Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-11-30
TO AID THE FUND.
The University Entertainment a Popular
and Financial Success.
RECEIPTS EXCEED FOUR HUNDRED
Senator DnnieI and Professor Smith
spcnk-A Wealth Of Interesting
Features Delight n Large Audi
cncc.

The Iong-hcralded entertainment for
the benefit OF the rebuilding fund of the
University Of Virginia took place at the
Mozart Academy last night. The audi
ence was fairly large. and highly appre-
clative OF the many excellent FEATURES
which went TO make up a programme OF
surprising interest. Many new friends
were introduced in the course OF the eve
ming and a host of old friends appeared
in new guses. The management or the
affair had been committed to the tender
solictude OF Mr.. Horace +. smith. ana
/, Is scarcely necessary to add that the
programme passed off without single
hitch There were no distressing stage
waits. and the rule that encores should
not be allowed. was strictly enforced.
The popular playhouse was tasteiuIiy
decorated for the occasion. "A proiusioh
Of bunting hung from the proscenium
arch. and the dress-circle was enectiveiy
draped with national and State colors
and embleIns. The Academy orchesra
had rendered their services TOT the oc-
caslon. and played an overture anu the
incidental music throughout the eVen'hs'
Promptly at the hour set the cu'lain
went up, and United States senator
Jobn w Daniel with Professor Francis
II Smith, the senior professor Vi 'he
university. were the first to appear.
Senator Daniel delivered a brief ana
stirring address In the course or ms
opening allusion to the destruction OF the
university he took occasion to thank the
neople of Richmond for the liberallty
and sympathy they had shown. lie then
went on to give a sketch or the HE OF
Thomas jefferson, and the influences ne
had exercised on the education ahu
Thought OF his day and the part nc
had taken In the effort to estabiish an
American academy. which was eventual
ly built on the site now occupled pN
the Monumental church In TINS city. re
ouoted the truism AN institution Is the
heightened shadow OF one man." ana
maintained that the saying was exempt
fed in the case of the University OF
Virginia. which was a reflex of Thomas
Jefferson. 1t had been the dream oil
Jefferson. he said. and he urged upon
his hearers the duty Of taking up the
uncompleted task. He spoke OF the
achievements Of the university in the
past and reviewed its history. The Sc
crets of its success hitherto, he said. had
been the high standard IL had invariably
maintained and the fact that the faculty
had alawsy been men distinguished LOT
their eruditon. He then introduced Pro-
fessor Francis II. Smith. who spoke OF
the university under evident stress Oh
deep feeling He drew a pathetic word
picture of the fateful Sunday morning
when the fire was discovered in the ro-
tunda- lie alluded TO the incalculable
loss. and detailed a number of Incidents
sad. humorous and heroic. which trans
pired around the blazing pile. lie
paid a high tribute TO the labors OF
the students in the work of battling The
flames. and then thanked the people OF
this city for their efforts to swell tho
building fund OF the university.
The University of Virginia Banjo Club,
composed Of Messrs. Griffith, Lambert,
Tnton. Neal. Kane. Robinson, Dodge,
Durrett. Woodman. Hoen. furnished the
first musical number on the pro-
gramme. They played the "Mardi Gras
March" with that peculiar snap and vim
that is the Characteristic Of college clubs
Mrs Bessie Miller Oton. the distn-
e,uished reader, followed with a charming
little character sketch. which was given
with the true dramatic instinct.
Then came an exhibition OF that unique
niece Of mechansm--the eldoloscope-in-
vented by Professor WoOdville Latham
graduate Of the university. A priZe-fght
and a street scene were graphically de-
picted.
MIR. Andre Burthe came next on the
programme. with Bonlatowskfs popular
song. "The Yeoman's Wedding Song"
which he gave with excellent effect and
in his best style.
Mr.. Howard Saxby, of Cincinnati, was
next introduced. The famous humorist
gave a brilliant little monologue, entitled
Twenty Minutes with Twenty Men"
which served to keep his audience in
roars of laughter.
Mr.. J.. NJ. Sale. popularity known as the
king Of Clubs" through his supreme
dexterity in swinging and juggling the
Indian clubs, contributed an exhibition
of his sisill.
The Imperial Quartette sang selection
OF "nigger" melodies with their usual
skill. and were followed by Mr.. Sam
Crowder, who played a medley Of SOUTH
ern airs arranged as a patrol by Mr.. III.
y. Smith, contributed one of the most
pleasing features.
At this point the most interesting event
OF the evening transpired. Mr. Wynd-
ham Meredith appeared on the stage, and
in "A few well-chosen words presented
10 Professor Smith the proceeds of the
entertainment. which amounted TO si0S.37.
Professor Smith returned thanks briefly.
No IS on the programme was piano
duo by the Misses Florsheim. followed
bv n cornet solo by Miss Estelle Flors-
helm. For the piano number they played
the Grand Valse de Concert" and the
cornet solo was the old familiar air. Gar
~ Me Back 10 Old Virginia" Both
selections were interpreted with skill.
Tt was a genuine delight 10 all TO hear
once again Mr.. Leo Wheat. who gave two
interesting compositions Of his own on
the piano. His playing seems TO have
improved greatly since he was last heard
here; his technic is even more brilliant
and his phrasing and pedalling have at
tanned an even greater degree OF merit.
He played his popular Girls or the South
Waltz" and the Grand Elks' March"
one of his latest and best compositions
Nessrs. Haddon Watkins and Thurston
Cardoza sang Italy" by request. Both
gentlemen were in excellent voice, and the
song was superbly interpreted.
The closing event was the bicycle trick
riding OF Mr.. Sid. Black. truly mar
vellous exhibition. which called down
again and again the enthusiastic plaudits
Of the audience. Mr.. Black is credited
with being the champion trick safety
'cyclist. and right well does he uphold
the dignity.
Mr. Jacob Reinhardt was the accom-
pa MIST