The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-12-31
ANGRY MOTHERS RISE
AGAINST SIGMA GAMMA

New York, Dee. Sl.-The nerve-racking'
even though fancled, tcrrors OF an ihllla-
tlon into a Greek letter society OF girls
students In provate aud preparatory
schools in the city, caused a meeting ol
20 angry mothers at the homo OF MiS'
Elizabeth Moore, No. 1884 Broadway yes
terday afternoon. Their iirst purpose ~
to break up tho local organization OF the
Sigma Gamma society, and thelf SECOND
Is 60 start campaign throughout the
country against secret societies among
schoolgirls.
IL was tho story OF Julia Mills, not
yot.17, as told by her 90 her mother, that
caused Mrs Mills 60 take tlie rst steps
against what she considers a dangerous
organization. There are ~ members or
the local chapter Of the society. MISS
Josephine Moore, daughter Of Nrs Eliza
beth Moore. Is the high priestess Of the
order. Julia Mills was initiated" Satur-
day night
The girl staggered home. half hysterical.
and Mrs. Mills demanded an explanation.
Fairly burning with indignation, she re-
peated the story yesterday ut the meet
ing OF the mothers.
JULI AMILLS' STORY. >. =. -.
The initiation was held at the Moore
home.
Miss Mills. according to her story. was
summoned to appear there last Saturday.
when she was ushercd in she was led into
a dimly lighted room Between two col
innns OF black-robed, black-masked fig
ures. She was led mp to the high priest
ess.
"Are you prepared to undergo ordeals
TO prove yourself NJ to become "A sister
OF this ordcr2" solemnly asked the
priestess.
II am" she answered. and was led To
an ante-room At a signal she was led
back To the asscmblage and told that
after this first test there could be no
turning back.
"Ths will be a test of your fortitude, Of
your fitness TO be sister. You are or
dered TO thrust your hand into small
caldron of molten lead which you sec be-
fore YOU Ready! Obey ordersl
Miss Mills dashed her hand into the
LIQUID and sank 10 her knees I'm fright.
After she recovered her composure IN part
she was surprised TO note that the cal
dYon was filled with mercury, Again she
was led from the room When she re-
turned she was told to step over some pill
lows 10 the top OF some heaped blocks.
While she was was maintaining her ball
ance there the priestess told her that the
pills hid a trap door and she must drop
out of sight.
suddenly the lights went out. Miss Mills
felt the blocks give way beneath her and
she felt herhelf go down, down-and then
land on the pillows. A rope had been tied
to the lowest block. and confederate
had pulled the rope.
THE TEST of THE "CLAMMY
HAND"
Once again she was led into tho ante
room and brought back blindfolded.
dronng voice told OF a severed, clammy
hand. which each OF the beloved sisters
had grasped before becoming one OF the
order. a priesteSs was ordered 10 Drihg
In on tray the hand.
The candidate was ordered TO grasp the
hand. for which she could only feei.
Shuddering she involuntarily drew back
her arm when she felt the Clammy fn-
gors.
She was led back blindfolded into the
small room. ignorant OF the fact that
glove filled with sand and not human
hand.
Agin she was led forth. this time 10
drink nauseating liquid out OF skull.
which liquid would serve TO make her
OF one blood with her other prospective
sisters" Revolving at each gulp. she
was compelled 90 drain the skull. SO the
nerve racking tests went on. Finally the
voice of the priestess was heard TO say;
STRIPPED TO WAIST.
Now for the final supreme test. Gath
er all your remaining courage"-which
by this time was a minus quantity-"and
prepare for the most severe test OF all.
Faithful guardians lead the candidate %
an ante-room. strip her To the waist. bind
her arms behind her and then bring her
back"
In few moments. the girl. now almost
hysterical was brought back. Then the
same droning voice went on
"In order that this ceremony be inde-
libby placed on your mind. It Is necessary
that the letters OF your beloved frater-
nifty be burned upon yorr leex IN acid.
Guardians, brand the candidate"
AZ tN~ hrst touch Miss Mills sank sense
less TO the floor. When she had been re-
vived II was explained 90 her that the
branding had been done with piece OF
Ice
The initiators then took OF their robes.
congratulated the bcdraggled worn-out
girl and taught her the grip and counter
sign.
The girls mothers say that the girls