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Part Two

The Eastern Fraternity was founded by Caleb Wakefield Clark who called to his support Frederick Luther Osgood, Isaac Newton Fox and Alfred Judson Young, all of the class of ‘89.  At the time (March 1889), Clark decided that the local Delta Mu needed organized opposition and formulated the plans that resulted in the organization of a quiz class.  Just before his death (June 13, l914) Doctor Clark; in a letter to Grubbs, Senior Associate Editor, wrote:

OFFICIAL BADGE OF PHI CHI (EAST) 1889-1906

"Phi Chi was not formed for purely social reasons and indeed, my aim and desire to bring about such an organization was primarily to get together and discuss things medical and thus get more out of our college course.  The new fraternity was to be established to give all possible aid in the dissemination of knowledge and information along medical lines and to broaden and uplift the minds of all, as I keenly felt the need of a Society through which we could work and cooperate.”  Contrary to his expectations however, the society remained a local quiz class until 1896 when a number of members from the University of Vermont met in Baltimore.  These agreed to organize a chapter along the lines of the Mother Chapter, asked, and received permission to organize.  Thus, Beta was chartered in the Baltimore Medical College.  In l900 Gamma was chartered in the Maine Medical College under similar circumstances.  In 1902 and 1903, Beta organized Delta and Theta in Baltimore.  These chapters did not have a Grand Chapter, unless the permission of Alpha would constitute Supreme Authority, until 1904 and then only until self-preservation compelled them to.  In 1904 with Kappa and Phi in Washington and Chi in Philadelphia, Curry attempted to gain an entrance into Baltimore.  He found there a fraternity called Phi Chi but without a Grand Chapter and not very closely united.  In his peculiar way, he began operations to enter Baltimore.

He knew it was not expedient to attempt to establish another fraternity of the same name in any of the schools where the Eastern Phi Chi already had chapters, so he began to deal directly with members of that organization.  During that year Phi Chi, East, called a conference of its chapters and organized a Grand Chapter, retaining the name.  Curry pointed out to them that the Southern fraternity was incorporated; the use of the name and seal therefore restricted and they would have to take a new name.  Now, the Eastern boys were as shrewd as Curry and offered to confer on the subject of consolidation with the result that the Eastern organization was absorbed in toto, leaving the matter of badge to be settled by a joint committee.  Alpha, of course, being the oldest chapter remained Alpha but all the other chapters changed their names as per agreement.  The Southern branch retained the executive power and became the largest medical fraternity in America.

1906 

The Tenth Grand Chapter convened in Richmond, Va., in February 1906.  This meeting was the first after the consolidation of the two Phi Chi fraternities and a new spirit and interest appears.  To those who were members of the Grand Chapter in its early days the new order of things did not especially appeal.  The change seemed to be too real when in fact it was only apparent.  Many changes, naturally, took place; new legislation placed new men with new powers at the head and the "old order changeth.”  Future historians will, without a doubt, call this the true beginning of the national life of Phi Chi and will give credit to the men who were active in 1904, 1905 and 1906 conventions.  Grand Presiding Senior, Alfred Henry of Mu, called the meeting to order and delegates from the following chapters answered the roll call: Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon, Zeta, Eta, Theta, Iota, Lambda, Mu, Nu, Xi, Omicron, Pi, Rho, Sigma, Upsilon, Phi, Chi, Psi, Alpha Alpha, Beta Beta, Gamma Gamma, Delta Delta, Theta Theta and Sigma Theta.

Many new resolutions were introduced and passed.  Among the most important were:

Office of Grand Historian (permanent) abolished.
            Pin design changed.
            Advertisements barred from THE QUARTERLY.
            Eleven charters granted.  Five to the eastern branch and six new ones, Tau, Rho, Psi, Upsilon, Sigma Theta and Kappa Alpha Kappa.  This last was a revival of Kappa.

These were the last additions to the chapter roll under the chairmanship of Curry.  This Grand Chapter abolished the Extension Committee and the phenomenal growth of the Fraternity came to a sudden halt.  Only one or two chapters per year were added after this, and those additions were not the result of the work of the men who had charge of extension.

This convention clashed on every resolution and more was offered than at any three before.  It seemed every body had some new scheme they wanted to try.  The Grand Chapter and was thoroughly awake now and argued every time the Executive Committee tried to introduce some new legislation that would really have benefited.  They did not sit idly by and vote yea and nay at the bidding of the "Big Committee” the permanent officers.  A new party came into the councils and although they stirred things up that took four years to adjust, it cannot be said any permanent injury was done the Fraternity.  The law removing Curry was a blunder—indeed, the only blunder the Grand Chapter permitted to be committed in all its history and it was so only because they found nothing to take his place.  The Province Chief system was twenty years too soon.

1907 – 1908 

The Eleventh Grand Chapter convened in New Orleans, January 1, 1907.  It was called to order and presided over by Arthur N. Tasker of Phi, Grand Presiding Junior in absence of Warren Knepp of Theta, Grand Presiding Senior.  No new business except routine and not much of that was transacted.  Newman, late of the Extension Committee, reported the installment of Alpha Theta and David E. Baird, Province Chief of Beta Province, installed Pi Sigma.  The latter and Pi Delta Phi were the only chapters chartered on recommendation of province chiefs and the former did not last long.  Its charter was revoked within two years.

