I . I •
VOL.XVII.
MARCH,1891.
No.6.
EDITORS. R. T. GREGORY, Mu Sigma Rho: { J. G. PoLLARD,
H. T. BURNLEY.
J. M. BURNETT, Philologian:{ "'\V. L. lIAns, w. H. RYLAND.
Business Mana_qer-C. ·G. TRUMBO. Assistant Business Manager-H. 'C. LOUTHAN. AMATORY. would I hear from thy lips the sweet Dearer far to the eyes of my love than story caresses, That beam in the glance of thy bonny blue Foretelling the answer before she can eye; speak. Tell me, my sweetheart, will honor or glory IC I love you," she murmurs, and to my fond Win me the confession for which I now · heart I sigh?" Enfold her, and press my first kiss on her bn,w. Low drooped the head, till its mass of dark Possessing her love, which shall never detresses Half covered the blushes which mantled part, I hercht .k; Would never be richer or happier than now. IC
1' ain
RICHMOND
'
COLLEGE,
Marclt 1, 1891.
LONGFELLOW.
I attempt no legend of love, or of lovers who, walkiuo- hand in hand beneath spreading elms, or loitering by shaded brook , forget the cares of to day and borrow no trouble from th n1orrow; nor do I Ring of bold
knights clad in steel rushing to battle heedless of death in · each pointed lance, or of the illustrious heroes of the ptist whose praises have been chanted by both peasants and lord s; but with hands that know not how to
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RICHMOND COLLEGE MESSENGER.
strike a ruthless blow or inflict an undeserved wound, let us tenderly draw aside the cmtain of the past and take a brief glance at the venerable poet, Longfellow, whose reputation is more than national and whose name is a household word wherever his poems are read. Henry W adswortb Longfellow was born in the year 1807, at Portland, Maine. He was of somewhat disti;nguished parentage, his father, Stephen Longfellow, being an eminent lawyer and United States congressman. Longfellow's external life presents but very little that is of special interest. He spent his boyhood in bis native town, which he never ceased to love, and whose beautiful surroundings and quiet life made lasting impressions upon him and lent deep sentiment to bis wdtings in after years. Here he grew up midst tranquil peace which was disturbed but once, and that by the war of 1812, of which it is said be never forgot" The sea-fight far away, How it thundered o'er the tide, And the dead captains as they lay In their graves o'erlooking the tranquil bay, When they in battle died."
At the age of fourteen, Longfellow entered Bowdoin College, at Brunswick, situated in a region full of Indian legend and romantic scenery. During his last years in college be wrote several interesting poems, showing bis early sympathy with nature and legendary heroism. After graduating at the age of eighteen, he remained at college for a short while in the capacity of tutor, and tbcn en-
tered bis father's law office to study law. In a short time, however, he was elected to the chair of modern languages in bis Alma Mater; but before entering upon bis duties as professor, be spent three years and a half travelling in France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Holland, and England, studying languages and drinking in tbe spirit of the people among whom he travelled. This visit must have wrought a considerable change in Longfellow, since it is said that '' when in 1829 he returned to a.asume bis duties at Bowdoin College, he saw the world and man no longer in the clear effulgence of nature, but in the subdued and tinted light that comes through painted cathedral windows, or in the reflected rays that fall from somnam' bulous moons." At twenty-four years of age Longfellow was married to Miss Mary S. Potter, his early love, who died four years afterward while be was absent • on a second visit to Europe. In one of bis touching poems entitled" Footsteps of Angels," he speaks of her as "The being beauteous, Who unto my youth was given More than all things else to love me, And is now a saint in heaven."
In 1833 he published first a small volume of translations from the Spanish, and a few years later gave to the world his first volume of original poetry, entitled "Voices of the Nigbt." 'l'his contained some of his best poems-for example, '' The Psalm of Life" and "Foot teps of Angel s." About the year 1841 Longfellow published a volume of ballad s /j
LONGFELLOW. and other poems containing some of his best pieces, and in the following year, on his return from a third visit to Europe, he wrote bis " Poems on Slavery," which, it is:said, "went far to wake in the youth of New England a sense of the great national wrong, and to prepare them for the bitter struggle in which it was wiped out at the expense of the Jives of so many of them." In bis thirty-sixth year Longfellow was married a second time, choosing as his wife Miss Frances Appleton, of Boston. About this time be bought and fixed bis residence in an old, unique dwelling, which was occupied by General W asbington at the time he took charge of the United States army in 1776. This quaint old mansion, standing in the midst of a forest of elms, continued to be his residence till his death. Here, in communion with nature and nature's God, he gave lasting form to the pent-up feelings of bis inmost soul, which have gone on many a mission of Jove, cheering the despondent, and lending courage and fortitude to the weak; for whose sky bas not been made clearer in the reading of those patient stmins? "Be still, sad heart! and cease repining; Behind the clouds is the sun still shining ; Thy fate is the common fate of all, Into each life some rain must fall, Some days must be dark and dreary ."
In 1847 Longfellow published the greatest of all his work s, entitled "Evangeline." Of the plan and nature of this poem, Thomas Davidson says: "At the violent removal by tho , British Gov rnment of a colony
3
of French settlers from Acadia (Nova Scotia), in the year 1775, a young couple, on the very day of their wedding, got se,p,aratedand carried in different directions, so that they lost all trace of each other. The poem describes the wanderings of the bride in search ofherlover,and in her final discovery of him as an old man on bis death-bed in a public hospital, which she bad entered as a nurse. Slight as the story is, it is worked out in one of the most a-fleeting poems in the language, and gives to literature one of its most perfect types of womanhood, ¡ and of 'a-fll.iction that hopes and endures, and is patient.' ' 1 Longfellow chose bis subjees both from America and Europe-from the colonial period of America and the middle ages of European feeling. "When he became tired of the monotonous light of American activity," says Davidson, "be took refuge in the dim twilight of medireval legend and German sentiment.'' In the year 1854 he resigned his professorship, which he had held nineteen years in Harvard College, and in the following year published "The Song of Hiawatha," which, in some respects, is one of his best poems. The metre is a trifle monotonous; nevertheless, the poem is quite popular and weJl worth one's while to read it. Two events now occurred which cast a gloom over Longfellow's life, and interrupted his work for a season. One was the outbreak of the Civil War, and the other the horrible fate of his wife, who was burned to clcnth.
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RICHMOND
COLLEGE MESSENGER .
In 1863 he wrote the " Tales of a gree of LL . D., and, in 1869, uf Wayside Inn" and his "Birds of Oxford the degree of D. C. L. He Passage." Among the latter is died at his home on the 24th day of a poem entitled '' The Children's March, 1882. Hour," which affords us a glance Mr. Davidson says of him: "In into the home life of the forlorn person Longfellow was rather below husband who had been left with five middle height, broad shouldered, and well built. His head and face were children. Of them he writes: extremely handsome, his forehead "I hear in the chamber above me broad and high, his eye full of clear, The patter of little feet ; warming fire, bis nose straight and The sound of a door that is opened, And voices soft and sweet. graceful, bis chin and lips rich ai:id full of feeling as those of Praxitelean "From my study I see in the lamp-light, Descending the broad hall stair, Hermes, and his voice low, melodiGrave Alice, and laughing Alligra, ous, and full of cadences." His hair And Edith with golden hair." was originally dark, but in¡ late years In 1869 Longfellow again visited became silvery white. Europe, and upon his return pubCharles Kingsley said of Longfellished" The Hanging of the Crane"; low's face that it was the most beauand a few years later gave to the tiful human face he had ever se~n. The subjects of Longfellow are world " The Mask of Pandora," which is said to be a proof of that chiefly aspects of naturcr as influappreciation of pagan naturalism encing human feeling. He made it bis which marlrnd his declining years. aim to write something that should Longfellow used to say, "It's a great make a pure manhood shine, and to thing to know when to stop." But do this in a way that should best he could not stop, and did not stop, reach the heart; hence tho subjecwriting till that One in whom all ti vity of his writings. !J power is, and who carefully measures Ilia poems do not reveal any -new {j the ebbing of life's tide, said, "No meaning in nature, or show any new spring of hope in man, but they more, no more." As a man, we can have but little make us love both better than we to say of Henry Wadsworth Long- did before. fellow, for in forming an estimate of As to Longfellow's religious prohim one is not obliged, as in some -clivities, ho was chiefly a pagan, and cases, to distinguish the poet from was "brought for tho greater part of the man. Because, unlike many bis life," says Davidson, "to look other poets, Longfellow wrote right upon the world of man and things out of the p:reat <leep of his warm either as the middle scone of a miraheart, showing the man and tho poet cle play, with a heaven of rewarding to be one and the same. happiness above and a purgatory of At tho age of twenty-one be re- purifying pain below, 01¡ else a gar- / ceived of Bowdoin College tho de- mcnt concealing while it rovcalc<l
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JOHN DRYDEN.
spiritual forms of unfathomed mystery." He did not hold to any dogmatic or religious system of the past, nor did he have any deep convictions as to Christianity. And yet it is said that he found su:fficie11tsatisfaction ¡jn the Christian view of life to make him indifferent to the restless, enquiring spirit of bis day. It is also said that "he had no sympathy with either skepticism or formal dogmatism, and no need to hazard rash guesses respecting man's destiny," but was content with saying: "I do not know, nor will I vainly question Those pages of the mystic book which holds The story still untold, But without rash conjectures or suggestion Turn its last leaves in reverence and good heed, Until 'The End ' I read."
In short, Longfellow was not a Christian. In this part of his life, therefore, there is nothing to admire. But he was a good man. His charity was remarkable. While Edgar Allen Poe was writing articles about him and accusing him of plagarism, Longfellow was delivering euthusi-
5
astic lectures to his classes on the admirable qualities of Poe's poetry. A certain writer has said of Longfellow: "As a man, Longfellow was almost J,>eifect-as much so as it is ever given to human nature to be. A man in intellect and courage, yet without conceit or bravado; a woman in sensibility and tenderness, yet without shrinking and weakness; a prince in dignity and courtesy, yet without formality and condescension; a poet in thought and feeling, yet without jealousy .or affectation; a scholar in tastes and habits, yet without aloofness or bookishness; a dutiful son, a 'loving husband, a judicious father, a trusty friend, a useful citizen, and an enthusiastic patriot; a thoroughly healthy, well-balanced, harmonious nature, accepting life as it came, with all its joys and sorrows, and living beautifully and hopefully, without canker and without uncharity." Thus lived our beloved American poet-Henry Wadsworth LongfelR. L. M. low.
JOHNDRYDEN.
