The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-09-25
WASHINGTON MONUMENT AND CITY HALL

TO the leisurely, wealthy and refined are
the clubs, the three leading ones having
elegant buildings and lovely grounds.
Clubs have been harShly criticised by
those who know nothing OF little Of them
except through gossip and hearsay, and
as gossip is always Oh the lookout for
the uncOmplimentary and unfavOrable,
they have gotten bad name among
many good people, especially the wives
and mothers and Il sweeping cOndemna-
ton is passed upon all clubs, which, to
say the least, is unreasonable.
Clubs, like other things. have their bad
as well rs their good, but there is no
doubt well-cOnducted clubs like those in
question are not only great social ben
eft at large, but are of greater lndivld-
ual benefit still, for by their rigid rules,
fOrbidding rudenesS, cOarSeness and in
temperance, and requiring strict cOmpll-
ance with agreements, they establish a
high standard Of department and morals,
and their cheerful and elegant surround
ings and appointments are potent, ever
acting counter attraction to saloons, gam
bling dens, and uncomfortable resorts;
shoals upon which many young live has
been untimely wrecked. Certain II IS,
however, that these clubs enroll among
their members Richmond's best, worthlest
and most influential citizens, and equally
certain it is that the clubs have added as
much, perhaps, to Rchmond's reputation
as Il charming and hOspitable city rs all
other agencies combined-showing. ut all
events that club life as followed in Rich
mond, if not all that is claimed for it,
is not demoralizing or degrading.
Now, to the newcomer the clubs oiier
very great advantages. Besides affording
a delightful resort in hours of relaxation,
they are a common meeting ground OF
merchant, lawyer, doctor, and capitalist,
where he soon becomes acquainted with
as many as he pleascs because there is
no frigid fmmality, and every gentleman
has a prescriptive right TO an introduction
to anybody and everybody.
BY this means the stranger, If a man Of
family, obtains entire into society for
wife and daughters, for introduction at
the club means visits from the ladies of
the members Of the club and all is done
with so much ease and grace, all is so
natural and unStudied all is so unpre-
tending. but still so "A la mode, that the
whole family soon feels that they are
among old friends, only old friends i'm
proved in manners and cordiality.
PROFESSIONAL MIN.
TNa rofessions-clergy, doctors, law
yers-are largely and ably represented in
Richmond; but let none imagine that sin,
disease and contention abound in equal
ratio. AS long as the world stands the
clergy will be needed TO reproyc sin, com
fort the sinner, or, in other words, to
heal aouls; doctors to heal thegills that
flesh is heir to, and lawyers to heal minds
or angry controversies.
Richmond. no doubt, needs her share of
these ornaments of society, but many of
those amongst us have been attracted to
Richmond because it is a charming and
delightful place Of residence.
Churches and their accessories-Sun-
dov schools. homes. benevolent societies.
&c.-are a good index of the desirability
Of city for residence and rearing
family
In this respect Richmond abounds, and
all religious tastes are easily suited. from
n church which allows no dissent from
decretal Of remote ecclesiastical pontif
TO a church which permits each member
10 be Judge. or rather law. unto himself;