OFFICIAL BADGE OF PHI CHI Adopted in 1907

Theodore B. Pearson, Chairman of the Executive Committee, called the Twelfth Grand Chapter to order in Baltimore, January 1, 1908.  He opened the session by reading his committee's report, saying in part, "From our experience in securing new chapters, the province chief has been far in the rear, the work was done and the result accomplished by alumni members of the fraternity, not on committees.”  Wilson who had carried the business the Fraternity, in its early days, in his vest pocket and knew more about the actual state of affairs said: "The attempt to facilitate extension and aid in the work of organization of chapters by the system of dividing the country into provinces and electing province chiefs has not been as successful as when the work was in the hands of Brother Curry, the former permanent Chairman of the Extension Committee.  All the additions during the past year, except the one in Baltimore (Pi Sigma) have come about through his efforts though not holding an official position in the Fraternity.  It may be too soon to judge, accurately, but your Grand Secretary-Treasurer is of the opinion that the election of some good man as Chairman of the Extension Committee to hold for five years and with power to make his own appointments, will bring about results that will far exceed the scattered efforts of Province Chiefs.  Observation on organization in other lines has made me believe that if you expect results you must put one man in charge of a certain work and hold him responsible for the whole, giving him power to carry out his own plans without hampering him with a lot of red tape.”  And that is axiomatic with said Grand Secretary-Treasurer.  Such objections to the system should have brought about new legislation but there was no one present who cared to take the initiative.  Wilson and Pearson grumbled and complained but neither introduced a resolution calling Curry back.  No one could have taken his place and the historian recalls various attempts to persuade some delegate to take the matter up, but failed.  The spirit of extension was dead.  The East had introduced the system to assure themselves of a large official family they then believed the Southern Grand Chapter would not give them a square deal.  Hibbitt and Koontz were absent and so the system remained.  All these objections should have been apparent in 1906 but everybody was so enthusiastic and the system looked good and sounded good so, of course, they could see nothing but good in it, especially since the eastern boys, who recently came into the Fraternity, espoused it.  Viewing the 1906 session with more mature eyes, the desire to rid the official board of permanent officers was the cause of all the trouble.  Anything to get rid of life tenure.  In fraternities, it becomes almost a necessity to have long-term officers.  The changing of addresses of important offices causes confusion and the organization must necessarily suffer.  Phi Chi did nothing under the system of electing new officers every year.  It was chaos.  The Secretary of last year would receive an important communication and take no notice of it—not even forward it to the new officer and so things went from bad to worse.  Immediately after making Grand Secretary-Treasurer Wilson permanent the Fraternity began to improve, records were kept, and the members knew where to write to receive information and the business of the Grand Chapter was conducted on an efficient basis.  In one instance, the pendulum swung too far but that was easily remedied.  The officer was removed and the office consolidated with another.  The 1906 Grand Chapter removed the Grand Historian and abolished his office too and all his records, thereby preventing the Fraternity from ever publishing a complete directory.  They abolished but did not create.  They had nothing to offer—everything was patchwork.  In New Orleans, they played at Grand Chapter; in Baltimore, the first attempts were made to reconstruct.  First, Wilson presented a new constitution in conformity with the Articles of Incorporation of Kentucky.  The Executive Committee was abolished and the Executive Trustees created.  This new Executive Committee was composed of the three officers and two members elected by each convention.  That gave the board one experienced officer (Grand Secretary-Treasurer) and an opportunity to elect four new members each year.  However, there was nothing to prevent the reelection of the members each year except the Grand Presiding Senior and Grand Presiding Junior.  This was more business-like but placed all the executive authority in the hands of the Grand Secretary-Treasurer and that officer as permanent.  However, conditions were so at this time, the delegates saw it was imperative that a one-man power was the only solution.  The new badge adopted New Orleans and the seal using design were patented by the Grand Secretary-Treasurer.  The sacred province system of the Eastern section was retained in spite of the objections.  Pearson’s term of office expired, and as the Executive Committee through which he had come to be the presiding officer of this convention was abolished, it seemed his service to the Fraternity terminated.  By resolution, he appointed a Directory Committee with Ross B. Trigg of Xi, Chairman, and Harold E. Amoss of Phi to positively issue the directory according to plans submitted by Trigg.

MEMBERSHIP CARD SHOWING OFFICIAL SEAL ADOPTED IN 1907

Charles D. Humes of Mu, who was to secure many years in the Grand Chapter on the Executive Trustees, was introduced in this convention.  He served on a number of committees and made an impression that has lasted all these years.

The Chapter House fund of earlier years and sacred memory came up again and was decapitated.  The money accumulated, about $300, was passed to the general fund and sic transit gloria Grand Chapter House—the most fanciful idea ever entertained by any fraternity.

