REGISTER.OUR ALUMNI.
MEMBERSHIP ROLL
NEW MEMBERS OF 1888 AND 1889.
ROLL OF OFFICERS.
ANNUAL EXERCISES.SIXTH ANNUAL
EIGHTEENTH
KNIGHT PRIZE. W. C. Knight, a Palladian graduate of '86, offered a prize of ten dollars to that member of the P.G.D.C. who should deliver the best production in Society before May 1. In 1887 there were eight competitors, and the prize was awarded Miss Minnie Boyer for an essay entitled "Dickens and Thackery." There were eight productions handed in the next year, and an oration on "Thomas Jefferson" by Miss Grace Barrett won the prize. In 1889 eight members competed for the honors, which were awarded to an essay on "George Eliot," by Miss Jessie Goodell.
PALLADIAN.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 About six months before this time the girls had withdrawn and formed a society by themselves, but they now disbanded and entered the other societies.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. At the beginning of the college year of 1884-5 fourteen Palladians were members of secret Greek-letter fraternities. Previous to that time college fraternities in the University of Nebraska had been undemonstrative and had attracted but little attention, but during the year above mentioned they began to be strong enough to
exert an influence in college politics in general and upon the literary societies in particular. By those most deeply interested, their influence upon the societies was believed to be bad, and a patient collection of impartial testimony was undertaken, the result of which may be briefly summed up as follows: (1) Active, open literary societies are indispensible features of our college life and their place cannot be filled by secret fraternities. (2) Wherever 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 as found that the society enthusiasm was being broken down, that society work was done mainly as it might influence "frat" or "barbs," and that confidence between society members had been destroyed. On October 24th amendments to the constitution were offered to the society declaring that thereafter no Palladian should be a member of a secret college fraternity, excepting only those members who were already in fraternities. Similar amendments were offered in the University Union on the same evening. A meeting of all students was called to meet on the following Saturday in the chapel for the discussion of these amendments. A few fraternity men were present at the meeting, but they refused to do anything except report the proceedings. The anti-fraternity men stated their position, offered their evidence and adjourned. On Friday evening, after a warm debate, the Palladian society passed the amendment by a vote of 40 to 17. At this time, or soon after, the defeated party withdrew and together with exiles from the Union, formed the Philodicean society. Their loss was a blow to the society, which then numbered not far from 60 members; but it was much less dangerous than the presence of fraternities in the society would have been. The conclusions upon which this action was taken were strongly contradicted at the time by the fraternity men, who claimed that fraternities and literary societies were congenial. This claim they have since abandoned, and they now assert that the literary society is a relic of a past age, admitting what "barbs" have always held, viz.: that the action of the fraternities is deadly to the literary society, that the former attains its perfection only on the ruins of the latter, and that a choice between the two must be made. Nevertheless, an attempt was made early during the past year to introduce sub-rosa members in the Palladian society till a sufficient number should have been secured
to repeal the fraternity amendments. The attempt seems to have been caused by the inability of fraternity members to sustain a literary society. Fortunately the scheme was discovered and Palladians are now watchful. Let their vigilance continue to be unceasing. THE PAST YEAR. The fall of 1888 was a period of great activity for Palladians. Every Palladian began to work with greater zeal than ever before. A large number of new members joined during the term and they were the best of students and of unusual literary ability. The High Schools of the Sate furnished a number of the best. The end of the fall term found Palladians confident, cheerful, and zealous. Success had attended their efforts. The diligent and faithful work upon literary programs had held the usual fine audiences that attended the meetings of the Palladian Society. Above all such strong, earnest and untiring efforts had brought the best rewards to Palladians themselves. During the winter term the advisability of forming a new society from the members of the Union and Palladian societies was discussed and later the new society was organized. There was room for it. The increasing number of students rendered it impossible for the literary societies to care for all. Palladians gave some of their best members to help organize the Delian. In mutual goodwill a number of those who had served years as Palladians left in order to begin work in new fields. It was a sacrifice on their part to leave a finely furnished new hall and intimate friends, and attempt to build up a new society. But the hearty co-operation of the remaining Palladians made their way more pleasant. As a result the University is the home of three open literary societies. Space will not permit an extended history of the year 1888-9. Suffice to say the Palladian stands to-day as the chief exponent of open literary societies. It is the foremost of them all. It has bright hopes for the future. Its members are filled with "old Palladian spirit"—the spirit of untiring energy, social goodwill and mutual kindness that makes no distinction between position, name or wealth. Palladian needs no eulogy. A record of eighteen years full of worthy improvements is its eulogium. Today Palladian stands with open doors to those desiring entrance in search of literary training and culture. The Palladian Society extends to all future students the most cordial invitation to enter its halls and become co-workers with those already there.
