New-York tribune., 1905-01-29
THEY WAGNIFY PULL"
FTdterRities Inculcate the Methods Oh
the Political Boss.
To the Editor of The Tribune.

To the Editor of The Tribune
Sir: There are many objections which may be
advanced in opposition to the college fraternity
ana they may be grouped under five general heads:
Flrst-They tend TO dssipate a united college
spirit.
Second-They occupy much valuable time which
should be devoted to educational work
Third-They breed class distinction.
Fourth-They nullify in a large measure the
authority of the faculty
F1fth-They dominate college elections and func-
lions IN ways which are quite approved by political
bosses in machine ridden centres
regard the last objection one of the most
serious and one which should especially appeal to
the coIegtan of the Theodore Roosevelt type-to
the young American of to-day who believes heart
ana soul IN this Republic pure democracy, who
Is ready to fight abOvebOard for what comes to
him. and who is willing to give every man. be he
1rat or 'plebe." square. fair deal
. The average fraternity man has but little use
1or the undergraduate who has not been made ac-
quainted with the mysteries of his order The
undergraduate may be young man of refinement
and brains. but his social position viewed by the
"1rat man, or his financial condition. known
10 hlmseIf, have kept him out of the P. D. O.
and OF course. regardless of his talents or prog
ress In class. he may claim backing at class cleo
tons nor command any special attention in college
social affairs He is simply Inferior who is
obliged to come to college in order that he may Law
claim to being a college man.
My experience at one of the leading universities
Of the country taught that fraternities breed
9iseontent among students and bitterness between
d1fterent college groups That hearty united
whole souled spirit like To see in any body of
men navlng common purpose was lacking. OF
course there was a certain university pride. but
students
1t would seem that the faculty should watch with
carerul II not jealous. eve the growth of fraterni-
ties In those institutions where the latter are full
grown (overgrOwn is betterl the leading frat
men are not always in accord with the college au-
thOrftieS. The fraternaI bodies mower ana
a6 Inn IL grTati from,
the chapter house janitor TO the dean of the fac
ulty is well aware that Mr. Greek Letter can make
a lot OF trouble for him If he wills. And he wills
upon occasion.
For this reason the fraternity man NAV not alone
ask IaVorS, but actually compel their granting
Wnen the necessity or caprice SeiZeS him Every
college man knows this TO be true. and many a
graduate cum laUde thanks his society rather than
his brains for the hOnOrs tackled to him at com
mencement.
AS college fraternities have not a single serious
foundation, their sessions functions and mask and
wig gatherings mean but frivolous waste of val
liable time Valuable? Yes, valuable to
find ways OF obtaining 2 college education; but not
very valuable to the who goes to college to
make a showing of his dads hard earned wealth
He is the undergraduate who supports. fosters and
makes plaything of chapter and chapter house
He is the social and, above ALL the political leader
or his class who stops at nothing to attain his
ends He is the one who is obtaining his first les
son in the manipulation of men-the tyro boss OF
later days.
BY all means. faithful old Tribune. give both sides
or this story; but when YOU are about to take up
public interviews of college professors They know
the evil better than can tell them but they are
forever aware that the frat man is most numer-
and make things unpleasant them
home Yours, a fraternity man.
WM- FRANKLIN MANNIX
No 50 Tremont-st. Boston.