 The selection of the city for the Thirteenth Convention brought on a spirited contest; Chicago, Louisville and Atlanta extended the invitation.  This brought into prominence A. B. Elkin of Sigma who came armed with letters from the Governor, the Mayor, the Commercial club and the Faculty of the two medical colleges.  Upsilon united with Elkin and with Arch’s persuasive personality and ten-cent cigars, Atlanta won.  He was elected Province Chief.  Hibbitt, the junior member of the Executive Committee, was transferred to the Executive Trustees with Newman; Pearson was elected to succeed Newman as Associate Editor and served seven years before succeeding in issuing the Directory.

1908 – 1909 

The Thirteenth Convention convened December 31, 1908, in Atlanta, with David E. Baird, Grand Presiding Senior, in the chair.  This session found the Fraternity convalescent from its experiences of the last few years.  It was prosperous, the chapters united, its fame universal, finances in excellent condition, its official publication ably edited and its officers and members one in the idea to advance the Fraternity to the pinnacle of professional fraternalism.

Although the inadequacy of the province system was recognized, this Grand Chapter found nothing to substitute; so contented itself in merely condemning it.  The last permanency was abolished.  The Eighth Grand Chapter made Wilson permanent because it had to or permit the Grand Chapter to crumble.  The membership of today may smile at that statement, but they do not know what it means to not know who the Grand Officers are, where they are or when the next convention is to meet; they do not know what it means to write requesting information and wait and wait for a reply and receive none.  They do not know what it mean to attempt to purchase a pin, obtain a ritual or constitution and not receive a reply.  “Was it as bad as that?”  Worse!  The question of permanency is a question of men, anyway.  Of course, a good man can be reelected each year—but he is not, and very often must give up his office when he is in the midst of very important work.  In addition, if he knows he must stand for reelection each year, he does not venture into a labor he knows cannot be completed in that time.  The same idea was in mind when the Historian was made permanent.  We do not defend life tenure but it is a duty to explain why the Southern fraternity had so many permanencies.  A five-year term is sufficient and reelection proper if the officer is efficient.  The necessity of a permanent central office is obvious to any one who has given the matter thought.  Some fraternities maintain decennial secretaries for the same reason.

Wilson introduced the resolution asking that the office of Grand Secretary-Treasurer be reduced to a five-year term.  To not embarrass the Convention, he resigned.  After the Constitution was amended, he was reelected for the first term.

The Directory Committee appointed in Baltimore was continued and the Editor-in-Chief instructed to use the July QUARTERLY as a directory until sufficient material could be collected for a permanent book.  It will be recalled that the Richmond Convention abolished the Historian’s office.  Since then no records were kept except a list of names used as the mailing list by the Grand Secretary-Treasurer.  Trigg was Chairman of the Directory Committee but it did not differ any from its predecessors.  They all accomplished the same thing.  The first attempt to make the editor a long-term officer was made in this convention.  The old law—“not present, no election”—weighed heavily on Koontz, for usually at the time of convention something happened that caused him to either neglect his work or lose his editorship.  He was very popular with the Grand Chapter members and rather than lose his services, that section of the Constitution was interpreted to apply only to the Grand Presiding Senior, Grand Presiding Junior, and Grand Secretary-Treasurer.  This would, if necessary permit the Grand Chapter to reelect Koontz Editor-in-chief although he was not present.  Accordingly, Pearson was reelected Associate Editor by this convention although he was not in attendance.  The pro rata system was added to the Constitution.  This was introduced by Hibbitt and was the most important legislation enacted since the Ninth Convention in Indianapolis.  The law compelled the chapters to send a delegate and pay his expenses pro rata.  If a chapter did not send a delegate it was assessed the same amount as those who were represented.  Up to this time, the Grand Secretary Treasurer spent the last three months of each year coaxing and urging the chapters to send a delegate, but they heeded him if it pleased them or if they had a member who wanted to go and pay his own expenses.  Hibbitt had been talking pro rata since 1905 and did much missionary work before he finally succeeded in getting it past the Resolution Committee.

There is no question in the minds of the Grand Chapter now concerning its advantage, but much opposition developed every time it suggested, as is the case even now when new laws involving money are introduced.  Humes was elected Grand Presiding Senior and Elkin Chairman of the Executive Trustees.  Humes took his office seriously and worked as diligently as Grand Presiding Senior as when on the Executive Trustees where he served until 1914.  His hobby was to educate the chapters in official procedure.  When he appeared on the floor, a box file of records accompanied him and his remarks always were directed to the lack of understanding of the chapter officials in official correspondence.

The Fourteenth Convention was called to order by Charles D. Humes.  December 30, 1909, in Chicago.

The province system received its deathblow, finally, and two committees were created to attend to extension—the National Committee and the Western; the former to have three members, the latter, two.  This return to methods of six years before has brought about no special activity in the way of extension.  The last two chapters that have been chartered were the result of efforts of members having no official standing on the committees.  Sigma Upsilon and Iota Pi were admitted through the activity of Grubbs.  There seems to be no more Curry's and perhaps it is just as well.  The fraternity has chapters in most of the large universities and so well placed that certain chapters in the locality, where we may desire to have chapters, can organize and install them better than any committee.  In fact, the petitioning should be a matter for the petitioners, not the Fraternity.  It was very well in the early years but at present, it would be well to organize the Fraternity on more modern lines.  However, three or four medical colleges remain where were we would care to enter.

