Virginia Military Institute - Bomb Yearbook (Lexington, VA)

Text from Pages 1 - 176 of the 1896 volume:

THE LIMIT GATE. ' V THE BOMB TriE VIRGINIA 1LITARY INSTITUTE LEXINGTON. X ' lRGINJA USTON. ASHM-EAD, WILSON COMPANY. Lt To that noble man, courteous gentleman, learned professor, pure Christian, and peerless Stonewall Jackson we affectionately dedicate this little book ; as a slight token of our appreciation of his virtues and of our admiration of his genius. ' STONHWAI.l, JACKSON. Editorial. It was near the close of Feljruan- that the Class of ' 96 was called together to consider the feasibility of getting out an Annual for the year. The prospect was not pleasing, for a ' ide from the usual difficulties of such an effort, we were dismayed on reflecting that but two months were left for preparation, and that no one of us had had previous experience in such mailers — truly an unfavorable status of things. But were we, the Class of ' 96, who Ijoasted our su])e- riority in matters of all .sorts, kinds and conditions, to disprove all our professions of hardihood by retreating at the first sight of smoke, before yet the shock of battle was upon us? And were not the chief hindrances of our own making? Might we not have .schooled ourselves in some of the graces of literary composition? Clearly, yes. And what but our own lethargy was responsible for so tardy consideration of a matter belonging properly to September, or October, or November? It was under such lashings of conscience we cleared for action, braving possible disaster, if only to satisfy those consciences of ours, and to free ourselves from taunting insinuation.s. We have found the undertaking more difficult than we could have fancied, but withal we have been diligent and honest in our endea or, and we bespeak from our fellows, from Alumni and friends, charit ' for our frailties and shortcomings, which we know too well to be many and grave. This little volume comes to vou as the third of the series, and intends to give you an inkling of the ' . M. I. — liev inner and outer lite. You will learn .some ancient history, and there will be traditions and glorious memories of medi;eval times. Then the present, with its jovs and sorrows, its earnestness and fri -olity, with now and then a rough sketch in illustration. Yes, the past and present of the same brass-buttoned cadet — him of ' 39, of ' 65, and of to-day — alike in head and heart, through the successive changes of cloth and musket. This in apologv and explanation. A word more to the Corps of Cadets — magnificent and matchless — in acknowledgnienl of their moral and material support, and we hand ou,_ cadets, Alumni, friends, Thi-: Bomb of ' 96. 1 - r , ' f p=j=i ' V f £slitop in Cbicf C |l.;i;Ce-iatc £slitcp ' Jcijme fiana cr- Illn bpatit f gtaFF jiSoyttM y ,,.. ,.,. . ' . wimn The Virginia Military Institute FoL ' .NDEll 1839 Institute Colors Black ami White Institute Yell Rah I Rah ! Rah I ' ir-gin-ia Military Iiistituttr 1 Rah I Rah ! Rah ! Rah 1 Hoo 1 Ri ! Rah ! Hoo ! Ri ' . Ri! Ri: ' . M. I. 1 OFFICERS of Ihe Virginia Military Institute ForxDED 1839 Inspector Ex-Officio His Excellency, C. T. O ' KERRALL, Goverxok of ' irgixia Board of Visitors S. H. Letcher, Esq., President Hox. H. 1 ' airfax Major James M. Love Colonel G. Percy Hawes W. H. White, Esq. Alexander Hamiltox, Esq. Colonel Peter Hairstox Colonel H. T. Parish Hon. W. F. Rhea General Chas. J. Anderson, Adjnlant General Hon. John E. Massev, Supt. of Public Instruction Military Staff Captain S. B. Walker, Jr., Adjutant Colonel Reih White, M.D., Surgeon Colonel W. T. Poaguk, Treasurer and Military Storekeeper M.AJijR F. W. Houston, Cominissarv and Quartermaster Captain J. W. Gillock, Assistant APlitary Storekeeper Academic Staff General Scott Ship, L. L. I)., Supcrintcitdcnt CoLOXEi. JOHX M. Brooke, Captain S. B. Walker, Jr., Pivfissor of P nsics and Aslronomy. Asshlanl ' iv tsior of Pyaionrr. Colonel Thomas M. Sejimes, Captain V. T. Vo -)RHEis, Grad. U. Va., Professor of Modern Languages a)id Rhetoric. In truetor of l.alin. C( )LuNEL E. W. Nichols, , , „ Captain M. B. Corse, Professor of Mathematics. Applied Mathematics and , ., . ■ ,] ir mnies. Assistant Professor oj Tactics. Physics and i hemistry. COLONEL R. A. Marr, Zm ' T i B. B. Morgan, C. E„ Projessor of Engineering and Praun.g. Assistant Professor of Tactics and .Matlumatics. Colonel Hunter Pendleton, I. A., Ph. D., Professor of General and Applied Chemistry. Captain H. C. Ford, B. S., .-Assistant Professor of Tactics and .Modern Language. Colonel D. D. Price, First Artillery, U. S. A., Commandant of Cadets. Professor of Military Science CapTAIN C. B. SlE.MP, B. S., and Tactics, and Instructor of Artillery Tactics. Assistant Professor of Tactics and .Mithematics. il.AjoR N. Beverly Tucker, C. E., B. S.. Captain H. E. Hyatt, B. S., .Idiunet Professor of C icmistrv, Geology and .Miner- , , , , ■„ „„-,,■ ■ ' . Assistant P?ofcssor 01 Tactics and .Mathematics. Early Days at the V. M. I. Forsan et haec olim memenisse juvabit. I have been requested to write out uiv rectillections of the early days of the ' irginia Military Institute. I will endeavor to gather, out of m - fast fading recollections, all that 1 can now recall of these events of more than half a century ago. Amongst the prominent institutions of the town of Lexington, in former days, was a debating society, which assembled weekh- for the discussion of educational, social, economic, scientiiic and political questions. The membership of this society con- clergvnien, law -ers and other men of culture, ington, there stood on the present site of the stands of flint-lock fire-arms, muskets and rifles. These were guarded b - a company of twentx- under connnand of a captain, in State ser ' ice. It occurred to the members ot the Franklin priated to the support of the Arsenal and the the establishment and support of a State ?ililitary tar - Aeadenn- at West Point. Accordingly, in an Act of the General Assembly of 1S3S, a ceeded to organize the school by electing a .Smith, then Professor of jMathematics at Hamp- Point, was elected Superintendent and Professor was made Professor of Latin and Modern sisted of the professors of Washington College, In the vear 1838, near the town of Lex- V. M. I. a State Arsenal, containing about 30,000 for the use of the State militia in case of war. enlisted soldiers, with two negro musicians, at an annual cost tt) the State of $6,000. Literarv Society that the , ' ?6,ooo annually appro- guard might be more usefidly appropriated to School, somewhat on the plan of the U. S. Mili- the month of September, 1839, in pursuance of P)Oard of Visitors met at Lexington, and pro- Superintendent and Professors. Francis H. den Sydne - College, and a graduate of West of Mathematics, with the military rank of Major, and John T. L. Preston, A. M. Languages, with the rank of Captain. The first Board of Visitors consisted of: Col. Claude Crozet, a veteran Lieutenant of Engineers, of Napoleon ' s Russian army of invasion of 18 1 2, who was made President of the Board ; Gen. Charles P. Dorman, of Lexington, Va.; Gov. James xMcDowell, of Lexington, Va. ; Dr. Alfred Leybnrn, of Lexington, ' a. ; John T. L. Preston, Esq., of Lexington, Va. ; Hugh Barclay, Esq., of Lexington, Va. ; Gen. Thomas H. Botts, of Fredericksburg, Va. ; Gen. Peter C. Johnston, of Washington Co., Va. (a brother of Gen. Jos. E. Johnston); John F. Wiley, of Powhatan Co., Va. ; Gen. Bernard Peyton, of Richmond, Adjutant General and Ex-officio. The first appointnitiit of Cadets were : William D. Fair, of Amherst Co., ' a. ; William H. Henderson, of Loudon Co., ' a. : Edmund Pendleton, of Boteloure Co., ' a. ; T. J. B. Cramer, of Frederick Co., ' a. ; W att M. Elliot, of Buckingham Co., ' a. ; William Forbes, of Richmond City, ' a. ; John T. Smith, of Norfolk Borough, Va. ; Hamilton L. Shields, of Norfolk Borough, ' a. ; ' alentine C. Saunders, of Loudon Co., ' a. ; William S. Beale, of