The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-06-23

applause The following extracts are small
rart of this poetic address. which the lateness
Of the hour forbids more extended report:
The past is land against whose shores
the waves of Lethe may sometimes How. but
they will recede like the tide of the mighty
ocean. and leave memory rs lone and silent
sentinel 10 keep her vigils over the beautiful
long ago 1t has been truly said that OF
all the gifts with when oehlnscene
Providence has endowed man, the gtt or
memory is the noblest. Without 1t lie
would be barren waste, o dreary desert with
no fertile spot here and there 10 marx the
rapid fight Of years.
With 10 the mind creates many DeauIuul
oasis. under whose spreading palms ana oy
whose sparkling fountains tho weary ua'eieI
loves 10 rest and just as hope Is tnat DrlsnI
bow Of promise that bids Us look TO the future
50 memory Is the golden chain that Dlnus the
present 10 the past.
THE JOY OF HOMECOMING.
It seems to me that in reviewing the varied
scenes OF 10y and sorrow with which every
human life is checkered. there are none
which we will dwell upon with more real
pleasure than those around which cluster the
fond recollection OF school and col
lege days, and while it IS unfortu--
uately true that many thcughless deed and
neglected opportunity may prove fruitful
sources Of sincere regret yet mingled with
these sombre. colors are seen the brighter
hues OF pleasant recollections. which, taken
together. give life and beauty 10 every pic
tuIe. And as some Of u shall soon turn our
backs, perhaps forever, upon that TOO often
uuappreciated but er-tO-be-iorgotten pc
rod. which constitutes "A students llfe with
what mingled feelings Of JOY and
sadness do we contemplate the parting
hour. With what Joyful anticipation
have many of us looked forward 20 this occa-
sion as the eve of a return 70 happy homes. 10
friends and loved ones. Who has not expert
enced the JOY Of home-comlngf VINO mas
emotions which almost overflow the
heart AS with eager eyes We gaze
rom some adjacent hilltop into tie dim dis
fance To catch the frst faint outlines OF the
dear old homestead.
How sweet to hear the watch-dog's honest
Bay deeI-mouthed welcome as We draw near
How sweet 10 know another eye will mark
Our coming, and look brighter when We come"
WORD TO CLASSMATES.
rellow-sfrdents and classmates. word
10 Won. Hitherto we have been bearing each
other company along a pleasant road out
at last we've reached the point where our
paths dIyerge.
Their end we cannot see for some OF us
they may be easy. for others hard ana Tough,
for some they may be spanned by the bright
rainbow of success. for others darkened Dy
the threatening clouds If adversely.
Now we clasp hands with that warm, long,
tremulous parting clasp. which speaks more
elomenly than lips When we meet again II
may be under far different circumstances yet
in that meeting there shall remain the
lasting friendship, which here we nave
-..t- . lt..vr rl.rl1
THE FAIR CONTINGENT.
To the citizens Of Richmond and friends Of
the college we desire to express our sincere
thanks for the deep interest and warm soiicl-
tude which YOU have 50 often evinced IN
our behalf. Nor would we be deemed less
grateful to that fair contingent whose varied
charms. modest worth and wOmanly virtues
have not only been the source OF many hgh
resolve and lofty inspiration, but alas IN
some instances the innocent cause Oh our
hearts undJlng.
FULL SURRENDER.
We do not mean 10 chide you for the latter,
but only 10 thank you for the former. Ana as
IN all the ages of the wOrldit has been by M
ACE that has tuned the poets Tyre and lent the
inspiration of heaven To his imagination;
neryedthe arm of chiyalry to deeds Of noble
DARING. animated the voice IN the blaze OF
eloauerce. or guided the brain in the august
tolls If stately council; so to-day us at
the feet of lovely woman that we lay
the laurels which without her smiles would
never have been won While we feel that we
can boas. but few OF these, such as they are,
take them: they are yours. We only ask IN re-
turn that you cherish the gift, and sometimes
recall the giyer.
Long may YOU continue 10 merit such 10y
atty and with love a. your sceptre, the heart
your empire. may YOU reign supreme IN the
affections of your subjects. until every heart
shall be brought TO recognize your soyer-
eirrtv. and bow willing yotary at its
shrine.