The SPHINX | Spring 1916 | Volume 2 | Number 1 191600201
FRATERNITY
ALPHA PHI ALPHA
DIRECTORY
GENERAL OFFICERS:
President - H H Long, 204 Chandler Street, Worcester, Mass
Secretary - Geo. P. Hinton, 2191 East 46th Street, Cleveland, O.
Treasurer • Chas. A. Tribbett, 958 Yale Station, Yale University, New Haven, Conn.
Alumni Chairman - - F H Miller, Mound Bayou, Miss
Editor - W A Pollard, 2347 Ga Ave., Washington, D C,
CHAPTER OFFICERS:
Alpha—President, Moses H Dorsey, 142 Linn St., Ithaca, N Y
Secty, James R Westheitner, 1)4 Central Ave.,Ithaca,N Y
Beta—President, Herman E Moore, 2347 Ga Ave., Wash., D C
Secretary D. J. Firse, 2347 Ga. Ave., Wash., D. C.
Epsilon—Pres., A. A. Taylor, 608 Fuller St., Ann Arbor, Mich.
Secty, John R Grossland, 608Fuller St., Ann Arbor, Mich
Zeta—President, Chas A Tribbett, 958YaleSta-, NewHaven.Con
Secty, A. C. MacNeal, 207 Park St., New Haven, Conn.
Nu—President, F. C. Shirley, Lincoln University, Lincoln, Pa.
Secretary, Harold Brown, Lincoln University, Lincoln, Pa
Omicron President, A.D. Stevenson,271 Ellis St., Pittsburgh,Pa.
Secretary, J. P. Dancey, 2703 WTylie Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa.
Xi—President, Daniel L Ferguson, 227 18th Ave., Columbus, O Secty, Emmett B Sandors, 398 w 5th Ave., Columbus, O
Pi—President, Daniel D. Fowler, 2213E. 39th St., Cleveland, O.
Secretary, Geo P Hinton, 2191 E 46th St., Cleveland, O
Rho—President, William Gardner, 4026 Sansom St., Phila., Pa.
Secretary, Harry Bouden, 3414 Ludlow St., Phila., Pa.
Sigma—President, James McLendon, Harvard University Law School, Boston, Mass.
Secretary, A. H. Tavernier, Boston University Law School, Boston, Mass.
TH E SPHIN X OF
ALPHA PHI ALPHA
THE OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY
VOL. II. FEBRUARY. 1916. NO. 1
ALPHA CHAPTER
Top row left to right: M H Dorsey, Pres., D M Johnson, H R Wootan, G H Fletcher, P J Rayford, Treas., A P Chippey, Ass Ed., and T H Amos, Jr., Corr Sec Bottom row: V R Daly, W H Seabrook, A J Jackson, Jr., C A McCoy, A I Cassell, O M Waller, and J R Westheimer
TH E EIGHT H ANNUAL CONVENTION
The Eighth Annual Convention was held at the seat of Omicron Chapter, I'ittshurgh, Pa., December 27, 28 and 29, 1915 The sudden notice of the change in the dates of the convention gave rise to the belief that the eighth annual gathering would be deprived of its full quota of representatives, and hence lack the ardor and enthusiasm that have characterized former gatherings It was gratifying to note, however, that, despite the seeming disadvantage, the delegates were, for the most part, on time, and the convention, on the whole, turned out to be one of the best ever held under the auspices of our fraternal organization.
The general officers and delegates to the various Chapters represented were as follows:
General Officers: L L McGee, editor Sphinx; S. D. Sparks, treasurer; II. II. Long, secretary; and A. L. Simpson, vice-president
The Delegates: Alpha, H H Dorsey; Beta, W A Pollard and H E Moore; Gamma, W. A. Hall; Epsilon, L B Lapsley and L Evans; Zeta, Chas A Tribbett; Kappa, D L Ferguson and W. L. Hopkins; Nu, F. C. Shirley and E S Beckham; Omicron, \\ Hanks and A D Stevenson; Xi, A. L. Foster and L. A. McGee; Pi, I F Montgomery and G P Hinton; and Rho, W B Carter ( 'wing to the absence of the General 1'resident, H A Callis, the convention was [(resided over by the Vice-President, A L Simpson, who deserves commendation for the dignified and efficient manner in which he conducted the entire session
Brother Green of Omicron, who represented the president of his Chapter,
made the address of welcome, to which Brother H E Moore of Beta responded.
