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

242 THE SCROLLthe first charter granted for a chapter in Hanover College ini860 or 1861, a charter which was never used, it seems, asthe chapter was not really established until after the war.The length of time that has been consumed in writing thishistory Is no better illustrated than by the facts that it wasprojected before a history of any fraternity had been published,and that, while work upon it progressed, histories were publishedby * Y, B 0 n, © A X, * K * and 2 A E, none ofwhich, however, is in any way comparable in scope or wealthof details to the history of Phi Delta Theta. The manuscripthas accumulated from year to year, and has accompaniedBro. Palmer in all his extensive travels, even on an oceanvoyage. Some years ago the writer remembers having a letterfrom him narrating his escape from a burning hotel, in CentralNew York, when the first object that he rescued was theprecious manuscript of the history.It is to be wondered at that double work of the characteron which Bro. Palmer has been engaged has not told even moreseverely upon his health. There is no doubt that his seriousillness in 1904 was to be attributed directly to his work inrushing the completed copy to his printer and in revisingproofs and making indexes.The history is dedicated to the fathers of the fraternity andto those who have accepted the principles of the immutableBond.DEDICATION.TO the memory of Robert Morrison, John McMillan Wilson, RobertThompson Drake, Ardivan Walker Rodgers and Andrew Watts Rogers,the yaiiished fathers of the Fraternity founded in 1848 at Old Miami; to JohnWolfe Lindley, also one of the founders, and the only one of the immortalsix who yet survives; to the thousands of brothers who have subscribed to theinspiring principles and enduring enunciated in the unchanged and unalterableBond, this record of the origin and splendid career of Phi Delta Theta isinscribed byTHE AUTHOR.The foreword by Father Lindley is so inspiring that wecannot forbear quoting it in full:Phi Delta Theta originated in a desire to supply a felt want. The founderswere bound by ties of friendship, but, seeking to form a more perfect union,and to attain the highest degree of mental culture, and the highest standardof morality, they organized this Fraternity. They drew to themselves otherstudents at "Old Miami," young men of good character, ability and ambition.As opportunities offered, they established chapters in other collegesand universities.The founders were young men of strong personalities. Their devotion toPhi Delta Theta did not lessen after they had entered upon their chosen professions.To me this Fraternity has been a source of inspiration and helpduring young manhood and middle life; and now, in old age, it is one of my