For some considerable time before the restoration, the drama, and in fact literary productions in general, had been on a decided decline. Poetry centred in no great genius who should preserve a unity and vitality in it, or even prevent it from falling below its present dignity and limited prosperity. Milton had retired from literary
work, and was turning his attention towards political affairs; and even had it been otherwise, the state of affairs would hardly have been altered, for bis strict ideas of principle and justice would have so affected his verses-and, in fact, did so affect them-as to be held in value far beneath the merit we now attach to
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RICHMOND COLLEGE MESSENGER.
them. Shakespeare's masterpieces of imagination and wonderful representations of human nature failed to meet the demands of the restoration period, and such men as Cowley, Denham, Waller, and Davenant, aU of whom were inferior to the one destined to tower far above them, were the literary representatives of the age. Prose, too, had to some extent become an object of contempt rather than something to inspire the highest respect and admiration. Ever since the Elizabethan age the drama had been gradually declining in merit as well as in interest, and now it seemed destined to fa]l into a state of disintegration. A great blow had been the closing of the theatres under the Puritans. Their rigid and excessive ideas of morality had denied the drama a place among the people. They claimed that theatrical presentations had an unrefined, immoral, aud damaging effect, and in great part acted as a powerful influence to preserve and encourage the deplorable state of morals prevailing at the time. The fact is, the state of society was anything but creditable to a civilized and cultivated people. Coarseness, vulgarity, vice, and the most corrupt and degraded immorality were a characteristic of the age. The times had changed in many respects, and, naturally enough, such productions as would pictme accurately real life in all its different phases, making graphic representations of the existing state of society, mercilessly attacking the inferior political party, praising the superior party, whether deserving commenda-
tiou or not, and sympathizing with the general drift of popular sentiment, would meet with favor and patronage from the people; and the man who could, by his literary compositions, fulfill these requirements would be welcomed •by aU who cared for literature or frequented the theatre. Such a man was found in John Dryden, who was born in the parish of Aldwinckle, N orthamptonsbire, August 9, 1631. Little is known of his early life, and in fact much of our information as to the dates and facts of his whole life is unreliable. His parents were of more than respectable descent, his father, Erasmus Dryden, being the son of a baronet, and his mother, Mary Pickering, was of a family of some distinction. In 1642, he entered Westminster school, where, by his graceful translations, he became quite a favorite with the headmaster, Dr. Busby, whose effective instructions and free use of the rod made him famous as a teacher. While at Westminster his first poem was published-an elegy on the death of young Lord Hastings, a pupil at Westminster; but 1 this is of little merit even when the age of the author is taken into account. From Westminster he went to Cambridge, in 1650, where he entered Trinity Co1lege and gave a portion of his time to the study of poetic composition. Two years after bis entrance he became involved in some trouble with the university authorities, and was suspended for a short while. Little is known of his college career, but the lines-
JOHN DRYDEN.
7
ductions; for, dependent as he was upon these for a livelihood, the pecuniary consideration often determined the merits of bis verses. His genius seem to indicate that he cherished no as a poet 1 was not displayed until very affectionate regard for his Alma 1658, when he published his poem Mater. He took his degree of B. A. on the death of the Lord Protectorin 1654, and remained at Cambridge the first of bis attempts that brought three years afterwards, though (for him into public notice, and gave what reason we know not) no fellow- promise of his future success in verse. ship was granted him. The degree of In these heroic stanzas he praises M.A. was conferred on him some time . Cromwell in contrast with Essex and · afterwards-probably through the Manchester, and courts the favor of agency of some influential friend. In the Roundheads in his eulogy of their 1657 he went to London, where he cause. This seemed no more than connected himself as a clerk with bis natural, considering that his parents kinsman, Sir Gilbert Pickering, who were both members of families of dewas at the , time in high favor with cided Puritan principles; but he had the Lord Protector, and probably the tlien prevailing characteristic of used Dryden as a help · to his own changing his political standpoint to personal advantages. His father bad suit the circumstances of the times, died three years before, and had left and in 1660, when Charles II was him an estate with an income of restored to the throne, he celebrated · about £60 a year; but from this time the event in his "Astrea Redux," in on, with the exception of a few short which the linesintervals, he was repeatedly com- "For his long absence Church and state did plaining of financial embarrassment. groan, This was probably due to bis poor Madness the pulpit, faction seized the throne"ability as a financier, for his subsequent appointment as histori- show with what rapidity he could ographer royal and poet laureate, alter the sentiments in his verses to his income somewhat increased by his suit the popular demand. Before marriage, and the receipts from his censuring him for his political inconliterary productions-not to speak of . stancy, we should remember how the many and frequent presents from many thousands had set the examinfluential friends and admirersple and willingly thrown off the yoke ought to have been sufficient, with of oppression and the tyrannical adproper management, to make him ministration of the Lord Protector. comfortable, to say the least. How- Charles II was enthusiastically reever this may be, the fact that he ceived by the greater portion of the was continually pressed for money people, and it was only natural that seems to have affected in no little de- Dryden-a man of no very decided gree the character of hfo literary pro- political views-should take a promi. " Oxford to him a dearer name shall be Than his own mother university ; Thebes did his green, unknowing youth engage; He chooses Athens in his riper age"-
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RICHMOND COLLEGE MESSENGER.
uent part in the celebration of the King's return. He was, however, always wide-awake in looking out for bis own interests, and to have sympathized with this great popular movement was decidedly for his own advantage, for to be in favor with . the new king, who himself was of a literary turn of mind, was but a sure path to success and fame. The "Astrea Redux" was written in the heroic couplet which was afterwards the poet's favorite measure, and in which be gained such remarkable proficiertcy. With the exception of a few minor poems, the above-mentioned works, together with the "An nus Mirabilis "-which was written in 1667, and commemorates the events of the year 1666, especia1ly the great fire of London and the Dutch war-constitute the principal fruits of the poet's labors during what may be called the first period of bis literary career; and he was at this time held in such high esteem as to be regarded the first poet of his age; Milton alone excepted. From this time on he turned his attention exclusively towards dramatic performances, until religion offered suitable occasion to branch off in an entirely new direction. He had assisted Sir Robert Howard in the composition of the "Indian Queen," and while engaged in this :work he was repeatedly thrown in the society of Lady Elizabeth Howard, whom be afterwards married, and it -is thought that the union proved an unhappy one, though there is no authority for the truth of the statement save, perhaps, some of
Dryden's lines against matrimony: His :first attempts in dramatic composition, in which be rather applied bis efforts towards assisting others than wrote on bis own responsibility, met with no very great favor, the "Wild Gal}ant," and the "Rival Ladies" immediately following, being comparative failures; but in 1665 bis first original heroic play, the" Indian Emperor," met with great success, and became extremely popular, being regarded by some the best of F.nglish · heroic plays. His power in prose became evident in bis "Discourse of · Dramatic Poesy," which raised him in the eyes of the public to a high position as a prose writer. In this treatise be defends with argumentative ability and acute criticism the use of the rhyme in tragedy ; but two years later appeared the "Rehearsal," which was written by the Duke of Buckingham, together with several others, and struck a severe blow to rhymed tragedy, ridiculing Dryden under the name of Bayes, and burlesqueing him unsparingly in all his peculiarities, to which he made no attempt at retaliation, and continued long afterwards to write rhymed tragedies. In 1670 he succeeded Davenant as historiographer-royal and poet-laureate, with a salary of £200 a year, to which was afterwards added another £100, though King Charles frequently neglected to pay it, and the poet's salary was generally behind. However, he had a small estate, and his literary labors were rapidly improving his :financial situation, he himself at the same time becoming more and
JOI-IN DRYDEN. more popu1ar as a poet and literary genius . In 1681 appeared the" Spanish Friar," which proved a great success and became extremely popular. Probab1y this competes with ,; All for Love" and "Don Sebastian" for first place among his dramatic performances, though the author himse1f seems to have held " All for Love" in the highest favor, telling us it was the only p1ay he wrote for himse1f. The comedies " Marriage a la Mode" and "The Assignation" had both proven failures, which can hard1y be attributed to the coarseness and vulgarity with which they were so pregnant, for it is not likely that the lack of refineme¡nt would have i:net with any serious opposition from the popu1ar sentiment of the day. Dryden .himself tells us that he was no wit, and " not fitted by nature to write comedy," and be of all men seemed to know and appreciate his own qua1ifications. The fact is, he seemed to be more successful in almost every line of literary composition than in comedy, and it would be unreasonable to expect from one man exhibitions of genius in every sphere ofliterary work. And now for the first time the poet appears in an entirely new and hitherto unexpected light. The same remarkable genius that had characterized him in bis previous efforts took a new turn towards satirical and didactic verses, and in 1681 appeared the masterpiece of reason and satire, "Absalom and Achitophel," giving a series of political pictures, and piercing the hearts of his opponents with keen, unsparing shafts of satire and ridicule. The
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object of the poem was to overthrow Shaftsbury, and when the latter was acquitted of the charge of high treason, the poet, in " The Medal," attacked him with the most unsparing and merciless scorn, and in some pas- . sages challenges Swift in point of c9arseness. Soon after this his antagonist, Shadwell, a man of some literary genius, assailed his private character, and in" Mack Flecknoe" he reta1iated with great force and keen satire, mingled with contempt, and in the following lines represented • Shadwell as succeeding oneFlecknoe, an aspiring, though worthless poet: "Shadwell alone my perfect image bears, Mature in dullness from his tender years ; Shadwell alone, of all my sons, is he Who stands confirmed in full stupidity . The rest to some faint meaning make pretence, But Shadwell never deviates into sense."
"Mac Flecknoe" was published in 1682, and soon after this appeared the second part of "Absa1om and Achitophel," containing a contribu~ tion from Dryden 's pen. In this he makes a most unsparing assault on ¡ several of his enemies, among whom are Settle and Shadwell, and under the names of Doeg and Og he speaks of them as" Two fools that crutch their feeble sense on verse, Who by my muse to all succeeding times Shall live, in spite of their own doggrel rhymes." I
His keen satire and supreme contempt for Settle may be seen in these few lines ridiculing Doeg: " Let him rail on, let his invective muse Have four-and-twenty letters to abuse. Which, if he jumbles to one line of sense, Indict him of a capital offence.' '
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RICHMOND COLLEGE MESSENGER.