Shenandoah Co., Va. ; John H. Jamison, of Culpepper Co., ' a. ; James Marshall, of Front Royal, ' a. ; Benjamin Sharp, of Lee Co., ' a. ; Samuel Chilton, of Kanawha Co., Va. ; James Kenny, of Rockingham Co., ' a. ; Samuel B. Pryor, of Brunswick Co., ' a. ; Louis A. Garnett, of Esse.x Co., ' a. ; Oscar yi. Knight, of Nottoway Co., ' a. ; illiani Smith, of Richmond Co., ' a. ; James H. Lawrence, of Caroline Co., a. ; Joseph W. Bell, of Augusta Co., ' a. ; McCorklc, of Rockbridge Co., ' a. ; Andrew Jackson Hamilton, of Rockbridge Co., ' a. ; Charles Alfred Crump, of Powhatan Co., ' a. ; Philip J. Winn, of Fhnanna Co., ' a. ; John Bowie Strange, of Fluvanna Co., Va.; Boaz Burrows Tibbs, Henry B. Sumpter, of ard B. Washington, of Everett Carter, of Albe- P. Dverle, of Roanoke Williams, of Roanoke A written appoint- the above-named cadets. President of the Board of a printed copy of the in much the same form each cadet to report at of Monongalia Co., ' a. ; Campbell Co., ' a.; Rich- Fairfax Co., ' a. ; Cliarles marie Co., ' a. ; Charles Co., Va. ; George W. Co., Va. ment was sent to each of signed by Col. Crozet, as ' i.sitors, accompanied by Rules and Regulations, as now printed, ordering Lexington on the iilh of November, 1839, prepared to enter upon his duties. We all came by st.age — then the only mode of convevance to Lexington. The buildings, as thev were occupied by the old State Guard, consisted of a Barracks of brick, two stories high, and an Arsenal four stories high, also of Ijrick, containing boxes packed with flint-lock muskets and rifles, cartridge boxes and pipe clay leather belts. The l)uildings were enclosed by a brick wall, twenty feet high, and the windows of the Barracks were securely defended by stout iron bars, to restrain the wandering propensities of the guard. The only lights used bv the cadets were tin lamps, in which whale oil was burned. The water consumed by the cadets, both for ablution and for drinking purposes, was hauled in barrels from springs near the grounds. The basement of the Arsenal, with a brick floor, was utilized for a mess hall, and was heated by an ordinarv iron stove. The steward and commissary, with his family, occupied two or three rooms in the central portion of the second stor of the Barracks. The present parade ground was partly under cultivation as a corn-field, intersected by worm fences, and unoccupied by an - buildings except a few log cabins, which were utilized as section rooms. There was no professor ' s house as yet constructed ; except a brick hottse, built for the Superintendent, ]Major Smith, which stood at the west end of the fronting southward. The onl) ' tree on the parade ground at that which still stands on the gi ' ounds. There were a long since cea.sed to exist. The face of the hill was up. No path or avenue at that time connected the way of reaching the town of Lexington was by a of Main Street. At that da ■ there existed a connection lie- was brought about in this way : The old Society lutionary war, had a chapter called the ' irginia of General and other officers of the Revolution ; This societ ' had in its treasury several thousand the society, the funds on hand were bestowed on tions. The first, that the College should impart that thev should cause an oration, called the Cin- the fund, to be delivered each year by a member Washington College for military instruction, the drill and instruct in militar}- exercises twent - stu- class was to attend the daily drills and wear the the uniform, that where the cadets at the ' . ; I. I. of Washington College had a black star. Those who are old enough to remember the Winter of 1S39 and ' 40, will recall it as a Winter conspicuous for its severity. The ground, from the nth of November, was covered with snow for the greater portion of the Winter. But military discipline and the regular performance of guard duty were strictly enforced in spite of the weather. At that time no tailors had been appointed at the Institute, and the sole dependence of the cadets for proper clothing was upon the few tailors in the town of Lexington. The clothing department was not -et organized, and not until after the newly-appointed cadets had arrived, were Barracks, with its galile time was the hickory, known as the Guard Tree, few cedar trees on the face of the hill, which have dceph ' cut by gullies, which have since been filled ' . M. I. with Washington College, and the only pathway leading down the hill to the extension tween the ' . M. I. and Washington College, which of the Cincinnati, which existed during the Revo- Chapter of the Societ}- of the Cincinnati, composed and of which Cicorge Washington was President, dollars of funds. When it disbanded, by a vote of the trustees of Washington College on two condi- militar) ' instruction to its stridents ; and the second, cinnati Oration, commemorati -e of the origin of of the graduating class. Ha •ing no pro -ision at trustees requested the authorities of the V. M. I. to dents, to be known as the Cincinnati Class. This uniform worn by the cadets, with this difference in had a l.)uttou on each side of the collar, the students an - purchases made of cloth or buttons for the uuifonns. The temporary supply of rou ;h, blanket o ercoats was purchased for the use of the sentinels, to protect them against the severe wintry blasts. The consequence was that colds were ver) ' pre ' alent among the cadets, and great dissatisfaction and a spirit of mutiny prevailed to a large extent. So much so that a meeting assembled and angrily discussed the question whether they would not disband and return to their homes. This action, on being put to the vote, very narrowly escaped being decided in the affirmative ; but the resolute spirit of a few of the cadets, upheld and encouraged by their young Superintendent, who was then but twenty-si.K years old, sa ed the imperilled life of the Institute. In the Spring of 1S41 it was thought best b - the Board of ' isitors to add to and reorganize both the Academic and Military Staffs. In that year Major Smith, Superintendent, was promoted to the rank of Colonel ; Captain Preston was appointed Professor of Latin, French and German ; and Thomas H. Williamson, Esq., then an engineer on the Norfolk Petersburg Railroad, was appointed Commandant of Cadets, with the rank of Captain and Professor of Engineering. Two of the cadets — Fair and Henderson — were also thought sufficiently advanced in their studies to be appointed assistant professors, the one of Mathematics, and the other of French. The insignia of rank with these assistant professors was an added nmnber in the single row of buttons on the front of the cadet coatee. The name of Francis H. Smith, for more than a half century the honored and faithful Superintendent of the N ' iiginia Militarv Institute, will ever be associated with its history as its real father and tounder ; for to him, more than to any other man, is due its real foundation and its successful establishment, growth and progress, through all the vicissitudes which ha •e attended its varied existence through peace and war. By him its original plan was conceix ' ed and successfully executed, through years of labor and solicitude ; though the original, crude conception was roughly planned by others. The original Barracks and other buildings were twice destroyed, and as often rebuilt, under his super ision. Whenex ' er he handed to a cadet a diploma, certifying that he was a graduate of the . M. I., it was always accompanied by a beautifully bound Oxford edition of the Bible, as a present from the Superintendent, inscribed with some appropriate extract from the Old or Xew Testament. My own Bible, which has been in mv possession for nearlv fifty-four years, and which I carried with me all through the war between the States, has this in.scription on the fl -leaf, written in Creneral Smith ' s handwriting : •A TOKE.X OF AFFECTlOy FROM A PRECEPTOR TO H :S PVPlLr As a soldier of the Cross put on the -utltole armour of God, that you may be able to -jjitltstand in the eiil day . and liaxing done all, to stand. Stand therefore, haling your loins girt about with truth, and hazing on the breast-plate of righteousness ; and your feet • shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace ; aboze all. taking the shield of faith, zvherewith ye shall be able to guard all the fiery darts of the uicJted. And take the helmet of salvation, and the suord of the Spirit, zchich is the word oj Cod. — Ep. 6.