The Indianapolis journal., 1903-12-07
First Battle WaEed md Outsiders
Friends Will Miss the Combi-
nations Functions.
SORORITY GIRLS INDIGNANT
SAY THEY CAN RETALIATE BY FA-
VORING AETI-"BIG FIVE" MEN.
Action Is Hinted mt mt Pan-HelIenic
Gathering Several Weeks Ago
Faculty Takes No Action.
pecial to the indianapolis Journal.

Speclal 10 the Indianapolis Journal.
BLOOMINGTON, Ind, Dec. 6.-The fair
"co-eds' Of Indiana University are be-
tween the horns of a pan-Hellenic dilemma
Merciless boycott has been declared by one
faction of the Greek letter societies against
all girl students who permit any social at
tenti0ns from members of an opposing fac
ton. The members of the fraternities COM
posing party known DIS the Big Five at
a meeting to-day decided to inaugurate the
blacklist system, which will bar from all
their social functions the presence of a
coed who shall accept an invitation
from any of their rivals. The big Five
consists of the Beta Theta Pi, Phi Kappa
Psi, Phi Gamma Delta, Delta Tau Delta
and Sigma Chi fraternities, while the Phi
Delta Theta, Sigma Nu and Kappa Sigma
make up the ranks of the opposition.
OPEN WAR DECLARED.
The student feud which has existed in
mild form for several years has lately as
sumed appalling proportions. and to-day's
action is the open declaration of hostilities
that have long disturbed the Hellenic har-
mony of the university The members of
the "Big Five declare that they mean
just exactly what they have said, and that
no girl who attends the dances Of the op-
posing ''dreibund' can ever hope for social
recognition within their ranks. The "antis'
are no less vigorous in their declarations
and boldly declare that the big Five ha.
no corner on the society market 1t is from
now on a war to extermination between the
opposing hosts of Hellas.
The announcement of the intention of the
big Five TO begin its policy of the boy
cott has caused a social upheaval not only
a no fa ties-
of Bloomington who have entertained the
students in their homes. Sentiment among
the ''co-eds'' is divided. but it is known
that many of them will refuse to be bound
by the uitimatum of the five fraternities
without a counter-declaration.
GIRLS TAKE ACTION.
AS soon as the announcement of the boy
colt was made to-day, a number of girl stu
dents at once made preparations to take
some definite action in the matter. A Sc
cret meeting was called, which was at
tended by crowds OF excited girls. Some
supporters of the belligerent Five"
expressed approval of their action; the ad-
herents of the anti fraternities could be
be told by their declarations of defiance;
while a goodly number, concealing their
too evident indignation behind a polite 81
lence, might be selected as the hitherto
fortunate recipient of favors from both fac
tions of the warning Greeks. The meeting
was called, held and adjourned, and, though
no man may ever know the true history
of the discussions that told the plant of
the 'co-ed' of Indiana University on the
day, of her first rebuff, the announcement
made at the close showed that she had
no intention of bearing the blow without
retaliation.
The declaration, as issued by the girls,
contains this provision: The women stu
dents of Indiana University are ready to
meet the ultimatum OF the big Five" with
a counter proposition as soon as the men
have made their statement of plans more
specific. Some reply TO the girls statement
is expected soon.
James Boyle, of Delta Tau Delta, Hugh
Martin, of Beta Theta Pi and Lock Turner.
of Phi Gamma Delta, are among the prom
inent members of the big Five" who have
been active in the campaign which resulted
in to-days declaration.
The cause of the action dates back to last
spring when c. c. Lyons secured control
of the Daily Student and other political
offices. Lyons was supported by the three
anti fraternities and the barbs. The
situation had Quieted and harmony seemed
to reign until the members of the big
Five" decided to get even," using the
girls a means TO the end.
A few weeks ago there was a pan-hellenic
gathering and the guests were given hint
OF what was expected. The girls didn't look
at the situation did the defeated fra
ternity men and continued accepting invi-
tations TO anti dances.
Although the student body Is greatly ex-
cited over to-days incidents, the faculty
has taken no cogniZance OF the matter. II
is believed il will not interfere.