Kappa Alpha Theta Journal, Vol. 5 no. 3
The text was read from the page scans by machine (OCR), so it has mistakes and its columns may run together. See the pages · About this title · At the Internet Archive
Page 1
JULY, 1891. Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. A QUARTERLY, PUBLISHED BY LAMBDA CHAPTER * UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT, BURLINGTON. VOL V, NO. ). BUKLIXGTON : FKEE PRESS ASSOCIATION, 1891.
Page 2
CONTENTS. The Ideal Theta, . 3 A word with the Alumnae, . 4 Adelphos vs, Teclmikos, . 5 Editorials, - . 9 Pan Hellenic Convention, . -10 K. A. 9. Convention. 13
Page 3
THE Kappa Editor , Business Managers , ] Alpha Theta Journal. % . MITTIE P. SKINNER , Bristol, Conn. MRS. J. H. SPEAR, Burlington Vt. . MISS I. M. CHANDLER , Burlington , F£. Vol. V. . July, 1891. No. 3. THE IDEAL THETA. We have just had a Convention in which we have discussed the best methods for carrying on the business of our Fraternity, forming a closer organization, and so forth, and we think we have succeeded in correcting certain faults, and establishing a system which cannot fail to succeed; but have we done all that is necessary? Beneath all the systems, back of all the plans, one thing is need¬ ful. When we choose a Theta for any office we are careful to se¬ lect one especially fitted to do the work. That is well, but more than this is required. We must also consider how she is going to do the work. First of all, she must have a deep love for the Fraternity itself. It must be to her the one thing to be worked for, outside her Church and her College. The first, before all recreations — indeed it must be more, it must be the first of those. She must feel it a greater pleasure to go to her Theta meetings than to any outside social gathering. It must be such a pleasure to do all she can for the fraternity that nothing that she can control, will keep her from it. Do you think a girl going to work with such a spirit can slight or shirk any work ? We need individual improvement, we can or¬ ganize and reorganize, “GrandCouncil" after “Grand Council," we can preach unity and consolidation but let us try individual re¬ form. Let every girl work from love and see what we can accom¬ plish. Do not let us do our work because it must be done, but be¬ cause we want to do it, because we love to, and there will then be no lack of good solid organization and business work. It. will be well done because it will be done as a pleasure, not as a task. What is an “ Ideal Theta"? neither a purely intellectual, nor a merely social girl, but coth in one. Do not let our standard fall below this, a perfectly rounded woman, whose intellect all will acknowledge and yet one who charms the hearts of all who meet her, by her gracious presence. Nothing less than this should be our model; and although few may reach it, we can all try, and be the better for it.
Page 4
4 Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. If each of us will remember these two things, to do our work from love, and try to reach the standard of an “ ideal Theta, ” — an intellectual gentlewoman, our Fraternity will flourish as it has never done before. J. H. S. A WORD WITH THE ALUMNA. / If Dick’s father is John’s son, What relation is Dick to John ? [Old Conundrum.] Commencement Day with its flowers and congratulations and applause has slid into the silent past ; the bonds and “ red tape” which have been fastening themselves about us more and more closely during each succeeding one of the past four years have been severed with one quick blow, and we find ourselves adrift. “ What next,” with his firce uncompromising glare, steps forth from his lurking place and stares us sternly in the eye. Some, paralyzed with fear, answer nothing, some evade, some parley, but most reply with bold heart and brave words as they pass proudly on to their places among the ranks of Earth's mighty army of bread-winners. But however, whenever, whatever we answer or may have answered the tyrant who gives only to decision of char¬ acter, peace of soul, the reply having been given, their is no eva¬ sion of “ reconstruction measures/’ The particles, once shaken, must re-adjust themselves to the surrounding circumstances, the pollywog transformed must drop his tail. K. A. O.’s we have been, staunch and true. Right royally have we feasted both minds and bodies, with our patron saint purring benignly in our ears ; right royally have we stood by her through evil and good report; right gladly have we toiled and sacrificed for her in time of need; right proudly have we shared her glory when glory has been hers. What then ? The frisky pollywog has become the staid and sober frog. Life is no longer one grand