Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-06-06


nected with tho finals OF the Woman
College last week was the very livery
interest taken In the affairs OF the IN
stitution by the alumnac, and the or
Ganlzation of an association of the post
graduates, which cannot fail TO nave
benencent influence on the future well
fare OF their Alma Mater.
The luncheon given at the Jefferson on
Monday afternoon was one OF the most
recherche affairs undertaken by the
management Of that famous hosiery. IL
was planned by a committee Of which
Miss Orie L. Hatcher was the capable
and energetic chairman. and much OF
the success, that attended IL was due TO
her individual and indefatigable efforts.
The middle section of the dining-room
was set apart as no-mans-land, and
within its hallowed precincts neither sound
nor voice OF the sterner sex could be
detected. Indeed, no masculine note OF any
sort was heard, and the new woman,
had such an one been present, would
have been forced to hide her diminished
head In very shame at her own existence,
after listening 10 the sharp and caustic
criticism, with which she was scored In
the post-prandial speeches. For there
were many toasts, and the responses 10
them were as bright and clever as they
were original. The list covered the whole
history OF the institution. and even tore
aside the veil which obscures its future.
IL struck. as well, the keynote of the
association. which declares war against
the new woman" and laid an honest
A.. fax 90 ha MOI
man.
The Presidents Greeting.
Mrs. u. T. Crump (nee Miss Lizzie Nc
Donald. the newly-eiected president
acted as tosst-master. IL extending her
greetings TO the association and their
guests she said:
feel peculiarly honored in being made
president OF this body. Though / have
accepted with fear and trembling. yet
your confidence In placing me here has
been, and Will be. an Inspiration TO me.
To those Of us whose hair Is beginning
TO show the silver threads. l would say,
let us embrace every opportunity that
comes In our way TO enlarge our educa-
tion and views of life, not seekjngs TO
change our environment. but to do the
best we can in (. Do not shrink from
responsibility Work may come to us
p.Ish Only take the advice you give to
the child at your knee: Try" If God
has entrusted that unsoied soul to your
care and keeping, then be sure you will
need every resource, you will need every
opportunity for higher and better educa-
tion for the greatest Of all woman's work.
So that In the years TO come, If In the
kindness OF God we are permitted to
sit at these reunions with our daughters
in those caps and gowns, we WEI at least
not quake In our boots. We honor those
caps and gowns for the toll and honest
effort they represent.
There is nothing so educates and broad
ems our nature as true love of any
kind. He who loves nothing and desires
the good OF nothing is hardly apt TO gain
any good for himself. Therefore let us
foster the love in our hearts for our old
"Aema Mater" desiring her good In al
things. IL IL Is deemed wise that changes
must take place. for her life and we'll
being let them come. Conservative some
times means lazy. Peace and lack of
change is not always progress.
Keep In sympathy and in touch with
our educators. so large a per cent. OF
whom are women. Where our influence
can be- used-and who can estimate ones
influence?-let IL be used in demanding
work in moulding the minds and charac-
tiers OF the coming generations is second
20 the mothers only. And "A laborer Is
worthy of his hire" The power we have
as women is qulet-we want no other
You cannot hear the sap running up the
trunk and branches OF the strong tree,
you cannot hear the buds burst into
bloom. but in due time The tree is clothed
in vernal beauty. and the valleys smile
~ l. To-.
every point with life" Al noseless
work. but none the less perfect.
Though the shadows may sometimes
fail around us. l can only ask for us that
we may be enabled 10 keep our hearts
like our colors-ever fresh and greenland
our souls ever pure and white.
Our Ante-Delium Days.
"Our Antc-Bellum Days" was the next
toast, and coupled with ii was the name
OF Miss Mary Williamson Apperson. The
sentiment OF the toast was expressed in
the following coaplet:
"Whcn to sessions OF sweet silent
thought.
i summon up remembrance Of things
past
Miss Apperson said:
Friends and Sisters of the Aiumnae
OF the Woman's College OF Richmond -
When our esteemed president invited me
TO be her guest on this occasion. l was
delighted. but when she added, and re-
eponded 10 the toast, Our Ante-Bellum
Days" I was aghast, appalled, /, who
have lived in most retired manner.
make a sueefh, Impossible, l would for
get everything. and In my confusion re
mind one OF Sol. Smith Russell's ludi-
crous representation OF the Woman
Rights Woman" so she said / could use
my notes.
Thou who stealest fire.
Fvom the fountains Of the past.
To g,orify the present; o. haste,
Visit my low desife.
Strengthen me. enlighten me.
faint In this obscurity.
Thou dewy dawn OF memory"
Retrospoct!vely. what food OF memo
ries rushes over the mind. The happy,
careless days OF girhoodl The golden
anticipation Of youth. Peace and pros
perity made our country glorious, until
the last year l spent at school. when
the shadow OF war darkened our be-
loved land. and all was confusion. Fore
&c wah. dyar warn no trouble nor nut
TIM" exctp. perhaps. os recitation hoty
drew near and we hadn't prepared the
lesson. With affection. ! remember our
Alma Mater. having known her since her
youth. for / entered her halls Of tarning
on the opening day. and have ever felt
an interest in her and her children. our
first beloved president and organizer, DR..
Basil Manly, Jr. has passed into the
spirit world. Professor Charles "a. VIM
ston. OF Richmond College. succeeded
him. Both won. by their gentieress and
nrmness. the regard OF the pupils. but
remember the latter AS superior
teacher. having reached the collegiate
department during his presidency.
Owing 10 the superiority Of It's course
OF Instruction. the school ~ this time