The Directory came up again—for the fourteenth time, and a delegate found who really tried to compile and issue a directory.  He was appointed in Baltimore as a member of the Committee—this year he was made the chairman with power to appoint any assistants he might require.  It was confidently expected that the Directory would appear in 1911 but Amoss was not to be rewarded for his zeal in this work.  Nevertheless, he assumed the ungrateful burden of collecting the material not realizing that he could not repair the damage done the records in 1906 or replace the loss between then and 1910.  The members, although clamoring for a directory, did not respond as cheerfully as they voted; and the consequence was, that like all former Committees, this one was doomed to failure from the beginning.  The same idea as was prevalent when THE QUARTERLY was founded was the cause of it.  They expected the alumni to respond with subscriptions.  They forgot that not until the Grand Chapter took THE QUARTERLY under its financial wing, assessing the active members for it, was it possible to issue THE QUARTERLY and maintain it.  It seems strange that Wilson did not profit from the experience of six years before.  Perhaps he did, but the committees would not heed his advice.  So it became necessary to enact more laws to that end and, like THE QUARTERLY, the same thing happened.  After the first issue, a new assessment in the form of a tax had to be levied before anything like a real reference directory could be issued.  Amoss received 1,035 history blanks from 3,500 mailed and not a subscription.  That meant only one-third of the membership could be accounted for.  However, there were more than 3,500 members at that time.  In 1906, Hays reported 885 alumni and 385 actives.  In 1912, there were 1,129 actives alone.  Where the rest were was the labor of the Directory Committee.  There must have been over 5,200.  The story of the Directory reads like a romance or tragedy--depends on the viewpoint.

This convention witnessed the passing of Frederick Luther Koontz, for five years Editor-in-chief of THE QUARTERLY.  He was called to the editorship by Wilson in 1905 when the publication "wobbled" considerably and Wilson was exerting every ounce of energy to restore the Grand Chapter.  With Curry as extension man, it was necessary to maintain the official publication at all costs.  Advertisements wrung from unwilling advertisers through the Grand Secretary-Treasurer, arguments and the vain hope that Alumni would finally come to his rescue, did not prevent his keen judgment from realizing that something had to be done if THE QUARTERLY was to be kept alive.  When his Editor-in-chief, discouraged and disgusted, resigned, it was up to him.  He knew his office had all it could comfortably take care of; he knew the Fraternity needed that publication.  Koontz was a member of the new Alumni Association recently organized and which, by the way, brought Abell and Hibbitt back from the "long ago" and gave Pearson the first idea that he liked Grand Chapter work.  It was a crisis when Wilson persuaded Abell, Hibbitt, Koontz and Pearson to attend the Indianapolis Convention in 1905.  Koontz took charge and made a great book.  For a few years, THE QUARTERLY left nothing to be desired, although the editor had his troubles about material.  Often the issues would be two months late.  During 1909, through enforced absence from his desk due to illness and professional duties, Koontz was unable to attend to the enormous correspondence necessary to remind chapter editors that material is due.  Through the thoughtlessness and indifference of the chapters, discouraged by repeated failures and, unable to overcome the tardiness of the issues, he resigned because he could not be present in Chicago.  His determination to leave the Grand Chapter was a source of great regret to the officers and the active fraternity.  But the time had come, as it will to all Grand Chapter officers, when the profession calls more insistently than can be resisted and, unable to convince himself that he could remedy the situation if he would, Koontz felt "he was compelled to resign with many regrets but confident that he had placed THE QUARTERLY where his successor could easily assume charge.”

Elkin was elected to succeed him, but in spite of a few years’ experience as a newspaper correspondent he did not find the task as easy as Koontz had intimated.  Profiting from experience as Chairman of the Executive Trustees, he introduced a resolution making chapter letters compulsory.  In the event of failure, the resolution stated that a fine "may" be imposed.  As no authority was given to the editor and no mention made of who was to impose the fine, the editor did not profit much from this law.  Consequently, Elkin had his hands full and his chapter correspondence department empty.  In July, to keep his promise to remedy the belated issues, he was compelled to appear with a 32 per cent chapter letter department.  The situation had not changed.  Three Editors-in-chief found the same condition and the indifference in the chapters to the official publication continued.

