of these needs I believe that the good work of our Fraternity can best be carried out and extended. Accordingly my activities shall be directed so as to primarily include: (1) Revision of Rituals. (2) Extension. (3) Extension so as to bridge the East and the
West. An executive can do nothing by himself. Without a corps of willing workers, shoulder to shoulder with him, no matter how hard he works, but little can be done. A great deal must depend on the committees, all of whom have special lines of activities assigned to them. It is in the proper execution by each and every committee of the work they have in hand that every cog moves easily, noiselessly, systematically, and the great machine of Pi Kappa Phi will move forward. In the committees I have appointed I have the greatest confidence, and I can safely say that no other Grand President of any other Fraternity has a more willing, more enthusiastic set of officers than I have associated with me. I look for big things in the next two years—a larger, more enthusiastic, more fraternal Pi Kappa Phi than ever before, and I will work to the end that, when I lay aside the gown of my office, I shall receive from every Pi Kappa Phi, "Well done, Fraternally, brother." L. HARRY MIXSON,
Grand President.
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Fratres, with this issue, in accordance with the decrees of the last convention, our new magazine, THE STAR AND LAMP, is being launched. May we hope for it greater success than the journal had? We feel assured that it will be successful if we will only live up to the regulations regarding it, passed by the 1911 Convention. Last July, at the convention, we showed by our words that our hearts were in the right places, but now the time for words is passed. Let us show that we are not men of words alone, but men of action also. Before this time every member should have received a letter asking for subscriptions. If you have not received yours, don't feel slighted, but just be assured that it was a mistake of the head and not of the heart. Accept our sincere apologies for the omission, and send in your subscriptions anyway. Subscriptions will not be solicited from active members, as these will be sent to the Chapters according to our new Constitution. They can, however, be sent to the members separately if they so desire it. We have a difficult task set before us, as anyone who has ever done any magazine work will agree. Won't you help us for the love and honor of old Pi Fraternally, Kappa Phi? CHAS K. DILLINGHAM, Grand Journalist.
'tar atilt 4Ittitt4i Published in the interest of and under the authority of the PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY Grand Journalist and Business Manager CHARLES K. DILLINGHAM Box 283, Danville, HENRY P. WAGENER J. DECHERD GUESS D. P. HARDY T. J. LIPSCOMB, Ja
Va.
Associate Editors 6 Green Street, Charleston, S. C.
Hastoc School, Spartanburg, S. C.
1547 Euclid Avenue, Berkely, Cal. 1621 Marion Street, Columbia, S. C.
EDITORIALS. With this number we take pleasure in introducing to the Fraternity world at large, and to the Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity in especial, what is no longer a venture, but an established reality. With all its faults and good points, the Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Journal was at best only an experiment. But the experiences of two years, discouraging as they were in some respects, were nevertheless sufficiently encouraging to warrant a continuation of the plan. The recent convention endorsed the Journal and lent it countenance in all its efforts, past and future, to succeed. It made the magazine an official part and parcel of the Fraternity to be inseparably connected with it, and to continue so long as the Fraternity have being. The new official designation, THE STAR AND LAMP of Pi Kappa Phi, should mark the magazine indelibly as an enterprise to be supported ceaselessly and devotedly by every man who wears our pin. The management and form of THE STAR AND LAMP differ considerably from those observed in the Journal. The changes are, we believe, for the
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better, and allow for unlimited increase and extension in the size, importance and circulation of the magazine. We are fully prepared to handle just as much matter and as many subscriptions as are sent in, and we stand ready to be worried only by the paucity and not the superabundance of either of these elements. But the one must inevitably balance the other if the magazine is to live and be a success. We are counting on you from both standpoints. Men of Pi Kappa Phi, do not fail us!
It is rather annoying to be forced to make apologies in the very first number of a journal that was to be above reproach. But, as usual, we are behind time in publication. The delay has been due to a number of reasons—foremost among which stands the failure of Chapters to respond to requests for material. In a fraternity with so few Chapters as ours, the absence of one or two of these from the magazine makes material seem rather sparse in matter. As we wanted our first number to be as full and as interesting as possible, we have held back in the attempt to gather in the scattered sheep. Sad to say, we have not made a very brilliant success in our attempt. We were also delayed considerably by the necessity of changing cover plates and mechanical form of the journal. And we sincerely hope that this will be the last apology on this line needed during the course of our editorship.
