The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-07-14
Defending Mr.. Tucker.

Editor OF The Times: My attention has
just been called TO a letter in the BAL
tmore Baptist" of June 2S, 1893, written
by its Richmond correspondent IN which
he takes occasion 10 harshly and IL
think very unJustly critcise the effort Of
the Hon. IT, St George Tucker, who
delivered the final grafton before the
literary societies OF Richmond College
on the evening Of June Goth. / would
indeed do violence to my own feelings
and prove myself an unworthy member
Of the old Mu Sigma Rho Society. and
OF the joint committee by which Mr.
Tucker was chosen. If l should sit idly
by and allow the public 10 labor under
the misleading ideas set forth by the
writer Of the article referred 20. who
evidently was entirely ignorant Of any
Of the circumstances connected with the
case.
In the first place. owing 10 new and
tedious methods Of transacting Joint
business (Which circumstances forced the
societies 20 adopt during the past ses-
SION, the final orator was not chosen I'M
I'll a very late day, necessarily placing
him at a disadvantage regarding prepare
ton.
Secondly, In HIS letter OF acceptance
(Which was shown me by the chairman
OF the invitation cOmmittee) Mr.. Tucker
stated that important public duties I'm
Washington would prevent his preparing
such an address as he would be pleased
to deliver and added. that II the socie-
ties. conscious Of this fact. were will
ing 10 hear such as he could give with
out preparation, ne would be glad to
serve them.
In reply. the chairman assured him
that we would expect him 10 be with us
on the Goth, and, according 10 agreement.
he came.
HIS speech. while not highly oratorical.
held the closest attention Of the audience.
and was one from which any young man
might derive lasting benefit
Representatives Of the Richmond press
were present and commented favorably
upon Il.
The Religious Herald whose regular
correspondent was In the audience speaks
OF Il I'm complimentary terms. and among
other things says The orator emphasized
many important maxims which should
guide n young man I'm the choice Of his
profession and throughout life. The ad-
dress abounded I'm excellent advice"
And vet for some cause the cOrrespon-
dent Of the baltimore Baptist endeavors
TO prove that altogether II was fiat fall
ure.
He even goes so ldT dH 10 say llti IT
was by common consent the feeblest
performance eyer witnessed in the halls
Of Richmond College" Surely the writer
must have considered his own as "com-
mon consent" since the young gentlemen
by whom Mr. Tucker was elected. as
well as visitors ana newspaper reporters.
seemed both satisfied and pleased.
I am wholly unable 20 understand why
the correspondent OF the baltimore
Baptist" should undertake thus 90 in
jurs the enyiable reputation 0f this able
young statesman. FOR whose selection az
final orator the members Of the literary
societies alone are responsible. and with
whose address they are thoroughly sat
Ished And ] will ada further. that II
he thinks he has succeeded in any de-
gree, however small. he Is greatly mis-
taken. for Mr.. Tucker commands such
lofty position in the warm hearts OF
the Virginia people that such writings.
from whatever source. will pass him
by as an idle wind which he respects
not" Very respectfully.
"MU SIGMA RHO"
Richmond, Va.