1912–13 Volume 37 No 1–5 - Phi Delta Theta Scroll Archive

16 THE SCROLL.We found upon our arrival in Eugene that the local committeehad made all necessary arrangements for the day, that the hall of thelocal F. O. E. Lodge had been secured and there we gathered togetherfor the initiatory ceremonies. The members of the incomingchapter had already purchased a complete paraphernalia, one ortwo articles that had not yet arrived, were loaned for the occasion.Under the supervision of Brother Ward the work was conducted withall due form and made exceedingly impressive and the interest ofthe older members of the fraternity was a source of inspiration to thecandidates.From the hall we adjourned to the chapter house where the buildingwas-taken possession of in the name of Oregon Alpha, and theflag raised, the first fraternity banner ever displayed by any chapterat Oregon.Of all that took place during the initiatory rites mention cannotbe made at this time. That something was left of the Oregon boys,sufficient in fact for the chapter to be able to give a good account ofitself. Exhibit B clearly sets forth.One phase of the day appeared unaccountable to the underclassmen,I refer with sorrow to the even increasing ?%$&#@ of BrotherWard toward the province president. The brother was content to letno minute pass without endeavoring to overcome that official. Whena few of the alumni had their pictures "took," see Exhibit C, heboldly held in his hand an object, the fumes from which accountfor the serious look of concern in tho'se on either side. I appeal toevery member of the fraternity asking if any could believe him guiltyjudging from his,Jjeoevolent appearance. However, if further confirmationbe necessary note the strategic position of Brother H. E.Trout, Lafayette, '03.The Machiavellian designs upon the province president, however,were thwarted by his appointment of a body guard consisting ofBrothers Trout, Larson, Thompson and Bailey, all heavyweight footballstars in their day and the constant presence of one or more inthe immediate vicinity of the province president served to allay thegrowing anxiety on the part of the freshmen. Exhibit D shows the"big four" acting as body guard and smilingly inviting BrotherWard "To come to the Pacific''.Of the banquet the evening of the 30th, of the Convention thatfollowed in Portland, the banquet there, of the trip into the hills,others will write.Oregon Alpha has come. Kappa Province convention has gone,but its silent influences remain with us still. No word was spoken,no.act committed to mar the two occasions and we are better men,better Phis for what we have seen and heard.I felt before the convention that it had little to do. In this I wasmistaken as results show. Much was accomplished and much morewould have come to us had wehad still another day.