In the opening remarks of the presiding officer the aims and ideals of the fraternity were well outlined
The reports of the standing committees were followed by the reports of the delegates. The report of each Chapter bespoke a keen sense of the duties and responsibilities incumbent upon us Not only the progress and achievements of each Chapter were with care itemized therein, but to each report was appended a few valuable recommendations, all aiming to the betterment of the body fraternal.
The report of the general officers, which was tendered by Brother A. L. Simpson, was pregnant with noble thoughts and optimism. The report reminded the brothers that though we seem to have stood still with respect to outward development, yet we should feel that the lapse in outward appearance can easily be balanced by our increased interest in the internal working of the fraternity. That a people must often give up their desire to extend themselves in order to make themselves, on the other hand, worthy of extension Although all of our plans have not yet materialized, yet with added vigor and more application they will be realized, and our failure should but serve as stepping stones on the road to success.
The report of the secretary was mi.nute and exact in every particular; as is characteristic of Brother Long, his report showed the thoroughness with which he performed his duties
Treasurer Sparks is worthy of note for his clear and accurate report, which accounted for every penny received during his incumbency.
The work of each officer reflected the
judgment and forethought of the seventh annual convention in its selection of the men who have so well conducted the affairs of the general body Alumni Present at Convention.
The convention was favored with the presence of the following prominent Alpha Phi Alpha Alumni: S R Morsell of Zeta, secretary of the Pittsburgh branch of the Y M C A.; S S Booker of Gamma, secretary of the Baltimore branch of the Y M C A.; Attorney R. L. Vann of Omicroh, local practitioner; Dr Fred H Miller, M.D., of Epsilon, Monnd Bayou, Aliss.; and J C Judgson of Theta Bros Vann and Morsell, in their inspiring addresses, gave many valuable and helpful advices to the brothers. All the Alumni were unanimous in their plea for a stronger band of union between undergraduates and alumni
The Social Side.
The strenuous duties of the convention and the short time within which all were to be transacted, left but little room for social engagements, outside of those scheduled on the program. Omicron is due thanks for the hospitality tendered the convention, especially when the size of the Chapter is taken into consideration. The banquet, which wound up the convention, was exceptionally fraternal in its nature, and everyone parted feeling imbued with a deeper love for Alpha Phi Alpha.
The following officers were elected for the year 1916: President, Brother H H Long; Vice-President, Brother A. L. Simpson; General Secretary, Brother Charles A. Tribbett; Editorin-Chief, Brother W A Pollard
On the invitation of Brother L. L. MeGee, it was decided that the Ninth Annual Convention shall be held on Ikcember 27,28,29 and 30,at the Seat of Gamma Chapter, Richmond, \ a.
IMPORTANT RULINGS AND CHANGES.
No Chapter shall usethe coat of arms of the fraternity on its letter-heads
The office of Editor-in-Chief of the Sphinx was made constitutional
The rap of admission was changed and made mure significant.
An additional Chapter, known as Sigma, was authorized, same to be located at Boston, with Harvard as the center, and to be composed of students from Harvard University Boston University, Tuffs College and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
The time of the Annual Convention was lengthened one day, making it four days, instead of three.
The Sphinx should be regarded as a strictly secret journal; should never be left carelessly on desks or tables; nor should its contents be read by or communicated to any other than members cf Alpha Phi Alpha.
COMMUNICATIONS.
Dear Editor of the Sphinx:
A new administration is starting out upon a new year's task Each year liecomes more important because it brings greater vision, carries us higher in the hierarchy of accomplishment. and entails tasks of a different order and content The progressive sweep calls for unity guaranteed by devotion. Our fraternity is so thoroughly democratic in regard to its members that if it is to continue to succeed, the power of the individual member must be backed by a deep, motivating sense of
msibility which will lead him not only to meet his financial obligations, but to act each day as if the fortune and fate of a half thousand men depended upon his conduct alone.
What we must continue to have is men who, with foresight and control, will distinguish themselves in their circles at least by doing something worth while We must be aristocrats in the benevolent sense of the term. We ought to fear mediocrity and eschew ease and satisfaction.