1910 - 1911

The Fifteenth Convention met at home after six years.  Lorenzo F. Luckie, the author of "Doodle," called the session to order December 28, 1910.  No new legislation that directly affected the Fraternity was placed on the law books.  It was a homecoming convention and was the greatest social convention Phi Chi ever held.  Think of being entertained by too hundred alumni and having your gray-haired professors at your banquet—acting as freshmen!  The Grand Secretary-Treasurer, owing to the increased business of his office, was permitted to appoint an official stenographer.  Mrs. Wilson, who had acted in this capacity unofficially since 1905, was appointed and allowed a salary.  At this time, the Grand Secretary-Treasurers office conducted all the business of the Fraternity, including the mailing of THE QUARTERLY and filing of history cards.  The Chairman of the Directory Committee was absent, and the directory work went over for the next year.  Amoss complained that the members of the committee would not assist him in any way and that he was unable to obtain sufficient data for a directory.  Same old storey!  Is it not strange—this indifference and lack of cooperation with the officers who offered to complete certain work that the chapters practically demanded?  Only too readily do we find criticism and condemnation if the work is not done—no indifference is exhibited in that respect.  Amoss deserved better assistance than the chapter secretaries gave him.  The same may be said of the other directory chiefs.

A new Editor-in-chief and associate were elected to succeed Elkin and Elkin was made a life member of the Grand Chapter with Koontz.

Pearson and Grubbs immediately began a campaign to interest the chapters in the correspondence department, which had caused the other editors so much trouble, and assumed control of the mailing list, another source of irritation.  After many years, the chapters have at last taken interest in the official publication and it is seldom that not all chapters are represented in THE QUARTERLY.

The Sixteenth Convention met in Indianapolis and like the Ninth completed the work left unfinished by the Louisville convention.  J. Addison Price of Sigma, Grand Presiding Junior, called the Convention to order December 29, 1911.  All the chapters were represented.  Most of the legislation was in interest of the publication office.  This branch of the Fraternity had been permitted to drift along without any help from the Grand Chapter, but when the attention of the Convention was called to THE QUARTERLY, as it had been in the two previous conventions, it was not a difficult matter to interest the delegates in new legislation.  The new laws placed the responsibility of publishing and mailing THE QUARTERLY where it properly belonged—on the Editor-in-chief; permitted him to accept subscriptions at reduced rates from the Alumni; established rates for 5 and 10 year and life subscriptions and ordered a preliminary Directory published in August 1912.  The Editor, concerning the Directory, was permitted to appoint his Directory Committee and the labor begun then was crowed in the issue of the 1915 Directory.

T. Elmer Grubbs of Pi Delta Phi was elected Associate Editor to succeed Pearson in 1910 by the fifteenth convention.  Moreover, by this election, the Grand Chapter gave the editor assistance without which it would have been almost impossible to do the work that has been done in the last five years by THE QUARTERLY, particularly that part assumed in Indianapolis.  Without remuneration, with a faculty to trace lost members and delighting in details, he comes very nearly imitating Curry.  In 1912 he transferred Pi Delta Phi to Berkeley from Los Angeles, rebuilt his chapter until today it is one of the most powerful chapters on the coast, in any fraternity.  He founded Sigma Upsilon in Stanford, Beta in Oregon and was instrumental in chartering Delta in Boston, Gamma in Columbus and Alpha Beta in Memphis.

After Indianapolis, things began to happen throughout the Fraternity.  Everybody seemed to want to help issue the Directory and gave all the information available.  A few offered to help in compilation; among these was the late Cornelius C. Donovan of Upsilon Pi, who so successfully entertained the Grand Chapter in 1912.  He assumed the task of listing all the Eastern members, especially those of Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington.  Many of the Eastern Phi Chis were in the list.  He reported 1,100 new members—all of whom were verified in the A.M.A. Directory.  With Amoss’ list (1,035) 2,400 members were accounted for.  At this period of the work, Wilson gathered all the old history records in his office and with many old minute books, these provided the missing links.  In August, the Directory appeared with 5,200 named 25 per cent of which could not be located owing to many errors in the records.  The cost was out of proportion to the service rendered as only one list (alphabetical) was issued.  The Editor then realized that to issue a Directory a special fund would be required and would cost over $1,000.  To obtain this fund, advertising was resorted to with the result of receiving two subscriptions—$3.00!

1912 - 1913

MEMBERSHIP CARD SHOWING OFFICIAL COAT-OF-ARMS ADOPTED IN 1913

The Seventeenth Convention was another social function.  The four Philadelphia chapters entertained the delegates in royal style.  Consequently, little work was done for the improvement of the Fraternity.  The constitution work initiated by the late Roy Burnett was taken up, but since Burnett died before his work was completed, the attempt to follow his plans proved a failure.  Consequently, the Executive Trustees met in executive session a day before the Eighteenth Convention in St. Louis and drafted a constitution that was adopted as submitted.

The Eighteenth Convention was called to order by A. B. Elkin, December 29, 1913.  The unrest and many suggestions reached their climax with the result that many new laws were passed.  It seems there is little left to be desired in the matter of laws although many new suggestions are being indulged in by the chapters.  Among the many laws introduced the following; were adopted:

The QPGS law that requires that an initiate must pay $3.00 before initiation for a five-year subscription to THE QUARTERLY.  The subscription begins upon his graduation or withdrawal from college.  This was introduced by Ralph E. Duncan of Phi Sigma and was a great improvement over the plan advanced by Pearson a year before when the latter urged the chapters to compel the seniors to subscribe before graduation.

