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U. of U. Chronicle Year Book 53 amtct Jftbts&tmt JfraternitpHREE years ago, in the days when Utah had no Fraternities.. Professor Byron Cummings, himself an enthusiastic Greek Chapter man, was wont to intersperse his discussions of Greek and Latin declensions with suggestions of our need of such a college organization.The idea was at last taken up by a number of Latin students, Frank Holman, Dan Alexander, Elbert D. Thomas, and others, with the result that good old Amici Fidissimi came into existence, with a charter membership of eight. The fellows met regularly in the Museum building, in a small, stuffy room, barbarously decorated, where they discussed athletics, professors, "co-eds," debates, dramatic news, "cold logic," success in life, and Lit. I.; listened to the "down south" stories of one Hopkins a later indispensable addition; stories good, bad, or neither, but usually refreshingly new; occasionally amused themselves by pursuing a stray reptile that now and then happened in from Doctor Howard's laboratory; ate peanuts and Saratoga chips, and drank their water straight. But withal, be it understood, these gatherings were always decorous, for every tendency toward indulgence in "thou shalt nots," either mild or gross, was crushed in its beginning by those ever watchful and most proper young men, Judd and Carlson, to be regarded in all seriousness as the balance wheel of the Americans.For the sake of convenience in placing responsibility and blame, the institution of presidents was regarded as a necessary evil to be tolerated with patience. Three of these unfortunate ones have thus far filled the office. First came Thomas, dramatic star, former manager of the Chronicle, sometime president of the student body, present representative in the athletic council, etc., etc. Then followed Dan Alexander, too well known through his connection with college debating teams and Junior football elevens to need further introduction. The present occupant of the president's chair is Carlson, he of the brawny arm and logically jointed tongue-beyond a doubt the most valuable acquisition of this surpassingly brilliant coterie.Since the organization of the Fraternity, the membership has increased to twenty-four. As in Addison's imaginary club, the diversity of interests represented adds both variety and difference of opinion and stimulates discussion and dissension. What with Chronicle editors, past, present and future; numerous members of college debating teams, leading lights of the Dramatic Club, 'Varsity U men of both track and gridiron, stars of the famous Junior football team, cub reporters, embryonic pedagogues, and one lone member of the "Foremost Class," it seems imperative that in the near future a taboo be placed on all discussion that is liable to result in breaking either the ties of friendship or the landlord's furniture.Speaking of the landlord reminds us that the Amicians no longer hold their meetings in the "cigar box on edge" in the Museum building. They now rent a small brick cottage clown the street, whither they |