- J, , o. 6. ;?. Amont ' St in - class-mates, most of whom H -cd to enter the Confederate militar - service, and perfonu a gallant part in the late war between the States, I recall Col. John B. Strange, Colonel of the 19th ' irginia Regiment, who was killed in the battle of Sonth : Iountain just before the battle of Sharpsburg ; Col. Charles A. Crump, Colonel of a Virginia Regiment, and Col. William Forbes, of the 14th Tennessee Regiment, who were both killed in the second battle of Manassas. John H. Jamison was also killed in battle. Charles P. Dyerle was appointed Surgeon in the U. S. Arm -, served during the INIexican War, and died from disease contracted in the service. I, myself, entered the Confederate service in the Fall of 1S61, as Major of the 3d Louisiana Battalion, and was promoted successively to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel and Colonel of the 15th Louisiana Regiment. I ser -ed through the war, was twice vouuded, and in the Summer of 1862 was confined as a prisoner of war at Fort Warren, and finally surrendered with General Robert E. Lee on the 9th of April, 1S65, at Appomattox Court House. Most of the thirty-two members of mv Class have answered to the last roll call, and the few who still remain — Dr. Oscar ?il. Kuicrht, Col. Wvatt M. Elliot, James Mar.shall, Richard B. Washington, Louis A. Garnett, and myself— are gray-headed men, of over three-score and ten, whose lives are mainly tilled by the.se memories of by-gone days. 4- GUARD TREE. In IDemoriam M. S. DICKIXSOX. ARTHUR R. GATEWOOD. DIED DIELl May 29TH, 1895. August 13TH, 1895. W. C. _MURI)AUGH. E. P. C. LEWIS. DIED DIED August 13TH, 1895 March 9TH, iSgf ■ „ BATTERY DRILL. « The Charge at New Market. The Cadets ' Bravery Described by a Union Soldier. Mr. Howard Morton, Federal soldier, gives the following description of the battle of Xew ilarket, in which the i ' . M. I. cadets took part. He describes their gallant behavior under hea ' ) ' fire. The article -as written for the Pittsburg Dispauh, and is as follows : Opposite is the enemy ' s line of gray, belching forth fire and smoke. Those immediately in front of us are compf utively inactive. The} ' have not yet mended their broken fences. We look to the further end of the rebel line. Out from an rchard steps a small body of gray-clad troops. Something about them attracts our attention — their marching and alignment are ; ' erfect, their step is unlike that of the veterans who marched against our front. Their mo -ements are those of a crack battalion •■ dress parade. The)- look like bo)-s ; the strong glasses show that the)- are boys. It is the battalion of pupils from the Virginia liilitary Institute, 225 in number. These little fellows, whose ages range from 14 to 16 years, drawn from the best families of ihe Old Dominion, have closed their books for the summer vacation, but instead of returning to their homes and making glad the hearts of fond parents and brothers and sisters, were told to take their cadet muskets and join the army in the Valley. They have just arri ' ed and are eagerh- marching to their baptism of blood. War is cruel at best, btit who can excuse the cnielty that risks such bright 3 ' oung lives even in a righteous cause? Opposite them, holding the right of our line, is a battery of six twelve-p ' juuders. The commander has observed the cadet battalion and opened fire on it. The shells burst among the boys, but they don ' t seem to be disturbed in the least. Forward towards the black monsters the line moves as though parading on the smooth lawn of the Military Institute, whence the}- came. Palings are being knocked from their fence, but the)- close up and present an unbroken line. We ask ourselves, can the)- be so rash as to charge the batter)- ? It is commencing to look that way. On, on, the)- march, their line as straight as a rule, more palings are knocked from the li -ing fence, and repairs are made as before, but the fence is shorter. The)- are almost in cannister range. Surely they will face about and retrace their steps ; but no, the little heads bend lower as they face the iron storm. The little muskets are grasped tighter, as on, on the)- rush. God ha e mercy on them. The deadh- cannister sweeps through their ranks. Shorter and shorter grows the line. Hea -en pit)- their poor mothers, whose prayers are even now rising- to Heaven for tlieir darlings ' safety. Oh, that some pitying hand would stretch out to stav them ; but, on, on, on, tliey march, right into the jaws of the black monsters. Now they enter the smoke ; they disappear. The thunder of six great gims is silenced. A juvenile shout is heard, and the sur ' ivors of that little band of heroes ha -e captured the battery. Scarcelv have we realized that they are victors, until we find that they manned the captured guns and turned them down our lines. The supporting line of rebel infantry dash across the plain, with the blood of four of these yoinig heroes. Forward moves the entire line of the enemy. The rebel yell is given as they dash towards our demoralized troops. Our right is crowded back ; the centre wavers. We run our guns forward, and by cross-firing again check the rebel advance on the centre. Back, back, swings our right ; confusion takes the place of order, and -e see our infantrx ' hurrying to recross the Shenandoah. Batteries limber up and gallop back to take a new position across the ri er. The ca -alry and our battery are ordered to cover the retreat. We move over to the pike. Dead and wounded thickl) ' strew our pathwa ' . Carefulh ' we move them to one side or pick onr wav among them. Fire in retreat ! Fix prolonge ! is the order. The trail of the gun is attached to the limber by a rope, and, as we retreat slowh ' in the direction of the bridge, we drag our guns with the muzzles pointing towards the enemy, loading as we march, halting a second to aim and fire, and so retreat, stubbornly contesting e •ery inch of our journey back. The enemy seem to have a wholesome respect for us. They have learned from bitter experience that we are an ugh ' foe to face, and they hesitate to make a dash toward our black muzzles. ;!£ Modern Rathood. Nine o ' clock on a warm e ' eniug in the latter part of August, ' 95, a solitary figure could be seen sauntering along beneath the maples, which line the walk from the limit gate to the Cadet Barracks of the ' . M. I. He looked curiously at the line of old cannon, bisected b ' the Washington statue, which to the stranger appear so picturesque beneath the dai ' k green maple leaves of a summer evening ; and he gazed at the barracks, which stood white and ghostly in the moonlight. He passed through the arch. All was deserted. It was entirely too early in the year for man - new cadets to arri -e — to say nothing of the old men. He was met by Mr. Wintfield, who told him that five men had arrived that dav, each of whom was, like himself, one of those much-talked-about and unfortunate aninrals — Rals. He matriculated next morning, w-as introduced to the Superintendent, and then made his way, under escort, to his future lodgings for ten long months — the barracks. Up the steps he climbed until he reached the garret, so to speak, the abode of the Rats ; but, although the fourth stoop is so high above this earth, the Rats for the first few weeks have some difficulty in looking upon it either as a heaven or a ha ■en. His room was not exacth- like the one at