Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-02-03
SPRING TERM BEGINS.
APPROPRIATE EXERCISES At
THE COLLEGE LAST NIGHT.
PRESIDENT DOATWRIGET'S REPORT.
IT Shows the Institution 10 He In n
Flourisbtng and Prosperous Con-
diffon-Professors Mitchell and
Winston Speak.

ticiseS incident 10 the opening OF the
spring term Of 1897. The exercises were
opened with prayer by Professor Hovey.
Dr. William Il. Hatcher. vice-resident Of
the trustees, presided, and in his intro
ductory remarks spoke of the progress
made In the several departments of col
lege work during the session.
THE HALF-YEAR'S WORK.
President Boatwright then submitted
the following report Of the half-year's
work:
'The half session Just closing has been
marked by many signs of success. There
has been no case OF serious Illness I'm col
lege, and the number of absences from
recitation has been small.
The good order of the student body
constantly evokes the favorable comment
OF professors and visitors on the campus.
The gentlemanly conduct OF students to-
ward each other and toward the officers
OF the college has been very gratifying to
al friends Of the college and Of higher
education. The faculty has not been
called upon TO settle any case OF college
discipline this session.
The number of students matriculated
is 2V-Just the number who had entered
az the corresponding date last session.
Inc resident students are more numerous
TINS year than ever before. At present
every room on the campus is occupied,
and we have already been compelled 10
arrange for other lodgings for students.
IL Is hoped that another dormitory build
ing VIII be erected before the opening OF
next session.
VERY CHEAP BOARD.
THE boarding department has been ex-
tended this session by the opening of
new mess-hall, where good table board rs
furnished at $50 a month. This hall was
intended to accommodate only twenty-five
boarders. but the demand for places was
such that the dining-rOom was enlarged.
Inc present number of bOarders is thirty
five. The gratifying success Of this at
tempt to furnish well-served food at low
rates Is due in large part to the efficient
caterer, Mr.. b. ii. West, of Richmond.
In the department of instruction seye-
raj important additions have been made.
Professor John Il. Minor has been adj
Yanced from acting professor of law to
full professorship. A school Of history has
been established, IN which courses or
ancient. medieval and modern history
are being taught by Professor 5. c. Mitch
ell. Mr.. K. Il. Loving, a Bachelor of Arts
or the college, has been since last Sep
TENDER Instructor In Latin and mathe-
MATES: Mr.. J. a. Sullivan has been tutor
I'm Latin. Beginning on this date another
department Will be added TO our courses OF
lnstructiOn-ViZ.. a school of the Bible.
Through the generosity Of friends Of the
college, who have guaranteed the salary
of a professor for the two years. IL has
been possible TO offer full course or
study I'm the English Bible. 1t gives me
pleasure TO announce that Rev. H. a.
Topper ID. ID. has accepted the offered
professorship, and Will enter al once upon
the duties Of instruction. There will be
two classes three times a week. open 10
all students Of the college free of charge.
NOT A THEOLOGICAL INSTITUTION.
THE opening Of this department gives
me opportunity TO emphasize the fact that
Richmond College is not a theological in
sutution. No theology, nor any subject
of theological instruction. has been taught
here since the college charter was granted,
in 1910. AT the same time, the college,
which was founded 10 teach literature and
science under Christian auspices, has al
ways been proud to be known as the CHIEF
educational centre In Virginia of a great
religious denomination. And there has
been q growing feeling that the Bible
should have a place in our curriculum. 1
believe Christians of every faith Will be
glad TO learn that the leading facts or
Gods Book and particularly of the life
of Christ are TO be taught in Richmond
College.
Just a year ago the first working labo-
ratory in Richmond College was opened
This advance was followed by an increase
in the number of students in chemistry,
so that IL was necessary last fail TO in
crease by half the desk-room i'm the cheml-
tory building is greater than ever. and
the friends of education in Richmond
and elsewhere may be expected TO remedy
the difficulty before the opening Of an
other session.
Public lectures have been delivered du-
ring the past half session by Professors
Winston, Pollard, and Carroll, of the
faculty, and by Dr. Eager, OF Rome,
President Whitsitt, Of Kentucky. and by
Professor Sitter, of Pennsylvania. During
this month addresses on Christian eyi-
dences will be given by DIR. Mcconnell,
Of Lynchburg; Dr. Wharton, of Norfolk,
and by Drs. Hoge and Hatcher. of Rich
mond. The Thomas lectures next month
will be given by President Hall, OF Clark
Massachusetts. There Will
also be another course of public lectures
by professors.
THE OUTLOOK ENCOURAGING.
"The outlook is very encouraging.
its behalf than l have ever known them
TO be. The alumni are keeping themselves
better informed about Alma Mater, and
are eager to receive news of every plan
TO extend her usefulness. Students say
there is a growing esprit de corps in col
lege. and that the prospective alumni are
as jealous of the good name Of Richmond
College as any who fondly look upon the
institution across the enchanted gulf OF
years With students alumni, professors,
trustees. and friends working harmonious
ly for the college and the cause of higher
education in our beautiful city, we may
thank God for past blessings, and, IN
voking His aid for the future courageous
work the new year brings.
PROFESSORS MITCHELL AND WIN
STON.
Professor Mitchell was then introduced.
and spoke of Education as Related TO
Life" Modern civilization" he said in
part, sis a three-ply rope. One ply goes
back to Judea and gives US morality.
Another goes back TO Greece, and gives US
art. and another 10 Rome. and gives us
law. This IS what the world has given
to civilization.
methods Of education should be
adapted to our needs at the present time.
The college must fit itself into the life
OF the people"
Professor Winston then spoke I'm be-
half of the teaching OF science in our
Certain faculties and powers
of our nature are appealed 10 only by
the study OF science" he said. Science
can be taught not by memorizing certain
laws. but the student himself must come
In contact with the facts and must study
them by experiment. The provision
made for the teaching OF science Is the
criterion by which a college Is judged"
Professor Boatwright made announce
nents for the second half session. and
the following resolution was offered and
adopted by those present:
Resolved, That the officers. students.
and friends Of Richmond College. gather
ed to celebrate the opening of
the spring term OF the college. send cor
dial greetings to Professor III. Ii. Harris
assuring him Of their sympathy In his
illness and expressing the hope that he
NAV soon be restored TO health and use
fulness."
Those present then went to the library
hall. where refreshments were served
nv the ladies OF the campus.
x,-.-x 60.