DIRECTORY
GENERAL OFFICERS:
President - H. H. Long, 2525 Ga. Ave., N. W., Wash., D. C.
Secretary - Geo. P. Hinton, 2191 East 46th Street, Cleveland, O.
Treasurer - Chas. A. Tribbett, 24 Foot St., New Haven, Conn.
Alumni Chairman - - F H Miller, Mound Bayou, Miss
Editor - W A Pollard, 2347 Ga Ave., Washington, D C,
CHAPTER OFFICERS:
Alpha—President, Moses H Dorsey, 142 Linn St., Ithaca, N Y
Secty, James R Westheimer, lJ/i Central Ave.,Ithaca.N Y
Beta—President, Wm. A. Pollard, 2347 Ga. Ave., Wash., D. C.
Secretary D. J. Firse, 2347 Ga. Ave., Wash., D. C.
Gamma—President, John L Nixon, Va Union Univer.,Rich., Va
Secretary Adolphus Bayton,
Epsilon Pres., A. J. Pope, 608 Fuller St., Ann Arbor, Mich.
Secretary, A. H. Taylor, 608 Fuller St., Ann Arbor, Mich.
Zeta—Pres., Early E Caple, 65 Edgewood Ave.,New Haven,Conn
Secty, John F. Williams, 33 Spruce St., New Haven,Conn.
Kappa—Pres., Daniel L Ferguson, 227 E 18 Ave., Columbus, O
Secretary, Emmett B. Saunders, 398 W. 5th Ave., Col. O.
Mu—President, Louis C Valle, 2441 5th Ave.,S Minneapolis, Ma
Secretary, Dr Albert C Talman, The Campus Club, University of Minnesota, Ma. Nu—President, D G Hill, Lincoln University, Lincoln, Pa
Secretary, J H Credit, Lincoln University, Lincoln, Pa
Omicron—Pres., A V Stevenson, 2711 Ellis St., N- S Pitts, Pa
Secretary, W. R. Brown, Jr., 1447 Sandusky St., Pitts.,Pa.
Xi—President, A L- Foster, Wilberforce Uni., Wilberforce, O
Secty, C. S. Sprivy, Wilberforce Uni., Wilberforce, O.
Pi—President, Arner G Evans
Secretary, C. E. Cheeks, 2335 E. 89thSt., Cleveland, O. Rho—President, R N Gardener, 4026 Sansom St., Phila., Pa
Secretary, Ullysses S Dunn, 1026 S 18 St., Phila., Pa
Sigma—President, A A Pope, 1560 Cambridge St., Cambridge, Mass-
Secretary, A. H. Tavernier, Boston University Law School, Boston, Mass
TH E SPHIN X
OF ALPHA PHI ALPHA
THE OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY
VOL. II. OCTOBER, 1916. NO. 3
OUR NEXT CONVENTION,
To begin talking about the Ninth Annual Convention at this early date may be .considered, to some, too remote; and particularly so in view of the fact that we are just re-entering upon our new scholastic duties But it is not too early for quite a few reasons. First: Some of our Chapters were not represented at the last Convention, which should not have been the case; so it is time that they were grasping every available opportunity to replenish their treasury, and undergoing every metamorphosis that will rid them of their seeming lethargy
Second: The next Convention must of necessity be the greatest yet because of the decennial year of our establishment, and also of the important legislation which should, and no doubt will, take place. And lastly, the Convention meets at a place where the work done, if creditable—and it must be—will be as an aurora of the dawn thrown into the hearts of many Southern schools, whose hearts heretofore dim and dark, have been skeptical and hostile toward fraternal organization? of Alpha Phi Alpha caliber
No chapter can afford to be delinquent or unrepresented at this our Decennial. Moreover there ought to be two hundred Alumni present, for tho' their schoolroom days are over, yet the true spirit imbued by the never-to-be-forgotten final impression, should buoy itself above vocational routine and sing again the song of Grant, "On to Richmond."
I say this is a year of important legis' lation We all feet that there ought
to exist a more functionary relation between the active Chapters and the Alumni, and certainly between the Alumni and the Convention. The present system borders upon "Taxation without, representation." Here lies a problem for each Chapter. Work it out as best you can ; submit something tangible through your delegate to the Convention. Don't pass this matter n|> and say some other Chapter will do it. Moreover, the Alumni have a viewpoint, probably, which we don't have They, too. must be active and help solve the problem, it must be solved at the next Convention! It will be solved !
