36 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



prohibiting the erection of society houses for living purposes. As fair 

 an interpretation as I have been able to make would indicate the fol- 

 lowing: 



Number of repl ies received 278 



Number favorable to the erection of society houses for 



living i)urposes 35 



Number opposed to houses of this character 218 



Number who under certain conditions or restrictions 



might be counted on either side 25 



Number received from alumni who have experience as teachers in 

 this and other institutions, many of whom are members of fraternities 

 owning their own fraternitj' houses. 



Number favorable as above 4 



Number opposed 37 



Number who might be either way under certain condi- 

 tions 8 



These letters speak out very plainly on several important matters. 



1. They almost unanimously endorse the dormitory idea. Even those 

 who are favorable to the erection of fraternity houses do not criticise 

 the dormitories, on the other hand they nearly all speak favorably of them 

 OS a good way to house students. The democracy of the dormitory 

 and of the institution is set forth very strongly and strong protest is 

 made against any change which may alter the present democratic spirit. 

 This sentiment is almost unanimous. 



2. The present type of literary society in vogue at this college is 

 strongly endorsed. A large number speak of the great good they re- 

 ceived from the literary features of these societies as Avell as from the 

 wholesome social life. There seems to be little or no desire to change 

 to the Greek letter fraternity, although a small minority would favor 

 the plan of community life fostered by these fraternities. 



3. There is a strong feeling on the part of the alumni that this col- 

 lege while increasing rapidly in numbers should not follow the trend 

 of the large universities in social customs and society life, but that it 

 should rather maintain a simple, wholesome social life free to all alike 

 and within the financial means of the average student who wishes to 

 attend this college. Great stress is laid upon- the necessitv of keeping 

 the expenses for social affairs so moderate that there will not be an 

 effort to segregate on financial lines. 



4. From the testimony of the alumni who are teachers in institutions 

 having fraternity houses and many of whom belong to such fraternities, 

 it seems evident that fraternity houses increase greatly the expense of 

 students. A very prominent alumnus states that at the university 

 with Avhich he is connected, he believes t4iat the expenses of students 

 living in fraternity houses is from six to eight hundred dollars more 

 per year than those residing elsewhere. 



5. Many testify that the moral life in many fraternity houses is not 

 free from censure. That unless under very close surveillance the tend- 

 ency in morals is downward ; that this sort of life interferes with 

 scholarship and sets up social standards which are not based on merit. 



1 herewith submit a few letters which set forth clearly the position 