In the college fraternity work the graduate, alumni and honorary members have an enviable opportunity to inspire, to give vision to, and impress with a sense of responsibility the undergraduate who, pent up with untapped energy, is seeking direction for the spend which must come in time. The graduate and alumni members ought not to wait to be sought, but ought themselves to seek to live to the full usefulness of which they are capable
Finally, let me urge that every member of whatever standing seek to revitalize the delinquent Chapters. Write the members of these Chapters whom you know and encourage them to start anew
Fraternally,
HOWARD LONG, President BIRTH.
We beg to introduce to Alpha Phi Alpha, little Miss Catherine Brown Middleton, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Charles S Middleton Bro Middleton is a graduate of Epsilon, 1912, and is now a successful Physician of Savannah, Georgia.
THE SPHINX
Published Quarterly by the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity
Printed at Washington, D- C
EDITORIAL STAFF
Editor-in-Chief - W. A. Pollard
BUSINESS STAFF
TH E PRINTING COMMITTEE
Editor-in-Chief, Chairman
Ralph J Young (Beta)
J. P. Sampson (Beta)
Subscription - - - $1.00 Year
(This publication is intended for members of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity only)
After nine years of struggle, Alpha Phi Alpha now stands as a living monument of the work of those inspired youths, whose imaginative genius gave birth to an organization which is destined to be so important a factor in shaping the lives of the colored men of this country. Within its encircling folds it envelops not only the chosen few who now sit within the college walls, either as devout pupils or assiduous instructors, but many whose influence is greatly felt in the community in which they labor Even field of endeavor has within its rank members of this body who are to a
great extent rendering effective services in the interest of humanity.
Our onward march, however, has not been without the accustomed misfortunes that attend similar organizations; many have fallen by the wayside, many have strayed from the paths of rectitude, but, like the plant which blooms with more luxuriance after the pruning knife has rid it of its superfluous branches Alpha Phi Alpha seems wim renewed vigor to acquire more strength, to make more progress, when, by design or otherwise, it is rid of any seeming obstacle. The march is always onward, upward.
A true Alpha Phi Alpha man must be proud of the eminence the organization has acquired, of the respect which it commands, and especially must he delight in the influence it ex•rts, for, after all, the true worth of any enterprise must be determined by its ultimate benefit to society.
The torch is kindled, and if fed with proper fuel nothing can impede its progress Within so short a space of time a system of government has been developed that bids fair to equal, if not "ipass, many older organizations in procedure and dispatch of business, as was so well exemplified at the last General Convention The internal cchanism of each Chapter is likewise in itself, a complete whole
To maintain prosperity, however, is often harder than to acquire it, and our attainments and hopes will avail us nothing if we do not unite as one to keep alive the true spirit and lofty ideals embodied in the term Alpha Phi
Alpha Undergraduates, alumni and honorary members should join hand in hand in the promotion of this noble cause. The undergraduates should feel that every noble deed or worthy achievement performed adds another laurel to the crown of Alpha Phi .Alpha, while every untoward act detracts tenfold from her fame and good name. The alumni should feel that their work for the good of the frater nity does not end, but begins with their graduation, and their obligation is always in proportion to their advantages.
There should be no faltering, no cessation, no dissension, but mutual cooperation for the advancement of the common cause, and with hands and hearts united,, the good work begun vill continue to spread until the name of Apha I'hi Alpha shall be known in every clime and her enobling influence felt in every community in which our race is found.
SPECIAL ATTENTION OF THE / "ALUMNI IS DIRECTED TO THIS ARTICLE.
