1940 CONCLAVE ISSUE

At successive Conclaves we find Sigma Tau moving forward along the lines laid out by our founders. The inspiration found in the practical atmosphere of the midwestern town of Manhattan, Kansas, was ideal for such a Conclave. Kansas State College, host to the Conclave, formed a background and setting to the meetings that gave everyone a sense of well-being.

During all-of Wednesday and Wednesday night the delegates, official and unofficial, came riding the beam into Manhattan. They came singly and in groups nearly large enough for a football team, such as the party from Oklahoma. Members of the host Chapter, Epsilon were kept jumping to meet all the trains and buses and get everyone registered.

The delegates were all hustled to Nichols gym where, as one brother put it, “delegates and local members were holding a ‘bull session.” This informal session continued until nearly mid­night as everyone got acquainted, and while arrangements were made for rooms. Registration continued Thursday morning and late arrivals were introduced.

Thursday afternoon the first meeting, was opened by Councilor Verne Hedge, past president. Brother Hedge presided in the absence of National President John C. Page, whose official duties as Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation made it impossible for him to attend the Conclave.

Councilor Hedge introduced a number of faculty advisors and other faculty members present, and National Councilor William E. Roesee of Washington, D. C.

National. Secretary C. A. Sjogren gave an oral report of the financial and general condition of the organization and referred the members to a more detailed account which he had made available in the form of a complete audit. More than any other member brother Sjogren has his finger on the pulse of the Fra­ternity, and at this time he gave some very pertinent suggestions summing up the details which should come before the delegates for consideration. He especially recommended that the chapters make a concerted effort to keep good records of the chapter busi­ness and of the members, of which there are some 10,000.

Several of the chapter reports were read and appear in an­other part of this publication. These reports and those made at subsequent meetings bore out the fact that the National officers are not only doing a good job of keeping the finances in good shape but are keeping in close touch with the chapters and their activities.

The Conclave was honored by letters presented by Brother Altman of the University of Louisville, from the Mayor of Louis­ville, and Happy Chandler, the Governor of Kentucky, cordially inviting the 1942 Conclave to meet in Louisville.

The first meeting adjourned and immediately the delegates journeyed by auto to Fort Riley, where they were given a motor­cycle escort for a tour of the post, which ended at the post foot­ball field. Here they witnessed a display and demonstration of military machinery.

The delegates were then taken on an inspection of barracks and recreation halls. Dinner was served by the army’s School for Bakers and Cooks. For posterity it should be recorded that this consisted of super-delicious roast turkey with all the fixings (later described by the delegates as “Wonderful-Ahhhh-”). Lieutenant Colonel Blunt gave a short welcoming address.

After a round of stories and poems by Councilor Roeser, the group was taken to the West Riding Hall and witnessed a mag­nificent review of the history of the cavalry. This was staged in full dress by the Second Cavalry Dragoons. Each historical period was presented by the Dragoons with the proper costume and with weapons ranging from spears to carbines. The second part of the show was a demonstration of precision riding and jumping by the Olympic Equestrian Jumping Team.

At the end of the show the cavalcade returned to Manhattan to end the first official day.

Undoubtedly the high light of the next day was the reading of a letter from Kenneth Buffington, recipient of the National Council Fellowship for the year 1936, who enclosed a check returning to the council part of his grant. The rest of the morn­ing was taken up with brief discussions and the appointment of several committees necessary for the transaction of the Fraternity’s business.

Friday afternoon the session was opened up for a “free for all” discussion and the old ghost of pledge treatment jumped up to haunt the meeting. The ultimate conclusion was that the general treatment of pledges wasn't as bad as had been supposed and that in fact it sort of went along hand in hand with the general practices on the various campuses. It was generally agreed that uniform treatment of pledges was not necessary or desirable and the matter should be left to chapter discretion with the admonition to keep a little dignity in the procedure.

Additional helpful suggestions on handling finances and activity programs were made and discussed.

Afternoon adjournment came early to permit the delegates to attend a tea at the Sigma Alpha Epsilon House, where they were introduced to their dates for the evening banquet and dance. The Conclave banquet was held at the Methodist Church with Bill Keogh, President of Epsilon Chapter, acting as toastmaster. Many guests were introduced, among them National Councilor Leihy, who had flown to Manhattan to be at this one meeting of the Conclave. Speeches were made by Verne Hedge, Dean R. A. Seaton, and F. D. Farrell, the President of the Chamber of Commerce.

The highlight of the evening was the address delivered by the Honorable Alfred M. Landon, republican presidential nominee in 1936, who came to Manhattan for a “neighborly visit just like those we have on the porch on a summer evening.” Said Mr. Landon: “The capitalistic system * * * today is going through the wringer.” He added that the most vital consideration for America today is whether we can stand the strain of arming without lowering the standard of living. However, the former governor of Kansas sounded a more optimistic note when he stated, “the free man always wins the last battle.”

Sigma Tau—Stability and progress. What better setting could the fraternity ask for a conclave than a good, solid, down to earth Kansas town? Manhattan, Kansas, proved to be just exactly the place where you would expect to find the coming young engineer. The city of Manhattan, home of Kansas State College, lies among the rolling hills of northeastern Kansas, just 130 miles west of Kansas City. Here, on September 26, 1940, Sigma Tau held the first meeting of its 1940 Biennial Conclave.

As we delegates came rolling into the city from all directions our first impression was one of solidarity and respectability. Upon arriving at the campus this was not belied but strengthened.

The beautiful campus ‘‘fits” the country surrounding it. The buildings are all made of the native Kansas chalk, which is a yellowish, mellow gray limestone, quarried near the campus. They are not all of one period design but are varied in a manner to delight the eye of those who oppose “regimentation” of buildings. Topping the vista of the campus is Engineering Hall with the familiar and well known Sigma Tau pyramid before it. On Pros­pect hill, far across, the city, gleam the huge letters, “KS" whose neat appearance is maintained through the sponsorship of Epsilon Chapter.

Probably the most striking first impression of the campus is its great expanse, and many of us were set to wondering if the K-Staters had only ten minutes between classes or whether they all rode bicycles. The campus is divided into various quadrangles with respect to subjects taught. This, and a foresighted provision for constant expansion, explain its size. Nevertheless, it is far from vacant. The great variety of beautiful trees and shrubs give the campus a park-like quality.

However, even this beautiful setting must take second place to the friendly, happy student body. Everywhere we were met with smiling hospitality and even though the fellows from Epsilon were continually dashing off to meet trains, buses, and autos, not one of us was neglected. As we delegates registered, we couldn’t help feeling that here we “belonged.” Epsilon Chapter may well be proud of her school, her town, and her state, and indeed she should be congratulated on the line program and en­tertainment provided the conclave visitors.

We of Sigma Tau wish to thank Epsilon Chapter, and, through her, Kansas State College, the citizenry of Manhattan and the officers and men of Fort Riley for their splendid co-operation in making the 1940 Conclave of Sigma Tau such a fine success.