holiday of perennial tail-wiggling and hide-and-go- seek. One must take his place in the great “ brass band ” and make music for the community along with the other frogs of the neighborhood, alas ! But with her flageolet or trombone in¬ scribed with its A. B., an honorary not an active member of the jolly shoal of which she once was “ magnapars,” what shall be¬ come of the royalty, the loyalty, the joy and the pride ? Shall she forget the H goddess and the tail ! Memory is no free-hearted damsel. Jealously does she guard the rooms within her mansion, granting admittance only to fre¬ quent visitors. Doors opened but rarely creak on their rusty hinges and sometimes close never to swing again. We have feasted with, toiled for, fought for and gloried in our 6 goddess, why not continue “so far as in us lies?” Be assured that if we
Page 5
Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. 5 think lovingly of, speak loyally concerning, do much for her, then will Memory allow us often to sit within the 6 chamber and blessed will be the hours thus spent. ******** “ If Dick’s father is John’s son, what relation is Dick to John ?” In the light of a liberal education, we beseech you don’t call him his mother-in-law. Orpha. A GREAT DISCOVERY. A Socratic Manuscript Just Unburied at Athens and Here¬ in Published for the First Time. Note. — During the month of June of the present year some workmen under the superintendence of Dr. Flieschunn, while making excavations among some ruins near the Acropolis, dug out an amphora, which from its form and ornamentation, bore evidence of manufacture during the fourth or fifth century, B. C. The mouth of the amphora was properly sealed and the seal unbroken. Upon breaking the seal the jar was found to con¬ tain neither oil nor wine, but a manuscript upon parchment carefully rolled and wound about with a silken covering. When it was unrolled Dr. Flieschunn instantly recognized the peculiar cursive of the Socratic period, and his surprise and delight knew no bounds, when on a further examination of the text it proved to be a fragment from a Socratic dia¬ logue. It bore the title AKADEMEIA and the contents bore strong internal evidence of being the dialogue supplementary to the Symposium. The fragment breaks off abruptly, but it is here given to the public for the first time through the kind interposition of Frau Flieschunn, who is a faithful member of the K. A. T. AKADEMEIA. Dramatis Personae : Mitylenus; Socrates. Scene: The House of Xantippe, on the Door-step. Soc. Hail, friend Mitylenus, whence com’st thou at so early an hour? The young men of Athens are not accustomed to awake from their slumbers when the sun is thus far on his morning jour¬ ney. Mit. Well, Socrates, neither am I wont to rival Helios in leaving my couch, but I am eager to seek your counsel upon a matter which Phaedrus and Ctesiphon and I were discussing last night at the house of Agathon. We all agreed to ask Socrates to give us counsel and I was deputed by the other youth to ask you
Page 6
6 Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. to meet us at Agathon’s house to-night and meantime, to put the matter of the discourse before you, come, Socrates, let us walk a little toward the Acropolis while I relate to you the facts. Soc. Nay, Mitylenus, I may not join you in the walk. It approaches the time when the son of Pausanius who brings us olives and honey from the country is to pass hither and Xantippe has bidden me await his coming on the door-step. It is the part of the philosopher to learn the blessedness and discipline of obe¬ dience. But friend Mitylenus, tell me what discourse was had by the youth at the house of Agathon. Old Socrates is a lover of youth, albeit the reckless and wanton Meletus would fain persuade the rulers of Athens that I am a corrupter of the youth and a traitor to Greece. Mit. Oh Socrates, no man who has ever listened to what you were telling us the other day in the Agora could hearken even a little to the lying Meletus. But you remember Socrates that we have just come from holding at Corinth, the conclave of the Adel- phoi. For you must be aware Socrates, that bi-yearly the great conclave, the Megaloi-adelphoi, assembles by its chosen repre¬ sentatives from the Oligoi-adelphoi, which exist among the youth in all the universities of Greece. Soc. Yes, Mitylenus, I have often heard Aristodemus and Phaedrus tell how the young men here at Athens were elected and how the youth who failed to enter were accustomed in ridicule to speak of the Adelphoi as Philo-skops, because they gathered for their meetings when the face of Selene was hid, and how in the solemn initiations the Eleusinian Mysteries were themselves