P>re hren:
It has been the experience of the financial committee in other years to find itself handicapped by the shortage of funds to supply the demands of the general organization The sole objeel of he committee this year will be to get and to maintain the organization on a good sound financial working basis, and the energies of that body
will be expended in urging the delinquent brothers to assist in the support of this move
It seems to be the opinion of a great man}' brothers that their financial obligations to Alpha Phi Alpha cease with their passing from the so-called "active circle" into the ranks of the alumni; the Opinion of others seems to be that the life of the general organization is but for the last few days of the year during the sessions of the Annual Convention. The consequence is that the former, thinking they have been exempt, fail to pay any tax at all; while the latter, believing, and rightly, that a dead body needs no nourishment, wait until almost the last hour before making any effort to get their tax in, and then find themselves late Of course, this is only felt by the general administration, which finds itself short of funds, and also by the delegate to the National Convention, who suffers the embarrassment of disfranchisement. To the one it is but necessary to recall the oath of allegiance, and to the other it needs only to be said that a casual reading of the publications of the Sphinx will verify the fact that the general organization is in actual exs ence 365 days of the year
Brothers, the work of the fraternity Tiust go on and is going on, but certainly this can only be through the loyal support of every man of the Alpha Phi ' lpha brotherhood. The grand tax, as f11merly, is two dollars and twentyfive cents ($2.25), one dollar of which s the regular tax to the general organization, one dollar for the subscription to the Sphinx, and twenty-five cents for the reserve fund. With this amount collected from each of our five hundred or more active and alumni members, the organization would be in a position to launch out into a greater
TH E SPHIN X
work in the furtherance of the ideals of Alpha Phi Alpha. Current expenses are going on all the time Perhaps the greatest of these is that incurred by the publication of the Sphinx This publication, unfortunately, is the only medium through which the brothers of our great organization can be kept in touch with one another generally I fence it is indispensible.
The grand tax is due April I, 1916 Alumni, let me appeal to you to assist y< ur Chapter by giving this matter your promp: attention; actives, lei me urge you to do your share in facilitating the task of your Chapter in collecting these taxes; and Chapter officers, let me advise you to get busy a' once, faking a special effort to round up •our alumni and those actives who wil' become alumni this June.
It has been rightly said that the only measure of the interest and loyalty of the individual brother that the general organization has. is the promptness with which he responds to her appeals Let not your name be one of those to be labeled disinterested, unfaithful, or disloyal, but see to it thai your tax gets to your Chapter Treasurer.
By the Financial Committee.
CHAS A TRIBBETT, Chairman
Beta—Howard University.
Alpha Phi Alpha spirit is still run ning high at Beta The Christmas spirit, too, was very much in evidence during the holidays The annual Alpha Phi Alpha Christmas baskel for the poor was placed in the hall of "The
House," to receive the boys' donations, and this year it took two enormous baskets to hold the provisions Then too, several of the boys gave "The House" a magnificent mission daven|i >rt
We entertained more than three hundred and fifty visitors at our annual New Year's Day "At Home." The parlors were tastefully decorated with palms, and the boys' rooms. though very college-like, as many expressed it. were still homelike and attractive The visitors, after having been shown through "The House." were served wi.h refreshments W'c had the pleasure of having Brothel Charles A Tribbett our newly elected General Treasurer of /eta, with us on this occasion, who joined us in entertaining our guests
After the holidays the boys settled down in earnest to prepare for their :ctive examinations The college boys vvere quite successful in their ex aminations, while the Medics did exceedingly well in their "Bone" exam Brother Willard Grinnage led the class with a mark of 120 per cent, and, incidentally, was recently elected captain of the 1916 varsity football team.
Brother Ervin II Lee, interne at Freedmen's Hospital, passed the Maryland State Board; stood third with a general average of 90 per ce.it A I youth fn m Ilarvard made firs! with an average of 94 per cent
Brother E. M. A. Chandler of Beta is doing well at Illinois University, where he has been pledged f ir membership to a very exclusive chemistry fraternity
Brother Louis Russell, formerly of Beta, was recently appointed a- a teacher in the City I[jgh School
TH E SPHIN X
Brother Hunt has given 'The House" a year's subscription to three popular periodicals, for which we arc indeed very grateful
Brother Hill of Nu spent the afternoon of January 29th with us He is manager of the Lincoln [916 football team, and was here negotiating a contracl for the Fall same
At our last regular meeting we were favored with a report of the Annual (''.mention by our junior and senior delegates.
Beta has resolved to strive hard this year to do everything in her power for the glory of Alpha Phi Alpha.
J. P. SAMPSON.
Gamira—Virginia Union University, Richmond, Va.
Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha—Greetings :
First of all, we wish to thank the general Organization through the delegates to the Eighth Annual Convention for besti wing upon Gamma Chapter tb? honor of entertaining the Ninth Annual Convention in Richmond We assure you that it shall be our most persistent effort to see that the delesates and visitors are made as coni' rt b!e as possible at cur university I1 ime.
