Author Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1898 edition. Excerpt:...are generally informal dinners gotten up by myself whenever the occasion arises, whereby the members of the two chapters can be brought together easily in San Francisco, with a view of engendering a fraternity spirit as distinguished from a chapter spirit. This is made less difficult by reason of the excellence of both chapters. In my opinion, a reunion can be of no other benefit. It is impossible to form it into a deliberative body with any success. It can only subserve a social function in keeping alive fraternity spirit. Whatever transpires at a district reunion worthy of recording should be preserved by the historians of the several chapters. The chapters of District X are fully qualified to pass upon applications for new charters within the district and elsewhere, more especially within the district where there are so few colleges of any standing. The only intercollegiate rivalry on this coast is between the University of California and Stanford, and it has not affected the judgment of either chapter. I do not think the district organization can do anything towards solving the chapter-house problem. Each chapter will have to rely upon the chapter spirit of its alumni to accomplish anything in this direction. Chapter pride alone will induce the alumnus to contribute money, and immediate environment is apt to be the motive force with the active member. The system adopted by both chapters in California is the incorporation of a hall association, the stock of which can be subscribed for by members of the fraternity only. After sufficient cash has been raised a lot is purchased, and the house built by mortgaging the land. The house is rented to the chapter at a monthly rental, more than sufficient to pay interest, and the mortgage is paid...