Page:The Fraternity and the College (1915).pdf/117

 really necessary, I believe, in order that fraternities may have their best and safest development. These outside organizations really do not bring about this general unity of feeling which they claim to attain, and if they did I am convinced would not have accomplished the worthy end that they think.

These extra-fraternity organizations are not infrequently careless as to their finances. The period of membership is seldom for more than a year or two, the officers of the organization are usually burdened with other duties, and the extra financial tax is sometime difficult to bear. The reason is evident, in a middle west institution at least! The average young fellow who comes from a home of moderate means has an allowance only sufficient adequately to cover his normal expenses. If he belongs to one or more organizations outside of his fraternity, this fact will considerably increase his expenses. There are pins to be bought and initiation fees to be paid and smokers and feeds and dances to be provided for. Cabs and cigars and flowers and candy which are incident to these gatherings run the bills up quickly, and it is not strange that the boy gets behind with his chapter account and that the extra-fraternity bills are frequently delayed or entirely forgotten. I am constantly having complaints from merchants all over town that the bills of these organi-