Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-02-20
ABOUT THE CAMPUS.
NEWS FROM THE VIRGINIA POLY
TECHNIC INSTITUTE.
DIR. McBryde Receives COmDIi-
mentary NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. Mat
About the NeighbOrh0Od.

BLACKSBURG, VA, February 10
(Special.)--A very handsome compliment
was recently paid our president, Dr. Nc
Bryde. He was requested TO deliver the
after-dlnner address before the Farmers
Club on the evening OF the 18th, on the
subject of 1.-THE Tobacco Plant" While
calling itself the Farmers Club, the or
ganization is composed OF well-known
mlllionaires. limited in its membership
to sixty. Among them are such men Of
wealth as the Vanderbilts. Rockefeller,
Seward, Webb, James A. Burden, the Ise-
Inns, Astors. Chauncey NJ Depew, &c, &c.
Owing 10 a pressure OF engagements
here, DR.. McBryde was forced to decline,
very greatly TO the regret OF his friends
and admirers, who realize what a plea
SAINT impression he would have made, and
what great credit he would have done his
State and section had he been able to ac-
cept.
Messrs. Burner, McGregor, Waddell,
and Beau. of the institute, left on Thurs
day TO attend the State Convention Of
the Young Mems Christian Association,
which Is now in session in Lynchburg.
These are finely representative young men
OF our institute, and go TO the convention
as regularly accredited delegates. Be-
sides them, Messrs Wilson, Fentress,
Begg, Palmer. H. l.. Chrisman, and others
will also be present, being induced TO
attend by their interest In the State
Young Mems Christian Association work.
MIR. MATTHEW'S HAS GONE.
Mr.. Matthews. of Oxford, Eng. a lay
reader In the Episcopal Church, who has
been holding Bible readings twice a day
for the past week in the Episcopal church
here. and I'm the Young Mems Christian
Association Hall. also left on Wednesday
evening to attend the convention in
Lynchburg. He made a most pleasant
impression on those who were fortunate
enough 70 hear him, and Il is believed
his work will result In great good, not
only in arousing Christian workers TO
larger endeavor. but also by stimulating
an interest I'm closer personal Bible study
Rev. James NJ. Holiday. Of the Pres
byterian church. has been In Abingdon
during the week as a member Of the Com
mittee Of Montgomery Presbytery, 10
meet similar committee from Abingdon
Presbytery to consider the question OF
the two presbyteries assuming Joint con-
troll Of the Stonewall Jackson Institute,
located In Abingdon, and building up a
first-class female school In southwest
Virginia for the higher education Of wo-
men. Should the results OF their delbe-
rations be favorable, there is no reason
why there should not be built up there a
female seminary which would be 20 the
Southwest what Miss Baldwln's has been
10 the Valley.
Mrs Or. Kent Black has returned home
after most pleasant visit Of some weeks
10 relatives IN Ashland. KY, and other
places.
THE THEsPIAN CLUB.
The Thespian Club, composed Of the
best histrionic talent at the institute, gave
on Friday evening a delightful dramatic
entertainment. consisting OF two farces,
choice music. and clog dance by Mr.
Oaks for the benefit Of the Athletic Asso-
citation.
All who met the legislative committee
recently here were greatly struck with
the fine personnel Of the committee and
the close attention given by them TO the
inspection Of the various departments OF
the institute. It's advantages and needs.
1t was a body OF earnest. thoughtful. IN
telligent men. who do our State great
credit
The new dwellipg-hoUse built by Mr..
Jacob Kester has been completed, and
Is now occupied. Those OF Messrs. Block,
Gray, and Frank Harvey are also near
Ing completion. and viii soon DO ready
for occupancy. Mr.. Harmon Keister mas
completed his large roller process steam
mill, and Is at work grinding. Severai
hundred bushels OF wheat and corn have
been already delivered. though the nun
was completed but a few days ago. DIT.
Keister buys only tho best grade gram,
and proposes to make hour OF the very