The Philanthropic Society
William Edward Cox
University Magazine,
December 1898
Originally
there was but one literary Society at the University and it was known as
"The Debating Society." It was soon considered expedient, however, to
have two societies, so on July 5th, 1795, a division was made, and
on August 1st, The "Concord Society" was organized. A year
later on August 29th, 1796, its name was changed to the
"Philanthropic Society."
The
Society had no alls of its own so its meetings were held weekly in the old
chapel (Person Hall), and its library, consisting of a few half-worn volumes
presented by sympathizing friends, was kept in an old cupboard and moved from
room to room as the librarian was changed. In 1815 the South Building was
completed and a hall for the society was provided on its third floor, the
library occupying the walls.
For
thirty-three years the Society met in that hall. During that time the
University grew rapidly both in wealth and in th enumber of students, and
withit grew the society. New and larger quarters became necessary and
consequently a new section was added to the Old East building solely for the
accommodation of the phi Society. The first meeting in the new hall was held
August 15th, 1848. The hall and the library occupied different
apartments, the former being on the second floor and the latter on the third.
The
period from 1848 to 1860 marks one of the most prosperous eras in the history
of the University. The number of students was greatly increased, and the
membership of bot Societies increased in proportion. Even larger halls than
those then occupied became an imperative necessity, and about the beginning of
the war the Phi Society moved into the beautiful hall it now occupies in the
New East building.
At
the very high tide of our prosperity, the lowering war clouds cast a gloomy and
ever darkening shadow over the University and the Society. Young men as well as
old ones shouldered their muskets, and ere long scarcely a handful remained to
hold the Society together. They struggle don faithfully for a year or two, but
in 1868 they gave up the ghost, and the Phi Society ceased to exist.
The
Society was not reorganized until the re-opening of the University in 1875.
Even then the University and both Societies were repaired and re-opened by
private subscriptions from friends who rallied around them and refused to let
them die. Since that time the Phi Society has continued to grow, and to broaden
its sphere of usefulness and influence, with perhaps the single exception of the
year 1896.
For
various reasons, both attendance and duty were made optional during that year.
At first this new arrangement worked like a charm, as only those who did little
in the Society dropped out. But at length a spirit of indifference pervaded the
whole Society. The very best and most enthusiastic members began to neglect
their Society work, excusing themselves on the grounds that they were busy and
that their absence would not be noticed. Soon nobody scarcely attended
the meetings, and fewer still came on duty. The fines for non-attendance and
non-performance of duty having been abolished, there was little source of
revenue and the Society was on the brink of ruin.
Fortunately,
a reaction took place toward the end of the year and the old regime was
practically restored. Immediately new life and vigor permeated the Society, and
work began again in earnest. To-day it is stronger than ever before. It has an
able corps of debaters in every class, from seniors to the freshmen, and all
work with such zeal that nothing but success can follow. Great interest is
taken in all its literary work, and especially in the inter-society and
inter-collegiate debates.
The
Society color is white, and its motto is, "Virtue, Liberty and
Science."
The
objects of the Society were and have continued to be two-fold. First, the
improvement of its members in the science and art of debating, in English
composition and the attainment of good style, in the knowledge of parliamentary
rules and modes of conducting public business. Secondly, the cultivation of
moral and social virtues, and the formation of lasting friendships founded on
co-operation in honorable works. In order to further these great ends, the
Society has used every effort for the accumulation of good books and the collection
of portraits of its members, who after leaving its halls have attained high
positions.
In
all these aims the Society has been wonderfully successful. In 1886 it turned
over to the University 8,000 choice volumes to be combined with the University
library, and n its halls it has over twenty oil portraits of distinguished
members. Throughout the Southern states the influence of its members has been
felt in government affairs, and in both public and private enterprises. And
more than that, it has contributed many leading men of the Union. As
Vice-president, Cabinet Officers, Foreign ministers, Senators, and members of
the House of Representatives, they have been conspicuous for their wise and
faithful service.
William
Edward Cox, '99
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