home in its furnishings, but he was aware such would be the case, and, with the glamour of new surroundings to cheer him, he began to unpack. While so busied with two room-mates, w ' ith whom he had chosen to live for the next ten months and to bear the ills to come in one common burden, he was interrupted by a 3-oung gentleman who sauntered in, remarking, Howdy do. Rats ! This was an epoch in the Rat ' s career. From that moment he dropped his name for ten long months, and was to be known, except in his own class or in the section-room, onh ' as Rat or blister. Oh, how often and in what different tones of voice was he destined to hear that simple yet potent word — Ral . ' After some questions as to name, place of residence, and so on, the ' isitor left. He was an old hand, a first class-man, so he paid but little attention to Rat affairs. The Rat thought this a ery mild form of hazing. Alas ! no third class-men had yet arrived, and he therefore knew not the waj ' s of that greatest of all Rat disciplin- arians, the man who, with a joy beyond all others, had dropped his tail to the tune of Auld Lang Syne the year before. He blacked his shoes and got ready for dinner, and at the beat of the first drum he went down in front of barracks, where he found a number of his brother Rats. At the second drum they were formed in line by a spruce cadet Corporal, whose white trousers and close-fitting blouse contrasted strangely with the ' arious cits of the Rats. Having had the mysteries of the facings explained, and being told that left foot first was the wa - to set themselves in motion, they were marched to the Mess Hall, and on the way there and back the Corporal found faults enough with the different gaits of his awkward recruits to make them believe thev had never walked before. At dinner they were told that if you want anything, Rats, just ask for it, whereupon Old Sam, who was in hearing, showed his teeth in a sorrowful sort of a smile, as if he thought, Alas I ye poor gullible unfortunates I He understood it all, for he had seen too many a Rat in former times innocently tell him to bring in the fruit or the finger-bowl. In a few days the barracks began to fill up. First, the arrivals were only the writer ' s brother Rats, but soon began to arrive the old cadets — they who lavish so much tender interest and care upon the Rat ' s education — and in a few days the Rats were -ery happy. They were happ - because some ancient sage has remarked that he is the happiest man who makes the most men happy, and we must certainly, then, have had a good time, for we were giving some of the old cadets boundless enjoyment. One feature of by-gone days was absent. The ' . I. I. has a high militarv reputation, and, accordingly, teaches all drill pertaining to the bayonet ; but so thorough is the military work here that the cadets of former vears seemed to think that the bayonet drill alone was not sufficient, and accordingly they devised a Manual for the Bayonet Scabbai-d, a most irksome and painful exercise for a recruit, but which is stipposed to have many good effects. This drill continued long in use and manv a Rat learned tlie drill under a painful training, until, one year, the powei ' s that be, thought the svstem was being overdone, and a pledge was put in order two years ago which has practically done away itll the time-honored s ■stem of bucking. The writer will not endeavor to argue the merits of the system. Although a Rat, and liable to its instruction, he thinks that bucking, to a certain extent, possesses some advantages, but then again he never crawls into his bed at taps btit a feeling of thankfulness is experienced that he has not been called upon to go through a time which tried Rats ' souls. The writer, however, had a few preliminary lessons from some kindly gentlemen, who slipped into barracks before signing the pledge, and thinks that the.se few lessons are perfectly sufficient, and that his mind is fulh capable of understanding all that pertains to this exercise without further practical instruction. But, although bucking is now no more, there is many another way in which the Rat furnishes the old cadet with amusement, and acquires for himself a part of his education otherwise not to be gained. lilitary etiquette is thoroughly impressed tipon his mind, and he learns the use of the word Sir ver ' soon and of putting the handle Mr. to every old cadet ' s name. He maintains that fonnalitv for ten months at least, and it is good training for him, too. To strengthen his shoulders and to give him a graceful and erect carriage, is the old cadet ' s constant labor during the first few weeks, and to this end he has invented finning out. At first the Rat has to have it explained, but in a few days he learns what it means, and then the third class-man has onh- to make a motion with his own wrists to cause the Rat to fairly crack his shoulder-blades in the endea -or to keep his palms to the front and perpendicular to his thigh-bones. To train him for service in the field, the old cadet has taught him to forage for provisions. This is taught by requesting every Rat in sight to covertlv con e -, beneath a tight blouse, about seven ham sandwiches from the ' Mess Hall, after Stiuday dinner, to his lordship on the second or third stoops. The Rat, in this way, learns to skirmish for his food — a valuable traininj for a soldier in the field. To train him to be neat and tidy, the old cadet teaches him how to clean brasses, guns, sword-hilts, hat-plates, to sweep rooms, and to make beds. In fact, so kind is the old cadet that he allows the Rat to practice upon his (the old cadet ' s) plates, gun, etc., while learning ; and the old cadet often thinking one lesson is not sufficient, has the Rat repeat the lesson at least once a week, Saturday afternoons before Inspection offering the best opportunity. The old cadet also culti ates his spirit of generosity b borrowing everything of a desirable nature which the Rat maj ' have to lend, and the Rat lends with a cheerfulness truly admirable, loaning ever ' thing from his creased trousers to his pet breast- plate. The Rat is even taught the beauty of charity by feeding the hungTy. As, for instance, when he receives a box of eatables front home, and the hungry (all of whom are generalh- old cadets) are so numerotis, the one whom the Rat considers the most worthy — his own fond self — is often left to feed upon the satisfaction of having done a good deed ; namely, to have fed the hungry at his gates. The Rat is taught to walk gracefulh- b}- being made to march sixteen inches behind a fierce third class-man, who sees, that while maintaining the quick step of the light infantry man, he does not tramp on anybody ' s feet. The Rat also acquires the power of entertaining by learning to sing songs, by dancing a jig, or by relating some humorous anecdote, for the amusement of his critical audience — the ever-present old cadet. Take it all in all, the Rats have much to be thankful for. Such interest and care is not to be found everywhere, and, seeing its good effects, they are filled with the desire to impose all this knowledge and employ the same methods on the class of Rats who ma) ' come the next ear. The Rat often learns this wisdom at a lo.ss of pride, dignity and conceit, but he gains what is mentioned already and in addition some self-control, manliness, and reliance in himself So each evening we thaukftilh- take our places in the rear rank to go to Dress Parade, and to the first nojes of the band swing out into column of fours, marching out on the hill with the steady e -en step, which gives the Corps, when marching, the appearance of a machine; the same step with -hich, in the earh ' dawn tliirb, ' -two j-ears ago, the gray battalion swung out into column to make its wa}- up the valley to New Market, and there to change to the double and the charge which won glory for the Corps. And so we Rats think, as we stand in