A History ot the 
 Philoiexian Society of 
 Columbia University from 
 1802 to 1902 
 
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A History of the Philolex- 
 ian Society of Columbia 
 University from 1802- 1902 
 
 BT ERNEST A. CARDOZO. '99 
 
 
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 PUBLISHE.D BY THE SOCIETY 
 NEW YORK i» 1902 
 
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Note. — The author gratefully acknowledges the 
 assistance of the following Philolexian Alumni: 
 
 Walter R. T. Jones, '50 
 William Allen Johnson, '53 
 William Farrington, '53 
 J. Howard Van Amringe, '60 
 William Milligan Sloane, '68 
 Henry C. Sturges, '69 
 William Dudley Foulke, '69 
 
 Robert Barbour. '71 
 
 John B. Pine, '77 
 
 Henry E. Gregory, '78 
 
 MoRNAY Williams, '78 
 
 Henry G. Paine, '80 
 
 Joseph M. Proskauer, '96 
 
press ot_ .- 
 "Wm. C popper S. <C«. 
 50 1Rea6e St., m. E. 
 
I. FOUNDING OF THE SOCIETY. 
 
 One of the most interesting incidents in student life at 
 Columbia is a history of the earliest of Columbia's student 
 organizations. 
 
 The founding of the Philolexian Society is shrouded in 
 darkness and obscurity. The most we now know of its 
 institution is that it was founded in the year 1802 and has 
 therefore reached at the time of writing the one-hundredth 
 anniversary of its existence. In age it is exceeded by few 
 societies of a similar nature in this country. 
 
 The Dialectic and the Philanthropic Literary Societies 
 of the University of North Carolina founded in 1795, and 
 the Philologian and Philotechnian of Williams College, both, 
 curiously enough, also organized in 1795, antedate it by 
 seven years. 
 
 That there was, however, a literary society at Columbia 
 College even previous to this date seems unquestionable. 
 In Holt's New York Journal, of May 17, 1768, there is an 
 account of the nth Annual Commencement of Columbia 
 College. In the mention which is made of the exercises on 
 that auspicious occasion it is stated that Benjamin Moore 
 and Gouvemeur Morris of the graduating class were awarded 
 silver medals by the " Literar\^ Society" for superior 
 
excellence in oratory and composition. It is likewise well 
 established that prior to the Revolutionary War, Alexander 
 Hamilton graced the membership of the Literary Society 
 which was then in existence, and delivered before it some 
 strong youthful speeches. 
 
 In the old College at Forty-ninth Street in the Library 
 Building there formerly hung a certificate of membership 
 in the "Columbia College Society for Progress" of John B. 
 Johnson of the Class of 1792. The President who signed the 
 diploma was John P. Van Ness of the Class of 1789. In 
 1795 this Society became extinct. From this time on for a 
 couple of years the various classes, it is believed, had each 
 their own literary associations. 
 
 In 1 80 1 the Junior Class of the College which had formed 
 one of these literary associations, designated it by the name 
 of Philomathean. One year later, in 1802, this society, 
 membership in which had formerly been limited to members 
 of the Jimior Class only, was thrown open to all under- 
 graduates and the name changed to the Philolexian Literary 
 Society of Columbia College. 
 
 The Philolexian Society was therefore founded in the 
 spring of 1802, probably on May 17, 1802, by certain mem- 
 bers of the Senior Class, prominent among whom are be- 
 lieved to beN. F. Moore, later a President of the College, and 
 Hubert Van Wagenen. The Society seems immediately 
 to have become very popular and its roll included the fore- 
 most men in college. 
 
 The object in forming Philolexian was presumably the 
 
same as that of the several previous societies in the college — 
 mutual improvement in oratory and composition. In as 
 much, however, as none of these societies had been of any- 
 long duration, with the single exception of the Columbia 
 College Society which lasted about eight years from 1787, 
 and as the same students had founded the Philomathean 
 in the previous year and had suffered it to die out, it is not 
 likely that they had any further design or expectation in 
 establishing the Philolexian than to make it a source of 
 improvement and pleasure to them during their own college 
 days.* Various causes, however, combined to make it 
 permanent, the chief of which occurred in 1806. 
 
 After the organization of Philolexian each succeeding 
 Freshman class had its Literary Association in order to pre- 
 pare for the debates in the larger society. These Freshmen 
 societies, it has been surmised, originated in the unusual 
 awe in which the Freshmen held the upper class men and 
 their unwillingness to speak before the members of the 
 higher classes without previous rehearsal. Hence they held 
 weekly meetings for that purpose. At this time they were, 
 however, eligible for membership in Philolexian. Until the 
 vacation in the summer these Freshmen meetings con- 
 tinued. 
 
 Finally in the fall of 1803 an imperfect organization 
 was created under the name of the Freshman Society. The 
 members of the incoming classes were admitted to mem- 
 bership in either this society or the Philolexian. This 
 
 ♦Programme, May 17, 1852. 
 
continued to be the situation of affairs until 1806. In this 
 year it was decided to separate the two more distinctly than 
 ever before. Members were allowed to choose in which they 
 would remain, and a nearly equal division having been made, 
 a new society, the Peithologian, was fully organized, and 
 that friendly rivalry commenced to which both societies 
 are probably indebted for their unusually long existence. 
 Great interest was taken in these two societies by the 
 under-graduates and also by the alumni of the College, and 
 that interest has ever since been maintained. 
 
 From its foundation to the present time there has been 
 no period in which Philolexian has not been in existence. 
 There have been times in which the society was in a very 
 weak condition but the records of Philolexian establish the 
 undisputed fact that it had a continuous existence during 
 the century that has past. 
 
 In the life of a society like this it is manifest that it must 
 have had its ups and downs. There have been times in the 
 history of the society when the deepest depression pre- 
 vailed, but in every instance the members have proved them- 
 selves worthy of Philolexians. The Peithologian owed its 
 organization to the influence of Philolexian members, and 
 when that society had reached its ebb tide it was resuscitated 
 by Philolexians. The Barnard Literary Association organ- 
 ized in 1878 as a protest against the then-prevailing spirit 
 in Philolexian, was given its life by Philolexian members. 
 
 When in 1893 the Debating Union was instituted it 
 was due to the suggestion of Philolexian men. In every 
 
onward step that has been taken at Columbia in literary 
 and debating circles it has been the ancient and honorable 
 Society of Philolexian which has always been the leader. 
 
 The records of the society, which are surprisingly com- 
 plete, are filled with interesting matters of every descrip- 
 tion. They form a most important part of that fascinating 
 section of the Library known as the Columbiana Collection. 
 The old minute books, which form a continuous record since 
 October lo, 1823, teem with much interesting material; the 
 account and receipt books are unique, dating as far back as 
 1 8 1 2 . The volumes of addresses delivered before the society 
 contain striking examples of oratory ; while one or two slim 
 books of anniversary and installation speeches by the Pres- 
 idents of Philolexian are exceptionally entertaining. The 
 "Philolexian Observer," published by the members of the 
 society and the first student paper of any kind of Columbia, 
 contains many praiseworthy essays and dates as far back as 
 181 2. The records of the society in the Trustees' books 
 show the influence the society once had and the far greater 
 paternalism on the part of the Faculty that formerly ob- 
 tained. The published constitutions with the by-laws of 
 the society are all-important records and contain much that 
 is valuable; and the reminiscences of the members of the 
 society have been of the greatest assistance in collecting 
 anecdotes and incidents that would otherwise have been 
 wholly forgotten. 
 
 It is the purpose of this history to review the occurrences 
 of these one hundred years of the Society's life. 
 
II. MEETING PLACES OF THE SOCIETY. 
 
 The many removals of the College have necessitated a 
 change in the meeting places of the society. It is not within 
 the knowledge of the writer where the original meeting or 
 the meetings of the society in its early years were held — 
 probably somewhere in the old " King's College" buildings, 
 situated between what are now Barclay and Murray Streets. 
 Indeed, it is difficult to say exactly where Philolexian was 
 housed for many years. Certain it is, however, that in the 
 year 182 1 there was some discussion between the tv»^o socie- 
 ties and the Trustees as to the location of their rooms. An 
 extract from the minutes of the Trustees dated July 9, 182 1 , 
 reads as follows: 
 
 Resolved, that for the accommodation of the Philolex- 
 ian and Peithologian Societies, a suitable building be 
 erected; and that the Committee of Repairs report to this 
 Board a plan and estimate, with the site thereof. 
 
 Resolved, further, that these societies hold the rooms 
 in the same building so long as, in the judgment of the 
 trustees, they shall advance the literary improvement of 
 the students and the general interests of the college, and on 
 the following conditions : 
 
 That matriculation in the College, and a correct standing 
 therein, be necessary qualifications for membership in the 
 societies, except in the case of honorary members; 
 
That the right of membership in the societies shall not 
 necessarily terminate with the under-graduate course ; 
 
 That the presiding officer of each of the societies shall 
 be a graduate member ; 
 
 That the societies be under the patronage of the Board 
 of the College, who will, by their counsel and support, aid 
 these institutions in the promotion of all their measures for 
 literary improvement of the students and the preservation 
 of the order of the College; it being expected from the 
 societies that they will enjoin on their members a be- 
 havior and deportment suitable to their character as students 
 of the College and as members of the societies.* 
 
 Apparently the building mentioned in the resolution 
 was never erected, but rooms were assigned to the societies. 
 These conditions imposed by the Trustees, especially the 
 one with reference to having the presiding officer of the 
 society a graduate were a source of much controversy. 
 The discussion on this point seems to have continued 
 for many years. The societies, always more or less dis- 
 pleased with their accommodations, were continually com- 
 plaining; while the Trustees, on their part were usually, it 
 would seem, ready to listen to the complaints of the students ; 
 for the records of the society and the Trustees' minutes 
 show the continuation of this controversy at spasmodic 
 intervals. 
 
 In the meeting of March 6, 1826, the Trustees adopted 
 the following resolution : 
 
 Resolved, that no society shall be accommodated in the 
 
 ♦Volume III, page 48. 
 
College unless on the condition that every member of the 
 society who shall be expelled or dismissed from the College 
 for misconduct, shall, ipso facto, cease to be a member, and 
 if any member of the society, being a student of the College, 
 shall be suspended by the authority of the College, during 
 such suspension he shall cease to be a member of the society. 
 And such accommodations shall only continue while their 
 course of proceeding in the above particulars and otherwise 
 be approved by the President. 
 
 Resolved, that the choice of the two rooms lately pre- 
 pared for the accommodation of the societies be given to 
 the Philolexian Society, subject to the foregoing regulations.* 
 
 The rooms were accepted by the society on these con- 
 ditions. 
 
 On the 9th of October, 1829, there was a joint committee 
 of the two societies appointed to consider with the Trustees 
 the subject of the advisability of the admission of Freshmen 
 into the society. Freshmen had been admitted heretofore, 
 but the Trustees now deemed it necessary that they should 
 no longer be allowed to be members. It had been the 
 settled policy of the Trustees not to have Freshmen mem- 
 bers. The societies had yielded most reluctantly to the 
 behests if not the mandates of the Board and on this occa- 
 sion presented a petition to the Trustees asking for their 
 admission. The joint committee reported to the societies 
 that it recommended that a Committee of Ten be appointed 
 to request the consent of the Trustees of the College to the 
 admission of the Freshmen Class under the restrictions 
 
 *Minutes, March 6, 1826. 
 
hereinafter to be made. These restrictions were five in 
 number — and curiously indeed do they read to us of the 
 present day. 
 
 (i) The candidate must be fourteen years of age. 
 
 (2) He could not be admitted until he had fully matri- 
 culated. 
 
 (3) He must be proposed by at least three members. 
 
 (4) Four-fifths of the members present must vote for 
 his election. 
 
 (5) He was ineligible to hold any office in the society. 
 On this occasion the Trustees in consideration of the 
 
 above conditions voluntarily proposed, yielded to the 
 wishes of the society. By the records of the Peithologian 
 Society of December 5, 1836, it is stated that the Peitholo- 
 gian Society again complained about the condition of its 
 room. 
 
 The Philolexian Society took up the controversy in the 
 following year. On February 6, 1837, we find the following 
 minute : ' ' The Philolexian Society through their committee 
 respectfully represent to the Board of Trustees of 
 Columbia College that the room at present accepted by the 
 society is in a condition alike inconsistent and discreditable. 
 They would therefore solicit from the Board the same aid 
 that has lately been extended to their sister society. " This 
 appeal was signed by Russell Trevette, then President of the 
 society, and Messrs. Strong, Chittenden and Knox. It 
 would seem from " a Memorial of the Columbia Peithologian 
 Society to the Honorable Board of Trustees (1839)" that 
 
this aid consisted in changing the room of that society, and 
 it seems likely that the appeal of the Philolexian was also 
 successful. 
 
 V\/'hile this was going on still another agitation seems to 
 have been prevailing. It was to all intents and purposes 
 the most vehement of all the discussions between the 
 students and the Trustees. This latter dispute referred to 
 the oft raised question as to the conditions on which the 
 society held its rooms. 
 
 On November 22, 1839, a memorial to the trustees was 
 presented, signed by a committee of five, comprised of 
 John Mason Knox, P. Remsen Strong, Wolcott Gibbs and 
 Robert D. VanVoorhis. Two days thereafter a letter 
 was written to President Duer of the college by John M. 
 Knox on the same subject, dated Monday, November 25, 
 1839. Among other things, the writer says: "The articles 
 which close the report will, it is confidently expected, meet 
 the approval of the Trustees, and the society respectfully 
 requests the President's influence in their favor. If oppor- 
 tunity should arise in the Board, I must respectfully request 
 the subject to be laid over until the next meeting of the 
 Board, to allow time for conference in the society, and 
 the request will, I trust, if necessary, be acceded to, as the 
 society has manifested a decided willingness to yield partly 
 to the conditions which they do not believe to be at present 
 in force." 
 
