Page 73 - 1913 May - To Dragma

2 3 2 TO DRAG MA OF ALPHA 0 MIC RON PI

One o f the great benefits of the annual congress which must increase, is
the interchange o f ideas among fraternity leaders. These ideas are stimulating
to some organizations to see their own, better governed and giving more
efficient service to the college w o r l d , besides emphasizing the welding of
friendships, the upbuilding of scholarship and the strengthening of ideals
which are the natural functions of the fraternity.—Cora Ellen McElroy in
Banta's Greek Exchange.

The most valuable part of the various discussions and recommendations of
the Conference resulted in the drawing up o f a "Code o f Personal Efforts"
to which each president pledged herself. This Code covers such points o f
harmony, practical ideals, high standards common to all and for which
all are striving w i t h greater or less effort and consequent greater or less
success. I t is hoped that hearty co-operation w i l l b r i n g about much greater
results collectively and individually than has yet been attained by any group.
Certain recommendations on specific points were referred to the Congress as
a duly authorized body with power to legislate. Still another committee was
appointed to prepare and keep on hand data with which to meet the opposi-
tion to fraternities so frequently voiced in the public press and even i n
creditable magazines. Some of this material w i l l appear in the X . P. C.
bulletins d u r i n g the coming year.—The Trident of A A A.

Any new movement comes gradually to its f u l l power, and the seemingly
trivial and wholly theoretic character of much of the National Pan-Hellenic's
history, may have been essential steps toward its present clear-eyed vision.

The 1912 conference was interested in vital things and best of all, its
interest was of a scientific, scholarly character. For instance—instead of
proclaiming our personal (or otherwise) belief in sophomore pledging, this
congress inaugurates a thorough investigation of this mooted question's actual
workings. Instead of a declaration of the all-beneficient character of fra-
ternities, it appoints a committee to summarize and present in effective form
the facts. Instead of a laudation or condemnation of chapter house life, i t
starts an investigation of all phases of such l i f e w i t h especial reference to
intelligent means o f reducing the cost of l i v i n g while improving l i v i n g con-
ditions and chapter house standards. Another committee w i l l endeavor to
find an enlightened answer to the reasonable query as to what "collegiate
rank" means. Numerous other minor, but important investigations were
launched.

Knowledge first, recommendations and legislation second, has come to be
the wise slogan of the National Pan-Hellenic.

But the most impressive, and, I believe, the most salient thing at the recent
congress was the emphasis placed on co-operation. Co-operation in gathering
facts, co-operation as to the interfraternity standards to be placed before all
chapters, co-operation in the exchange of knowledge of one another's chapters
and colleges—indeed co-operation in every line of fraternity interest and activ-
ity.

Knowledge seeking, and co-operation in effort and in dissemination of
information about conditions surrounding chapter life, faithfully continued,
w i l l give future sessions an unassailable foundation upon which to fashion a
successful and invulnerable Pan-Hellenic policy.—L. Pearle Green In Banta's
Greek Exchange.