The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-10-22
FOUR HUNDRED YEARS
SINCE THEDIscovERY OF AMERICA
An Anniversary Not worthily Kept-The
Schools Celebrate and Action 10 Taken
Against Sunday Opening Mt Chicago.

The Columbus day celebration as set
apart by the proclamation Of the Presi-
dent OF the United States and the Cover
nor OF the State was only observed here
yesterday in an informal manner.
All OF the Federal officers, the national
and State banks and many OF the bust
ness houses were closed. and those en-
gagged in these institutions availed them
selves Of most enjoyable holiday.
There was no demonstration whatever
OF a general nature, and the thorough
fares presented about their usual APP
pearance. In the public schools very
short sessions were held, and these were
mainly made up by the singing OF national
tunes and the recitals of appropriate his
tor1cal sketches OF Columbus ana ms
achievements. At some OF the schools
the programmes were extremely inter-
estins. and were largely attended by the
parents OF the scholars. There was
lack Of any display OF flags and bunting
save in a very few instances, and the
occasion was not one OF especial interest
except 10 the school children of the city.
few flags were displayed from house
tops and fronts of buildings. In the az
ternoon there was partial suspension
Of business and a number Of stores were
closed and the employees allowed nalf
holiday.
From news received from our sister
cities 1t was evident that they were pay
ing more attention 10 the occasion than
/ the capital city.
/ The Howtzers left early In the morn
/ ing for Norfolk to assist in the cc'chra-
/ ton there. and at 10 o'clock Captain
/ Frank Cunningham received a telegram
saying Send us another band He tried
/ to do SO, but could not get the men to-
/ gether in time to catch the next train.
Al MONTE MARIA AcADEMY.
Columbus Day was beautifully and APP
proprlately celebrated al Monte Maria
Academy of the Visitation yesterday
afternoon The main hall of the academy
building was filled with an interested
| crowd Of spectators.
The platform was prettily decorated In
appropriate designs, the names Columbus,
Isabella and America taking prominent
position, while the figures 1892 and 1892,
surrounded by wreaths spoke eloquently
Of the history intervening between those
two dates.
The programme, as carried out by the
girls. composed twelve numbers, includ-
| ing music, dialogues, Rotations and the
drama. The entertainment was excellent
in every feature, and was greatly enjoyed
by all present.
The programme was in part as follows
Pianos and organ. Waves Of the Ocean,
by Misses Daviette Corbell, Annie Reddy
Florence Thorp and Mary Dorset. fol
lowed by an original poem entitled
America" by Miss Annie Reddy, anc
dedicated to the occasion. The poem was
recited by the authoress.
The second number was a piano solo
Our Regret" by Miss Mary Hamilton
Of Boydton, Va, a former graduate.
Then followed well-acted drama called
"Ernscliffe Hail." in which Miss Corbel
as the Countess did some splendid acting
The other participants were Misses Mary
Dorsey. Annie Reddy. Florence Thorp
Lena Pearson and Madeline Pampell.
The next piece was 1.-The Opening Ad
dress" very amusing farce, represent
ing a school, and three little girls yer!
cleverly impersonated boys.
"Mary's Forgiveness" was the name o
well-rendered dialogue by Miss Lille
Volmer and Miss Della Powell.
This was followed by an instrumental
duet between Miss Mary Hamilton ant
Miss Davette Corbell.
Another farce here found place, calle'
"Rrldget's Investment" and was wei
portrayed by Miss Florence Thorp ant
Miss Agnes Brown, and created niue
amusement.
One of the prettiest features In the pro
gramme was a calisthenic exhibition b.
twenty little girls.
The chorus songs, which intersperse
the other numbers, were very sweet an
showed careful training.