 The Trustees replied tersely and forcibly. They refused 
 absolutely to accede to the petition. The letter of the 
 
Trustees was written by no less a person than the President 
 of the College, William A. Duer. 
 
 In January of the following year, the two societies, 
 Peithologian on January ii, 1840, and the Philolexian five 
 days previous, requested that the key to the societies' 
 rooms be entrusted to the Vice-President of the Society. 
 This request met with as curt a refusal as the other. 
 
 The student sentiment on the replies appears to have been 
 so strong that the controversy seems to have waged at least 
 for many years. There is a letter in existence signed by 
 Charles King, President of Columbia College, dated June 4, 
 185 1, addressed to the two societies which shows explic- 
 itly the position of the Trustees on the subject at issue: 
 
 " The conditions on which the rooms of the Philolexian 
 and Peithologian Societies are held are as follows : 
 
 (i) None but matriculated students of good standing 
 in the College to be members, except in the case of honorar}'- 
 members. 
 
 (2) Membership not necessarily to cease at the gradua- 
 tion. 
 
 (3) The presiding officer of each society shall be a 
 graduate member. 
 
 The society to use their room from four to nine p. m. on 
 Fridays, and on Saturdays from 9 a. m. im.til noon, and at 
 no other times unless by permission of the President. 
 
 Any member of the society who shall be expelled and dis- 
 missed from the College ipso facto, to forfeit his membership 
 
in like manner; suspended by the College, to be for the 
 same time suspended from the society." 
 
 The conditions would seem by the minutes of the Board 
 of Trustees to have been communicated to the society. 
 They still exist in full force and are now communicated for 
 the government of the societies, with the additional remark 
 that the decision of the President of the College as to the 
 use of the rooms by the societies is absolute. 
 
 (Signed) Charles King, 
 June 4, 1857. President of Columbia College. 
 
 This detailed statement by the President of the College 
 appears to have finally determined this controversy, which 
 had lasted for so many years between student and trustee. 
 
 On the one hand, it is not at all surprising that the stu- 
 dents wished to relieve themselves from the restrictions 
 imposed, nor is it to be wondered at that the Trustees were 
 just as firm in their decision to maintain the rules of action 
 which they saw fit to adopt. The entire dispute reflects 
 the condition of affairs which prevailed at this time in the 
 college. 
 
 "These were the days," wrote William Allen Johnson 
 of the class of 1853 in an entertaining recollection, "when 
 Columbia College was still on its original site on the then 
 narrow Church Street, at the end of Park Place, and the 
 Grammar School under Professor Charles Anthon on Murray 
 Street, close by. The buildings of the College looked well 
 facing on the little green, on which grew some of the most 
 
gigantic buttonwood trees I have ever seen. Near the cor- 
 ner of Church and Murray Streets was a well-known cake 
 shop — Shaddle's — much frequented by lovers of sweets 
 among the students. 
 
 In one of the gloomy basement rooms of the College the 
 accomplished Professor James Renwick discoursed on 
 chemistry and natural philosophy, but the boys called it 
 'Jemmy's Den,' and to the evil influences of the room and 
 atmosphere the most virtuous students succumbed as to 
 their behavior. 
 
 It was in two of these basement rooms that the Philo- 
 lexian and Peithologian Societies held their meetings, the 
 former on Friday evening of each week. " 
 
 There is an instructive commentary to be gathered from 
 it all. The student with all his accustomed hatred for 
 discipline had fought against any limitation of privilege and 
 had been defeated, as students usually are when their pur- 
 poses conflict with those of the constituted authority. The 
 Trustees had, however, condescended time and time again 
 to listen to their pleas, and doubtless, if all things were con- 
 sidered, had exercised their power probably for the best in- 
 terests of all concerned. 
 
 It should be remembered that in the fifties the classes 
 were small in numbers, and in the words of another alumnus 
 of Philolexian, upon "the termination of our three-hour 
 lectures the students immediately scattered to widely dis- 
 tributed homes. There were no college athletic facilities 
 to keep them together; and the faculty was so opposed to 
 
favoring athletic exercise that even a delay on the college 
 green was an interference with the regulations. You will 
 therefore see there was very little social intercourse of the 
 students. " 
 
 Little wonder, indeed, is it that the restrictions were 
 placed upon these two societies. Far greater surprise is it 
 that they were not more burdensome. Yet Philolexian at 
 this time was in a remarkably prosperous state. The liter- 
 ary societies then represented practically the whole of 
 student life. They played a role of far greater importance 
 in student activity than at present. There were no athletic 
 or intercollegiate contests to detract the attention of the 
 students; and this was the form of activity in which were 
 centered all the best efforts of the students. 
 
 Eventually, however, these restrictions were removed, 
 although the exact date is unknown. It is to be presumed 
 that as the Trustees came to realize that the students were 
 really able and fitted to conduct their own affairs, the re- 
 strictions were no longer necessary. This change took 
 place about the time when the college removed to its new 
 home on 49th Street and Madison Avenue, in 1857. 
 
 From this date on the society met in many different 
 places. From 1857 at least until the early sixties, the 
 society's abode seems to have been on the top floor of an old 
 ramshackle building formerly used as a paper mill, situated 
 on the southwest comer of Forty-ninth Street. There were 
 no bridges across the railroad tracks then. Potter's Field 
 occupied the land facing the College on the east, and as the 
 
College was very far out of town it was very difficult for the 
 members to attend regularly the exercises of the society. 
 Yet with all these disadvantages Philolexian flourished and 
 its meetings, as is said upon the authority of a most worthy 
 alumnus, were frequently prolonged far into the night while 
 the members were engaged in other than merely intellectual 
 pursuits. 
 
 These accommodations do not appear, however, to have 
 been very satisfactory to the members and during the years 
 1864 to 1870 there were two meeting places of the society. 
 The society was first located on the second floor of a build- 
 ing at No. 8 Union Square in a large Masonic Lodge Room 
 with seats around the sides and numerous cushions around the 
 altar in the centre for the brethren to kneel upon. An organ 
 was a great feature and many an impromptu concert took 
 place and desperate cushion fights between the rival factions 
 occupying opposite sides of the room. The meetings were 
 held on Friday evenings and were called to order at 8 o'clock. 
 
 On other occasions the society met in the old Gibson 
 Building over Wallack's Theatre on the corner of Thirteenth 
 Street and Broadway, which has only recently been torn down. 
 It is related that this was a most extraordinary room. A 
 winding stairway led through several stories to a large 
 Masonic Lodge Room under the roof. Here the meetings 
 were held. Various ante-rooms and other appliances were 
 taken advantage of by the members to add effect to the 
 mock initiations which were often made a prominent feature 
 of the society's meetings. 
 
One night, it is said, the members of Philolexian dressed 
 up all the statuary on which they could lay their hands, and 
 which adorned the stairway in all sorts of fancy costumes, 
 and the effect was considered most startling. "I think," 
 writes H. C. Sturges of the Class of 1869, "as a matter of 
 history that our pranks were of such a character that we 
 were driven from all our meeting places. " 
 
 This is presumably an enthusiastic exaggeration ; but if 
 there be any semblance of truth in it the Trustees evidently 
 knew well what they were about when they imposed the 
 restrictions upon the society of which extended mention 
 has been previously made. 
 
 The society between these years of 1864 and 1869 had 
 a very vigorous life; the average attendance being about 
 fifty; the level of work was more than fair, and on the 
 whole it has been stated to have been rather high. 
 
 From 1870 to 1882 the society held its meetings in Mott 
 Memorial Hall, at 64 Madison Avenue just north of Twenty- 
 seventh Street next to the dwelling of the late Dr. Alexander 
 D. Mott, a place certainly more redolent in learning, but by 
 - no means as impressive as the old Masonic Hall. The room 
 in which the exercises of the society were held was filled 
 with anatomical apparatus and medical books, composing 
 the collections and library of Dr. Mott. 
 
 At this time, 1873 to 1877, the attendance at the meet- 
 ings usually did not exceed a dozen, except at the annual 
 prize contests when the attendance increased to twenty-five. 
 The society then met on Thursday evenings. 
 
Mott Memorial Hall continued to be the meeting place 
 of the society until 1892 when, on January 15th, the 
 following resolution was adopted : 
 
 " Resolved, that the society should hold its meet- 
 ings every Friday afternoon at 3.30 in one of the 
 College buildings." This was unanimously carried and 
 amidst great rejoicing on March 11, 1892, the first 
 meeting was held in room 22 of Hamilton Hall. This 
 room was the home of the society for five years, until the 
 removal of the University to Momingside Heights. From 
 1897 Philolexian has held its meetings, first on Friday, then 
 on Wednesday evenings, in room 422 on the fourth floor of 
 Library Building. When, in the present year, Earl Hall 
 was erected, the society changed its place of meeting and 
 now holds forth in one of the rooms in this new home for the 
 students. It ought to be the proud hope of all Philolexian 
 men that some time in the future the old Philolexian Society 
 may have a home of its own. 
 
 The college of yesterday and the university of to-day 
 have always contributed to the expenses of the society. 
 The authorities have recognized the worth and have esti- 
 mated the true value of Philolexian. The college for many 
 years paid the rent of the rooms of the society; and when 
 in return for that generosity, Philolexian donated its library 
 to Columbia, the Trustees decided to give the society the 
 right to expend annually any sum of money to the amount 
 of two hundred dollars. It is to this liberality of the 
 University that the society owes its splendid financial con- 
 ditions throughout all these years ; and it is upon this sup- 
 port that the society chiefly depends; for its dues are very 
 small, and, although it has a bank account of its own, the 
 chief financial aid is properly received from its Alma Mater. 
 
III. CRITICAL PERIODS OF THE SOCIETY. 
 
 In this onward march, there have been at least two 
 periods in the life of the Philolexian when its very existence 
 was most seriously threatened. The first one was in the 
 year 1877, when the Barnard Literary Association was 
 formed; and the second was in 1893, when the Hamilton 
 Literary Society was very prominent in literary circles. The 
 latter' s existence lasted, however, but a very short time, 
 finally resulting in a consolidation with Philolexian. The 
 simple incontrovertible fact remains, that Philolexian 
 has never disbanded, contrary to certain statements to that 
 effect which have appeared from time to time in the college 
 publications. The very facts speak for themselves, and 
 an investigation of the minutes of the society will disclose 
 the facts as above stated. There has been one continuous 
 life of the society from 1802 to 1902. 
 
 The first of these critical periods affords a striking com- 
 mentary on college life. During the years 1875 to 1877, 
 the society was in rather a haphazard state. There was a 
 considerable degree of freedom and informality in the exer- 
 cises, and the presiding officers often found it difficult to 
 suppress the disorder and indecorum in which the members 
 were wont to give expression to their vitality. 
 
 In these years, also, class politics seemed to have run 
 quite high ; and by a sort of combination among the Greek 
 
Letter Societies, an arrangement had been made by which 
 the officers of Philolexian were chosen alternately from 
 some of the Greek Letter Societies, principally the Delta 
 Psi, the Psi Epsilion and the Delta Phi. This plan seems 
 to have been carried out in accordance with an unwritten 
 law — that the presidency should be held in turn, as were 
 likewise two other offices of the society by the leading 
 fraternities, and then by a non-fraternity man or a "neu- 
 tral." 
 
 This confined the membership almost entirely to fra- 
 ternity men; only enough neutrals being elected to keep 
 up the appearance of its being a general college society. 
 There were no dues, and if there were any fines, they were 
 never collected. The men, however, who were in the so- 
 ciety at this time were the foremost men in the college, 
 most agreeable companions, who took very little interest 
 in the society, except from a social point of view. There 
 was no special method of initiation. 
 
 When a fraternity man was elected, however, by signing 
 the roll, it was the custom "if he had the price and the in- 
 clination for him to blow off as many of the crowd as he 
 liked." Tn fact, this was a custom rather well established 
 at this time. There are minutes in existence during this 
 period that there were certain inititations in which men 
 were roughed considerably by being blindfolded and asked 
 to jump off the table or being suspended by a rope from 
 the gallery. 
 
 It was the result of this state of affairs that induced a 
 
number of Philolexian men, members of the classes of 1878 
 and 1879 to feel that a change needed to be brought 
 about. 
 
 In 1877, when the increase in the number of fraternities 
 in the college and the fact that some of them already repre- 
 sented took very little interest in the society, the men in 
 Philolexian decided that the time was ripe for this change. 
 A sharp fight ensued and a number of men withdrew from 
 the society, and formed the Barnard Literary Society. 
 Most of the members of the Barnard Society had been mem- 
 bers of Philolexian, and some of them were very active par- 
 ticipants. After their withdrawal from Philolexian, they 
 centered all their energies in Barnard. 
 
 But this, strange to say, had a remarkable effect on 
 Philolexian. An effort was immediately made to take in 
 additional members, which was successful, but not to adhere 
 to the rotation in office theory, and in general to improve 
 the personnel and exercises from a literary standpoint. 
 The result was marked. Under the stimulus of the reform 
 movement, which arose in the society, Mr. John B. Pine 
 ' was elected president and the society was soon established 
 on a firmer basis. There was a little difficulty at first in 
 convincing candidates of the honesty and sincerity of the 
 intentions of the Philolexian men, and also a little diffi- 
 culty in carrying out the reform plans they proffered, but 
 gradually a general improvement was perceptible and the 
 society took on more of the character of a general college 
 literary society ; and as the years rolled on, gained a stronger 
 
hold on the new ideals. It was again firmly started on its 
 upward course. 
 
