Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-02-26
FOR THE ALMA MATER
ALUMNAE OF wOMAN's COLLEGE
EARNEST FOR HER WELFARE.
WOULD INCREASE Her LIBRARY.
This the Definite Aim That Those
Who Have the College So Near De-
eide On-steps Taken at Once-Two
bright Papers.
bright Papers.

The regular February meeting Of the
Alumnae Association of the WomaRs
College was held in the literature-lecture
room of the college yesterday afternoon
at 4:3O o'clock. The room was crowded,
and the interest in the entire proceedings
was very manifest. Quite a number Of
new members were enrolled, and several
matters of Importance were discussed.
A spirited discussion arose as to the
choice Of some special object for which
the association should work. Several sug-
gestions were made-all in accord with
the needs and growth of the school. 1t
was finally decided to make the thorough
equipment Of the college library the i'm
mediate aim Of the association. This. Of
course, does not prohibit their co-opera-
ton in any larger work that may in the
near future be attempted, but is to be,
at least for the present, a distinctive
work Of the alumnae. In pursuance Of this
decision 1t was determined to proceed at
once with the plans for an entertainment
TO be given soon.
AFTER COLLEGE, WHAT?"
After the business was disposed Of
the association listened with great plea
sure to papers by two Of it's members.
The first was by Mrs. e. A. Ezekiel on
the subject. After College. What?" Mrs.
Ezekiel, well known in literary and edu-
cational circles, fully sustained her repu-
tation in the able and graceful paper
which she read. She spoke of the many
avenues of usefulness which the in
creased opportunity for culture have
opened 10 women. Her quickened mental
activity has shown itself in the tendency
10 gather In groups for special lines of
study Sappho, on her Lesbian isle. en-
joys the distinction Of having formed the
first womans club. After her time the
precedent fell into disfayOr, but the nine
teenth century has seen it's full renais-
sance and this is essentially an age of
clubs. This is well. and serves as a
mental stimulus TO many whose lives are
busy with domestic cares. Whenever II
shall begin 50 TO encroach upon the home
duties as TO lessen the interest in them.
it will prove an evil and not a blessing;
but in its proper proportions, it is a great
opportunity
HEALTH AND HIGHER EDUCATION.
The second paper was by Mrs r.
Il. Gaines, on 1.-THE Relation of Health to
Higher Education" She spoke Of the cur
rent skepticism as 10 woman's physical
ability TO meet the strain Of attaining
the highest education. She admitted that
in many cases the doubt was well found
ed but showed clearly that whatever
weakness may exist is traceable 10 no.
thing inherent or organic, but TO the oif-
terence in the physical training of girl
and boy one leads o shut-in, hot-hous9
existence. the other spends his leisure
hours out of doors. While one practices
on the piano, the other riots in the open
air ana stores up health and strength.
Give the girl the freedom of outdoor
life from the start, and when she comes
to the higher grades Of study there viii
be no question Of nervous weakness, or
inability. Give her the benefit, not Of
football or baseball but Of the gentier
spdrts and exercises that will best de-
veIop her in health and grace. So she
have health and a well-trained mind, a
woman may turn successfully 10 any
avocation of life. Thorough mental train
ing whether il be in mathematics, pnilo-
sopny or Latin, must in the end make
~ it's possessor a better housekeeper
more completely a helpmeet ana a more
successful mother. All mental lie Is re-
lated. and must be mutually helpful.