Issuu

VOL. XVI.

FEBRUARY, 1890.

NO. 5.

EDITORS: M1i Sigma Rho,

E. w. GREANER, II. T. LOUTHAN, { B. B. ROBINSON.

J.E. Philologian, D. H. { H.F.

HUTCHINSON, RucKER, WILLIAMS.

Business Manager- W. OWEN CARVER. Assistant Business Manager-W. E. FARRAR. Twiligl1t.

To "LITTLE ONE." 'Tis twilight, holy hour at whose approach, .The weary workman's daily labors cease#, The hour when every i,ast, though full of woes, Should feel the haHowed influence of peace. The flower-iaden breezesÂˇ fan my cheek, And chase the fever from my burning brow; And, fancy-winged and all unbidden, coru~s . The memory of days that are not now. Again with thee I sit at eve alone; Again I fool my happy heart rejoice; . Again I hear the songs I used to love; Again drink in the music of thy voice. Ah! little one, where'er, what e'er lam, Those happy hours I never shall forget; For love remembereth, and I have loved, Yes, little one, have loved and love you yet. And now the stars come out, and lo! one shoots Athwart the deep'ning shadows of the night; A moment, leaves a trail from east to west; Then, paling, fades forever from my sight. Was it, an emblem of the 'hopes which once Beguilfod my love to thee? 0 say, love, "Nay, 'Tis rather the bright herald that foretells Ji'or you and me a coming happier day." ..

FEn. 1st. 1890.

"YOU'l'IIFUL

JEEMS."

RICHMOND A. Visit

COLLEGE MESSENGER. to lUannnotll

It is generally granted tha Kentucky prossesses the greatest natural curiosity in the world, the Mammoth Cave, which is situated in the hills of Edmunson county, Kentucky, near Green River. This marvelous cavern is said to have been discovered by a hunter named Hutchins, in the year of 1809, while pursuing a wounded bear. For many long years we had cherished a desire to visit the silent chambers of that subterranean world, and behold its wonderful spectacles with our own eyes. So we seized upon the first opportunity, after coming to Kentucky to gratify this desire; and on Thanksgiving evening, we joined a party of eighteen jovial young students, and waved a good-bye to Louisville, in token of our delight at being freeci from study and confinement for a short time, at least. So pleasant were our companions, that time seemed to pass very rapidly, and we soon arrived at Glascow J unction,where we changed cars for Mammoth Cave, ten miles distant. And about sundown we ended our ride, and stepped into the Cave Hotel, just tired and hungry enough -well just enough to cause more than one innocent member of the feathered tribe to wish there never had been a cave at all. The hotel is ·a very antiquated specimen of architecture, and yet comfortably arranged in all its different apartments. . In the year 1812, some miners built a log cabin, which still remains as a part of the present building. Additions have been made to this from time · to time

Cave.

until at present, the entire buildings fronts about six hundred feet. In the waiting room, we found an old time log fire which evoked a shout of delight from the whole party, and led our memories back to happier days when the Christmas log fire seem to reflect the image of many sunny faces, · and to lend cheerfulness to the festive scene. The place is a pleasant resort, aside from its chief attraction, the cave. The grounds are laid off beautifully, with here and there some lovely specimens of ornamental shrubbery growing among a great number of ancient oaks which over-shadow the beautiful lawn. At once we found ourselves •·:surrounded with good old Southern ·hospitality; and after enjoying a sumptuous repast, we retired to the veranda, where we found our guide, "Josh," in charge of the necessary aparatus for lighting up the "dark world" into whieh we purposed to go. A lamp was provided for each visitor, and with bright anticipations we marched off to the cave, single file, with our jolly guide in command. We soon reached the mouth of the cave, situated in a charming ravine between two hills of considerable height. The opening to the cave is spanned by an arch measuring seventy feet in height. From a ledge above, a rill leaps fifty feet to the rocks below where it disappears, as having played its part in the pamorarna which there begins to pass before one's bewilldered gize. A flight of seventy rude stone steps

A VISIT TO THE MAMMO'l'H CA VE. cndoucted us around this lovely cascade, into a large opening under massive rocks that hang threateningly from above. We had gone only a short distance when our attention was called to the dampness of the ceiling over head. This, we presume, is due to the fact that the air inside the cave being much denser than that on the outside, expands and rushes outward whenever the pressure is removed by a rise of temperature above its own; and .thus the two airs of different temperature coming in contact _with each other, cause moisture to be formed. As an explanation of the pure and exhilarating air of the cave, it is said t 1hat, " The nitrogen consumed in the formation of the nitrate oflime(which abounds in the cave) must have its proportion of free oxygen disengaged, thus enriching this subterraneous atmosphere with a larger portion of the exhilarating element." Having passed this point some six or eight hundred feet, we came to the grand Rotunda, which is said to cover a space of half an acre. This, it seems, is but the vestibule, in which the visitor lays aside his wrappings preparitory to many mil es of wandering hither and thither through chambers, many of which appear to be studded with gems ofrichest hue, tinged with gold and silvery brightness, touch ed and retouched by the mysterious finger of nature in a way that challenges the skill of a Da Vinci. We first follo,ved along the main cave which is said to measure four miles in length, with an average of forty feet in height and seventy feet in width.

In this chamber we saw some wooden pipes, a part of the aparatus used .in 1812, in the production of a salt, from which gun powder was made. vVe were informed that an alkali passed through these pipes, hence their almost perfect preservation. We read that during the war of 1812, when our government was cut off from foreign supplies of gun powder, the abundance of nitrous earth found in Mammoth Cave was used in making powder. There are many signs of this, such as old saltpetre vats, cart tracks, ox tracks, &c. Here also may be seen two ston~ buildings erected for a uumber of consumptives, who vainly hnagined that the mild temperature of the cave, together with the darkness and stillness that reigns there, stay the , threatening hand of death. Just here we wish to mention the "Star Chamber.'' It is only a portion of the main cave, but one that presents a grand spectac le indeed. The ceiling, some fifty feet above, presents almost an exact picture of the sky at night with its myriads of lights, varying in size and brightne ss. Here we were instructed by the guide to blow out our lights, whil e he went off some distance from us and so arranged his light as to give the ceiling above us the appearance of the sky at night with a dark cloud covering over the stars and then vanishing away leaving them apparently brighter than before. The guide then went out of sight for awhile . and left us in darkness so dense that one could imagine himself closely surrounded by an impenltrable substance. Such gross darkness impresses one as

RICHMOND

COLLEGE MESSENGER.

being a fit emblem "the land of dark- made a delightful and lasting impresness and the shadow of death." sion upon us. A more sublime feelFrom this chamber we turned into ing never comes over 路 one than that another one 路 presenting some of the which he experiences as he stands by most wonderful scenery that ever met this river and listens to the dreary echo our eyes. The stalagmites and stalac- of some sweet song. The echo and tites are grand indeed. These are reecho that resounds from shore to said to have formed at the rate of about shore, and from crag to crag, is inone inch every four thousand years. describably sweet and melodious. Here we also found heaps of loose 路 When a number of our sweet singers stone, made by persons from certain had gotton out of sight down the river States and institutions adding a stone we blew out our lights and stood in as they passed. There were eight absolute darkness to await their reVirginiaus in our party who, when turn. Soon their lights began to we came to the Yirginia heap, fairly break upon us, and as they joined in made those ghostly cham hers ring singing, "Nearer my God, to thee," with "three cheers for the Old Do- our souls were filled with unspeakable minion." emotions, and we felt that to behold At this juncture, the writer proposed such a scene is indeed a foretaste of that a pile of stones be erected in Heaven. Before leaving that enchanthonor of his Alma Mater. For a ing spot, we gathered on the banks of short while, :five of her sons were the river, and with throbbing hearts busily engaged in erecting a rude heap a.nd tearful eyes, we united our voices of stories that will stand .for .all time as in singing " Shall we gather at the a monument to Richmond College. river?" We next visited Mammoth Leaving this portion of the cave, we Dome, an immense cavern, about four next went through "Fat Man's Mis- hundred feet long, one hundred and ery," a very crooked way, averaging fifty feet wide, and from eighty to two a little more than eighteen inches hundred and fifty feet high. The wide. From that we passed through floor is covered with stalagmitic for"Tall Man's Misery," so called in mations, stained with red and black consequence of a very low ceiling over oxides, which is lovely to behold. In head. Fortunately for .us, we are this dome there are six gigantic eolumus eight feet from base to top and neither tall nor very fat. After 路making many hlrns, and be- twenty five feet in diameter. These holding much that was grand we came stand in a semi-ci~clepresenting a beauto the river Styx ( in name only) over liful picture indeed. From this point which we crossed on a natural bridge, we started for the main cave which and found ourselves at once on the would lead us to open air again. But banks of the Echo River. Unfortu- in order to reach this chamber, it was nately the river was up, so that we necessary for us, either to go a cirwere cut off from the longest route. cuitous route of two miles, or climb One visite, however, to Echo River through a small opening in the rocks,