out- rivalled. Mit. True, Socrates, every one in Athens may hear such non¬ sense as that but no member of the Adelphoi deems it worth the answering. And truly a philosopher like you, Socrates, knows how the mystic circles have developed for the young men in the universities the joy and graces of life, the power to meet the soph¬ ists in debate and the sweetness of brotherhood which is so dear a boon. You remember too Socrates, the son of Polydemus, what a rustic boor he was when he came to Athens as a student, and how among the Adelphoi he learned the manners of Athens and bore away the palm for manly bearing at the last Olympiad. Soc. Yes, Mitylenus, I remember, but tell me now what was the question which arose at Corinth regarding which you are now seeking the wisdom of a philosopher. Mit. Well, Socrates it was this: You remember that in the University at Corinth there has grown up a large body of Techni- koi, students who are seeking to be artisans in Corinthian brass, students wTho are going back to the olive groves and many such. Now it has been the law of the Adelphoi to admit only those who were seeking to become poets and rhetoricians or orators, or phil¬ osophers like yourself, Socrates. The delegates from the Univer¬ sity at Corinth were desirous of admitting the Technikoi, but we of Athens and Thebes resisted the appeal, and this was what Phse-
Page 7
Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. 7 drus and Ctesiphon and I were discussing last night at the house of Agathon. Tell me now what you think Socrates. Soc. Surely Mitylenus, I will not with-hold from you what I think, for have I not often told you that it is the part of a philos¬ opher to tell the truth? And I the more gladly speak because what you say interests me greatly. Tell me then, Mitylenus, what is the meaning of Adelphos, which name you have given to the band of Grecian youth ? Mit. Do you wish the first meaning of it Socrates? Soc. Yes, the first meaning, Mitylenus. Mit. Well, certainly an Adelphos is the kindred of another who has the same father and mother. Soc. And have all the youth who belong to the Adelphoi in the Universities of Greece the same father and mother? Mit. Surely, Socrates, you are joking in asking that. You cannot expect a serious answer to the question. Soc. Nay, but friend Mitylenus, you must agree that those who are called brothers intend thereby to indicate a common rela¬ tion to something which at least stands, as the Romans say, in loco parentis. You recognize every Greek as an adelphos and thereby declare that Greece is the mother of us all. Mit. You speak truly as is your wont, Socrates. Soc. So then Mitylenus, it is needful only to determine what idea or principle you should seek to put in loco parentis . Now you were just saying that the assemblies of the adelphoi had helped to cultivate your companions in the arts and graces of life ; in skill of speech and in manliness of bearing. Mit. Yes, this is what I was affirming. Soc. Therefore would you not say that the grace and the skill and such like qualities were something to be desired by the many and not the few ; the exclusion of the Technikos because he was a Technikos is worthy only of the sophists who abound in Athens, who affirm that which they wish to affirm rather than that which corresponds with truth ? Mit. Nay, Socrates, you are not doing justice to Phaedrus and the rest of us. What Phaedrus maintained in the conclave was that the parchment which the master bestows upon the Tech¬ nikos at the end of his discipleship represents a culture less broad and liberal than that pursued by the other disciples like Ctesiphon and myself ; and that the Adelphoi should seek to maintain the integrity of that culture which is the pride of Greece before the world. Must you not admit, Socrates, that Phaedrus spoke wisely. Soc. I hope Mitylenus that neither you nor Phaedrus will be angry if I confess that the contention seems not to me to accord with truth. For to me it seems true both that the Technikos has no less the capacities of an Adelphos, because he is a Technikos, and that he no less needetli the good which the Adelphoi aim to bestow. For that which stands in loco parentis is not the parch¬ ment of the master, but the art and grace and strength of life, O Mitylenus, which I do confess the Adelphoi of Greece can give to
Page 8
8 Kappa Alpha Tiieta Journal. the youth. And so my friend as I was saying to Phsedrus the other day, by the banks of the Ilissus, having agreed upon the premises we may decide about the conclusion. But I see the son of Pausanius coming and, gods of Greece, what are those drops of water ! I fear Xantippe is getting ready her shower-bath from above. I must - !
