COLLEGE DIRECTORY •1
SOCIETIES
LITERARY PHILOLOGIAN
P. J. H
MU • President
U NDI,EV •••••••.••
L. S. GILLIAM
RHO • President Vice-President • • • . S ecretary Treasurer
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J. s. LAURENCE
Vice-President J. A. G E OR G E .. . • • . . • .•• Secretary G. W. FE RR E LL . . •••. • •. Treasnr er
• • . ... SAUNDERS • .•••
·w. F. H.
M. T AYLOR •..••••••••
EPSILON
Miss MA R V F. B A RNES . •••.• . • ......• Miss C E LE ST E ANDERSON . • • • . . . . .. Miss SADI E ENGELBERG •.• • .••• . . ... Miss M ARI ON MoNS E LL •• • • • • • •... .. THE
J. W.
SIGMA
C . T. O'NEIL
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MESSENGER
Editor Manaf!er • A dvisory Ed itor
DEC KER , ' II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . .. .. . . • . . . . . • . . . . . •. ..••
E. M. G wA TH ME V,
J. C.
PROF.
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M E TCALF . . . .. ••.••
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ATHLETIC
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ASSOCIATION
PROF . W . A. HARRIS . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • ...•. President E. M. G wAT H MEV , '12 •. • • .••.•• .• •••. . . ..... .••• .•. •• ••••• Vice-Pres ident
J.E. \VEL C. T.
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D. G. TY
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• Tre asurer Gr aduate Manager
BASEBALL
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Y. M. C. A.
J. E. WELS W.
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A. B. CAR FRANK
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CONTENTS. 7FROM THE
THE
'.PRESERVING
UNDERSTUDIES
THE
LIGHTS LIBRARY
BUILDING ...
AT Goo ' s DooR
SIN
THE
LIFE
!·EDITORIAL - As
-ALUMNI
SOUTH
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NOTES
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V. D.
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J. H. Donohue, '12. 256 ...
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257 263
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267 271 276 280 284
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R. Eckles, ' 12. G. U-. Blume, '13. ...... Jf. B, Miller, '12. •••••••• .. The Assistant Editor. . H.
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Frank Gaines, '12. 236 237 .. .... "Jag." 245 .... E. E. Sumpter, ' H. - ••••• . G. W. B., '13. 248 249 • Dr. Chas. H. Ryland.
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IN THE
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G. W. B., '13.
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EXCHANGES
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,ATHLETIC
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OTH E RS SEE
• CAMPUS
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LINCOLN
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· THE " OUR
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H.B.
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OF ABRAHAM
INFLUENCE
- THE
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.:SPIRITUALITY
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PASSAGE •••••.
DARK
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' THE
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D. R. Anderson.
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GERMAN
MESSENGER
THE VoL. XXXVIII
MARCH, 1912
FROM THE GERMAN. H.B.
R.
Poesie ist tiefes Schmerzen. Deep, deep pain a poem is, And a true song never drew But from out the heart of man That a deep hurt pierced through. But like the mightiest, deepest pain, The loftiest songs are those unspoken, That, like to silent shadow-ghosts, Move through a dumb heart, sorrow-broken.
No. 6
PRESERVING
H
c
THE PAST.
Prof. D.R. Anderson.
said Professor Moulton m his HARACTER," eloquent lecture on 'The Merchant . of Venice'"Character is the momentum of our past." These words express a truth applicable not only to individuals but as well to nations and to States . All our instit utions of to-day slowly, spring from remote origins, have developed-sometimes centuries of tirrte; all important sometimes rapidly-through movements are the result of the pressure of forces banking themselves up gradually against the conventions or traditions of society; and hardly is there an event of today that should not own the parentage of forgotten occurences or entombed actors. One may safely venture the assertion that no man, however observant otherwise, can understand the currents of life flowing about him unless he has traced his way up the stream back to the sources. Discussions of society, often entertaining and suggestive, are made by men whose acquaintance with history is superficial; but no profound and permanently valuable studies on present day life are possible except by_those who are willing to labor unto weariness on the problems of the largest part of our present-which is the past. To know the past we must preserve it, and few more patriotic duties present themselves than those which have to do with the preservation of historic remains. Not merely that we may glory in the good old times, certainly not that we should gloss is to defeat the very over their sins or cover their errors-this purpose for which our studies should be valuable-but that we may know the past, that we may understand it, that we may appreciate it, that we may profit by it. Few countries are so careless of the important work of taking care of what antecedent
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generations have handed down as is our country. In Washington countless thousands of manuscripts and documents of unknown value have been destroyed-for lack of room. Material records that could not in any way be replaced are hourly in danger from ,conflagrations started by some careless cigarette smoker. One of the crying needs of our national capital is the need of a National Archives Building-large, fireproof within and without, scientifically arranged and directed. In Virginia our efforts for the preservation of the material out of which the story of our past may alone be told are infinitesimal in comparison with the noble history which we have made. Possessors of priceless letters, documents, pamphlets and books, allow them to be destroyed or scattered to the four corners of the earth. Clerks' offices containing files and records that could not be purchased with money, are burned to the ground and their valuable contents are gone forever. And the author of this article seriously doubts whether any large amount of attention ts given by any one in the State to the study of the best mechanical means available for the preservation of these records of our own day-the kind of ink, paper, pen, typewriter ribbon, etc., best adapted to the permanence of the records made. The author of this article knows what it means for important historical material to be carelessly handled . In his own investigations he has several times met with the information "Those papers were burned," or "They have been sold to an autograph buyer." A friend of his hunting through the country during the summer discovered in an upper story of a . clerk's office a mass of private and public manuscripts lying in an old, unprotected box, covered with felt. The custodian of the material expressed his surprise that any one could be interested ~n such rubbish. The lamentable truth is this : that a vast amount of invaluable material bearing on our history has been destroyed or scattered and many precious incidents in our past are irrevocably lost, and this, despite the valiant efforts of our State Library and Historical Society, cramped and crippled as they are for lack of room and money.
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There is another kind of work only less important than the collection and protection of written records-that is the preservation and marking of historical sites. Until rather recently we have been much remiss in our State in conducting efforts of many of our patriotic women-invaluable citizens they are whether they vote or do not-much has been done; and in what they are attempting all should be interested and all should join. The writer has particular reference to the "Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities" and the "Confederate Memorial Literary Society"-and it is especially the splendid achievements of these two organizations falling under his observation, that have called forth this article. The first, organized in 1889, has among its trophies the preservation of Jamestown from the destructive invasions of the river, and the erection there of monuments to John Smith and the first House of Burgesses of Virginia-the first representative body in the new world--~he purchase of the Mary Washington House in Fredericksburg, the erection of a memorial bronze tablet at Cape Henry "to mark the first landing of the pioneer colony which touched her April 24, 16o7." During the last year, under the presidency of Mrs. J. Taylor Ellyson, the organization has done an excellent work for Virginia-prevented the erection of a criminal reformatory in the neighborhood of Mount Vernon, they placed a handsome tablet on the remains of the old W estem Armory where ammunition was manufactured during the Revolution, they acquired the residence on Ninth and Marshall Streets occupied for many years by Chief Justice Marshall, and did other worthy deeds. The Confederate Memorial Literary Society was formed for the purpose of preserving all written records available bearing on the War Between the States, and also relics of that great struggle, in order that these might be serviceable to the society and the public. To that end they acquired the former "White House of the Confederacy" on Clay and Twelfth Streets, and have collected there from all over the South a variety of valuable material. The society has a "Sites Committee" whose business
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it has been to mark the historical Confederate buildings in and around Richmond. In the year ending June 3, 1911, they marked a number of famous places: the residence of Matthew Fontaine Maury, our great geographer; the Tredegar Iron Works where "1,160 cannon were cast for the Confederate government"; the Robertson Hospital, conducted during the war by Captain Sally S. Tomkins, and the house in which the gallant cavalryman, Gen~ eral J. E. B. Stuart died. ¡ Other societies such as the Colonial Dames, the Sons of the: Revolution, the Daughters of the Revolution, etc., have aided , in such good works and deserve unstinted praise, but space for bids further enumerations. How does this concern the college man or woman? No one ¡ should be more interested than they in the protection, collection, or designation of all important remains of bygone days. They should help create an intelligent public sentiment which will lead' to a more general effort in the great work; they should discourage all vandalism or indifference, or carelessness in dealing with what has come down to us; they should co-operate with all organizations which are laboring in the cause of collecting our historicat . material, investigating our history, protecting our relics-preserving our past. For as men and women, as students, as citizens ,. they, more than others, should realize that "Character is the momentum of our past." NOTE .- Information as to the work of these two societies is due to the kindness of Mrs. J. Taylor Ellyson, president of the A. P. V. A., and Mrs. James R. Werth, chairman of the Sites Committee of the C. M. L. S.-D , A. R.
THE TALE OF THE DARK PASSAGE.
