The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-05-02
AMONG LITERARY People.
Critique on rrving's Wrtings-Debaters'
Mccall Contest.

In the elegant parlors Of Professor Win
ston's residence at Richmond College yestor-
dav afternoon was gathered pleasant group
of ladies and gentlemen belonging TO the col
lege community.
II was the sixth seml-monthly meeting Of
the Lornbardy Literary Circle.
IN the absence Of the president, Professor
j. 4. Hamberlin. tho vice president. MT q.
NJ. Lorg. occupied the chair.
Professor Geines was expected 70 read an
ESSAY on the life and character Of Washington
Irving but IN consequence Of faculty meet
inc he could not be present His essay will
be presented AZ the next meeting OF the Circle.
Miss Annie Winston read a carefully pre-
pared eritque Of the writings of Irving.
As an historian his style IL perhaps too pro-
fuse: and yet his historical sketches furnish
delightful reading.
OF his works in general ii may be said that
the influence Of his touches OF gentle airy
humor j. rs refreshing 10 the mind 0s Whit
of country air IS 70 the body
THE Legend of Sleepy Hollow was dis
c1lS-ed. and the Circle decided to critlcise
rip Van Wrinkle" 1T the next meeting, which
will be held ut the residence of Professor Har-
rison on Friday afternoon Of next week, IN
stead OF two weeks hence. Tho work Of the
Circle has become 40 interesting that II may
be decided TO hold weekly meetings regularly
hereafter
Medal" in the Phlologian Society was held
last evening III the hall of that society.
The question discussed was:
Resolved. That home influences are more
potent in the formation OF character than out
side influences. ,,,.
Messrs Taylor, Dudley and Frank Williams
spoke for the affirmative. and Messrs. Whit
lock. Wallace and Britt for the negative.
The debate was strong one, bringngiresh
honor To the society as well as u those en-
gagged IN II.
The contest was decided by vote Of. the
society. resulting in awarding the med1 10
Mr.. G. 2. Taylor. Of Chesterfield.
Mr.. TAYLOR IS well known IN the college
community as a strong debater, as we'll as an
earnest aud successful student
AS instructor in physical culture, as presi-
dent Of the Young Mems Christian Associa-
ton. and IN other directions. he IS prominent
and useful in the college.
eett skinner. OF Loudoun county, was elected
10 deliver an Grafton at the reunion of the So
cietv next fall, and Messrs. X. Z. Chambers,
Is. W. Coleman r. L. Gregory and ii. st.
John Coalter were chosen rs debaters for that
occasion.
Mr. j. Garland Pollard, son Of Professor
Pollard. of the school OF English, has been
quite i'll for several days.
Professor Puryear also has illness in his
family.
Mr.. f. d. Winfree. Of Buckingham. who
WIS reported sick few days ago, IS not much
improved, but his condition Is not thought to
be serious.
The eIocution contests for this session will
be held as follows Reading (Steele medal),
"Wednesday, May 9th, $50 +. NJ; dsclama-
ton Woods medaD. Wednesday May 18TH
4:3O p NJ; dramatic recitation (Hambsrlin
class medal, Wednesday, May 10th, 4:So
7. IL
These contests Will be held in the college
chapel. and the public will be welcomed.
The last-named medal will be awarded this
year for the first time.