1903-04 Volume 28 No 1–5 - Phi Delta Theta Scroll Archive

THE SCROLL. 33demonstrated their worth and command the prestige andposition -which should be ours ?'No local test should be applied in cons-idering the questionof a charter. Nearby chapters have negatived applicationsthat the rest of the fraternity was ready to approve,and in turn nearby chapters have urged the cause of othersagainst which there was overwhelming sentiment in thefraternity at large. The test should be 'will the fraternity,as a whole, be strengthened by the granting of thisapplication' and to answer this the sentiments of those at adistance must be considered as well as those of chapters andalumni in the state, province or section from which the applicationmay come.Father Morrison—bless his memory—did great work inthe early days of Phi Delta Theta in establishing our firstchapters. Did we repudiate his early work when in theconventions of more recent years we failed to embrace opportunitiesfor new chapters which he, with all the force athis possession, endeavored to bring into our circle? Werewe not rather in the light of the fraternity's growth conservingits best interests just as he had in its earlier days?This does not mean that Phi Delta Theta should grantno more charters, nor is the day coming when we areto grant no more. The fraternity will ever be ready togive consideration to the applications presented to it, andno spirit of snobbishness will be allowed to govern its action.Democratic within, we shall be honest with those about us.But we do not need new chapters to strengthen us, and theburden of proof must be on the applicants. We have muchto give to any local organization .seeking affiliation with us,and it devolves upon such a society to show us what it canbring to Phi Delta Theta in the way of strength. For aproper consideration of all the questions involved in an applicationfor a charter, I think a fairly long period of probationan absolute necessity. It is scarcely possible for theentire fraternity to become acquainted with conditions obtainingwith the applicants and at their institution, in lessthan a year, and more often a longer period of time willbe required.This contribution is not offered in any spirit of controversy,and some may deem it unnecessary. But the tendency isfor our literature to be supplied more freely with argumentsin favor of applications; those who are not favorable tothem, hesitating to resort to print to urge their objections.