CLOUDY RIFTS. known as the "Corkscrew," almost perpendicular for about two hundred a1~dforty feet. We choose the latter way, and ere we receive the last bump from the jagged rocks that molested us at almost every turn-and they were many-we were fuJ'ly convinced as to the propriety of the name "Corkscrew." At some points in this ascent the opening is just large enough to admit one's body. At time we were several feet from our nearest companion, and could . know where he was only by th(;) reflection of light from his lamp or by the shouts of "Oh my hea<l," "Wait, I'm lost," t}?,atgreeted our ears from before and behind. But soon this was passed, Âˇand at eleven o'clock, after having spent five of the most delighlful hours of our life, in that subterranean world we were again permitted to walk:forth

Cloudy

in the freedom of winter's chilly breeze wiser and weaker in contemplating the matchless handiwork of God. In concluding let us mention that the temperature of Mammoth Cave is the most exhilarating and delightful ever experienced. The thermometer never falls lower than 52 degrees, nor rises above 56 degrees. Hence the prevailing temperaton of the cave is about the same the year round. The entire cave, with very little exception, is almost perf ectly-dry, yet without dust. We offer to. the reader only a rude sketch of what we saw and heard in that natural won<ler of the world. We have omitted numerous highly interesting things, for lack of time and space. Suffice it to say, a vi~it to Mammoth Cave is an event never to be regretted or forgotten. R. L. M.

Rit"ts . .

Who can look upon the beauties of we embitter the sweetness of the presthis great wide world in which we ent with the gall of idle trouble, for live, and responsive to the magic trouble after all is a product of the touch of nature, fail to become a imagination? When the storm rages, happier man '? This is well enough, if we would be happy, let us look for some one may say, but have'nt you the rift in the clouds. Behold yon forgotten that the chill of winter will mountain ! For centuries it has soon blast the beauties of which you reared its grizzled brow towards the boast? ' Have'nt you forgotten that . heavens. Like a patriarch it stands tho se proudly-waving branches will during the stoups of ages. Even now, soon but resemble the skeleton of with fantastic glare, the lightenings their now luxuriant life? Have'nt you play around its summit. The darkforgotten that all this sunshine and ness of the storm deepens the natural these peaceful breezes may in one shadows of the valley of the mounmoment disappear before the fury tain's foot, but not sufficiently to hide of a dai:ksome tempest? 'fhese are an humble log cabin sheltered by the questions of a pessimist; but shall its mighty mass. At the window

RIOlIMOND

OOLLEGE MESSENGER.

stands a~little boy gazing upon the tempest. The thunder rattles, and he seeks a refuge at his mother's side while,from the Sacred Book she reads, "Be 1;still and know that I am God." Once more he looks through the window and his young face brightens with the glance. He has seen the cloud rift and knows the storm will soon be over. Why should we despair because of our moments of darkness and storm? The locomotive plunges throug the tunnel ere it reaches its destination. Behind the darkest cloud the sun still shines. Many of our most helpful insen: tives were abandoned in the moment of dispair. Perhaps years passed but at last there came a rift in the clouds. The sunlight of Energy burst the bud of Genius into a blossoming flower and success was attained. Here and there through the ages a petal has fall.en, so that the inventor of to day gathering up the scattered fragments, recombines them into a new, but sister flower, whoes parent stem is still the stalk of Genius. Come, and let us with a single intellectual leap, bridge the chasm of two thousand years. Before us lies the heaving sea,mejestic in its beauty. The rosy east, prophet like, betokens the approach of day. Helios yokes, his milk-white steeds, to his :flaming car and through Auroras opened gates, begins his usual course. Behold! Olympus' heights are tuched with gold and the feast of flowing nectar and devine ambrosia is at an encl. Here and there,(picturing the foliage), falls a gll:!:ncingray

an<Ithe festive nymphs seek their cool abodes where the pure waters flow. Neptune's foaming crests glow in the pure refulgence. J.Eolus bids his winds but quietly blow. Sleeping Nature wakes and sings the song of life as sweetly then as now. 'Tis day, bright, glorious day; 1but how different from our day. We look upon the sun-rise. We enjoy the glorious sunlight, but do not account for either by the chimerical craetions of untutored minds. They saw the works of gods created by themselve~. We see t)le manifested power of God, our own creator. Why this difference, for one statement is the antithesis of the ohter? Surely each century ha~ been a rift in the clouds of superstition, lettiug in the light of truth. But listen, I hear the voice of skepticism : "Your statements are antithetical, but they prove nothing. The ancient accounted for the mystery of ,life's cause in their own way, and you have but done the same, for, though your statements are antithetical, they are each creations of the mind." Not so; for mystery is incomprehensible, and, therefore, cannot be a creation of the mind. The ancient divinities possÂˇessed form and '(human) beauty, hence they were easily comprehended aud were,therefore, creations of the intellect. If we comprehend we can explain. We cannot explain God, hence our God is not a creation of the human intellect. We may know that mysteries exist without being able to explain them. Our experience corroborates this fact, hence we know that God is, though we cannot explain his existence.

CO-EDUCATION. But, after all, what is existence? Life is not a mere mechanical adjustment of an internal organism to re,ceive the impressioris of external forces . I am conscious that I exist, and that beings other that self exist also. I am conscious of many surrounding facts-some I can explain aod some I cannot; and hence I say that the qause of the fact, of which I am conscious, is lost in mystery. Life

is a fact, for I am conscious that I am, hence ;life itself is not mystery, but when I seek to explain why I am cdnscious, aye, when I but try to i!Our1d the "depths and shoals" of the cause of life, I am surrounded by mystery. What is life, theq.? It is a rift in the clouds of mystery, and death is the interpreter of its cause. RIFT.

Co-~ducatio11.

In the Jan)iary number of the Messenger, there appeared an editorial on co-education. This editorial states that if the wishes of the students were consulted, "there would be discovered a decided objection to the contemplated adoption of co-education at Richmond." It seemes to us that this editor is laboring under a misappre- hension, and that his statement, appearing as it does in so important a journal ~ the Messenger, ought not to be passed by unnoticed. We do not thinkthere is any "decided objection" among the greater part of the students to the adoption of co-eclueation. Indeed, if the question were submitted to the students for decision, young ladies in search of higher edueation would be gladly welcomed to this instution to share the privileges that we enjoy. This editor further states that there is "a strong conservative element which will be reluctantly driven away from eollege should the coeducational movement be successfull." This statement, we aro told, "is based upon the decison of sever-

We confess a little al students." surprise at this asE1ertiou. It may be true, but we had never thought that the students of Richmond College were afraid of the girls before. Indeed, their' ,reputation is quite the reverse. We wonder who those "several students" are who woul.d be frightened ~way by the presence of harmless girls. Surely they have not been associated much with the fair sex. Perhaps some of this would have a beneficial effect upon them. We fail to see what would "drive" .them away. (It could be even properly said of them in their flight that they flee though nQ man or woman persueth. The author of the editorial in question goes on to say that he does not deny that there are benefits accruing from the system (co-education in its entirety, "but he simply wishes to discuss the question in regard to its adoption at Richmond College." Wherein, we ask, does Richmond College differ from other colleges in this respect? If co-education is beneficial Âˇto other . institutions, why not

RICHMOND

COLLEGE MESSENGER.

to this? If a system is good in its entirety it will certainly work well in any special application unless there is something peculiar in the case, which is not the fact in regard to Richmond College, at least thie editor has failed to show wherein the peculiarity consists. He admits that the system is .a good one on the whole without pointing out any particular in which this college differs from ot hers, wherein he acknowledges that co-education is expedient. It seemes that he has made a' distinction without difference. This editor claims that there is no, TJ1.onc;-b.ts in

need for co-education in Virginia uecause there are excellent female schools in the State. Virginia has some good female schools it is true, but not better than many other States where co-education has been adopted. New York has perhaps ths best female college in America, and yet some of ~er institutions have adopted co-education. Mary Sharp College in Tennessee will compare favorably with any instution in the country, and yet it has been seen fit to adopt coed;cation at V anclerbilt U ui versity in that State.

a Library.

Speak low! Tread softly through these halls; Here Genius lives enshrined; Here reign in silent majesty The monarchs of the mind. A mighty spirit host, they come From every age an<l.clime; Above the buried wrecks of years They breast the tide of Time. AnJ in their presence chamber here They hold their regal state, And :round them throng a noble train The gifted and the great. 0 child of earth! when round thy path The storm of life arise, Anu when thy brothers pass thee by With stern unloving eyes. Here shall the poets chant' for thee Their sweetest, loftiest lays, And prophets wait to guide thy steps In wisdom's pleasant ways. Come; with these God-anointed kings Be thou companion here; And in the mighty realm of mind Thot1 shalt go forth a peer! ANNA

C. L.

BOTTA

SCIENCE NOTES.

