Page 7 - 1926 February - To Dragma

170 TO DRAG MA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI

fulfillment in the making of all things nobler, better, happier.
There is exquisite answer on every hand that true fraternalism
is a necessity in every stage of civilization—and to every human
heart.

The Founders gave lovely and tangible expression to our
fraternal purposes. But Alpha Omicron Pi really was no
product of the Mid-Victorian period. Four Mid-Victorians did
not write its rituals. Nor is the motive and inspiration so
bounded chronologically.

More than nineteen hundred years ago there lived and labored
in Galilee a Man of lowly mien. Throughout the countryside and
in the populous places He went,-teaching L i f e , Service, Salvation.
He yielded His life to the Supreme Ideal. Men called His name
Jesus.

A deeper, sweeter meaning, a plan whereby certain precepts
of the greatest Teacher may become dynamic practice, and ideals
may become achievements, is the priceless g i f t our Founders
have given in ritualistic solemnity and beauty. I t has become
a part of spiritual fiber. High principles cannot die. Fraterni-
ties will exist always in some form and probably with but slight
modifications over the present organization. They are lasting
because, at the most impressionable period, when later adolescent
years merge with manhood and womanhood, their purposes,
privileges and responsibilities become a vital part of individual
and collective living. To thwart, to obstruct, this psychological,
spiritual stream is to run counter to the most natural channel of
life.

And. when bccasionally we hear it said that "Sororities, at
their best, have no higher ideals than the college has for all of
its members," may we not feel it to be complimentary to our
existence, a recognition of service and purpose. The fraternity
ideal has been developing, largely from within, f o r better than
three score years, whereas colleges are but beginning to wish to
expand these natural privileges to more or all students, and are
seeking equipment for this purpose. In this effort fraternities
lend sympathy and support. Inherently they are the very equip-
ment, the very hand-maiden, of the college. They provide a ra-
tional organization f o r natural expression. Youth must be prop-
erly served.