",T
G. W. B., ' 13.
IS a tale nae fit for mortal ear s, mon," said Llewellyn as I pressed him to tell me the tale of the Dark Passage. "Y 'ken an auld mon what has but few year s 'twixt him and the grave has na ' time to spen' wi' auld tales when his thought s should be o' holy thing s. The tale has been told the se mony a year, and few there be o' the house o' McClairen that dinna s~a!k o't save i' a whisper. Ye canna but ken, sir, o' the feud 'twixt the Fosters and the McC!airens, how that ane day o'er the wine-cups, the auld McClairen and the Earl o' Foster got i' a dispute abou ' their hoonting dogs, and it wax ed sa sair that the Master o' McClairen strook the Earl wi' his gauntlet, and the Earl ran him thro' wi' his blade on his ane hearth-stane Then the McCulloughs and McBride s and Fenwicks and the Aberdeens fra the hi'n country took sides wi' the McClairens, and the Hammonds and Clintons and some o' the MacPhersons and the McVeighs took sides wi' the Fosters, and bluid flowed round Glen Clarendon as frae as water. The head o' the McClairen clan was young Clifton McClairen, as fair a lad as e'er y' ken, and the only son o' his murdered sire. The Earl had sworn to kill him and cut off the house o' McClairen root and branch, and the Earl was ane wha always strave to abide by wha he wulled. He was a hard mon, wi' his black e'ebrows wha met o'er twa e'es as fierce as hawks, and short shrift he dealt the mon wha dared cross him. Wee! , when . they had warred alang for twa years, a band o' the ¡Fosters, men met ane o' the McClairens' and being a mair, they routed them, killing the maist o' them. Young Clifton , being sair wounded and left for dead, crawled him <loon a crag and hid, not far fra the Castle o' the Earl
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hi ssel. Ane day there came a lass, the daughter o' the Earl, for a draught o' cool water fra the very cleft i' the rock i' which young McClairen hid. She being at first sair alarmed at seeing a mon i' that place made as if to flee, but she turned aboot an' spied the lad sae fair and pale that her heart melted wi' pity, and she gave him drink and bathed his face all hot wi' the fever, and washed the bTuid fra his temples . She nursed him and brought him food when there were nae to spy fra the castle walls, and dinna e'en shrink when he told to her his name. Clifton loved her passing well, and when he cou' abide the journey hame, she went wi' him and became his bride. They were na Jang left in peace , for when the Earl heard o'ot and ken that yoong McClairen still lived, he ca'ad his clan fra far an' nigh and laid siege to the castle. For twa weeks they held oot, but na succor came, and they were o'ercome by the hosts o' the Earl. Clendon McC!airen took his wife and they let their sels <loon by a secret way intwa the Dark Passage wi' food and drink. I was but a wee brat then but wee! I mind the slaughter and the fire and the carnage. The Earl sought among the slain for the object o' hi s revenge, and when he na found him, he probed around wi' a iron until the hollow pas sage gin back a soond. Wi' picks and spikes they soon loosed the rocks, and three men and the Earl leapt <loon wi' their weapons and torches. Clendon slew twa o' the men at arms and sair wounded the ither, but the Earl thrust wi' his sword betwixt the blaws and strook him down. Ellen, wha, ha rent the air wi' shriek s as she spied her laird fa' now threw hersel upon him and begged her father wi' tears to spare his life. Wild wi' rage, the Earl na brooked her coming 'twixt him and his foe , and plunged his sword i' her heart . Clendon cur sed him wi' a deeing mon's curse and deed before the Earl could stab him. The fighting stopped wi' the death o' Clendon McClairen, for there were nane left to lead. A sma' part o' the retainers 0' the McClairens' house stayed aboot the place and ne'er a soul could be got to go nigh the Passage .
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I had grown oop, and dwelt in a cottage close by the Earl's land. He dinna ken I were o' the McClairen clan, .ind na ' noticed me fra ' a stane. Ane day when I passed by, I spied a stranger cooming wi' a wondrous black nag. The steed's e'es dinna seem like mon's or beast's but strave to look clear thro' you, and he foamed at the mouth wi' rage and fury. The monk was shrouded fra ' head to foot wi' a mantle black as nich, and peeped fra' his cowl wi' e'es as fierce as those o' the steed's. He rode amazing weel on sa fiery a nag and when he came to me, he asked wha ¡dwelt ¡ i' the castle. I dinna more than reply befair h_ere coom the Earl wi' his dogs a hoonting. The monk na paused longer wi' me but made to the Earl wi' offer for him to buy the steed. He told him ane in deeing, an outlaw wi' much bluid to his soul had gin the steed for the priest's shriving him as he lay deeing. The monk sold the hoorse he said for money to roof a chapel, and as he dinna ask nigh the worth, the Earf wi' joy took the beast. Mony the time have I seen the Earl sweep by i' chase wi' his yelling pack and the great beast ploonging aloong as if he were the very de'il his sel. The Earl grew to take na' reek save o' his ane pleasure, and cruel and hard lay his hand upoon his vassals. The black nag no't could handle save the Earl. He had ~tamped to death twa that ventured i' his stall, and na' suffered mon nor beast near him. The Earl grew strangely fond o' the beast and there were wha' said the steed and the mon had ane <;oulbetwixt them. The Earl's lady had deed when she ken her laird had slain their bairn, and he was a' alone save for the black hoorse. The months goon by, and the Earl shunned mair and mair the coompany o' men and went the mair aft wi' his nag, na' hoonting, but galloping o'er the coontry. Ane day, nine years fra' the very day he had slain young McClairen, he took the black hoorse fra' his stall, mair restless than he had e'er been befair. He dinna have time to mair than mount but the beast was off wi' the wind and <loon the road wi' his wild gallop. All at once he boonded fra the road and ran toward the auld McClairen castle, and na' power cou' stop nor turn him. He cleared the moat wi' a marvelous leap, and when
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i' the court he sprang high i' the air and landed on the top o' the Passage aboon where young Clendon was slain. Hoorse and mon disappeared fra sicht and the air was filled wi' shrieks and groans aa if _a' Hell were loose. His servants wha had seen the Earl disappear went doon to the castle but they can' see na sign o' man or hoorse. Then there were mair screams, and s' horrid laughs like the neigh fra hoorse then human, and fra that day to now, na' mon crosses the heath where ance stood the castle o' the McClairens
SPIRITUALITY. Frank Gaines,
'12 .
I can't prove a God in the earth or the air, the waters or the sky, Nor my soul, unle ss it be that He and my soul in my subconscious low Make my mind athirst for the larger truths that my limitations deny, Make me hungry to-night for the very truth I know I never can know. Sense-fed, sense-inspired, without sense in life would remam anything of light? I don't know nor can. But I know that unaided by sense I have foughtBeen baffled and beaten, but not for worlds would I relinquish the fight For the great Concepts that stretch far beyond the last portal of sense and thought. We yearn for the knowledge that evermore beyond our grasp must lie, And sometimes I think this yearning proves the immortal "I", Sometimes I think that thus, in the sordid and sensuous year, The Ineffable is speaking to him "that hath ears to hear."
THE UNDERSTUDIES. "I ag." OST of the troupe had gone. The old theatre echoed' hollowly the noise made by the stage hand. Thedrapery hung dark from the empty boxes and tier after tier of empty seats stared up at the half-drawn curtains. An air of gloom pervaded the building. Donaldson was softly playing a slow air in the orchestra but he was watching the group over in the corner of the stage. "I'm sorry," said the prima donna, "but it was a complete failure. Three weeks of alternate daily practice thrown awayand she seemed to promise so much. And so suited for the partpretty, talented, shapely, and eyes-soft as pansies. What could have been the cause? She seemed so very lifeless to-day. "I have a theory," murmured Cardwell, half smiling and glancing at the second understudy, "that the woman who interprets those lines must have lived them once ." The donna was . thoughtful ; she could interpret those lines. Probably she was sorry for the pretty little understudy for she was looking absently out over the tiers of empty seats. And so she didn't see the satisfied smile with which the second understudy repaid Cardwell. "Well, I have just told her what a mess she made of it," growled old Simmons, and the group faced the surly manager. Even Donaldson kept quite still and listened, peering over the footlights. "Now Mae, its up to _you to make good, and you can do so if you 'll work. And Donaldson-where is he? Confound his indifference! Does he think he has Cardwell beaten for the part? Where are you, Donaldson?" A blonde head and a pair of blinking eyes preceded a square set shoulder as the young fellow sprang lightly from the orchestra to the stage. "Wantingme?" he queried. "What's wrong?"
M
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" Wrong! Wrong! you placid bunch of indifference, have you been sitting out there watching those lines chopped up, seen that climax fizzle into a most commonplace affair and then want to know what's wrong?" "That girl's not well-you-she ought not to have been put on to-day," and the g~ay eyes showed just a flash of green. "She gets another show, doesn't she? I've seen Mae-Miss Manton there-make equally as big a failure. What do you say, Simmons?" The manager reddened, ¡ his glance wavered and sought the prima donna 's eye, Cardwell sneered, Miss Manton tossed her head, but the donna nodded to the manager and he replied, "I promised her just one more trial; she didn't ask for it, but confound her twitching little eyes." The manager glanced at his watch and Cardwell smiled; Donaldson's eyes half closed. "And do you know,"-the manager was speaking to him~"she requested that she be allowed to go through the part with you, Donaldson? What do you think? Shall we fool away another afternoon with her?" " She gets another show," muttered Donaldson. "That's only fair." " Pretty soft," laughed Cardwell, winking at Mae and Simmons. "But she wasn 't so soft as you gentlemen once mistook her to be," Donaldson replied. The manager flushed, and Cardwell .and Mae decided that they should have been gone. The stage hand was given some instructions and Simmons was leaving. The prima donna smiled calmly, ever so quietly. "Don," she said and nodded her head to the dressing rooms. He understood or seemed to understand for he nodded an affirmation. "But be careful," she warned, "A woman's eyes * * * you're nothing but a big boy * * * You don't fool me, Don, I know your type; you're a college man." Donaldson started and then smiled weakly. "But she," and the donna bent her gaze full upon him, "who is she!" I certainly do not know," acknowledged Donaldson frankly but puzzled. "Oh," quickly replied the donna, "it was her face, and form, and manner that obtained this opening here for her." And she shrugged her
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sloping shoulders, turning away. "Bye; bye, Donnie, perhaps you can tell me something to-morrow." She smiled and was gone. "Rather peculiar situation for me," thought Donaldson watking over to the little window in the corner of the stage, and glancing down at the side entrance. He saw a group of chorus girl s and young men, laughing and talking, standing just across the street. "Your pardon, sport, but would you let a fellow air his blinkers through that crack? My eyes are sore to see an old pal and I think she's down below, if my hearing's straight. Yes, there she is," continued the stage hand . "Thank you," as Donaldson ¡gave him the whole window, "but I see she doesn't understand this mental telepathy game; guess I'll go down and start a little chin music." And he had left before Don quite realized that he was there alone waiting for the understudy. "She should have been gone before this," thought Don. "Miss Lindsley," he ventured . There was the sound of soft footballs, the turning of a knob and a pair of pansy eyes looked questioningly out. "I * * * was thinking," began Donaldson "Oh, Mr. Donaldson, you haven't been waiting to speak to me, have you?" The door was open now and she stepped impulsively forward. She held her hat in her hands, adjusting a small veil which dropped from the front. "I'm sorry that I have kept you waiting. " "Why, I really didn't have anything to do," smiled Don," although you are rather later than usual. " He was watching her with just a touch of regret that so much pretty brown hair should be covered as she put on her hat, her fingers playing nimbly in that mysterious process of arranging her hatpins. "It's on straight," volunteered Don. "Yes, I'm getting accustomed to dressing without a mirror," and two pink spots lit up two little dimples on her cheeks and two plump arms sought to hide the rosy tulips around her mouth, but only succeeded in accentuating curves of grace and beauty in her form. He was leaning lightly against bit of scenery, head partly inclined, hands in his coat pocket, eyes slightly closed with the thought that she