SCIENCE NOTES. [Eclitors-J. E. HUTCHINSON, D. H. RucKER.] Rifle bullets are now photographed in their course by ri-ieansof the electric spark. The camera is taken into a dark room, which th~ bullet is caused to traverse. As it passes the camera it is made to interrupt an electric circuit and proudce a spark, which illuminates it for an instant and enables the impression to be taken. The wave of condensation in the air befo1;e the bullet and the rarefaction behind it are visible to .the photograph, and can be studied by experts, thus enabling the form of ball or rifle which minimizes the resistance of the air to be selected.-Scientijic American.

over the whole country, and it has been shown that the country sinks from the south toward the north. Thus between Marseilles andlLille--a distance of 540 miles-the sinking amounts to 10 inches annually. If this movement continues, the northern part of Ftance may in a few centuries become submerged. It may here be mentioned that off the coast of St. Malo, in fine weath-er,fossilized trunks of trees may be seen at the bottom of the sea, indicating that these parts were once above water.-Research.

A Nmv EXPLOSIVE.-Prof. Charles E. Munroe, of the United States Nav_ al Ir:istitute at Newport R. I, has dis_ covered a new explosive which is said t~ possess most wonderful properties. It has greater power than any explosive now in use, while ih possesses great chemical stability. Prof. Munroe has tested its safety vigorously. He found that it could not be explodby a blow from a steam hammer or by glancing or direct blows from a heavy sledge hammer. It is a true chemical compound somewhat resembling the diazo compounds discovered by Greiss It is smokeless and as nearly noisless as an explosive can be, yet the claim is made that a single shell charged with it would sink the heaveist iron clad SINKINGOF'l'Hl!:N OR'l'HERN CoAsToF afloat. Its manufacture is said to be FRANCE.-It has recently been proved safe and easy. The high reputation by measurements. Since 1884, the "ge-Âˇ of Prof. Munroe gives great weight nic" corps of engineers have been en- to any claim which he advances, and it is to be hoped that further .particugaged in effecting level measurement

SUFFICIENTSLEEP.-ln this age of hurry and ~orry, with its consequent nervous exhaustion, of which so much is now heard, the necessity of taking sufficient sleep cannot be insisted upon too forcibly. To lay clown any bard and fast rule for its regulation is not possible, for, natura11y, brain workers reqmre more than the drones of society; in fact, every brain worker, if he wishes his powers to last, should take from eight to nine hours sleep out of every twenty-four. Charles Lamb did not think eight hours enough, whereas Sarah Bernhardt 1inds six hours a snffieient quantum of sleep.Hospital.

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' 10

RICHMOND

COLLEGE MESSENGER

lars will soon b e obtainable. The composition of his explosive is as yet a secret.-8_ cientifi.c Am erican

A FORMIDABLE OLD DRAGO N .-In a paper read last Novemb er, before the National Academy of Science, Prof. 0. C. Marsh describes the skull of the gigantic Ceratopsidre, the remains of which are found in the Rocky Mountains. The geological horizon of the se strange reptile s is a distinct one in the upper Cretaceous, and bas now been traced nearly eight .hundr ed miles along the eastern flank of the Rocky Mountains. Itis marked almost everywhere by remains of these reptiles, and hence the strata containing them may be called the Ceratops beds. The skull of Triceratops, the best ·known genus of the family, has many remarkable feature. First of all, its size, in the largest individuals, exceeds that of any land animal, living or extinct, hitherto discovered, and is only surpassed by that of some of the Cetacean. The skull, the type of the species, is that or a comparatively young animal, but is about six feet in length. The type of Triceratops horridus was fully adult, and probably an o.ldlindivi<lual. The skull, when complete, must have been over eight ieet in length. Two other slrnlls,· both nearly perfect, now under examination by the writer, fully equal in bulk the two already described, and other . si~ilar specimens from the same horizon maintain equal average dimens10ns. Another strikil)g feature in the skull of this genius is its armature. This

consisted of a sharp cutting beak m front, a strong horn on the nose, a pair of very large pointed horns on the top of the head, and a row of sharp projections around the margin of the posterior crest. AH these had a horny covering of great strength and power. For oflense or defensive, they form together an armor for the head as complete as any known. This armature dominated the skull, and in a great measure determined its form and structure. The skull it self is wedge-shaped in form, especially when seen from above. The faeial portion is ·very narrow and much prolonged in front.In the frontal region the skuUis massive,and greatly strengthened to support ·the large and lofty horn cores which formed the central feature of the armature. The huge, expanded parieta} crest, which overshadowed the back of the skull and neck, was eviderltly of secondary · growth, a practical necessity for the attachment of the powerful ligaments and muscles that supported the head. -Sci entific Am ericau. A NOVEL MODE OF w ARFARE.-A New Jersey iuventor thinks he has hit upon a metho<l of establishing peace permanently upon the earth by means of electricity. He does not propose to remodel human nature, but expects to make warfare so deadly that it will be sheer madness for one nation to attack another. According to bis plan, warfare would result in the substantial extermination of all who venture to engage in it. The inventor describes his idea thus: "In a wor<l, my scheme is to produce artifical lightening. Thus

SCIENCE far the experiments have beenc on:6.ned within narrow limits, but with the . use of a small dynamo attached to my invention a slight shock can be produced, eflective enough to kill the flies in a 20 x20 room. I claim with the use of powerful dynamos, under my plan, a flash of lightening can be directed gainst any army a mile or more away and without injury to the party operating the gun, scattering death and consternation among the troops. With powerful dynamos thousands of soldiers can be killed at a fl.ash, and a number of :fl.ashesare enough to destroy an army. It can be used at any time except on rainy or damp days. If the effect of .giving this discovery would be, as I hope, to put an end to war, I should feel repaid, but I dread to think of electricty being used in war under my plan. The consequences would be enormous. It means nothing less than extermination to the opposing army. Before going any further with it, I would ask your opinion as to the effect upon war of an instrument such as I have hinted at. Would it retard or facilitate ,var?" - Western Electrician. ELECTRIOAL.-1. How strong a current is used to send a message over an Atlantic cable? A. 'fhirty cells of battery only, equal to thirty volts. 2. What is the longest distance over which conversation by telephone is daily maintained? A. About 750 miles, from portland, Maine, to Buffalo, New York. 3. What is the fastest time made by an electric rail way? A. A mile a minute, by a small experimental car.

NOTES.

11 路

Twenty rriiles an hour on street rail- , way system. 4. How many mifes of submarine . cable are there in operation? A. Over 路 100,000 miles or enough to girdle the earth four times. 5. What is the maximun power generated by an electric mot.er? A. Seventy~:6. ve horse power. Experiments indicate that 100 horse power will soon be reached. 路 6. How is a break in a submarine cable located? A. By measuring the electricity needed to change the remaining unbroken part. 7. How many miles of telegraph wire in operation in the United States? A. Over a million, or enough to eneircle the globe forty times. 8. How many messages can be tram, mitted over a wire at one ~irne? A. Four, by the quadruplex ' system, in daily use. 路 9. How is telegraphing from a moving train accomplished? A. Through a circuit from the car roof, inducing a current in the wire on poles along the track. 10. What are the most widely separated points between which it is possible to send a telegram? A. British Columbia and New Zealand, via Ameriea and Europe. 11. How many miles of telephone . wire in operation i.n,the United States? A. More than 170,000, over which ' . ,055,000 messages are sent daily. 12. What is the greatest candle power of arc light used in a lighthouse? A. Two millions, in the light_ house at Houstholm, Denmark. 13. How many persons in the United States are engaged in business de-

RICHMOND

OOLLEGE MESSENGER.

17. What war vessel has the most pending solely on electricity? A. Esticomplete electrical plant? A. Âˇ United mated 250,000. 14. How long does it take to trans- States man-of-war Chicago. 18. What is the average cost per port a message from San Francisco to Hong Kong? A\ About fifteen min- mile of a tran salantic snbmarine cautes, via New Y ork, -Canso, Penzance, ble? A. About $1,000. 19. How many miles of electric railAden, Bombay, Madras, Penang and way are there in operation in the Singapore. 15. What is the fastest time made United States? A. About 400 miles by an operator sending messeges by and much more under construction. 20. What strength ofcurrent is danthe Morse system?' A. About fortygerom1 to human life? A. Five hundtwo words a minute. 16. How many telephones are in use red volts, but depending largely on in the United States? A. About 300, physical conditione.-Ag e of St eel. 000.

EDITORIAL ÂˇDEPARTMENT. [ Ed itors-J.

