REGISTER.OUR ALUMNI.
MEMBERSHIP ROLL
NEW MEMBERS ELECTED DURING THE YEAR.
P.G.D.C. The Palladian Girls' Debating Club was organized in 1884 for the purpose of awakening a greater interest in debate, and for drill in impromptu speaking. The membership numbers twenty-one and consists of Palladian girls. The work done by the Club is evident in the improvement of society programmes. According to the rule each member of the club must speak on the question for debate, under penalty of fine. In 1886 W. C. Knight, a Palladian graduate of '86, offered the club a prize of ten dollars for the best production delivered in society before May 1. There were eight competitions for this prize, which was awarded for an essay entitled "Dickens and Thackeray," by Miss Minnie Boyer. P.B.D.C. The Palladian Boys' Debating Club was organized in the fall of 1882. Its primary object was drill in debate and impromptu speaking. Another purpose at the time it was started was to avert the danger with which factional strife then threatened the society. It accomplished this as far as was possible, and the dissolution of the society was prevented. During the past year much substantial work has been done, especially in the matter of furnishing the hall. A beautiful secretary and a chair and table for the president were purchased at an expence of one hundred dollars, and presented to the society. This club, with the P.G.D.C., is maintained in perfect harmony with the society, and it is expected that the two will carry on the greater part of the society business and politics.
PALLADIAN MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT. On May 7 the Palladians purchased a Steinway parlor grand piano. The need of a good instrument had long been felt, as it was only as a favor to the society that musicians consented to use the old piano. To acquaint them with our purchase they were invited to the hall on the evening of May 11, and the best musical talent of the city secured for their entertainment. That it was a feast to lovers of music need not be stated when the following programme is seen:
ANNUAL EXERCISES.
FOURTH ANNUAL
After their graduation Messers. Clement Chase and Daniel H. Wheeler, Jr., of Omaha, believing that a contest in oratory could bring only good results, offered a prize of ten dollars for the best oration, to which was added a second prize of five dollars by the society. This was the first contest of the kind in the University, and the results have been very gratifying both to the society and to the authors and patrons of the movement.
THIRD
This programme was given by Palladians only, and special pains had been taken by the members of this class in the preparation of their productions. It was consequently one of the most interesting programmes of the year. At its conclusion the final social meeting of the year was held. [For copies of the productions, see files in the keeping of the custodian of Palladian records.] SIXTEENTH
[For copies of the productions and press notices, see files in the keeping of the custodian of Palladian records.] ROLL OF OFFICERS.
PALLADIAN.GENERAL REMARKS. The school year of 1886-7 opened with the brightest prospects for Palladians. Sixty of the old members were present, and these immediately commenced an enthusiastic work for new members. In this work the Palladians were quite successful, for fifty-one new names were added during the year. Fears were entertained as to the result of so large a membership, but the society did not lose sight of the fact, that an increase in membership is not a true index to complete success. The literary work as well has received a comparatively large share of attention. The younger members are very willing to bear their share of the work—a fact which shows the real literary tone of the society. The most harmonious feeling has prevailed, and a steady advance has been made from the opening to the close of the year, and the mysterious power that we call "Palladianism" has become deeply rooted in every heart. The accessory organizations are deemed most important to the success of the society as a whole, and of each member individually. Nowhere can the same training be had that is found in a debating society; and with the repeated proof of this there remains no doubt that the P.B.D.C. and P.G.D.C. are the main pillars of the society. In them is found a freedom from restraint which leads to the greatest success in speaking. These auxiliaries have been instrumental also in placing the society on a firm financial basis. There has seldom been a year when there was not some debt upon the society, which required extra exertions to be met. In the spring of this year a new indebtedness was incurred by the purchase of a piano; yet six hundred dollars was promptly subscribed to cover the first payment on it. The resources of the society, however, lie as much in energy and determination as in ready money. It is this which makes it possible for the society to pay such heavy sums from time to time. In view of what the society has accomplished during the year its members have reason to be proud. It still holds its rank in quality of work and membership, and is able to vindicate its position. That the Palladians have been successful in making their programmes attractive is shown by the large audiences that have filled the hall the whole year. The prospect for the coming year is even more pleasing than that of one year ago. There is good evidence that the society will take another long stride forward in the line of real culture, and keep pace with the improvement of all branches of University work.