the long gray line, when the band, having marched along our front, comes back to its place at the right of our line ; when the notes of the Retreat sound sweetly forth ; when the flags flutter down from their staffs as the boom of the evening gun rolls awa)- to the green hills, — we think one more day is over, one more day nearer the finals, and one more day numbered among those that have passed into what is in some wa}.s the most eventtul ) ear in our course at the Institute. M- E. L., ' 99. A Relic of the War. Dedicated to the Cadets of V. M. 1, They were gathered in the gloaming, A group of soldiers bold, Some fought beneath the stars and bars And some the flay of old. Of letters and their tender lines ' ith tear-drops blotted o ' er. And dim words penned by loving hands Found in those da ' s of vore. They talked of war, and other davs, C)f victory and defeat. Of comrades dead, who now are dust. Old memories sad and sweet. At last a veteran, worn and gray. With tottering steps and slow, Uprose and stood amid them there. His face •as all aglow. The ways about them seemed to ring With the bugles ' stirring l:ilast, . nd the scenes of battle round them rolled, . pageant out the past. I, too, have something here, he said, A relic of the war ; A little thing — he bared his breast — ' Tis nothing but a scar. .Some told of treasured relics found. Of jewel, book and ring, .■ 11 trophies from some hard fought field. Each one a priceless thing. . wound, I show it to my sons, And tell them how ' twas done In battle ' neath the Southeru cross, This trophy that I won. ' Tis not a jeweled emblem, No monarch placed it there, This badge of holy brotherhood That patriots lo ' e to wear. So let ns live, so let us die, That death ' s brief slumber o ' er We ' ll waken ready at the call On Heaven ' s eternal shore. Thus, ever through the changing vears. Through ebb of time and tide. It minds me of the valiant souls Of those who fought and died. He finished, and the eventide In silence round them lay. While softly from each furrowed cheek Was brushed a tear awaw And when the bugle call rings forth, Lights out, and comrades part. This pledge of valor and of truth Will lie close to mv heart. Then, speaking for them all, one said, Thoti hast o ' er all the rest The grandest relic of the war Engraven on thv breast. Eliz.- bkth J. Hereford. Why Is It? I have a brazen breast-plate bright. The same to clean I never tried. But that it fell upon the floor, .A.nd (ihrays on the polished side. ' Our Trip to Atlanta. Promptly at two o ' clock on the morning of the 2ist of September, 1895, our special rolled out of the depot of Lexington, en route to Atlanta. Quite a large crowd had assembled on the platform to see us off, notwithstanding the lateness, or rather the earliness, of the hour, and as the train jnilled out, they joined in our cheers with a vim. Tlie much longed for moment had at last arrived, and even those among us who had hitherto been skeptical in regard to the trip, were now forced to admit that we were actually going to Atlanta. The great International and Cotton States ' E- position, as everybody knows, was then in progress, and we had been ordered by the Governor of Virginia to act as his special escort there and back, and also in the parade on Virginia Day. Very little sleep was indulged in during the remainder of the night, as the excitement was intense and even those who wished to sleep were prevented from doing so by their r estless and nois)- neighbors. E ach company was assigned to its own special car, and visiting in the other cars, without permission from the Commandant, was positively forbidden. We were to join the Governor at Danville, and strict orders had been given that there should be no smoking until after we had arrived at that place ; for the Governor was going to pass througli and inspect our cars, and, of course, everv ' thing should be in the pink of condition. A large crowd was at the depot in L nchburg, although it was still very early in the morning, and class )-ells, songs, etc. were indulged in until I am sure half of the populace were aroused from their slumbers. We arrived in Danville a few minutes after seven, and there, also, found a large crowd awaiting us. The Governor had already arrived, so there was but little delay in coupling his private car to our train. Accompanying t he Governor and his Staff were several of Richmond ' s fair maidens, and these, together with several of our Lexington girls, constituted a very delightful feature of the trip ; in fact, to a few of us they were the attraction of the trip. As a general thing, these long trips are very disagreeable to all, but this proved a marked exception to the rule, all keeping in the best of spirits, and the time passing very quickly. From time to time our appetites were satisfied with apples, which were distributed by old John from a large basket, and who on entering the car at once became the centre of attraction, which resulted in a general stampede, some of us getting left entirely, and others, more fortunate, getting double their share. Nor, as some newspapers seem to think, were apples our only source of sustenance, for our Quartermaster had provided sand- wiches and coffee for us, and these constituted our dinner. At last, about 7.30 p. 11., after many delays and many false alarms as to the distance, we arrived in Atlanta. The first sight which greeted our anxious ej-es was indeed magnificent : it was that of the Exposition buildings and grounds, illuminated b - electric lights. A little to the right the Ferris wheel could be seen, even at our distance, slowh- revolving. At first this looked to be a great wheel made of electric lights, and some wagers were even made on this supposition ; but as we came nearer it became plainer and its coaches could be seen. We were now in full view of the Exposition grounds, and it looked as if it were a fairy city in itself The train at last stopped inside the grounds and we all tumbled out of windows as well as doors, so delighted were we to reach our destination. Beyond being a little stiff, we experienced no bad results from our long trip, and, the Battalion being formed, we marched into the grounds, out of them again, and finally halted in front of the Alcazar Hotel, where we were to be quartered. This temporar - structure, erected especially for the Exposition, was situated only about one hundred -ards from the main entrance. We were at once shown to our quarters, which, while not ery elaborate, were yet comfortable and substantial ; in fact, we were all highly pleased with them, for it had been rumored while en route that we were to go into camp, and this at once filled us with visions of innumerable hardships. After making our toilet (which occupied considerable time, as we had not used water except for internal purposes since leaving Lexington), we meandered down to supper, and to our chagrin found that the size of the dining hall permitted only about sixty men to eat at the same time. Here was a case of the early bird getting the worm, and for the rest of us there was nothing to do but await patiently our turn, occasionally yelling through the key-hole to let those who had been more fortunate than we, know that we were still ali -e, and to remind them that our future existence depended largely on the promptness with which they made their exit. Our appetites constituted by far the largest portion of us, but in a very short time we had all been satisfied, and went back to our quarters to do a little extra diking before taking in the sights. From this time we were under few restrictions, so it will be impossible to follow any longer the corps as a bodv in the various pursuits and frolics which have given us a lasting and, we hope, an enviable reputation among the good people not only of Atlanta, but of the whole South. The officers of the First Class were invited to the Governor ' s reception immediatelv after