 In perfect truth it may be said that the Barnard Society 
 acted as a stimulus to renewed activity on the part of Philo- 
 lexian, and largely contributed towards perpetuating the 
 new order of things which began to obtain in Philolexian. 
 At the same time as Barnard may be regarded as the rejuve- 
 nator of Philolexian, so it is her offspring. The first presi- 
 dent, vice-president and secretary of Barnard were all 
 former members of Philolexian. It should be gratifying 
 to the latter to witness the prosperity and vigor of the 
 younger organization. Philolexian congratulates Barnard 
 and her members, both past and present, upon her success, 
 and wishes her the best of good fortune on the celebration 
 of her twenty-fifth anniversary. 
 
 By maintaining the friendship and friendly rivalry between 
 the two societies which has so long been a marked charac- 
 teristic, a higher standard of excellence and success may 
 be reached by both. 
 
 The year 1877 saw the beginning of the decline of the 
 old Peithologian Society. This society continued in exist- 
 ence for some years longer, with varying degrees of for- 
 tune. Included in its membership was the present Presi- 
 dent of the University, Nicholas Murray Butler, who was 
 very active in trying to resuscitate the smouldering embers. 
 The unfortunate dissolution of this old society which oc- 
 curred a few years later, must always remain a regrettable 
 incident in student literary circles. 
 
When in 1863 the poem entitled "Stella Peithologian " 
 was delivered, there seemed little likelihood that the words 
 then spoken of Peithologian would be as true of Philolexian. 
 Then it was that Philolexian was the master of the situation ; 
 but the old saying still holds good, and Philolexian looks 
 upon her lost sister as a precious relic of past memory, 
 always to be fondly cherished. 
 
 "For apparently dying, it rose up once more, 
 With splendor renewed brighter far than before, 
 Like the Phoenix of Od, from these smouldering ashes, 
 A glorious vision resplendently flashes. 
 
 And poor Philolexians still cherish a hope 
 At some future day with our members to cope, 
 And believe in their sun, though 'tis plainly a liar, 
 Always trying to rise yet ne'er one inch higher. 
 
 Philolexia's eyes now tremble with spite 
 
 For her poor sun is dimmed by our star's dazzling light. 
 
 She has found out at last, though it shines from afar, 
 
 Peithologia's orb was always a fixed star. 
 
 And a glistening tear down her pallid cheek slips, 
 
 For her sun is suffering a solar eclipse. 
 
 Philolexians, your pardon, heed not what I say, 
 
 Your sun is a very good thing in its way, 
 
 But it's well, now and then, that a few wholesome truths 
 
 Should be told to stich sickly, sun-stricken youths. 
 
 And if in this speech aught flattering I've said. 
 It's not because your own trumpeter's dead. 
 Oh, no, he comes after; his reason I've heard, 
 Is that of a woman; he wants the last word. " 
 
 (Written by Henry Yates Saterlee. Philolexian 's orator spoke last. 
 The seal of Philolexian was the sun; of Peithologian, a star.) 
 
This is a noteworthy reflection on the relations of these 
 two old, friendly rival societies, which for so many terms were 
 the very heart and soul of the college students' life and 
 activity. Great pity is it that one has succumbed in the 
 struggle for existence; but all honor to Peithologian, our 
 sister society. A fitting tribute to its life must be reserved 
 for another time and place. 
 
 The other danger point in Philolexian's life, to which 
 reference has been made, must be assigned to the recent 
 year of 1893. From 1885 Barnard was in a remarkably 
 prosperous condition; on the other hand, a period of list- 
 lessness and inactivity had fallen upon Philolexian. On 
 March 21, 1893, a new literary organization, the Hamilton 
 Literary Association, had been formed. The members of 
 this society, realizing the necessity of assisting the Philo- 
 lexian Society from its state of decadence, resolved to lend 
 their influence to effect that result, and to consolidate with 
 Philolexian. The minutes of Philolexian speak thus on 
 this occasion: 
 
 ' ' This society (The Hamilton Literary Association) was 
 started on March 21, 1893, and has been actively at work 
 for the past two months. Perceiving that the Philolexian 
 was about to die, it made an offer of consolidation for the 
 purpose of preserving the latter, which offer was accepted." 
 
 The unselfish example thus set by the members of the 
 Hamilton Literary Association is worthy of the highest 
 praise. They realized that Philolexian must be maintained, 
 no matter what the cost; and the precedent established 
 
by them on that occasion should always be regarded and 
 remembered by future generations, if the time should ever 
 come when the oldest Columbia society needs any aid. 
 
 The meeting for consolidation was held on Tuesday 
 afternoon, May 9, 1893, in Hamilton Hall. It was called 
 to order at four o'clock in the afternoon. The members of 
 the Hamilton Society were present at this meeting and, 
 after an address from the President of Philolexian, sixteen 
 men were elected to Philolexian and initiated. The secre- 
 tary was then instructed to read the minutes of the last 
 regular meeting "of the late Hamilton Literary Society," 
 which were accepted. Thus the critical period was success- 
 fully tided over. 
 
 From that time on Philolexian 's sun has ever been in the 
 ascendant. A new era of hope and success had set in, and 
 the way was opened for the new order of relations and of 
 conditions in society and college life, which was soon to 
 obtain. 
 
IV. ADDRESSES OF THE SOCIETY. 
 
 The roll of Philolexian is a most honored one. Since 
 the organization of the society to the present day, the num- 
 ber of members reaches the amazing total of fifteen hundred 
 in one himdred years. The names of many distinguished 
 men were embraced in this, the society's roll of honor; men 
 who in every path of life, as statesmen, scientists, publicists, 
 lawyers and doctors, have proved themselves worthy of the 
 highest merit in their various callings; men who have by 
 their attainments reflected the highest credit on their Alma 
 Mater; men who, as theologians, authors and professors, 
 have gained the world's praise. "The society's claim upon 
 the notice of others," reads an old programme "is found in 
 the great number of its representatives among the prominent 
 men of our city and State. From every station and pro- 
 fession, men look back to the Philolexian Society as to one 
 common point in their early lives — and there is surely some 
 interest due to it when it is interwoven with the recollec- 
 tions of such names as are to be found upon its rolls, and so 
 closely identified with its history." 
 
 In the history of this society many interesting cere- 
 monies have occurred. In more ways than one was the 
 influence of Philolexian felt, not only as a factor for good in 
 the College, but even in the life of this large city. 
 
 It was the custom of Philolexian to invite prominent 
 
men to speak before the society. These occurrences were 
 made occasions of the highest importance, both socially and 
 intellectually, to the college world and to the world at large. 
 Such customs as these should again be revived by the present 
 generation and made as interesting events as they were in 
 days gone by. 
 
 Fortunately some of these addresses are preserved to us. 
 There are two small volumes, if we can give them that 
 name, for they are in reality nothing more than student 
 copy books which contain the inaugural addresses of four 
 of the earlier Presidents of the society. Beautifully written 
 on discolored paper, in the distinct handwriting of Smith 
 Pyne, then the Secretary of the society, afterward its Presi- 
 dent, these relics of the remote past contain much that is 
 valuable to the society's history. The entire series of ad- 
 dresses are marked by high thought, careful advice and 
 nobleness of spirit, honored treasures of the society. 
 
 The first inaugural address which is recorded is that by 
 "H. N. Cruger, Esq., of the Class of 1819 before the Philo- 
 lexian Society delivered the 5th of January, 182 1, on his 
 assuming the office of President." The address is by no 
 means free from advice which is as applicable to the present 
 as it was to the past ; the care taken in preparation is easily 
 noticeable and the style, as well as the form, is admirable. 
 The newly-elected President speaks first of his appreciation 
 of the high honor conferred upon him, and after remarking 
 that to the friends of Alma Mater no word of praise about 
 the society is necessary, to others is may be well to add that 
 
"I am convinced that no one has subscribed to the consti- 
 tution without a full and mature examination of the benefits 
 to be derived from an association organized in the cause of 
 literature and for the sake of mental improvement. The 
 society requires of its members to undergo neither hardship 
 nor privations, nor to make any great sacrifices of their 
 time or convenience. It appoints duties which are at once 
 easy in their preparation and agreeable in their execution. 
 . . . The inducement and reward which it holds out for 
 exertion is more than sufficient to instigate and compensate 
 your most strenuous endeavors. . . . Its appeal is 
 made to self love, the strongest bias and most universal 
 principle of human nature . . . the signal advantages 
 resulting from the discharge of the duties of reading, com- 
 posing, speaking and debating are too obvious to need a 
 commentary. . . . But in going through this duty 
 (extempore speaking) each member should be on his guard 
 against that spurious and tinsel species of oratory which is 
 but too apt to obtain." Referring to the last anniversary 
 celebration, he writes: "The stand which you took on that 
 occasion in the eyes of the public entails upon you the 
 obligation of perseverance in your efforts. " His conclusion, 
 which speaks for itself, consists of a sublime eulogy: "The 
 genius of the present is hovering over us shedding from its 
 wings the kindly and cheering influence of a vivid and un- 
 clouded retrospection, and breathing forth an exhilerating 
 voice of harmony that sounds to the ear of hope as the 
 prelude to a glad and prosperous hereafter. Under its 
 
auspices with a steady step and devoted mind be it our 
 best wish to insure the welfare of the society of our adoption 
 and make the name of Philolexian an honor and a boast 
 not only within the precincts of our Alma Mater but through- 
 out the community of which we are denizens. " 
 
 He was succeeded by William Betts, who delivered his 
 inaugural on March i, 1822. Differing in tone from his 
 predecessor, he speaks of the internal affairs of the society 
 and offers some words as to the conduct of discussion in the 
 meetings of the society. " Let me exhort you to beware of 
 discoursing without the walls of this society questions 
 which may arise within. It is a habit with some of the 
 members when called upon to speak their sentiments on 
 whatever question may be before the society to apologize 
 for the bad speech which they are about to utter, by saying 
 that they have come unprepared but will however make 
 such remarks as the spur of the occasion may suggest." Well 
 worthy of the critic, he then remarks, '' it may appear harsh 
 to say that this is adding arrogance to ignorance . . 
 above all, gentlemen, be cool and temperate in your dis- 
 cussion. Delicacy and forbearance should rule. . 
 Permit me to add to my congratulations on your present 
 prosperity the hope that your indefatigable exertions will 
 long continue to support and deserve both. " 
 
 There is no further inaugural of which any record has 
 been kept until Friday evening, February 18, 1830, when 
 B. Slosson gave the address. It is an amusing speech, 
 for it refers to habits that obtain not infrequently to-day. 
 
The orator says we are deficient in lateness; our meetings 
 which are scheduled to begin at seven do not commence 
 until eight o'clock. " We are derelict in the performance of 
 our duties and I regret to say it, in gentlemanly deportment, 
 flatly contradicting what is uttered. " He complains of the 
 habit of making altogether too many motions — and then, 
 after referring to the existing jealousy which prevailed 
 owing to the prominence of the honorary members, recalls 
 the fact that they love the society just as sincerely as the 
 under-graduate body. There is a ring of truth in the address 
 which speaks more than once for the present as it did to the 
 audience before whom it was delivered. 
 
 The last inaugural that is recorded is from the mouth of 
 R. I. Dillon, who succeeded Slosson as President of the 
 society. The address was delivered on March 19, 1830, 
 Slosson having resigned. In a brief address, after a eulogy 
 upon the society, he states that since the credit of the society 
 is that of its members, it is the duty of the latter ever to 
 work for its best interests. 
 
 Unfortunately, this custom of having an inaugural 
 either was stopped, or the speeches were no longer taken 
 down. 
 
 One other feature of the early years of the society was 
 the addresses made by prominent men before, usually, 
 both the Philolexian and Peithologian Societies. The first 
 address of this character was that by Gulian C. Verplanck, 
 one of the Regents of the University of the State of New 
 York, on the evening preceding the Annual Commencement, 
 
August 2, 1830. The orator of the occasion presented a 
 finished oration. He opens in the following beautiful 
 words : 
 
 ' ' It seems to me that in addressing the literary societies 
 formed under the protection of our ancient College amongst 
 her students and graduates for their mutual improvement 
 in the best interest of good learning ; meeting them too, upon 
 the eve of that literary anniversary when our Alma Mater is 
 again to send forth a fresh body of her sons from the dis- 
 cipline of education to the cares and struggles of active life, 
 no theme could be more appropriate than the praise of some 
 of those illustrious dead whose memory our country cher- 
 ishes in grateful affection and whom our college proudly 
 numbers among her eldest and favorite sons." 
 
 Those whose praises are mentioned in the masterly 
 oration include Robert Livingston, Gouverneur Morris, 
 Dr. Cooper, Benson, Van Cortlandt, Rutgers and Troup, 
 all honored sons of Columbia. Possibly, the orator's great- 
 est eulogism is reserved for Alexander Hamilton. Of John 
 , Jay, whom he refers to as one who lived to be 
 
 ' ' Sent forth of the Omnipotent to run 
 The great career of Justice," 
 
 he spoke in measured words of truth. To De Witt Clinton, 
 the first graduate of Columbia after the peace of 1783; the 
 Rt. Rev. Benjamin Moore, President of Columbia College, 
 and Dr. John Bowden, Professor in Moral Philosophy and 
 Logic in Columbia College, the speaker pays his tribute. 
 
