Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-02-20
UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA.
INTERESTING Law DBBATE-A
PROUD POSITTON-OT,HER 5NClTEaS :

INTERESTING LAW DBRATFLA
PROUD POSTTTON-OTHE NOTES.
charlottesville. Va. Feb 19.-One of
the most interesting questions of the
year was discussed Thursday night in
the John b. Minor Law Debating Soci-
ely. ing case argued was that OF Nor
FOLK and Western Railroad Company
vs.. stevens, recently decided by the Su-
preme Court of Virginia. The Norfolk
ana western Railroad Company had
employed the Phoenix Bridge Company
to replace wooden bridge of theirs with
steel one. The contract was so ar
ranged that, as usual in all such cases
traf fic was to continue Through negli-
gence OF the independent contractor,
certain bolts had been removed, where
by, on crossing, the engine fell in and a
brakeman named Stevens was killed.
Ills administrator sued the Norfolk and
Western Railroad Company for $4,000
The plaintiffs argued that it was a we'll
settled principle of law that a railroad
ccmrany owes certain non-assignable
dmties to their employees. among which
is the rule that they are to use rea-
sonable care to provide safe place for
the servant to perform his work And
that THIS duty was non-aSsignable that
the company could not relieve itself of
the liability by employing an independ-
ent contractor. event though he he a
SSAiiPSNShS oiiG. ne question hinges on
this point
Mr. Henry c. Tyler of Richmond
and Mr.. NJ H. Van Hurp, of Charlottes-
vile. represented the plaintiff. Mr.. IT.
r. Waring, Jr.. of Memphis. Tenn, and
Mr.. Littleton IT. Wake. of Norfolk. de-
Tended the railroad company.
After very good arguments the Su-
prone Court OF the society held that the
railroad company were not liable. two
OF the Justices dissenting. An appeal
to the Court OF Appeals reversed the
decision of the Supreme Court.
The case was recently decided in ia
vor of the railroad company by the SUI
preme Court of the State
AN HONORED VISITOR.
Prof. John B. Minor. of Richmond
college, was on honored visitor After
the debate he gave a short speech
pointing out the great benefits such a
society as this affords. He said all its
members woul realize its benefits when
they have come to the bar. His short
talk was appreciated by ALL
Ihe members Of the T. 7. l.. X. A.
fraternity held their spring Initiation
and banquet Thursday night Among
the Initiates We're r. d. Cooke and r.
G. l.. Taylor. of Norfolk, Va
COLLEGE Y. NJ. C. A.
The University of Virginia holds a
proud position in relation to college
Young Mems Christian Association
work. Indeed, it was the pioneer since
here was established the first Y. NJ. C.
a. in the college world, in 1856.
The heavy -sfttwstorm of to-day
checked the baseball practice which has
been going on regularly since Captain
Male called the candidates out.
A CLUB PROPOSED.
There is movement on foot to or
ganize University Club" and build
a suitable clubhouse. The different fra
ternities now have the matter in hand
and 1t is hoped the plans that have
been discussed will be carried out. It
will not be limited to fraternity men,
but will be open to all students whom
the Board Of Admission passes on y
fine building, with all the conveniences
and pleasures of 81 modern clubhouse,
will be erected. The matter OF raising
funds will be placed In the hands of all
the alumni associations. and there Is
little doubt that such u movement will
meet with success