E. HUTCHINSON, D. H. RucKER.]

ever changing scenes of our Ameri~ can life, a hand skilled to' machinery or a brain trained to master new difficulties and new circumstances? The answer of the. mechanic . should decide the question. If a boy is wanted, he chooses one who has been trained in the school and not in the shop. What the trained hand does it does as a machine, but the trained brain learns anythhig quickly and there is continWe have schools for br:;i,in-training ual advancement in character of work and shops for hand-training. Both done. are important and have their part to Marion Harland, the friend and bear in preparing the young men and the young women of our country for helper of women everywhere, has the duties and responslbilities of life. taken up the work of restoring the But which is most important, brain- ruined monument marking the burialtraining or hand-training? Which is place of MARY THE MOTHER oF is most needed in this co~ntry or any WASHINGTON. One hundred years ago this venerother country, trained brains or trained L.hands? Which best fits a able woman was interred in private young man or a young woman for the gounds near Fredericksburg, Vir-

The National Educational Association will hold its meeting for 1890, at St. Paul, Minn., J u]y 4 tp 11. It is expected there will be tweflty thousand teachers present from all parts of the United States. Arrangements are being made to give the teachers a splendid welcome, and to make the meeting a success in every respect.

EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT.

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g1ma. In · 1833, the corner-stone of upon their classmtaes and their teachan imposirrg memorial was · laid by ers and be e_xcused upon the plea that President Adrew Jackson. A patri- they were only college boys. May the clay soon come when hazotic citizen of New York assurn()<lthe pious task, single-handed, but meeting shall be a thing of the past, and ing with financial disaster, was com- decency and manliness reign supreme in all our institutions of learning. pelled to abandon it. The Superintendent of Grounds Marion Harland says truly-in her and Buildings, Dr. C. H. Ryland, appeal to the mothers and daughters of America to erect a fitting monu- has informed us that plaps have ment to her who gave Our Country a been received for the erection of Father-that "the sun shines upon several houses on the campus for no sadder ruin in the length ~nd the accommodation of the profesbreadth of our land,than this nn:finish- sors. It is expected they will be ready for occupancy by the begininng ed structure." The publishers of The Home-Maker, of next session. This is very indicative ofthe pros.of which Marion Roland is the editor, offer, as their contribution to the good perity of the College. We are glad to know that our procause, seveuty-fi.ve cents out of every arrnual subscription of two dollars to fessors will live on the campus with us, the Magazine sent in during the next and we trust that the relation of teacher to student ·will thereby be closer six months. , Every such subscription must be accompanied by th words, and warmer. "For Mary Washington Monument." When we have our professors living The offer is generous and should on the same campus with . us, then the faint rumor that has been floating meet with an enthusiastic response. around the College that dinner hour Light is breaking. Four hundred would be changed to one o'clock,will, students of Yale University have perhaps, develop into something tanpledged themselves to stop all hazing . gible. Of course, when such is the case, we during their college course, and to use their influence to prevent it in coming can adjourn for dinner almost at any classes. This is a hopeful sign of the time without inconvenience to either times. Twenty years ago there was student or professor. no civilization in the American colThe series of lectures delivered this leges and universities. It is ·with pleasure that we hail the dawn of a session by the professors ofRichmond brighter day, when a student's recep- College has been attractive and intion at college will be one of deep and structive. This new feature was adoptlasting pleasure, instead of one of .eel at the request of the Trustees, shame and suftering. We rejoice to that each member of the faculty should see evidences of the fact that students _deliver at least one lecture, a session, can not commit the most brutal crimes to which not only his class but the

RICHMOND

COLLEGE MESSEN&Elt.

public would be invited. The object of,these lectures is, primarily,to benefit the student~. Furthermore, it was thought this system would enable the people of Richmond to become better acquainted with the faculty and give the friends?of the College an insight into the character of the daily lectures given in several schools of the College. The success of the feature shows the wisdom of the originators. So far, fou lectures have been delivered: two by Professor Harris, and one eaeh by Professors Harrison and Puryear. Large audiences of the ·culture of Richmond attest the popularity of the innovation. With the boys, it is a complete success. The subjects of these lectures were such as to interest and instruct while · not requiring any extensive learning to be appreciated. The subjects of the scienti:fical lecturee of the past sessions have giveu cause for complaint among the students, because of their being of such nature as to 'require some special preparation in order to be fully appreciated. Besides, in this system, the lecturers know their audience and consequently a much better impression may be made. To say that the students are pleased with the feature is hardly a fair representation of their appreciation--they are delightedwith it. The lectures of Professors Harris and

Harrison have already been notic .ed. in the columns of the Messenger. About the last, that of Prof.Puryear's, \Ve wish to say it was a perfect success. His subject was Carbon Dioxide. Among otli'er fine things which were said, one deserves special notice. It was the forcible presentation of the important part which Carbon Dioxide plays in vegetable growth : " The benefits," said he, " accruing from the use of fertilizers is dependent on the amount of ve_gitation. turned under. The decomposition of decaying vegetation develops Carbo!l Dioxide, which, absorbed by the ·water of the soil, increases the water's :solvent power, enabling it to dissolve the applied pll;osphate. A knowledge of this truth is of incalculable worth to the farmer." To him, the importance of this truth is not like the products of" the poet in the rapt hours of his frenzy," imaginative and theoretical, but of immense, practical value; and its influence will be felt down to "the last sylable of recorded time." It is generally known that the Professor himself is the author of the theory which he so ably advocated. The next lecture of the series will be given by Dr. Pollard. It is understood he will le0ture on what he saw in England, on his recent trip to Europe. The ability of the Doctor as a lecturer is;su:ffi.cientguarantee of its excellence.

LOCALS.

LOCALS. [ Editors-HENRY

'l'.

LOUTHAN,

Leap Frog!

B. B.

a mistake omitted.

ROBINSON.]

that

his

signature

was

" There's always room on top." Be sure yon have not mistaken your calling. Have a smile for all; word for every one.

a pleasa nt

Mr. A.: "What did you give your girl Christmas?" Mr. H.: "A hug. " Mr. W. (translating Greek): "The children live in the honse which I begat.'" Mr. F.: "T, if you don't stop goiug to see my girl, we will have a du el." Mr. T. : ''Yes; I expect we'll both commit sideways." Mr. W., of Fairfax, (describing Daniel 's . Oration on Jeff e r s o n Davis): "I tell you, boys, it was just grand. One time he would have the people laughing and then bring them to tears, and you could hear them snuffling all over th e house, and you could have heard a fly light' on the bald head of a man."

The article headed " Mu Sigma Rho Public Debate," which appeared in our last issue, came from the pen of Mr. W. TI. Loving. It . was due .to

If I want to know what a young man is going to be, I will not inquire about his advantages, but about his disadvantages and how he is battling to overeome them.-Dr. A. B. Brown.

Âˇ Mr. Y.,:of 'l'em1.: "A hen doesn't sing, but she gives forth her lays." Mr. Y.: "L., is your girl a blonde or brunette?" Mr. L., of Madison: "She's a bronze." [ Prof. P.: "How does starch taste?" Mr. G., of Wythe: "It tastes sticky" Jefferson Davis _wa~. the greatest. man that ever floated upon .the tide of time.-Prof B. Puryear. (Overheard in the parlor): "Mr. N., you need not move, I don't want all of the chair." "Don't you tell us any . Moore about French, or you will never see the dawn of a Farrar day." Mr. W., of Buckingham: "I do believe the Greek verb is conjugated at both ends and in the middle."

Professor to Mr.H., of Bath: "Why

RICHMOND

COLLEGE MESSENGER.

last a student, whom we least thought guilty of such eonduct, lent out his wash-bowl, which was the only thing he posses sed in which .it was possible to wash. After some weeks, by the suggesNew Student: "Congegate Amo." Old Student: " Am I my Latin- tion of a friend, he went and procured the bowl. grammar." He most emphatically denys having · '' If you have running at the nose gone all this (the above) time without And constant fits of sneezing, washing, but affirms, that on severl A chilly feeling down your back, occasions, had dampened the end of As though your spine were freezing; · a towel and · wiped his face. · This If in a " rocky" nervous state, gentleman is well known for his cleanLike one in drunken fraezy, liness, so will not mention his name. My friend, you've got the French "La Grippe" Mr. D., while preaching, undertakes Or English influenza." a quotation : " God moves in a mysterious way, Ye Local Editors have been asked His wonders to perform. He plants · on several occasions the nicknames of one foot on the sea and t9.e other on different students here in .College, and . the storm." to save further trouble we pnblish a did Edward the third seem to favor the French." Mr. H. : Because his mother was a Frenchman."

few of the most prominent: J. R. Brown, "Billy"; R. E. Chambers," Eel"; C. C. Crittenden, "Kit"; W. E. Farror, "Little Si:;ter"; S. S. J. C. Harwood, Handy, "Seed"; '' Poet"; J. E. Hixson, "Grand-pa"; J. E. Hutchinson, '' Shorty"; N. Heaton, "Nature"; W. E Hurt, " ·coonie"; W. M. J oues, "'ride-water"; H. E. _Jones," Slouchy"; C. W. Jones, 'Chappy'; F ..J. King,' Spotsy'; A. D. Luthan, "Big Boots"; W. B. Loving, '' Pa"; J. G. May, "Nut"; J.E. Noftsinger, "Little-whit-coat"; C. E. Saunders, "Sig-Ma-Rho"; W. L. Smith," Pat"; J . .B. Stringfellow, "]foxy"; H. 0. Wicks, " Gates"; H. W. Williams, "Rat"; F. Williams, "Mouse". On the seventh day of December

Goodwin's Greek Grammer · has turned up in Jr. I. iu the shape of an interrogation point. Mr. B., of Fairfax: "I brush ·my teeth with a pocket-knife." Mr. IL (looking at a new grave in Hollywood): "Boys, they are digging a funeral over there." French:

Con~spunk-a-gnat !