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'bore a resemblance to someone he knew occurring and recurring to him. No, she was prettier than any girl that he had met lately. And he was satisfied at the thought. "When you are satisfied," the donna had one day told him, "you remind me of a drowsy lion; Don, you are really good looking, except for that little scare on your forehead that I see once in a while." Miss Lindsley was ready to go. "Well, I suppose that I made such a failure that not even you will encourage me to continue," and there was just a shade of disappointment in her voice. He was all sympathy in an instant. ' "You didn 't do as well as you can do, nor as well as you have done. I told Simmons that I thought you were unwell." It was almost a question. "No, Don- Mr. Donaldson, I can't-that is I don't like to go through that part with him. I feel as though--." "Has Cardwell been annoying you since-since that time? If he has--." Two emerald eyes sparkled wide open and two muscular arms were taut as he leaned forward, and a red scar could be seen just above the right eye. "No," she said hurriedly, "not since then, but I can't helphe 's so-oh let's not talk about him. You hav_e been very kind to risk your chances of making good by aiding me, but I think I am through with this job-here." "Now, Miss Lindsley, don't give up that way, you certainly will make good next time; I'll help you on certain points, and this is the best opening you can hope for, considering your limited experience-that is-you know-I mean it's so late in the season you won't be able to get on with any good company." Don wa s flushed and she was pointing an accusing finger at him, half smiling, half disappointed, "I knew you thought so." But she didn't seem worried at the poor prospects . "I didn't mean you were incompetent," he declared. "Now I'll leave it to you. Honest, don't you believe we can stage that part better than you did this afternoon? Don't you really?" Something like a flash of ambition, a renewal of a hope came into her eyes and she pressed her lips fast together and turned her head away. Then
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slowly, "Yes, I believe we could, I'm sure we could but--" here she faced him, half perplexed, half amazed , "but what's the answer? " And then hurriedly, " I guess I had better be going, its getting late and I'll be expected. " "But, Miss Lindsley, you are coming back aren 't you?" And the big fellow seemed really anxious. They were descending the stairs now. "I won't promise," she said. "I have to think it over." And Don was really dejected. The veil concealed a merry twinkle in the pansy eyes. When they reached the street she turned suddenly on him. "Mr. Donaldson, how long did you tell me you had been an actor?" "Eh, how long? Why, I've been on the stage three or four years." " I suppose that includes your amateur and professional experience also?" ''Yes," evasively, "I'll tell you how I got my start ¡, sometime after the rehearsal." Was she smiling? "That's my car coming," she pointed . "I'll go home with you," Donaldson ventured for the second time since he had known her. But a second time she rather hastily, yet pleasantly denied him that privilege. "Say Miss Lindsley," he blurted as he helped her on the car , "you are coming back and try just once more?" "I don't know-maybe," and he was standing with his hat raised watching her as the car moved off . . Ten-fifteen minutes passed ¡ and he still stood there, hands in his pockets looking idly about. Another five minutes passed and glancing at his watch he started slowly down the avenue. A two-seated motor car came spinning along as he was about to cross to the opposite side. He waited for the car to pass. Instead it slowed up and stopped . "Hop in Donaldson , you look as if you had been to a funeral. Thought I would strike you somewhere along the avenue. Want to see you and show you something." It was Verlin, old Tom Verlin, the man who
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had played in the line for Brown side by side with Donaldson during three years. "How's the play coming on?" queried Verlin. "Which play?" "Why the one you were writing when I saw you about a montfi ago." "Stopped writing in order to get a little material in the way of practical experience," Don replied as he hopped up beside Verlin. "What? You don't mean to tell me you've been toeing the footlights?" "Not so bad as that," laughed Don as the car rolled off. ¡"But it doesn't seem a month since I saw you, Verlin; I certainly _have had your face in mind since then." The college mates fell to discussing a project which Verlin had under consideration. A half hour passed and Verlin had ,persuaded Don to go over and spend a couple of days with him. He turned the car homeward. "We'll go around northwest and .stop at the conservatory. I've got to piok Sis up and carry .her home. No, not Evelyn; Madge. Don't think you've seen ther; she was at Vassar when you were home last." Another ;ten minutes, and Verlin drew the car up short in front of the ,conservatory building. "Hack in a minute, Don," as he ran up tthe steps. "O Madge, Mad-ge, let's go." Then he disappeared 'behind the swinging doors. A moment later the doors swung open and a girl came out. She looked back and called out playfully, "Now, Tom, don't keep me waiting the rest of the afternoon for you; besides, this is Miss Bryant's busy day." "Coming," answered Verlin. And Madge looked down in the auto and saw a man and started-and saw-Donaldson. And Don looked up, saw at first a girl-and then recognized-Miss Lindsley! And she stopped and stared down at him; and he leaned forward and stared up at her. The doors swung open; Madge placed a warning finger to her lips. Verlin came running down, "Come on Madge. Earl Donaldson, Madge; my sister, Don. You remember, Madge, I told you so often about Don, football man, fraternity mate." ¡
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They were in the car now. Just a flicker of a smile played about Don's mouth. Madge was really serious. "I believe I do remember your speaking of him." "You remember I told you about his getting hurt in! the Yale game. By the way, Don, did you ever discover who it was that sent you so many flowers up at the hospital? A queer incident that; probably a passing woman's whim." A minute of silence and then, "Don's been writing a play, Madge," Verlin announced, "but has found it necessary to get a little practical experience to aid him in the technique of his art. Rather hard on a man of his standing to have to mix with the average actor, don't you think?" "Rather hard," admitted Madge, "But I should think that Mr. Donaldson would have gotten three or four years' experience while in college." Don winced. "Are you really much interested in the drama?" he asked her. "O yes, indeed--" she had started to reply and then Verlin had to spoil it all. "Do you know, Don, she was so interested once, that she threatened to go on the stage just for pure pleasure-the virtuoso idea. We got her to compromise on music.'' Don's eyes met, again, a pair of pansy eyes, and the tulip mouth parted in a broad smile, and again a warning finger was raised. But her brother was busy steering the car. It was the afternoon of another rehearsal. Miss Lindsley was getting her last trial. The playwright was sitting by the donna; Caldwell was talking to Miss Manton; Simmons was busy. The rehearsal was nearing its end. The playwright was enthusiastic. "She's fine," he averred . The donna was nervous; Miss Manton was talking slowly. A certain contagious enthusiasm pervaded the whole troupe . The playwright leaned forward; it was the love scene at the climax. Don was standing over Miss Lindsley looking down into her serious, upturned face. With a quiet impassion that bespoke a soul fervor, he was telling her a story of simple love. And she forgot it was only play and from her own heart added the realistic genuineness of responsive affection. "By heavens, the very atmosphere , the
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very realistic touch I wanted. That woman is a jewel," and the playwright was happy. "Did you ever see better acting?" "That was real," the donna answered . But he only partially understood. And the curtain went down. The donna turned to Cardwell and Miss Manton: "You were right when you said that the woman who interpreted those lines had to live them." But they made no response. The success overwhelmed them; they were utterly blue. "Perhaps you 路are more fortunate than you think, " the donna said simply, and passed on to the stage. Simmons met her: "Wasn't that great?" She listened in silence at his satisfaction for a few minutes. A door knob turned and soft footfalls were heard as two persons started 路 down the stairs. She turned and went swiftly to the landing. They were leaving. "Don, " she called. They stopped confusedly and the donna went down. 路'I think you ought to tell an old friend good-bye, Don, and Miss-er-Lindsley you, too. And when you finish that play or book you'll let me know, Don? You know I have always been interested in--in, your success since--since that day when you received that little scar down at New Haven." Don started impulsively, and Madge paled perceptively. "It's three years ago, and I haven't forgotten. Don't you forget your promise , Don," and she had gone. "Don, " said Madge, a fitful feverish pink stealing into her cheek , "Was she the woman who sent you those flowers after you got hurt?" "I don't know, truthfully answered Don. And the understudies passed out into the street 路.
THE INFLUENCE
OF /\BRAHAM
LINCOLN.
E. E. Sumpter, '14. S we look upon the wor!d about us with the very stamp and impress of a Divine Being upon it, be it true or not, we are forced to confess that it seems that God has somewhere in process of development, the right thing for the right time and the righ_t place. Nature works in sincerity and is ever true to her law. The bee hives honey; the viper distills poison; the vine stores its juice, and so do the poppy and the upas. Thus every thought, every action, ripens its seed, each according to its kind. In an individual man a just idea gives life, progress and glory; a false conception portends disaster, shame and death. The influence of a truly great man is never fully known . It is like a mighty ocean upon which one looks, and beholds its broad, smooth, placid waters, but cannot tell its depth nor where the currents run strongest. Such was the influence of Abraham Lincoln. From obscurity overshadowed by poverty and misfortune, this ma11,nourished by the soil of reason and sane judgment, grew and developed into the incarnate common ¡sense of the people, whence enanates his great influence. In this country, where the rough and ready understanding of the people is sure at fast to be the controlling power, a profound common sense is the best genius for statesmanship. Lincoln realized this and became the man for the hour and the place, and rose to the great exigencies entrusted to his hands. With a prevailing unconsciousness of self , no motive of personal interest, and a firm belief in the justice of God, and the worth of man, his policy became
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the policy of public opinion. He saw there was a principle underlying every phenomenon in human affairs, and that there were two sides to every question , both of which must be fully understood, in order to understand either. In his debate with Douglas on slavery, he went straight to the heart of the question. Where did he get his style? Ask Burke and Shakespeare where they got theirs. Where did he get his grasp upon affairs and a knowledge of men? Ask the God who created Luther and Bonaparte. With his wisdom made up from a knowledge of things as well as men, he was never more in the height of his manhood than upon the day he started from Springfield, to be installed as President of the United States. He told his friends as he departed from them: "A duty has devolved upon me greater than that which has devolved upon any other man since W asl}ington ." Thus with a consciousness of the responsibility and by the aid of Divine Providence, he was able to preserve the vast interests of liberty and humanity that were to be saved or lost forever in the urgent and impending conflict of the Civil War. Do we of the twentieth century stand wondering that the influence of a man for an hour like that should be living, lasti!Jg, growing yet? Above all, Lincoln's marvelous inffuence found expression through his ideas of nationalism. He was pre-eminently a nationalist. We Americans are now, were in Lincoln's day and have been since Revolutionary days, idealists. That ideal was and is a strong and enduring nationalism, and Lincoln imbibed the spirit of our forefathers. We eulogize Washington as a great nationalist, and justly may we do so, but we have in the ¡personage of Abraham Lincoln one of the greatest nationalists since the dawn of history, and had he but lived to have asserted it the world would respect him with that tribute to-day. 1
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It has been said, "No man can become powerful except in two ways, either by the greater truth of his principles , or the extravagance of the .party opposing him. " Which of these contributes most to Lincoln 's greatness I will not presume to say, but this I do say: with loyalty to great ends, an anchor clinging to solid principles of duty and action, he entered office on his own strength of heart and steadiness of understanding and proved his genius for statescraft. Time has proven his conclusions, for he left behind him a firm road upon which public confidence has followed. All will agree that sound judgment and analytic reasoning in the lives of great personalities are the elements that nationalism is built upon. Lincoln's was an analytic reason, and an incisive judgment, which became the consuming passion of his life, and the safeguard of the nation. Not in vain has Lincoln lived, for he has helped make this republic an example of justice with no other caste than the caste of humanity . He had faith in the intuitions of people, and read those intuitions with rare sagacity. He took to heart the eternal truths of liberty , and obeyed them as commands of Providence , finishing a work which all time cannot overthrow. Though he was slain, his country was saved; though he fell martyr to the cruel hand of malice, still his influence lives. There is no assassin strong enough, no weapon deadly enough , to quench its ine.xtinguishable life, or arrest its onward march to the conquest and empire of the world .