But, probably, one of his most overwhelming pieces of satire and ridicule is found in the lines where, after representing Og as a brainless bulk "round as a globe," he says : "With all this bulk there's nothing lost in Og, For every inch that is not fool is rogue. The midwife laid her hand on his thick skull, With this prophetic blessing : ' Be thou dull? Drink, swear, and roar ; forbear no lewd delight Fit for thy bulk ; do anything but write.' "
Hitherto he had manifested no .special interest in theological subjects. His time had been largely consumed in writing theatrical plays, and now he comes forward in his " Religio Laici " with arguments on the credibility of the Christian r~ligion and on church government, &c. Mr. Saintsbury says that it is more than remarkable that a man, having reached the age of fifty-one without showing any tendency towards theological subjects, concentrating his previous efforts for years on dramatical compositions, and hitherto expressing no very decided religious vi~ws, should have so suddenly branched off in this direction without some very apparent motive for the change, and he pronounces it as a fact th~t would nowadays be considered" something more than a nine days' wonder." But it does. not seem so strange when we are acquainted with Dryden as a man. One of his most noticeable characteristics was the remarkable rapidity with which he could chan'ge from one extreme to the other. We see him first composing short poems ; then comes a period of
dramatic activity, followed by compositions in prose. After this, without any sign of warning, he branches off towards translations, and concludes his literary career with a series of fables and odes. The truth is, he was a man of no very strong convictions and settled principles. If the popular demand called for compositions in any particular direction, he applied himself, without hesitation, to meet these requirements, and this may account for his being regarded as "the poet of the age." Th.e "Religio Laici" displayed tJ?e author's power of argument in verse; but he was rather theoretical than practical, for when Charles II died, in 1685, and was succeeded by J anies II, he joined the Church of Rome, and two years later appeared the " Hind and the Panther," in which lie defended his newly-adopted faith, and attempted to establish the superiority of the Church of Rome over the Church of England, representing the former by the "milk-white hind," and the latter by the " spotted panther" -inferior' only to the hind. This seems to cast a dark spot on the character of Dryden, for only a short while previous to this he had maintained that the Church of England was superior to a11others. The only explanation we .can give is that he was courting favor with ¡ the king, and was insincere in his professions of religion. However this may have been, when the revolution came, in 1688, he remained true to his new faith, though by so doing he lost his position as historiographer royal and poet laureate, and was obliged to witness his
JOHN DRYDEN. bitter enemy, Shadwell, -as his successor. His last play, "Love Triumphant," had been a complete failure, and now his prospects looked anything but favorable for a man in his sixty-third year. He was obliged to labor hard with his pen to earn a living, and his translations that followed may be regarded among his most successful works. Besides quite a number of extracts from Jiorace, Theocritus, Lucretius, and Ovid, bis portions of Homer and Juvenal, and the whole of Perseus, all of which were favorably received, constitute the principal works during his first period in translation. His translations from Juvenal and Perseus were pronounced by Scott "a version completely surpassing all before and all who have succeeded him," while Pope, in referring to his version of some parts of Homer, says: "Had he translated the whole work, I would no more have attempted Homer ·after him than Virgil." His Virgil was the greatest of all his translations. This was published in 1697, and was the product of three years' hard labor. It was dedicated to Lord Clifford, the Earl of Chester. field and the Earl of Mulgrave, who, it is said, did not fail to compensate the author for the high compliment. fo the remaining years of his life his principal works are his short poems, his '' Fables," and his " Alexander's Feast," which, says Johnson, "is allowed to stand without a rival," and of Dryden's other works if any one displays a higher degree of excellence, "that excellence must yet be found." Those were publish-
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ed a few months before his death, which occurred in the sixty-ninth year of his age, April, 1700, and he was buried in Poet's Corner, Westminster· Abbey, near Uhaucer and Cowley, as a recognition of the great literary service to and immeasurable iu:fl.uenceover his country. Our knowledge of Dryden as a man is quite limited. His many enemies contemporaneous with himself, and others, like Macaulay, who, holding the party of which he was a member in violent hatred, would darken his fame as much as possible, render a large portion of our information extremely untrustworthy. That he was somewhat unprincipled, chang· ing his views on various subjects according to the personal advantages involved, cannot be denied. With the same masterly pen ·he had employed in praise of the Lord Protector he warmly welcomes ·Charles II to the throne, and in such lines as" That star, that at your birth shone out so .. bright . It stained the duller sun's meridian light, Did once again its potent fires renew, Guiding our eyes to find and worship you''-
shows how . powerful an influence personal in~erest could and did exercise on the character of his verses. His change in politics was, I believe, like his change in religion (such as he had), prompted by purely selfish motives. Assoon as James II came to the throne Dryden, though he had never before shown any special interest in religion, adopted the new faith, and vigorously defended it in his "Hind and Panther," thus court-
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RiCI-!MOND COLLEGE MESSENGER.
ing favor with the new king in order to retain his position as historiographer royaf and poet laureate. He was thoroughly aware of his own genius, and showing at times no hesitation in openly praising himself. As a friend, he was sincere and faithful, and, though reserved in manner and never intruding on the acquaintance of any one, he had many warm friends and influential admirers, some of whom remained true to him in times of trouble and distress. In conversation, be was somewhat dull and unentertaining, professing to have no powers of humor and grace of expression; and yet be must have possessed some indescribable magnetism in making so many seek and value his companionship. In spite of bis supposed unhappy marriage, he was a kind father and faithful husband, and his consideration for people in general was noticeable. .To young authors he was always encouraging and helpful, and equally ready to admit his own literary faults. Rarely if ever did he attack his opponents first, and often he would. overlook their attacks .upon himself. If, however, he was ever aroused to a spirit of revenge, his keen, biting satire and merciless ridicule knew no limits, and his efforts in this direction were invariably successful, and frequently conclusive of the combat. Among bis mental characteristics may be mentioned his wonderful memory, his remarkable ¡powers of suitable reproduction, his keen insight into things, his excellent judgment, and the great advantage to which he
could apply his comparatively limited knowledge. As to his literary genius, he excelled not only in poetry and in the drama, but also in prose and in translation. In fact, in whatever direction be turned his attention he was sure to make a success of his labors. Congreve, a man of considerable genius and of exceptionally good literary judgment, spoke of him in the most commendable terms, and said "that no man hath written in our language so much, and so various matter, and in so various manners, so well." Scott pronounced his prose as on a level with the best in the English language, and Pope said that "he could select from Dryden's works better specimens of every mode of poetry than any other English writer." He was a great admirer of Shakespeare and Milton, both of whom had considerable influence on his works. Milton pronounced him "a good rhymer, but no poet"; but he was admired by Scott, praised by Johnson, and idolized by Pope, who, influenced by his works, became the greatest poet of the following generation. Dryqen was a master of rhythm, and had a most remarkable ¡command of language, but bis imagination was not of so high a character as that of Shakespeare, Milton, or Pope. It may be safely said that he did more towards developing English poetry and raising it to a higher standard than any other man for many years before or after him. His comedies . are, many of them, of
EXAMINATIONS.
13
a coarse, vulgar, immoral, and even 路 connections, and popular favor, comsacrilegious character. But the spirit pete with him for the first place in of the age is largely accountable for literary genius? When in literary this. The degraded condition of warfare he exhibited nothing of deliEnglish society was such as to en- cate hu.l'lloror refined wit. He knew courage these elements in theatrical nothing of these, and held in view presentations. His style is smooth, only his object of crushing his oppograceful, and varied, leaving no feel- nent beneath the power of his sweeping of monotony or weariness upon ing, most unsparing, satire. the reader. The fact that he lent hi,, Condemn his character, censure genius to politics, and courted favor his lack of refinement, sneer at his with the 1King, cannot account for self-esteem, ridicule his nmp.el'ous his great success, for genius will rise errors-in all of these we may join to the top though circumstances the band of. his many enemies, but have no favorable influence on its we cannot, after unprejudiced stuidy, promotion. It cannot be doubted fail to admire his wonderful genius, that the character of the age in which which shines as ai brilliant light in he lived was influential in making English literature, and justly claims him what he was; but this was not for him 路a place in the foremost rankis all, else why did not some of his lit- of English men of letters. erary contemporaries who were more R. G. H. favorably situated in :finances, social
EXAMINATIONS.
The editorialman, in the February number of the MESSENGER, opens his department with a bombastic tirade against the present examination system of our college. Some things he says about examinations are very good, and his general principles concerning education and the province of a college are quite true, even if not altogether new and original. As on most points, however, so on this one, there is some difference of opinion. Although " many " have '' come to the same conclusion that the editor long ago reached," I venture this review of that editor's position :
" Is it," he asks, " the hard, honest student that passes always ? '' My observation attests that it is usually the " hard, honest student " that is successful, though sometimes a poor 路 student, 路 if he be brilliant - a rare thing-or a dishonest o:ne, if he be sharp enough, manages to '' get through." Again, " Is it the brightest and most worthy that takes off the highest honors ? " The fact is, that at this institution, with the single exception of Greek medal, there are no " highest honors " in class work. We have no honor roll save the lists of graduates and proficients,
14
RICHMOND COLLEGE
and those attaining promotions. In every case these lists are made off alphabetically; the public, nor the .students themselves, no, not even the faculty, ever know the order of standing iq examinations. Each professor knows the marks in his own school, but, except in special cases, is not concerned about those of other schools. One of the fund amental principles of our faculty, frequently enunciated by our recent honored professor of mathematics, is that it is just as honorable to make 80 per cent. on examination as it is to make 100 per cent. It must be admitted that the Greek medal is not always awarded to the brightest or hardest (general) student, and that all members of the class are not on an equal footing in the contest. One man may have five classes while another has only two, as the record s show. But the students themselves determine the matter. If a man is willing to sacrifice other and more important things to enable him to win a medal, that is his privilege. We might discuss the propriety or impropriety of an elective college awarding school medals, but that is not our present purpose. Our editor says further: " These are questions that all thoughtful students are pondering now, at this time, when the entire college is in the midst of the intermediate examinations. Many a brain, tired, weari'ed, and driven almost to distraction, has come to the same conclusion that the editor long ago reached, that one of the worst, cruelest, and most depraving of customs ever perpetrated
MESSENGER.