OFFICIAL PENNANT Adopted in 1913

The Directory Tax law was Duncan's idea and has made it possible to issue the Directory and Supplements upon a true business basis and at the same time does not overtax the chapters.  This law is a fixed charge against the chapters based on their per capita; the amount of fifty cents per capita being levied aside from permitting the Fraternity to issue its first directory, it creates an interest among the alumni and chapters—an interest that was sadly lacking and still leaves much to be desired.  The coat-of-arms, an official pennant and membership cards were provided for; the Editor placed in absolute authority in the matter of THE QUARTERLY and Directory insofar as his staff is concerned, and enforcement of the laws directly pertaining to the publications and their efficiency.  The biennial session was seriously considered but defeated.  The only reason seemingly for the defeat was the desire to not interfere with the proposed convention in San Francisco in 1915.

1914

The Nineteenth Convention was called to order by Dunning S. Wilson in Richmond, Va., December 29, 1914.  It was poorly attended.  Eight chapters and all the Grand Officers except the Grand Secretary-Treasurer and the Editor were absent.  Nothing of vital importance was transacted.

The coat-of-arms was adopted as submitted by the designer, Chapter Inspection and Uniform System of Accounting Committee appointed to carefully consider Duncan's system as outlined before the Eighteenth Convention: the biennial session seriously considered but tabled again and minor amendments added to the Constitution.  The delegates present were of the opinion that the "well enough alone" policy was a very good one to follow and thus permitted the Grand Chapter without interference to perfect the system under which they have been working since the St. Louis Convention.  It is to be hoped that there will be less tampering with the Constitution especially in the matter of useless resolution, as in former years.

1915 - 1920

The five years from 1915 to 1920 inclusive add very little to the history of the Fraternity but during those years the First Epoch closed with the Twentieth Convention in Galv­eston and the Second Epoch opened in Baltimore in 1919.

When Wilson yielded the gavel to Sherman in Richmond, none present at that convention had any premonition of the events which were to change the course of Phi Chi. Just as in 1906, Phi Chi on the crest of a wave of unbounded success, received a "set back" in Richmond—so, again in 1914, Phi Chi at an ebb was to receive new life.  The causes are far to seek.  One is never sure of assertions when tinged with personal observation only.  No doubt, few have given much thought to these five years crowded as they were by other events.  No two present in the 1914 and 1916 conventions would agree on the causes of the revolution in Phi Chi.  The listing of events is calm enough but the comparison immediately brings difference to light.

The Richmond Convention was only an echo of St. Louis and approved the 18^th’s actions by accepting the completed work, i.e., the coat-of-arms and granting more time and money for the Directory, which was to appear in 1915.  It indorsed the USCA as presented by Duncan in St. Louis and created a committee to draft plans for chapter inspections.  It selected a place for the next convention and the action was repudiated by the chapters.  This was the first referendum in Phi Chi and the chapters sustained the Officers, as well they should have done.  The lack of interest in December 1914, would not have improved in August 1915—the proposed date for the Twentieth Convention in San Francisco, nor would the finance of the chapters have shown any difference from six months before.  Chapter finances were in a deplorable state—hardly more than ten chapters having a surplus in their treasury.  The deficits were appalling and yet the delegates proposed to send the chapters all in one direction and compel them to meet a $100 pro rata when just six months before they did not pay $50.  This all had a bearing on the events that followed during 1915 and 1916.  There was no convention in 1915 and the chapters, some, not many, and guided by impetuous officers created the delicate situation that in Galveston swept everything off the foundations within one hour after the Convention convened.

The Executive Trustees did the best thing for the Fraternity when they asked for a referendum within sixty days after the Convention, but the chapter affected by the adverse vote never forgave them.  When the moment arrived to select the chapter to entertain the Twentieth Convention another schism was created and those chapters affected joined forces with the others.  This was but the spark.  It must not be assumed that a squabble over a convention was THE cause of unrest—it merely gave the malcontents a meeting point.  There were many, many things--the main cause being the financial chaos in the chapters.  The members blamed the chapter officers and they, unable to defend themselves, seemingly, blamed the Executive Trustees who were the most innocent of all.  Unrest and the immutable law were the chief causes of bringing the First Epoch to so dramatic a close.

For years, the chapters clamored for many necessary things they lacked, but when the Grand Officers presented the laws in convention with the very necessary clause appropriating money to make the law effective the delegates defeated them.  When a law was enacted, no authority was delegated for its enforcement.  Thus from year to year little rifts were made in the flute of harmony between the officers and the chapters.  In 1915 and 1916, things smoldering for many years found a draught with the consequence that the conflagration scorched quite a few.