The report of « ur delegate, Brother \V A Hall, brought to us from Pi ts burgh, told of the excellent work transacted there by the convention, and Gamira is already at work upon every nmendati m made.
Primed by the first semester examinations, the brothers are in fine trim f >r the final spurt. An investigation in the general averages of Alpha Phi Alpha men and non-Alpha Phi Alpha men manifested the superiority of the former in the following instances:
General average of term marks of fraternity men, 78.7 per cent; general average of term marks of non-fraterni y men, 74.1 per cent
General average of fraternity elective 1 men, 88.5 per cent; general average of non-fraternity elective honor men, 82.4 per cent.
Percentage of fraternity elective honor men, 27.2 per cent; percentage of 88 non-fraternity elective honor men, 7.6 per cent
Gamma men not only show superiority over non-frat men in class work and in executive ability in the various organizations of the university, but they also stand in the limelight among the debaters of the College Department. When the two teams were chosen for the Lincoln-Union-Wilberf iree triangular debate, the affiramative team was composed entirely of Alpha I 'hi Alpha men—Bros C S Johnson, C II Thompson and G W C Brown— while Brother V I) Johnston secured the second place on the negative team Fraternity men also, seem to hold a monopoly on positions as teachers, for of thirteen such places on the universi y faculty, only four are held by men who are not members of the fraternity.
Tl e members are now at work, end.cav ri ig to make the second term hear even more success and fame to the Chapter and fraternity than the lirs We are about to enter upon •reparations for a spring initiation, but you may rest assured that all possible care will be taken to prevent the entrance into the sacred portals of Alpha
Phi Alpha all men who do not measure up to the standards of our fraternity.
We are doing our utmost to make the names of our Chapter and of our fraternity respected and revered.
Yours for the furtherance of Alpha Phi Alpha.
G W C BROWX
Epsilon—Ann Arbor, University of Michigan
Our delegates to the convention returned to us filled with new spirit to carry on the work of Alpha Phi Alpha here, hoping that we may make the coming year one of the most successful that we have ever enjoyed
A very valuable addition to our library was made by Brother Oscar W Baker, a leading lawyer of Bay City, Mich., in the form of a Michigan Manual. This manual contains a report of all the Negroes in the State of Michigan, their occupations and progress. The book is published by the Freedmen's Progress Commission, of which Brother Baker is president
Oar semester here is bearing its close, and just now we are in the midsi of our "exams." I am glad to report thai Epsilon is holding her own and ranks with any other fraternity in .he city in scholarship-
Brother J. R. Crossland lias been elected our Chapter Secretary for the coming term, and Brother A. A. Taylor, President
We have some very g.>orl materia! here, and_as we lose quite a number of the brothers in the senior class this year, we expect to have the roll of Alpha Phi Alpha increased in the near future
Fraternally, B. C. STYLES.
Zeta—Yale University
Dear Brothers—Greetings :
Zeta was much gratified to learn that the Convention had found it fit to bestow upon its delegare the high and responsible office of General Treasurer. We shall cer.ainly co-operate with Brother Tribbett to the extent of our power, and feel sure that the action of the Convention will not be regretted.
One of the most elaborate and successful social events of the winter season was a Yuletide recep ion given at the Music School Sett'ement, New York City, on the evening of December 27th, by the Alpha Alumni Chapter of that city, and Zeta. About fif y couples including many visiting brothers, in whose honor the reception was given, and also guests from several nearby States, attended and "tripped he light fastastic toe" to the strains of a lively singing orchestra. During the evening Miss Carabel Cole, accompanied by Mr Rosamond Johnson, gave a splendid exhibition of Greek dances Brother Earley Caple, Zeta, with Miss Grace Lattimer at the piano, sang a pleasing tenor solo Both numbers were very well received.
At midnight a dainty colla'.ion was served by Brother Clark. Dancing was then resumed and lasted until three o'clock. The congenial atmosphere of
the whole affair, coupled with the animated scene of beautiful ladies in striking frocks and gowns and gentlemen in tidy formal dress, made an impression upon those present long to be remembered
Dr I U Porter, honorary member of Zeta, very recently had a miraculous escape from death, when his auto overturned as he was answering a hurried night call Fortunately, he was not seriously hurt and has resumed his office practice. We all wish him a speedy and complete recovery.