upon college students is ,the present unjust and unfair system of examinations." If a combination of abusive epithets proved anythi~g, the gentleman might have closed his article with these words. Perhaps now, when tqe burden of intermediate exammat10ns 1s gone, these "thoughtful" students may have a more unprejudiced view of this matter. The conclusions of a brain tired, wearied (whatever may be the difference of idea in these two adjectives), and driven almost to distraction can hardly be taken as the opinion of that same brain when rested, active, and somewhat removed from the verge of distraction. The latter is more worthy of consideration. No new information comes to us when we read: "The great work of Richmond College, and of all colleges of this class, is simply training.* * * It cannot make the young men learned and scholarly, but it can prepare them to become scholars ¡." But can this work of training and preparation be fully secured without rigid examinations; especially can the faculty judge of the success of their efforts in these directions without these examinations? Would the editor have the honors of the College conferred upon those who have not been "trained" and '' prepared " to becohle scholars? If we had here only men who properly appreciate the problem of life and who are determined to get the greatest good from a college course, we might well dispense with examinations, though in that case there would probably be
• EXAMINATIONS. not so much opposition to them. As it is, we have men-and, unfortunately, a number of children-whose only reason for being here is their parents' will, and others who have yet to learn to appreciate the efforts of their instructors in their behalf. Something must be done to compel these to do something, or to prevent their getting credit for doing what they will not do. How can this be secured better than by examinations-rigid examinations? I must admit that I am not all observant if the editor is correct when he says: "Every observant student knows * * that however well be may apply himself during the session, unless be 'crams' and stuffs himself with ten thousand things that are without nourishment and many things that are * * absolutely injurious, he will almost for a certainty ingloriously fail on examination day; and that he may pass through the session, taking his ease and living at at bis pleasure, but just before ¡examinations go through the same cramming and stuffing process and pass the examination withoutanytrouble." What an unbounded capacity for cramming he attributes to us! I fear that if the recognhion of any great deal of truth in this ¡statement is a test for observant students, most of us belong to another category. I have known numbers of cases of students making examinations without cramming at all. It is. rather puzzling to know how anJ one can cram for some examinations-e. g., the seniors in the languages-where the examination consists almost en-
15
tirely in exercises and sight-reading. It must be admitted that in some classes a great deal of cramming may be done to advantage, so far as the mere matter of examination is concerned, and some cramming of useless stuff must be done. Such are exceptions, and furnish no ground for the condemnation of the whole scheme of examinations. It is rather hard to accept the statement that a man may idle all session and then cram up enough just before examinatio~ to "pass without any trouble," or even at all. To satisfy the editor, however, the examinations could certainly be made so hard as to render such successful cramming an impossibility, and that, too, without altering the system at all. " We enjoy seeing a man with his ~nemory stored with many useful things, but that memory is only book-shelves, and perfectly useless unless we can take down the books stored away there and appropriate to ourselves the truths therein taught." My experience teaches that, as a rule, examinations are a test of a man's ability to do just that thing, -granting that he has something in memory and experience to take down. Some men do, indeed, make examinations largely by cramming, but that is not the only nor the usual way it is done. Now, for his last question: "Is this the end of college life at Richmond, the passing of examinations? It ought not to be; but this is the actual end toward which the faculty and trustees are directing the stu. dents' minds to-day." The faculty
16
RICHMOND COLLEGE MESSENGER.
and trustees may direct our minds to any end they choose, but the real end toward .which our minds act is determined by ourselves, and the man whose end at Richmond College, or any other place, is to pass examinations has chosen that end for himself, and is to be pi.tied for his folly. But is this the purpose of the foculty and trustees ? It speaks very poorly for their powers to assert that this is the end of their endeavors when only about one-third of the students pass these exami.natioris. It does, indeed, sometimes seem that these estimable gentlemen are ,¡ery little concerned as to whether we pass examinations or not. Students have been heard to assert that " the professor's joy is to flunk a man." It would seem, too, that with the end of graduating men, the faculty
•
and trustees might contrive some means by which to present longer lists of bachelors and masters of arts at our annual commencements. No; in the light of the facts, some other and more worthy motive must be ascribed to the officers of this institution. A fatal fault with our friend's article is that while be is very severe in denouncing our present system be does not suggest anything better. He is destructive entirely. He must mean, let us lower the standards. We do not need to " reform and revolutionize the present system of examinations," but only to modify in some instances the application of the principle on which they are now conducted. For one, I am opposed to lowering the standard. 0. C.
THE SWEETHEARTAND STUDENT.
A college boy, or any other boy, become cold and logical. 'rhere is ought to have a girl. The student great danger of this anyhow in edubas a great many of life's ills; why cation. It jg possible to educate the should he be denied any of its sweets. sentiment out of a man. It is a good Why not mingle with the sterner thing to temper our logic with love. stuff of philosophy aud science It will prove very beneficial to the some of the luxury of love. Man rosthetical part of our nature. would be a very unfortunate creaAnother good effect of having a ture if he were only pure intellect. sweetheart is the inspiration to be Sentiment is a very important side derived from it. Every one who has of life. All our natures need the ever had a nice, sweet girl knows mellowing effect of love. If we sup- that she is a great incentive to earnpress this during our student life and est effort, to high aspiration. A studevote ourselves only to intellectual dent meets with a great many discultivation-to the cold abstractions couragements. Ile needs all the inof science and philosophy-we would centives possible. If a fair face would
REPLY
TO OLD VIRGINIA.
make a knight brave, surely it will •inspire a student to study. But it is objected that a sweetheart diverts our attention from our studies. If a student can find time to play ball and engage in all sorts of field sports, can't he also find time ¡ foe a little indulgence of sentiment and resthetics? Furthermore, is there any necessary opposition here? Are love and learning incompatible? Aee love and labor antagonistic? If so, love is a bane and not a blessing. If it precludes attention to study it must be left to idlers. We expect to be
17
students all our lives, and will scarcely be less busy when we leave college and enter the broad arena of life than we are now. Then, must , we reno1.1.nce love and suppress all sentiment forever? Must we say that we will never marry because we are afraid we will not have time to love our wives? If it interferes with our work now, it will hardly prove less injurious in the future when the press of duties will be greater. Sentiment and study by -no means preclude each other. Qm:DAM.
REPLYTO OLDVIRGINIA.
' -For several reasons the question, " Is a sweetheart beneficial to a college student?" is by no meaus a trivial one. The question requires a far more practical, common-sense treatment than was given to it by the author of the article on the subject in the last .MESSENGER. There is no doubt that a young man, when he first goes to college, finds himself in a dilemma. tf he decides to ally himself with that unfortunate, sentimental, dreamy class of individuals known to some as lovers, to others as fools, he must first decide where his heart is to be. He has two sets of damsels to select from. Shall he have a sweetheart at home or one at college? The innocent, artless girl whom the student leaves behind i$ likely to be entirely unable to resist the unopposed attacks of some other fellow's
Cupid. When the student gets back home he finds that the other fellow's Cupid has won a bloodless victory. On the other hand, the ' student may be ambitious to get a girl near the college. Now, the college g;irlthe heroine of a hundred of Cupid's battles-is lost and found again as the ranks of college students are depleted and recruited from year to year. The knowledge of the instability of " college girls' " love ought to be a sufficient warning to college boys. Since the student cannot make satisfactory progress with his sweetheart at his distant home, and since he does not wish to continue the fickle love relations with a "college girl" whom he must soon leave, what is the use to cherish a love which hazards success in one's studies? Are the quarrels, the anx-
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18
RICHMOND COLLEGE MESSENGER.
iety, the jealousy of him who bas a sweetheart so pleasant that he cannot get along without them? Are college men generally so lightly laden by studies that they must encumber themselves with a sweetheart for ballast? A girl friend may be a blessing to the student, but the average college man becomes overloaded just as soon as he takes up a sweetheart. The learned author of the article who is so in the last M.EssENGER, strongly in favor of the promotion of sweethearts among students, and who so generously wishes to have us all supplied, says: "It is as natural for the heart of man to be drawn to the heart of woman as it is for the bee to gather honey from the opening :flower." This" may be true; but the writer fails to carry the analogy far enough. He seems to forget that the bees have a season for making honey. After this season, by instinct, the bees take a rest. His reason should dictate to him to follow the example of the bees and give the girls a¡ rest. There is a time for all things; college life is the time for resting from conquests of love. If my friend would be more practical, instead of following the example, as
he says, of "the Spartans of old," I think he might reserve enough energy to make a more effective struggle after leaving college. The student who bas been spending his aflections, along with his money, on girls all through his college career bas not allowed enough of these to accumulate to satisfy the average girl when he gets out. I admire the persistence more than the judgment of the writer who, when he bas stumbled and fallen in his search for an emerald, plunges headlong over a precipice in a vain frenzy for a diamond. If he must have a prize it would seem more reasonable to seek next something less expensive. He grows eloquent when he asks if we must fail to bid on the diamond. He says : " The violet of the¡ mountain-side unites with the lily of the valley and answers, 'A tho~sand times, No ! '" This may be poetry, but it hardly seems common sense. Poor fellow, save up and do not go to the expense of hiring a diamond yet. Save up, and finally when you are ready to keep one, you mas be able secure a jewel for good, and for yourself alone. He who loves last loves best. F. C.
to
YOUTH.
19
YOUTH.
"There is a feeling of eternity in youth which makes us amend!'<for everything. To be young is to be as one of the immortals." . The above vivid truth is demonstrated by €1.aily observation. Wherever gay-hearted youth disports itself, whether amid paths of pleasure, or in the more quiet walks of life, there is that characterizing mirth peculiar alone to juvenile ranks. Youth! Happy youth! Why should the furrows of age mar the loveliness of thy beauteous brow? Why fade the rose-tints of nature into the harbinger of early decay? · No period of our pilgrimage, from the time we are cradled in the arms of parental care till affection's hand consigns us to our narrow home, is more fraught with ·engrossing interest than is youth. It is not only the season of life which favors the growth of wild flowers that flourish for a while and wither without fruitage, but it is also the season which germinates the scions that sprinkle fruit and foliage all along the track of the ages, so that coming generations may· never seek in vain for vestiges of their worthy progenitors. Shall we not draw aside the veil from the modest face or'youth, and lea;n some of its prominent characteri stics? Four well-directed glances reveal as many truths. I. Youth is receptive. By this we affirm that the functions of both mind and body are on the alert and ready for the inculcation of
mental and physi<;al graces that capacitate men and women for an un,. fl.inching stand upon life's crowded arena. To this end may be traced the spirit of enquiry youth possesses, as an ancient heritage that has been growing old ever since the demise of our earliest fathers. This prevailing spirit should never be suppressed, since the future advancement and discovery in all fields of investigation will be commensurate with the diligent research therein 'expended. The season of youth is the one in which foundation stones are laid, upon which -a human life is to stand for weal or for woe, in accordance ·with the skill and care that attend the founding. . It is the season for gleaning from precept and example, and the impressions that are stamped upon a youthful memory remain as long as the sands of life regulate and register the brief span of human existence. Just as a photographer's camera receives and retains a true profile to which an artistic hand may impart beauty, so fl.exile memory refers to her tablets and reproduces with remarkable accuracy that which is there outlined. 'l'hat youth should be receptive entirely harmonizes with "the eternal fitness of things." It is the morning of life, and the genial rays of nature's revelations diffuses light through many intricate ways that loom up before the eyes of hopeful youth. Were it not so, the indomitable will
20
R!CHMOND COLLEGE MESSENGER.
and reliance which have distinguished the average youth of every generation, and nerved his soul to manly achievements, would long ere this have become forever abashed by the spectral appearance of insurmountable obstacles. But knowledge eludes not the grasp of those who seek it to wield wisely. The endowments of wisdom are numerous and liberal. Its youthful votaries are legion. They stand in senied rank, able and¡ willing to obey the voice that shall incite them to noble accomplishment, and waft their names through the prospective cycles of coming ages. II. Youth is recuperative. So long as bright-eyed hope shall hold alluring pictures of the unattained, youth will draw inspiration from its dazzling beauty and form new resolutions, conformity to which will make life the better. Such resolutions are often made over the bier of lost opportunities, and at a time when moral and manly force of character have been dimmed by the contaminating influences of evil association. It is by no means an unusual occurrence, after the unequal and always decisive rebellion that some wage against conscience, and even against nature itself, that frail mortal awakes to an appreciative conception of life-the flickering flame that g~1idesthe immortal to its everlasting abode, or loaves it in the realms of endless night. Such is the harvest ,of thoughtless misdeeds that youth is sometimes dethroned by premature decay, and comfortloss is the gaze of withered age upon the blurred features of a recreant past.