Page 9
Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. 9 EDITORIALS. With this number, we, the representatives of Lambda Chap¬ ter, make our editorial debut in theworld of Greek journalism. And though the well-worn quill trembles in our unaccustomed fingers, and though in the words of the immortal Sam Weller, “We feel ourselves ashamed and completely circumscribed in ad¬ dressing of you,” yet we refrain from the traditional eulogy on the virtues of our predecessors, and fearful apprehensions for our own future success. We do not even make the usual apologies for mistakes we have not yet committed, nor promises which we probably cannot fulfil. We would simply say, that we expect you to meet our humb e effort with your strongest and most faithful support. During the last few years, many changes have taken place in the editing of Greek-letter magazines which have produced a great improvement in the character and contents of the journals, and have been the means of arousing new interest and fresh en¬ thusiasm among readers and contributors. The most recent and vital change, perhaps, is that of placing the editing and controlling power in the hands of Alumni mem¬ bers. This arrangement has proved most successful and satiafac- tory in the case of all leading fraternity publications, — the Alumni editions being characterized by more careful discrimination in the choice of literary matter, stronger and more dignified expressions of fraternity sentiment, and by raaturer and better judgment in general management. We hope that Kappa Alpha Theta, having adopted this new and approved plan of alumni editorship, may not fall below the standard of her contemporaries. Our sister from Kappa brought us the sad news of the loss of one of her number, Mrs. Minnie Anderson. In token of our sym¬ pathy with Kappa and sorrow in her loss, which was olirs as well, our badges were inverted and resolutions of sympathy passed by the Convention All contributions for the October number of the journal must be in the hands of the editor before Sept. 15th. The reports of the Pan-Hellenic Convention, which are pub¬ lished in another column, testify most satisfactorily to the success of the widely discussed Pan-Hellenic Council. The work accomp-
Page 10
10 Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. lished and the measures recommended must prove to the most con¬ servative Greek, that the separate fraternities have so much in common, that a central organization , capable of representing and speaking for them collectively, would be a universal benefit. It has been Lambda’s great privilege to welcome the Conven¬ tion to Burlington, for the first time, this summer. Although to “our friend, the enemy/’ Convention business may mean little else but the interchange of Eastern and Western slang, a pleasant social time and numerous banquets, yet to us, it has been all this, and much mfore. The special features of this Convention, as distinguished from former meetings, were the larger number of delegates from each Chapter, the marked interest and enthusiasm of our younger Chap¬ ters and the re-organization of the executive and legislative pow¬ ers into a Grand Council The changes made in the constitution bespeak, for the future, a stronger business basis and a more thorough and complete sys¬ tem of communication and action than has been exhibited before. The following reports contain the official recommendations of the First Pan-Hellenic Convention of Womens’ Fraternities held in Boston, Mass., April 15, 16 and 17, 1891. ' LUCY EVELYN EMMA HARPER TURNER, Secretary. WIGHT, President. REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON I NTER-.FRATERN ITY COURTESY. We heartily recommend: — I. The annual publication of an Inter-fraternity Directory in which shall appear the names of the General Secretary of each fraternity, and the names of the governing boards of such frater¬ nities as do not object to their publication; also the names of the Corresponding Secretaries of the individual Chapters of each fra¬ ternity. II. That each fraternity at large and each of the individual chapters, in some way, make formal expression of their opposition to the practice of “ lifting,” which term shall be defined as fol¬ lows: The extending of overtures by one fraternity to a member in full connection with another.
