The object of the Palladian Year Book is to serve as a catalogue of information for Palladians, Palladian Alumni, and all University students in general who may wish to inform themselves concerning the Society and its work. This object will be best attained if all former and present Palladians will take pains to send the Corresponding Secretary the names of any persons who may wish a copy of this book. They should also keep the Society informed of changes in their address. We invite correspondence and promise to give it prompt attention........
REGISTEROUR ALUMNI
Membership Roll
Roll of Officers
Annual ProgramsTenth Annual Chase and Wheeler Contest in Oratory,
After their graduation Messrs. 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 the society has added a second prize of five dollors. This was the first contest of the kind in the University, and its results have been very gratifying both to the society and to the authors and patrons of the movement.
Special Program, May 10, 1895.
KNIGHT PRIZE. W. C. Knight, a Palladian graduate of '86, offeres the Palladian Girls' Debating Club a prize of ten dollars for the best production delivered in soicety before May 1 of each year.
Palladian Song. 1.—On Friday nigths we oft have met Through hot and cold, through dry and wet, Full many a time we've said our piece, Debated of the Japanese. But soon for us will pass this day, And then we'll ne'er forget to say: CHORUS A Pall am I, a Pall I'll be. Through all the University; A Pall am I, a Pall I'll stay, Though I should go far, far away. 2.—On picnics, too, we sometimes go; A piece of pie, a long, long row, A hammock or a grassy place. A dash of eyes, a charming face. But whenthe owl is on the wing, We homeward wend our way and sing: (Chorus) 3.—There was a boy who came to school, And proved to all he was no fool. When, Friday night, they aked him out, They urged him so, he was in doubt. Some asked him to be Sig. some Phi. Said he, "Palladian am I!" (Chorus) 4.—When all this student life is o'er, When I shall see the hall no more, When dust shall settle on my books, And business men shall scorn my looks.— All times I'll sing with all my might, And have upon my tombstone white: (Chorus.)
OUR SOCIETYThe object of the Palladian Literary Society, in common with all such societies, is first, to promote literary culture among its members, and to this end each member appears on the program at least once each period, or three times each year. By this method, it is thought, better results can be obtained than by more frequent appearances, for in this way the member has ample time to prepare and give to the society the best there is in him, and is not compelled by frequent calls upon him to slight the work. It is believed that to do one thing well is more beneficial than to do many things poorly, for the one giving the exercise, and certianly for those who listen. But this literary culture is not our only object. The fact that literary culture is in a very poor setting unless carried on side by side with social culture is recognized, and a part of each meeting is devoted to the social side of school life. Aside from this occasional receptions and "feeds" are given either at the homes of some of the members or in the society hall, which is well fitted for this purpose. Thus are united the best features of the old-time literary society and the modern fraternity. While none of the literary culture is lost, we add to it the social feature, which is just as necessary. The society is justly proud of its history, yet this pride has not led any to abatement in its zeal for hard work. We recognize the fact that a brilliant past is of little service except as an inspiration for the present, and it is with this spirit that we hold this pride. Beginning in the first term of the University itself, in 1871, it has ever since been the recognized leader in open society work. Other societies have grown up beside it and at times have been hostile to it, most of them to their own sorrow, but today the three literary societies in school stand together for a common object. The society was first organized upon the co-educational principle and has for most of the time been open to both ladies and gentlemen. At one time the girls boycotted the society, but, as was to be expected, they soon returned and have since remained loyal. The first society hall was in what is now the east room of the library, and the story of its furnishings reminds one of the old men who used to visit our primary school and tell of the days "when I went to school." These furnishings consisted of a table and some benches, and would be in strange contrast with the present quarters of the society. For the first two years the society was hindered by factional strife, but in the spring of 1873 one faction withdrew and formed the Adelphian society. The rivalry resulting was such as to strengthen rather than weaken the Palladian society, as it was at this time that the ladies who had previously withdrawn came back into the society. The year 1875 was marked
by the addition of some furniture to the previously bare hall, including an organ, afterwards exchaned for a piano. The following year more members withdrew, most of whom afterwards returned. In 1880 the society abandoned its hall on the first floor with its primitive furnishings and almost bare walls, and moved into its present hall, which was well furnished but not without incurring considerable debt. This debt has since been paid off and a fine piano has been added to the property of the society. 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. THE SOCIETY DURING THE YEARThe past year has been one of marked progress in the Palladian society. Palladians, this year, as always before, have maintained their position in all enterprises connected with the University, and their influence has been felt more than usual in all class elections, oratorical matters and students meetings at large. Within the society itself can be noticed, at the close of the year's work, a great advancement in all directions. From a social, no less than from a literary standpoint, the work of the society has been entirely successful. The strong Palladian "spirit" which has been so plainly manifested in all society matters this year, has done much toward strengthening the society itself, and bringing the members into a closer fellowship. In the weekly meetings great interest has been shown, and the promptness and faithfulness with which the members have carried out their parts is highly commendable. The number of members enrolled is nearly double that of last September. A great many under-classmen have been admitted to the society during the last year, and all are especially valuable acqusition at this time, since the society is to lose among the graduates of 1895 several of its strongest members. The usual number of special programs were arranged and carried out during the year: the young ladies' special programs in the winter, the new members' and young gentlemen's in the winter. The debates, held every week after the regular meetings, have been instructive and entertaining. The officers and members have executed their parts so well in the regular meetings that there has been no need of special programs to keep up the iterest in literary work. There has been very little expense connected with repairing the hall, for everything was in very good condition. One improvement made during the year, however, was the reframing of six old pictures in beautiful
