THE FRATERNITY SITUATION

In the January number of the ALUMNI MAGAZINE, the position of the fraternities in regard to chinning rules for the next season was discussed. The active and graduate members of the local chapters had arrived at a few definite agreements, the most important of which was that no student should be initiated who had not twelve semester hours' official credit for work done in Dartmouth College. During the late winter and early spring matters have been moving on toward a further settlement of difficulties. A constitution for the Interfraternity Council, was drawn up and adopted by the fraternities. The next important matter to be decided was the date at which pledging should take place. As in the earlier discussion the fraternities at once divided into two camps, those advocating the long season and those preferring a short one. One article of the new constitution of the Council provides that when two-thirds of the fraternities subscribing decide any question it shall be binding on all. In the vote on the date of pledging, twelve fraternities voted for a short season and six for a longer one, thus making this regulation binding on all. The date decided upon for next fall was September 28, the Saturday of the week following the opening of College. This, of course, refers only to pledging, as the regulation prohibits ing the initiation of men before they have a credit of at least twelve hours is still in force. Apparently this will be the system in force next year. It is expected that this plan will result in the pledging of a considerable number of men on September 28, after which date the delegations will be gradually filled up as the men are better known, until the day of initiation. It will be noted, however, that the early date is optional only and does not compel fraternities to pledge men any sooner than they wish, the only provision being that men shall not be pledged before a certain date. There is also an influential minority that believes in the long season, and it is quite possible that a few of these fraternities that think they are strong enough may decide to form an agreement of their own not to approach freshmen with regard to fraternity affairs until a much later date than that which would be legally permissible.