Page 11
Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. 11 III. That each fraternity make formal expression of*its op¬ position to double membership without honorable dismissal. IV. The abolition of the practice of pledging and initiating preparatory students. REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON FRATERNITY JEWELRY AND STATIONERY. The Report on Fraternity Jewelry and Stationery was re¬ ceived through Chairman Mary Lamphrey, and after amendment was adopted as it appears : — We recommend : — I. a. That fraternity badges shall be obtained only from seven authorized jewelers located respectively in Boston, New York Chicago, Ithaca, Syracuse, Columbus, San Francisco. b. That each fraternity not already provided with one, be ad¬ vised to adopt a fraternity seal as a method of certifying to mem¬ bership , and that the authorized jewelers be forbidden to provide with fraternity badges any person whose order is not endorsed by seal of said fraternity, — certificates from a person authorized by each fraternity to be accepted by jewelers until the adoption of said seals. c. That a committee consisting of one member from each frater¬ nity be appointed to investigate and choose one firm in each of the seven places. II. That there shall be but three fraternity stationers located respectively in Boston, Philadelphia and Chicago, but that this provision shall relate to steel plate plate stationery only. REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON WORLD’S FAIR. The adopted Report of Committee on World’s Fair, given through its Chairman, Carrie Jones, is as follow’s : — I. That the Fraternities represented in North Western Univer¬ sity together with a committee from Gamma Phi Beta and Delta Delta Delta be considered a standing committee to have charge of Pan Hellenism at the World’s Fair in 1893. II. That, if practicable, a certain date be fixed at which time a fraternity excursion be arranged.
Page 12
12 Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. III. That the committee be empowered to provide a reception banquet, or to call a convention. IV. That a place of registration be secured, if possible, in the Woman’s building, where fraternity women may register their names. REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON GREEK JOURNALISM. We recommend : I. That the fraternities exchange quarterlies throughout the chapters. II. Most heartily endorsed. That there be uniformity in the date of publication, issuing the quarterlies in October, Jan¬ uary, April and July. III. That at the next Pan Hellenic Convention one delegate from each fraternity be appointed from its editorial staff. REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON INTER-CHAPTER COURTSEY. We recommend : I. That greater moderation be exercised in rushing, and that chapters be more watchful that they may pursue no method that could be considered questionable or underhanded. II. That the Women’s fraternities of each college appoint a committee to decide upon regulations for the control of pledging in that college. III. That greater importance be attached to individual opin¬ ion and judgment in college politics. IV. That in order to facilitate inter-chapter communication, all chapters in a college be notified of the election of a new corres¬ ponding secretary in any chapter. V. That in case of dismissal or expulsion of a member by any fraternity, notification of the same be given all other chapters in the college. STANDING COMMITTEE ON PAN HELLENISM. Preparatory to closing, a committee was appointed composed of one representative from each fraternity, — this committee to have in charge the work of keeping the fraternities in touch, of
Page 13
Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. 13 notifying them concerning the ratification or rejection by the several fraternities, of the proposed measures and of all work sug¬ gested by the Convention. Members of the Committee are : Alpha Phi, . Lillye Lewis. Delta Gamma, . Bertha Reed. Gamma Phi Beta, . Austiana E. Taylor. Delta Delta Delta, . Bessie Leach. Kappa Alpha Theta, . Margaret Smith. Kappa Kappa Gamma, . Lucy Evelyn Wight. Pi Beta Phi, . Emma Harper Turner. The committee effected its organization by the election of Emma Harper Turner, Chairman, Lucy Evelyn Wight, Secretary. THE CONVENTION. The Ninth Biennial Convention of the Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity assembled in Lambda Chapter House, at Burlington, Vermont, July 1st, 1891. Delegates from ten Chapters were pres¬ ent at the opening session, and at the morning session on