In November 1915, the long heralded Directory appeared and was greeted by a wave of enthusiasm by the chapters, many members of which for the first time learned anything definite concerning the Fraternity.  The first Directory was the result of four years work by Dr. T. Elmer Grubbs and Dr. T. B. Pearson.  In 1910, these two editors asked the Fraternity that they would issue the Directory as soon as funds were available.  In 1911, Grubbs absent, Pearson proposed a plan to the Indianapolis Convention which was adopted.  The plan was to give the Editor-in-chief absolute control of the publications and require all committees that were collecting data for a directory to forward the same to the publications office.  This was done early in 1912.  In August of that year, an alphabetical list was issued which showed the Fraternity for the first time the chaos existing in the records of the members.  The issue cost as much as three issues of THE QUARTERLY and created a deficit unforeseen.  In 1913, the editors called for subscriptions and begged for the creation of a fund for the Directory at the same time waging a war of propaganda for the very things the chapters wanted.  In 1913, unexpected aid came from the Chicago chapters, particularly Phi Sigma.  Their alternate representative presented two plans, which were adopted.  These were the QPGS and the Directory Tax.  In 1914, the collections from the QPGS and DT showed that within a year at least $3,000 would be available and that during 1915 the Directory could appear.  From October 1896 to 1915, nearly twenty years, the Fraternity asked its officers to produce for a pittance a work, which cost $3,000 when complete!  What a commentary on fraternity legislation!  They asked committee after committee and Grand Historian after Grand Historian to compile and publish the Directory for the honor that was in it and would not supply the funds to purchase files and necessary equipment.  They asked the Grand Secretary-Treasurer to conduct the fraternity's business for practically nothing; likewise, the Editors-in-chief and—they did it.  Who shall say anything but good of the men of the First Epoch in Phi Chi!  They gave and gave but without tangible result because they could not create out of nothing the material things it required to produce the things the membership wanted.  Where was the error?  In the lack of foresight in the matter of financial support of the department.  THE QUARTERLY was created without an appropriation—two years later $1.00 per member was charged; the work of the Grand Secretary-Treasurer was increased and no provision made for extra expense in paper and postage for the reports required: the Directory was created and it was to be issued for 25 cents per copy—5,000 names with photographs and life histories!  Were the officers to blame?  Perhaps.  It depends on the viewpoint.  The officers from 1902 to 1916 always hesitated to ask for more money through natural prejudices.  They expected the delegates to see the need for these things.  A favorite expression of the Grand Secretary-Treasurer, whenever a new law was enacted without the financial clause, was "Where's the money coming from?”  There was no answer and there was no result, either.  Not until 1915 and 1916 did the Fraternity see the need of financial support.  They have made up in the following years for the failure of their predecessors to “pay as cheerfully as they voted.”  The slogan when a new law is proposed now is "How much are you for it."

In 1916, things dragged along.  The Editors were busy with the Directory corrections and the other members of the official family called to service and sent to the border.

The local prejudice and disturbances found their way out of the chapters and found willing listeners in many sympathetic coteries.  From West and North and Middle West the lack of harmony was evident and so when the colleges opened for the 1916-17 session the chapters were ready to listen to any kind of propaganda, which promised a change.  The discontent was evident more in the chapter letters than in anything else but the Grand Chapter Offices were in charge of the official stenographer and nothing was done to check the criticism.  It was an easy matter to lead the delegate from fault finding to open rebellion and this actually happened.

The delegates who could responded to the invitation “Galveston via K. C.” issued by Kappa Upsilon the baby chapter of the Fraternity.  In Kansas City the delegates met a great welcome in charge of the K. C. Alumni Association of which Ralph E. Duncan was the head.  Twenty-two delegates met in banquet and proceeded ­via special car to Ft. Worth where Xi entertained again.  After one day in the latter city the delegation, augmented by the members from Xi and Lee Rice who came up from Galveston to meet them, proceeded to the convention city--over six hours late.  As the majority of the delegates were in this party, the Grand Chapter could not meet.  All chapters but Sigma, Theta and Kappa were present and again as in Richmond, only three Grand Chapter Officers answered the roll, Drs. R. Stanton Sherman, Dunning S. Wilson and Theodore Pearson.  Doctor Hibbitt was in El Paso and could not obtain leave of absence and the Grand Presiding Junior has not heard from.

The Grand Presiding Senior called the Twentieth Convention to order at 2:15 p.m. and after hearing reports, the Grand Chapter opened for business.  More resolutions were introduced in this convention than any three before—the actual number being thirty-six.  This meant thirty-six changes in the laws of Phi Chi not counting the amending of the Constitution!

OFFICIAL FLAG Adopted in 1916

In addition to the New Constitution and Ritual, the following were the most important:

USCA established; Central Office created by consolidation of Grand Secretary-Treasurer and Editor's office; adoption of official flag; new pro rata law; increase in Grand Chapter revenues; provisions for District Conventions and adoption of biennial sessions for the Grand Chapter.

In many respects, the Twentieth Convention was a revolution that swept away all the old methods and all the personal except the Editor-in-chief.  When the Grand Chapter adjourned, everything was different than in former years.  The stability of the Trustees, questionable—petty personal differences began to make their appearance and all in all everything looked as gloomy as the international situation at that time.  The task of the new Trustees, who had promised to restore harmony and give the chapters all the Convention had demanded, was no easy one.  Indeed, if the spirit of compromise had not prevailed and the officers as big of heart as they were—giving and taking, it is to be doubted if the Fraternity could have weathered the three years which intervened between the twentieth and twenty-first conventions.  The new Trustees who succeeded the old regime were Ralph E. Duncan, Phi Sigma, Grand Presiding Senior; E. Lee Rice, Zeta Grand Presiding Junior; Murl E. Fulk, Mu, Grand Treasurer; Eben J. Carey, Chairman; and T. B. Pearson, Grand Secretary.

