Constantine on his banner before alluded to, viz: "Argent, a cross of passion gules," that is to say + I would also recommend that each of the officers of the fraternity and each active and alumni chapter have an individual crest, to be put above the garland, as follows: The Grand Consul, a lion in repose. The Grand Tribune, a scroll. Each member of the Grand Council, other than the Grand Consul and Grand Tribune, an eagle's head. Each Alumni Chapter, a wreath enclosing its initials. Each Active Chapter, its initial or initials without the wreath. Although the above recommendation of a coat of arms is heraldically correct and in accordance with the law of the Fraternity, still it adds another color to those already in use, and the attachment of the members of the Fraternity to the white cross may be so great as to induce them to prefer that the cross on the shield be white rather than red. Therefore it may be better to use a white cross on a blue shield, instead of a red cross on a white shield. Thus:- + SIGNO ΣΧ I might add that the only other college fraternity now using a shield of general uniformity is the Delta Kappa Epsilon, and theirs is not heraldically correct; nor does it indicate sufficiently the badge or initials of either the fraternity or the individual chapters. Shall not Sigma Chi be first in this matter as it is in many other respects? REGINALD FENDALL. Washington, D. C., Nov., 1893. ALTERNATIVE PROPOSITION. Since writing the foregoing it has been suggested to me that the attachment of the members of the Fraternity to the old cross is so strong that it would be better to alter the law of the fraternity, properly describing the cross, and then to use it on the blue Norman shield. Altering the law would, of course, overcome the objection which I have mentioned, and it would also avoid the introduction into the fraternity of a new cross and a new color. Among others who favor this idea are our Grand Tribune and I trust that he will give us through the QUARTERLY the benefit of his views on this alternative proposition. Washington, D. C., Jan., 1894. REGINALD FENDALL. As suggested by Grand Consul Fendall, the Grand Tribune has a preference for the above "alternative proposition," and desires. to add that there is a question on the part of some members of the fraternity as to whether a formal alteration of our law is needed in order for us to adopt the "Danebrog" cross now in use as our badge, for the new coat of arms. It seems to the Grand Tribune that the introduction of a new cross and a new color for a coat of arms are not desirable, especially in view of the fact that the present cross would in all probability be desired by the fraternity to be retained as a badge. The "Danebrog" cross or present shape of our badge, printed in white upon a blue shield, would render our coat of arms entirely distinctive of our order, and with the letters sigma and chi printed in gold would utilize our present colors, while the Constantine cross of red as an emblem would have to be shared in common with other organizations, and would introduce a new color. If any formal change in our law is found to be necessary upon a more careful investigation and discussion than are now possible or proper to be entered upon, it can be accomplished easily and expeditiously. We append hereto a letter from Mr. Richard B. Lockwood (of the late firm of Geo. R. Lockwood & Son), the college fraternity and class engraver, of 77 Chambers St., New York, written to Grand Consul Fendall after reading his article published above. It contains some explanations of the foregoing illustrations and describes the process to be used in their formal use. HON. REGINALD FENDALL, Dear Sir: NEW YORK, Nov. 6, 1893. In reply to your esteemed favor of 1st inst., will say that I have carefully read the article sent me, and the expression of your views is correct and to the point. You have so fully covered the ground. that I shall not attempt to add anything in the way of explanation, as the article can better tell its own story. There are, however, one or two points that may be of interest for the Fraternity at large to know as a matter of information, regarding the process to be employed in cutting these designs. The designs as now drawn are too small for a proper representation in the various College Annuals, and a little too large for use on note papers and individual correspondence, but my reason for making them their present size was to give an idea, which could better be shown by a medium size, rather than an extreme in either case. For use on note papers, therefore, I am led to believe that a better and larger available field can be covered by cutting on a block die. For representation in College Annuals, where the design would be larger in size, I should advise cutting on a steel plate. In the former (block die), the design could be stamped in any color, as red, blue, gold, brown, etc., etc. In this process, the die is about 1⁄2 inch thick and of a size proper to size of design. The surface is painted by a brush with desired color; then passed over a piece of tissue paper, thereby removing all the color from all of the surface, excepting that cut by the lines. The die is then placed in the stamping counter and a heavy pressure made on the paper placed underneath. This process is repeated each time an impression is made, and great care taken to have every impression in same position, which is done by means of pins. placed in proper position on the lower bed plate. In this process any color can be used to suit individual taste. In engraving on a steel plate I use the best of picture steel about Jó inch thick. This plate is fastened on the roller plate and inked by a hand roller; then carefully "wiped" by the workman's hand and polished perfectly clean, only allowing the ink to remain in the cut lines. The paper to be printed is then placed on top of plate, and by means of hand levers rolls the sliding bed plate with the plate and paper under a heavy cylinder, when the impression is then made on the paper. The plate must have been very correctly polished, or any ink spot remaining. would have been transferred to the sheet. This process is repeated. each time, so that not only the same care is necessary each time, but time itself is essential in doing the work. Many a handsomely engraved plate has been ruined by poor printing. Both these processes are tedious, and require skilled workmen for good results. I think a uniform heraldic system by fraternities to be correct and indicative of some method in their organization, and, like anything else with a system, will thrive on that system. I also advocate an individuality, which, when once seen, is recog nized and at once known. Such a system as you contemplate in Sigma Chi, I feel confident, will result in good effects and place the fraternity at once before the Greek Letter Fraternity world as enterprising, correct and progressive. Yours very truly, RICHARD B. Lockwood, College Fraternity and Class Engraver, 77 Chambers St., N. Y. THE SIG'S HELL. Last night I had a strange, strange dream, I'll tell what me befell; Alas! things are not what they seem I dreamt I went to hell. The devil met me at the gate, He gently touched a bell, Before my eyes were wonders great; The streets were lined with fragrant flowers, On every side were lovers' bowers; I thought: "Can this be hell?" The palaces were made of gold (and blue), My feverish eyes in wonder rolled; Unto the devil then said I: "Old man, I pray you tell "Alas!" he cried, "I greatly fear I howled: "Well, this is hell!" HARRY S. COLLETTE, Mu, '90. |