white and gold frames. Palladian Hall now seems as beautiful and comfortable as could be desired. This year the society has really distinguished itself in the number and success of its social entertainments. Shortly before the University year opened, Miss Grace Thompson entertained most pleasantly all Palladians who were then in the city. At Thanksgiving time there was the usual feed. Later a most delightful reception was held at the home of Miss Grace Cook. During the winter there were several skating parties and one theatre party. Two comparatively new features have been introduced this year, viz: The Palladian picture and the Palladian picnic. About seventy of our members are represented in the picture, and the memories that a reference to it should recall will doubtless prove enjoyable. The picnic was such a success that it bids fair to become a precedent. At the close of the year as usual a banquet was tendered the Palladian seniors, this being quite the most dignified event of the year. Thus closed the year, leaving with all Palladians a most flattering prospect for 1985-96. THE BUILDING PROPOSITIONA number of years ago the Palladians talked among themselves of erecting a Palladian building on the campus. The enthusiasm, the energy and executive ability were not lacking, and the means would have been gained with comparative ease. But the matter was dropped because the need for such a building was not felt to be pressing. The present building proposition does not concern itself with any of the literary societies alone, but with all three of them. It is proposed, if we can secure the needed funds, to build a society hall on the campus containing, possibly, besides the individual halls for the Union, Delian and Palladian societies respectively, a large assembly hall for joint meetings, musicals, etc. The decision to make a move for this end was arrived at only after due deliberation, consultation with alumni of all the societies, with the Chancellor and others interested. A mass meeting of the societies was held in the chapel on Friday night, April 26. Chancellor Canfield, W. O. Jones, H. H. Wilson, T. F. A. Williams and F. D. Eager soke on the proposition. All heartily favored the plan, believing that it could be carried out in time. The first step was taken by forming a union of the three societies, under the name of the "Society Building Association." As nothing of the kind had been attempted before, time and extra care were required to effect an organization. This was accomplished before the close of school and plans were laid for the work of next year.
The Palladians, though in possession of a good hall, sufficient for all ordinary occasions, made dear by a thousand associations, are yet heartily in favor of the new building. They hope for a closer union of the societies, for better influences of literary and social culture, for a beautiful society temple which, however, shall never be too nice to receive gladly as a part proprietor any student, however plainly clad or unaristocratic in appearance. Such a building will be a great thing for the University, for the societies and for all students in general. When erected it will stand as the first lasting monument to the energy, pluck and real ability which has characterized the literary societies from their very beginning. P.G.D.C.The Palladian Girls' Debating Club is now the only debating club in the University. Palladian boys receive training in debate in the Union Boys' and the Maxwell Debating clubs. This union of forces is made necessary by the fact that so few of the leading members of the society can devote two evenings every week to society work. The debate is still an important part of the regular society programs. The P.G.D.C. was organized in 1884, partly for the purpose of giving its members training in extemporaneous speaking, and partly to advance friendship among the Palaldian girls. In both respects the club has done good work for many years. The special programs it has given in the society have been a source of pleasure to all Palladians and to as many of their friends as could find seats or standing room in the hall whenever a P.G.D.C. program was announced. During the past year girls from other societies became interested in the debates, and the P.G.D.C. constitution was revised so that girls who are members of other literary societies as well as those not members of any society may be admitted to full membership. In this way the P.G.D.C. assists not only in the work of the society but also helps to strengthen the union of the three societies. The membership of the club is not limited, yet the club enjoys all the advantages of a most select society, owing to the fact that University students generally are over-worked, and only those who are especially interested give any attention to this kind of work. A cordial invitation is eztended [extended] to all University girls to become active workers in the club.
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 $1, 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, students in good standing in the society who have discontinued their school work, 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 shall hold their offices for one period. The first period shall close the first of January, the second, the first of April, and the third with the close of the school 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 meet-
ings of the society, and report to the Treasurer before the next regular meeting, the names of all persons fined, to arrange the program 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 moneys 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 he shall also 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 money, 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 money 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 programs 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: "Executive," and "Finance, Ways, and Means," each to consist of three members; also a committee on "Membership," consisting of five members, of which the President shall be chairman. 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 had 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 assist the Treasurer in the collectoin 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 report such as they approve tn [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. (Dues.) The dues of each member of this society shall be fifty cents for each period 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 rezuire [require] a four-fifths vote of the society to amend Section two (2) of Article one (1), 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. (Right to Vote.) Only active members are allowed to vote. SEC. 6. (Proxies.) No proxies will be 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. (Applications for Admission.) The names of all candidates for membership shall be referred to the membership committee and shall lie upon the table for one week. SEC. 9. (Fines.) Fines shall be as follows:
SEC. 10. (Excuses.) Excuses to the Executive Committee shall be in writing. SEC. 11. (Parliamentary Practice.) "Robert's 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. SEC. 12. (Expulsion for Non-Performance.) Any member who, without excuse, fails twice in succession to perform his part on the program, shall be notified by the secretary that his name is dropped from the roll. STANDING RULES. SECTION 1. (Assistants to Music Secretary.) The Music Secretary shall have power to appoint two assistants. SECTION 2. (Debate.) The principal speakers on the debate shall not be allowed to exceed ten minutes each, and the speakers on the general debate shall be limited to three minutes each. SECTION 3. (Use of Hall.) The hall of this society shall not be used as a meeting place for other than Palladian organizations except by persmission of the Executive Committee.
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