It is an address full of those reminiscences that bring pride 
 to Columbia men when they realize how much the nation 
 and the State owe to Columbia's sons. 
 
 The societies requested the publication of this memorial 
 address in the following letter to Mr. Verplanck : 
 
 August 3, 1830. 
 Hon. G. C. Verplanck. 
 Sir: 
 
 We have been appointed a committee on the part of the 
 Philolexian and Peithologian Societies to communicate to 
 you the following resolutions passed at a joint meeting of 
 the societies held August 2, 1830, at which Hugh Maxwell, 
 Esq., presided and William Hughes, Esq., acted as secretary. 
 Resolved, that the thanks of the Philolexian and Peitho- 
 logian Societies be presented to the Hon. Gulian C. Ver- 
 planck for the eloquent and classical address which he has 
 this evening delivered before them. 
 
 Resolved, that the Committee of Arrangements inform 
 Mr. Verplanck of the foregoing resolution, and request of 
 him a copy of his address for publication. 
 We are, Sir, with great respect. 
 
 Your obedient servants, 
 Benjamin Drake, ^ 
 
 J. H. HoBERT Hawes, y Committee. 
 William H. Milnor, J 
 
 The idea of having these addresses given yearly seems 
 to have been well established, but the record of these 
 
speeches is by no means complete. Only about ten of 
 them remain in pamphlet form. In the following year, 
 on May 15, 1831, the anniversary address was given by 
 John W. Francis, M.D., who spoke on Chancellor Robert R. 
 Livingston. In the same year, about two and one-half 
 months later, Edward P. Livingston, Lieutenant-Governor 
 and a Regent of the University of the State of New York, 
 addressed the societies on the broad subject of Oratory. 
 " It will be my object," he said, "briefly to notice some of 
 the rules which have been laid down as guides for the 
 acquirement of the art of oratory." Oratory is the most 
 useful of the arts to " instruct, to please and to effect," is 
 the claim of the speaker. 
 
 "Soft elocution does thy style renown, 
 And the sweet accents of the peaceful gown 
 Gentle or sharp, according to thy choice, 
 To laugh at follies or to lash at vice." 
 
 Education, he asserts, is more essential to the orator; 
 study and reflection are its handmates; but for perfection, 
 the gifts of genius are a necessity. The oration is carefully 
 thought out, expressed in clean, concise and at times pic- 
 turesque language, as worthy of the orator as they are 
 suited to the occasion. 
 
 The society celebrated Washington's Birthday, Febru- 
 ary 22, 1838, by an oration delivered by Rev. Edward G. 
 Higbee, who paid a most fitting and eloquent tribute to the 
 memory of Washington and Hamilton. A deep philosoph- 
 ical discourse was given in which the respective subjects 
 
of Patriotism, Philosophy and Religion are thoughtfully 
 treated as the fundamental pursuits upon which success in 
 life depends. 
 
 On May 17, 1840, the anniversary of the society, 
 Benjamin I. Haight, then rector of All Saints' Church was 
 the speaker of the day. The oration is affectionately dedi- 
 cated to Robert William Harris by his friend and brother, 
 the author. The address is couched in beautiful language; 
 and as the orator draws to his climax, the effect is intensely 
 dramatic. In touching words he recalls the memories of 
 his college life. 
 
 " The scenes of college life are reproduced with no ordi- 
 nary vividness upon memory's tablet . . . Again do I 
 warmly greet my companions and friends . . . Again 
 as I enter our meeting room as the studies and labors of the 
 week are over and prepare to take part in the inspiriting 
 and improving exercises. 
 
 Yes ! these were happy days, never to be forgotten. " 
 
 The next oration, which is extant, is one written by 
 William Alexander Duer, on July 24, 1848, the subject 
 being "The Duties and Responsibilities of the Rising Gen- 
 eration." In a spirited address the speaker refers to the 
 approaching war and urges upon all the great necessities 
 for and advantages of public service, although he fully ap- 
 preciates the great benefits to be derived from a "noble 
 private life. " His peroration is a stirring bit of writing. 
 " You will resist with firmness the temptations of prosperity 
 and bear with fortitude the pressure or adversity, sustained 
 
by superhuman strength and cheered by the consciousness 
 of having done your duty to yourselves, your families, your 
 country and your God. " 
 
 This is the last address of which there is any record. 
 
 In the same year, however, a poem was written and 
 read by Thomas P. St. John on the forty-sixth anniversary 
 of the society. The inscription reads : 
 
 "To William H. Terry 
 
 My brother Philolexian 
 
 and friend 
 
 The following poem is inscribed 
 
 As a slight testimonial of sincere Friendship and Regard." 
 
 The author's subject is that of Taste. He thus com- 
 mences : 
 
 There comes no Muse to aid me in my taste 
 "Though simple rhyme is all the boon I ask — 
 Behold the reign of Taste — 
 
 And the poet then speaks of the fads of the day, the Rossini 
 play, the opera, a hat from Leary's, "in broided vestry and 
 De Meyers's pants, and tells how the students loiter in 
 ' Classical Broadway. "... 
 
 But soft — I wake — burst is the magic spell — 
 
 The dream departs — 'Enchantress, fare thee well.'" 
 
 Two other poems were read before the society, the one 
 by Erastus B. Rudd, on February 20, 1861, the subject 
 chosen being "Surgam" the motto of the society; and the 
 
other by Samuel Walden Cooke entitled "Arise, " on Decem- 
 ber 19, 1862. 
 
 The former is written in a humorous vein. The poet 
 lamenting the fate of the poor student refers to the burden- 
 some college duties. Especially is this true he believes of 
 the freshman who is forced to seek relief somewhere. 
 
 "Cold comfort this, poor Fresh, what shall he do, 
 To aid his fainting soul in dragging through 
 These studies that so torture him and vex ? 
 His guardian angel points to Philolex." 
 
 In glowing praise " Her Sun, the pride of all Columbia's 
 sons" is appealed to for assistance. The Philolexian poet, 
 fop, beaux and Romeo are all carefully and humorously 
 treated and then seriously the poet adds 
 
 " Brothers, arise, your work is but begun, 
 Our emblem is an ever-rising sun." 
 
 It is pleasant to recall the following amusing account of 
 Peithologian : 
 
 "And jealous Peiths will whisper in your ear — 
 Peiths, did I say ? — I've made a blunder here. 
 It's far from my intention to make fun of them, 
 You can't saj' Peiths unless there's more than one of them. 
 
 And there is not — there can't be much variety 
 
 In such a very generous society. 
 
 Where officers, committee men, majority 
 
 And absentees, quorum and minority 
 
 All center in one man who sits in state 
 
 And gravely listens to his own debate." 
 
 It was in this pleasing spirit of jocularity that the speakers 
 or poets of both societies always made fun of the other. 
 
The other poem which has been referred to was written 
 in a more serious tone. 
 
 "In Philolexian's name I come to-day 
 To offer at her shrine my humble lay, 
 To speak a word of greeting to her friends 
 Fair Influence their beauty lends." 
 
 And after a loving tribute to the Class of '65 and Philo- 
 lexian's sons who fought and died in the Civil War, with 
 fond recollections of college joys, college frolics, and college 
 boys, the poet concludes: 
 
 "Arise — our noble motto, rich with precious bustle 
 Speaks to the old, the middle-aged, the youth — 
 Then, brothers, may we gladly burst the sod 
 To find our rest, our happiness in God, 
 While through the vaulted arches of the skies 
 The Angel's trumpet thunders forth 'Arise !' " 
 
 The activity of the society throughout these years is 
 memorable. The poets and orators were all Philolexians, 
 who looked upon these occasions as happy recollections of 
 by-gone pleasures, and were only too glad to be present and 
 assist and join once more in the festivities. It is to be re- 
 gretted that such customs as these have not continued, but 
 it should be a cause for congratulation not onl}^ to feel that 
 they once afforded so much genuine pleasure, but that they 
 may possibly be once again revived. 
 
V. ANNIVERSARIES OF THE SOCIETY. 
 
 Closely identified with these auspicious occasions were 
 the anniversaries of the society which were always celebrated 
 with appropriate ceremonies of one kind or another. Some- 
 times, as we have seen, one address was given by a renowned 
 orator. More often, the members of the society were the 
 participants in the celebration. The records of these anni- 
 versaries are not as complete as one would desire. There 
 is a programme in existence of the forty-ninth anniversary 
 of the society, which was held at Tripler Hall, on Monday 
 evening. May 19, 1851. The presidential address was de- 
 livered by P. W. Ostrander; while the other orations, of 
 which there were five in number, were as follows : 
 
 The Great Republic, E. M. Rodman. 
 
 The Age of Peace, G. C. Pennell. 
 
 Change vs. Progress, J. W. Harper. 
 
 Destiny, J. R. Smedberg. 
 
 The Search after Truth, its Danger, G. R. Hlnton. 
 
 Among the musical pieces played on that evening, the 
 Columbia Grand March, written by G. R. Bristow must be 
 mentioned. This piece of music seems to have been very 
 popular, and was always played at Columbia's celebrations 
 of this period. 
 
 The semi-centennial celebration of the society was 
 held on Monday evening, May 17, 1852, at Metropolitan 
 Hall. There does not seem to have been anything more 
 
than the usual effort made on this occasion. That it was an 
 unquaHfied success there is Httle doubt. The entertain- 
 ment was opened by five selections of music, including the 
 Columbia Grand March, followed by seven set orations on 
 such true Columbia and Philolexian subjects as ''In tuo 
 Lvimine Videhemus Lumen,'" by Joseph W. Harper, and 
 " Surgani," by James R. Smedberg; William E. Arundel 
 delivered the President's address, while the anniversary 
 oration was by Theodore Sedgwick. On this occasion, a 
 package was sealed and deposited in the archives of the 
 Columbia Library, not to be opened until the one hundredth 
 anniversary. 
 
 The invitations for the fifty-first anniversary are rather 
 curious — printed on a small note sheet of white paper, in 
 size three by five inches, with a little flower impressed on a 
 raised surface on the right hand corner. It read as follows : 
 
 Columbia College, May 3, 1853. 
 The Philolexian Society will celebrate the Fifty-first 
 Anniversary on Tuesday evening the 1 7th instant, at Metro- 
 politan Hall ; the Exercises to commence at half -past seven 
 o'clock. 
 
 The pleasure of your attendance is respectfully requested . 
 George C. Pennell, A.B., 
 
 President. 
 Thomas McCarty, ] 
 
 Edward W. Laight, ! Committee of 
 Daniel Embury, Jr., [Arrangements. 
 Abraham F. Jackson, j 
 
The meeting may best be described by an article which 
 appeared in the New York Express, May i8, 1853, and 
 shows how prominent events these anniversaries were in 
 the city's busy Hfe. 
 
 REPORTS OF CITY MEETINGS. 
 
 Fifty-first Anniversary of the Philolexian Society 
 
 OF Columbia College. 
 
 (Reported for the New York Express.) 
 
 "MetropoHtan Hall, in the hey-day of the Lind and the 
 Sontag and Alboni concerts never presented a more brilliant 
 appearance than it did last evening on the occasion of the 
 celebration of the oldest literary society connected with 
 Columbia College. The parquet and the dress circle were 
 full of ladies, attended by their friends of the other sex, and 
 the scene was one of rare attractiveness and animation. 
 Dodworth's band was in attendance, and their performances, 
 at the commencement of every exercise, and at the close of 
 the performances, formed a delightful relief to the more 
 grave proceedings of the evening. They played several differ- 
 ent morseaux before the literar}^ exercises commenced, and 
 among them was the ' Philolexian March,' composed for the 
 occasion and dedicated to the society by Mr. Harvey Dod- 
 worth — and a very pretty composition it was. This little 
 preliminary concert terminated with Schubert's beautiful 
 ' Serenade,' most feelingly performed. The stringed band 
 played the ' Sounds from Home' in the course of the even- 
 ing, with much touching sweetness. In fact, this was one 
 
of the most pleasing features of the occasion. Fourteen 
 pieces, bringing in all the various combinations of this accom- 
 plished company, were given during the evening and with 
 distinguished applause. 
 
 On the platform we noticed Dr. King, President of 
 Columbia College, on the right and left of whom were Mr. 
 George C. Pennell, the newly-elected President of the society, 
 and the poet of this anniversary, Mr. Thomas McCarty, also 
 Profs. Anthon, Turner, Rev. Messrs. Morris (Principal of 
 Trinity School) and Leonard, Garrett D. Van Wagenen, W. 
 V. Brady, Esqs., and others. Just before the first exercise 
 was comm.enced. Gen. Scott being discovered among the 
 audience, was waited upon by the President of the society to 
 the platform amidst the enthusiastic applause of the auditory. 
 
 Including the presidential address of Mr. Pennell (which 
 was very happy) and Mr. McCarty's poem (the subject of 
 which — ' Memory ' — was very well treated) there were 
 seven literary performances, all of which were of a very high 
 order of composition and were admirably delivered. We 
 were happy to notice a manifest improvement in this last 
 particular since we had occasion before to speak of the 
 Columbia College exhibitions. Where all were so truly 
 creditable, it would be invidious to distinguish and we shall 
 therefore content ourselves with saying that the speakers, 
 other than those we have named, were John A. Kernochan 
 {'Sic transit gloria mundi'), Marvin R. Vincent ('The 
 Teacher's Calling'), Herbert B. Turner ('The Influence of 
 Association' — including a beautiful eulogium on woman), 
 
William G. Farrington ('Civilization and Christianity In- 
 separable'), and Elias G. Drake, Jr. ('Simplicity of True 
 Manhood' including a very eloquent tribute to the charac- 
 ter of Washington). 
 
