Page:The Fraternity and the College (1915).pdf/92

 will do its members the best service and give them the best training which insists upon regular and prompt payment of every financial obligation. If a man can not pay he ought not to be in college. He should have pride enough not to allow himself to be carried by those who perhaps can afford as little as he can to meet additional financial obligations. I have had a good many interesting experiences with regard to the way in which fraternity men pay their debts. Possibly one of these, given somewhat in detail, may serve to show how fraternity men meet their obligations, and the methods employed to induce them to pay.

For a dozen years or more, as treasurer or trustee, I have been responsible for the collection of house notes and other pledges of three organizations—two fraternities and one sorority. These duties have brought me various experiences, pleasant and otherwise, and have incidentally resulted in my collecting $10,000 or so for the three organizations. As a remuneration for the expenditure of my time and effort I have been permitted to come into contact with various sorts of human nature, and I have learned much as to how fraternity men and women meet their obligations.

The funds for the building of most of the fraternity houses at the University of Illinois have been raised in part through notes given by the alumni and by members of the active chapter.