At the Eighth Annual Convention much was said about Southern extension Some recommendations were made and one of our officers was given full authority to thoroughly investigate conditions in at least the two most representative of our Southern universities. Surely this officer has performed his duty, inasmuch as he was instructed to stop over at one of the schools en route from the Convention and hi' fortunately was located in the same city of the other In one of the schools we have some Alpha Phi Alpha men already who have gone there from other schools: and the writer has met several advanced undergraduates from the bitter institution, who say thai if the proper influence was exerted from without, under the present administration they would be glad to establish a Chapter there. And permit me to say right here that Alpha 1'hi Alpha can do the race a great good in this one particular It is this: .Most of the so-called Southern universities for our | pie are
far below the standard. Their courses arc weak, instruction inferior and faculties poor. But they are going to remain that way so long as they do not come in contact with some external power of a higher kind They cluster among themselves and the darkness of the one hides t lie other. Consequently their graduates are deceived, until they strike the doors of our American universities But if w T e can get into these schools, the contact of the student of the two zones, and the migration of our Alumni to the Southland, will exert a tremendous influence upon them and the inevitable result will lie hetter schools.
Our new factor of the next convention, namely •. Our public session, at which Alpha Phi Alpha Hings open its doors to the people of the city in which it meets, should prove a valuable asset to our progress. For them "seeing is believing." Our officers and Gamma Chapter cannot put too much thought and planning in this meeting. It is our initial revelation, and lambasting journalists, as well as Keratinizing critics, will be on hand Perhaps some "Defender," the columns of whose paper lack news, will use every opportunity to misrepresent and expose But, concerning this we have little fear, as our very efficient president is and will continue working for, not only the success of this session, but of the entire Convention in general
LUCIUS L MeGIIEE, Ex-Editor-in-Chief
A Note from the Historian.
October 23, 1916, marks the Tenth Anniversary of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity On the 23rd day of October, nineteen hundred and six, Brother
George B. Kelley moved that the hitherto social and literary club be known by the Greek letters Alpha Phi Alpha
Thus we have become to regard October 23, 1906, as the day of birth of the Fraternity and Brother Kelley as the fat lice. Each Chapter ought to see to it that the day is fittingly observed
CHAS
II GARVIN, Historian.
THE PROBLEM.
At the General Convention which met last year in Pittsburgh, Pa., the question of what should he the status of Alumni members in the convention arose, and at once created a problem so difficult for the delegates that it was wisely and timely turned over to three of the visiting Alumni, President Long remark hiti at the time that since it concent! (I llt< Alumni, they could better settle that matter than anyone else. Let us hope that this will be the case. Strange to say, these three men had come unmindful of the presence of each other and without even having ever corresponded with each other Nevertheless, they ail had identically the same thing in mind and came bent upon the same purpose, namely, "to bring about a closer nnion" between the Alumni and the undergraduates This is the problem.
It is needless to say that there is a seeming disloyalty of some who have entered upon the duties of life and who are now known as the Alumni members. There is also a seeming disloyalty on the part of some of the undergraduates; fewer, however, of the latter than of the former. And why all of this? Who is responsible? Is there a reason for all this seeming disloyalty ' Maybe so and maybe not Anyway, it all reminds me
of the "Puppy Case," where two boys clubbed a neighbor's dog, giving as a reason that he constantly opposed their passage. One boy held his hind legs while the other clubbed his head Subsequently the owner of the dog, on observing that the dog's bead was very scarred and that it was unusually shy of these boys, asked the one who held his legs if he had been boating his dog. He replied: "No, sir, I've never hit your dog in my life." The old man replied: "Well, he is mighty shy o' you, which ain't no wise natural fer a dog of his breed.'' The story concludes by saying that the boys later found out that the dog was not a bad dog, but instead was a brave dog, and when they met again they had a real understanding and thereafter became friends and fought for cadi other in the place of fighting each other. After the Richmond Convention, it is the hope of the Alumni committee that there be thereafter a real understanding and that our interests will be knitted and welded beyond a possible rupture for all times.
Last month I had the pleasure of visiting Louisville Ky., and there Brother Lee Brown called together practically all of the members of Alpha Lambda Chapter and I gave them a verbal report of the last convention. They were all delighted to hear that things are still hopeful They said, however, i as Brother Hinton said in the April number of the Sphinx, in speaking about the inactive and dead Chapters: "Something must be done to aid this condition We must all pull together." The Alpha Lambda Chapter seemed to have been of the opinion and may be now, as well as others whom I have interviewed, that the undergraduate member has the club with which the "dog was clubbed." Whatever might be the condition, I say this: Everybody must do
some serious thinking before the next convention meets
When the convention adjourned last year the first epoch of that body closed. This was the decision reached by every member at that session, which could easily be gathered from the speeches of I hose present. They all seemed to discourage the idea that the convention is a mere law making body, but on the other hand they all see the need of a stronger union in order to accomplish a greater work which has not yet been entered upon. Brother L. L. Mc&hee of Gamma, seeing this, and anticipating what a great amount of work would he brought forward, made a motion that the time be extended another day, thus allowing foatr days instead of three, which was passed without a dissenting vote. This should especially interest the Alumni for the reason that those who are planning to be present may be able to get a true vision of the new life now permeating the Fraternity. It should be of no less importance to the undergraduate for the reason thai he will have time to vietw the situation as regards the apparent Lack of interest on the part of many of the Alumni.
