THE CORRIDORS.
79
OREAD ELECTION.
The election of contestants on the 27th ult. for the annual contest with the Orophilian literary society was one that should be memorable in the history of the society; for on that occasion three secret societies combined to place in position their own members to the exclusion of non-fraternity members. There was but one outsider among the entire number elected, and he would not have received his position had he not been championed by the "big combination." The pre-arranged "slate" of the "big three" carried the day. Although able and deserving non-fraternity members of the society were placed in nomination, their forces were but as pigmies compared with the solid phalanx of the Greeks and their retinue. The result of this election should be the signal for a revolution in society affairs, for it clearly reveals the fact that the pledges of some secret societies are established facts, and are considered by them as more sacred than the demands of justice. Albert Riffle, in Courier Nov. 6, 1882.
Time works changes. The "revolution" has come. Last year's drama was re-enacted, but with a different ending. This year the "big three" were defeated and the "barbs" carried the day. Last year "there was but one outsider among the entire number elected." This year there is but one fraternity man on the successful ticket. The victory of the outsiders was overwhelming. The "big three" may profit by this lesson.
Two weeks had been given up to the warmest electioneering. Studies were a matter of second consideration. The long expected day at last arrived. Oread hall was crowded to its utmost. The first event of political significance was the blackballing of proposed members, to keep them from voting. The usual motion to elect
these members unanimously had been objected to by a member of the "big combination."
The strife was hottest for the position of orator. S. T. Gilmore and W. Y. Morgan were the rival candidates. Mr. Morgan was elected on the first ballot by a vote of more than two to one. P.R.Bennett was chosen essayist, Miss Gertrude Russ declaimer, and N.A.Swickard debater. The motion of courtesy to make these elections unanimous was defeated by the vote of J.Merton Keys.
This session of the society was marked by the preservation of strict order. The action of president Brown in shutting down on electioneering and personal abuse was commended by all. This policy, if carried out, will raise the society to its former usefulness. The day of secret society domination is over. "BARB."
According to the Courier constitution editors elected as representatives of the nonfraternity element must resign if they join secret societies. As two of our board, Miss Hubbard, of the Local, aud Mr. Curry, of the Exchange, had concluded to cast their lot with the Greeks, a meeting of the stockholders was called for October fifth. The editor for the I. C. Sorosis was Miss Gilmore, who desired to withdraw from the staff and allow Miss Hubbard to retain her place. Both of these requests were granted. H. F. Graham was elected to the place of literary editor vice D. B. Brady, who cannot return to college for some time. E. E. Ritchie was elected to take the place of Miss Gilmore in the department of Views, and G. N. Walker was chosen to fill Mr. Riffle's place as Civil Engineering editor. Prof. Dyche was compelled to resign his position as one of the scientific editors on account of pressure of work. Barlow Lippincott was elected to fill the vacancy. This completes the editorial staff, which may be seen in its reorganized state at the head of the editorial columns.