THE LIGHTS BURNED LOW. G. W. B., '13. The lights burned low, and close beside the bed The mother knelt, and hushed her child to sleep. She softly stroked the little, drowsy head, And murmured low, and tenderly, and sweet, Some soothing nursery rhyme. At length the babe SleP,t, and the mother hovering over, smiled, And looking up she murmured soft a prayer; "God have you in his keeping, Sleep my child ." The lights burned low, and, tossing on a bed, A dying man lay gasping for the air, His manly form a shadow, and the head So noble once, and eyes and face so fair All wasted by the fever 's dreadful blast. She kissed his cheek, and closed the eyes so wild, "God have you in his keeping, And murmured as the tears fell thick and fast, Sleep my child."
OUR LIBRARY BUILDING. Dr. C. H. Ryland, Librarian. Y ARTICLE in the February number of THE MESSENGERgiving an account of the re-founding of the Library in 1870 by the handsome donation of twentysix hundred volumes by Dr. Owen, of St. Louis, Mo., has awakcueJ a desire to hear something about the erection of the present hall. When the war began in 1861, the trustees were contemplating completing the structure designed when finished to consist of a centre building with north and south wings. Only Ryland Hall ( the north wing) had been completed . This was used both for dormitory and administrative purposes. A small room in this building was set apart for the Library, and into this apartment was welcomed the great Owen gift. In 1873 the central building ( with the tower) was erected and it was a proud moment when the Library was moved into a room on the third floor between the two society halls. This room was so much larger and gave such increased facilities that it was gladly accepted as a better home for the Library . Very naturally the college felt quite rich in the comforts which . ensued, and library work took on new life. The desire to complete the main building by erecting the south wing did not cease to grow. For a number of years it w.aited its opportunity. The death of Dr. Jeter gave this opportunity. Dr. Jeter was a â&#x20AC;˘ leadc1 among the Bapti sts of Virginia. He had been identified from its origin with the building of the college, and for many years was president of the corporation. At a meeting of his friends and admirers a voluntary association was formed to honor his memory. After much discussion it was decided, with the consent and approval of the Board of Trustees of the college,
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to complete the main building and put into it a hall for the Library . Under a successful agency conducted by Rev. A. E. Dickinson, D. D., and by the special aid of Mr. James Thomas, about fifty thousand dollars was raised. Of this sum thirty-six thousand dollars was used to erect the beautiful structure in which the Library now has a home. Thit building was completed and presented to the trustees, June r8, 1884, and named in honor of Jeremiah Bell Jeter. The night of its dedication was a memorable one. Before a brilliant audience Dr. Hatcher, chairman, spoke on behalf of the committee that had superintended the work and Dr. J. L. M. Curry, then president of the trustees, accepted the memorial. Dr. Hatcher, giving in some detail the work of the committee and paying a tribute to Dr. Jeter, concluded with these words: "And now, Doctor, it only remains for me, as a representative of the committee, to transfer to you, as the official head of the College, the key to the Jeter Memorial Hall and commit to your custody the building that is behind it." Dr. Curry, in eloquent language, received the gift, saying as he accepted the key: "Ladies and gentlemen, Richmond College is tonight dedicated anew to the service of God and the cause of sound and liberal education. This splendid structure, these ample grounds, the increasing endowment and improved appliances, are all set apart afresh and held for the one purpose of glorifying God and doing service for humanity." The ceremonies were crowned by a noble address by Rev. J. B. Thomas, D. D., of Brooklyn, N. Y. The occasion was one of great enthusiasm. Friends rejoiced over the completion of the building. The successful inauguration of enlarged library work brought fresh inspiration into the college life. Several things may be added which will make more complete the history of the building and its work. When the committee had discharged its trust, it was found that a considerable sum of money was left to their credit in the treasury of the college. It was decided that this should be invested and the income used for the expenses of the Library. It is on this endowment that the Library work now rests. The income from the endowment
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enables the college to place this great laboratory with its delightful equipment and supplies at the service of the student body without cost. Richmond College is one of the very few institutions that has no library fee. It will be noticed that this ~ketch of the building has not taken account of the hall over the Library which is a very handsome and commodious memorial of James Thomas, Jr. Mr. Thomas . was the largest resident benefactor that Richmond College has. had. I judge his gifts from time to time amounted to as much as sixty thousand dollars. He it was who founded the School of Philosophy, and allusion has been made to his gifts to the Jeter Memorial. He was, at the time of his death, president of the corporation. It was decided to equip the remaining hall for museum purposes and dedicate it to his memory. Prompted by the action of the trustees and in return for their thoughtfulness. of his gifts, Mr. Thomas' family ¡contributed the sum of ten thousand dollars for the foundation of what is known in the college as the Thomas Lecture Fund. The library hall, the museum, the lectures stand together as a splendid memorial of one of the wisest and most liberal friends the college has. ever had. In after years when the student has left the "classic shade" of "old Richmond," it is to the Library with its quiet alcoves and cozy corners that he will turn in grateful, delightful memory. The portraits of the heroes who founded the college, the books, the magazines, the art treasures, the consultations, the conferall ences, the low whisperings with heads bowed together-yea, these and more, will come rushing upon the heart, and college days will live again. He will again "wear the rose of youth upon him."
THE SIN .AT GOD'S DOOR. V.D.
HIS is a fable. Not one incident of it ever happened or ever could happen. Yet it is truth, as true as life. And you know we don't get much closer to certainty. If, gentle reader, you do not care for the actual in this world of men, we refer you to the . poetry. And if again, your sensibilities are too delicate to endure the vulgarity of life, turn â&#x20AC;˘over to the spotless chastity of the editorial page. A youth was born with very inquiring, analytic, and earnest a It was quite a handicap-almost intellectual machinery. calamity, but still you will agree that it was not his fault, and it so came to pass that this boy became intensely anxious about the reality of religion-a still greater misfortune. Religion is no field for analysis. But again be merciful; he couldn't help it. Well, at any rate this is how it transpired that a lad who could, at rare intervals, see beneath the surface began to spy around for the uplifting and ennobling influence of religion. Now, gentle reader, will you forget theology a little while and go with him? For this is what he saw, in "the world of men." It was a time of war. Across the green meadows and hillsides there stretched a great encampment, many miles long. In camp were thousands of men who had volunteered to defend the sacredness of their homes, the sanctity of their constitutions, etc.-to say nothing of the diplomacy of their political chiefs. To-morrow many forms of the young and fair, mulitated and lifeless, would dot the earth's carpet and much red blood would blend with the gorgeous green. The soldiers assembled. The ministers and high officials, who had negotiated the war drove up a~d made some speeches that glowed with a high quality of patriotism and were tense with
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dramatic utterances of loyalty to God and country. After the speeches, they, of course, drove off to a safe distance . Then the priests of the. Most High God began to pray-with a fervor and earnestness as never before. And they implored that He should grant His favor to their arms and crown their undertaking with His success. The youth with the analytic mind was listening, . and deep below the monotonous droning of the priests, he caught the significance, the Soul of their prayer. And it was that God's hand should hold true to this aim the steel messengers of death, and guide them into the hearts of strong men, that God should snatch life from thousands to whom it was sweet, that He should break women's hearts, leave desolate little orphans and multiply infinitely the vast grief of the world. Such was their prayer in reality and they clinched the argument by concluding "For thou, 0 God, art a righteous God, and we ask it in the name of thy Son." The companies, battalions and regiments formed. The ammunition was examined to see that there was enough and in good condition . Then the column of splendid men marched off, and scattered at intervals throughout the line moved priests , carrying the cross of Jesus Christ. The boy with the inquiring mind went to church. The build~ ing was a masterpiece of architecture that awed into a kind of reverence. From a mighty organ, poured forth the strains of the "Magnificent," and within the splendor behind the chancel sat a preacher, dignified and almost pompous. The crowd was gathering, distinguished looking gentlemen and ladies in gowns that represented small fortunes. Wealth, culture, and a languid solemnity were in the air, and little more. Suddenly there was a flurry of excitement. A laboring man came in, walked well up to the front and sat down . His clothes were quite plain and not very neat, nor was he a dream of clean linen, hair uncombed, and finger-nails perceptibly dirty. The distinguished looking gentlemen were thunder-struck ; the ladies in the man's immediate vicinity drew close their gowns and held their handkerchief to their noses. Evidently their minds
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were distracted from worship. Then a usher came and spoke to the man. He got up and went to the back seat. The distin_guished looking gentlemen and the silken-gowned ladies gave a sigh of relief and took up the hymn-book. After the service the crowd waited for the very ordinary looking man and his odor to go out. They gave him plenty of room. Then the great crowd filed out, and as the ladies and _gentlemen passed the door they each and every one dropped to one knee before a cross--on which hung a carpenter's Son. The youth, with the earnest mind, found a theological seminary. Here, he thought , would be a fountain-head of pure religion. When he got there he found the students assembled in a large chapel. On the platform sat the faculty, a company -of venerable and devout men. The occasion was the trial of .a young man for heresy. It seemed that this young man had ,done a noble work among the slum-dwellers ; against his private ,character not one lonely reproach could be brought ; but in an 路unguarded moment he had dropped a question concerning the deity of Christ, and once his orthodoxy suspected, his other .achievements were forgotten. The evidence taken, before the faculty voted one of the venerable members led in prayer, asking partly for Divine guidance, but chiefly that we do not lose the fundamentals on which hangs the salvation of the race. The 路vote being taken he was unanimously pronounced guilty-whereupon the venerable president, with due gravity, and in the name ,of God expelled the miscreant and, as far as consistent witli Christian charity, doomed him for all eternity . The whole concourse joined in singing "All hail the power of .Jesus' name." The boy wandered down a street and saw the factories turn 路out a great stream of men and women. It was pay day; they carried envelopes in their hand and seemed to have no particular 路material wants . And yet somehow the boy fancied that in their ,eyes and the expression of their faces there was written Hun_griness, a great Hungriness that springs from whatsoever is Cod-like in us, that Hungriness that alone would make us think
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we are immortal. And the boy wondered why it was so unsatisfied. Meantime, out on the battlefield certain priests were monopolizing Jesus Christ to help them fight; another preacher, dignified and almost pompous, passed in an automobile visiting his wealthy flock; and in the seclusion of a theological seminary, venerable and devout men were deeply absorbed in Saint Paul 's theory of marriage.