The report of the Alumni Committee will be based on the written suggestions of the Alumni members It is expected that every one will submit his suggestions as early as possible after receiving his letter.
There will he another question. It pertains to the purchase, ownership and management of Chapter houses, and the consideration of a national headquarters. Everybody is expected to think on this question, and I mean every phase of it. You will have to read the constitution very thoroughly to think clearly on this point, but by all means think I
JULIUS C JI'DKIXS Alumni Committee.
IN MEMORIAM
Lloyd Smith Bagl,•//, Sept. M, 19-16.
Again mortal man stands breathless before the Infinite Our coming in we do not know; our going out we cannot control We are but specks on the great sea of life moving in response to an unknown cause. We serve our time,, quit the life we know and return to Him thai gave it.
So this our youngest brother lias gone He played only in the ascending beams, and in the early dawn and in the eastern light; he drank only of the youthful life; hovered for a little space over a world of freshness and blossoms; and fell asleep ere he had reached the noontide of life.
We cannot but mourn his untimely departure ami we feel keenly this unexpected loss As co-workers with him in our mutual development, physical, men-
TH E SPHIN X
tal, moral and spiritual, we do here make known the loss we suffer as we extend our sympathy to the members of his loving ninl devoted family
It is the will of his brothers:
That a copy of this Memoriam lie presented to liis bereaved family;
Thai a copy lie published in the .Sphinx ;
That a copy be published in the University Journal;
That a copy be spread upon the records of this his beloved Fraternity THE ALPHA 1MI1 ALPHA, Beta Chapter
In tin- death of Brother Lloyd S. Bagley, Beta Chapter and Alpha Phi Alpha lost an interested, active and capable member. Brother Bagley was only about two years old in Alpha Phi Alpha, and hut nineteen years of age, but in spite of this dual youthfulness. he wielded a powerful influence for good, always taking Alpha Phi Alpha as his ideal
Brother Bagley was not only a good Fraternity man, but was also a genuine college man lie was an honor man in college, graduating with I?. S. degree in the class of 1916 from the College of Arts and Sciences; ;ilso ranked ;is one of the two highest in the Freshmen .Medical Class; where he did his senior college work. He earned his varsity foot ball II last fall In all be was clean, houesl and Straight-forward, both as a student and athlete These qualities, coupled with his generally affable disposition, made him an ideal Fraternity man. That he was beloved by all was shown by the floral tributes senl by his host of friends both in Washington and Detroit
His funeral was sad but impressive, One notable incident was the fact that the entire service was conducted by Alpha Phi Alpha men the funeral director being the only outside party Brother
Emory B. Smith, pastor of Lincoln Memorial Temple, preached the sermon
The members of Beta Chapter acted as active and honrary pall-bearers Interment was made in Harmony Cemetery
So past one s of Beta's most youthful, most active and best beloved of her members.
CHAPTER LETTERS.
/,'
F/l\ I HQ WARD UNIVERSITY.
We send greetings to our brothers of other Chapters. We hope you had a prosperous season, and that every success may be yours during the coming year
Since the last edition of the Sphinx twelve of our brothers have been graduated from Howard I'niversity Fifty per cent of these were honor men. Brother Beaman, D D S., '16, has returned to his home in Newport News, Va. Brother Temple will enter Michigan ; Brother Cunningham enters Harvard; both will study law. All the other brothers will enter Howard Medical School, with the exception of Brother Bagley, God has seen fit to take him from us Brother Bagley died in Detroit. Sunday. September 24th. The funeral services were held in Lincoln Temple Memorial Church on Friday. September 28th They were conducted entirely by the brothers; even the sermon was preached by our Brother Smith, pastor of the church
The classmates of our deceased brother all Fraternity brothers, acted as pallbearers, while the entire Chapter was in attendance as honorary pall-bearers at both the church and cemetery.