 All the addresses were received with great and marked 
 favor, and among the modes of testifying approbation, the 
 profuse bestowment of bouquets, wreaths and coronets, of 
 superb flowers, by the ladies, on their favorites, was cer- 
 tainly the most graceful and appropriate. 
 
 Just at the close, a voice from the crowded audience 
 exclaimed 'Three cheers for the Hero of Cherubusco' and 
 they were given 'with a will. ' Gen. Scott bowed grace- 
 fully in acknowledgment and left the platform amidst the 
 warmest applause." 
 
 These anniversaries were probably still maintained by 
 appropriate functions but there is no further mention made 
 of them. From the fiftieth celebration to the one-hundredth 
 anniversary is a very long interval but it can be stated that 
 all the old time fervor, vigor, enthusiasm and interest both of 
 alumni and students still prevail in the society ; and the cen- 
 tennial celebration will doubtless be as successful, if not 
 more so, than those in the past. 
 
 In recent years it has been the well established custom 
 of the society to hold an annual banquet sometime in the 
 spring. Once a theatre party was successfully given. The 
 same spirit still obtains among its members; and these 
 functions are always the scene of much festivity and pro- 
 ductive of genuine enjoyment. 
 
VI. SEMI-ANNUAL EXHIBITIONS AND THE PRIZE 
 
 FUND. 
 
 The next item of interest is seen in a petition presented 
 to the Board of Trustees of the College by the Philolexian 
 Society in the year 1855, requesting permission to elect one 
 of its members to deliver an oration on its behalf at each 
 recurring semi-annual exhibition of the college. To this 
 petition the Trustees returned a favorable answer, making 
 this restriction only, that the orator chosen should be a 
 member of the Senior or Junior Class. This semi-annual 
 exhibition immediately caught the popular fancy. The 
 students showed the greatest interest in it; and, as it was 
 considered a very high honor to be the orator on this occa- 
 sion, there was considerable rivalry and spirit shown in the 
 competitions. At the first of these exhibitions which took 
 place in 1855, the orator was John Francis Walton. Among 
 his successors as semi-annual orators were, in 1867, George 
 L. Rives, the present Corporation Counsel of New York; 
 in 1878, William Milligan Sloane, the present Seth Low 
 Professor of History, and William Barclay Parsons, Jr., in 
 1879. These exhibitions were continued certainly as late 
 as 1882. In the Columhiad of 1879, an annual publication 
 of the Junior Class, appears this amusing account of the 
 previous year's celebration : 
 
 "The semi-annual, thanks to the energy of '79 and 
 
backed by the financial aid of '80 and '82, proved a great 
 success. There was the usual amount of attention paid to 
 the speeches and an unusual amount of flirting in the 
 lobbies. The house was uncomfortably crowded and the 
 sign 'Standing Room Only' was placed outside of the 
 Academy early in the evening. " 
 
 The interest in the exercises was undoubtedly very 
 great, not only among those in the college but among out- 
 siders as well. The anniversaries were considered events 
 of the greatest social importance. The old Academy was 
 crowded to the doors on these festive occasions. The 
 students in their caps and gowns, the marshals with gay rib- 
 bons and batons, all wearing the gold society badges, the 
 brilliant company and fine music, all must have formed a 
 striking picture. Not infrequently, there was added to the 
 exercises a so-called "Mock Programme." This was quite 
 a feature, and the greatest rivalry existed as to which of the 
 persons would get the most bouquets, and the same flowers 
 were sometimes thrown on the stage several times during 
 the evening to keep up the delusion. 
 
 The remarkable prosperity of the society is easily 
 realized if we recall that it was at this time that the Prize 
 Fund of the society was also raised. If at no other times 
 during the year the attendance at the meetings of the 
 society was large as the time for the anniversaries, the 
 semi-annuals or the Prize Fund competitions drew near 
 there was always sure to be large numbers of members 
 present. This fact is still true and noticeable to-day. 
 
The Prize Fund owes its creation to the Class of 1853. 
 As a sequel to the semi-centennial, a scheme was drawn up 
 by some of the older members to establish a prize fund of 
 $1,500. In April, 1852, as the records of the society reads, 
 it was resolved ' ' that a plan for the establishment of the 
 society on a firmer foundation and for deriving from the 
 newly-awakened interest of its former members, some last- 
 ing and permanent good," be adopted. The suggestion 
 was immediately taken up and carried through with vim 
 and spirit. The actual work of raising the desired amount 
 fell to the class of 1853. The men to whose individual 
 efforts this sum of money was raised, were William Allen 
 Johnson, '53, Abraham S. Jackson, who died last year, and 
 Daniel Embury. Messrs. Hale and Smith also performed 
 valuable service in collecting the sum. The highest praise 
 should be bestowed upon those men who by their earnest, 
 self-sacrificing endeavors gave to Philolexian a fund to 
 establish prizes which has been not only the means of great- 
 est enjoyment among the members, but has served so 
 signally as a factor in perpetuating and making stronger 
 the society. The endowment actually raised was $1,200. 
 The sum thus accumulated was placed at seven per cent, 
 interest; and it is the same rate of interest which the 
 University in its generosity still pays to the society to-day. 
 
 As the minutes of the ' ' Scheme of the Philolexian 
 Honorary Prize Fund" states, it was "founded in the 
 Philolexian Society of Columbia College by the Honorary 
 Members of the society, and for which an endowment of 
 
$i,5oo was raised, the same having been adopted at a meet- 
 ing of the Honorary Members held in the College Chapel on 
 the Friday preceding the semi-centennial anniversary of 
 the society, on the 14th day of May, in the year one thou- 
 sand, eight hundred and fifty-two." 
 
 There are three series of prizes awarded annually by the 
 society, competition for which is opened only to the under- 
 graduate m.embers of the society. The Prize Debate for 
 which three prizes are offered takes place at the second 
 regular meeting in April of each year. The competition for 
 the two prizes which are awarded for the best orations 
 delivered takes place on the first meeting in April. There 
 are also two prizes awarded for the best original essays. 
 The fund is entrusted to the care of three persons, to be 
 selected by the society from graduate members, the chair- 
 man of the committee having been for many years the 
 beloved Dean of the college, J. Howard Van Amringe, '60. 
 
 The complete list of prize-winners since 1855 is recorded 
 in the archives of Philolexian ; and it is only in justice to 
 Philoiexian to say that the names of the winners present a 
 list of men who have gained the greatest successes in life. 
 From 1855 to the time of writing, the competition has been 
 continued. Such competitions as these should be held in 
 as public a manner as is possible, and such occasions 
 should be made fitting reunions of Philolexian 's honored 
 older graduates. 
 
VII. THE INTERNAL CUSTOMS OF THE SOCIETY. 
 
 The character of the exercises which the society con- 
 ducts has, since its institution, changed but httle. The 
 meetings have always been held weekly throughout the 
 college term. Philolexian's object has always been to "im- 
 prove its members in oratory, composition and forensic 
 discussion." This is the end which the society throughout 
 all the years that have past, has kept steadily in view and 
 the goal towards which its members have always labored 
 to reach. The programme has consisted ordinarily of an 
 oration, two or more extempore speeches, an essay and a 
 debate in which sometimes all the members present join. 
 Not infrequently some other form of exercises are presented. 
 Some of the occasional changes presented have been of an 
 interesting character. The society has resolved itself into 
 the United States Senate or the State Legislature and 
 debated the most important topics, political and otherwise, 
 of the day. On other occasions, special orations have been 
 delivered. On still other occasions in these later days, the 
 society has been the vantage ground where subjects for 
 inter-society and inter-college debates have been carefully 
 threshed out. 
 
 It was the custom of the society, which was followed 
 until within the last twelve years, to divide the society into 
 "Classes for Literary Duties." The number in each class 
 
varied in proportion to the number of members in the 
 society ; but there have been as many as eighteen members 
 in each of the four classes. A different class was assigned 
 for the literary duties every four weeks. 
 
 In these recent years this scheme has been abolished, 
 and the assignments are entrusted to the care of an appoint- 
 ment committee which appoints the members to the various 
 duties as it chooses. 
 
 In former years it is evident that fiercely contested 
 parliamentary questions have been debated. In one of 
 the old constitutions there are printed. a list of the "De- 
 cisions of the Standing Committee upon appeals from the 
 Decisions of the President. " The subject of some of these 
 decisions are rather quaint and curious. As far back as 
 October, 1832, it is evident that " a gentleman who has left 
 Columbia College and become a student in another institu- 
 tion can continue a member of the society." Possibly 
 with a faint idea of the future modem athletic eligibility 
 controversy it is stated in January, 1833, "that a student 
 attending the lectures of but one professor is eligible to 
 membership. " It is evident that at this time parliament- 
 ary discussion was a most important feature of the exercise 
 of the society. 
 
 There were other interesting special ceremonies of which 
 mention must be made. The constitution of 1820, the 
 earliest constitution of the society which is extant, contains 
 the following provision: "The member who in the opinion 
 of the Board of Officers shall display most eloquence at a 
 
time annually set apart by the President for that purpose, 
 shall be presented with a book or set of books by the Presi- 
 dent in the name of the society. The said book or books to 
 be purchased at the expense of the society." 
 
 At a late date premiums were awarded for excellence in 
 elocution. The premium was a medal of the value of five 
 dollars. A like premium was given to the writer of the best 
 original essay. It was expressly provided that the winner 
 of one premium was ineligible to try a second time. 
 
 Still later in the society's history there is recorded in the 
 minutes of December 4, 1884, a generous gift of two hundred 
 and fifty dollars from two alumni, Henry N. Mills, '80, and 
 Robert M. Bull, '80. "They give to the society" so the 
 President announced, "the sum of two hundred and fifty 
 dollars annually for five years to be expended in prizes for 
 the first and second best orations respectively. " The 
 competition was open to all active members of the society 
 and the donors imposed only the following restrictions on 
 their gift. First, that there must be at least thirty mem- 
 bers in the society; and secondly, that there must be at 
 least three competitors. In this connection it might be 
 proper to add that, when a member of the society, Mr. Mills 
 was one of its foremost speakers. He delivered an oration 
 regularly. In fact, it would seem that it was always the 
 same oration, "Spartacus." The Secretar}^ once records: 
 " Mr. Mills then delivered ' Spartacus' in his best style. " 
 
 Another interesting custom which was observed was the 
 delivery of a salutatory and a valedictory address. At the 
 
first meeting in every year the salutatory was given by a 
 member, elected the last meeting of the previous year. The 
 valedictory was delivered by a member of the graduating 
 Senior Class on the anniversary of the society, which was 
 always celebrated near the 17th day of May. The date of 
 the anniversary of the society is thus declared: "The anni- 
 versary of the society shall be celebrated regularly on the 
 17th day of May (except that day fall on Sunday or the 
 weather proves unfavorable, in which case it shall be cele- 
 brated on the day following) in such manner as the society 
 may order." 
 
 The motto of the society has always been the appropriate 
 Latin word '' Surgam." This has often been the theme 
 of the society's poets and orators on important occasions. 
 
 The seal of Philolexian is likewise an important factor in 
 the society's history. A four-sided square with indenta- 
 tions at the four corners surrounds a circle of half an inch 
 in circumference, in which the rays of the shining sun are 
 impressed. Towards the bottom of the design is the motto 
 " Surgam," with the date of the organization of the society 
 underneath. The badges of the society were made of gold, 
 the general effect of which was strikingly beautiful. 
 
 The initiation of the members into the society has been 
 referred to briefly in another connection. There was a regu- 
 lar form of initiation by which the society initiated its mem- 
 bers. In 1847 when the time of meeting was on Friday 
 evenings, as early as seven o'clock, the initiate was forced 
 to pay $2.50 and "he may also provide himself with the 
 
gold badge and rosette of the society." The constitution 
 of the society provided that: 
 
 ' ' The President shall address him as follows : ' As being 
 received a member of this society, do you solemnly promise 
 faithfully to observe all its laws and regulations, to per- 
 form the various duties required of you to the best of your 
 abilities, and to exert your utmost endeavors to promote 
 its interests?'" 
 
 To which the member elect shall reply " I do." A copy 
 of the constitution shall then be delivered to him by the 
 secretary, and the following pledge : 
 
 " We, the undersigned, students of Columbia College, do, 
 by our signatures, hereunder annexed, voluntarily become 
 members of the Philolexian Society, and as such, do pledge 
 ourselves to adhere to its interest, be faithful to its duties, 
 obedient to its laws, and active in promoting its interest 
 as much as in us lies." 
 
 Having been signed by him, the President shall address 
 him as follows : 
 
 ' ' You are now regularly admitted a member of the 
 
 ' Philolexian and invested with all its privileges." He may 
 
 also add such other remarks on the duties pertaining to 
 
 membership and the manner of performing the same as to 
 
 him shall seem proper. 
 
 The Constitution of 1842 declared that the Constitution 
 should be read to the initiate and when signed by him, he 
 was to be presented with the gold badge of the society. 
 
 Some of these ceremonial forms have been dispensed 
 
with to-day, but the same general adherence to the old 
 procedure is still happily preserved. 
 
 The importance of honorary membership has been no- 
 ticed elsewhere in these pages. There was a special cere- 
 mony in connection with these members and a distinct 
 parchment certificate of honorary membership in the society 
 was presented to the member elect. Upon his election, an 
 honorary member was expected to deliver an address before 
 the society. This request was always complied with. The 
 form of these old certificates, printed in Latin, have been 
 transmitted to us, and are still used by the society in electing 
 its members to honorary membership therein. These 
 certificates read as follow^s : 
 
 SURGAM 
 
 SOCIETAS PHILOLECTICA COLLEGII COLUMBIANI. 
 