Immediately after their election, a special meeting was called in Galveston.  This revealed how far apart the Trustees were in the matter of policy.  Fortunately, Carey was of a very stable nature and would not be moved from the opinion he had formed during the Convention.  During February 1917, he had made up his mind what he wished to perform and ordered the Grand Secretary to proceed to fulfill the will of the Convention, as he interpreted it.  In December 1917, the new constitution was tentatively adopted by The Committee on Constitution and submitted to the chapters.  The experimental laws proved to be, with one or two exceptions, acceptable to the chapters and therefore the Chairman ordered The Central Office of Phi Chi established.

In July 1918, Duncan and Carey met in Chicago and formed the plans for the War Cabinet of Phi Chi to carry on the work of the Fraternity during the absence of the officers in the service.  In September, the War Cabinet was established with Pearson its Executive Officer.  At that time things looked extremely "blue" to say the least.  Duncan was in the Navy and in line for sea duty; Rice had resigned as Grand Presiding Junior as he was ordered to England: Fulk was in the Navy and ordered to sea; Carey designated as essential to the teaching of medicine in Omaha--Creighton University; Pearson, Chairman of the Local Board in his county and ready to accept a commission in the Army.  Carey decided that The Central Office of Phi Chi must remain in action and in close touch with the chapters—Duncan was of the same opinion and between them they established the Central Office on the bureau basis—provided they could keep Pearson out of the Army.  The Provost Marshal General settled the matter for them.

The Central Office of Phi Chi is established as follows:

The Executive Trustees.
            The Bureau of Administration.
            The Bureau of Finance.
            The Bureau of Publication.

All these Bureaus are under the direct charge of the Grand Secretary who is executive officer of the Fraternity; he has immediate charge of collections and disbursements and is Editor-in-chief of the publications.  The Chairman of Trustees is the official head of the Administrative Bureau; the Grand Presiding Senior, the Chairman and the Grand Secretary jointly are responsible for the Bureau of Finance—the balance of the work is performed by the other Trustees whenever help is required.  The Chairman naturally being the President of the Board of Directors, as it were.

Acting under the orders of the War Cabinet, Pearson began at once to place into action the theories of the three officers named and purchased the necessary equipment to conduct the business of the Fraternity.

The condition of the Fraternity, as shown by the reports of the Twenty-first Convention in Baltimore (1919), justified the pride these men took in the work they had accomplished and it is with elation, indeed, the Historian records that the Grand Chapter reelected Carey and Duncan to the offices they so faithfully administered during the years 1917-18-19 and indorsed the work of the Grand Secretary.

The Baltimore Convention (21^st) in 1919 was the most successful convention the Grand Chapter ever held and although it did nothing but indorse the work of the War Cabinet and approve its plans for the future, it was readily seen by the delegates and the Fraternity that as now organized Phi Chi has an opportunity not often given medical fraternities.

Since 1918 the following chapters have been installed—Upsilon Zeta, Upsilon Iota, Kappa Rho, Delta Pi, Kappa Chi and Kappa Phi.  Two have lapsed—Epsilon and Lambda Rho.

The first Phi Chi Directory made its appearance at the end of the First Epoch in Phi Chi.  The second made its appearance at the beginning of another epoch.  The Historian may record many great things for the Fraternity in the years to come but we doubt if he will record the names of greater or better Phi Chis than those who for twenty years held the standard high and carried it across uncharted a fraternal seas to the Promised Land of Security and Honor.  No matter what the future holds for Phi Chi the Last of the Old Regimes, its chronicler, pleads with the New Phi Chi to not forget the names chiseled on its Alter.  Some have entered the Chapter Eternal—others still labor in the Field of Medicine—some seem to have forgotten the Fraternity.  However, if in the Chapter Eternal wear for them the White Carnation on November l5th and if they live, invite them to your banquet on Founders Day, February 26th.

The New Epoch of Phi Chi owes all it possesses to that old regime which began its labors in 1903 when it established the PHI CHI QUARTERLY and laid down its burden when conditions became intolerable.  The times change and we change with them, new policies bring new men and better methods of administration but the newer methods of efficiency while they increase the surplus—finance elaborate publications and make the Fraternity a great militant body of brothers, cannot and will not improve that good old Phi Chi spirit which shines as lustrous as the rising sun whenever Phi Chis meet in convention and memories of “the good old days" come crowding thick and fast.

The New Epoch has much to look forward to and the old regime has left it many tender memories.  If the Fraternity can avoid the shoals and breakers which have been charted in heartaches and heart breaks and bitter disappointments--there is no doubt but that the dreams of Koontz, Wilson, Hibbitt and Pearson will yet come true, and Phi Chi built on the foundations laid by these men become what they always hoped it would be—a leader in fraternity circles.