Resolutions wiv read from Beta Chapter, from his class and from the student body. The floral contributions
were numerous, showing Brother Bagley's popularity, not only in the various departments of the University, but also in the city. Beta has received much favorable comment for their loyalty to Brother Bagley We feel the loss of our brother very keenly.
We held our first meeting of the school year on the evening of October 4th, at which time eighteen brothers received their assignments to the various rooms of the Chapter House The house was papered and painted during the summer, and an electric lighting system is to be installed in a few days. All together, we are in good shape for a prosperous year
"We were pleased to have Brothers Turner, Beaman and "Jap " Brown visit us on their way to their various destinations.
Brother ('has Garvin, who finished his interneship at Freedman's Hospital in June, has been acting on the surgical staff of the hospital all the summer. Brother Garvin left on the 9th of this month for Cleveland, 0., where he will take iip the practice of medicine.
Brothers Lee and Crawford, also of Freedman's Hospital, will soon leave for the West. The former goes to Kansas City, Mo
Brother Harris has been appointed as member of the Gynecological staff of Freedman's Hospital, and will remain in the city
Brother H. H. Long, our general president, has returned to us this year, after receiving his .Master's Degree at Clark University He is now a teacher in the school of Liberal Arts of Howard University.
Brother Russell and Brother Curley are teaching in the Academy and Commercial College respectively.
Brother John Hunt has gone to Lynchburg to coach the football team
of the Seminary and College located there
On Friday evening, October 6th, the Chapter gave a "smoker" in honor of our departing brothers A very enjoyble evening was spent. The speeches of our departing brothers were very touching They expressed their intention of holding up A. Phi A. in every way possible as they start out into the world
We only wish that more of our departed brothers would say the same
We are exceedingly glad to have Brother Harper with us again.
Brothers Grinnage and Thompson, captain and manager of this year's football team, are whipping their men into shape for the heavy fall schedule
Brother Sampson, Class '16. won the first cap and gown offered by Brothers Garvin and Hunt for the brother attaining the highest scholastic average in the senior cl:.ss of the College of Liberal Arts.
Beta intends to do her part this year towards maintaining a high A Phi A standard.
Fraternally
J. P. SAMPSON, Corresponding Secretary
GAMMA CIIAPTEi;.
The school year opened with the spirit, of enthusiasm running high in anticipation of the Annual Convention. All of the brothers are working hard in getting things .in shape for a royal entertainment of the Convention. Never before has the true Alpha Phi Alpha spirit been exhibited as it was in our first meeting of the year There is no question but that this will be the best Convention that has been held yet.
We miss many faces from among us this year that have served as an inspira-
lion in the past years.
Brothers L L McGhee, A B., B D., ami C. S. Johnson, A. 15., are pursuing courses in (lie University of Chicago.
Brothers II I) Shaw and .M II Vann are registered in tin- School oi Medicine, University of Michigan.
Brother J L Nixon, A B., our expresident, and Brother W. II. Harris have been added to the faculty of the Armstrong High School of Richmond, Va.
We learn with much regret of the death of the wife of Brother IT G Wilson, A. H., which occurred during the pasi summer
Brother \V X Colson is registered in the Law School, Harvard University this year
Tuskegee faculty is gradually becoming Alpha Phi Alpha, having added Brother C. W. Buckner this year.
We wish our Brother X. D Overbade much success in his work in South Africa to which he went in August, Our graduates for last year are: College Adolphus Bayton J M Colson William II. Harris. Charles S. Johnson. R. X. Lawson, J. L. Nixon, and ('. C. Wilson; Theological- U. I. McGhee, A. B.
Fraternally
"W. A. HALL.
EPSILOH CHAPTER—MICHIGAN I XIVERSITY.
Epsilop Chapter House, University of Michigan October 5, l!)l(i. To the Editor of the Shinx:
The brothers of Gpsilon have recently begun another school year in their cozy little chapter bouse, and are looking for ward to one of the most prosperous years in the annals of the Chapter
There are now fifteen brothers among us, including L S Evans and A A Taylor, presidents during 1915-1916; M. E. .Morion. A. J. Pope, P. P. Raiford, B C Styles, J R (Yossbind and A L Evans New brothers are Vann and Shaw, formerly of Gamma, Temple of Beta, and Carr, of Pennsylvania. The brothers i\c\v and old, are striving for the uplift of Alpha Phi Alpha, and. indeed, they have already begun to make history for the Fraternity
Some evenings ago, at a Republican .Mass Meeting, our very energetic and businesslike Brother Styles made a stern and scholarly plea for the election of Hughes and Fairbanks in November. lb' brought an enthusiastic and intelligent Anglo-Saxon audience to its feet Brother Raiford has been active in organizing a local branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Brother J. A. White, an alumnus of the Chapter, received a warm reception from the hoys preparatory to his departure to Indiana to begin the practice of hnv. Brothers Pope, Morton. Styles. Raiford and Taylor gave an impromptu party for some of the Michigan Freshmen who. at first glance, seem to be possible Alpha Phi Alpha material The affair was a huge success.
