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

THE SCROLL 361EDITORIALSINCE the last national convention is over, its work finished andwe have had time and opportunity to thoroughly examine its minutesthere is one thing above all others that stands out most prominently.That is, the high standards of accomplishment and theadvanced positions of fraternity policy that Phi Delta Theta hastaken under the untiring labors and unremitting devotion of ourretiring president, Brother Charles F. Lamkin. The Fraternity oweshim its everlasting debt of gratitude and as an indication that hisadministration was fully appreciated it is to be noted tliat for thefirst time a national convention authorized and ordered the presentationof an appropriate jewel commemorative of the Fraternity's loveand gratitude. A brief epitome of tbe last two years and of the workof the Chicago convention is not out of place in this connection.In the first place the Chicago convention was the most harmoniousand united gathering the Fraternity has held in a great many years.Several influences caused that condition and to those who know,Brother Lamkin's influence both of word and deed was everywhere apparent.In the second place it ought to be noted that within a period ofone year four new charters were granted, three at one convention,a record not equalled before within thirty years. Brother Lamkin'sguidance of these four barks, laden with gain to Phi Delta Theta,over the ordinarily tempestuous seas of opposition into a safe haven,was a work of no little difficulty, but he did it, and thus establishedupon firmer ground than ever before the policy of safe and saneexpansion.In the third place practically every recommendation PresidentLamkin made in his masterly message to the convention was adopted,except that for a traveling secretary and that was referred to a specialcommittee to devise ways and means for its certain adoption later.Phi Delt^, Theta's attitude toward high school fraternities was suggestedby President Lamkin to the general council early in 1912 andthough presented formally to the convention by another, it was athis suggestion that the convention limited its action to that of theInterfraternity Conference. Business methods in the chapters, abolishingthe annual letters, more power for the Interfraternity Conference,all were recommended by President Lamkin and adopted bythe convention.