The Washington times., 1911-11-21
FRATERN|T|ES ARE
TO Be DRIVEN FROM
THE HIGH SCHOOLS
Secret Societies Will Be
: Driven From Capital
Institutions.
CONTINUED from First .Page.)

CONTINUED from First .Page.)
funeral arrangements. The official rec
ommendation for their disorganization
will not be made for at least two weeks,
and maybe not until the December
meeting of the board. But the fact
that such action will be taken by DR..
Nv. M. Davidson, superintendent of
schools, became known today following
an extended conference between DR..
rssdsn1 q. AND a. Capt Spsrd james F. Oyster
DR.. Davidson has declined to make
tion until he presents 1t to the board
Captain oyster, who has hitherto been
considered a friend of the secret soci-
cites so long as they adhered to a strict
~ social activity. sustained DR.. David
that u the e'' Boapd oapd OF aE Education ss would
stand by him in his action.
We went over the situation pretty
ht1roSaghly and found that the SUPER,
eituation closely" said Captain oyster;
II assured him that the board would
give him fullest support in any line OF
personal opinions Of secret societies
may be, we recognize that these organ
lzaaons in public schools cannot be fos-
tered If they tend to raise class dis
Another undesirable phase of the
fraternities 10 the expense entailed or
pupils, some of whom l believe ram In
debt to do their part Of the enter taiuing
and to vie with other social lights Of
II think DR.. Davidson will have the
courage TO fire away when no gets his
plans IN shape 5 an, and the Board of Educa-
Tbe delay in carrying out the aboli-
suits from the difficulties that attend
long 10 national societies will be easy
TO reach for the forfeiture of their char
tiers may. be ordered. But there is
some doubt as to what steps the school
the local societies. These meet at the
bones of pupils, and many Of them
have rather elastic organizations. Some
of them have more alumni members
than actual school members. These the
kchool authorities are particularly anx.
dous to reach because in many cases the
alumni perpetuate the cliques and fac
tions left behind them In the schools
The fight over fraternitiets runs back
FOR nearly four years. Charges made
ut odd intervals led to the investiga
tion by a special .m!ttee Of the Boarc
passage Of rules which greatly restrict
ed their activities.
AS result OF these restrictions. tn,
tecret societies were not to be men
tioned In school papers. we're to show
no signs Of initiation stunts" about tn,
school buildings. were not to meet OIL
school nights. and were always to as
The matter lay dormant last season
pntil early in the spring 1t was charged
that a fraternity captain of cadets
was using his influence to force attend
ence at his company dance. His di
Plona was held up. The High Schoo
Teachers AssociStion made an extensive
investigation and reccmmenCed that tn,
Sraterntties be disbandcd. Then severa
principals stepped In and asked tha
they be retained
The question faced DR.. Davidson OF
bis arrival here. The Board of Edlca
recommendation, but 1t was expected
that 1t would bs tbreshed out befor
the board. Captain Oysters statemen
today insures quiet and bloodless in
kerment of the societies