We wish to apologize also for the large amount of space occupied by the editorial department, and to assure the Fraternity that it is not occupied through choice, but through compulsion. If our
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THE STAR AND LAMP.
Chapters and our fratres want something besides editorials, it is up to them to provide it, and we can safely assure them that such provision will be thankfully and cheerfully welcomed.
We recently had the pleasure of visiting our baby Chapter, Zeta. It was our good fortune that the Chapter held an initiation on the morning of our visit. Although Zeta has not as yet provided itself with all the equipment necessary for the carrying out of an initiation in its best style, still everything was carried through on this occasion in a very creditable manner. The fratres are experiencing great difficulty in securing suitable chapter rooms, and at present the meetings are being held in rooms at one of the hotels in the city. Those fratres who can openly declare themselves Pi Kappa Phi's should consider themselves very fortunate. On the evening of our visit our Zeta fratres were present in full force. While together these men exhibited a true fraternal spirit which was great to see. They are every one fine fellows, who are devoted to each other and to the interests of the Fraternity. They were continually saying something which indicated their whole-hearted love, not only for their Chapter brothers, but as much for their brothers of the Fraternity at large. They have already taken steps for the procuring of much of their Chapter equipment and they are making their plans for the purchase of the remainder. The day is not far distant when Zeta may consider herself one of the leading Chapters of the Fraternity. The Fraternity may expect great things from her.
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Chapter Letters Each and every Chapter of the Fraternity is urgently requested to send in a Chapter letter for each number of Tux STAR AND LAMP. Chapter letters should be in the hands of the editors at least one month before the date of issue, namely, on the 15th day of October, January, April and July. For further information on the subject of Chapter letters address: J. Decherd Guess, Hastoc School, Spartanburg, S. C. (East), or D. P. Hardy, 1547 Euclid Avenue, Berkely, Cal. (West).
South Carolina Alpha. Alpha Chapter began the new year with Harty, Mouzon, Brigman and Massey in their accustomed places. Three new men have been initiated already: Thomas Perkins Abernethy, of Birmingham, Ala.; Henry Alexander Rogers, of Bennettsville, S. C., and William C. Lesslie, of Lesslie, S. C.; so that seven regular members are now on the roll. Others will likely be added in a short while, in spite of the fact that good material seems to be.somewhat scarce at the college this year. Small numbers are in many ways a disadvantage, but they add to the credit which our Chapter deserves for being so well represented in every branch of the activities of the college. On the football team Rogers holds down the position of right guard and Abernethy plays left end, while Massey is a prominent member of the squad. We are represented in the Chrestomathic Literary Society by President Mouzon, Vice President Abernethy, and Secretary Harty. Abernethy fills the position of editor-in-chief of the college magazine, and Mouzon handles that division of the work which requires most tact and diplomacy—the exchange department. In the religious work of the student body Pi Kappa
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THE STAR AND LAMP.
Phi is represented by Mouzon, who is president of the Y. M. C. A., and by Abernethy, who is treasurer—a position of an entirely honorary nature, since there are no fees in connection with the organization. Training for the relay race is now in progress, and, though the team has not yet been selected, it is certain that we will be represented by several fratres. A strong asset to the work of tire Chapter is the frequent attendance upon its meetings of several of its resident alumni members. Among these are Fratres William and Simon Fogarty, H. P. Wagener, Harry Mixson and Tom Mosimann. The first social event of the year took place in the Chapter Hall on Saturday, October 28, after the football game with the Citadel. As the Citadel, by some manner of means, defeated us, the funeral rites of the Romans were our inspiration, and Bacchus was implored to banish our sorrow for a time.