But true man never succumbs to the monster clutches of an uncompromisiug subverter-even failurewhile yquthful blood permeates bis restless being and his eyes behold -the proud eminence he may yet regain. Youth calls together in solemn conclave an assemblage of noble im. pulses, collects the maltreated faculties of a mind¡conscious of rectitude, and, prope11ed by determination, launches out upon a new career whose desired goal is stationed upon the ramparts of honor. Favored with the conciliatory balm of dawning hope that rekindles the flush of youth upon his weary brow, and imparts an impetus to his (now) s1ugg1ish spirit, be bravely faces the adverse tide of petty obstacles that confront every life. Were his hands palsied with age, his eyes dimmed by infirmity, and his soul burdened Vi'ith care, be would be inadequate to such decisive action. When we review all these facts that support the affirmation, "youth is recuperative," and augment the testimony by the extensive experience and observation of every-day life, we recognize the truth and concode the point. If youth were not able to impart new life to its drooping laurels, tears of regret would profusely moisten many untimely graves, and t:ttere would be corroborative echoes attesting the verity of" The saddest strains of tongu e or pen, Th e saddest are these : 'It might have been.' "
III. Youth is resplendent. There are no natural reasons why it sltonl<l be otherwise. All nature fle-
YOUTH.
21
clares youth the urightest season of rng public proclaims recognition of life. We see evidences of this wher- all his worth. Youth is bright beever nature is communicative. Po- cause it deigns not to halt at the foot tent are the murmurings of the little of adversity and sue for terms. stream as it rises from its mossy Tn'.e, certain environments and fa. couch and wends its way toward the talities of frowning mien sow seeds briny deep. Impressive is each dainty of uneasiness in well-nigh every little bud of spring that unfolds its heart. beautiful petals to the eye of admira- . It cannot be denied that thousands tion. Rapturous is the sorig of the of promising youths with prospects youthful warbler as it flits from tree fair have commenced life, but lacking to tree, and trains its pinions for dis- the great element, strength, and tant flights. Prophetic are the infant piloted by their own wavering dislispings that gladden the hearts of positions, have met ruin upon the many fond parents. The wisdom of quicksands and rocks infesting the sages and the fancy of poets have highway from the cradle to the entwined an evergreen wreath upon grave. Their lamented remains have the brow of yo_uth. One pen whose bleached many dreary shoals and power has swayed a nation wrote the warned youthful mariners from dan: following lines : gerous regions. Let youth heed "Youtl1 is lovely, age is lonely; these solemn monitors, or a simiar Youth is fiery, age is frosty." fate can scarce be avoided. By this and many similar tributes IV. Youth is retrospective. paid to the glorious reality of youth When the s,vaddling attire of inwe may interpret the glances of ad- fancy is laid asfde and childhood's miration a,llages have lavished upon existence begins, there dawns a parit. All nations look proudly upon tial though imperfect realization of their youths, and behold in them a life. Many vicissitudes an'd varied part of their country's future gran- experiences attend the .formative deur. Students of the classics have period. ¡ The range of observation noted with enthusiasm the reliance grows more extensive as realities are that the ancients reposed in their presented in quick succession. The youths. Upon the perusal of many great store-house of knowledge repages of old-time lore, we imagine ceives daily contributions. 'time's intervening and obscuring veil Youth peers eagerly toward the uplifted, and ourselves upon the future, builds lofty structures whose arenaonceaclorned by gallant youths . . summits may never be scaled, and It is worth while to add, however, eagerly awaits the developments of that the modern youth figures 1:1pon unborn time. The ever-alluring apan arena made luminous with grand parition of unsated ambition is the possibilities by the mighty strides of motive-power which makes this tercivilization. On this stage of action restrial sphere resonant with the the prolonged applause of au approv- mi~hty clangor of busy aspirants.
/
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RICHMOND COLLEGE
Youth turns the eye of retrospection .toward the glowing tablets of an illustrious ancestry, and becomes emulous at the sight of worthy criterions. Such retrospection causes the sinews of nations to pulsate with telling eflect. The perusal of inscriptions upon the tombstones and monuments of departed heroes sends a reviving sensation through the lives of many, and awakens the spirit of emulation that has long been dormant. Youth is retrospective because . vital issues are often aflected by the non-acceptance of passing opportunities. No one is able to review the
MESSENGER.
past without noting blank pages in the great book of destiny. Many seek in vain the fabulous Eldorado, that their strength may be regained, their youth renewed. Its mystic realms will never be explored. It is non-existent. The search goes on to no purpose. No discovery is made. Thus it is, we traverse life's journey " from thoughtless youth to ruminating age." Infancy, youth, o1d age, and death Does each proclaim its weighty truth ; While the millions with bated breath ¡ Look wistfully on bygone youth.
R. W. G.
~bitorial. FRATERNITYNEWSAND THEMESSENGER.
It has been the custom of the MESSENGER to exclude all news or notices of fraternities. The reason of this is, of course, a fear of creating and nourishing too great a spirit of rivalry and contention, not only between members of the diflerent fraternities, but also between fraternity and nonfraternity men. Than this there seems to be no other reason. But does this exclusion prevent rivalry? Evidently not. Will the opening of our columns to fraternity men increase this rivalry? We think not. It will rather tend to diminish it. Where men are naturally inclined to be prejudiced, nothing will so foster
contention as ignorance. Ignorance is mother and nourisher of prejudice and unmanly rivalry. Enlightenment is its dispeller. No man is prejudiced on any subject about which he is enlightened, and no man who is honest with himself will refuse enlightenment on a subject in whfoh are differences and prejudices. There is undoubtedly ignorance and preju. dice on both sides and in both classes of Richmond College students(frater- . nity men and anti-fraternity men). Therefore, it is with a prayer for harmony and good feeling that we enter this year for open, honest, and fairminded discussions; for an honorable, manly rivalry, instead of a spirit of contention and prejudice. We
EDITORIAL.
23
believe that the great majority of the cieties decided wisely when it decided students at Richmond College are as to have judges, rath~r than the rnem'noble a class of men jS any college . bers, to say who sliould have the best in the country is able to boast. Then debater's medal. We agreed in our why is there so much of this disa- first article that we could get judges greeable and disgusting wrangling? more capable to render a fair deciMust we, fellow-students, confess to sion in the final contest, but we claim narrow-mindedness and littleness of that the debater's medal should not spirit? Must we confess to a baser be awardeLl Oil one speech. We hold selfisl?-ness-a spirit of retaliation and · that a man's power in debate is not revenge? It ought not to be !30. No, really tested and cannot be known at bottom, it is .not so. The conten- until we have heard him several tion among us is due to a misunder- times, under different circumstances standing of one auother, to an igno- and 911differe11t subjects, not only rance of the position of one another, when ho has prepared, but Oil the and the only remedy is to clear away spur of the moment. The gentleallthe misunderstandings by free and man seems to have forgotten that easy discussions-by becoming ac- some of our greatest men have been · quainted with one another. The known to make almost comp lete failMESSENGER, by its course heretofore, ures. Does this not show, a'ud does has prevented that which it desire.cl, not our past observation prove to us, and caused to a considerab le extent that it is impossible to tell how good that which it sought to prevent. a debater a man is by listening to him Then let it change its course. But one time? The mem hers, seeing his this is not the only reason why fra- capacity under every c~rcumstance, ternity news shou ld be published in even when he is discussing the varithe MESSENGER. The MESSENGER is ous measures taken up in the society, for the interests and benefit of all the certain ly (i11 my opiniori) can tell students, but about one-third of them nearer than any one e1se who is the belong to one or the other of the fra- best debater. His method, we beternities, and yet that which would lieve, will soon take away that enbe of most interest to them is (by thusiastic speaking among our best custom, alone, it seems) prohibited men · which we ,have every year. them, and con~equently when they Each man, knowing that he must • have anything to say they must say prove himself the best debater, does it through one of its city papers. Is his very best. We claim that the this just? Is injustice ever produc- improvement gotten by these hot tive of good results? combats between the boys, even before the final contest, is worth ' a HOWTHE BEST DEBATER'S MEDAL great deal more than any medal. SHOULDBE AWARDED. The gentleman claims that there are The present "editorialist" seems some possibly who ought to run for disposed to think that one of the so- the medal, but will not on account
24
RICHMOND
COLLEGE
of their lack of popularity. Never since we have been connected with a literary society at Richmond College have we heard of a member who had any chance for the medal failing to enter the contest, but, on the contrary, many enter whose chances are very poor. If there be snch men in the societies they wear the very impress of cowardice upon their foreheads. I will admit that we are naturally inclined to think that our friend is better than any one else's friend; but, taking all things into consideration, we think our plan the best. We are thorough democrats; . we want a government in which the supreme power is lodged in the hands of the people. E. E. D. REPLY OF ¡rnE
EDITOR.
In answer to the above article, we would repeat that we believe there is n@ plan by which it would be absolutely certain that the member possessing the highest merit in debate would receive the medal. Our object in provoking th_is discussion was to :find the plan having the least objections. So we do not claim perfection for our method of award. We know it necessitates the awarding of the medal on one speech, and we admit this to be an objection, but it is one which the writer of the above article has greatly magnified. By a very singular process of reasoning he concludes that if the contest were decided on the efforts of a single night the student that is really the best debater would be very likely to make a failure and thus lose the medal he rightfully deserves. Mr. D. says "our greatest nien have been
MESSENGER.
known to make complete failures." Of course they have (as is strikingly illustrated in .the article to which we are replyiug). But with great men a failure is the rare exception ; success is the rule, else they would not be called great men. We grant the best debater (great man or not) might make a failure; but when he knows that all depends upon the arguments of one speech, the probabilities are overwhelmingly in favor of bis showing himself the best debater on the night of the contest. And as to failure or success in a single effort, the best debater will, to say tho least, have an equal chance with the man that is not the best debater. The second objection urged by our correspondent is, that " the method will soon take away enthusiastic speaking among our . best men." Singular conclusion, indeed! To assure a student that in awarding the modal his dialectic skill alone ¡will be taken into consideration-will that discourage "enthusiastic speaking"? Still more may we ask: Will " enthusiastic speaking" be cncourageu by perpetuating a plan that virtually says to a student, "you cannot hope to win unless you give much attention to promoting your own personal popularity, entering in combinations, &c., &c. "? 'l'he old method strongly suggests to a man that, instead of giving his time to preparation for "enthusiastic speaking," ho would be wise to give much of it to some other employments far less edifying and ennobling. Those who sit in judgment upon
EDITORIAL.
