The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1897-06-26

Brief sketch of the Chapters in the
w v IT

brfci SkeIcn Oh tae chapters In the
w. v. Z.
Deeply intrenched as it is in the
American college system and logical
as its growth has been in other col
leges, there was for years a deep pref
udice against fraternities at the Uni |
yersity. This opposition has been
felt TO greater or less extent in all
schools. But there is nothing in all
the American college system more
natural or more commendable. AS
long as pure friendship is a thing TO
be applauded and as long as disinter-
ested friendship exists, SO long will
fraternities have being. No mem
CRY is so dear and no associations are
so hallowed as those which cluster
around the old fraternity in ones life
after leaving college.
The fraternity system Is peculiarly
American. 1t does not exist in Euro
pean universities. The date of the
founding of the first one is matter
of dispute, but it was during the early
days of the century. The movement
spread rapidly until today there is not
single college of any degree of excel
lence which has not these organiza-
tions within it. The number OF fra
ternities is very large, there being
about forty general lraternities and a
number OF local organizations.
For many years after the University
was established these modern Greeks
were steadily repealed by the West
| Virginia barbarians. Blood eurdling
tales of the CHASTITY horrors to meet
the noyitiate froze the marrow Of the
awe-stricken prep. Stories of the dia-
bolical practices Of these inventions
of the evil one more lurid than Dan
ties Inferno were so thoroughly ground
into the student body that the suspi-
cion against them steadily strength
ened
| Finally band of pioneers more
daring than Columbus and his COM
panions petitioned and received the
first charter granted to students here.
They became West Virginia Alpha
chapter of the Phi Kappa Psi frater-
nifty. This chapter has enjoyed a large
measure of prosperity, has graduated
some of the brightest men ever sent
out from the University, and still
holds high rank among the chapters
here.
The next chapter TO be organized
grew out Of the same conditions as
had led to the formation of Phi Kap-
pa Psi. This was Delta chapter Phi
Sigma Kappa. This at once became
strong rival to Phi Psi, and the
contest for supremacy grew at times
keener than was healthful. The Phi
Sigma Kappa has steadily maintained
a large chapter and has made an en-
viable record, especially in the cadet
corps and in athletics.
For several years after the entrance
of these chapters the field remained
free from further occupants. Then
came Mu Mu chapter of Sigma Chi
fraternity, in September, '95. Despite
its youth this chapter occupies and
has held since its founding proud
position amidst the Greek galaxy here
Its members have been chosen from
the best students in the college and
its conservative course has made 1t
many friends. Its entrance andcon-
duct since its establishment has done
more to break down the opposition to
fraternities than any other single
cause.
| Following the formation of this
chapter the movement In establishing
new chapters assumed large proper
tions. Three fraternities have en-
tered the University this year and
more are to follow The trio ia order
are Phi Kappa Sigma, Alpha Lex
Omega and Kappa Alpha. Alpha Lex
Omega is legal fraternity and con-
fines itself strictly to the law depart
ment. The others have not lived long
enough to develop any striking char
acteristics save that of celebrity in gain
ing membership by Kappa Alpha and
the youth of the membership Of Phi
Kappa Sigma in college life.
Beta Theta ri is making efforts to
enter the University as an Alpha Law
Omega and Sigma Alpha Epsilon.
Among the chapters represented
here, Sigma Chi has the largest num-
Der of chapters, fifty; and Phi Sigma
Kappa the smallest, about eight. Phi
Kappa Psi has the largest roll OF mem
bership, having 1000 names on the
national register.
Other interesting facts might be
given, but space will not permit. Suf-
flee it to say that in West Virginia
University the members of the various
fraternities stand pre-eminent among
their fellows. The leading students
proudly wear the various emblems and
the honor of Haunting the bits of
bright ribbon symbolic OF fellowship
with these is one most eagerly sought
The students and faculty are friendly
toward the Greeks and a splendid era
of prosperity is opening before them.
May they live long and prosper,