 Neo Eborenses A. D. 1802 Instituta omnes ad quos hae 
 littercB proesentes venerint certiores facit. 
 
 (the name was written here) 
 adolescentem vestuta ac humanitate insignem socium nobis 
 jampridem acritum esse, et sese tarn studiis Hberalibus deditum 
 quam moribus in geniis ornatum ostendisse ; qua ob merita ad 
 socii honorii gradiiin nunc admitti. 
 
 In quonum testimonium, Nos Presses Prcesidisque vicarius, 
 sociorum nomine chirographa nostras, sigillumque societatis 
 hisce Uteris affigenda curavimus. 
 
 Presses. 
 V. Presses. 
 
The annals of the society are full of many mementos of 
 the past. On one occasion, the society ungenerously re- 
 fused, although probably for some substantial reason, to 
 allow "the New York law students the use of its rooms." 
 On another occasion, however, there was a joint meeting on 
 June I, 1832, between the Philolexian, the Peithologian and 
 the Literary and Philosophical Society of New York, of 
 which Committee of Arrangements Hamilton Fish of the 
 Class of 1 83 1 was Chairman. 
 
 At the anniversary exhibition of May 25, 1830, some 
 unfortunate incident must have occurred, for a resolution 
 and note is recorded "denying the suffered insult to Prof. 
 Renwick" by Barzilli Slosson. The society adopted the 
 following resolution in this connection : 
 
 "That this society heartily concurs in the frank dis- 
 avowal by Mr. Slosson of any the remotest view in injuring 
 the feelings or insulting the character of Professor Renwick 
 for whom they entertain the highest respect as a gentleman 
 and whom they admire for his talents and extensive acquire- 
 ments." 
 
 Copies of this resolution were ordered to be sent to the 
 Trustees, to the Professors and members of the Faculty. In 
 his personal letter to the Professor, Mr. Slosson says that he 
 regrets "that a remark wholly general in its nature should 
 be applied by you in a particular sense was what was not 
 expected." The letter closes with a complete disavowal 
 and the highest praise of the Professor. Presumably the 
 whole trouble was the result of some foolish student prank. 
 
The next incident of this nature occurred in 1849. 
 The fracas on this occasion must have been of a very serious 
 nature; for a two-page letter of the then President of the 
 University, Nathaniel F. Moore, who, strange to say, was a 
 former member and President of Philolexian, is to be found 
 inserted in one of the old books of the society. The presi- 
 dent complains bitterly of the "disgraceful scene on the 
 college green ' ' ; and warns the society that the entire matter 
 has been placed in the hands of the Trustees. The threat is 
 even made that the society will be forbidden to hold meet- 
 ings upon the repetition of any similar conduct. 
 
 Another record of this sort is recorded at a special meet- 
 ing held in Dr. Drisler's Lecture Room at i p. m. on March 
 17, 1870, when it was resolved that the chair appoint a com- 
 mittee to write to Dr. Alexander B. Mott, apologizing for 
 the defacing of the busts in the Mott Memorial Library. 
 On that committee were Stuyvesant Fish, Brander Matthews 
 and Robert Arnold. The apology which was offered was 
 accepted. 
 
 Still another occurrence of this character is found in the 
 minutes of the society. " It was thereupon moved, seconded 
 and carried that a vote of censure be passed on certain mem- 
 bers for creating disturbances in the meeting on November 
 4, 1885." 
 
 In one of the oldest minute books of the society the 
 Secretary has entered the following curious minute : ' ' No 
 meeting, Alas ! Alas !" At this time, in 1834, it is evident 
 that the meetings were held with the greatest regularity. 
 
An entertaining anecdote is supplied by a member of 
 the Class of 187 1 which he says was handed down from an 
 earlier period. A member of the society had been 
 expelled. One day in passing the rooms where the 
 Philolexians were in session he slipped and fell. Some of 
 the members of the society uncharitably jeered at him. 
 With great hauteur he rose, and, at the top of his voice, 
 answered the jeers of the members by the single word 
 '^ restirgam. " 
 
 Another humorous incident which occun-ed at an earlier 
 date than the above is related by AVilliam Allen 
 Johnson, '53. In those days, lamps gave the society its 
 light and in these lamps a very dangerous and explosive 
 article was used, known as burning fluid. One of the mem- 
 bers, Charles De Gray Mount, was accustomed to bring 
 forward at each meeting a resolution to put in their places 
 oil lamps or candles. At length this became so monotonous 
 that the resolution was always ruled out of order. One 
 evening, a short time before the semi-centennial anniversary, 
 Mr. Mount rose and said in a most serious voice that he 
 feared our celebration could not be held. "At once all was 
 silence and attention. Mr. Mount continued, without the 
 slightest suspicion of a smile on his face, in a long and ob- 
 scure preamble and then suddenly said if the lamps should 
 explode and annihilate the society, the anniversary could 
 not be kept. I therefore move that the lamps for burning 
 fluid be removed and oil lamps or candles substituted in 
 their stead. ' ' 
 
Some of the old rules found in the constitution and by- 
 laws of the society, are rather suggestive. Upon refusing 
 to leave the room after adjourning or for divulging anything 
 that happened in the meeting a fine of one hundred cents 
 was imposed, or for a second offense, expulsion ensued. For 
 being late there was a fine of six and one-quarter cents, while 
 for absenting oneself from the meeting twenty-five cents 
 was forfeited. If one neglected any duty that was assigned, 
 twenty-five cents must be paid to the treasury as a penalty 
 for the offense. For offering an insult to officers or for ad- 
 dressing the President when the floor was occupied, the 
 fines were respectively fifty and twenty-five cents. If any 
 member committed plagiarism, one dollar w^as the penalty, 
 and a like amount was forfeited if one refused an election 
 to any office; or leaving the room without permission. In 
 the constitution of 1834 there was also a fine of twenty-five 
 cents for disorderly behavior, or for disorder twelve and one- 
 half cents; but the distinction between these two offenses 
 is not clearly designated. 
 
 One of the old rules of the society declared that "No 
 member of the Junior or Senior Class (unless appointed to 
 open the debate) shall be permitted to read off a written 
 discussion. " 
 
 The method of procedure upon expulsion was also pro- 
 vided for. The accused was heard in his own defense. 
 There was a board elected by the society before which mem- 
 bers who had been suspended were cited. If such a member 
 pleaded guilty to the accusation, then the board immediately 
 
reported the matter to the society with its recommenda- 
 tions. If, on the other hand, the plea of not guilty was 
 entered, then a formal prosecution was commenced. The 
 prosecutor appointed by the society opened, after which the 
 accused was allowed to speak in his own behalf. The prose- 
 cutor replied and the defendant was then allowed the oppor- 
 tunity of a second hearing. The guilt or innocence of the 
 offender was then determined by the society at large by 
 ballot. The necessity for this procedure seems to have 
 lasted as late as 1852. There are recorded descriptions of 
 the trial of at least one member of the society who was 
 brought before this inquisitorial board. The whole pro- 
 cedure was characterized by the strictest formality and 
 throws a most amusing light on the nature of the proceed- 
 ings which were carried on in such a serious manner. 
 
 At a later period there was in existence an officer des- 
 ignated as the sergeant-at-arms or censor. Not infrequently 
 there were two such officers elected. They were invested 
 with great powers and their mandates were laws. It is 
 even suggested that it was more honor to receive the election 
 of a sergeant-at-arms — certainly it was more fun — than to 
 be chosen President of the society. 
 
 Many were the fines imposed in those days ; in fact, they 
 often amounted to rather large sums. In the old receipt books 
 of the society there are many charges against the individual 
 members, sometimes they were paid — not infrequently they 
 were not — more often the delinquents were excused. 
 
 Closely identified at one time with the sergeant-at-arms 
 
was the critic. At one time these two officers went hand in 
 hand. ' The critic would offer his suggestion and if any mem- 
 ber took umbrage at the critic's remarks, the sergeant-at- 
 arms would step in and end the controversy. But the 
 offices finally were made more distinct. The office of 
 sergeant-at-arms has long since been abolished. The office 
 of critic is still retained however, and the duties connected 
 therewith. It is incumbent upon this officer to criticize in 
 a proper and dignified manner, the speakers, their efforts 
 and the general tone of the meeting. One of the older men 
 in the society usually receives the appointment in order that 
 he may offer to the society the wisdom of experience. 
 
 Of the many services which the society has rendered to 
 the members and the university, the library which at one 
 time the society owned must not be overlooked or forgotten. 
 It is exceedingly difficult to discover any precise informa- 
 tion in regard to the library of the society. Certain it is, 
 however, that at one time, there was in the possession of 
 the Philolexian a library of about 1,500 to 2,000 books. 
 There is but one catalogue, and that a very early one, of the 
 library which is extant. In this catalogue there are about 
 1,000 books mentioned, but it is known that this number 
 was largely increased in later years. The books were on all 
 sorts of subjects. History, biography, novels, tales and 
 romances, philosophy, religion — all were represented, while 
 a separate heading was set apart for magazines and 
 miscellaneous books. The library continued for many 
 years, as late as 1852, in the rooms of the society, and was 
 
then turned over and entrusted to the university authori- 
 ties. The books of the Philolexian Hbrary thus given to 
 the university have not since been maintained as a distinct 
 library but have been indiscriminately distributed in the 
 various subjects and fields to which they belong. Now and 
 then, when a book is called for, one is agreeably surprised 
 when he opens it to find the old Philolexian name-plate still 
 on its covers. 
 
 Every member of the society was originally "required 
 to contribute towards the library $1.25 or $4.00 in books 
 according to the prices in store." The rules for running 
 the library were very stringent. There was a registrar, a 
 librarian and an assistant librarian elected by the society, 
 and the records of these officers were carefully kept. If a 
 book was not registered the offending member was fined 
 fifty cents. A member was allowed to take from the library 
 one quarto, two octavos or three smaller volumes. A 
 quarto might be kept out three weeks, an octavo two, and a 
 duodesimo but one. For each week in excess of the time 
 that was allowed, a fine of twelve and one-half cents was 
 ' imposed. The library was certainly a source of enjoyment 
 to the members of the society ; and it is gratifying to think 
 that the society had even the smallest share in adding to the 
 now magnificiently equipped library of the University at 
 Morningside. 
 
VIII. PUBLICATIONS OF THE SOCIETY. 
 
 One of the most curious and certainly one of the most 
 interesting customs that ever existe(;l in the society was the 
 pubHcation of two old periodicals, The Philolexian and The 
 Philolexian Observer. Through the generosity of Bishop G. 
 T. Bedell, who probably received the papers from his father, 
 the manuscript was presented to the Philolexian Society 
 by J. Muhlenberg Bailey on January 14, 1884, and is now 
 on the shelves of the Columbia Library, under the desig- 
 nation of " Columbiana." The entire collection is contained 
 in one volume, and consists of one number of The Philo- 
 lexian and twelve other manuscript papers of The Philolexian 
 Ob server. '^ 
 
 The probable author of these papers, none of which 
 were signed, was Gregory T. Bedell, one of the contestants 
 in the first debate of the Philolexian Society. 
 
 "On Friday, February 26, 1813, appeared the first and 
 only number of The Philolexian. There seems to have 
 been but a single copy written to be read before the members 
 of the society in meeting and thus certainly assured of a 
 hearing. It was written on a sheet of foolscap in the clear 
 copy-plate hand of our ancestors and covered two pages and 
 
 *W. A. Bradley in the Coluinbia University Quarterly, Vol. I, No. 4- 
 Sept., 1899. 
 
a half. In point of style, the anonymous author wrote the 
 heavy balanced periods of his Johnson model, The Rambler, 
 which he quotes at the end of the paper in defence of his 
 anonymity . ' ' The author opens his paper by calling attention 
 to the condition of the society and announces that he pro- 
 poses to write to both the enemies and friends of the society. 
 After mature consideration he (the writer) has been led to 
 the conclusion that a crisis in the affairs of the society has 
 arrived which demands the best exertions of each individual 
 member. A part of his duty he has perhaps with more 
 boldness than discretion attempted to discharge in this 
 manner. Solicitude for the institution would not permit 
 him to be silent." The purpose of the paper is stated as 
 follows: "To solve this pre-eminently interesting question, 
 what might be the future state of the Philolexian Society 
 he will be obliged to confine himself to such deductions as 
 may be drawn from the consideration of the intrinsic worth 
 of its design, the adaptation of its plan to its object — the 
 talents and erudition of its members — and to answer these 
 questions what will probably be its future condition ; upon 
 what it will depend for its existence ; upon what for respect- 
 ability; upon what for celebrity. To the consideration of 
 these questions, the Philolexian will principally be con- 
 fined." Referring to his anonymity, he says that "in 
 accordance with the prerogative of every anonymous writer," 
 he is given a "right of acting and speaking with less re- 
 straint even when the writer happens to be known. " It is for 
 this noble purpose that the paper is to be presented to the 
 
society; but for reasons that are unrecorded, no second 
 paper was ever prepared. 
 
