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

26 THE SCROLL.* B K was secret in character, and its objects were social enjoyment,morality and the cultivation of literature. The foundersadopted "proper and salutary laws," about twenty in number, some ofwhich follow:That no gentleman be initiated into the Society but collegians, and such onlyas have arrived at the age of sixteen years, and from the grammar master upwards; and further, before his disposition be sufficiently inspected, nor thenwithout the unanimous approbation of the Society.That every member, after being properly initiated, shall be obliged to furnishhimself with a medal wholly corresponding with those of the Fraternity.That in every design or attempt, whether great or small, we ought to invokethe Deity, by some private sacrifice or devotion, for a fraternal prosperity.That the non-attendance of any member, unless by some certain obstructinginability, or cogent necessity, subjects him to the penalty of five shillings.That the least appearance of intoxication or disorder of any single memberby liquor at a session subjects him to the penalty of ten shillings.On February 27, 1779, a revised code, consisting of twenty-onelaws was adopted. The preamble follows:Preamble. Whereas it is essentially necessary to the well being of everyFraternity that it should be governed by certain established and salutary laws:the following are adopted for the governing rules of the conduct of eachmember of the $ B K, and each and every member of the said Society is herebyrequired to observe the same with the most scrupulous punctuality, in orderthat this institution, which does honor to the founders, may be handed down tothe latest ages, firm and inviolate.The more important features of the revised code were as follows:No gentleman shall be initiated into this Society under the age of sixteen,nor then but by unanimous concurrence of all the members by ballot; neithershall anyone be expelled without the same.Every member, after being properly initiated shall pay to the Treasurer sixshillings, and shall be obliged to procure for himself a medal wholly correspondingwith those of the fraternity.If any member of this Society be heard to express sentiments inimical tothe same, he shall be informed against at the ensuing meeting, when after beingheard he shall be subject to being censured, fined, or even expelled," if the Fraternitydeem it expedient.No member of the Society shall be punished upon any accusation whateverwithout being first heard with his accusant confronting him.The officers were a President, a Clerk and a Treasurer; also "Theyoungest member residing in college shall be Sergeant, whose officeis to summon the members when a meeting shall be called." Regularmeetings were held usually once a fortnight, at 7 p. m. in summerand 6 in winter. Meetings were held at the college and usually onSaturday evenings. Literary exercises were provided for as follows:Five members shall perform at every session; one shall write a dissertation;two in opposite composition, and the other two shall dispute extemporaneouslyon the same subject.Three members shall be appointed as judges of the compositions, who shallinform the ensuing meeting of their determination, that such performances asare thought worthy of the honor may be preserved.The non-attendance of any member on the evening he is appointed to declaimsubjects him to the punishment of six shillings, and on any other evening