Brother Nimrod Allen, '15, has been appointed executive secretary of the Y. M. C. A., at Columbus, Ohio. We wish him the maximum of success, and feel from our knowledge of his sterling qualities that it will be his
Brother Caple has been chosen superintendent of the Sunday School at Immanuel Church. This church boasts of the largest school in the city.
Brother John Anderson, '15, is head of the mathematics department at St Paul's College at Lawrenceville, Va.
Several Zeta men have been asked to take part in "Experience." a moral play to be given by one of the leading churches Last year this church presented "Everywoman" and Zeta men took the leading male parts
Brothers MacNeal and Ilageman have become real scribes. They are representing the "Crisis" and "Guardian" in this section and are trying to educate our people to appreciate good literature.
Brother Tribbett has offered his services to the Elm City Literary Club here and will try to awaken more public interest in this club. Brother Tribbett will also drill the club members in the art of public speaking, argumentation and parliamentary procedure
Already Zeta is making preparations for its annual spring initiation The number of initiatives, though not definitely decided upon, will be small, owing to the lack of good Alpha Phi Alpha "timber."
In closing, I wish to extend to the retiring officers, in behalf of Zeta, our high appreciation of the able manner in which their duties were performed during the past year; and to the incoming officers our sincerest wishes for a successful completion of the duties that now devolve upon them.
Fraternally yours,
J FRANCIS WILLIAMS
Nu—Lincoln University
The approach of Yuletide brought gladness to all members of Nu, and every member left the campus with the exception of Bros Brown and Tildon, the position of the former as Superintendent necessitating his remaining and the latter is in charge of the Library Bros R L Lockett, R T Locke.t,-Creditt, Stewart, Wyatt, and Clark spent their holiday in Philadelphia, where they attended many of the social functions. Bfo. Comegys, unfortunately, was cast into the hands oi Clotho by sickness. Bros; Burton, Aiken, and Cooper enjoyed the respite afforded by the occasion by assisting Bro C M Cain in his work at the Y
M C A in Atlantic City Bro Goss played his usual brilliant game at centre on the basket-ball team, and his work was especially commendable at East Orange, N J Bros Hill and Boulware were ushers at the muchheralded Redding-Locke nuptials on the 29th of December in Baltimore, which received so much comment. The bride is a member of one of the families of the Ethiopian aristocracy of that city. Bros. Dawson and Carpenter spent the holidays in Baltimore, and the other members spent the period at their respective homes
On January 4th the college activities were continued, and, all the brethren having returned, the pendulum of A. P. A. began to swing upward again. Owing to the proximity of the midyears, which are epochs in the Lincoln student life, the brethren contented themselves to wait until after the same to hold their- first meeting. Though the examinations were very difficult, the brethren tied their latent faculties of concentration to the polar star, which guided them successfully through.
The report of our worthy President and Delegate was received at the first meeting, and, aside from the progress of the general organization, Nu was favorably impressed will the renewal of her impression of the advanced aim of A. P. A. After the receiving of the report, the Chapter enjoyed a very elaborate repast
Bro. D. G. Hill, the newly elected football manager for the coming season, is working very assiduously, and with his assistant, Bro T T Tildon, promises to make a brilliant success
Nu extends greeting to all Chapters and trusts that this year will be one of unusual success GEO. BOULWARE.
Pi—Case School of Applied Science
Bros Quinn F Montgomery and George P Hinton were our delegates to the National Convention
Pi is desirous of taking this opportunity to thank our brother Chapters for the confidence placed in us by the election of Bro G P Hinton to the important office of National Secretary.
Bro Montgomery has left to matriculate in the University of Illinois. We are sorry to lose Bro. Montgomery, but feel that he will ably represent Alpha Phi Alpha in this university of the Middle West On February 2d the Chapter held a banquet in honor of Bro. Montgomery. As usual at such gatherings, everyone had a ripping good time
Bro. H. Ardene Leatherman, who is attending Purdue University, spent the holidays in the city, and was able to be present at two very good meetings of the Chapter "Ardie," as he is more familiarly known, has a faculty for bright and happy thoughts. The latest of them is that there should be two departments to our research work In addition to that already provided for in the ritual, he indorses a research committee of which every member attending any college should be a member While at the said institution he would have said committeeman make elaborate and exhaustive notes upon
the merits, defects and general qualities of the various pedagogues with whom he comes in contact, especially with reference to their leaning towards Afro-Americans He thinks that a blue book of such information would be very valuable and very much worth while to our boys in encountering new teachers with whom they are not familiar, Surely this thought would be in considering.