NIGHT-MOODS. J. H. Donohue,
'12.
The twilight clothes the hills with purple shadows which slowly fade into the approaching darkness, Black clouds, Heaven's gloomy host, loom fearfully over Earth's clam repose. Off in the distance is heard the low wailing of the wind gathering to its embrace the restless spirit of the night, While in mournful accents across the dunes are borne strange whisperings of Ocean's deep unrest. But Oce~n, Earth's staunch ally, crashing and roaring through the night, Flings back its grim defiance. They rage in wild relentless battle, shaking the deep foundations of the world, Then, fearful of the wrath of .their Creator, They cower back in silent dread. The wandering clouds now haste across the sky, eager to disclose' Earth's jeweled dome, And Ocean's roar subsides in distant murmurings echoing softly through the silence. The hour of dreams comes slowly on, and sleep enwraps the world in quiet mystery.
MILL LIFE IN THE SOUTH. "Jag."
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HE South is awakening from her long industrial sleep. With this development there should have come some very vital reforms in her labor standards. In certain branches the improvement has come, but in many fields the advance has been too slow or altogether lacking. One very vital defect in Southern labor standards are the conditions in mill life. It is this particular topic which I want to discu ss, with the idea that many of my readers will sooner or later be called upon to consider this phase of the South's industrial progress, and with the desire that they may approach the issue with a sympathetic and intelligent understanding of the question which must be settled in the near future. In attempting to draw you a picture of Southern mill life my colors are dark and grey, for they are tinged with human sufferings and misfortunes. What I shall tell you I know from actual experience and observation and by a personal contact with the unfortunate class concerned. In fairness to the question it is proper that it be said here that the situation is better now than a decade or two ago. It is true that some sections are better off than others. It is further true that some legislation has been attempted in the matter of regulating both the age limit and the hours of work. But, considered as a whole, the improvement has been too slow; the laws have been poorly enforced and have been insufficient to touch the center of the trouble. The fact remains that the situation still exists; we might as well face the issue. Do you know that the status of these Southern mill workers is lower than that of any class of laborers in the United States? I have seen in those mills tiny hands struggling with tl~e elementary tasks of mill routine-children from eight to ten years old
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and upward who had been taught to think that day blessed when they ,could go to the mill and begin that long grind of. existence, when they could earn their small sums to pay for the privilege of living. Enthusiastic little faces those that beam up at you, hopeful, ignorant, fresh from nature's bosom; faces that did not yet reveal by that vacant, ambitionless, lifeless expression a strangled, undeveloped soul. These little people never knew and never would know that they were being cheated now in being deprived of an education and the development that goes to make life tolerable, nor that they were being cheated for the future in competing with men at the same tasks in cheapening the system 11.1nder which they expected to make a living. And the statistician .tells me that there are forty thousand white children below the .age of fourteen who are working in these Southern mills. Referâ&#x20AC;˘ence may be made to some recent legislation on the age limit: North Carolina, for instance, has prohibited the employment of -.children under twelve. Magnanimous law ! Even Russia puts the limit at fifteen years. Besides, even the law has failed. The ,mill men have evaded the letter of the statute by permitting the workers to hire these children as helpers. They uphold the \parents in their ignorance-ignorance which they have created .and fostered-and now, vulture-like, the parents feed upon their ,children. I have seen women and young girls, too, working in these mills, pale, thin, unaminated, undersized, sallow; old women, languid, expressionless. They did not live-these people-they but existed! There were women there fit subjects for infirmaries, women who showed in their faces the long hours of working and confinement in the mills amid the dust and din; women who showed in their faces the long despair that brings on age, the loss of enthusiasm and the knowledge of those things which were about them with the consciousness of not being able to rise above them. Were those faces the ones to smile down hope into young life; were those emaciated bodies the ones to give blood to a new generation; were those to be the mothers of another people? These girls and women worked, too, at the same tasks
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with men, earning their temporary sums but cheating themselves in the long game of life, insuring to themselves a life of drudgery away from their natural sphere. I have seen these people-young children, women, men-trudging to work in the dark of the morning and not coming back until dark again. The length of the working day in winter is about eleven hours, while twelve hours is about the daily average in summer. The mills in Roanoke Rapids, N. C., begin work on summer mornings at six o'clock. They close down at six in the afternoon, giving one-half hour for dinner. At seven P. M. the force of night hands come to their tasks, and again the loom and spindle are heard without ceasing throughout the night. While the inhuman institution of night work is not very widely spread, yet the hours, almost without exception, are immoderately long. In the faces and in the forms of these mill workers, in the stinted bodies of the children, in the premature old age, these hours are indicated. The sanitary conditions in the mill towns are fearful. In the mill itself the air is kept at a temperature above the normal both summer and winter. There is no effort made to suppress the lint dust which floats all over the entire mill. Prevalence of pnuemonia, rheumatism and tuberculosis are the fruits of this. "Out to the mill" is a frequent phrase with the doctors which .signify not only the frequency of such trips, but tells also of charity work. The home life of _ these people is not sanitary. How can it be? Whole families live in little two-room houses ! I have in mind now a mill section of a small town in Johnson ,county of my native State, Nortl-i Carolin~. In it are about sixty such hou ses lined out with monotomous regularity-all alike, all equal in size-dirty little two-room houses. Warm, sultry summer nights in this mill settlement, how vivid to the memory they are! Spread upon blankets and covers I have seen these people lying in the hallways and upon porches seeking rest-fitful , unsatisfactory as it must have been-under conditions most favorable for the development of physical-not to mention moral-disease germs.
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The capital evil in these communities is one that grows naturally and inevitably from these others. It is the decadent intellectual, spiritual and moral atmosphere that predominates this class. It is not necessary that I tell you that the educational facilities in these towns are poor, that the schools are poorly attended, that the instruction is of the lowest order, that the terms are extremely short. In a word, the negro field schools average as high as do these mill schools. There is absolutely no encouragement given to education. The mill owners hang before the eyes of these children a miserable pittance of wages; they buy their birthright for a mess of pottage. In spiritual life these people are dormant. Churches are like the people-dead, inanimate. One would think they would ~ttend their churches for a change . Not so! It is the open they are seeking not the closed room. Then, too, such preaching as they get-indeed, such as they are able to understand-does not appeal to them. If they do possess the ignorance of the dark ages, it is with but few of its superstitions. Fatality possesses them, and ignorance without reverence. I think I read the religious atmosphere aright when I see the tots-bright, enthusiastic, hopeful buds from nature's rosary-bloom in a twilight of hopes, grow in the shado°"'s of disappointment, fade into premature old age, and fall at last into a night of negative infidelity. Social life! They don't know what it means. Need I tell you that the men are inclined to insobriety; that vice is too plentiful? Do you know that "mill girl" is a term of slander? That to have been a "mill girl" brands one as a social outcast-raises a barrier above which she cannot rise? Now, indeed-let the truth be told-can we entirely blame any one for making such a distinction. Facts are matters of observation in this, not of statistics. The lack of segregation at the mills, the lack of segregation in the home life, the lack of higher instincts, the attitude of their own minds, the attitude of other people toward them-all tend that way. Some people may rise above environments, but the majority do not. I might continue and tell you of other evils, numerous inJeed, but the general fact has been shown clearly, and it is not neces-
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sary to linger longer on this dark view. But before we leave the subject let us inquire briefly into the main causes of these conditions and see if we cannot suggest some remedy. Without question the major caus~ is the mistaken economy of the Southern mill owners. Space does not permit details; let me give you solid stat1st1cs. The Southern mill workers on the average earn far less than do the negro laborers throughout the South. Wages for men average seventy-eight cents a day, for women fifty-six cents per day, while the children average but 1.wenty-four cents. Can you parallel these wages in the United States? Can we expect to have a high grade of civilizatiou in the South when our wage system is so far inferior to those of other sections? Just in proportion as our wage systems are low and continue low, just so will the social and intellectual status be low and remain low. Within easy access of the raw materials the mill owners are not satisfied with that advantage, but seek by installing cheap machinery, keeping the wages low, and lengthening the hours of labor, advantages which are unjust, and indeed, in the final analysis, are not advantages at all. Cheapness of production is not economic progress. Misuse of labor is criminal. The conditions under which a man works, the opportunity to enjoy th e fruits of his labor, are vital to his happiness and usefulness. Cheapness must come through more effective utilization of natural forces by invention and machinery, ,not through overwork and social degradation of labor. Difference in competitive success must come from differences in the ability of labor and not from a different standard of decency in the use of labor. The Southern mill owners are competing with machinery by means of human life; they are weaving their goods from the threads of life and selling them at a profit . . The second cause of these bad conditions is the inadequacy of the present legislation and the almost total non-enforcement of present statues. The legislation on factories in the Southlet me say it-is an equivocal oracle whose prophets are the mill owner 's voice, and whose Delphi is the mill office. And can the legislation be higher than its executors? We think it can. We
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have the tried legislation of the world in front of us and we cannot go wrong. There is no need to mention the laws we need ; the very evils suggest the remedies. And yet the relief granted by State legislation can be only temporary. And when I say temporary I speak advisedly, for relief can be only temporary when there is such a lack of uniformity in the factory legislation of the different states, when the more humane and progressive have to compete in the markets with those who lag behind to feed in the mire. The final solution, let me suggest, fs federal legislation insuring complete uniformity of labor standards. Then only will the Southern factory workers come into their own. In the meanwhile it is our task to bring about this temporary relief. We are our brother's keepers in this matter. It is our duty to right the trend of these conditions. It is our duty because it is unsafe for the South to permit conditions which lead to inferior citizenship. It is our duty because this mill life is a sore-a social, economic, civic sore. It is our duty to eradicate this illiteracy,, to cultivate these undeveloped minds. These underfed people, these women unfit to be mothers, these unsanitary conditions, the immoral life are all seed planted in the soil of time ready to bring forth a generation of drones whose sins will be upon our heads, for we let them be made what they will be .