25
the respective merits of the contest- a matter of small consideration. ants should possess two qualifica- Proficiency in "wire-pulling" and tions: 1. They should have the abil- "log-rolling" has been the only ity to reach an intelligent decision. qualification of some of the men that 2. They should be free from partial- have carried o:ff the honors of our ity. These propositions even Mr.- societies. In the name of right, let D. would probably not deny. Let us have the plan that comes nearest us apply these tests to the members to assuring the contest~nt that skill of the societies and see whether they in debate, and skill in debate alone, are competent jurors. Have they will be iofluential in the award of the ability to decide this matter? the" Best Debater's Medal." Who To this question we answer both yes can doubt that this is the way to enand no-yes, ¡when we have in mind courage " enthusiastic speaking?" the more ¡ thoughtful students, such as our friend Mr. D.; but no, when THE "MESSENGER." we refer to some other members of With this issue of the MESSENGER tho societies. Are they free from partiality? No. How can they be the present corps of editors lay down when they mingle daily with other the badge of office and title of honor, students in the class-room, on the to give place to more hopeful and ascampus, and in the various relations pmng men. And perhaps it wil1 of college life, and thus form their not be out of place, as we bow our"likes" and "dislikes," from which selves from the stage, tG drop out a they cannot emancipate them selves few hints concerning the general when they come into the society halls? prosperity of the MESSENGER-ingenIt is well-nigh impossible for a stu- eral to our audience, in particular to dent .to make an estimate of his fel- our successors. lo\v-stu\lents' powers in debate withFirst, let us rt)turn thanks to all out letting some outside consideratfon who have assisted us by their kindly enter into his decision. encouragement-sometimes by their That we could secure judges from applause, oftener by their respectful among our citizens who possess both . attention-for to them is due to no qualifications mentioned we might small extent the success of the MESSENGER for the past few moriths. But, indulge a l'easonable hope. Thus far we have proceeded on the fellow-students, whether our paper supposition that the members of the shall continue to prosper or not desocieties are conscientious in casting pends, not upon those who may have their ballots; but Mr. D. need hardly the honor of subscribing themselves be reminded that there are men in as "your Ed.," not upon the audience, our college who are always ready to however appreciative it may be, but form a combination, run on the" you- upon you. It devolves upon you to vote-for-me-I-vote-for-you" principle. uphold the Editor's hands. It is for Consequently, merit has often been the audience to encourage him, but '
26
RIOHMOND COLLEGE
for you to give more sn bstantial assistance by sacrificing part of your time and pleasure to MESSENGER work. The time has come when we must pass from a C'ampus-fon paper to a magazine of real literary merit; the time has come when we must pass from a mere sheet of jokes and fun-of interest only to a small portion of the students now crn its campus-to a paper with a wide circulation among- alumni and friends of the college, and not without interest even to an abso] ute stranger. We hope to see the day-and we make this appeal to that end-when the MESSENGER shall become the chain that will bind men closer to their Alma Mote:r and connect them more intimately with her interests and prospects. It should be your constant care to increase its circulation and influence by making it a neat, attractive, interesting, and instructive magazine. But, let us repeat, all this depends on you. The responsibility rests on you, fellow-students. What will you do? And now only ~word to you, gentlemen, to whom we are about to vacate this office, to whom we are about to surrender this the editor's chair and sanctum, and into whose hands we are about to deliver this symbol of honor and power (and hard work and much abuse), the editor's
MESSENGER.
pencil. We would not dare give advice or instruction, for we perc~ive that there is not an object here strange or unknown to your eye. At the mention of dust and cobwebs, of shattered window panes stuffed with editors' old hats and pantaloons, of a poor :fireand generally uncomfortable room, we perceive that shrug of the shoulders, that unconscious smile, as if to say "Oh, poor follow! .But come to see us to-morrow, and you'll sec a transformation here." At the mention of black eyes a~d bruised bones, you certainly square yourself with the air of a man who knocks out in the :first round. But allow us here, gentlemen, to express our hope and belief that you will fo]:fi.]l¡your every intention; and yet it is with some feeling of sadness, for that very dust and those very cobwebs there in that corner have become dear to us. Yea, sirs, we would fain take with us some of those old hats and pantalo0ns with which that one sole little ¡ ¡window is patched, as a memorial of times passed and as a souvenir for posterity. But to be brief, sirs, whatever you do with this sanctum, this pencil which is now being put into your hand devote entirely to the MESSENGER, and make it the honor and pride of Richmond College.
LOCALS.
27 \
EDITOR:
HARDIN 'if: BURNLEY.
" Thank you ; no." Arab, king of Israel. "Please don't put any on me:" Very well, then; very well! "Thine •eyes, sweet lady, have infected mine." ?rb.,§
J.
pull out the fringe of the lambrequin around the mantel, when the young lady remarked : "Mr. H., if yon pull out a piece of that fringe every time you come here, it will all soon be gone." From this we judge he is quite a frequent visitor at said mans10n. How about it, Mr. C.? Prof. : " We make many changes
Mr. W., on seeing a bust of Bis- . in language for euphony's sake."
marck in the library : "There is nothing like living after you are dead." Mr. S. says that the source of the milky way is the < :ow. When nominations were hei_ng made for commencement speakers, Mr. B. arose and said: " Mr. President, I nominate Mr. John Templegraves, of Georgia, Alabama." .
Mr. B., growing sleepy, remarked that he would soon be wrapped i11the arms of Morpheus," whereupon Mr. C. asked, "Why, do yon take morphine -?" Mr. L. says that notwithstanding the high prices of things in general and flowe:rsin particular, he is "still. in' de 'burg."
Mr. X. : "I never saw youjunny." Mr. L., in the turmoil of debate, spoke of the "smoke of ascei.1ding factories." We hear that one of our professors went to the Union depot and waited half an hour for the Danvilletrain. Mr. D., one of the newly-elected editors, says: "I reckon I will have to commence calling myself we now, won't I?" Mr. D., looking in the mirror, exclaimed: "Don't I look handsome?" " That 's a mirrorcle," said Mr. B. Mr. B. says a dynamo' is the only ever-living thing.
"I always considered him good, but never did think he was bright."
Mr. H., who has been studying permutations and combinations, says: " To put a veil over an evil is to live in a vile manner." How bright!
Mr. H., when visiting a young ·lady friend, thoughtlessly began to
" Are you an ini,alid? " asked a young lady of another, of whose re-
28
RICHMOND
COLLEGE
ligiou's views she was doubtful. A mutual friend informs us that she meant "infidel." "These French idiots arc so hard," exclaimed a young lady in clespair. We are sorry that she has such diflicul ty with the idioms. We can see how a devoted maiden in her frenzied fancy might-be led to kiss the lips of her adored, or even his hand, but ho,; she could go so far as to kiss a picture of his-st 1ll we say it ?-boots, is inexplicable. Lost, strayed, or stolen, a beautiful setter dog, bearing around his neck samples of all shades and stylos of ribbon, by which he may easily be identified. Any one having seen him will greatly oblige his distressed owner by informing her of his present location.
MESSENGER.
Mr. B., in literary society: '' Mr. President, I vwuld like to ask the gentleman what sphere is higher than happiness." Mr. 0.: "The atmosJ_Jhere." Mr. M. was .out visiting. The youug lady asked him what time it was. After fumblin~ around some time. for tho watch vvhich he never possessed, he managed to remember that he "bad lent it to a sick boy." Compassionate youth! " We 'lowed as we would like to go with you." "'ÂŁbat's a picture of Mario Prescott," said a fair maid, after gazing a long time at a court scene of Mary Queen of Scots.
Miss -hacl been tolling how she enjoyed reading Pickwick Papers. Somo time afterwards a friend The climax of Mr. ll.'s eloquence who overheard her came to her and was gained when he roached the asked for "some of those papers to point "whore the wolf howled anc.l wrap a bundle." the eagle yelled with his voice unchecked." Steamers hml boon the subject, and gl'eat had been tho admiration exMr. L. says "many a deed is clone pressed. Some one mentioned the where no eye can soc and no tongue Smithsonian Institute as another hear." "lovely" object. "Is that a steamer?" asked an innocentmiss. One of our now students who has not yet become familiar with all "Whose yell is that?" she asked the advances of m:oclorn civilization, as her friend began repeating the standing near the elevator in. a down- Greek alphabet. town hotel, said, "Lot's go up-stairs on the ventilator." Mr. M. : "From tho rising of tho horizon till the setting thereof'." A young lady, watching a ball game, asked, " Why docs that man We , were singing most melodiw'ear that iron veil ? " ously, when some one rushed into
LOCALS. the room and excitedly inquired, "What's the matter here?" We are sorry our musical talent meets with no greater appreciation. Mr. B., iu his debate, spoke of "our opponents on the other side." The critic remarked that he didn't suppose the gentleman had any opponents on his own side; whereupon Mr. vV. enthusiastically exclaimeil, " Isn't he a go.od cricket ? " Surely Richmond College studen ts are too deeply engrossed in their studies, and, we fear, have sustained serious results from their overpowering examinations, judging from the fact tbat we heard one say that "February 22 was Lee's birthday/' and , another ask "if February 14 was April fool's day." "AULDLANGSYNE." We may live without books,-what is knowledge but grieving? We may live without hope,-what is hope but deceiving? We may live without love,-what is passion but pining? But where is the man that can live without dining?
Owing to the bad management of the keeper and the euormous appetite of its patrons, the "Hotel De Rice," which sp1¡ang into existence soon after the opening of the session, two months later quietly passed away. It was deemed peculiarly fitting, as well as in keeping with the usual cmstom of the College, to have memorial exercises in memory of the deceased hotel. Accordingly, Friday, ]'ebruary 20th, at 11 o'clock P.
•
29
M., was the time appointed for the solemn obsequies. In order to insure success, 'some of the best oratorical as well as musical tale11tswere secured to assist' in the exercises. The exercises were held on the second-floor hall of the college. The procession, headed by the master of ceremonies, Bishop Haberdasher, proceeded on the line of march from Room 39 to the centre of th1; hall, where they disbanded, the Bishop and the choir stationing themselves on the right of the stand. After a very eloquent address by Bishop Ha. bel'dasher, the choir, led by the Right !Ion. Bishop Sku1idoodle sang a chant-" 'raters Shall l{ise Again." After the reading of the litany by Bishop Skunburger, the following poem ,-vas read by Bishop Trundoodle: FOR YOUR OWN SAKE, Potatoes raw, Potatoes in slaw, Potatoes to bake For your own sake. Potatoes in pie, Potatoes to fry. Potatoes in cake, For your own sake . To gratify your wish With this excellent dish, The sacrifice I'll make For your own sake. The mandate obey, "Have potatoes to-clay'' ; Dispense with the steak For your own sake.
The choir then rendered a very appropriate song, "There was a New Hotel in Town." Bishop Flymasher and others followed with brief remarks in behalf of the bereaved family (boarders).