The new president, Brother A J Pope, despite his 250 pounds of humanity has been v^n- energetic in inspiring life into the Fraternity Chapter He is also proving himself to he an efficient administrator and executive
The Chapter was pleased to graduate four members in the 1916 class. Brothers L B Lapsley, D J Crimes L S Evans ami A. A. Taylor. Brother Grimes expects soon to begin the practice of dentistry at Atlanta, while Brothers Evans ami Taylor are registered in the Graduate School of the University While the Chapter regrets that some of these
men have left her, and will miss them sorely, she, nevertheless, feels a peculiar pride in her new senior class of four members These brothers bid fair to maintain the standards set by previous classes, and so it is with pleasure and confidence that we place the Chapter's destiny under their guidance
Wishing to commend the Editor for his excellent work of last year, especially the insertion of the Chapter directory, I am
Fraternally,
A. A. TAYLOR,
Acting Secretary.
ZETA CHAPTER—YALE UNIVERSITY.
New Haven, Conn. i >rothers—Greetings •
Zeta welcomes the return of that period in which the spirit of Alpha Phi Alpha is rekindled through the channels of the Sphinx, and extends to its sister Chapters its sincere and best wishes for a bright and prosperous year.
These are trying times with Zeta Having lost several good and faithful brothers through last June's graduation we are having a difficult struggle trying to keep active and yet maintain the integrity and standards of the Fraternity
The closing college days of last term were quite eventful at Zeta and many things occurred which made us feel indeed proud of our Chapter At the May initiation Mr. Isaac H. Nutter, a well known attorney of Atlantic City, N J., was duly initiated an honorary member of Zeta. In thus honoring Mr. Nutter we felt that we too were in turn honored
A debating team composed of Zeta men, namely Brothers Caple, Taylor and
Williams, journeyed to Providence, R. I., near the close of the College year, and succeeded in capturing a debate from the Tewamnre Club, composed of students of Brown University. The debate was hotly contested and the appreciative audience was highly pleased with this new and instructive entertainment. The subject was, Resolved: "That Germany is Responsible for the Present European War." Zeta defended the negative side
At the Renaissance Club's Post Lenten Reception in May, music for which was furnished by Mr James Reese Europe and his orchestra, Zeta and her guests occupied a triple box which was fittingly and elaborately decorated and which called forth much favorable criticism from the large crowd present. Brother Caple is president of this club which is one of the most progressive as well as one of the most intellectual organizations in the city
Speaking of graduation—Brother Charles Tribett, after years of earnest hard work under conditions often discouraging. to say the least, has successfully completed the Electrical Engineering course in the Sheffield Scientific School. He is now considering offers from various plants in need of such service as he is capable of giving
Brother A. C. MacNeal was graduated with honors from the college and is now located with a leading banking house in Wall Street, New York
The members of Zeta have been much awake to the practically new movement in this country aimed at the elevation of the Negro race. We refer to the social service work supported largely by philanthropists of the other race but diligently participated in by leading members of our race It is this service which Brother Asliby 'Hi intends to enter and with a thorough knowledge of the social sciences as a working basis, we expect
•0 THESPHIN X much from him.
The summer vacation meant little to Zeta in so far as the word "vacation" goes, for no sooner had college closed than each man was to his task. Brother Caple accepted a very attractive position at the Remington Arms, Bridgeport, Conn. He has done for about three months with maximum efficiency a work which formerly three clerks found it impossible to perform satisfactorily Others who found indoor work less attractive, fled to mountain shores in their endeavor to make hay while the sun shone. Most are back ready for a hard year's work
We have had with us recently Brothers Bishop, A. J. Allen and Pope, all at one time active members of Zeta Fraternally,
JOHN FRANCIS-W [LLIAMS,
Secretary.
NU CHAPTER—LINCOLN UNIVERSITY.
Lincoln University, Pa., October 5, 1916
Brothers of A-Pbi-A—Greetings:
The brethren of \T u have returned after an arduous and happily spent summer to continue their work at Lincoln University. Our scholastic work is well under way. and those who have returned are bending every effort to make this year mentally successful
Although the ranks are somewhat depleted because of graduation and nonreturning, Nu yet has a representative number of worthy A-Phi-A men Of the men who have graduated we are hearing great things, some selecting one vocation and still others different life work.