California Gamma. It is with pleasure and pride that I report a good beginning for California Gamma on the present college year. Work has been under way here since August 18th, and during that time we have initiated four new men and pledged two more. Our new members are: James Blair Church, '13; James Buford Wright, '13; William Martin Gwynn, '14, and Melvin James Paulsen, '15. The men pledged to date are Harold L. Cummings and Phillip Hubbard. We feel unusually fortunate this year in having nearly all of our old men back in college, and with us again—a condition decidedly different from that
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which faced us just a year ago, when we lost so many men by graduation. It is a little early in the semester to enumerate accomplishments on the part of our Chapter members, but even at this early date we have a few. Our "old reliable" frater, Dave Hardy, is at work on the varsity football squad, Frater Arthur Haslam has won a place on the University Glee Club, Frater J. Boyd'Oliver is active in college dramatics, and our "Doctor" Cook is mixing into soccer football. I will next depart from the regular order of things to announce the marriage of Vernon H. Galloway, ex-'12—the first member of California Gamma to take upon himself that responsibility. Frater Galloway took out a leave of absence from the University in January, 1910, and has since been out against the practical world. His meeting, while still in college, with Miss Virginia Carville Hobday finally culminated in their marriage, and they now have a home of their own in Los Angeles on the corner of Townsend street and Stevenson avenue. "Carville" is a delightful little lady of the Southern type, being a native of Louisville, Kentucky. "Vern" is with the Los Angeles branch of the American Surety Company of New York, and seems to be making good, as are other men of California Gamma, who have gone out to make their way.
BEN T. LAMM.
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THE STAR AND LAMP. Sigma.
The Sigma Chapter of the Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity is in a most prosperous condition this year. Ever since its institution it has been growing steadily, and this year we have been exceedingly fortunate in getting in new men. Besides our new, and most of our old men, we have with us this year a number of old men from other Chapters, who are pursuing work at the University. Since college opened we have taken in four new men. They are every one of them men of fine character, and we only wish we could find more like them. We are also glad to say that we have affiliated with us this year one Beta man, one Delta, and three Alpha men. They have thrown themselves vigorously into the work of the Chapter, and are a great addition. Our Chapter has had the pleasure of several visits by different fratres lately, including two by our own Grand President. On his last visit he assisted in initiating several neophytes rendering the ceremony in a most impressive manner. At this same initiation we had the pleasure of having Frater Gus Reid with us, a little later Frater Fred Jones put in his appearance, then Frater Brigman, and finally Frater Simpson. Sigma now has sixteen active members, active in every sense of the word. We also have several alumni in the city, who are just as active, attending our meetings, advising us, and giving us their support in every way they can, all of which we heartily appreciate. We are looking forward to the most prosperous year of our history; may the other ChapR. A. M. ters fare likewise.
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Zeta. Zeta begins this year with six men, five undergraduates, and one who is taking postgraduate work, six of her last year's group of eleven having graduated. No new fratres have been initiated as yet, but several are pledged and will very soon become fratres. The new men are 'being carefully studied, and we believe that the outlook for worthy men is very bright. Our Chapter is represented in all lines of college activity. One of our seniors, as editor-in-chief of the college magazine, has just gotten out an excellent "first number." Another has already started upon his work as literary editor of the annual. The vice president of the Musical Association is a Pi Kappa Phi. The assistant literary editor of the magazine wears the Star and Lamp, as does the censor in one, and the recording secretaries in two of our literary societies. The secretaries and treasurers of two of the classes we call "frater," while the manager of his class baseball team and the captain of his class football team wear the diamond pins. The cares and duties of these numerous officers do not, however, displace from foremost place in our affections and interests old Pi Kappa Phi, which binds us together in brotherly love. Every one of us is on the lookout for men worthy of the title "frater." We all believe that this is to be a most successful year in the history of the fraternity, and we are determined to have a part in helping to make H. L. it so.
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Personal and Alumni Notes Beta. Frater J. B. Frazier now calls himself a merchant, being in business with his father at Blairs, S. C. It is rumored that he is contemplating forming a new partnership, in which he will be the lesser half. Prater W. C. Bailey left the Presbyterian College in 1908 to enter Davidson. He there distinguished himself in athletics. He was a member of the senior class, but lacked a few hours' credit for gaining his degree. He is now in the cotton mill business with his father at Clinton. Frater W. W. Miller is in business at Jefferson, and it is said that ke will soon have two to support. Frater R. S. Owen taught school in Bamberg county in 1908-1909. He was principal of Lydia Graded School in 1909-1910. Feeling within himself the call of journalism, he became editor of the Clinton Chronicle, holding this position until January 1, 1911. He is now at the University of South Carolina studying law. Frater M. M. Sellers chose for himself the career of banker, but after having tried this for a short while he became disgusted with the business. He is now employed in the offices of the A. C. L. Railroad in Wilmington, N. C. Frater T. W. Simpson is now studying at Union Theological Seminary, Richmond, Va. The Fraternity will expect great things from Frater Tom.