P.B.D.C. The Palladian Boys' Debating Club was organized in the fall of 1882. Impromptu speaking and drill in debate were the primary objectives of the club. At the time the welfare of the society was threatened by factional strife. One of the purposes of the club was to combat this factionalism and avert the dissoulution of the society. The society passed over its danger safely and began anew its prosperity. All Palladian boys may become members by signing the constitution. The lower classmen have always been the most enthusiastic members of the club and it is due chiefly to their efforts that it has maintained its standard of excellence. During the past year the meetings have been enthusiastic and of much benefit in parliamentary drill and extemporaneous speaking. 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. P.G.D.C. The Palladian Girls' Debating Club, which was organized in 1884, is an important factor in the Society. It affords an opportunity for drill in debate and impromptu speaking which no girl can afford to miss. The past year has been one of prosperity for the Club, and of great improvement in the members.
CONSTITUTION.ARTICLE I.—MEMBERSHIP. SECTION 1. [Name.] This society shall be known as the Palladian Literary Society, and its motto shall be: "Forma Mentis AEterna est." SEC. 2. [Active Members.] The active members of this society shall consist of those to whom the following conditions apply:—1. They shall be in actual attendance at the University. 2. They shall have been duly elected members of this society. 3. They shall not be in arrears for fines, dues, or levies. 4. They shall have at least two studies in the college of Literature, Science, and Arts, or the Industrial College, or the department preparatory thereto. 5. They shall not be members of any College Fraternity. 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.] 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, and shall not be eligible to the same office for two consecutive terms; the treasurer to hold office for one college year.
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 meetings 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, and such personal history of former members as may be of interest to the society; also to collect and keep all printed matter concerning the Palladian Society, and place the same in a scap book. The money expended for papers containing such articles shall be paid by the society. SEC. 7. [Corresponding Secretary.] It shall be the duty of the Corresponding Secretary to attend to such correspondence as the society may direct, and also shall have charge of and be accountable for Palladian property. 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. SEC. 9. [Music Secretary.] It shall be the duty of the Music Secretary to furnish music for all regular programmes of the society. SEC. 10. [Critic.] The duties of the Critic shall be those that usually appertain to that 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; also a committee on "Membership," consisting of one member from each of the college classes and one additional member, provided the President of the society shall be ex-officio a member of the committee representing the Senior class, and chair of the committee.
SEC. 2. [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 also be their duty to examine the books of the Treasurer at the close of his term of office. It shall further be their duty to perform such duties as the secretary may direct. SEC. 3. [Finance, Ways and Means Committee.] It shall be the duty of the Finance, Ways and Means Committee to suggest ways and means for raising funds and paying debts, and when directed by the society shall assist the Treasurer in the collection of special levies and subscriptions. SEC. 4. [Membership Committee.] It shall be the duty of the Membership Committee to consider all names proposed for membership and to report such as they approve to the secretary. This committee shall meet weekly and shall exercise a general supervision over the securing of new members. 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; provided it shall require a four-fifths vote of the society to amend Section two (2) of Article I, and this article. 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 be referred to the membership committee and shall lie on the table for one week. SEC. 9. [Fines.] Fines shall be as follows:
SEC. 10. Excuses to the Executive Committee shall be in writing. SEC. 11. "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 name is in the hands of the society, and especially to our Alumni members. Alumni are requested to assist the society by notifying the Corresponding Secretary of any change of address. Old Palladians and Alumni are requested to aid us in the proper distribution of this book by sending us the names of parties who would be likely to wish a copy of the book, especially persons intending to attend the University. The society is always glad to hear from old members, and letters addressed to the Corresponding Secretary Palladian Society, University of Nebraska, will receive prompt attention. PALLADIAN HALL, July 8th, 1889.
Society every Friday evening with literary programme, debate, recess for social intercourse, and a business session. The Palladian Boys' Debating Club every Saturday evening, at 7:30. The Girls' Debating Club every Friday afternoon. Source: Palladian Literary Society | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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