MESSENGER
THE
Entered at the Postoffice at Richmond, Va., as second-class matter.
OF EDITORS
BOARD
J. W. DECKER,
Editor
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Philologian. FRANK
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. Assistant
Editor
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• Advisory
Editor
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GAINES,
Philologian. PROF.
J. C. METCALF
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ASSOCIATE
Philolog-ian . Poems L. S. GILLIAM, '12 • .. ...•.•• W. B. MILLER, '12 •. ... .••. . Alumni J. A. GEORGE, '13 • •••••• . .. . Essays
Mu Sigma Rho
J. S . LAWRENCE
, '12 •.••••••
V. McMANAWAY, H. R. ECKLES, '12
G.
Exchang-es Campus Notes
G. W. E. M. (i-wATHMEY,
• Sto,ies
'12, . • ..
BLUME,
EDITORS
'12
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. Athletics. ..• •• • .• . Business
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Manag-er
Philologian.
G. H.
WINFREY,
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Assistant Business Manazer
Mu Sigma Rho.
EDITORIALS. Now that the hour is here when we lay down our editorial burdens---or we might say, privileges-it is conventional and best for us to express ourselves to those who have turned to this page to see what the retiring editor "has to say for himself." Of course, all editors before us have done exactly the same thing ,
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but then friends never part without the farewell. You will excuse us if we become personal; at times our work has been in the extreme. THE MESSENGERfor the present editorial term stands as it has been made; results must speak for themselves. For better or for worse, it is before you; it awaits your judgments and remarks. But, reader, be merciful and remember that while every defect can be traced back to a responsible party, that party may not be the editor. Oftentimes the deadly work was done by the non-contributor, sometimes by the editor, but never by him who has really made an honest effort to help. His lapses are pardoned before they are made. And for ours, we acknowledge them knowing with certainty that justice will be meted out to us. The non-contributor we leave to you, we can't handle him. We wish to extend our heartfelt and sincerest thanks to those who have in any way aided us. We wish first to thank the literary contributors. Even if your work did not appear on the pages of the magazine, your efforts were thoroughly appreciated by one person at least. You who have written for THE MESSENGER can never know just how much relief you have often brought to the editor by putting in his hands the necessary material when he was at his wits' end for matter to publish. You were as welcome as an oasis in a desert of shifting sand. We also wish to thank those who by their kindly interest and advice have wrought much in making the magazine attractive and helpful to the student body and the alumni. We desire partitularly to take this opportunity to give our thanks publicly to the efficient Reference Librarian of the College, who, by her interest and suggestions, has made possible some of the things to which we will look back in the future with most pride. We only wish that there were more such; results would bear witness to their presence. And finally, we are grateful to our critics, the men and women who have read THE MESSENGER in the true spirit of true criticism, those about the campus and the exchange editors of sister publications. ¡ You have shown us where we erred, and we hope we have profited by it. When you praised us we took fresh courage for further efforts. A little word of encourage-
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ment goes a long way when the road is rough and the clouds dark , even if the traveler is nothing but an ordinary college maga zine editor. For our successor we ask the same consideration shown us, but more of it. Don 't promise him articles and then at the last moment tell him that you did not have the time to finish them. Don't let him come to you and beg you to "try your hand;" try honestly and let him have the re sult s. Do not forget that he is simply managi ng a Richmond College enterprise, and that you are a student of Richmond College. Much of an editor 's success depends upon his associates; it is the easiest thing in the world for an as sociate to become a simple " deadhead," a drag. Our associate s have been faithful; we believe they will continue so. Be a live helper to your chief , think with him, scheme with him. Help him to make T I-IE MESSENGER better for the coming term than it has been in the present one. Well, it is over; we are ready to put aside our pen. Our work has been hard-sometimes discouraging-but it has had its ample rewards. We shall always feel a lively interest in , TI-IE MESSENGER,arid we leave it wishing it a long and useful career as one of the best college magazines in the whole Southland. Since our last issue the Junior Academic Class held a meeting where the following resolution was adopted: WHEREAS, the Junior Law Class has drawn up resolutions favoring the separation of the Academic Class of 1913 and the Law Class of 1913, and, WHEREAS, this action meets with the hearty approval of the Academic Class of 1913, both for the reasons stated in said resolutions and further, because, first , the interests of the two classes differ; second, there is a difference of two years in duration of college activity; third, it will tend to unify senior class spirit; fourth, it is a successful method pur sued in other leading colleges, be it therefore
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Resolved , That we do submit said resolutions to the President of the College for consideration, trusting that he will find it advisable to sanction the proposed action.
H. H. SEAY,JR., President, J. LEONARD KING, JR., Academic Class of 1913. The President of the College has duly approved the plan for the separation of the two classes, hence the matter is settled for 1913. Each will elect its own individual officers and have equal representation in the exercises of Commencement. The . officers of the Annual are to be elected in a joint meeting of the two classes at which the academic president will preside. We sincerely hope that the later classes will follow this precedent. t)
It looks like Richmond's ancient and venerable hoodoo, which of late has haunted our athletic field, has at last departed for another clime. May the powers-that-be consider his valiant service and grant him a pension which will enable him to abstain from further ~ctive labors in our behalf!
AS OTHERS SEE US. We are adding here a new column to the pages of THE MESSENGER,a column which we believe will be of interest and service to all who are interested in the welfare and standing of the literary representative of Richmond College. In it will be reprinted what has appeared in other college magazines in regard to THE MESSENGER;it will bring to you the criticisms on your efforts of num-berless exchange editors. These, of course, could be gotten from the exchange desk, but so few students read the exchanges. We want all who read THE MESSENGER to know what the other fellow thinks and says, and this knowledge will inevitably bring profit with it. In THE RICHMONDCOLLEGEMESSENGER we found a beautiful sketch "The L ast Fire." "The Sins of the Fathers" was excellently told, its tragic close, though a little ¡ startling, being well supported. ".Greater Love Hath No Man Than This" was well written and interesting.-The Buff and Blue , November . 1
THE RICHMOND COLLEGEMESSENGER,too, has a splendid amount of literature, "Virginia's Call to Her Young Men " being a well written article and "The Sins of the Fathers" a good story. Such is what goes a long way toward making a good college monthly, but there is hardly enough space given to college news, and where is the Exchange?-The Pharos, November. We acknowledge THE RICHMOND COLLEGEMESSENGERof Richmond College. We wish to commend your stories. There is, however, a noticeable tendency toward the tragic. Your Campus Note s are a great addition to the magazine . They give the goodnatured per sonal quality which is essential to all academic papers . -Th e Joh n Marshall R ecord, Thanksgi ving Numbe r.
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In reading the magazines, we try to notice not merely the writing and the form, but every move made by the different schools. We noticed with pleasure that THE MESSENGER of Richmond College spoke of their proposed attempt at self-government. We ,can appreciate their difficulties in this matter and wish them all success.-The Hollins Magazine, December.
We are glad to hear that THE RrcHMONDCOLLEGEMESSENGER is thinking of letting the wide, wide world know it is here, there or somewhere. Here 's hoping the "careful observation" and "additional information gleaned from many points of view" will be demonstrated to the best advantage in this year's publications. Here's to the "red letter year" at Richmong College! Incidently, as a means toward this end, we would like to suggest that the contributors do not, as their predecessors have done, prove so forcibly by their well worn themes the theory "There is nothing new under the sun ."-Th e Chisel, December.
The general criticism that we should make of THE MESSENGER is that none of the articles in it comes entirely up to the breadth which we believe should characterize a college monthly. These articles are all good in their conception, but the idea is not thoroughly developed. For example, "Faith," which we consider the best of the short stories, it really not a short story at all, but only a sketch. It is well written but it lacks body and development. Nothing happens to the characters in it; we do not find out whether this particular freshman and his girl are true to each other or not, but are only left with the remark made by the senior, that "the greatest of these is faith." It does show storytelling ability on the part of the author, however, and with more work and a better subject he shou ld do ;omething really good. The two other short stories, "The Unfit" and "The Price," both have plots, but no effort has been made to develop them beyond a point barely sufficient for telling the story, though this is less true of "The Unfit" than of the other. We do not, of course,
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advocate drawing out stories merely to fill space, but a certain amount of detail is necessary to construct a story properly, and all of the possibilities of the plot should be made use of. In the same way "The School in Our Town" does not pretend to treat adequately of its subject, which, by the way, is a very interesting one, but it is hardly more than a two-page opinion of its author written probably in half an hour. "A Servant of the Masses" is much better in this respect. The verse in this issue is very good and "The Heart of a Celt," which we clip, is one of the best things we have read this month, especially its refrains.The University of Virginia Magazine, December. THE MESSENGER of Richmond College, Richmond, Va., is a new monthly at our desk. It is filled with typical college matter, and has a rousing article on the support of Woodrow Wilson for the democratic nominee for the presidency. One new feature at Richmond is the voluntary student government recently substituted for the former faculty ruling.-Cardinal and Cream, November 9th. The first issue of THE RICHMONDCOLLEGEMESSENGER is also a good one-the stories are good, and "Greater Love Hath No Man Than This" we think is very good.-The Messenger (Louisiana College), December. The October number of THE RICHMONDCOLLEGEMESSENGER, though somewhat lacking in verse, is very good in other respects. V,., Te noticed a few typographical errors, but these are easily pardonable. The selection entitled "The Sins of the Fathers," though it has great tragic force and is concluded in a very striking manner, is much too short. It would be out of place for us to offer any criticism of an oration which has won the Inter-society Oratorical Contest; we, accordingly, pass over "Virginia 's Call to Her Young Men" without comment. Such an oration speaks for itself. The narrative with the scriptural title
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is pathetic in the extreme , and fills one with real sorrow, as he reads of the runaway and the fatal results . The mutual love and esteem which the young people felt for each other is ingeniously brought out. The hero of the story was a true hero and finds a tender spot in the heart of every lover of true bravery. "Rufus Rusticus" is a very entertaining narrative. The dialect is good, and the story contains one or two irresistibly ridiculous situations.-The Hampden-Sidne y Magazine, December.