 Yet it is to be presumed that the idea was again taken 
 up, for on Friday, December lo, 1813, began the series of 
 twelve papers of The Philolexian Observer. ' ' I am forcibly 
 struck," writes the author, "with the idea that a paper 
 proposing to treat of subjects connected with the society 
 might, if properly conducted, answer the important purpose 
 of advancing the interests and of establishing the reputa- 
 tion of the institution. For these objects Philolexian was 
 written, and I am at a loss to discover the motive which 
 could have induced the writer so soon to have discontinued 
 his labors." The object of the little publication is stated 
 to be to promote the interest of the Philolexian constitution 
 and laws of the society; to speak, and criticise if need be, 
 the internal management, to describe the duties of the 
 members and to praise or condemn the manner in which the 
 various duties are carried out by the members; in general, 
 to write on any miscellaneous subject v/hich the author 
 thinks may be of interest to the society. The anonymous 
 writer then refers to himself as one who has been connected 
 with the institution for a number of years and calls himself 
 " Philolecticus. " In the next number he informs his 
 readers that he will devise a plan by which he may be com- 
 municated with. 
 
 Such was the general scheme of this periodical as origi- 
 nally designated by "Philolecticus." In reality, however, 
 the papers became a medium for the efforts of others, the 
 
author reserving the right to edit the letters written to him, 
 to discuss the various questions raised by his contributors, 
 and to criticise their essays. 
 
 In the second number of the paper there are two letters, 
 one written by a " Senior Officer," the other by an " Honor- 
 ary Member," both praising the enterprise. " Philolecti- 
 cus" responds with cordial thanks for their advice, and then 
 says that he has decided to request the members of the 
 society to write essays for his paper, which will be criticised 
 by the editor, and can then be discussed before the society. 
 By so doing it is his firm belief that much good will be 
 derived by enabling the members to have more practice 
 in writing English compositions, for as the author well says, 
 "Especially among students in any public seminary the 
 duty of composition as it is forced upon them is considered 
 as irksome in the highest degree, and is avoided as much 
 as is possible, sometimes even at the expense of truth, of 
 honor, of even common honesty. But here the duty would 
 be voluntary, and no doubt attended with pleasure." Then 
 follows a discourse on the advantages of reading, with com- 
 mients by the editor. 
 
 The result sought by the editor was evidently agreeable 
 to the members of the society, for the remaining papers are 
 some of them merely reproductions of essays written to 
 " Philolecticus." The subjects vary in interest and in 
 skill of treatment. Essays on such subjects as "Procras- 
 tination" and in the last number on "Scandal" are pub- 
 lished. 
 
The third number is devoted to the subject of " Literary 
 Societies." Naturally, especial attention is paid to Philo- 
 lexian. The author praises the former members for their 
 zeal, and the present members for their activity in well- 
 chosen words: "The society owes to these members" (it is 
 written by a member) ' ' every possible return of gratitude. If 
 there are any present who are among the number particularly 
 pointed at, let them feel a satisfaction in the idea that their 
 exertions have not been in vain, that the dangers they 
 underwent, the fatigues and disappointments they endured, 
 can now be most amjply repaid, when looking round in the 
 present prosperity of the society they behold the Philo- 
 lexian Eagle, emerging from the obscurity which surrounded 
 displaying in her bosom the appropriate Surgam.'' Re- 
 ferring to Peithologian, the author calls upon his readers 
 "to exercise a spirit of rivalry and not to permit a younger 
 society to excel us in this more than in any other respect." 
 The proceedings of the society are next described: "The 
 duties of the society consist principally in the delivery of 
 orations, in reading select passages of English composition, 
 in the composition of essays, under which head may also 
 be classed the duty of criticism, and in extemporaneous 
 discussion on topics of a miscellaneous nature. 
 
 Another of the subjects in the series is on " Gentlemanly 
 Behavior." This discussion is suggested by a resolution 
 which referred to the ' ' divulging of what happens in the 
 society." In the seventh, eighth and ninth papers are pub- 
 lished various letters from the members of the society. There 
 
is a letter to ' ' Philolecticus ' ' which calls forth the statement 
 that the pages of The Philolexian Observer will always be 
 open to every communication which may be proper to 
 present to the society." The inference that one is per- 
 mitted to gather is that in the opinion of the author this 
 letter was not on a suitable subject for publication. Then 
 follows a letter from "P. I. R." on the subject of a motion 
 made in the society. This letter was not printed until some 
 time afterwards in the eleventh number. Its object was to 
 introduce a regular printed paper into the society, " a plan," 
 which, according to the editor, was altogether ''too vision- 
 ary to be entertained for a moment." "A society like the 
 Philolexian," it is declared, "has no right to bring itself 
 forward in the character of authorship. ' ' This was an oppor- 
 tunity lost forever to the society to publish the first student 
 paper at Columbia. The suggestion was afterwards adopted 
 by the Peithologian Society in the publication of the Aca- 
 demic Recreations . Yet it must always be conceded that 
 the original idea was first discussed and threshed out by 
 the members of Philolexian. 
 
 A letter is also received from "I. I. P." on "Dancing," 
 ' ' which does not appear quite grave enough for a literary 
 society." Notwithstanding this fact, in the next number 
 the essay appears in full. It is an amusing effort, and the 
 author deals with the greatest severity with rakes, fops and 
 prudes, which he implies arise from the act of too much 
 dancing. 
 
 The only really humorous paper in the series is the tenth, 
 
which is entitled the "Ghost of the Philolexian." It is 
 signed "Creighton," and the author in common parlance 
 roasts the Observer in a dignified jocular manner. "You 
 began to make a punch bowl," he asserts, "but you pro- 
 duced nothing but a tea-cup — and now, Mr. Philolecticus, 
 let me tell you into what a hobble you have brought your- 
 self. You are excluded from the delights of Elysium. 
 Charon declares that you shall not set foot in his boat, for 
 that such a mass of conceit and egotism would most as- 
 suredly sink it. Pluto, moreover, says he will provide a 
 complete set of The Philolexian Observer, which you shall 
 be compelled to read as the worst punishment of all, and 
 by way of a little recreation he says he will lend you a few 
 numbers of The Athenceum of Yale College." In a calm, 
 judicious, temperate tone comes the answer of "Philolecti- 
 cus" : " Keep yourself cool, good Mr. Philolexian, I promise 
 you you shall never be disturbed." 
 
 In the brief review of this little manuscript periodical 
 which must always be of interest to the Philolexian mem- 
 bers, we see considerable light thrown upon an otherwise 
 obscure period. 
 
 Frequently, at intervals in the records of the society, 
 mention is made of The Observer. It seems as if the mem- 
 bers contributed papers to be read before the society's 
 meetings, but none of the later publications of The Observer 
 can be found. 
 
 We can recall with pride the student efforts of these early 
 members of the society; and the relations which are thus 
 
exposed between the members on the one hand, and their 
 connection with The Philolexian Observer on the other, the 
 condition of the society, and all the amusing circumstances 
 that are recorded, afford infinite enjoyment to the reader 
 as a relic of the by-gone past. 
 
IX. DEBATING IN THE SOCIETY. 
 
 The topics of the many debates directly reflect time 
 and time again as one would naturally suppose, the 
 popular feelings of the times. The broadest questions have 
 been discussed on the floor of the society. Extending over 
 one hundred years, almost every conceivable question has 
 been debated. Political questions, it is not surprising, 
 predominate; but morals, religion, philosophy, literature, 
 social, economic and college questions, all have had their day. 
 Some of the debates taken at random from the great range 
 of subjects may prove of interest. 
 
 The first debate of the Philolexian Society of which any 
 record has been preserved, occurred on May 17, 18 14, on 
 the "Public Celebration of the Twelfth Anniversary of the 
 Philolexian Society," in the Hall of Columbia College, on 
 the question, " Would it be expedient to extend the benefits 
 of a liberal education to the female sex ? " There were three 
 speakers : 
 
 James S. Rosevelt, Affirmant. 
 
 John R. Mason, Opponent. 
 
 Gregory T. Bedell, Respondent. 
 
 All the merits and demerits of this much discussed ques- 
 tion were threshed out by the speakers in carefully prepared 
 
orations. The diction is excellent, the tone lofty and com- 
 manding, the material full and complete. There is a ring 
 in the written addresses. The orations are preserved in 
 manuscript form, and are bound in the same volume with 
 the manuscripts of The Observer, the papers of the 
 Philolexian of which extended mention has been previously 
 made. 
 
 From this time on, although the records are incomplete, 
 debates within the society, at its various meetings, continue. 
 As we look over the list of subjects, we find one timely 
 question that reads as follows: "That the elevated railroad 
 is a greater nuisance than a benefit." On March 4, 1881, 
 there was a discussion on a" Petition for a course in Oratory," 
 which resulted in a resolution being sent to the Trustees 
 signed by the Presidents of the societies then in existence. 
 It was some years before the result desired by the petitioners 
 was effected, but finally the University too realized the 
 necessity of giving a more prominent place to oratory and 
 debating in the curriculum than had heretofore been given. 
 The university has done much for the students in this 
 matter; but there is still much that is desirable to be ac- 
 complished. The future, we trust, may have it in store for 
 those who come hereafter. 
 
 One of the debates in 1870, was "Resolved, that the 
 Excise Law should be repealed," and was won by the 
 affirmative. This is the same subject practically that was 
 the question for the debate held this year between the 
 Philolexian and Barnard Societies. 
 
Another topic was, "Resolved, that Polygamy among 
 the Mormons should be suppressed by the National Govern- 
 ment. " Still other interesting subjects were: "That the 
 United States has been dilatory in respect to the Virginius ' ' ; 
 ' ' That Athletics are carried to excess in the prominent 
 American Colleges " ; " That poetry has a more refining 
 influence than prose" ; "That punishment at the whipping 
 post for wife beating, garrotting and minor offences is better 
 than the present method of imprisonment " ; " That it is 
 theoretically consistent with morality and right that a 
 widower should marry his wife's sister"; "That the policy 
 of Disraeli has ever been beneficial to the English Govern- 
 ment " ; " That Reciprocity Treaties are opposed to the true 
 interests of our country. " 
 
 In one of the debates on the question, "Resolved, that 
 the Liberty of the Press should be restricted, " it is recorded 
 that the "Police Gazette" was deemed not admissible as 
 evidence. An appeal was taken from the decision of the 
 chair on this ruling, but it was not sustained. Once when 
 the society was transformed into a senate the following bills 
 were introduced : One for the admission of Utah as a State ; 
 another for the free coinage of silver; and still a third for 
 the repeal of the Federal Election Law. 
 
 These debates, which took place on the floor of the society 
 from the earliest times, still remained the principal features 
 of the latter day meetings. They have been the crux upon 
 which the energies of the members have always chiefly 
 turned. It is from them that the great benefits are mainly 
 
derived ; and it is probably due to the appreciation of this 
 fact that their prominence has always been maintained. 
 
 It is a rather strange fact, however, that although these 
 debates within the society were the centre of interest, that 
 no debate occurred, so far as the records of the society would 
 indicate, with the rival Peithologian Society until after the 
 formation of Barnard. ^AHienever the two older societies 
 held joint meetings it was for the purpose of having some 
 prominent speaker address them. It does not seem to have 
 been thought of as desirable to have any joint debate 
 between the two societies. 
 
 The first mention of a joint debate did not arise until 
 after Barnard was organized. On Thursday, October lo, 
 1879, a resolution was adopted which provided for "A con- 
 ference committee of three to arrange a joint debate with 
 the Peithologian and Barnard Societies. " It is with some 
 degree of hesitancy that this is stated as the first inter- 
 society debate of the Philolexian Society, for there is con- 
 siderable possibility that other debates may have taken 
 place, which through carelessness or oversight were never 
 ' recorded. Certainly it is the first reference to a debate of 
 this character. 
 
 The result of the efforts of this committee was not 
 altogether successful. After considerable negotiation, in 
 which much jockeying by all sides seems to have been in- 
 dulged in, the Barnard and Peithologian Societies both 
 claimed that the verbal challenge of the Philolexian was 
 altogether too informal. It was thereupon resolved that a 
 
written challenge should be issued to both of the societies; 
 but soon aftei-^^ards it was decided to postpone the debate 
 until after the mid-year examinations. The subject was again 
 taken up, however, and finally, a debate between the Barnard 
 and Philolexian Societies was arranged for April 30, 1880. 
 The subject at issue was, " Resolved, that there should be a 
 property qualification for franchise." The negative sup- 
 ported by Barnard proved the victor of this, the first inter- 
 society debate. 
 
 The disastrous result of this debate seems to have put a 
 damper on all further attempts for a number of years. 
 Even the winning society, Barnard, also discontinued her 
 inter-society debate with Peithologian, which had been 
 quite a feature. Of the five debates which had been con- 
 tested between Peithologian and Barnard the latter had 
 won all five. It was not until six years later that the 
 records show that another inter-society debate took place. 
 This was a three-cornered debate, in which each of the three 
 societies had two representatives. The first and second 
 honorable mention were both awarded to Peithologian. 
 The subject of the contest was " Resolved, that England 
 should grant to Ireland the same rights of general self- 
 government that are now enjoyed by Canada." As each 
 society had one representative on the affirmative, and one 
 on the negative, there could be very little society rivalry. 
 It was individual excellence and skill which counted on 
 these debates. 
 
 From this time on these three comer affairs were made 
 
prominent college occurrences. They were annual features 
 until 1893, i^ which year no debating contest was held. 
 
 In 1894 debating acquired a new impetus at Columbia. 
 This year may be stated to have inaugurated the present 
 modem theory of debating at the university. After the 
 resuscitation of the Philolexian Society and the consolida- 
 tion with the shortly-lived Hamilton Literary Society, 
 affairs were placed in a most prosperous condition. Every- 
 thing was ready for the next move. 
 
