The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-05-09
LOMBARDY LITERARY CIRCLE.
Paper on the Life and Character Of Wash
instOn Irving.
HE ONCE LOVED, But MEYER MARRIED,
MI Sigma Rho and PhiloIogian Societies
Annual Contest - Discussion OF the
Negro and the Indian.

At $50 o'clock yesterday afternoon the
doors of Professor Harrson's handsome resi-
dence at Richmond College were opened to
the members of the Lombardy Literary Circle.
Professor J.. Il. Hamberlin presided, and
after the consideration Of interesting business
the literary progtammefor the meeting was in
PRODUCED. Professor Il. T.. Gaines OF the
Chair Of Mathematics read an original and
exceedingly interesting paper on the Life
and Character Of Washington Irving, the
Pioneer Of American Literature"
Washington irving was born in New ork
April 1888, and was tie youn est of eleven
CHI ,iren IN a Scotch fam is. ne lad "a stern
lat er but an aiectlOnaie mother. and many
Tsh rebuke from bis lathe was sOItened
by soothing word from bis IN Their
At {. age of sixteen ie ntgan the study OF
law, but did not make much Osress. owing
chiefly, per.aps 10 The nCate -ta OF his
health. Severa years were spent in delight
fuI rambles and M ga erlng material Tor the
charming writings that have made hlm the
most popular OF American authors. lie
travelled extensively in urope, and wnlle IN
Italy, charmed 10y the enchanting beauty OF me
scenery and the enthusiasm OF the famous
artist AllstOn, lie came near renOuncing all OF
his previous plans and becoming a painter
He had the good sense. however. TO resist TINS
inclination. and so he returned 70 America
and entered upon his career as a man Oh
letters.
His Knickerbocker History of New York,
published in 1909 and his Sketch-Book. pub
lshed IN 1919. met with immense success
IN 1926 he went 10 Spain where he spent
four years and where he published his Life
OF Columbus. Tine Alhambra. The Con-
quest of Grenade and other famous works.
lrving's residence in Spain was brought 10
a close by his unexpected appointment as
Secretary of Legation at the Court OF St
James 1t was while he was in England. IN
1880. that the Royal Society awarded MN a
gold medal for literary W Yrk Of eminent merit
and this was soon followed by the degree of
ID. G.. L.. conferred 10y the University of Ok
ford a title which he was too modest ever 10
use.
When he returned 10 America in 1891 he
was given abundant proof of appreciation on
the part of his countrvmen, but shrinking
from notOriety he retired % a quiet home on
the Hudson near Sleepy Hollow. where the
evening of his life was -peut, and where. on
the 2~th of November. 1859. lac peacefully
passed away, and was buried on an emineu, G
overlooking the beautiful river he loved so
well. and amid the scenes that ms pen has
made famous.
Washington Irving never married, but he
once loved and was loved IN return lis
whole life was darkened by the early death OF
Matilda Hoffman. 10 whom be was ardenily
attached He could never SPEAK of her with
composure. and usually lett the room when
ever her name was mentioned.
lrving's character was criticised 20 some eX-
tent. and as q specimen OF hls Writings ZIP
Van Wrinkle" was discussed by the Circle.
THIS was one OF the most interesting meet
ing the Circle has ever held.
Al the next meet'u" Shakespears Mer-
chant Of Venice will be studied
Literary Societies Contest.
In the Mn Sigma Rho and Philologian Lit
erarv Societies Inc annual contests for lnl-
provement medals were held last evening.
Each Sl. tp awards a medal every year 70
the gentlemal who is supposed to have made
most imprOy, ment in debate
IN the Mu Sigma Rho Society the contest
ants were Mr.. +. W. Duke. of Richmond:
Mr. II. l.. Norheet, of southampton; Mr. /.
G. Skinner. OF Loudoun Mr.. D. Il. Murdoch,
of King and Queen Mr.. II. G. Burnett, of
Richmond. and Mr.. \. Heat0n, Of Loudoun.
The question for discussion was. Resolved,
That the Indian has been more cruelty treated
than the negro.
The contest was decided 10y q vote of the
society. and upon the first ballot II was found
that the distinction was awarded to Mr.. 1.
Clagett Skinner # Loudouu county, Va.
Mr. skinner is All elective speaker. and
gives promise Of extensive usefulness N his
chosen profession. the ministry.
ne contestants III llf J il-pl}-ltiI t''''l'.lN
were Mir Thomas Gresham 0t North Caro-
Ina. Mr. H. W. Provence of Florida and Mr..
Z. Emmett Reid of Maryland.
The proposition discussed was,
Resolved That the influences which tend
To perpetuate are stronger than those which
tend TO dissolve our Union.
The vote In deciding the contest was al
most unanimous for Mr. Gresham, OF Char
lotte. y. g..
This is the third medal that Nh Gresham
has won during his school life
As an earnest and energetic student.
strong and effective debater and attractive
speaker he has rare prospects of honorable
distinction and influence n after life
The societies IN joint session elected q busl-
ness manager and ass slant business manager
for the Messenger for DcNtsessioL. The pres
ent business manager Mr. G.. g. Trumbo Of
Rockingham wa, reelected. and Mr.. D. Car
land Pollard, of Richmond, was elected as
siotaut