A pretty young woman employed in the Government Printing Office at Washington, dangled a tuy mouse in · the nice of a sister clerk. The sister clerk fainted, and the faint was followed by spasms. The joker then became- frightened, fainted, and was

•

LOCALS. taken seriously ill. For a time it was feared that both the women would die. The mouse is so deadly an enemyof womankind that it is not safe for woman to trifle with it, even in its wooden state.

fire was getting on, not knowing that She saw Mr. L. had come down. some one stooping over the hearth and thought it was the colored boy just making the fire, but it was Mr. L. The idea of his being an hour late in making the fire made her ve;-y indignant, and she walked up, kicked him over into th e fire, and exclaimed, "If that preacher wasn't here, I would kick you to the moon."

Clipped from a California paper: The Nems returns thanks to the committee of the Mu Sigma Rho Literary Society of Richmond College, Virginia, for a polite invitation · Christopher Columbus (paying his to atte11d thefr Public Debate, December 13th. We would gladly accept best respects to Mr. W's ..turkey): "I but financial embarrassment as well tell you what, boys, we are cadaveras the extreme cold weather, will not ous tonight." permit us. This world is an inn where we tarMr. L., of Madison, ·while reading ry but for a night _ until the day-star George Elliot, was most positively in- of morning shall appear.- Dr. S. A. formed by Mr. W., of Hampton, that · Goodwin. he was tough, reading George Elliot and such fellows. LIBRARYHuMoR_.-(Not m Richmond College, of course.) Somebody's old lady went ·into a " When one buys a foot-ball one gets a good trade, because he gets library and sat down to select a book. son1ething to boot. " For 1 hour she thumbed the catalogue and finally left the building, saying as "'Tis but a little faded flower, she went out, "That library is altoBut oh, how fondly dear; gether too big. There are so many 'Twill bring me back one golden hour, books I can't fin<l one to suit me." Through many a weary year." BooKs ASKED FOR :-Jame's Heirs. · Mr. L., who preaches out in the (Jane Eyre.) Illuminated Face. (Face country, stop1,ud not long ago with a Illuminated.) -Mary's Lamb. (Mary , wido"v la<ly who is a member of his Lamb.) Chromos from Engli.sh Hichurch. He wanted to leave soon tory. (Cameos.) Prince of David's So the good Palace. the next morning. (Prince of the House of sister rose before liglit, ordered the David.) Bart's Novels. (Works of colored boy to make a fire in the sit- Sir Walter Suott, Bart.) The Curtain · ting-room, and she went about break- Will .Not Rise To-night. (The Curfa$t. About an hour later she went few Must Not Ring To-night ..) into the sitting-room to soc ho"w the ·

RICHMOND

COLLEGE MESSENGER.

A man asked for "Johnson's Discoveries.'' He wanted, " Thompson's To the Central African Lakes and Back.'' A '.yotrng man who wished to read up on Physical Culture asked for " Morning and Evening Exercises, by Beecher." The audience was a very large one that gathered at the Y. :M. C.A . Hall, on January 17th, to here that "It is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.,' The debates are generally seasoned with some choice declimation and reading, which to the good fortune of the audience, fell to Mr. C. T. Kincannon antl Mr. M. W. Thomas. The Glee club was something grand. It was composed of Mr. A. J. Ramsey, Mr.W. E. Farrar, Mr.W. Mc. S. Buchannan, and Mr. C. T. Kincannon, who showed their skill in such selections as " Moonlight on the Lake," "Come where the Lilies Bloom,"and "FriendAt an early ship Love and Song." hour but few vacant seats could be And at eight o'elock the found. lovely, loving and loosing crowd was called to order by Mr. Dickinson. He spoke at some length, relating why the entertainment Âˇ was given, and then very nicely welcomed the " looser as well as the lover.'' The .declaimer was then introduced, but be needed no introduction, for as such, he is well known to our Richmond audience. He most pleasantly delivered "The Responsibility of Loving.'' The reader chose " Mark Twain with the Interviewer" as his selection, which he read in a peculiarly, amusing

style. He was frequently interrupted by applause. Next came the debate. Resolved, " that it is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.'' Mr. W. B. Loving, was the :first on the affirmative. This gentleman wus awarded the joint-writers meadal last session. And it was with pleasure we listened to his splendid ly prepared speech . If you have never loved, and were not present at the discussion,we advise you to read this debate published in our last number. Mr. D. K. Walthall, the :first on the negative,came forvvard with a look of confidence and presented his arguments in a very forcible manner. He was followed by Mr. VJ.A. Âˇ Goodwin, second 011 the affirmat ive, who presented good orguments. He closed by a beautiful illu stration in history. Mr. Frank Williams, the last and second on the negative, by his many references and much wit, kept the audiences in an uproar. Ile made quite a reputation. The glee club . gave one of its selection, which closed the evenrng's programme.

NEW BOOKS.- Among the new books lately added to the Library we notice " E stablishment anb Disestablishment," or the progress of Sonl Liberty. Its author is our distinguished, fori:ncr Prof. of English, Dr. J. L. M. CorThis small book is a thorougly ry. reliable discus i;ion, and will make an excellent hand-book for history-classes. Every one should read it.

LOCALS. THE

NUT-BROWNMAIDEN.

Nut-brown maiden, pure, divine, Would to heaven! you were mine. How I love to see your feet, Tripping lightly 'cross the street. Nut-brown maiden, Cupid's glances, Up and down my backbone prances, -,Tm I wish that I could never, ~arted be, from you, forever. Nutsbrown Bursting Filling me 'Till I'm

maiden, you play thunder, my poor hart asunder, with desperation, full of desecration.

Nut-brown maiden, your eyes so true, Go like gimlets m'gizzard through. Dearest creature, I love thee well, More than any tongue can tell. Nut-brown maiden, I wish thee well, Others, love-tales to thee may tell, But never will these lips of mine, Press anothen's more divine. MAURICE

w. THOMAS.

Om~Foot-ball Manager has become very much enthused on the subject of foot-ball. He is also an ardent student of Shakespeare. Hearing that Romeo and Juliet was to be played at the Mozart, he donned his little overcoat,shoulder 'ed his cane,and marched down. He became so much interested in the play that he forgot where ·he was, and as Romeo clasped Juliet lovingly around the neck, he yelled out lustily: "Foul tackle, any umpire in christendom would give uventyfive yan1s on that." 'l'he audience rose up to a man and fired him out.

THEN AND Now.-Whenlwasagirl just sweet sixteen I began my course at Hollins. I was sweet, and_I knew It it, and I wouldn't look at a boy. was in the mild September as I stepped from the Brussels of my room into .the wide-way hall, that I first heard " Papa's pet,'' · " Mama's baby," "Sweet little thing," ''.0, isn't she a darling! " Those days soon were over My and I had chosen my "chums." Latin friend was just too S'Weetfor Her eyes and hair were anything. quite dark, and her lily brow aud snowy hands, far surpassed the highest ideal of Angelo. When we grew tired of tripping around with Vergil, we would then take an afternoon ride upon our little Shetland pony. Of .course aged .Mneas always accompanied us. But my, my! wasn't I always Christhrnas-time a time. went home. As I sat in the Pullman, I had day-dreams of the grand, good Christmas turkey, old ham, fruits, and sponge-cakes,custards, pies,jams, jellies, "pop crackers," and above all of the dear ones whom I loved so well. Chrsstmas is now a thing of the past and the first day of April has come. We went into Lit a.nd were scarcely seated before something from a dis"Will tant corner went buzz-z-zz. Miss Rose please see what that is," said our gentle Professor. "Whir-rr-r " came from another comer, and every half-minute the little alarrriclocks, ·which we bad set to keep our dear instructor awake,would buzz an_d whir and whir alld buzz. He soon became so folly a.roused that he dismissed the class, and we wont on our way rejoicing.

RICHMOND COLLEGE MESSENGER.