30
•
RICHMQND COLLEGE MESSENGER.
These solemn services were con- Fauquier county, Va. The students cludeu with the chanting of the very are especially favored in having, besympathetic hymn: "Shall this Old sides the young lady residents on the campus, these attractive visitors in Hotel peForgot." their midst; aud, now that examinaTHE LONEPINE. tions are over, the boys can spend I long have known the loneliness more time in social enjoyment and Peculiar to the pine, gladly avail tbemselv~s of the ladies' That never feels the warm caress company. At the meeting of the And twining of the vine. Uampus Uonsi.ns' Club at Prof. PolNor in my spreading sombre shade lard's, Friday nigl)t, February 27th, Will welcome flowers intrude,besides the above-mentioned young An omen that 'twere only made ladies there were present as visitors For dreary solitude. Miss Josie Pollard and Miss Sands. But in the evening afterglow 'l'his was voted the most enjoyable Amidst the shadows dim, I sing in accents soft and low meeting of the club yet held. A sweet JEolian hymn. On Saturday,February 28th, a large detachment of Campus Cousins took And this old crest that rears on high, These limbs that tempests toss, a trip to Barton Heights, and, what Will form, when seen against the sky, with the little 'bus, the big wind, and · The outline of a cross. the joll:IJcrowd, spent a most delight-htcog. ful day. We didn't stop at the PHILOSOPHIO. :flower-garden, however, but hurThe Sceptic: ·riedly passed by. Some of the most thrilling incidents of the day were My doctrine is to doubt all things Beyond my senses' range. that Mr. B. "set up" to chewingShould one pronounce me void of mind, gum, Miss W. lost her veil and I'd hardly think it strange. didn't find her dog, Mr. H. got some The Empiricist: paint on his clothes, Mr. N. got lost, My knowledge is all limited and Mr. D. sang "Annie Rooney." To that which I can see. 0 ! it was a day long to be rememApplying this great princ;iple, bered. Why, cert! in the language There are no flies on me. of the poet. ?;he Dogmatist : By thought I've reached the infinite, And mastered Ueberweg. I glide along with ease, while some Can't even move a peg.
-0.
C
There arc visiting at Prnf. Harrison's Miss Austin, of Lafayette county, W. Va., and Miss Sarah Harri.son, of Amelia county, Va.; and at Prof. Puryear's Miss Marshall, of
The Lombardy Literary Circle is in a most :flourishing condition. 1'he play now under consideration is Richard III. · At the last meeting Mr. I-I. F. Williams was elected president. 'rhe joint debate between the Philologian Society and the Franklin
LOCALS. Society of Randolph-Macon College W'l:lsheld in Ashland, Saturday night, February 28th. The question was unknown to any of the speakers until announced at the ope9ing of the debate, so the discussion was entirely extempore. Messrs. Frank Williams and H. F. Williams ably represented the Philologian Society, and the contest was close and ¡ exciting, the vote of the judges being a tie. We congratulate both societies on not being defeated. The annual . public debate of the
Mu Sigma Rho Society will be held in the Oollege chapel on Friday night, March 27th. The following committee of arrangements has been appointed: W. F. Warren, H. T. Louthan, and W. M. Redwood. The Philologian public debate will take place Friday night, April 10th. The gentlemen elected to represent the society on that night are: Reader, D. H. Scott; Declaimer, Garnett Ryland; Debaters, D. H. Rucker, J.M. Burnett, E. B. Winfrey, and 0. 'L Taylor.
31
The presidents of each literary society have announced the Final committee, as follows: Mu Sigma Rho, Frank W. Duke (chairman), W. 01Yen Carver, Wm. J. West, A. G. Patton, W. C A. Gregory, D. S. Garland; Philolog-ian, J. H. Read, W. M. Jones, W. L. Hayes, W. L. Britt, E. E. Dudley, 0. T. Taylor. Tbe societies may Le congratulated upon having obtained as their orator at the Commencement Congressman C. W. P. Breckenridge, of Kentucky. Thiii gentleman has an enviab 1e reputation as a speaker, and 1t is with pleasure that we announce his acceptance of the invitation of the s<;>cietics.
At a recent called meeting of the students it was enthusiastically decided to hold our regular biennial jollification at the close of the scss sion. !l'he following executive committee was elected: F. F. Causey (chairman), D. H. Rucker; S. J. Young, J. G. Pollard, and J. E. Etchison. The other committees are: Music, W. Ralph Clements (chairman), Frank W. Duke, ,T. M. 'l'. The following gentlemen have been Childrey, and J. C. Harwood. B~relected editors of the MESSENGER for lesque, J, ,G. Pollard (chairman), E. , the ensuing term: Mu Sigma Rho, M. Pilcher, D. H. Rucker, ThomaE1 Fr~nk W. Duke, F. F. Causey, and Gresham, and F. F. Causey; MinT. C. Skinner; Philologian, E. B. strels, E. M. Pilcher (chairman), H. Winfree, F. E'. Scanland, and H. W. T. Burnley, J. H. Bagby, N. HeaProvence. We wish them much ton, Jr., J. L. McGarity, Charles success in the arduous duties and Bauch, and F. F. Causey; General responsibilities which they have as- Manager, J. E. Etchison, Jr.; Stage sumed, and can assure them that the Manager, S. J. Young. These comfield of journalism is oue in which mittees will go at once to work, and they will have ample opportunity to epdeavor to maintain the reputation which our jollifications have always display all their energy and ability.
32
RICHMOND COLLEGE MESSENGER.
•
bad, of being the most enjoyable feature of commencement-certainly the most amusing.
Association the following amendment to the Constitution was adopted : ARTICLE v.~Medals. SEC. 1. The Association pledges . The School of Expression com- itself to award a gold medal for allmenced its second term February 'round excellence in Field-Day sports, 23d. Professor Hamberlin met the and to secure as many more as posstude-nts in the chapel February 25tp, sible. and after telling them of the many SEC. 2. Competition in all Fieldadvantages to be derived from study- Day contests, except gymnasium ing elocution, proved the truth of drills, shall be restricted to members his remarks by giving a most enjoy- of this Association who have paid all able exhibition. It has been decided dues. SEC.3. All awards shall be made by-the trustees that the Steel medal for reading and the Woods ma<lal by committees selected by the Execufor · declamation will hereafter be tive Committee. given only to students in the School Richmond College is to have a of Expr~ssion. This fact alone should increase the number in that depart- boat crow, and it means to do its best ment, and it is to be hoped that many to win the cup in the State regatta will take advantage of this excep- July 4th. A number. of students have iguifi.ed their willingness to train, tional opportunity of instruction unand we feel sure that a creditable der Professor Hamberlin. crew can be secured. The Virginia Boat Club has kindly o:f:Ieredthe use At a meeting of the Athletic Asof one of its boats, and the crew will sociation, held February 13th, it was decided to have our annual Field- commence regular training April 1. Day on April 17th. A number of The committee in charge are Prof. contests of various sorts have been F. W. Boatwright, D. II. Rucker, determined upon, and much inter- and J.E. Etchison, Jr.
j
est is manifested. The ~ymnasium A class in the geography of Virclasses have gone into regular trainginia, under the leadership of Prof: ing for their public exhibition on • Boatwright, has recently been started. that day, and a good many of the students may be seen practicing Quite a number of students have exevery day for the running and jump- hibited an interest in this departure, ing contests. We feel safe in pre- and we know that under such a dicting a pleasant time both for the trusty and energetic leader the class students and their friends and one cannot be other than a source of both which will reflect credit on the Col- pleasure and profit. lege. · The Mu Sigma Rho Society has At a recent meeting of the Athletic decided to have its constitution ·and
LOCALS.
33
a list of its presidents and members mancist School, of St. Pierre, Chataupublished. This has long been de- briand, De Stael, Lamartine, Hugo, sirable, and will be greatly to the Dumas, Balzac, Sand, Gautier, and . others were 路 rapidly reviewed and advantage of the members of the with eloqt1ent touches the sp'eaker society. 11.'hecommittee to attend to brought out the characteristics . of its publication are H. T. Burnley . each. (chairman), J.M. T. Childrey, E. J: "INFLUENCE OF TH~] THEATRE. Moseley, Jr. . "The theatre far more than in America exerts an influence in EngThe Dispatchof February 18th ga~e ~and and on the Uontinent, and as it _the following complimentary notice 1s the custom of the more prominent of Prof. Boatwright's recent lecture: of thtse French writers to dramatize th eir works, it can be well under"Professor Frederick W. Boat- stood what power has been exerted wright was greeted by an unusually by literary men on the. masses of the large _audience at Rich~ond College country. 路 last mght when he delivered a high"The speaker drew a vivid picture ly interesting lecture hefore the Se- of Zola and his confreresin their new nior French class on 'The Romantic lin e of work, and gave his audience in French Literature.' glimpses of the rise and influence of " A large delegation of our culti- th eir methods with a delicate skill vated citizens were out and brou<Yht which was admirable. with them many ladies, who w~re "In closing, the Professor well said most cordially welcomed. there is a loftier principle than life. " The Professor speaks well, has a good voice and manner, and lris lec- What is it that in actual life secures ture showed much research. 'rhe g~neral. freedom by res~ricting inditheme was a new and taking one, and vidual liberty ? What m an artistic the fine attention plainly indicated representation will secure proportion the interest of the literary circle and beauty to the whole by restrictgathered about the young and ardent ing the in;1pressivenessof the parts? teacher on this his first appearance The answer which the French "lit~erateurs_"haye not been able to apply as a lecturer. 1s contamed m one word, Truth." " LIBERALISM
IN LITERATURE.
" The declaration of Victor Hugo Mr. Boatwright said, gives a very good definition of what is meant by the Romantic in French Literatureviz : 'Liberalism in Literature.' As the prominent idea of the classic school is beauty, so Romanticism brings out most conspicuously the idea of life. 路 " Rapidly reviewing the history of the French people, the lecturer 路 showed the rise of this school and its impress on the times. It now absolutely dominates the literature of this remarkable people. The writings of Rousseau, the founder of the Ro-
Professor Winston will give three inter esting and attractive lectures on " The Old Electricity and the New" during the month of March. Professor Win~ton has an enviable reputation as a lecturer, and never fails to draw a large audience. The programme in detail is as follows : March 3-The Electricity of the Machine. March 10-The Electricity of the Battery. March 17-The Electricity of the Dynamo. 1
3-!
RICHMOND
COLLEGE MESSENGER.
FINIS.