CAMPUS NOTES. H. R. E.,
'12.
Dr. Woodrow ·Wilson, of Princeton University , spent Thursday, February 1st, in Richmond, and at the request of Dr. Metcalf and the President of the Woodrow Wilson Club, lately organized at college, he made a · short address in the College Chapel at I I o'clock. The entire student-body and many of our friends in the city attended and greatly enjoyed his remarks, many of us having the privilege, after the ad-· dress, of shaking hands with our illustrious visitor and wishing him all success in his contest for the Pre sidency of the United States . Dr. Wilson delivered an address at the Auditorium that night, and more than two hundred members of the club went to hear him , led by the P.resident , Mr . MacManaway, who succeeded in seatin g them in a body in the front of the building , whence they delivered various and sundry yells for all the men of note on the rostrum , and created quite an atmosphere of patriotic spirit and ardent support.
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Dr. Wilson, while not a politician, is a remarkable student, a det!p thinker, a keen analyzer of problems, political and social, and, best of all, he is original, forging a way for himself through tracts hitherto avoided and feared, and possessing the courage to defend boldly his departures from the beaten path, not allowing cliques, rings or combines to affect his course. In short, he is a statesman, in the fullest significance of the word, and has the sincerest good-will and heartiest trust of the entire college. Miller ( in Biology) : You can still carry germs acrosi, the ocean, can't you? Haislip (contemptuously) : Why, sure you can. Look what the "Mayflower" did for this country." Visitor ( in Thomas Art Hall) : Whose bust is that one over there in the corner? â&#x20AC;˘ Luck ( the escort) : 0, that is a bust of Jupiter. Visitor: And who is that one opposite to it? Luck: That's another old Greek God, named Jove. Geo. Anderton (in book-store): Skippy, will you tell "Doc" . Thomas that the "Human Body" I ordered for him has come? The Philologian Literary Society opened its hall to v1S1tors February 2d, and presented a very attractive programme, consisting of music, both vocal and instrumental, orations, declamations, readings and the like, and concluded with lavish refreshments, which were enjoyed by all the members of the Society and many others, among whom were P. Wilson and Dyke, who are very strong on the' "eats." This open night was somewhat of a surprise to a large number of the students until it was learned that a big election was to be pulled off in a few weeks, and the
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contestants were anxious to make one grand splurge before the final struggle. "Dick" Richards: I bought this chair on the instalment plan. "Heinie" : Did you get easy terms? "Dick" : Well, I should smile ! A dollar down and a dollar whenever the collector can catch me. The "Rat" Class held their annual banquet at Guth's,Wednes<lay night, February 7th, and were chaperoned and protected by several members of the faculty, accompanied by their wives. Although "The Assyrian ( Sophs) came down like the wolf on the fold" and endeavored forcibly to check the "feast of reason and flow of soul," their efforts were frustrated, and the banquet was decidedly a success . .,
Van Landingham: Hang it, Irby, don't you realize that one of your shoes squeaks in A flat and the other in G major? Miss Anderson: Miss Engelberg:
Is my hat on straight? No, one eye shows.
On Friday, February 9th, the Mu Sigma Rho Literary Society, not to be outdone by the Philologians, also held an open me~ing. Judge Parker, having observed the success which attended the other society's open night, thought it would be "appliable" to the case of the politicians in the Mu Sig's. The programme was very enjoyable and educational , and was concluded by the serving of delicious refreshments . The Y. M. C. A., gave a sociable on Thursday, February 29th, in order to more largely interest the students in the work of that organization. Several delightful recitations and solos were ren-
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dered by visitors of the fair sex. The Bonehead quartette was called upon but failed to respond, although it favored the assembled multitude with a few choice selections during the serving of refreshments. All present enjoyed a pleasant evening.
NOTICE! The THOMASlectures, which were announced in a recent issue, were discontinued during the last week in February, owing to a slight indisposition on the part of the lecturer, Adrian Thomas, of the department of biology. Henry Powell ( to Sumpter) : I believe there is a proverb for every individual. â&#x20AC;˘ Sumpter : What proverb would fit me? Henry : To whom the Lord giveth office He giveth brains. Sumpter: But I have no office. Henry: Well? Ferrell (in meeting of Athletic Association): Mr. President, I move you, sir, that hereafter a quorum consist of one-half of the members present at each meeting. Query: Has the gentleman any preference as to which half be counted? Miss Spiers: There seems to be a regular "epidermic" of mumps among the students since Christmas. Miss Johnson (solicitously) : Yes, it is certainly sad. I wonder if they have an infirmatory up here to put the sick ones in? "Mac" Duval: Well, "Baby;" your girl was here this morning and looked real sweet. "Baby" Benton (very "mumpy''): Which one? Chorus ( sotto voce) : Such a lady killer I
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Croxton ( strong of Scriptural quotations) : Meredith was certainly a good example of a verse from the book of Hezekiah at our track meet. Mintz ( eager to learn) : What one is that? Croxton ( quoting) : "And God called Moses to come forth, but he came fifth and lost the race." The thirty-first course of lectures on the James Thomas Lecture Endowment were delivered in the College Chapel, February 21st, 22d and 23d, by Richard Green Moulton, Ph. D., professor of Literature in English at the University of Chicago, a well known educator and literary critic, author and lecturer of rare discrimination and power. The subjects of his lectures, in the order delivered, were: I. "Richard the Third; Character as Fate." II. "Romeo and Juliet; the Moral Significance of Accident." III. "The Merchant of Venice; the Play of Character and Accident." Despite the fact that the weather was by no means pleasant, and indeed very inclement on the occasion of one of the lectures, the hall was packed every evening. A great number of the patrons of the college attended, in addition to the students, and were greatly interested in and edified by the lecturer. Dr. Moulton is a man of attractive personality, a thorough student of the English classics and remarkable for his clear, logical thinking and direct, forcible manner of delivery. His lectures were more largely attended and more greatly enjoyed by all who heard him than any which have been delivered at college for several years.
G. W. Blume, '13. Since the last issue of THE MESSENGER, Richmond College has closed a track season which was by far the most successful one 'in the history of the college. With our fast relay team we van•quished the relays of the strongest universities, and have a very well-founded claim for the champion relay team of the South. The first meet in which we participated was that held in Washfogton, February 10th, by George Washington University, and ·our representatives made a particularly creditable showing :against the squads from the large universities. Ancarrow won ~his heat in the 50 yard novice and qualified for the finals. In the 50 yard open handicap, Meredith won his heat in both the --preliminaries and semi-finals, qualifying for the finals, but as the · <relay race between Richmond College and George Washington •University was the event immediately following, Coach Martin -wisely refused to allow either Ancarrow or Meredith to enter the •.finals. Our relay team was composed of Gary, O'Neil, An'<:arrow and Meredith, who ran in the order named, and showed G. W. U. how Richmond does it. Gary gave O'Neil a lead that was not lost during the race, but was increased by each man, and Meredith finished over forty yards ahead of his man. Captain Vaughan, on account of the good time in which he has been running the mile, was given the shortest handicap in that event, and still he forged ahead through most of the contestants and finished fourth out of a field of forty. Encouraged and elated by our success, the students of the college took up a subscription to send our Relay Team to the John Hopkins meet in Baltimore on February 17th, to run the crack Relay Team from Georgetown University, the fastest in the South.
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But contributions were not limited to the students alone, but many of the alumni aided us materially, showing that the "Spider" spirit is very much alive outside of the college, and, judging by results, their confidence and trust were by no means misplaced. Coach Martin convoyed to the meet Gary, Ancarrow, Vaughan (captain) and Meredith, who ran in the order named. The race was easily the most int_eresting and exciting feature of the meet, being a close fight from start to finish. Gary got the jump on the Georgetown man, taking the pole, Ancarrow and Vaughan kept it, and Meredith beat his opponent by only a foot-,. winning the race in the fast time of 3 minutes, 39 seconds. The result was telegraphed to college, and there followed a grand celebration, including a torch-light procession, a big bon-fire,. speeches and yells, which lasted far into the early morning hours, in commemoration of the fact that we had beaten a hitherto unconquered team, up to this time the fastest in the South, and that we now held that honorable and much envied title, "Champions of the South." A taxi was hired by the students to meet the team on its return the next day, a large and enthusiastic assembly met the heroes at Memorial Hall, and there was another celebrationspeeches from the coach and captain, and yells for all who had gone to Baltimore. On February 24th, in conjunction with the Richmond Blues,. Richmond College held a track meet at which all the principal universities, colleges and preparatory schools in this section were represented. Richmond College put out a strong aggregation, and had a first, second and third relay team, and a "Mutt and Jeff" relay. The first team ran against Washington and Lee University's relay. Gary, who ran first for the college, was beaten by his opponent by a few yards. But this was made up by Ancarrow, who ran second, and gained a lead of about five yards over his man. Captain Vaughan maintained this lead, and increased it slightly, giving Meredith a good start, but the latter failed to keep up to his record, and was passed by his man, sprinted up
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until they were both neck-and-neck, was passed again, and was beaten out by half a lap, Washington and Lee winning the race. The second team, composed of Beale, Wilson, O'Neil and Mercer, ran the team from Fork Union Military Academy, and had to deal with more kindly fates. Beale took the lead, Wilson and O'Neil each drawing a little farther ahead of their respective opponents, and Mercer finished half. a lap in front of his man. They ran well, and ought to be good material for filling up the vacancies on the first team next year. The third team, Willis, Tillery, Goldsmith and Taylor were entered in a triangular race, competing with relays from the Y. M. C. A and the Invincibles. The race was practically sure from the start, and Taylor finished with a good lead on his man. The "Mutt and Jeff" team was pitted against a similar relay from the Blues, and was meant to serve as a burlesque, to entertain the crowd, but unfortunately, the Blues misunderstood the nature of the race, and entered their second team, which simply, â&#x20AC;˘ walked away from our representatives. The meet was in every way a success. The cup was hotly contested for by Georgetown University and University of Virginia especially, the latter winning by a single point. Georgetown University held a meet in Washington, March 2d, to which our college sent the pick of its track athletes. Meredith won the 50 yard novice and got second place in the 50 yard open. Tillery, who was substitute for the relay, entered the 6oo yard race and came in fourth in a large field. The relay team, Meredith, Gary, Ancarrow and Vaughan ran the team from St. John's College, and had a sure thing from the crack of the starter's gun, bringing our indoor track season to a triumphant end. The track squad this year has something to be very proud of, as witness the eighteen medals and four cups brought home as trophies of our victories. Compared to previous years, this season has been a great success, and we know we voice the sentiments of the students and friends of the college in extending our most heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Coach Martin and
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Manager Benton for their untiring and successful efforts and work to accomplish this end. The success of the track team has proved that Richmond College, athletically speaking, is still on the map, and from present indications, the baseball team this spring is going to established its position all the more firmly. A large and promising squad is out for practice, in spite of adverse weather, and Coach McNeil is doing all in his power to make a successful season. With a good nucleus of men from various "prep" schools, and a coach who has had experience in both college and professional baseball, as well as in .the coaching line, the college ought to turn out a good team. It is the duty of every man in college who can play ball to come out for the team, and make his best effort to make a place, and for all the others, who unfortunately, are not so gifted, to back the team for all they are worth from the game with the Richmond professionals straight ¡ through to the end of the season.