Of the graduates from the Seminary Department, Brother Shirley, our for-
mer president, is teaching in the Okmulgec, Okla., Public Schools and doing very efficient Christian work Cooper is also teaching at Long Branch, N. J., and participating in uplift work.
Of the graduates from the College Department, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts, Brother Edwoods, former Chapter editor of Sphinx, Latin Salutatorian of his class and an allround athlete, is now teaching school in Little Rock, Ark., accompanied by his lovely young wife. He is making rapid strides toward success. Brother Goss lias left for Meharry to study medicine.
Brother Burton is studying Theology and at the same time an instructor of French at Lincoln University, and Brother Burton also has the honor of being the captain of the Lincoln University Football Team
Of those who have not returned Brother J. E. Williams has entered Howard University; Brother J. W. Barrett, Cornell University; Brother T. T. Tildon, Meharry Medical Department.
Brother Hill, manager of the football team, is working very hard at that position, and indications are that his success will overshadow that of all his predecessors.
Brother Clark has been added to the list of instructors and succeeds Brother Muir as instructor in Argumentation Brothers Chamberlin and Barber are showing up very well in football practice and show every indication of "making '' the team.
Nu is striving hard to make this one of her most successful pears 1916. Department. Name. Group. Seminary Cooper. J. C. 2 College Edwoods, P. E. 1 College Goss, H. 3
Seminary Muir, J W 2 College Smith, S. G. 2 College Smith, W E 2
Seminary Shirley, S C 1
College Parks, S. C. 2
College Burton, H. B. 2
Grouping System.
First Group 90-100
Second Group 90-95
Third Group 85-90
Fourth Group 80-85
Fifth Group is'failure
HAROLD BROWN
0.1/IVRON—UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH.
Dear Brothers:
Omicron Chapter, University of Pittsburgh, hereby greets you and ventures the hope that this will be the banner year in the history of Alpha Phi Alpha, and Omicron Chapter especially
The first meeting of the current school year was held September 30, 1916, with President Arthur Stevenson in the chair. After a few remarks by the president the officers elected at our last meeting were installed and other business transacted
The officers were installed by Brother Wilbur C. Douglas who administered the oath of office in a very solemn and impressive manner.
The present staff of officers is as follows: President, Arthur V. Stevenson, Law '18; Vice President, James M. Burwell, Dentistry '17; Secretary, W. R. Brown, College, '19; Treasurer Otto V Green, College '19; Associate Editor, C W Florence, Education '18
Brother Stevenson has served before in the capacity of president and was returned to the chair because of his efficient service and peculiar fitness for the place We predict for him a very successful administration
Brother Green has served the Chapter well as our former secretary,
Brothers Brown and Florence are the new additions to the present staff
After the installation of officers the meeting resolved itself into a symposium Many helpful ideas were advanced and all expressed high hopes and aspirations for Old Pitt and Alpha Phi Alpha.
Brother Wilbur C. Douglas attended summer school at Pitt this year. '' Doug'' says it was great with the thermometer at 98 in the shade and there wasn't any shade He spent his vacation fishing, hunting and motoring near Hollidaysburg, Pa.
Brother W. R. Brown, Jr., spent the summer on the lakes
Brothers Raynard Brown, Green and Barton spent the summer in Baltimore, St. Louis and Pittsburgh, respectively.
Brother J P Dancy, College '16, spent the summer in Connecticut
Brother J. A. Jackson, Pharmacy '16, is operating an up-to-date drug store in our city in partnership with Dr Mossett
Brother Wray Banks, Engineering '16, is now Special Employment Agent for the Westinghouse Electric Company of East Pittsburgh
Wedding bells are in the air and congratulations are in order! Brother James M. Burwell, Pitt's premier sprinter. lias recently announced his marriage to Miss Mary V. Turner, one of Pittsburgh's most popular and talented young ladies Here's good luck to "Jim" and his bride!
C W FLORENCE, Associate Editor
PI CHAPTER—WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY.
May 1, 1916, Pi Chapter met in regular business session for the election of
TH E SPHIN X
officers The meeting, characteristic of Pi, was full of vim and good-natured rivalry The final result of the election was as follows: President, Armen G. Evans; Vice President, Perry B. Jackson; Secretary, John. Ballard; Treasurer, Clarence E. Cheeks; Sergeant-atArms, Daniel D Fowler
John Ballard, our wide-awake Secretary, graduated from the Law School of W. R. U. in June. He passed the State Bar Examination with success and expects to practice here in Cleveland
\nleiic Latterman, "the Wizard of Electricity," has returned to his native city and is pursuing once more studies al Ca.se School of Applied Sciences
Pi Chapter regrets very much that Quinn Montgomery, a delegate to last year's National Convention, will not be with us this year.