supper, and, as is customary, wore the full dress uniform ; the remainder of the First Class lost no time in donning those immortal blues, which, while causing envy in the under-classmen, excite no less their respect and admiration. The Alcazar was just within the corporation limits, about a mile and a half from the town proper, so cabs, hacks, etc. were continually in demand by those wishing to go into the city. Ven- few of the boys went inside of the Exposition grounds on the first night, for most of us wanted to take in the town at once. We were ven. fortunate in being able to see Richard Harlow, as Isabella, in the opera 1492, which was the attraction at the Grand Opera House that week. You may still hear a great many of the popular airs, such as The Sunshine of Paradise Alley, Only One Girl in the World for JNIe, etc., whistled and sung around barracks until one can almost imagine himself back in Atlanta. Indeed, a few lucky fellows made ' ery fa orable impressions on one of the ballet girls, who wore our colors on the stage the following night. There was near the Opera House a charming little place called the Isle of Champagne, which, between the acts, was especially popular with cadets. Here they always received prompt attention, and in return were very liberal in their patronage to the establishment. Unfortunateh-, the proprietors of this establishment closed their doors promptly at the stroke of 10 P. M., whereupon a sudden change took place, and the drug store opposite became the centre of attraction. It ma - be interesting to mention here the accident which befell Ir. Hutton on the first night and which came near resulting ver - seriously for that gentleman. In endeavoring to get out of the theatre — it certainly must have been after the third intermission, at any rate — his legs, in a most unaccountable manner, became entangled in the railing which bordered the balcony, and he fell heavih-, barely escaping falling over into the audience below. He, however, received no serious injuries, although his head was swollen considerably the next morning. Mr. Daniel ' s fruitless efforts to trade off his brass buttons were simpl}- heart-rending, although he was a little bashful at first. The good nature of the hack-drivers was certainly imposed upon greatly in taking us back to the Alcazar that night. The next day was ' irginia Day, and we were to take a prominent place in the parade, being the Governor ' s escort. There is always a delay in parades, and this pro ' ed to be no exception to the rule ; no one seemed to know what to do, and it seemed to us as if we were marched all over Atlanta, and we were consequently nearly dead before the parade was formed. At last, however, we started, and as we passed by the Alcazar we were loudly cheered, for we had already made quite an impression here. Just as we were entering the Exposition groiuids, our band struck up Dixie, that old familiar rebel air, which thrills the heart of every Southern boy. Although tired by the long march, on hearing Dixie, we were as fresh once more as when we started, and all braced up as if by magic. We marched around the grounds once, and then passed in review before the Governor. Our alignment was perfect. At the command, Carry Arms ! every gun touched the shoulder at the same time, ever)- hand dropped to the side with that snap and vim that has for years characterize d the V. I. I. cadet. Perhaps it may seem to some that this praise is unworthy of us, coming, as it does, from the pen of one who was in the parade ; but you mistake — tor we would do homage, not to ourselves, but to those who have preceded us, and in whose footsteps we follow. The ex-cadet is our model, and we strive, as it were, to respect the old time-honored customs, and take pride in conducting ourselves when awa -, so that he may justly be proud of his Alma mater. The parade itself was very tiresome, and the weather fearfully hot, so when we stacked arms and fell out, there was a general rush for the B. B. establishment, which, it is needless to say, did a flourishing business. We were now free to do as we liked until Dress Parade, so we scattered in all directions, most of us however making straight for the Midwa -. The Midway, as everybody knows, was one of the chief attractions of the Fair ; it contained everything that could possibly be of interest, and a great deal that was not. Of course there were a few fake shows, but these are always expected ; so taking it on the whole, I think it gave universal satisfaction, judging by the crowds which it attracted daily. It would be foolish to attempt to enumerate all of the sights on everything and the Beauty Show. The the first time we witnessed a real bull fight, the dress of the natives that we bought A word of advice to the reader ma ' this kind without first breakfasting, for by befell our friend i Ir. Hutton, which fear for The Streets of Cairo gave us an insight Chooche-Chooche dance, as danced by the the Midway. Suffice it to say, there was Mexican Village was a show in itself; for and some of us became so infatuated with sombreros from them as souvenirs not be amiss here. Never enter a place of not taking these precautions an accident — — ni - personal safety prevents my recording. — - — into Oriental scenes and customs; the nati ' es, was very fascinating and proved an camels and donkeys for hire for the con- incident took place here, which, although not strictly in accord excellent drawing card. There were also ' enience of those who did not wish to walk. A ver}- amusin ■itll nn- subject, may prove of great interest to all. One of our number, Mr. Griffin, a most imposing-looking youth, called, from his resemblance to that animal, horse, availed himself of this rare and golden opportunity and expressed a desire to ride around the grounds. To the surprise of all he announced that he would not ride the camel, not wishing to be so conspicuous, — Grif. is a modest youth, ) ' ou know, — but chose rather the donkey, having a kind of fellow-feeling for this beast. After a brief but very rigid examination of each and e ' erv donkey, Griffin at last selected one, which was in truth a magnificent animal — in fact, as he then expressed it, an animal after his own heart. The ears of this animal, long and flabby, were of a brownish hue, which gradualh ' , but so slowly that one could scarcely notice the change, blended into a delicate gra} ' until at the tips they were almost white. E -ery one was forcibly struck by the close resemblance of the ears of both rider and beast, which was strictlj ' true in all but color. It was a wise choice, as the donkey was in everv respect worthy to perforin the duty which had been imposed upon him. Griffin mounted the animal without recei ' ing anv assistance whatever, for nature has provided him with a pair of legs which contrasted singularly with those of the donkey, touching as the ' did the ground on either side. Every bridle and saddle was in use, but the manager thought that only a halter was necessary, as this particular donkey was very gentle, and as Griffin did not object in the least to riding bareback. At first an employee led the animal around, which was indeed an imposing sight — a fit subject for the poet, a model for the sculptor. There sat Griffin upon the donkey, pale, resolute and fearless, a firm but gentle expression depicted upon his countenance ; high cheek bones setting out in bold relief directly opposed to his other features. His eyes shone with a strange light, and his who countenance resembled that of the hero entering battle. A faint smile played around the corners of his gra ceful mouth, and a feeling of awe came over all who witnessed the sight. Fired with ambition, even ' drop of martial blood tingling in his veins, Griffin ordered the employee awa ' and seized seem to enjoy the change, for it glanced three flaps of his ears and started off at full instinctively wrapped his legs twice around