HISTORY. The Palladian Literary Society was organized in the fall of 1871, a few weeks after the opening of the University. The faculty showed their good sense by allowing it to be made a mixed society, and one of the first officers was a lady. The hall was in the north wing on the first floor, and at first the furniture consisted only of a table and some benches. For the first two years the progress of the society was somewhat impede by party spirit, until, in the spring of 1873, a part of the members withdrew and formed the Adelphian society. The spirit of rivalry now took the form of competition between the two societies, much to the benefit of the Palladian. About six months before this time the girls had withdrawn and formed a society by themselves, but they now disbanded and entered the other societies. In 1875 the Society added considerabe furniture to its previously bare hall, including an organ, afterwards exchanged for a piano. In 1876 another split took place in the Society, and many of the members withdrew. Most of these, however, subsequently returned. In 1880 the Society moved into its present quarters. Considerable debt was incurred in fitting up the hall. But this was paid off in a few years. Since that time the room has been constantly improved, until now it is indeed a thing of beauty, the latest addition to the furniture being a $1,050 piano. In 1884 the Society adopted an anti-fraternity amendment to the constitution, since which time it has been a distinctly "barbarian" organization. From that time it has been more prosperous than ever, and is now in an excellent condition, not only on account of the number of its members, but still more by reason of the harmony and enthusiasm that exists among them. ANTI-FRATERNITY AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION. At the beginning of the college year 1884-5 there were some fourteen Palladians who were members of fraternities. The three fraternities represented were agressive in proportion to their strength, and the outsiders were inevitably suspicious of them from the first. The anti-fraternity men, both in the Palladian and Union societies, did energetic though unorganized work to prevent the spread of the secret and exclusive Hellenism. After patient collection of what seemed impartial testimony from all sources open to them, they came to certain conclusions, of which only the following need be noticed here: (1) It is best for colleges and for the
individual students therein that active, open literary societies should exist; (2) Wherever the secret fraternities have become strong they have killed the literary societies, or have utterly destroyed their usefulness; (3) The same tendency is already apparent here, and the danger calls for decisive action. It was found that the old rivalry between the literary societies had been broken down, that the confidence in each other had been destroyed, and that work for the society was done mainly as it might or might not have some influence in the factional struggle between the "frats" and "barbs." On October 24th there were submitted to the society amendments to the constitution which forbade future Palladians to belong to secret fraternities, but made no change in the status of those already members. On the following Saturday evening a meeting for all students was called to meet in the chapel to discuss these amendments and like ones that had been offered in the Union. Though some fraternity men were present, they refused to do anything except report the proceedings. The non-fraternity men brought forth their evidence, stated their position, and adjourned. On Friday evening, October 31st, after a warm debate, the Palladian Society passed the amendments by a vote of forty to seventeen. At this time, or soon after, most of the defeated party withdrew. Their loss was something of a blow to the society, but was by no means so dangerous as their continued presence as an organization would have been.
CONSTITUTION.ARTICLE I.—MEMBERSHIP. SECTION 1. [As amended January 18, 1884.] This society shall be known as the Palladian Literary Society, and its motto shall be: "Forma Mentis AEterna est." SEC. 2. [As amended October 1, 1884.] The active members of this society shall consist of those students who have been duly elected members by the society, who are in actual attendance at the University, who have at least two studies in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, or in the Industrial College or in the department preparatory thereto, and who are not in the arrears for fines, dues, or levies. This is not to interfere with the rights of those already members. SEC. 3. [Balloting.] Candidates for membership in this society shall be elected by ball-balloting, and no candidate shall be elected against whom five (5) adverse votes are cast. SEC. 4. [Fees.] All persons becoming members of this society shall pay into the treasury an initiation fee of one dollar ($1.00), and sign a pledge binding them to observe the Constitution and By-Laws. SEC. 5. [Honorary members.] The Board of Regents, Faculty, all students graduating belonging to the Palladian Society, and such other persons as the society shall elect, shall be honorary members. SEC. 6. [Quorum.] Fifteen (15) active members shall form a quorum for transacting business. ARTICLE II.—OFFICERS. SECTION 1. [Eligibility to office.] Active members only shall be eligible to office or trust in this society. SEC. 2. [Officers, as amended May 7 and October 30.] The officers of this society shall consist of President, Vice President, Corresponding, Music and Recording Secretaries, Critic, Treasurer, Historian, and Sergeant-at-Arms. Said officers shall be elected by ballot, and, excepting Treasurer, shall hold their offices during one college term, the Treasurer to hold office for one college year, and shall not be eligible to the same office for two consecutive terms. SEC. 3. [Duties of President.] It shall be the duty of the President to preside at all meetings, to impose fines, announce expelled members, secure a critic for each meeting of the society, and appoint a doorkeeper. SEC. 4. [Vice President.] It shall be the duty of the Vice President to perform all the duties of the President during his absence. SEC. 5. [Recording Secretary.] It shall be the duty of the Recording Secretary to keep an accurate record of all meet-