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Frater J. S. McGregor is, as would be expected, taking life easy, playing ball when he can, but professing to be in the mercantile business with his father at Ruby, S. C. Frater J. S. Young is now a member of the senior class at Davidson. Frater H. W. Shaw, of Bishopville, is at the University of South Carolina, taking a course in civil engineering. Frater Gus E. Reid is writing insurance at the place of his birth, Rock Hill, S. C. Zeta. Frater Herbert Langford is teaching in the Fitting School, Wofford College, and is taking postgraduate work in the college. 6 California Gamma. Frater Theodore B. Kelly, '09, stopped at the Chapter House on his way to Colton from the East. He resumes his duties in Colton High School as professor of chemistry. Fratres Walter W. Hughes, '13, and Chester H. Prouty, '12, did not return to college this term. The former has taken a position in the city engineer's office in Richmond, Calif., and the latter a similar one in Betteravia, Calif. Frater Arthur W. Haslam, '13, has the distinction of being the second Pi Kapp to be elected to the University of California Glee Club, the organization which recently completed a successful tour of the European capitals.
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Frater Clarence W. Hager,'11, the first Pi Kapp in the glee club, is holding down a position in the postoffice at his home, Ontario, Oregon. Frater Harry L. Long, '10, has recently been appointed manager of the Eastern Consolidated Oil Company, at Bakersfield, California. Fratres William Anderson, '10, and Alton L. Bass, '10, are still successfully managing the Belcher Mining Company, at Republic, Washington. Frater Frank L. Stack, '13, spent a very enjoyable and instructive summer "mucking" in their mine. We are afraid that he was unduly favored by his "bosses," however. Prater William H. Peterson, '10, who has been making good as chemist for the Union Oil Company, at Selby, Calif., drops in at the house every couple of weeks. The fellows are always glad to see "Pete." Frater James A. Armstrong, another '10 man, is chemist for a large beet sugar company at Betteravia, Calif. Prater Dave Hardy, '12, was elected to Golden Bear, the senior honor society, in the middle of last term. He rowed his old position, No. 4, on the varsity crew and was beaten by Stanford in the closest finish ever recorded in their annual race. He has been appointed a member of the coaching committee for 1912, and thinks that he has some good ideas for a winning crew next year. Frater Benjamin T. Laflin, '13, did not return to college this year and is driving an auto in Oakland, Calif. Ben stays at the house, however, and is just as much one of the fellows as he used to be. He will return next year.
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Frater "Doc" Cook, '14, is one of the men who are introducing soccer football to the University public. The game has not gained much of a foothold yet, but is certain to in years to come. "Doc" has been playing with the University team against the various club teams around the bay. Prater Elbert Brown,'14, was elected captain of the house team for this year, but did not get a chance to lead them in a game. There were not enough players to make it worth while entering a team, and so our games in the Interfraternity League were forfeited. Frater Brown has been out steadily with the varsity, and we all have hopes for his making the team next spring against Stanford. Prater Lloyd Haskell, '14, who made such a fine showing in the intercollegiate series last year as pitcher on the varsity, did not return to college this term. Frater George Armstrong,' 14, is coming back after Christmas and will probably make a good try for the varsity crew.
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Greek Clippings It is the desire and purpose of THE STAR AND LAMP to exchange with all Fraternity publications, and the staff will appreciate any assistance towards the extension of its exchange list. Exchanges should be sent to J. Decherd Guess, Hastoc School, Spartanburg, S. C., and Henry P. Wagener, 6 Green Street, Charleston, S. C. The following is an extract from a letter written by one of the founders of Phi Beta Kappa, William Short, in 1831, and published in the Phi Beta Kappa Key: "There had existed for a long space of time another society at William and Mary. The initials on its medal (P. D. A.) were understood to indicate Latin words. There was at the same time at college a youth whose reputation as a Hellenist was so far beyond that of the others that he valued himself, as I remember well, exclusively on it. The P. D. A. Society had lost all reputation for letters and was noted only for the dissipation and conviviality of its members. Whether they had refused to admit our Hellenist or he was unwilling to join them, I do not now recollect, but so it was that he determined to get up another society in opposition, and, in conformity with his own reputation, formed and adopted the Greek phrase indicated by the initials. Whether it be pure I would not now say. But at that time none of us supposed anything more pure could have been formed in Athens, such was our opinion of the great learning of our founder." This shows that another society existed before Phi Beta Kappa. Possibly some enterprising society will come forward and claim to revive this
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P. D. A. Society so as to get the benefit of an early date.—Beta Theta Pi.