Brother A G Evans having completed with credit the A. B. course, is now pursuing his studies in the School of Medicine of W. R. U.
Pi is exceedingly lucky to have still with us that great "bundle of spirit," Brother C. E. Cheeks. Cheeks feels keenly the Alpha Phi Alpha spirit and the national organization is destined to hear more of him
Brother Perry Jackson was the only colored student to run in the Hudson Relay, an annual evenl at Western Reserve University. The Freshmen team, of which he was a member, won the race and was awarded pins. Brother Jackson was accorded a signal honor at W R. II. in being awarded the Freshman "Gym" Prize given by the President of the University.
Brother George P Hinton the hustling General Secretary, is certainly making things hum this year He has
brought his office around to business-like standards and Alpha Phi Alpha should certainly be proud of him
During the Y. M. C. A. Convention in Cleveland this summer, Pi was very fortunate in being able to have as guests the following Y M C A delegates: W. D. Allen, Zeta; S. A. Marshall, Zeta; and H. L. Dickerson, Kappa, ex-National President.
Pi Chapter expects a great year both for itself and the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. We expect to initiate quite a \'i'\\- members with the coming of Spring Pi sends greetings and wishes all Alpha Phi Alpha brothers the greatest of success during the coming year
Fraternally yours
PERRY B JACKSON
in 10 CHAPTER—UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA MEDICO-CHIRUROICAL COLLEGE.
Rho Chapter closed its year on the evening of May thirteenth and marked the occasion by an informal reception and smoker for its new members
In pausing to look upon our transactions for the passing year we have cause to be grateful Our Chapter organization is stronger, our methods of conforming to prescribed procedure are more rigid; and, in a word, we have a much more efficient unit in the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity than we had at the close of the last school year
Rho has been very fortunate is having among its number men who came from other Chapters as Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Nu, bringing with them many and
varied suggestions which have been of inestimable benefit to us.
One of the last acts completed was the election of officers. Brother Wesley C. Redd, A. B. (Medi-Chi., Medicine L917), succeeds the present incumbent, Brother Robert N Gardiner, A B (U of Pa., Dentistry 1917), who acted as our president during the absence of Brother T T Nichols, A B., M D I M< dieo-Chi 1915) Brother J T Anderson, A. B. (Medico-Chi., Medicine 1917), was elected Vice President. The incoming Recording Secretary is Brother Aubrey Robinson (U of P., Veterinary Medicine 1918) ; to Brother Walter P. Jerrick, A. B. (Medico-Chi., Medicine 1920), fall the duties of the Corresponding Secretary; and to Brother William A. Forsythe, Phar. D. (Medico-Chi., Medicine 1917) those of Treasurer. For Sergeant-at-Arms we selected a brother whose physical prowess won him a favorable showing in the trials for the U. of P. wrestling team, as well as the distinction of being the only man of color who has ever aspired to qualify for a place on that team. The same is Iin >1 her Augustus R. Thomas (U. of P. Dentistry 1919)
Brother William B Carter (Temple University, Medicine 1916), becomes Sphinx Representative. The duties of the Alumni Representative fall upon Brother Ilinkson, who finishes his inteirneship at the Douglass Hospital (Philadelphia) in June.
Brothers Granger and Bouden, A. B., are to graduate in Dentistry from the University of Pennsylvania this June, and Brother William B Carter from Temple University (Philadelphia), and Biol her Fred. GvSlade, A. B., from the Medico-Chirurgical College, both in Medicine
Brother Claggett, an alumnus of
Omieron, is in the city on business and visited us at our last meeting
At the recent Convention of the Association for the Study and Treatment of Tuberculosis, held in Washington, D C thriv were hut two race delegates present. Of that number Alpha Phi Alpha has the distinction of claiming one, Brother Charles A Lewis, M D. of Rho, who also took the opportunity during his very limited sojourn to visit the seat of Beta Chapter and to exchange fraternal greetings with its President and some of its members. Needless to say, he was wry favorably impressed with all that he saw
Brother T T Nichols, M D., has been taking post-graduate work in .Medicine at Columbia University and recently passed through Philadelphia on his way to Kansas City, Mo., where he is to begin an interneship in the General Hospital there.
The name of Brother <i. Arnold Gilbert, A B., who was recently initiated, was accidently omitted from the list of those sent to the Sphinx for the last issue Brother Gilbert is a member of the class of 1918 in Medicine at the Medico-Chirurgical College
ERROR: Brother Augustus R. Thomas is in the Dental School of the University of Pennsylvania (191!)) and not in the College of Arts and Science as we previously stated
Respectfully submitted, DeHAVEN
HINKSON
SI(1 MA-BOSTON, MASS.
