THE YOUNG ROMANTICS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVI, Issue 4841, 15 June 1925, Page 1

THE YOUNG ROMANTICS.

AMERICAN SECRET SOCIETIES. EDUCATION BOARD’S CONCERN.: It is stated that the spread of secret svgieties from the American universities to the high schools is causing much concern to the United States Board of Education. The existence of these societies in American universities, diates back as far as. 1830. Probably some enthusiastic freshman, an eager familiar with impudent, lovable Husjileberry Finn, indulged a boy.’sh whim to yield to* the enchantment of leadership, or sign and ce-hntevsign, of dexterous manipulation of . words-into a thrilling secret tongue : and this first secret society—pathetically insignificant, ridiculed no ddubt by those wnc were not members of it, ignored by professorial boards —was the nucleus of an immense system of such fraternities, for the idea developed with astonishing rapidity, forming a network which eventually • embraced every* university in x the States.

One of the oldest of the societies is known as the “Phi, 'Beta, Gamma.” Its name gives it an added interest by providing a link with the .ancient civilisation of something over 2000 years ago in Greece, where very similar societies then flourished. Quite early in its career it began, to develop, a definite importance and dignity, and it has now a standing which might almost be considered to. equal that of the Royal Society in this) country. Its branches tire many, and membership is regarded as a great Ihonour. The late President Wilson belonged to it, as dp also several important American'politicians of Automatically each year certain students in the leading universities, such as Yale andt Harvard, are elected members.

Each society has its °wn separate code of rules, its own annual programme, its own aims these may be literary, social, or political, although the main original idea’ of isecrecy is common to them .all.

Quite recently the system began to find an active echo among the State schools (equivalent to bojird schools in this country). If, as has been stated, it is the case that many teachers are members, of these new' school societies, it is strictly contrary to traditional custom, for the university societies have never permitted any professors to become members. One cannot help feeling that it will be a pity if this chain of miniature brotherhoods, which has no parallel in any European country, and which has about it a pleasantly defiant atmosphere, reminiscent of the determination of the Pilgrim Fathers,; is' to be crushed out of existence by institutionalism, and if the are attacked it is provable that the old university societies will be doomed as well.—" Daily News."