 At the meeting of Philolexian, May 9, 1893, a challenge 
 was sent to Barnard for a debate to take place before College 
 closed. Barnard declined to accept the challenge. The 
 great onward step, however, was deferred only until a few 
 months later. On December 7, 1893, the following resolu- 
 tion, one of the most important acts in reference to debating 
 ever consummated by Columbia men, was adopted. It 
 was the suggestion of Philolexian men, and due credit for 
 the enterprise must always be given to Philolexian 's sons. 
 "We recommend," so reads the resolution, "the formation 
 of the union of the under-graduate debating societies of 
 Columbia College, under the name of the ' Columbia Union, ' 
 and that three members from each society be elected each 
 November to constitute a standing executive committee. 
 That this committee shall represent the debating interests 
 of the college and shall arrange all matters with regard to 
 collegiate and intercollegiate debating, subject to the ap- 
 proval of the societies represented." Thus the Debating 
 Union was originated; thus Columbia's name in debate 
 
would no longer be confined to merely the college proper. 
 Her arm was outstretched for intercollegiate glory, and the 
 honor of intercollegiate victories was thus made possible 
 by the new action of the under-graduates of the two societies 
 of the college. 
 
 This scheme was soon followed by another important 
 move, the resumption of the policy of inter-society debates. 
 On May 3, 1894, the present series of inter-society debates was 
 inaugurated with a contest on the subject, "That Capital 
 Punishment should be abolished," in which each society 
 had two representatives. The decision of the judges was 
 again in favor of the Barnard Society. The first contest 
 which Philolexian won occurred on November 23, 1894, 
 when Philolexian with the afBrmative side finally succeeded 
 in gaining the decision. It was the custom formerly 
 for each society to have two representatives, but since 
 1894 three representatives from each society have been 
 chosen. Each year witnessed a contest of supremacy in 
 the best two out of three debates. These struggles have 
 always brought out an appreciative and interested audience, 
 and enthusiasm runs high on these occasions. In 1898 the 
 policy of having two or more contests was abandoned, and 
 an annual debate was instituted. This step was caused by 
 the entrance of Columbia into the field of intercollegiate 
 debating. A word more should be said concerning the 
 inter-society contests. Since November, 1894, seventeen 
 debates have taken place, of which Philolexian has herself 
 credited with nine victories ; and Barnard is entitled to the 
 
remaining eight. If, however, we add to the above record 
 the contest of April, 1880, which was won by Barnard, the 
 two societies have each the same number of victories to 
 their credit. The importance of the anniversary debate of 
 the present year cannot be overestimated. On the one hand 
 counting all the debates, Philolexian by winning this con- 
 test made the number of victories even ; and, if the present 
 series only is counted, Philolexian is once more placed in the 
 lead. On these friendly trials between two such old rivals 
 only the best results can be expected, and only the best 
 results, the highest pleasure, and the greatest enjoyment 
 must, and always does, ensue. 
 
 The Debating Union, of which brief mention has been 
 made, proved a remarkable success. To its members are 
 entrusted the debating interests of the University. To say 
 that these interests have been well cared for is a statement 
 of the absolute truth. The Union as a body of under- 
 graduate representatives, has accomplished more to place 
 debating in the place which it should occupy in a univer- 
 sity's life than any other one factor. Now and then a so- 
 called graduate advisory board is consulted on important 
 questions. In 1897 the Debating Union established a 
 Freshman Society, which was disbanded in 1899 only 
 to be again revived in the year after. The policy of 
 continuing a Freshman Society seems excellent in theory, 
 as it encourages Freshmen to become interested in debating, 
 whereas otherwise no such interest might be aroused. In 
 practice, the scheme has proved successful. 
 
In 1895 an unsuccessful attempt was made to negotiate 
 an intercollegiate debate with Chicago University. Not 
 until 1897 was Columbia represented in an intercollegiate 
 debating contest. On the evening of March 19, 1897, the 
 Harvard Forum was pitted against the Columbia University 
 Debating Union. The debate, which took place at Carnegie 
 Lyceum in this city, was on the subject, "Resolved, that 
 the present method of electing United States Senators is 
 preferable to election by popular vote." Each university 
 was represented by three debaters. The Columbia team 
 was composed of William Boone Gunton, of Barnard, 
 Charles Frederick Wheaton, of Philolexian, and Joseph M. 
 Proskauer, of Philolexian. Columbia successfully sustained 
 the negative of the debate, and was awarded the decision 
 of the judges. The successful outcome of this debate 
 resulted in the arrangement of three debates with the Uni- 
 versity at Chicago. Two out of the three debates were won 
 by Columbia. In more recent years, Columbia has debated 
 Cornell and the University of Pennsylvania. Twice has 
 she succumbed to the latter ; and, in two out of the three con- 
 tests, to the former. The victory over Cornell in 1901 was 
 the first victory won by a Columbia team against Cornell 
 since the university boat-race of June, 1895. Columbia's 
 representatives on that auspicious occasion were Charles 
 A. Baker, '99, Ernest A. Cardozo, '99, and Bernard M. L. 
 Ernst, '99, all of Philolexian. 
 
 The interesting fact to Philolexian men in connection with 
 these intercollegiate debates is the number of Philolexian 
 
men which have gained the much coveted positions 
 on the teams. Since Columbia commenced intercollegiate 
 debating, there have been all told nine debates, in which 
 eleven different men have represented the university. Of 
 this number, eight have been members of the Philolexian 
 Society. 
 
 The Philolexian was also the first to have an inter- 
 society debate with an organization not connected with the 
 university. In April, 1898, a debate was arranged 
 between the Twenty-third Street Branch of the Young 
 Men's Christian Association, and in the following April the 
 contest was held in the Association Hall on Madison Avenue 
 and Twenty-third Street. These debates have been marked 
 by the most cordial relations between the two societies; 
 this contest was the forerunner of two others which have 
 taken place in April, 1899, and in March, 1902, respectively. 
 All the three debates have been won by Philolexian. Such 
 debates of this character with outside organizations are to 
 be encouraged, as they render effective assistance in giving 
 the members of the society practice which well enables 
 them in time to become university debaters. 
 
X. CONCLUSION. 
 
 Such has been the history of the Philolexian Society of 
 Columbia University. 
 
 With love for the old society and in gratitude for its 
 benefits, the purpose of this sketch has been to portray those 
 recollections which should be held most dear by Philolexian 
 men. 
 
 The remarkable influence which the societies once had 
 upon student life has been a matter of comment elsewhere 
 in this history. They were the center of student activity 
 and energy. In all probability, to a very large extent, 
 they took the place of fraternities which were not estab- 
 lished at Columbia until 1836. In fact, even after that 
 time, the importance of the two old societies cannot be 
 over-estimated. For many years they were controlled by 
 fraternity men with a high degree of success. Included in 
 the rolls of Philolexian are men whose names shall forever 
 be proud possessions of the society. These men were the 
 prominent leaders in those things which tend to produce 
 the pleasures of students in a college career, and which create 
 the memories which are the joys of older recollections. 
 Columbia University of to-day owes much to these two old 
 societies. Few, indeed, are possessed of the knowledge 
 that the light blue and the white, the colors of Alma Mater, 
 are due to the existence of Philolexian and Peithologian. 
 
The former claims the honor of the blue; the latter, 
 of the white. As the two societies were the medium through 
 which student sentiment was expressed, when the time 
 arose for the crystallization of that sentiment to be exhibited 
 to the eyes of the college world, it is not at all astonishing 
 that the students of those days looked to the societies for the 
 selection and choice of college colors. It was when Colum- 
 bia become renowned for her prowess in athletics that the 
 necessity for the choice of college colors became paramount. 
 The selection was not long delayed. A combination of the 
 light blue of Philolexian and the white of Peithologian was 
 suggested; and the suggestion, meeting with great popu- 
 larity, the colors were finally adopted as the emblem of 
 the college, to-day the university. 
 
 Such an interesting fact as the above only goes to show 
 the important position which the societies held in the minds 
 of the students. Doubtless, this position was gained 
 through those characteristics which have always signalized 
 Philolexian men. The willingness to sacrifice oneself for 
 the good of others, and to work ever for the interests of 
 Philolexian ; the sincerity, combined with the innate ability 
 of the members of the society, these and other praiseworthy 
 qualities have not only endeared the names of former 
 members to the society, but have already raised a goal 
 which the present members are ever striving to reach. 
 
 Of individuals and of classes, of their influence and per- 
 sonality, it is exceptionally difficult to speak. Individuals 
 come and go; and classes enter and are graduated. The 
 
minutes of the society only show the recorded deeds of its 
 members; but the history of the community bears testi- 
 mony to the fact that the members of Philolexian have left 
 upon its pages indelible impress. 
 
 To those members who have passed from this life, who 
 by their efforts have so largely contributed to present suc- 
 cesses, the society lays at their bier its most humble offering. 
 In deep veneration are the names of such men as Nathaniel 
 F. Moore, 1802, David S. Jones, 1806, Benjamin Haight, 
 1811, Henry Anthon, 1813, Stuyvesant Fish, D. L. M. 
 Peixotto, 1 8 16, held in the highest esteem by the society. 
 
 Probably one of the most brilliant speakers and the 
 ablest debater of the sixties was Arthur P. Sturges of the 
 Class of 1864. His brother, Henry C. Sturges, pays the 
 following tribute to his memory : 
 
 "Arthur Pemberton Sturges entered college in the fall 
 of 1 86 1 and graduated June, 1864. From the first he was a 
 very active member of Philolexian ; and the minutes of the 
 society and the testimony of his contemporaries, all bear 
 witness to his zeal and talent. He was editor of The Philo- 
 lexian Observer and was elected time after time to represent 
 the society as their star speaker. He first obtained public 
 recognition at the anniversary at Irving Hall, December 19, 
 1862, in his masterly rendering of "Shamus O'Brien," and 
 at subsequent anniversaries he wrote for and delivered 
 before the societies the two poems of " Johnnie McKay " and 
 " Donald Low. ' ' Many now living will gladly bear witness to 
 the delight with which they were received. He was a favorite 
 
pupil of George Vanderhoff and a hard student. On 
 graduating he entered the Theological Seminary at Prince- 
 ton, but died before he could complete his course, greatly 
 beloved by classmates and friends." 
 
 To many others, in like measure, the same praise of love 
 and reverence of honor is due. Space alone prevents the 
 eulogy of those whose memory will ever live in the lustre of 
 the Sun towards which they lent their assistance. To those 
 who fought for the cause of right in the noble struggle of 
 the North and the South, to James Benkard, and William 
 Augustus Boyd, both of the Class of '6i, with respect, in 
 loving memory for their actions, Philolexian renders honor. 
 
 And to those of the present, the same meed of honor is 
 offered. Philolexian thanks all for their services of love 
 and assures them of the appreciation of their efforts of 
 affection. To her statesmen, lawyers, physicians and 
 ministers, to her authors, professors, scientists and jurists, 
 to her honorary members, alumni and friends, her gratitude 
 is freely given. Among the large number are men whom 
 as individuals we delight to honor. High in esteem does 
 , the society hold such members as Abram S. Hewitt, '42, 
 Edward Mitchell, '61, JuHen T. Davies, '66, Alfred T. Mahan, 
 '68, George L. Rives, '68, William D. Foulke, '69, Willard 
 Bartlett, '69, Brander Matthews, '71, John B. Pine, '77 and 
 William Barclay Parsons, '79. Upon the respected Dean 
 of Columbia College, her close friend and advisor for so 
 many years, Philolexian's praise is bestowed. To those of 
 her representatives who have fought valiantly for her fame, 
 
whether or not a victory was gained, who have labored so 
 earnestly and put forward such honest endeavors for her 
 success, she begs them to accept her most sincere, cordial 
 and heartfelt thanks. 
 
 The men of recent years who have so remarkably guided 
 her steps in her onward march, ought never to be forgotten. 
 First and foremost is Joseph M. Proskauer, '96, a coach of 
 recognized ability, a versatile speaker, a skilled debater and 
 able orator, as counsel and friend, a true Columbia man. 
 Philolexian's honor roll would be incomplete if mention 
 were not made of him. To the classes of Columbia College 
 which have contributed so vastly to her membership, which 
 have aided her when aid was most needed, and to the mem- 
 bers of those classes, she speaks a word of manifold grati- 
 tude. To the men of the Class of '99, by whose unselfish 
 and ever loving assistance Philolexian's fame has been 
 enlarged, to P. E. Brodt, '97, Charles Frederick Wheaton, 
 '97, Charles A. Baker, '99, Bernard M. L. Ernst, '99, 
 Charles H. Tuttle, '99, Melville J. France, 1900, Michael H. 
 Cardozo, Jr., 1901, and Pendleton Dudley, 1902, to one and 
 all of these and the many others, Philolexian in Columbia's 
 name assures that the future will ever cherish their sincere 
 devotion in preserving the ancient traditions of Philolexian. 
 
 To those in charge of the society at the present time is 
 left this glorious legacy of the past. With the world they 
 may well be proud of it, for it is a society which has done 
 much good for its members, but is capable of doing far 
 more. Let them alwavs remember its motto " Surmm" : 
 
let them ever be conscious of the high principles which have 
 been exalted and maintained throughout all these years; 
 and if only they are true to the spirit of Philolexian, then 
 the acme of her glory and fame has not yet been reached; 
 her Sun will shine far more brilliantly in the new century 
 now opening than ever before, as we, who now celebrate the 
 one hundredth anniversary of Philolexian, bid her God 
 speed for another century — forever a beacon of glory to 
 her sons and to their Alma Mater, Columbia, the mother 
 of us all. 
 
flSir 
 
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