Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1894-03-17


The Virginia Seminary at Lynchburg
Is PROFESSIONALLY an institution worthy
of the heartiest support and meriting
the greatest encouragement
We met President G.. w. HAYES at the
residence OF Rev. Alexander Gordon. He
was IN his carriage. enroute to the de-
pot to take the train for Farmvilae. Va
He, however insisted upon delaying his
trip and taking us in the carriage with
him returned to the Seminary.
The brick structure which bad been
rooted in since we saw it last presented
a commanding appearances.
The students had recess and we were
shown to the handsome quarters of the
faculty.
Two new structures have been erected
just In the rear of the main building.
These cottages added to the beauty of
Surroundings,
Here we met Prof b. W. Tyrrell, Prof.
u. S. G. Patterson, Prof. ]. r. Robin
son, and Prof. 4. z. Smith.
President g. w. Hayes was the CON-
manding figure in the group, as leaning
heavily upon his cane to relieve the
pressure upon one of his limbs which he
had injured during the slippery season,
he made known his wishes and his trusty
"lieutenants" FASTENED TO obey.
Soon, the cornet sounded, the stu
dents gathered and almost before we
could repair to the front of the building.
boys band, with martial air stepped
TO the strains of inspiring music.
What surprise to us ! Prof. Pat
terson the leader, had within about
three months time worked this change.
and the band composed Of boys ranging
in age from . TO IA years were playinp
" rnfo Galocfirnc NTH -. l..
ny. The students formed in line and
went through various military ma
neuvres. lie was a sight seldom seen
and never TO be forgotten.
The instruments of the band cost
5000, land as President Hayes looked
ON with --us we fancied we saw on his
countenance the return of the old time
fire of determination, reinforced bv sat,
Observation-Disclosures be had accomplished
Knowing as we cid his scant resources
we could but excIaim. Wonderful
For fully twenty minutes these band
boys and students exercised themselves
TO our infinite satisfaction and we felt
that God was indeed with us in our
struggle for complete emancipation.
We repaired to the large assembly
room. 1t contained improved seats. A
large rostrum, neatly carpeted with a
band consisting of 16 pieces arranged it
self in front and as the lady and gentle
man students filed in played other en-
thusing melodies. The Virginia Semi
nary quickstep was among the selec
tions.
President Hayes then introduced us In
that inimitable and eloquent STYLE for
which he is noted and we responded
For more than half an hour we talked
TO these attentive listeners, and were fol.
lowed by Profs. II. Z. ArmisUead. j. r.,
Robinson, I. p. Smith, Rev. b. w. TYR.
rell. The last named gentleman stated
that in his travels he had found the
PLANET away out in South Dakota.
Student Thomas Ii. White of Richmond
after some fiattering remarks concern
ing the work of the editor OF the PLANET
moved that a rising vote of thanks be
rendered him. THIS was unanimously
carried.
One noticeable thing in connection
with the institution Is the excellent or
der. Willing and cheerful obedience
seemed to be the watchword. Never be-
fore have we been so powerfully Impress
ed with the magnitude of the undertak.
ing and the possibility ofits final sue.
cess. We were ushered into the dining
hall where Il bounteous repast was
spread before US.
With the information now before us
the difficulties with which the president
has had to contend he has already done
what can be regarded as truly remark
able. Should he finally succeed to th,
end that the structure is completed, tn,
students that are crowding the doors O
the Institutes properly accommodated
he will stand 10 the forefront with tn,
greatest educational workers OF this da,
aud generation.
We would to God that the colored PEG
pie of Virginia could see this suffering in
stitution as we saw it, realize the finan
cial strain under which it labors, the,
would be nerved to action and tn,
structure would be completed with mon
ey TO spare.
We visited the uncompleted class
rooms, gazed upon the walls which hav
received the first coating OF piasteripg
listened to the plans which they desired
to have carried out and resolved to do
all in our power to rally the tagging en-
ergies OF our people.
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