Mr. Thaddeus H. P. Warren, dentist, I.o has been practicing at You vn, has returned to Cleveland.
A G EVANS
Sigma—Harvard University.
To the Editor of Sphinx:
Sigma Chapter, authorized by the last General Convention, is now established at the seat of Harvard University. It is at present made up of the alumni of Zeta, Epsilon, and Beta, who are attending schools in and around Greater Boston
At our first regular meeting the following officers were elected: James AleLondon, president; A A Pope, vice-president; A. H. Tavernier, secretary; E H Crampton, corresponding secretary; W M Clair, treasurer; and L. D. Turner, chaplain.
The Chapter hopes soon to be able to initiate a few select men iiom the schools of Greater Boston The prospects are bright and we trust that within the near future we will be able to shoulder our part of the burden of Alpha Phi Alpha We have a fertile
field and we ask your aid and sympa thetic co-operation E. H. CRAMPTON.
( Alpha Phi Alpha extends a hand of welcome .to its new offspring, and prays that the seedling which sprung up on so fer:ile a field, may implant its roots so deeply in the Eastern soil that it will not only be able t.> wi.hstaid ihemisfortunes of theprevailing storms of adversity-, but be itseif a nucleu around which other plants may spring.)
Rho Chapter—Philadelphia, Pa
Bro. Emile E. Raven, M. D., has recently begun the practice of medicine in Cambridge, Md., and reports great success in his undertaking.
Bro G A Saunders, M D., who completed his internship in the Douglass Hospital last September, has opened an office in Philadelphia, and is making good. He is a lecturer in the Nurses' Training School of the Frederick Douglass Hospital, and Assistant Pathologist to the Hospital.
Bro Adolphus Hodge, an alumnus member of Beta, has recently graduated from the Philadelphia School of Pedagogy with honors, having received the faculty gold medal for submitting the best essay in a competitive contest. He has the distinction of being the only man of color in a large class of white men. We expect soon to see him permanently appointed to Philadelphia's corps of able teachers.
Bro. Russell Nelson of Nu is now attending the University of Pennsyl-
vania, preparatory to the study of medicine in that institution. He has announced his intention of affiliating with Rho
Bro. William Grant of Gamma is now in the post-graduate school of the University of Pennsylvania. He, too, intends to affiliate with Rho.
Bro. Charles A. Lewis, M. 1>., ,of Rho, an alumnus of the tJ. of I'., has the distiac ion of being attached to the Phij ps' Institute (a department of the I of P.) which devotes itself to the study of tuberculosis on an extensive scale, and. as such, is the only man of color receiving a salary from that institution in a scientific capacity.
Our brother. Dr. Lewis, is not yet thirty years of age, and is perhaps better informed on the subject of tuberculosis, and especially tuberculosis among colored people, than any other man of ,,lor in this section of the country. lie lectures extensively along this line on problems of hygiene, sanitation and social service in different cities.
He has ever since the organization of our Chapter been active in advocating our bringing prominent men from different cities to Philadelphia to give lectures and educational talks.
DeHAVEN HINKSON
PERSONALS.
Bro. Grinnage, Beta, is captain of the Howard football team for 1916
Bro Hill of Nu is manager of the Lincoln football team for 1916.
Bro. Nimrod Allen, /eta, '15, has been appointed executive secretary of the Y. M. C. A., at Columbus, Ohio.
Bro Lee, Beta, passed the Maryland Medical Board, with an average of 90 per cent, being third on the list
Bros McCoy, Jackson, Waller and Seabrook, of Alpha, who are the only colored students registered in introductory inorganic chemistry at Cornell University, were all exempted from the final examination.
Of the six speakers selected by Virginia Union University to represent her in the coming triangular debate between Lincoln and Wilberforce Universities, four are Alpha Phi Alpha men. Bros. Johnson, Thompson and Brown comprise the affirmative team. while Bro. Johnston is a member of the negative team.
Bros. Temple and Goodlow, Beta, have been selected to represent Howard University in the coming triangular debate between Fisk and Atlanta Universities.
