The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-02-29
w. AND UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT IGNORED BY LOCAL ALUMNI
Dr. Smith Outlines Aims of University at Dinner Last Night-E. ". Barrett
 Postmaster

pr. Henry Lewis Smith. president of Washington and Lee university. was the guest of honor at dinner rendered by the Birmingham alumni of the insti- tuition at the private dining room Of the Tutwiler last night E. W. Barrett presided as toastmaster. and number of the alumni made informal talks
 pr. Smith aroused the enthusiasm of the alumni when he told of the splen- did progress made by their alma mater during the past few years, and as he pointed out the plans for still greater developments which were now being put into effect Among the recent ac- complishments in material way was the construction of the finest gymna- sium possessed by any university in the south, the cost being more than $100,- 900. A bequest of s2,00o,000 was also recently given the institution, subject only to a life interest on the part of the widow of the donor.
 Dr. Smith told of the early history of Washington and Lee, of the establish ment of the institution by George Washington, and the impression of his
 
 guided it in the early days The re- organization of the school by Robert E. Lee following the Civil war and the wonderful force of his character and his life in guiding the work and mold ing the ideals of the school and it's students, were recounted by the speaker in most effective manner.
 The peculiar advantages offered by Washington and Lee. the splendid spirit prevailing among the students, the ideal geographical location and it's heritage in it's ideals and it's history were pointed out by Dr. Smith. He outlined the inauguration of the physical cul- ture work at the university, which makes proper athletic training and de- velopment of the body a requirement. for graduation. This outdoor training or gymnasium work, stated the speaker, is in connection with a course in hy- giene which is also required of every student in the institution. Under the plan recently adopted by Washington and Lee every student is educated in the knowledge of the body and how to care for it and at the same time is given physical training under the
 
 Dr. Smith was highly optimistic over the future of Washington and Lee and was especially interested in securing a record attendance at the coming commencement. It was pointed out that the last commencement was the greatest in the history of the univer- sity and from the encouraging reports being received from the alumni in the different cities he was of the opinion that his expectations would be met in the June gathering.
 pr Smith is making tour of mum Der of southern cities in which Wash ington and Lee has a strong alumni association. He addressed meeting of former students in New Orleans Satur- day night and he leaves today for At lanta to speak to the alumni there. Among those who attended the din- ner last night were:
 Dr. Henry Lewis Smith. F. w. Bar rett, Roderick Beddow, Alex c. Birch, R. F. Burnett Borden H. Burr, Beach M. Chenoweth, Willoughly N. Clay brook, George w, Glover, Noah B. Feagin, L. R. Hanna, c. S. Henley, C., c. Holcombe, Walter M. Hood, Sorsby i, Jemison, c. M McCrum, W. G. Mont gomery, D. L. Moss, c. A. Nolan, L. F. O'Byrne, William Streit. Robert G. Thach and J. H. Willis.