In the sweet May-time, when the grass was wet with the mo ruing dew, we would climb the mountain heights which lay around Hollins. "0, come here," said J anie,whe studied Botany, " and let us analyze this crow-foot. My! how many toes it has! and just. look at the stamen and corolla." 111.o When we reached the top we looked far below and saw some boys that looked like grass-hoppers. Of course they weren't near so good lookThe one hundre 18 and eighty ing. girls we:re delighted with every thing they saw-especially with tho grasshoppers. But our commencement, was the jewel of the jewels. The final president of our societies was always a real little Venus. Robed in satin, silks, and Honiton lace, with her tiny blne slippers peeping from beneath the rich fold of her robe, she was indeed a fairy queen. 'l'hose of us who were to receive our deplomas, tripped here and there as lightly as the ocean-tossed foam. With our dresses of" woven wind "and sashes of delicate pink, we Tbe session were indeed sweet. closed, we kissed each other, and were soon at our distant homes. Now I am a boy at Richmond College. I ani 11gly, and I know it, and I won't look at a girl. It was a frosty morning in October when I stepped from the pine boards of my" zemma" upon the -:;ampus and first heard that encouraging word," Rat!," combined with the historical phrase, " Como off the roof!" My "old lady" and myself pore over Livy and Horace, and girls wonder

why Latin " hosses" have never been imported to these cJassic shades. Boys can " walk " though better than girls. When we read ofRomulus and Remus and then gfole a long with the smoothly-flowing strophe we forget that there ever was a" cavalry company" in existence. Christmas! go home! we don't have " Our to go-we are always there. home is where our hat hangs." The old bell muffles itself and we have nothing to disturb our morning slumThe rooster crows, the tinbers. pop, horn toots, the "baby-wakers" we go down into the good, old boxes from the country, eat turkey, goose, chicken, ham, pies, cakes, figs, bananas., apples, and doughnuts and then have a night-mare and dream about hobgoblins for three weeks. "All Fools Day" comes, but we never think of such a thing as setting off alarm-clocks, painting the windows green, greas~ng the black-boards, or of putting car wheels and molasses in a student's bed. We always have though on this interesting occasion fried eggs lined with cotton and dumplings stuffed with nothing to satisfy tbe inner-man. When the first.heavy dews of spring begin to form, ,,·e put on our · knee pants, gird up our loins, and take a tramp dowu the historic James. We don't see any gra8H-hoppC'rswith dresses 011-we are two 1111wit interested in Drewry's Bluff and the old fortifications which lay ahnut us. On another day we go with our beloved Mayor on an excursion by water to Dutch Gap. vVe harclly know which

•

LOCALe. we enjoyed the most,running over the bluffs or riding on the barge. The " Finals" are over, the climax '.l'he old bell now peals is at hand. forth only at morning, noon and night. As the shades of evening gather about the emerald sward of the campus, Roman and Grecian guards, followed by angelic forms, are seen marching into the College chapel with stately tread. Beneath the cedar and laurel, Ddmosthenes and .Cicerost and, and the very leaves are moved with emotion as their words resound through the The" Dips" are awardauditorium. ed, the Valedictory is delivered, the "boys" give each other the parting grasp and are o:fffor the great duties of life.

the poem: "Speak low! Tread softly through these balls." HANSFORD.-Atale of Bacon's Rebeliun by tho noted Virginia author, St. George Tucker, telling of that exciting period in Colonial History, which interests every young rnau, is now within the reach of our reaclers.

THE FAIR Gon, by Lew W a1lace, author of Ben Hur, will, no doubt, be often called for. So, also, "Arthur Bonniecastle," 'The Woman in vVite,' &c. For those who wish to post themselves on mission fields there are the new books," The Middle Kingdom," "Cross and the Dragon," "Wandering in China," &c. For the philosophically inclined, we recommend " The SPEAKLow.-These words, +he first History of Pilosophy." .in three volof those beautiful lines which appear umes. There are also some fresh" Pouies/' in our columns this month, should be remembered by every <;me who goes which the boys will be glad to see, into our Library Hall. A library is a~~ on which they will in all probaa place where no loud word should bihty make numerous " excursions." ever come. Public libraries will uot - By the way, sound medical authority brook any infringement of this rule. decides that pony-riding is not so Every one treads softly. No one spefiks good for the health as walking. A deal more pleasant, however. above a whisper. Onr Library Hall should be regardell with Âˇ the deepest reverence by every one Âˇwho enters it. It is a place for retirement aud study, or for;recreatiou in reading. Every one knows these pleasures are enhanced by entire The rules require "110 quiet. talking exeept in low tones," &c.;but now an<l then how sadly they are We broken, especially by visitors. would echo those excellent words of

GRATIFYING

EXHIBITION

AND

N 0-

BLE WoRDs.-On the 29 of January, the Gymnasium Classes .gave an exhibition in the Thomas-Memorial }fall. Quite a number of the Trustees and their friends with a few ladies came, and the boys were up to their best. The principal visitor, in the eyes of the students, was Mr. B. F. Johuson, of Richmond, who has greatly en-

!tICHM0ND

OOLLEOE

dear ed him self to the College by th e int erest taken by him in th e phy sical training of th e stud ents. For several sessions he has paid the salary of th e Instructor and made gifts of apparatus, &c. After the drill was over-and it was very well done-th e boys called their ben efactor out in a bri ef speech , replete with wisdom and good advi ce. Mr. Johnson said he was no extr emeist, but an . earnest advo cate of a systematic, well directed, phy sical exercise. He cordially believ ed in the old saying, "A 80tmd mind in a sound body. " In · making men, we mu st have referenc e to both th e inn er and the out er equipm ent. He point ed to himself as a living illu str arion of how a delicat e body can be developed ·into the proportion s of soundn ess and health, and said if th e entir e College, Profe ssors, Tru stees and Stud ents ·would take regular, daily exerci se in th e gymuasium, far bett er work would be done in every field of eftort for the College. H e urged th e boys to be patient, faithfui users of th e advantag es afforded .h ere for corr ect training and prop er dev elopem ent. Mr. John son's visit was a benedi ction.

"QUILLIN

G."

I know not why the days are long, When I am all alone, nor why, When she is near, as charming song, The note like momeuts _swiftly fly.

MESSENGER.

"I love thee"-y es, the die is cast, Hot blushes mantle her fair cheek, Then, like a bark, though gales are past, From surging billows still in weak, Into her down-cast eyes I looked And kissed her dainty finger' tips, ·Neglectful of th e storm I brooked, Then, spoke with eager trembling lips; ' ' As ocean's wide expanse of blue Reflects th e light of Na tur e's sun, So do thy orbs, with lovelight tru e, Make bright the worthless heart th eywon Ah! could I speak of pure delight , And half its tr ansient joys but know, I'd tell of beauty's alt ar bright And at thy rad iant shrin e bend low. Ju st as th e moth around th e flame Sinks flutt 'ring to his r eckless death, So doth the love, I cannot tame, Brin g q nicker still each panting breath. My throbbing heart, each beat of love, Each frantic heaving of my breast, With eager emphasis but pr ove, Without thy love there is no rest. " She wept, ah! sweetest tale of love; And th en, ah! blightin g t ears, .She spoke with coo of turtl edove, '.' I'v e been married sixteen years.'' Zip. E XTRACTS

FROM PROF.

P URYEAR' S

L EC'f URE ON CARBO N DIOXIDE,

DELIV-

28, 1890.--Th e Lecture commenced with a striking experiment. An inclined trough contained a dozen lighted candles. At the upper end, a gallon of ER ED IN TIIE COLL EGE CHAPEL, J AN.

They speak of love, nor am I sure, But that the time has come to seal A destiny, ne'er bright before; -My heart no longer can conceal. ·

LOCALS.

23 .

ufacturer for deteriorating his brand Corbon Dioxide, a gallon of nothing, as soon as he gets his name and credit it seemed, was poured in, extinguishing all the candles. 1The gas, in other up. But what is the true explanAt :first the land c0utained experiments, was poured from vessel ation? to vessel like water, and lighted ta- turf aud vegetation, all the ci:trbon of pers being introduced were extin- which, as it rotted, became converted guished. The points established by into Carbon Dioxide. This the moisthe experiments were that Carbon ture of the soil absoroed, and hence Dioxide is l1eavier than air, and an bad its solvent power so increased that it dissolved the bone du st en~ire.extinguisher of combustion. ly. Being dissolved, it entered easily The gas was then bubbled through lime-water, and at once rendMed it into the circulation. But year after year, the rropR are turbid (milky), but after a few minutes the water became as limpid as at removed~ and reliance is placed only first. The explanation given was that on commerciel fertilizers to increase Caleium Carbonate was formed, mak- · or maintain the productive power of ing the water milky as so much :finely the soil. The amount of organic pulverized marble would do wheri matter in the soil is steadily decreasshaken with water; but the water ing; the amount of Carbon Dioxide afterwards became clear because the resulting from its decomposition must Calcium Carbinate was dissolved as become less and less, and hence the the water had its solvent power in- sol vent power of the water in the 'fhe concensoil is made feebler. creased by its greater impregnation Ordinary wuter dis- trated fertilizers are there, bnt inwith the gas. solves Calcium Carbonate feebly, but · ert; inert, because the water of the water ~charged with Carbon Diop:ide soil is too feebly charged \\'ith Carbon Dioxide for their easy soludissolves it fully. An important agricultural appl,i- tion. The error was in the aba11The farmer doument of green manuriug a11clof catiou was here made. finds that an application of 300 or putrescent manures, all their carbon during their decomposition taking 011 400 pounds of bone dust increases the yield of the land 50 per cent. or mo1·e· the form of Carbon Dioxide, and so He ¢1.etermines no enabling the _moisture of the soil to He is delighted. longer to resort _to green rpannring, dissolve a larger quantity of tiulid:;. The great practical lesson was that or to continue the troublesome and supreme reliance cannot be pbced on laborious process of raising putrescent manures ·. Bone dust ·will do it all. commercial fertilizers; that they fail Things go on beautifully for a tinie, to do their part unless there is a good but soon the productive power of his amount of organic matter i11the soil; land seems to fa]l back. He con- that they are good, and very good, in tinues his practice,but the good results conjunction with putresceut manures; no longer fol1ow. He is "black anu that the farmer can never safely cease blue"with wrath, .denounces the man- to turn under green crops and husband