whatever it might be ; but unfortunately his it he lost his balance, and would have fallen He wound these around the neck of the wrapped arotnid the body, he seemed to be he was endeavoring to stop the donkey by mortal lips. Griffin is built from the ground present position he covered the beast entireh ' . the halter himself The animal did not aroinid, and seeing who the rider was, gave tilt. When the animal first started. Griffin its body, and settled back resigned to his fate, hat blew off, and in endeavoring to obtain had not his long arms come to his assistance, donkey, and, his legs having previously been safe for the present, at any rate. Meanwhile, the most pitiful entreaties ever heard from up as high as six feet two inches, so in his and evidently the donkev recognized that it was not a veiy paying job running all over the grounds with this enormous burden, and consequently he determined to get rid of it. He first attempted to do this lj - jumping the fence which enclosed the place, after which he started at full speed right up the Midway. This attempt was fruitless, so far as ridding himself of his rider was concerned, for it acted as an incentive to make Griffin cling the tighter, although his coat caught in a nail and was torn firom him. For the first time Griffin realized what a perilous condition he was in ; there he was, hatless, in his shirt sleeves, dashing wildly up the Midway, clinging frantically to the donkey with both arms and legs ; it was literall) ' a case of boss and boss. Everybod)- cleared the way and quite a large crowd followed him, endeavoring by all possible means to stop the animal, but in vain. When opposite the Beaut)- Show, the donke ' gave one of those back jumps, for whicli they are so noted, and stopped short ; but Griffin kept on, with great presence of mind, however, still clinging to the halter. The donkev not caring to remain longer in the clutches of his enemy, started off again. dragging Grif. after him. After dragging him about a hundred yards in this manner, the donkey finally succeeded by means of his hind legs in persuading Griffin to let go the halter, and thus made good his escape. Griffin was fearfidly scarred up, his face especially, and he was hardly able to be recognized. The g ' psy fortune-teller kindly volunteered to dress his wounds, and in a comparati ' ely short time he was read) ' for use once more. During the remainder of our sojourn in Atlanta, Griffin attributed his scars to a recent foot-ball game, and I have taken this opportunitN ' to inform those who were deceived by this subterfuge, of the true cause of his disfigured countenance. Gillie Hinton ' s famous encounter with the ostrich man is deserving of mention, although it resulted very disastrously for the former. EveiT cadet will admit that the Congress of Beauties, or the Beauty Show, as it is connnonly called, was by far the greatest attraction on the Midway. This, as the name implies, was an assembh ' of the most beautiful women, each one repre- senting her own nati ' e country, almost every country on the globe having its representative. Besides these delegates, there was a New Woman and a Trilb} ' . The admission fee was only twenty-five cents, and it was certain!)- worth ever)- cent of it. The beauties were arranged on a dias, dressed in the styles peculiar to their own country, the American being wrapped in our Stars and Stripes. We at once became fa -orites with these fair maidens. Some attribute this to our brass buttons, but of course we do not think so, for several of our number, we are sure, made lasting impressions on them. ' e swarmed in here in such numbers that finally the manager announced that the doors were closed to all but cadets. Dress Parade was conducted inside of the grounds, and was witnessed by a er large crowd. The next day was the President ' s Day, and again we had a ver - prominent place in the parade. A stand had been erected especially for the President, before whom the troops passed in review. Just as we were about to pass by, our band once more verj- opportunelv struck up Dixie, which was received with great applause, and, as before, acted as an inspiration to all. It was the proudest moment of our lives, and I think we fully sustained the reputation made the preceding da -. A group of ex-cadets, who no doubt longed to be in the gray ranks once more, cheered us as we passed, and even the President asserted that we were the finest looking body of troops in the parade. Perhaps it was due to this that two of us were fortmiate enough to get an invitation to the President ' s reception that night, where, it is said, champagne flov -ed like water. I regret verv much to sa • that on account of the channs on the JNIidway, a very large majority of us did not take advan- tage of the opportunit ■ to visit the various buildings, and, ' consequentl -, I am not sufficiently prepared to go into details in regard to these. I think, though, the Go - ernment Building proved to be the most popular — the exhibits of the Army and Xavy being of particular interest to us. The Fish Department, too, was very interesting, as well as instructive. Our foot-ball game, the evening before we left, was largely attended, especially by the fair maidens of Atlanta, who turned out to see us add new laurels to our wreath. Of course we were there in full force — hiring tally-hos, etc., for the occasion, which we decked with school colors. This seemed to be quite a no e sight to the Atlanta people, for quite a crowd followed us to the grounds, where our yells, tin horns, etc., proved a very good ad •ertisement for the game. Our opponents made one touchdown the tirst part of the game on a decided fluke, but after this they were not able to catch e -en so much as a glimpse of the much coveted goal. The game resulted in a complete victon- for us, the score being 46 — 4. We were to leave at tweh-e o ' clock that night, so the remainder of the da - was spent in saving good-bye to the many friends we had made while there, and in making final visits to those places which were most attractive to us. Promptly at 9.30 P. Ji. the Battalion was formed, and we marched sorrowfully down to Union Depot. This was about three miles firom the Alcazar, and some of us, it is true, fell by the wa ' side, but by the aid of hacks, etc., were final]}- landed safely with the rest at the depot. There was some little dela)- here. Suddenly, our Commandant appeared upon the scene, and commanded, Battalion ! At-ten-t-i-o-n ! — it was over, the tender adieux had been spoken, we were marched into our cars and the trip to Atlanta was a thing of the past. In conclusion I wish to thank, in the name of the Corps, the good people of Atlanta for the courtesy, kindness and respect which was shown us on all occasions while there, and we shall always cherish in our hearts the fond memory of the trip to Atlanta. JACKSON ' S STATUE. A Duel on the Nile. It is a noticeable fact that whenever there is a meeting of ' . M. I. Ahuuni, very little time elapses ' ere tlieir conversation drifts to the different scenes and incidents of their cadet life, which, althongh once seeming a trifle hard, are now looked npon with pleasure and counted as among the brightest and happiest of their lives. Among the fa -orite pastimes enumerated, ou will be struck with the -ast number of so-called practical jokes engaged in at the V. -M. I. Each one has his own stor}- to tell in which he figured as a hero, and there is not one who has not played some joke on his neighbor. Formerly they were indulged in to a great extent at the expense of the rats, but now it is the height of most of our ambitions to play a practical joke on one of our class-mates. Ninety-six can justly say that she has her proportionate number of those who enjoy practical jokes, but, alas, there are five or six who are now rather sensitive on the subject, although they were the ring-leaders up to one dav kist fall. Since