Rushing Rules. The entrance of the freshmen into the Fraternity is a critical period in the life of both the freshman and the Fraternity. Like matrimony, it is a step which should be well considered if it is not to result in unhappiness or even in actual separation. On the face of it, the pledging of a man after an acquaintance of one, two or three days looks absurd. The results are often happy; but this is as much good luck as it is excellent judgment. Furthermore, it is no more fair to the freshman than it is to the Chapter. He has a right to know something of those who are in the future to be his closest associates, and to judge calmly and after careful observation whether his college life will be happy among those who wish him to join them. Not only is there danger from hastily formed opinions in the individual cases, but fraternities are lowered in the estimation of the general public by the undignified positions which they frequently assume where rushing is unregulated. The wild scramble for the desirable freshmen, which sometimes almost degenerates into forcible kidnapping, is never contemplated by the alumnus with any degree of pleasure or pride, for he finds it difficult to justify such tactics on any ground. When the recipient of such violent attentions is a boy yet in high school, the situation is decidedly worse. Yet how many youths have we seen wearing pledge buttons, possibly for several years, who have never matriculated in college, and probably never expected to do so. Such a situation is humiliating in the
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extreme to the Fraternity whose pledge button is thus violated. Pan-Hellenic agreements of all kinds are becoming increasingly prevalent. Among the sororities rushing is regulated in nearly all the colleges by such voluntary agreements, which are usually adhered to in letter and spirit, with excellent results. We can see no good reason why the fraternities should not in this case follow in the footsteps of their sisters. The pledging of subfreshmen should certainly stop; and the pledging and initiation of freshmen should be deferred until there is ample opportunity for mature judgment on the part both of the Fraternity and the freshman. Nor should any freshman be initiated until he has shown reasonable inclination and ability to pass his courses creditably. Such regulations are inevitable. If the fraternities adopt them voluntarily, they will probably save themselves from more drastic faculty restrictions, for as we see it, unlimited and irresponsible rushing and pledging are doomed.—Phi Gamma Delta.
What a Fraternity Can Do. 1. It can prevent a man of studious habits from becoming a mere grind, a bookworm, a recluse. 2. It can prevent a man of strong social inclination from wasting time to the detriment of his mental development. 3. It can tone up a boy of good mind but slovenly habits, and tone down a dude and prevent him from becoming the laughing stock of sensible people. 4. It can prevent vulgar language, coarse manners and loafing in the Chapter House; and dis-
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honesty and immorality everywhere as things unworthy a Greek letter man. A. It can hold in check a young man of strong appetites and passions until the danger point is passed—until he has developed sufficient strength of character to resist temptation. 6. It can reach down a helping hand to a hardworking, honest student who needs help, and lift him up. 7. In short, it can keep constantly before its men the desirability of a well-rounded, symmetrical life. —Phi Chi Quarterly.
This Fraternity, and all Fraternities, have devoted too little attention to the alumnus at great cost to all concerned. The college secret society, as a fraternal order, has been greatly handicapped by this long established and arbitrary division of its members into two classes, of which the weaker and less capable has had the management and control of the order. The idea of alumni and undergraduates in Fraternities was borrowed from colleges and universities, but was carried too far when the alumnus was relieved of his dues and his duties to the Fraternity just as he was relieved of the burden of attending classes at college. The frat-old cry of disinterested alumni might never have been heard had not the alumnus been cast aside as useless, stripped of authority and released from work, turned out to do as he pleased for the rest of his days, just at the time when he might begin to be of most service. This mistake lies close to the root of all college Fraternity troubles, and it must be dug up and corrected at the next convention. Every year finds us with more and more alumni and every
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year finds these alumni with more and more wealth and power to aid the Fraternity, yet every year doing less for it. Who composes the Fraternity, anyhow? Is the Fraternity made up of the active members, or the alumni, or both? Sometimes we talk of securing the interest and aid of the alumnus much as if he were asked to give his assistance to someone else, or to some order to which he was now a stranger, and in which his rights were dormant and of the past. If it was a mistake to cut Brother Alumnus adrift alike from the troubles and pleasures of Fraternity membership, it is high time now that he was lashed firmly and finally to both.—Shield and Diamond of Phi Kappa Alpha through Beta. Theta Pi.