Allegheny College - Kaldron Yearbook (Meadville, PA)

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perfectly free, he may have solitude or companionship at will. Here he finds opportunities for a social life, or sympathies with and incentives toward scholarly attainments. He is also to corn- pare his thoughts Qif he should by chance have anyj, and his experiences with thoseof other people. He grows broader, he sees and tolerates a diversity of opinion, but best of all, learns to centralize his forces and works harmoniously with others. Know- ing that the continuance of the chapter depends- entirely on public opinion, in the absence of any authority, each member feels a responsibility for the rest. Any failure in study, manner ormorals, if discovered, is promptly brought to notice and criticism is remarkably full and free. Some chapters even go so far in their imi- tation of family life, as to possess a Skeleton in the Closet. But such skeletons in true orthodox style stalk forth in public view, and then either the ghost must be allayed or the chapter life ends. Then also a Greek is brought by direct communication into a sort of relation with other colleges. He becomes in the widest sense a college man and learns to realize the universal system of edu- 7 cation. He watches the growth of his alma male? with a jealous eye, seeing,far beyond what is possible in a barbarian, that the value of a diploma depends entirely on the relative standing of the college. The Greek has yet another important advantage. There has always been a secret dissatisfaction with a diploma that can not be worn or carried about so that a man's capabilities may be partially recognized without the tremendous efforts now required. It has . . f even been suggested that diplomas be granted in the form o cam- paign buttons. But, since such a course has not yet been adopted, the fraternity pin most nearly fills the requirements. Its posses- sion at once marks the wearer as a college man, and is the open 'sesame to many a charmed door. I3

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- -.,-...,-.,-.,.,..- V-.,--.,--.,.,,-,.-.,--vv :7v:7 W f7'W'W 5'Z S?' fW'i5'fFTW'i50Tv41P 41? mv 41? WNZN 41? Wnfmv mv 41? 41? 41? m nx m m lm, 41 1 n 5 ,Q '4 ' 41 1' ' x1f?E::.4iQtt siagggztaggblcisygstagggfni AX .XIX IAN Ffh .XIX 1 iv 41 ,Z X . ' , 1 . Wi P 413 410 415 419 415 415 qw qw my 41519 Nb Alb N0 N0 410 4151.2Sl.ZSlEl.ElElkSlEl2SlEl f-,.-,.-..--,.--,.,.,1..,...,-..,...,. ,1..,1,.,t-..,.--,1,.. -- HERE is no happier existence than that of an active member of a Greek Letter Fraternity. We should like to illustrate our statement by reminiscences, but that is not possible. Yet the memory of unearthly yells intended to announce an invita- tion to the outer world, the frequent displays of Greek fire, the ever-recurring spreads, the loyalty and helpfulness exhibited ina hundred and one ways, sufficiently prove the assertion. I Fraternity life comes just when one is forthe first time loosed from parental restraints, yet without the responsibilities of later years. Along with languages, and sciences, and philosophies, one is learning self, his own powers and possibilities, and never is action so spontaneous, so distinctly personal. But a student's life is apt to be fitful, and it is difficult to preserve a proper balance. Enthusiasms or inclinations carry him away, and he forgets that social life is successful by just so much as he surpasses others in knowledge and power, and that knowledge is power only as it is available for use among men. Here, then,we find the purpose of Fraternity, mutualhelpfulness in every way, in mental, moral and social development. Any Greek will tell you that his college course was made complete by his Fraternity life, and Frat.', brothers are remembered with almost the same tenderness as those of the home circle. In the chapter house we find as close an imitation of home-life as possible. There is the same sense of ownership. Here he is I2

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The Fraternities as a rule contain the best life of the college. Most of the college enterprises are under their management. It is they who have prolonged the life of the literary societies, pos- sibly for the sake of the offices, but that matters nothing. Prayer meetings contain as many Greeks as barbarians. College paper, annual, almost everything Worth having, have fallen into their hands. Many think the Fraternities have also the monopoly of sinning. In this respect they only emulate the great Caesar: All his faults observed, Set in a note book, learned and conned by rote. Even when a person is gone from the college into active life, he feels an interest, a love for his fraternity. Of all his college life, that is the brightest spot. The friendships there formed are life friendships. With eagerness he hastens back to meet his broth- ers, and the Fraternity banquet becomes the crowning glory of commencement weeks. I4