the following day, thirteen chapters were represented as follows : Alpha Chapter, Greencastle, Ind., . Miss Lucia H. Ray. Beta Chapter, Bloomington, Ind., . .Miss Grace Rawles. Epsilon Chapter, Wooster, Ohio, j . Miss ^rac^ o'Sdt’ Iota Chapter, Ithaca, N- Y., . Estella Vedder. Kappa Chapter, Lawrence, Kan . Miss May E. Haskell. ( Miss Phoebe L. Marsh. Lambda Chapter, Burlington, Vt . j Mrs. Julia H. Spear. ( Miss Lilian E. Corse. Omicron Chapter, Los Angeles, Cal . Miss May E. Curran. Pi Chapter, Albion, Mich. . Miss Fannie J. Staley. Tau Chapter, Evanston, Ill . Miss Jennie Meredeth. Upsilon Chapter, Minneapolis, Minn . Minnie A. Rexford. Chi Chapter, Syracuse, N. Y . | Lulu Kern^”’ Psi Chapter, Madison, Wis. . . Miss Winifred Sercombe. Omega Chapter, Berkeley, Cal . Miss Ruth W. Hobson. As soon as the convention was oponed, it became apparent to all those present that questions of vital importance were to be raised, and such questions as demanded prompt and vigorous action. The Convention is certainly to be commended for the vigor and courage with which they met and decided these ques¬ tions. At the same time, let no one think that any measures were
Page 14
14 Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. adopted without careful deliberation. The radical changes which were made were adopted only in accordance with the firm convic¬ tion on the part of all the delegates that there was a great neces¬ sity for such changes. Before going on to consider the weightier matters, it might be well to glance at a few matters of minor importance, for these too have their interest. The report of the proceedings of the Pan-Hellenic Convention held at Boston, was read, and the clauses severally approved with the exception of the stipulation of certain fixed places of business for the Fraternity jewelers. The Convention decided that the patronage of Kappa Alpha Theta should remain with the firms already authorized. Carter and Carrick, a Boston firm, was adopted as a Fraternity stationer. The plan of adopting a flag and seal was discussed, and the perfection of a design for each was placed in the hands of separate chapters. The delegate from Beta gave a full and satisfactory account of the publication of the song books. Delinquent Chapters were urged to send in the last assessment without further delay in order that the whole fraternity might not be deprived any longer of the long expected song-books. It was decided that the catalogue should be published every four years instead of every two years as before, and it was recom¬ mended that fuller addresses be put in the catalogue — as far as possible. At the suggestion of an alumna of Lambda, who was present at Convention, it was recommended that each Chapter es¬ tablish an Alumna Fund, to consist of voluntary annual subscrip¬ tions from the Alumnae of that Chapter. The chief points of interest and importance, however, that were discussed in Convention, were six, viz : — The Journal, the policy to be pursued in establishing new Chapters, the present ex¬ clusion of “Specials,” the feasibility of founding local Alumnae Chapters, the defects of our business organization, and the admis¬ sion of Alumnae of any Chapter into active membership in that Chapter. I. Journal. — The publication of the journal was given into the hands of Lambda Chapter — to be conducted solely by the Al¬ umnae. It has been changed from a tri-annual to a quarterly mag¬ azine, — the numbers to come out in the months of October, Janu¬ ary, April, and July. The editors are to have full control of the Journal, and are to be accountable first to their Chapter, and, through it, to the Fraternity at large. The subscription list is to be increased from two-thirds to the whole number of the active members of each Chapter. II. The policy to be pursued in establishing new chapters. During the discussion on this subject, the feeling was gen¬ erally expressed that what our Fraternity needs, is not so much more chapters, as better chapters. We want no more half-dead chapters which must be considered at each Convention — whether
Page 15
