The Washington herald., 1906-11-28

The Phi Delta Theta smoker was held
fast night
With a d-breaking crowd present.
and the boys of the old school mixing
with those Of the new, Rauscher's Hall
was packed to its capacity.
College yells, songs. and stunts too nu-
merous to mention. prevailed throughout
the evening. and news from the front al
an early hour this morning was 10 the
effect that the smoker was still in full
blast.
1t was really a smoker. To prove it was
nothing else, each guest was handed a
package Of three cigars as he entered the
hall of mirth Hundreds Of delegates who
are attending the twenty-ninth biennial
convention of the Phi Delta Theta in
Washington took in the smoker.
When the entertainment was at its
height and good cheer was flowing among
the members like water, some one yelled
speech. Taking advantage of the situa-
ton. Richard Henry Little. war CORE
spondent. etc" of Chicago, climbed
upon the balcony. not as Juliet, but as
the fraternity idol, and announced that
the delegates and members Of the Wash
lngton Alumni would give a dance Friday
evening.
Little Makes speech.
My agents will now pass among you,
gentlemen" Mr. Little said, 'and all
those desiring to subscribe TO the dance
will be set back two plunks and one
half" There were cries OF 'MOTeI" but
Mr.. Little had had his say and appeared
before the audience no more
As the clouds tobacco smOke) cleared
away Gen Lee Fairchnd. Of New York.
was introduced 20 the thrOng His re-
marks were short and sweet. as he stated
that ne appreciated the fact that the
boys We're not there to listen to speeches.
President Frank J. r Mitchell was hoist
ed TO a platform, but declined to talk for
the same reason.
All Kinds of Entertainers
In addition TO several professional en-
tertainers who had been provided by the
committee, there were several stunts by
local men. Cartoons Of men of national
and fraternity fame We're portrayed by
A II. Bergman. Father Lindley, one of
the founders Of the organization. had his
likeness sketched from life. The cartoon
will be framed and preserved for the fra
ternity- John Joy Edison, jr., gave a reel
tation. Following these sunts, there were
a few pass words, and the crowd started
in 70 take advantage Of the smoker which
had been arranged for their benefit
Hugh T. Miller, one Of the fraternity
men. and lieutenant governor Of Indiana,
attended the affair as did many Of the
other distinguished members of the order.
Ritual Probably VIII stand.
Yesterdays business sessions of the Phi
Deltas at the New Willard were devoted
TO a discussion of whether the ritual
should be changed At the convection
two years ago committee was appoint
ed to prepare a revised ceremonial sys-
TEN. The suggestion has met with oppo-
siIion. and it was decided yesterday to
let the present ritual stand.
EXPansionists and anti-expansionists
are everywhere about the New Willard
Every one IS on one side or the other.
and a spirited contest IS IN sight as to
whether any new chapters win be taken
in at this meeting. A great deal Of lob
bying is already in full swing on both
sides. Several surprises will be brought
out this morning. when, ii is understood,
an effort will be made to take South
Dakota and other chapters into the fra
ternity.
Miss Ethel Wilder, Of Louisville, KY,
who is known as the daughter of the fra
ternity, arrived yesterday to attend the
convention She has several brothers who
are active members. During the meeting
held at Louisville she was prominent in
great many ways in assisting and ar
ranging entertainments for the delegates
and visitors, and there earned the title.
Dick Little as "A Dark Horse.
Miss Wilder always attends the con-
ventions, no matter where they are held
and is a great favorite among the men,
bers. young and old. Some time ago she
designed a flag for the fraternity that
always occupies a prominent place in the
convention halls. It is known as the
Wilder Flag"
While the election Of officers will not
take place for several days, there is con-
siderable gossip as to who will be the
successor Of Frank J. r. Mitchell, Of
Chicago. There are prospects that dark
morse, or even two or three, viii make
an appearance before the final vote is
cast. and as a result even the well-posted
members are unable to foreteu the result
Dick Little, who is known as one Of the
whitest men in the fraternity, has been
mentioned as a possibility
It Is customary TO select a president
from the five members Of the general
council President Mitchell. who is 10
retire, will not be eligible for a second
term. according to the laws Of the organ
iZation. John II. Dewitt of Nashville
the first reporter, has been mentioned
and is being urged by many to accept,
If the opportunity presents itself
Arthur NJ McCrillis, the historian. and
who halls from Providence, is another
possibility, and from present indications
is sharing honors with Samuel X. Ruicl1
Mr.. Ruick is the secretary, and lives al
Indianapolis There is another faction
that is advocating the election Of John
B. Baliou, Of CoshOcton, Ohio
The fraternity delegates will attend the
New National Theater In a body this
evening. trip will be made to Mount
Vernon tomorrow. There will be a ban
Quet at the hotel in the evening.
NOTES OF The PHI DELTs