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

2 THE HISTORY OF PHI DELTA THETA.That no gentlemen be initiated into the Society but coUegi^PS, and such onlywho have arrived at the age of sixteen years, and from the Grammar Master upwards;and further, before his disposition be sufficiently inspected, nor then withoutthe unanimous approbation of the Society.That every person, after being initiated, pay into the public treasury the sumof six shillings.That every member, after being properly initiated, shall be obliged to furnishhimself with a medal, wholly corresponding with those of the Fraternity.That the youngest on the roll be appointed Herald, for the function of convocatingthe members. ,That the non-attendance of any single member, unless by some certain obstructinginability or cogent necessity, subjects him to the penalty of five shillings.That four members be selected to perform at every session, two of whom inmatters of argumentation, and the others-in apposite composition.That sych of the compositions as are deemed worthy by the Society shall becarefully preserved, and endorsed by whom and at what time delivered.That for the encouragement of any new invention of arts and sciences, somepremium be allowed from the public treasury.That if any dispute, attended with animosity and indignation, should ariseamongst us, such a matter ought to • be recognized by a session of the wholeSociety.That the least appearance of intoxication or disorder of any single member byliquor, at a session, subjects him to the. penalty of ten shillings.That no member shall be expelled without the unanimous concurrence of theSociety. ~ .From time to time amendments were made to the resolutions,and several new ones were added. At first meetings were heldmonthly, then fortnightly, then weekly, then fortnightly again.Among subjects debated were the following:Whether agriculture or merchandise is most advantageous to a state? WhetherBrutus was justifiable in having his sons executed ? Whether a wise state hath anyinterest nearer at heart than the education of youth? Whether an agrarian law isconsistent with the principles of a wise republic? Whether anything is more dangerousto civil liberty in a free state than a standing army in time of peace? Whetherparents have the right to prevent the marriage of children after enterijig intocontract? Whether the institution of ostracism was legal? Whether commonwealthsor monarchies are most subject to seditions and commotions? Whether a generalassessment for the Support of religious establishments is or is not repugnant to theprinciples of a republican government? Whether theatrical exhibitions are advantageousto states or ye contrary? Is a public or private education more advantageous?Had William, the Norman, a right to the crow:n of Great Britain? Whetherthe execution of Charles the First was justifiable? Whether any form of governmentis more favorable to public virtue than a commonwealth ? Whether ye rape of yeSabine women was just? Whether religion is necessary in Government? Whether incivil war any person is justifiable in remaining neuter? Whether dueling ought tohave a toleration in this or any other free state? Whether all our affections, andprinciples are not in some measure deducible from self love? Whether polygamy isa dictate of nature or not? Whether avarice or luxury is more beneficial to a republic?Whether Brutus was justifiable in killing Caesar? Whether a man in extremewant is justifiable in stealing from his neighbor to relieve his present necessities?The initiation fee was raised, August 22, 1778, to $5; June 27,1779, to $10. Fines also were increased. September 23, 1780,five members were fined $15 each for absence, and another, whofailed to declaim, $20. The depreciation of, the currency, however,should be considered. The treasury, it seems, was alwaysin good condition: June 27, 1779, it contained ;;^2i.i9.8; August