ings of the society, and report to the Treasurer before the next regular meeting the names of all persons fined, to arrange the programme for each meeting, to assign performances, and to draw all orders on the treasury. SEC. 6. [Historian.] It shall be the duty of the Historian to furnish a history of the society from its organization, also such personal history of former members as may be of interest to the society. SEC. 7. [Corresponding Secretary, as amended May 1, 1885.] It shall be the duty of the Corresponding Secretary to attend to such correspondence as the society may direct, to collect and keep all printed matter concerning the Palladian Society, and place the same scrap-book; also to have charge of an be accountable for Palladian property. The money expended for papers containing such articles shall be paid by the society. SEC. 8. [Treasurer.] It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to receive and disburse all moneys and to keep an accurate account of all receipts and disbursements, to pay no bills until allowed by the Executive Committee and upon a written order from the Secretary, signed by the President. He shall make a report to the society at the close of his term of office and turn over all moneys in his hands to his successor in office. ARTICLE III.—COMMITTEES. SECTION 1. [Committees.] The standing committees shall be: "Literary," "Executive," and a committee on "Finance, Ways, and Means," each to consist of three members. SEC. 2. [Duties of Literary Committee.] It shall be the duty of the Literary Committee to suggest three questions for debate, the questions to be provided at least two weeks previous to debate. SEC. 3. [Executive Committee.] It shall be the duty of the Executive Committee to excuse all fines presented to them upon good and sufficient reasons; also to keep a record of and report the same to the Treasurer. In case they refuse to excuse said fines, an appeal may be made to the society. It shall further be their duty to perform such duties as the Secretary may direct. ARTICLE IV.—DUES. SECTION 1. [As amended January 18, 1884.] The dues of each member of this society shall be fifty cents for each term after the one in which said member is admitted. ARTICLE V.—AMENDMENTS. SECTION 1. [Amendments.] Any addition or amendment to this Constitution or By-Laws of this society shall require a two-thirds vote of the society. Said addition or amendment must be handed to the Secretary in writing, and must lie upon the table one week for a second reading.
BY-LAWS.SECTION 1. [Meetings.] This society shall meet on Friday evening of each week during the regular college term, and shall be called to order at 8 o'clock. SEC. 2. [Order of Business.] The Order of Business of this society shall be as follows:
SEC. 3. [Election.] The officers of this society shall be elected by ballot, at a special meeting called for that purpose, and a majority of votes cast shall decide the election. SEC. 4. [Special Meetings.] The President shall call a special meeting of the society at the request of fifteen (15) active members, said request to be in writing, setting forth the object of the meeting. Notice of the meeting shall be posted on the bulletin board at least two school days previous. SEC. 5. Only active members are allowed to vote. SEC. 6. [Proxies.] No proxies are allowed. SEC. 7. [Ballots.] In balloting, the name of the candidate must be underscored, and the name of the person voting written on the other side of the ticket. SEC. 8. The names of candidates for membership shall lie on the table for one week. SEC. 9. Fines shall be as follows:
SEC. 10. [Suspension.] All members shall be allowed two weeks in which to pay dues fines, or levies, and if not paid at the expiration of that time shall be suspended, and if not paid in one week from time of suspension their names shall be stricken from the roll. SEC. 11. Excuses to the Executive Committee shall be in writing. SEC. 12. "Roberts' Rules of Order" shall be the guide of this society in questions of parliamentary usage, so far as it does not conflict with the Constitution and By-Laws.
A copy of this little book will be sent to every old Palladian whose address is in the hands of the society, and especially to our Alumni members. Its regular publication has now become an established feature of our society work; and in order that future numbers may be accurate in every particular, we would ask that corrections or suggestions be sent by any of our friends who may find errors in the present one. Letters addressed to the "Corresponding Secretary," Palladian Society, University of Nebraska, will not fail to receive attention. PALLADIAN HALL, July 15, 1887.
Society every Friday evening, with literary programme, debate, recess for social intecourse, and a business session. The Palladian Senate and Debating Club every Saturday evening, 7:30. The Girls' Debating Club every Friday afternoon. Source: Palladian Literary Society | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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