RICHMOND COLLEGE MESSENGER.

the excreta of his animals. Home- the limit of its productive power, made fertilizers, good in themselves then the limit is reached of animal life -are also necessary to render valu- also. War, plague, pestilence, famine, able the commercial fertilizers. when populatiQn presses hard on the Interesting allusion waR made to productive capacity of the soil, come localities remarkable for the evolution in to maintain the equilibrium. of Carbon Dioxide, as lake Avernus, We should be glad to follow the the Dog's Grotto, the poison valley of facts and arguments adduced in snpJava. port of this interesting doctrine, but Experim ents were given showing our space forbids further comment. the immense production of Carbon Dioxide by animal respiration. Res- To the Lo cal Editors: pi red air was tested with a lighted Gentlemen,-It is, I believe, a prac_ taper : the taper was at om:e extin- tice of the press, which the MPsse119 er guished. Hence the rapid contami- ought to observe, to submit before nation of the atmosphere in ill-venti- ·publication any personal notice that lated rooms, where crowds assemble, is intended to be complimentary to the and hence the somnolency which victim himself, for revison. I mean, of uuder such circumstances so frequent- course, in the rare case where the per1y supervenes. son interested does not write the notice It was shown that animal life and himself. The latter is so general a vegetable life have antipodal relations practice that one can commonly very to each : that while the animal takes well tell the author of a puff by noticin oxygen and evolves Carbon Diox- ing the name puffed. Sometimes this ide, the plant, on the other hand, is made a little difficult by a practiced takes in, by its leaves, Carhon Diox- hand. Notices of public institution, ide and evolves oxygt:n. A11imal life sometimes cover a private pufl: In eontaminates tbe atmosphere; ,·ege- su~h notices further difficulty arises table life purifies the atmosphere. It when several names are mentioned. was maintained that this system of In general, of these it may be said, the compensation is perfect; that ani- person referred to in the most off-hand mal life an.d vevetable life must always manner, the most as a matter of course, balance each other; that as animals the oftenest as a synonym of tho thing multiply on the globe, increasing the noticed, in tho author. tendency to atmospheric contaminaYuo, yourselves, gentleman, know tio11, vegetable life must increase at something of this matter. In your equal speed, increasing the ten - own department of th ·e Messenger for dency to atmosphere .ie purification. ;January, you have inserted firRt-rate Hence it was shown, hy historic allu- notice'3 of yourselves. On page 25 you sions, that as population increases, say that one of ·you" fully sustained tho productive power of the soil is his ,vell-me_rited reputitiou as an acsomehow correspondingly i1H.:rnased. curnplishod declaimer" aild 011 page Whe11, however, the s;oil has reached · 26 you say that tho other one of you

LOCALS: made a speech which" abounded in happy illustrations and humorous hits, and pleased the audience more than any other speech of the evening." It is perfectly plain that you did not vrite these notices, but is it not just as p]aiu that yon ought to have revised them? My colleague, Prof. Harrison, and myself are referred fo, in the ]ast Messmger; in a way which !probably no man can construe as our personal work In your notice of Prof. Harrison's delightful and instructive lecture, there are errors which of course be did not make, b\lt which some critic of the College or of him might infer that he made. One of these is the date of the extinction of the Vestal Virgins. Another, however, is so preeminent, that attention need be drawn to it only. Augustus Cresar, we are informed, delivered at least one great oration, lost to posterity but for this ]ate notice of it in 1890. Further, we are told that he delivered it over the "dead body of Cresar the Great," a title well-deserved by the magui:ficent Julius but not conferred in this way . u~til the , 1

waning twilight of the nin,teenth century is being brightened by these astounding discoveries in history. By the way, Augustus must ha.ve anticipated an invention we are now anxiously awaiting by which an orator may stand upon the shores of Maine and through some fog-horn attachment to a long-distance telephone, rouse an audience on the Congo to a sense of their condition, by his electric For you must Âˇknow, eloquence. Messrs. Editors, that.at the time of the funeral oration, Augustus was in Epirus and the corpse in Rome. .As to my own puff, I am made to say something about the hyperbola and a wash-tub. I am sure the laundry addition to this witticism is yours, aud it is not my wish to deprive you of the honor of the original thought. Yours it is, and, in the interest <:>f truth and of some other things, yours I much _prefer it to remain. Very truly yours, EDWARD B. SMITH. February 6, 1890.

2(5

RICHMOND ~OLLEGE MESSENGER.

Y. M . C. A. NOTES. [ Editor-:-HENRY T.

LOUTHAN .]

The following Y. M. C. A. commitees our last missionary meeting of the Y. M. have been appointed for the ensuing term: C. A. He gave us a good earnest talk. Penitentiary Sunday School and Preach- He understands boys and young men. ing, J. H . Franklin and R. E. Chambers Doctor, you must come up oftener . Tespectively; Almshouse, G. F. Hambleton; Marshall St . Cottage PrayerAs we go to press, the State convenmeetings, J. D. Hart; Sol<;liers' Home, W. L. Hayes; Missionary Meetings, tion of the Y. M. C. As. of Virginia., is E. E. Dudley, C. T. Taylor, M. W . in session at Portsmouth . We have sent Thomas ; Âˇ Membership, J. R. Bronw, down a good delegation. A fine meetC. M. Long, C. W. Duke; Devotional, ing is expected . F. C. Johnson, W. B. James, C. T. Kincannon; Ways and Means Committee The following good article is taken and Mass Meeting Committee_continued. from The Intercollegian: The problem of meeting the demand for ministers Our Missionary Band of the Student in the future is a serious one. The conVolunteer Movement, which was organ- tinuation of a growing body of able pasized with thirteen member.:; in January, tors and preachers qnalified in spiritual has regular meetings twice each month . power, in culture, in sympathy with We hope to do some good earnest work every day life to guide tliat manifold this session. life into earnest allegiance to God, is the Read the following from the Roanoke one essential basis of all the varied ChrisCollege Mission Band: " Bro. Price's tian work of the world. In many of our visit was attended with ga.od results as large colleges the proportion of the stuwas reported at Confernnce. We are dents who are looking forward to the now able to support an Alumnus and his ministry is wofully small. There are wife in the foreign field. A man has many reasons for this fact. One prime been found who is ready to go, and we reason is in their faculties . The specialhope to have him in the field soon." ists who bold the college chairs to-day From the Randolph- Macon Band: are apt to view the brighiest men who " We have a Mission Band consisting of come under their influence as fair game fifteen members, one a professor in the for themselves . They think that the College, who is president of the Band. best men in the claes should become Meetings are held once a month on Sun- specialists or the teachers the grade of day afternoon. The plan is to read men just below are relegated to the va.articles on China, Japan, India, Africa, rious other professions, while the dunces and Roman Catholic countries . In the of the college community are thought to way of definite work, we are supporting be good enough for missionary uses. a student, Hong Le, for the native min- There are notable exceptions to this way istry in China . The cost is about thirty of viewing things, but they are none too five dollars . The money is raised among many. the students and professors, with a conAnother reason is that in our larger tribution from the Y. M. C. A . of the colleges the matter is not pressed home to the minds and sympathies of the leadCollege. ing men in college. Too often the idea Dr . WM. E. E:a.tcherwa,1 with us at of the average college student of the

Y:-M. C. A. NOTES.

work of the ministry 1s distorted • and er of those who are looking forward to hence unattractive. He is lost to the the ministry for self strengthening and ministry, when an earnest truthful pre- for enlargement of ·their number. To sentation of its claims by one whom he give such a union much publicity will do would respect would have won his loyal more harm than good . Th e me"mbership service for life. advice, and influence of one or two pickThe Oolle'ge Associations are turning ed professors is worth a great dea l. ·some men toward the ministry but not 2 J This uni on should be occassionally half enough of them: The force of the addressed by a pastor in active service . organization is too often used up in other Severa l denominations are considering channe ls. We received a letter recentthe question of setting apart a man to ly from a Western college which had an act as a Ministeria l Fie ld Secretary to efficient committee at work obtaining keep the colleges alive with ministerial future missionaries F,1,nd present pledges ., zeal, but one man, hot from service, can of money, and committees on every · do more than many secretaries to kind le practical measure undertaken by the zeal and carry conviction on a mat ter . Association, whi le its ministerial union, like this . 3) The best plan of compaign for a though comp9sed of Y. M. C. A . men, was an wholly independent organization. denomination would be set apart for a For pratical work and for missions they few rr.onths a widely known and univerlooked to the Association; for the min- sally respec ted pastor like Dr. Taylor , or Dr. Parkhurst, or · Dr. Henson, who istry they organized anew. But whether this matter be pushed by would get a hearing from all students, to the Association or not, is too vital a ma't- visit each college of his denomination in ter to be neglected. In some way th\3 turn, not merely address ing st udents but claims of the modern ministry should be holding personal conferences with them. put before college men in a rational, The ministerial unicns could preserve effective way. 'Three things may be done. the good results of such a visitation. I) There mfLYbe a ministeria l uni~n We believe the carrying out of such a in f act if not in title, in every college m plan as this would great ly change the the land, a quiet, simple banding togeth- statistics of our seminaries.

