The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1918-01-31

Before an audience that taxed the
capacity OF the hall of the house OF
delegates last evening, students from
the University of Virginia addressing
the members of the house and senate
legislative committees aroused the
supporters and opponents of co-edu-
cation to the highest pitch OF enthu-
siasm In hearing that approached
the dramatic in some OF it's phases.
The students told of the sentiment of
the student body OF the university as
they sensed II, three of them speak
ing for the majority. in opposition to
co-education. and one, Student r. d.
Jones, editor of the college paper,
University Topics, speaking in favor
of co-education.
While the three students speaking
In opposition were generously ap-
plauded. Mr.. Jones in his rebuttal, in
dnlged In burst Of oretory and finely
expressed sentiment that won a per-
feet whirlwind of applause from both
co-eds and ants. a tribute to the
very excellence of his efforts.
Veteran legislators, members of
both houses, as well as gentlemen
and ladies attending the hearing, filed
past young Mr.. Jones when the ses-
sion adjourned and insisted upon
grasping his hand and congratulate
ing him.
Adjourns Until Tonight
AS a comprehensive hearing on the
merits of the proposal. however, the
AFFAIR was a disappointment. Because
of the iateness of the hour when the
hearing was called to order, 10
o'clock. It was decided 10 hear only
the students and adjourn until 8
O'Clock this evening.
Among those in attendance and
waiting to be heard were DR.. Alder
man, president of the University OF
Virginia, and the members of the
board of visitors. They will appear
before the committee this evening
The members OF the joint educa-
tional committees, more or less weary
after their house and senate sessions
and committee meetings close on the
heels Of each other. and the rather
protracted joint caucus session In the
evening lasting tin 10 O'Clock, were
on the keen edge OF their nerves as
shown by a rather sharp exchange
between those who desired to adjourn
the hearing over TIL next week and
those who wished to proceed with
the hearing until IL p. M. and ad-
journ until s this evening. which lat
unusual procedure of calling for
OF the committee.
Senator Ssrufs Speaks
Senator Strode. the patron of one
OF the three measures before the COM
mittee was present to direct the forces
OF the proponents OF co-education.
The three bills provide for admission
y~.t, ztA n$ II
ginia under terms to be prescribed
BY the board OF visitors. for straight
out education, and for admission
Of wmen TO William and Mary
The senator introduced Student
Jones who said he believed that sec
ton of the student body he repre-
serted was fundamentally right In
taking the position that there WAS no
valid objection 60 the admission or
women on terms 10 be prescribed by
the board OF visitors. He believed.
however, that all OF the student body
would oppose straiRht-out co-educa-
ton. THE minority element. favor
ing the admission under terms and
conditions, represented about ONE
fourth OF tire student body" he said.
There WAS well-deansd opinion
among the students in recognition or
tiors were not right for the great ex-
pense involved I'm a coordinate col
lege" Referring to resolution
signed by many OF the student body
in opposition to education, Mr..
Jones said he believed many of them
had signed under a misapprehension.
He knew thew did not all oppose any
and every form of co-educatfon.
Law Student Follows.
Y d Carlisle, president of the sec
ona wear law class followed in oppo-
sitton. and read resolution signed
by ATT of the $50 students in oppo-
sition to co-education. The resoiu-
ton in printed below.
E L. Bemiss. Jr.. followed with a
brief speech in opposition He said
In effect. that the spirit OF the uni
versity and It's manly virtues would
deteriorate and fade away under the
proximity OF female influence at the
college and deprive the students or
much OF the time and comradeship OF
she professors which they now en-
loved, and which did much to make
for the great spirit OF the university
as exempiifed by its alma mater.
E. g. Ruffin, Jr.. editor OF the Uni
yersity Law Review. closed for the
remonstrants. He was aware that the
students had been criticized ana ac
cused of selfishness in setting their
oninion and wishes against the ma
ture conviction OF 80 many ana 30
large a part OF the citizens OF the
state. but he wished only to convey
TO the members OF the general assem- :
Div the attitude Of the student BODY.
which was in opposition to the pro-
posed innovation. The value OF the
university. he said. was In the strength
of character IT developed ratherr than
learning. and they believed this would
be interfered with by co-education.
Heard IN Rcbuttai.
Then came Mr.. Jones in rebuttal.
In which created wave or enthusi-
asm, as stated above. He said, In
part:
I'm reference to the fear expressed
here that the manly virtues OF the
students of the University of Virginia
will decline and disappear IL sub]ec-
ed to the environment OF co-educa-
ton, I have but one word. hold
far higher and more sacred opinion
OF the traditions OF the university. pro-
vided that women are permitted to
evolve their own life at that inseitu-
tion. I believe that the spirit OF
Jefferson and the memory of a Poe
will energize their alma mater though
Its outward form be changed. / also
believe that the tradition and the
spiryf cf Uirotnia are not of such weak