Kappa Alpha Theta Journal, 1 they are worthy of longer existence or not. It is not to be com¬ mended at all, that chapters are withdrawn at every Convention, and others conferred upon new chapters only to be withdrawn again at the expiration of a few years of miserable existence. It was gratifying to witness the strong feeling upon this subject in accordance with which, the standard of admission for chapters was raised. At the last meeting of the Convention, the charter was with¬ drawn from Phi Chapter. III. The present exclusion of “Specials.” — The subject was introduced by very earnest appeals from the chapters when “specials” or irregular students are often those who do the finest work, but who do not take the regular course that en¬ titles them to a degree. The difficulty, here, evidently lies in the fact that colleges differ so greatly in the conditions upon which they grant degrees. The Convention decided to base admission upon the amount and kind of work taken as well as uj)on the de¬ gree to be obtained. IV. The feasibility of founding local Alumnae chapters: — It was decided that the establishment of Alumnae chapters, especially in cities where there is no College Chapter, is a proper and legitimate means of retaining our Alumnae in working sympa¬ thy with the active members of the fraternity. V. The defects in our business organization: — The fact that there was something wanting to make Kappa Alpha Theta the grand fraternity we all desire her to be, and the means to supply this want, furnished the most fruitful topic of discussion of any brought up at this Convention. A great deal, it was felt, was due to the defects in our business organization. The inefficiency of our Grand Chapter was considered, and the deliber¬ ations resulted in the abolishing of the Grand Chapter, as such, and substituting for it a different form of government, which places both the legislative and judiciary power in the hands of one body — the Grand Council. This body is to be composed of delegates in the same way as the present form of Convention, but it differs from the former “General Convention” in being a permanent or¬ ganization, existing with a full board of officers during all the time between its meetings, which are bi-ennial. The business which is to be conducted during the interval between the meet¬ ings of the Grand Council will be done in much the same manner as before. However, in this connection, a great improvement has been made, it is hoped, in the way in which the financial affairs of the fraternity are to be conducted. Much greater ease in meeting the necessary expenses of the whole fraternity, and much greater promptness on the part of Chapters is expected from the substitu¬ tion of one yearly assessment for the cumbersome system of taxes formerly in use. This change is certainly an important and vital one, it is be¬ lieved to be a wise one; but whether the results hoped from it will
Page 16
16 Kappa Alpha Theta Jouknal. be reached or not, depends upon each individual Theta. The world will never be made pure and good by stringent laws, nor will Kappa Alpha Theta become a model fraternity as the result of any legislation, however wise. The Convention has acted in what it believes to be the wisest manner, and now it depends upon each individual Theta whether the laws are enforced by rea¬ son of the deep earnestness with which every Theta does her duty, or whether the actions of this Convention are made of no avail because of the indifference and neglect of those for whose best in¬ terest the laws are made. VI. The admission of the Alumnae of any Chapter into ac¬ tive membership in that Chapter, which is at present, allowable under our constitution, was discussed at some length during the last session of the Convention. The chief argument against this custom is, that the college girls wrould be inclined to rely too much upon such alumnae members, and in that way their own strength and independence w’ould be impaired. In reply to this, it must be considered whether this proposition is self-evident or not. Is it true, that an alumnae who, through love qf the whole fraternity and her own Chapter in particular, takes upon herself the duties and the work of an active member, would ever so far forget her position of disinterested loyalty to her Chapter as to try to govern or control the actions of that Chapter beyond what was best for the active members whom she means to serve ? It cannot be so. If it is, of what use our fraternity? If four years of active service has not fitted a member to take that position of helpful and working sympathy with active mem¬ bers, — the position that makes an impossibility any desire to rule or by undue influence control the inner life of the chapter — that member is not then a worthy member of our fraternity. Certainly such an one would not desire active membership, or, having it, would remove all danger by destroying by her own actions her influence in the Chapter to which she belongs. When both the undergraduate and graduate members of any Chapter, by such a union, find mutual help