Dear Brothers—Greetings:
We welcome you again after a brief interval of four months, hoping that all
have come back ready for another year's work.
The opening of the schools in and around Greater Boston, finds almost all our brothers back again from a successful and enjoyable summer.
Our first meeting for this year will be on Saturday next Very soon we are to initiate and install some prospective brothers This will be done within a fortnight.
Among our 1916 graduates were Brother Berry from the Theological Department of Boston University, and Brother Scott from the Medical School of Tuffts College.
Brother Dart is among the honor students of the class of 1918 at the Law School of Boston University
Brother Eugene Davidson was elected president of the Boston New Public Opinion Club last May Several others of our brothers were elected to minor offices
We are glad to note also that Brother Davidson has recovered from a serious injury, which he received last year on the Harvard wrestling team while engaged in some most spectacular and wonderful wrestling.
Brother Bibb has entered the Law School of Columbia University
We are hoping and working for a most successful year
The brothers of the Sigma Chapter send greetings to all the brothers of the Fraternity
With a most hearty handshake, we are Tours fraternally,
SIGMA CHAPTEE, J S MITCHELL, Corresponding Secretary.
2525 Georgia Avenue, Washington, D. C, October 14, 1916
To the Members of A. Phi A.:
We wish to remind you of the approach of the time limit for remitting fees. Your fees demand immediate attention. Please see to it that you are prompt.
Gamma is preparing for a large event. We expect the coming Convention to be the best of the nine conventions we have had If our expectations are realized, they must be through your hearty cooperation. Pay your fees, and if you cannot be in Richmond Xmas, send a letter letting us know you have not forgotten the cause
We are especially interested in getting ni close touch with our alumni We have a committee of Alumni members devising plans to that end.
Come or send your ideas for improvement in any department of the Fraternity's organization
Fraternally yours,
GENERAL PRESIDENT PERSONALS
Brother H. H. Long, our General President, who received his Master's Degree last spring from Clarke University, is now a member of the faculty of Howard University
Brother L. L. McCTee, of Gamma, is now pursuing advanced courses in the University of Chicago
Brothers 0. L. Nixon and W. H. Harris have been added to the faculty of the Armstrong High School of Richmond, Via
Brothers L S Evans and A A Taylor are doing post graduate work in the University of Michigan.
Attorney Isaac H. Nutter, of Atlantic City, N J., is now an honorary member of Zeta
Brother F. C. Shirley, of Nu, is now teaching in Okmulgee, Okla., while Brother Clarke has been added to the faculty of his Alma Mater
Brother James M Burwell, of Omicron, has recently announced his marriage with Miss Mary V Turner of Pittsburgh, Pa.
Brother Dellaven Hinkson, of Rho, who has recently opened his medical offices in Coatesville, Pa., is meeting with unprecedented success.
A
BRIEF HISTORY OF ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY.
(Continued.)
By Chas. H. Garvin, M. D., General President 1912 and 1913
The designating by Greek letters of an organization that had previously been purely a literary and social society nat-
urally raised the question as to whether or not the organization was a Fraternity or a simple student organization. At this same meeting (October 23, 1906) a committee of five was appointed to consider this proposition and take definite action Some of the members withdrew when the idea of forming a Fraternity was advanced, only seven members remaining
On Dec. 4, 1906, it was finally decided that the organization, which up to this time had been a mere literary society and social club, should continue with the idea of becoming a Fraternity Thus, it was during October, 1906, that the youthful Fraternity launched forth, tinctured with an efficient spirit of earnestness. Just why some of the members of the club withdrew when the idea of forming a Negro Greek letter Fraternity was advanced is shrouded in mystery Perhaps because they lacked the pioneering spirit that characterized the founders and feared that the venture would not materialize, or perhaps because they were opposed to fraternities in general and Negro fraternities in particular We do not condemn these men because they did not see the great possibilities of a Negro Greek letter Fraternity. They have no doubt heard of our rapid rise and more than once regretted their move How well the men who remained have wrought can only be estimated by those who have reaped the benefits of membership in Alpha Phi Alpha.
The seven men who remained when the literary idea was abandoned have all lived to hear the "Well done thou good and faithful servant." These seven men, now the seven jewels of Alpha Phi Alpha, cannot have too much praise from our hands The jewels—Henry Arthur Callis, George B. Kelley, Charles H. Chapman, James II. Morton, Nathan-
