of Alpha, to be chief executive. He accepted the office in ignorance of the chaotic conditions but, on learning the facts, earnestly set about the work of rehabilitation. He was the moving spirit of the Baltimore Congress of 1878 which established the present form of government and incorporated the fraternity under the name "Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity of Baltimore City," this being the first fraternity to become incorporated.
The government of the fraternity is vested in executive, legislative and judicial departments. Legislative power is primarily in a Congress of delegates from chapters and alumni associations which meets bi-ennially. In the interim a High Council of five members elected for four years acts in a general legislative and advisory capacity. Judicial authority is exercised by the High Chancellor who interprets the law and decides cases. The Executive consists of five Grand Officers elected for two years and a corps of Province Chiefs appointed by the chief executive. All national officers are elected by Congress. There has been no basic change in government since 1878 but much has been done in recent years toward greater efficiency of administration, the most important step being the creation of administrative districts, or provinces, in 1898. The Province Chiefs are the personal representatives of the chief executive and by annual visitation to each chapter co-ordinate the local and the national organizations. Province conclaves are held either annually or bi-ennially, alternating with the Congress. New charters are issued only upon a vote of all the chapters after favorable recommendations by the High Council, the executive officers