and benefit, with a better ‘understanding of each other, and a warmer friendship on both sides, there can certainly be no fearful danger attending the admission of such alumnae as desire it into active membership. At the last session of the Convention, the officers of the Grand Council were elected as follows : President, Miss Winifred Sercombe of Psi. Vice-President, Miss Lucia H. Ray of Alpha. Corresponding Secretary, Miss Minnie A. Rexford of Upsilon. Recording Secretary, Miss Luella M. Wallace of Epsilon. Treasurer, Miss May E. Brown of Chi. A meeting of the Grand Council will be held at Chicago dur¬ ing the World’s Fair. It would hardly be doing justice to the Convention if no mention was made of the social events that accompanied its ses¬ sions. A fraternity needs to recognize the social as well as the
Page 17
Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. 17 business side of its life, and Kappa Alpha Theta, which is by no mean a mere literary society, nor yet a social club only, is certain¬ ly not a purely business corporation. The entertainments enjoyed were appropriately opened by a reception in the Billings Library, on Wednesday evening, July 1st, — the reception being very kindly and cordially given by the Presi¬ dent and ladies of the Faculty of the U. V. M. and S. A. C. This was followed by a banquet on the following evening at the Van Ness House, given by Lambda Chapter — this being strictly a family affair. # Last, but by no means the least enjoyable of the entertain¬ ments, a boat-ride on Lake Champlain. Through the kindness of Mrs. Spear of Lambda, the delegates, all Thetas, and invited guests were permitted to enjoy, on Friday evening, a ride and pleasant dance on board the steamer Reindeer. This was perhaps the hap¬ piest time of all during the convention, for, at last, every one was relieved of the load of business. Certainly, when the diligence and expedience, with which the important questions were decided, are considered, and also the heartiness and good feeling with which our social gatherings were entered into, all Chapers, may congratulate themselves upon a pleasant and successful Convention. G. C.
Page 18
18 Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. University of Vermont - AND - State Agricultural College. Instruction is given in the University in Four Departments, viz. : The Department of Agriculture, The Department of Medicine, The Department of Applied Science, The Department of Liberal Arts. The drat of these comprises the usual Academic Course in Languages, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Mental, Moral, and Political Philosophy, Rhetoric, Literature and History. This course is partly required and partly elective. The second is sub livided into Courses in Chemistry, Civil, Electrical and Sanitary Engineering, and Mechanic Arts. The Course in Medicine embraces the subjects usually taught in American Medical Colleges. The University has a Military Department which is under tho charge of a United States officer, a graduate of West Point Candidates will be admitted to the Academic Department without examination if they bring cer tificates from reputable Preparatory Schools, whose courses of study fully meet tho requirements for admission, but students so admitted are on probation during the first term. All the Courses in tho Academic and Sci ntiflc Departments— not tho Medical— are open to young women upon the same conditions as 10 young men. The young women are required to room and board in private families approved by the faculty. A number of scholarships, cancelling tuition, have been established for tho benefit of young men nnd young women of limited means. The University enjoyB unusual facilities for securing employment for students in the Industrial Departments bo h during the course and after their completion. The “Billings Library” contains the University library and special collections aggregating 40,000 volumes. The Reading-room is supplied with the leading Scientific and Literary journals, American and European. The Laboratory affords the amplest facilities for analytical work. Medical students or persons who intend to engage in Pharmacy, may take a special Laboratory Course. Persons of suitable age and attainments may, by special permission of the Faculty, and the pay¬ ment of a specified fee, pursue certain studies in connection with the regular college classes without becoming matriculated members of the University. The classes which are open to students, with the conditions of admission, will be made known on application to the president.