Our duty is done. Whether well or sic:k we do not care to say. With thia issue we vneate our chair auJ make way for our successor - our successor, tlid we say? How do we know whether he is going to be a success or not? We tender him our best wishes-but what are wishes? " If wishes ·were horses, beggars would ride." So we will chauge the method of expressing the quality of our inward feelings for him in his new occupation. We will tender him our heartfelt sympathy, for we know his heart folt Rympathy for us when she kiudly informed us that she would be a sister to us, and as we already had seventeen such sisters, we said in solemn sadness, "how can she assist er man in such sorrow?" Yes, brother ; we will bravely
bear the burden with you, for a, bird 'n the hand is worth two in the bush, and, unlike Mr. G., we don't often have an opportunity to go birdin'. • Good-bye, capaciously comely college, campus cousins' candy-cooking club chums; we can't cease crying, considering concurrent critical circumstances coming crowdingly around us. But our tears are tears of joy, for no longer "from morn till dewy eve, from eve till dewy morn, we'll search for locals everywhere, and wish we'd ne'er been born." Like Christopher Columbus, that distinguished father of his country and mother of presidents, we bravely declare, "let the end come, and come when it will. We've written the locals and busted on Phil." Pi,nis.
THELYNOHBURG OONVENTION. We never saw such hills before. On the morning of the 12th of Rome will have to yield-and again February our delegates left to attend we can say, "Virginia is ahead." the fifteenth annual Y. M. C. A. A half an hour later the convention State Convention at the " Seven- convened. The opening- service was Hilled City" of Virginia. On the one of "prayer and thanksgiving," train we met delegates from Ran- led by C.R. Towson, of Salem, Va. dolph-Macon College, Hampton, and A. J. Helbig, of Lynchburg, read a the Richmond City Association. As ·paper on "Boys' Work-Its Importhe train ro1led on up the James we tance and Expansion." Re said : sang, "God is Calling Yet," and '' Generally the first thing a boy sees other sweet songs of Zion. to d,o he does. When should the We reached Lynchburg at 3 P. M. training of a · boy begin ? A wis~
Y. M. C. A. NOTES.
35
man bas truly answered, 'A hun- vice was held in honoF of the late F. dred years before be is born.'" C. Johnson, member of the State The Bible Readings, conducted by Executive Committee, and T. D. Rev. C. P. Williamson, of Lexington, Wilkinson, general secretary at RichKy., were truly instructive l),nd de mond. Many tender words were .lightful. spoken ot thetie two earnest men who H. Thane Miller, of Cincinnati, were called away while they bad on Ohio, member of the Y. M. C. A. their full working harness. International Committee, was a There were more than three hunpower in the convention. ·He spoke dred and fifty delegates present. upon "Our Spiritual Work," "The They will never forget the reception Young Men of the Nation," and tendered them by the Ladies' Auxilother subjects. His address to the iary of the Lynch burg Association. Sunday-school of Dr. Felix's church, The good people of Lynchburg were and directly afterwards to his large so hospitable that they desired the congregation, were very touching in- convention to return there next y~ar. deed. Twenty young people of the The writer a0d several other. Rich. school arose for the prayers of God's mond College students were enterservants. tained at the sweet home of Mr. and R. R. McBurney, General Secre- Mrs. F. D. Johnson. The memory tary, New York city, greatly im- · of our stay with them will ever be l:ts pressed all by his quiet but earnest an "Oasis" to us. presentation of "Th 1e Study of the The farewell meeting was held on Word of •God in our Associations," Sunday night. As the delegates and "The Association's Relation to grasped hands and sang, "Blest be the Work among Young Men in the tie that binds our hearts in ChrisHeathen Lands." tian love," tears could be . seen even AU the College boys have a special in the eyes of strong men. On the love for Rev. Dr. R. J. McBride, of following morning, as we boarded Lexington. In his address upon the train . for Richmond, we could " The College Young Men's Chris- but say to this beautiful city on the tian Association : What Shall we upper James, "God be with you 'till Emphasize this Year?" , be was we meet again." Our pleasure was not at an end, pointed, practical, and powerful. Judge G. G. Grattan, of Harrison- however. On the train we met a. burg, was the popular president of member of the Ladies' Auxiliary of the convention. State Secretary H. the "Seven-Hilled City." With such 0. Williams and his assistant, E. T. helpers we can no longer wonder at Dadmun, were as busy and useful as the success of their association. We the bee in the early May time. We had often heard of the beauty and know of no too men more earnest chivalry of this city beneath the shades of the Peaks of Otter; of her and consecrated than they are. , An early morning memorial ser- ·sons we had · had .occasion to know
36
RICHMOND COLLEGE MESSENGER.
before, but after being with one of her daughters-and of them poets even. have been pleased to sing-we could but say, "The half has never been told." THEWORLD'S OONVENTION. The delegates at the Lynchburg Convention decided to send their
J. T. Noell (B. A., '88), who married one of Lynchburg's fair daughters, is banking at Greensboro, N. 0. R. E. Van Buren ('90) is in the wholesale grocery bm;iness with Gates & Brown, of Richmond. Rev. P. S. Henson (B. A., '49), D. D., one of the first graduates of Richmond College, is pastor of one of the largest churches of Chicago. He is well known also as an editor. To Prof. William D. Thomas (B. A., '51), , D. D., M.A., who now occupies the chair of Philosophy, we offer our warmest congratulations. He has just entered upon his second "voyage of matrimonial bliss." WilliaÂľi F. Fox (B. A., '56) is superintendent of the public schools of the city of Richmond. Rev. J. C. Long (B. A., '56), D. D., LL. D:, minister and editor, now occupies the chair of Church History in Crozer Theological Seminary, Pennsylvania. H. H. Levy (B. A., '69) is one of
worthy secretary, H. 0. Williams, to the Y. M. C. A. convention of the world. This convention is held every three years. It will be held next summer in Amsterdam, Holland. As an appreciation of Brother Williams' earnest work since he has been in Virginia a purse is now being raised to defray his expenses.
Richmond's most prominent physicians . . J. B. Turpin (B. L., '71) is the popular pastor of the Baptist church at Charlottesville, Va. William Ellyson (M. A., '76) is one of the most successful lawyers of Richmond. F. P. Robertson (B. A., 79) is the pastor of the Baptist chur;ch at Martinsburg, W. Va. ¡ A. B. Rudd (M. A., '~4) is a missionary at Paras, Mexico. Mr. John W. Avery ('87) is practicing law in Atlanta, Ga. Rev. J. II. Wright, who was recently pastor in Petersburg, Va., and formerly a student here, has resigned his pastorate on account of sickness, and expects to spend some time in Florida. As we go to press, Prof. II. II. Harris and Student R. E. Chambers are in attendance upon the international ~Convention of the Students' Volunteer Movement for Foreign
EXCHANGES.
37
Missions, which convenes at Cleve- Richmond and the latter in "King land, Ohio. Billy " county, Va. S. T. Dickinson ('89) gave us a call Wheeler Boggess ('90), of West last month. He is now railroading ; Virginia, bas been called from college and making money like a good fellow. on· account of the ill health of his How is your guitar, Sam? father. We were much pleased to see upon Baltimore sends us' another stuthe campus a few evenings since S. . dent, Mr. J. A.Joyner, who has juet L. Kelly aml T. H. Edwards, both of ent'ered for the second half session. '87. The former is practicing law in
EDITOR: •W. R RYLAND.
Whom does this departm~nt of college journalism interest? Or perhaps it would be better to ask, who reads it? Only the expectant and oft-times disappointed editor, we fancy, who eagerly tears the wrapper . and proceeds to investigate the contents of the exchange departrnent, to s,ee if perchance it contains any. thing" nice" abqut his paper. Sometimes his selfishness is rewarded, but often, alas! he :fj.nds about . himself. that which is unpleasant and indigestible. This tendency has attained to an enormous growth, and the exchange department is often used sol~ly to convey abroad the bitterest invectives of which its impulsive and irritable editor is capable. Iri ransacking the accumulations of the past month our eye falls on seviral strangers : The William and l)fary College Monthly for the first time occupies a position on our table, and a very
creditable magazine it is. We are very glad to see that this venerable institution is possessed with ·the prevailing spirit of progress, and is put ~' ting forth such strenuous efforts to keep abreast of the times. Much success to you in the publication of your paper, and in all your efforts to advance the interests of this timehonored institution. 'The Cadet, of Virginia · Military Institute, is also with. us for the first time, but not the last, we hope, by a great many. The editor's salutatory is ornate and appropriate; fo fact, the ' whole paper shows great enthusiasm and determination, and we feel safe in predicting a long and useful life for the Cadet. By all means, though, have an exchange department, and try to make it interesting. · We shall most assuredly extend our sympathies if you undertake such a task. We are pleased to uote the arrival of the Harrisonian,of the Southwest
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RICHMOND COLLEGE MESSENGER.
Virginia Institute. We already have the Harrisonianon our exchange list, and suppose that this is not its first visit; but it is the first time that the present ex-editor has had the pleasure of perusiug its interesting columns. And in acknowledging the compliment bestowed upon tbe MES• . SENGERby the 1-Iarrisonian,we beg leave to reciprocate its congratulations, and furthermore, to add that it ranks high among our exchanges for its general attractiveness ancl sound merit. Surely we are fortunate in having recently made so many new acquaintances, especially among the fair sex. The Semi-Annual,of Hollins Institute, in point of literary merit, is rarely excelled, and our only regret is that this interesting magazine is published only twice a year. A considerable portion of the Semi-Annualis devoted to tributes of respect to Prof. and Mrs. Charles L. ¡ Cocke on the occasion of the :fiftieth anniversary of their marriage. "Greeting," a poem composed by Miss Fowlkes, a former pupil and teacher at this institution, is a beautiful and tender tribute. We would take this occasion .to ofter our congratulations and express the hope that Life's declivity, as bas been its ascent, may be strewed with fragrant flowers and glorions sunshine.
many distinguished men have gone out from Richmond College, and it would be very pleasant for us to hear froni them occasionally through th~ columns of the MESSENGER. On this occasion the ex-editor congratulates himself on not being called upon tosayanythingunpleasantabout his contemporaries, for the time has come for the present encumbent to lay aside the robes of this kingly office and to deliver the sceptre to one who can and will more faithfully wield it; and so just at present he is pleased to note that all is calm and serene within his sanctum. To say that he bas experienced no pleasure in the performance of his duty would be unjust to himself and to the papers which it has been his privilege to examine; for he who o.erives no pleasure from reading such papers as the
Vanderbilt Obsert'er, Virginia University Magazine, Wake Forest Student, SwarthmorePhamix,and many others
almost if not equally as interesting, is well-nigh incapable of enjoyment and is greatly to be pitied. If aught has appeared in this department seemingly unjust, unprovoked, oruncalled for, the editor is profoundly sorry and hopes that all such articles may be regarded as having been written with the most friendly feeling and respect for all. Much success to him who shall The GeorgetownCollegeJournal has next fill this somewhat responsible a department headed, "With the Old position, and under the coming ediBoys." This, we.think, is a splendid torship may the prosperity of ~e be unprecedented. feature and one that the MESSENGERMESSENGER would do well to imitate.
A great