1905-06 Volume 30 No 1–5 - Phi Delta Theta Scroll Archive

THE SCROLL.i4jdirectly involved, but also to realize that the whole fraternitysystem is called sharply into examination by the generalpublic. We must be clear headed and self-composed, relyingupon the power of truth and merit to prevail in the end.This affair furnishes a strong reason for the absolute eliminationof all brutality in initiations, not that this misfortunewas actually due to brutality, but because it has been widelyattributed to it and the unforseen consequences of brutalityare always too likely to occur. The ritual of * A 0 containsno provision for really rough treatment of a candidate, butthere are doubtless few chapters that do not inject their ownside-plays into the initiation. As to these every chaptershould be extremely watchful. They should involve no riskof physical danger. They should not detract from the nobilityand dignity of the initiation. They should in nowiselessen the sense of high privilege which has come to the candidatein being admitted to a brotherhood of exalted aimsand unquestionable virtues.IN this number of THE SCROLL is an article on the "Goodand Evil of College Fraternities," reprintedfromarecent issueof The Independent. It is the best considered criticism of fraternitiesand the most searching analysis of their customs andinfluences that we have ever read. The writer presents veryforcibly the good influences which such organizations exertupon their members. He gives them credit for exercising asalutary supervision over the classwork of their members, forimparting social polish, and—which is of more importance—for restraining members whose conduct is calculated to bringdiscredit upon themselves and reproach upon their fraternity.The writer says that the executive councils of some fraternitiesdiscipline their disorderly chapters. As he says, theexperience of spiking in the rushing campaign teaches tact,and the management of a chapter house gives the members asense of responsibility and good business training. Fraternities,he says, supplement the education given in college, and