RICHMOND

COLLEGE MESSENGE:ft.

PERSONALS. [Editor-B. B. A NOTABLE V rsrT FROMAN o·rABLE MAN · mayappropriately describe the call the College had on thff 6th of February; from Mr.J.A. Bostwick, ofN ew York Mr. Bostwick is the most single bcne-• factor the College has ever had. His' gift in bonds, the market value of which is largely over their face value of $50.000, was the most timely and helpful contribution ever made to the endowment. He had been more than once invited to visit the Institution, and his coming was, while m;iexpected, very gratifying to the Trustees, Faculty and students. He came up from the city accompanied by Dr. Curry, and Dr. Ryland, the Financial Secretary, and received there of the Faculty and students, who were off duty, in the Library Hall. Mr. Bostwick has a neat, benevolent face, engaging smile, and unpretending manner. All who saw him were won to him. His likeness, which stands upon an easel in the Hall, is an excellent one, as tried by, actual compairison with the original. Mr. Bostwick was travelling southward, accompanied by his family,and we think we have just complaint against the horribly, rainy day, that it prevented Mrs. and Miss Bost-

ROBINSON.]

wick from favoring the College with their presence. We very much regret that the unheralded co.ming of our friends, their short stay, and the wrath of the elements prevented the enthusiastic welcome which, under other cir eumstances, would have been given them by the College. We rejoice to know, however, that our benefactor is not a man of pomp and parade, and appreciated the sincere impromptu greeting he received to a more pretentious welcome. Long may he live! We were also honored with the presence of Mrs. Alice L. McCormick, of Washington, D. C., and Mrs. M. F. Fisher, of St. Louise, Missouri. Old students who have gone from R. E. College since the New Year: V. Farrar, of Richmond, B. B. Stringfellow, of Richmond, Va., and R. G. Hiden, of Massnchusetts. New studentR who have come into College since the New Year : Charlie Goodwin, of Richmond, J. A. Broaddus from Luray County, and Robt. Rudd from Chesterfield County, Virginia.

ECHANGES.

EXCHANGES.

[Eclitor-E. W.

The Pac~fic Pha ras comes from ocean to ocean before it s r eaches old Vir ginia, and we are somewhat afraid that ajourney of such length tend s to muddle its . ideas, for they ar e certainly muddl ed if th e " Black man in Politic s" may be tak en as a fair sample. " W e in tend to be as ju st and imparti al as we can possibly be and in main, to submit facts for consideration ,dmwin g no conclusions but tho se fully warr ented and evident to fairminded thinker s of all classes." Such is th e purpo se as declared but "h ow ar e th e mighty fallen." After tr eating th e relation of th e negro to th e North and . We st,th e objective point is finally r each ed, th e Souti1. In discussing the question as to the suppr ession of th e negro votes, the arti cle .seems to develop int o an ar raio-ument of Senator Colquitt because he ~x:presscd an honest opinion. Th en, claiming a conB.ict of evidence, the assumption is drawn that "th e negro is not tr eat ed accordin g to th e prin ciple;; of eternal ju stice." Is thi s a " fully warr ented " conclusion? Quoting again , "th e N egro came here through no desire of his own. H e is here to stay, and the Son th is to be his stron ghold. W e may as well m..tke up our minds to that first as last and endeavor by every means in our power to fit him for his coming high estat e." So, th at 's your conclusion, is it ? Of cour se all that is necessary is for you to mak e up your mind and, perh aps once more the fair South ern vale s may run with blood while the N egro mount s the

GREANER.]

thr one of ".his high eatate'' maintained Âˇ by desecrtion and murd er, from which he is to issue th e edicts " and principl es of eternal judgm ent. " For shame.

We ar e always glad to r eceive the L ehigh Burr. It is publish ed semimonthly and seems to meet every demand made upon a college paper. '

McMicken Review comes to us clothed in a new cover . It is neat and tidy in rippear ance and corr esponds most favorabl y with th e contents of the paper. W e acknowled ge the following not ice : " Th e Ri chmond College Messenger,has some sixteen pages of local news. 'rhe energy of the editors must be enormous. W oncler if th ey ever leave anything unsaid ?" In connection with thi s we would state that Richmond College students. are real live stud ents aud, necessarily, furni shed a good basis for local news, which afr.er all denotes College life in its most cheerful aspect a brilliant contra ct to the dr eary "hum drum" at so many institutions of learning.

Th e 0. A. C. Review of Guelph Ont. comes to us for the :first time in many month s. Âˇ We suppos(;l some kindly

_30

RICHMOND' COLLEGE MESSENGER.

thaw has released the ice-bound barriers The Swa1·thmo1·e Phamix fnllv deserves of its prison-house and once more allow- the high reputation it has earned and ed the genial .pleasantness of fellow feelfrom month to month so ably sustained . ing to warm our fraternal hearts. We The editorials are to the point, the litcould suggest some few improvements erary matter is very readable indeed, but we will only mention one: get origi- and last but not least, the locals possess nal artic les from your students , if pos- interest even to outsiders. Such a colsible, for publication in, we suppose we·· · 1ege paper is bound to attract favorable we may term it, a new literary depart- comment. If not already among those ment. Th e exchanges and editorials at the top, the Phamix is rapidly working h~wever deserve commendation which _ its way to that point. we heartly accord. Visit us again brother Review.

COLLEGE NEWS AND NOTES. [Editor-E . W.

" My Daughter," and his voice was stern; " You must set this matter right: What time did that Sophomore leave the house Who sent in his card last night?" " His work was pressing, father dear, And his love, for it is great. He took his leave and went his way Before a quarter of eight." Then a twinkle came in her bright blue eye, And her dimples deeper grew, " ' Tis surely no sin to tell him tbat, For a quarter of eight is two."fCornellicm.

· The French Government will send a representative to this country, to study the workings of the various college athletic associations.---'Ex.

GREANER.]

After mature deliberation the Johnsd Hopkins University boys have decided not to become imitators of the English students. 1'hey hiwe resolved not to adopt caps and gowns.-Ex . "A Young man who came from Nantucket, vVas exposed to La Grippe and soon 'tuck it'. They put him to bed, With a very soar head, Aad gave him a lemon to suck it."--Ei:.

Pompous Party-" So, you are the exchange editor, young man-nautically speaking, you are a clipper?" Shearall-"N o. Inasmuch as I. ply the scissors for 'a living, I am a revenue cutter. "-Ex.

NEWS AND NOTES:

COLLEGE

1st. Senior- Say which would you Whi ch of ShakesfJear e's plays do you like:th e,best, Mr.O 'Fl annigan?" "W ell, choose, to be a bigger fool th an you look, I like the Iri sh ones best. " aAnd which or look a bigger fool than you ar e? 2nd. may th ose be,Mr. O'Fl annigan ?" "A re Why to be a bigger fool th an ·I look. 1st. you so ignor ant as th at my son? Sure .Senior-Yon can't do it !-E x. your education-has been sadly neglected. Why O'Th ello, Corry O'Lanus, Mike Th ere is but one college paper pubBeth, and K ath erine and Pa't Ru chio." lished in En gland. Thi s is th e R eview at Oxford.-E x. -E x. Th e Yale Library has received a gift of $10,000, by the will of the late George Gabr iel, and the Divinit y School $5,000 from th e same source.- Ex . Thr ee-fourth s of th e national colleges founded in th e last thi r ty years are South ern.-E x.

Th e National Univ ersity at Tokio, J apan, enrolls 50,000 students.-E x. I hope Canada and thi s country will fight , "said littl e Dick. " Mamma, "You musn't talk that way.'' " Well I do hope so : and that this countr y would get licked. Th en we wouldn't have any more cod-liver oil."-E x.

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