Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-11-24
SCHOOL OF ATHENS.
Prof DaVis, Of the University, DeliYtls
His Celebrated Lecture Here.
PRESENTED ny JUDGE INGRAM.
Realistic Views OF the Great Fire
and of the Buiidings-work OF the
Ladle. commendsd-Csntributisns
to the Building Fsnd.


ty OF the University Of Virginia. Ice
tured before a large and cultured audi
ence at the Young Mems Christian AS
ISOLATION Hall last night on "The School
OF Athens"
The lecture was given under the au-
spices OF the ladies OF Richmond for the
benefit OF tho building fund Of the uni
yersity, and realized the most sanguine
expectations that II would be q brilliant
oratoricai effort, replets with interest
and evidencing profound learning and
wide research. The lecture was Illus
trated with excellent stereopticon views.
kindly furnished by Mr.. Arthur ID. Clarke.
OF this city. The photographs were
shown on a canvas i6x2i feet which was
effectively bordered with blue and Yell
low draperies. intertwined.
PRESENTED BY JUDGE INGRAM.
Professor Davis was introduced by
Judge John II. Ingram. who said that
any Introduction OF the distinguished
speakor OF the evening would be incom-
plete without q brief statement OF the
objects OF this entertainment and with
out some illusion to those under whose
auspices II was being held. He then de-
tailed in graphic and stirring terms tho
story Of the tire. and said that II there
had ever been any doubt as to tho place
the university held In the affections or
the people. 1t had been dlsslpated. for In
the hour OF its need assistance was
coming from every hand. the widows
mite and the rich mans bounty being
alike placed at its disposal. He dweit
at length on the part the women OF
the South had played in the matter OF
raising funds for the rebuilding OF the
university, aud said that, even though
the Legislature of Virginia should prove
recreant to its duty. and not make suf-
ficient Appropriation to restore the In
stitutlon In all its former magnificent
proportions, and though Its alumni and
friends among the /nep should prove
false to their obligations. he had abun-
dant evidence to convince him
that the women OF the South, unaided,
would see to II that q new rutunda.
fashioned as much like the old as pos
sible. would proudly rear It's dome, tina
central ornament OF our great university.
(Applause)
He spoke. further. OF the object OF the
entertainment, TO aid In the work Of res
toration, and OF Professor Dayiss kind
ness In consenting 10 deliver his cele-
brated lecture on THE School Of Athens"
THE LECTURE.
Professor Davis spoke OF the pleasure
1t gave him TO be present. and to notice
the great interest that was being evinced
In Richmond in the rebuilding OF the uni
verslty He esteemed IL, he said. rare
privilege to be able 10 contribute in any
way towards the restoration of the distin-
guished seat OF learning. Briefly he res
viewed the history OF the institution. ana
then. by means OF stereopticon views. ne
described the buildings. with their nume-
rous features. as they appear to tho visi-
| tor from the iawn-front and from the
| side. The front view OF the buildings, as
| they appeared on the memorable night OF
| October 27th. was next introduced. and
| the lecturer gave a graphic and stirring
| description OF the fire, which was accen-
| tuated by the next Illustration. presenting
| a side view OF tho ruins.
magnificent portrait Of Raphael was
next introduced, and the learned lecturer
spoke of his art and influence. The view
OF st. Peters and the Vatican. which
followed. led ny to the main subject
Of the evening, Tho School of Athens"
The picture was Reproduced on the can
vas and, after reviewing the history OF
Athens, her rise, influence. and decline.
Professor Davis pointed out the various
groups OF philosophers. sophists. ana
cynics, and signlfed the part they took
In moulding Greek thought and customs.
The lecturer then gave brief sketches or
the lives and influence OF Plato. Aristotle,
Alciblades, Dlogenes. Archimedes. Socra-
tes Pythagoras, Themistocles, and others.
and introduced numerous anecdotes which
tended to show the characteristics or the
men.
The lecture, which was exceedingly In
terestinx was frequently interrupted
nd ia humorous
touches were thoroughly appreciated.
Professor Davis left on the 1880 +. Ne
train for Charlottesville.
University building Fund.
The following letter explains itself:
Richmond, Va. November -, 1895.
Mr.. w. NJ. Thornton:
Dear sir,-We have been appointed
committee to forward you the enclosed
sum of $3.50 which has been contributed
by Mr. Powelrs school to the "restoration
fund" OF the University OF Virginia
We have been taught TO revere and love
the university, and are greatly distressed
at the calamity which has come upon II.
We are sorry 10 send so little. but VIII
feel honoured IL II can serve TO replace
even a small portion OF the old rotunda.
Very respectfully yours.
Ellen VI. Bagby (chairman). elizabeth w.
Weddeu, Maria @. Moseley. NJ. Gertrude
SHELTON, Grace Elliott Shields. commit
tee.
PROFESSOR LILIES REPLY.
This is the graceful reply received to
the above:
University Of Virginia,
Charlottesville. Va,
Chairman's ONCE. November Y. 1885.
Misses Ellen NJ. Bagby (chairman). Eliza
beth W. Weddell. Maria q. Moseley. NJ.
Gertrude SHELTON. and Grace Elliott
Shields, Committee:
Young Ladlcs,--I have the pleasure OF
acknowledging the receipt OF your letter
expressing your anectionate reverence for
the university. and testifying your inte-
rest In It's speedy restoration In the SUD
stantial form OF contribution OF 800.
raised by voluntary subscription In Mr..
powells school,
am sure nothing could be more grace
ful or more encouraging 10 us than tho
consciousness. produced by your generous
act. that even the girls OF the state. 70
whom our doors are necessarily closed.
are deyoting themselves 10 our interests
and bestowing their pin-money towards
rehabllitatng our dlsmantled BUILDINGS.
Surely the old rotunda, when II shall
| gain stand forth IN It's former beauty,
| viii have an added glory for the part
| which the women a5d Children nave taken
| N giving II back 10 ur-
I beg that you. and all Of those whom
you represent. will accept our warmess
hanks for this tribute OF your love for
| the university and this evidence OF your
| generous promptings in Its behalf.
Believe me- young ladies.
| Very sincerely yours w. NJ. Lille.
Acting Chairman.
Amount previously subscribed ....Si3in -
| Edward II. Brown ............... loW
G.. ~. L<aru8 s........s.....sss.sss.s ~ ~
Dr. George Ben. Johnston ........ tS@