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

44 THE SCROLL.club includes many zealous members, and they are determined, so faras the local arrangements are concerned, to make the convention of1912 a memorable one. Phis all over the country can help make theattendance a record breaker by advertising the convention and urgingbrothers to attend. It is highly important, of course, that the delegationfrom active chapters should be large, and the larger the numberfrom any chapter the more will its active members be aroused with theenthusiasm which is always generated at a national convention. Chaptersshould also consider questions of fraternity policy which willprobably be discussed at the convention. Such questions have receivedlittle discussion in THE SCROLL and The Palladium, and we donot think it wise for chapters to bind their delegates by instructionsas to how they should vote on any mooted question. In the conventiondebates many facts will be presented which have not been consideredby the chapters, and the arguments offered will throw newlight on many questions which have been debated without completeinformation by the chapters. Regarding applications for charters,the convention will be furnished with a mass of information whichhas never gone before the chapters, and the best interests of the Fraternitycannot be determined until that information is heard and theevidence weighed. In matters of such importance to the whole Fraternity,the convention is justified in holding that the instructions ofchapters to delegates are not binding; but we hope that every delegatewill go to the convention uninstructed and with his mind open toconviction. The general interests of the Fraternity will be bestserved if the chapters select delegates in whose judgment and fairnessthey have entire confidence, and rely upon them to vote theirhonest convictions finally formed after questions have been freelyand fully debated. Each chapter should select.,as its delegate notnecessarily its most popular or best looking or most scholarly memberbut rather the one who is most experienced in fraternity work andwho has made the closest study of fraternity problems.THE beginning of the collegiate year is the most critical time withchapters. Hard work must be done to maintain the standard offormer years, and if possible to raise it still higher. The membershipmust be recruited, and great care and discretion should be exercisedin selecting men to Avhom offers of membership are made. The