•
ALUMNI NOTES. W. B. Miller,
'12
"Upon .what meat has this our Caesar fed That he has grown so great!" It is pleasing to note the prominent part being played in the edu.cational work of the South by Richmond College men. A very large percentage of the high school principals of Virginia comes from the list of our alumni, and higher institutions are likewise learning where to look for efficient leaders. Rev. David M. Ramsey, D. D., who was called a year ago to the presidency of Greenville Female College, South Carolina, spent four years here, '&:>-'84. Also three ·of the professorships of that college are filled by our alumni: Miss Frances F. Coffee, M.A. 'II; T. C. Durham, M. A., 'II; and Miss Eudora W. Ramsey, B. A., 'II. Furman University recently elected to a professorship Norman Daniel, M.A., '09, and M.A. of Chicago University, 'II. The University of Louisiana has honored us by the election of W. Goodwin Williams, M. A., '03, of Santa Cruz, California, as a professor of law. As previously noted in these columns, T. · E. Cochran, B. A., 'II, is Professor of Mathematics in Columbia College, Lake City, F1orida. Coker College, Hartsville, South Carolina, has as its president A. J. Hall, M. A., '99, and Ph. D. of Chicago. This institution has the largest endowment of any of the female colleges in that State. W. J. ("Caesar") Young, B. A., '07, is Professor of Philosophy in Hampden-Sidney College, Virginia. Herman Bailey, B. A., '07, who was Professor of History in the John Marshall High School, was compelled to resign his position on account of ill health.
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Our State Legislature has also received a fair proportion of its members from Richmond College. In the House we find several degree men and several "near-grads" as follows: C. W. Anderson, '94-'95; Daniel E. Coleman, '82-'84; John S. Harwood, Jr., '03-'05; Hill Montague, B. L., '94; 0. R. Morris, B. L., 'oo; Samuel M. Page, '76-'78; W. G. Parker, '99-'oo; Harry Rew, B. L., 'or; H. U. Stephenson, '91-'92; C. W . Throckmorton, B. L., '82, and W. A. Willeroy, B. L., '99. The Senate has succeeded in capturing from our number R. C. L. Moncure, '97-'oo; John B. Watkins, '73-'74; E. C. Folkes, B. L., '96, and Sands Gayle, B. L., '98. Ah Fong Yeung, B. A. '09, who has just taken the M. A. degree from Columbia University, was with us a few days recently, preparatory to his departure this month for his native home where he will enter the public service of the new Republic of China. We believe we shall hear from him later in this, his new work. Judg~ John H. Ingram, B. L. '81, of the Law and Equity Court, who died recently in this city, was the father of J. H. Ingram, Jr., B. L. 'II, who won the law prize last year. Judge Ingram was greatly beloved by a wide circle of friends, and the resolutions passed by the Richmond Bar Association show him to have been held in very high honor and esteem by the members of his profession. The untimely death of Dr. Henry Wise Tribble, president of Columbia College, Lake City, F1a., on February 5, 1912, has cast a shadow of sadness that extends far and wide. Dr. Tribbl~ had his academic training in Richmond College, taking his B. A. in 1884. While here he was recognized for his splendid scholarship, winning the Francis Gwinn philosophy medal. He took a prominent part in the life of the college. He was a member of THE MESSENGER staff and of the Board of Publications from the Philologian Literary Society, and had the honor of being elected to the presidency of that society during the winter term of his senior year. We publish herewith resolutions of respect as drafted by the faculty of Columbia College :
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IN MEMORIAM.
Dr. H. W . Tribble, B. A ., D. D., President Columbia College, Lake City, Florida. Died February 6th, 1912. Only the omniscience of our Heavenly Father can fully understand what we, as a faculty, feel in the loss of our beloved president and colleague, Dr. Henry Wise Tribble. We, the faculty, feel that his character and life richly merit some permanent testimonial and have, therefore, unanimously adopted the following resolutions :
First-That in his very sudden and tragic death we have received a terrible blow and sustained a great loss, and yet we know that our loss, bitter as it may be, is his real gain. Second-His sympathetic interest in young men and women, his broad knowledge of human nature, and his ability to stimulate enthusiasm in the search for truth make his departure a great loss to Columbia College. Third-In his death Lake City has lost a representative citizen; Florida a successful educator; the Baptists a great denominational leader, and the South an able exponent of truth. Fourth-That we extend to his devoted wife and to each of his loving children our deepest sympathy and commend them to our Heavenly Father who alone can comfort them in this time of greatest sorrow. Fifth-That these resolutions be incorporated in the Faculty Record, that they be published in the Florida Witness, the Golden Age, the Baptist World, the Western Recorder, the Baptist and Reflector, the Charlottesville Progress, THE RICHMONDCOLLEGE MESSENGER, and the local papers, and that copies be sent to the members of the bereaved family. J. F. WooD, Chairman, T. E. COCHRAN, Miss RHODANUNNALLY, Committee of the Faculty.
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E. M. Louthan, M. A., 'o8, principal of the Alderson Baptist Academy, Alderson, W. Va., was with us recently and attended the track meet. J. T. Phillips, who has been a student with us for some years, recently fell into Cupid's snare and was married on February 22d to Miss Haynes of this city. He has left college to enter into pastoral work. We extend congratulations and good wishes.
CHANGE The Assistant Editor. We made a mistake-a serious mistake-a well-nigh fatal mistake. We had the idea that an exchange editor was supposed to be perfectly frank, in other words , to tell the truth . Consequently we strove to follow that plan of rectitude. It didn't work. Since our last venture into the field we have been so roundly excoriated that, somehow, we deem an apology to the universe in general necessa¡ry. We make it. 'Twas a bitter lesson but we have learned at last that we folk do not desire the truth unless it be palatable, that is to say, syrupy or paregorical "like." We shall avoid trouble thi s time by selecting only those magazines about which we can say nice things and at the same time adhere to the aforementioned rectitude and integrity. Particularly fortunate is this magazine in securing Dr. Joynes' essay on " Our Mother Tongue." The genuine scholarship suffers no whit because of the extreme "readThe Carolinian ability" of the article-its charms of diction and style. We commend the publication of such articles. Two other essays are in the issue. One an excellent piece of description on Niagara Falls, is slightly marred by a somewhat grandiloquent style, while in the other a youngster gossips about the age-long enigma, woman. The story, "A Junction Town, " is quite above the average in the quality that, after all, contributes most largely to the good story-the appeal it carries. It is a mother 's story, that fount of material which never grows scanty, well worked up and held down to the world of the actual
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by effectively realistic touches. The other story, "When the Fires Burned Low," by no means without merit, is yet disappointing in that toward the close it grows conventional and eventuates in the expected. The poem, ''The Forgotten Days," includes some unforgettable conceptions. A long poem, however, especially in college magazines, is rarely desirable. An intensive impression is vastly preferable to extensity. â&#x20AC;˘We note that another redeems a commonplace verse by his concluding assertion that though we finally yoke up with some ideal wife, memory will still cling to the unforgotten days of hot and hasty loves. You struck human nature there, my boy.
The Mercerian is overcrowded with departments. Of fortyseven pages of reading matter more than half is filled with these. The quality of the literary work goes far toward atonement, but a lack of balance is quite noticeable. The solitary poem ,"The Hermit's Farewell," is quite an artistic and finished effort, but one poem in a magazine is not enough. The essay on Edith Wharton is a splendid illumination and really inspiring treatment of a little appreciated master novelist. "Impressions Under a Magnolia" is that kind of story that introduces the distinctively respecting the hero but the college-boyish into the story-not author. That is a thing that very few of our budding geniuses, alas, even attempt. Both in appearance and content, this little magazine is a dream of elegance. The first poem, "A Wind Idyll," brings a whisper of the immortal Shelly. The other poem , "Death," is optimistic and comforting, but decidedly "The Brenan didactic. We hope, young lady, that you have Journal." sized up the situation correctly. But joy in contemplating death is beyond our materialistic ken. "Mr. and Mrs. Lunatic" is one of the cleverest little comedies we have seen in college publications, while "An Ice Wind" gives us the "Old Story" in a new setting, both ¡ of place and circumstances. ' But all turns out well, and the reader finds himself expressing the hope that they may live happily ever afterward.
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We had no thought of accusing the author of "Ho Christos," in the Davidson College Magazine, of plagiarism. When we said "we · took down an old volume and found it all," of course, we referred to the Bible. We acknowledge our usual exchanges.