that time, however, one may be quite safe in asserting that the - have been ver)- little engaged in that particular sport. Now there were two cadets, A and N , in the class, who had a dispute concerning some trivial matter, so some of the boys thought it an excellent opportunity to have some fun, as they expressed it. Under ordinary circumstances this quarrel would have blown over in a few hours, as our quarrels generally do, but we had a motive in not permitting this one to drop so soon. We knew that cadet A had quite a mania for duelling, so our plan was as follows: We were to tell N the joke, and arrange a mock duel between him and A ; they should exchange three shots, at the third of which N should fall fatally wounded. The quarrel occurred in the afternoon and that evening, after supper, se -eral of us met to perfect our plans. Referee and seconds were accordingh- appointed. The one selected for A ' s second, with several others, went to see him immediateh- and laid the case as seriously as possible before him, telling him that he had been wronged and that, to preser -e his own honor, he nnist fight a duel. How A ' s eyes sparkled at the suggestion ! Nothing could have pleased him better. But right here we met with a difficulty ; A insisted on swords as weapons, which, of course, would ha -e upset all our plans. Every persuasion imaginable was tried to dissuade him from the stand he had taken, but without avail. At last we saw otir wav clear ; he was reminded that no challenge had been sent, and as he was the party wronged, of course he would have to send the challenge. One was soon written, and no sooner in N ' s hands than accepted. N being the challenged part) ' , of course had choice of weapons, and naturally chose pistols. A having sent the challenge, had no alternative but to accept the situation, nor did he care to be relieved of it. That serious look on his face was now replaced by a smile ; he said that he was by no means as go od a shot as his opponent, still he expressed himself as glad that fire-arms were chosen. We were not able to understand it then, although we afterwards did. The site chosen was a very quiet, secluded spot, just across the Nile (a small stream which fringes the bottom of our northern parapet). After taps we met in Room 6i to perfect our plans. At once it was noticed that we had failed to procure blank cartridges ; it was after taps, all the stores were closed, and the duel yas to come off that morning at six o ' clock. There wa.s nothing to be done save go to work and make them ; so, in a very short while, by means of our pen-knives, six leaden bullets were replaced by cotton and glue. A was the onlv man concerned who could have been found asleep at the first notes of reveille that morning ; the rest of us lieing awake long before that time, reviewing our respective parts and anticipating the fun that we were going to have. The following scene was one long to be remembered. A light snow had fallen during the night, the air was pure and bracing. Instead of returning to our rooms and enjo ing that short nap after re ' eille, which is so often disturbed by the first drum for breakfast, we met at the gymnasium, and from there set out for the battle-ground, X with his party leading the wa ' , and A following, by no means reluctantly, with his second. The spot reached, A ' s second won the toss for choice of pistols, and chose a beautiful hauimerless Smith Wesson, while one of the same make, although an older pattern, fell to N . Parting words having been sent to loved ones, everything was in readiness. The two extremities of a line of twenty foot- prints in the snow marked the positions where the principals were to stand. They were placed dos (i dos and instructed to turn and exchange three shots at the word Three. Slowl)- and clearly rang out the voice of the referee, One 1 Two I — Init just then A cast aside the -eapon A -hich was given him and exclaimed : This pistol is loaded with blanks ! I am down here for business ! and, at the same time drawing from his bosom a large Colt ' s revolver, cried out : I prefer to use mj ' own ; defend yourself! His first shot was aimed directly at his opponent. We immediately rushed upon A , and grasping his wrist, threw his arm in the air ; liut not until he had fired two more .shots were we able to take the pistol from him. The joke was tlien explained — it was on us. While we were delivering A ' s challenge to X , someone went to A and disclosed all our plans, gave him a pistol also loaded with blanks, and thus arranged the joke to be turned. Whoever A ' s informant was (he hasn ' t made himself known as yet), he must be allowed the credit of accomplishing his object nicely. None of us admitted being afraid, but it may be inferred that we were rather uneasy ; even X himself said that he was not exactl}- frightened, but thought himself rather young to engage in such a serious affair. It is said that a drowning man will catch at a straw. Well, the first we saw of X , after disarming A , was as he was crouching behind a bunch of broom sage standing near bv. Although the duel did not come off exactly as we had planned, it accomplished its object. A and X made up and are to-day as fast friends as ever. A. D. K., ' 96. I once did know a maiden, And she was wondrous fair, Her eyes were of the deepest blue, And j olden was her hair. Her name it was Malinda, They called her Jane for short. And she combed that hair, which was si With a lirush that she had boutrht. i {mim ' • iIai k One day this maiden went away. She went awa ' to stav : I thought of her for twelve long hours. In other i ' ords a da. : I said to her at parting, You must leave a lock of your hair, So I may know, when I see vour house. You are no lontrer there. She smiled a smile, a gentle smile. And said in her quiet wa ' , The lirush 1 bought, some hair has caught. So that with ou .shall stav. I love each trinket of niy Jane, Yet I do not care to gush, And a place I have for evervthing Of the girl I used to rush ; But the dearest spot to me Is where I keep her hair. And that, you know, is in the brush and comb. That Jane once used to wear. One of Many Practical Jokes. It was in the year 1896 and Cadet B who had been at the ' . yi. I. nearly four sessions was a first class-man. A member of his class, nicknamed Pie, after having had numerous jokes of ' aried descriptions played on him b ' his class- mates, decided he would have his revenge on somebody, and chose B for his victim. At this time Pie was carrying on a correspondence with a calic at Hollin ' s Institute, near Salem, and being ery well acquainted with her, he decided she could be made ven,- instrumental to his cause. Having his plan of procedure in mind, Pie wrote a letter stating the end he had in view and asking her assistance. Shortly after this. Pie received a reply from his female friend, telling how much she enjo3ed his last, and all aljout a club, of which she was a member, where, if any one of the members received a letter, she was by pledge bound to read it aloud before a full assemblage of this club. She also said that a very funny letter would greatly promote the amusement and pleasure of the.se friends. Pie, who was quite intimate with B , read the whole contents of this epistle to him one afternoon, and suggested his writing a letter in replj ' under an assumed name, and if he couldn ' t make it funny, to make it as f unny as he could. B , being naturallv endowed with flirtatious qualities, and having seen and heard of similar things done before which created amuse- ment for both parties, readih ' agreed to the proposition. That night he, with the aid of Old Ching Magsaw, began and completed his funny epLstle, signing an assumed name. He carefully addressed, and stamped the envelope with a special deliver) ' , to insure safe and rapid transit. He was not satisfied to have the Hollin ' s girls alone enjoy his well constructed Billet-doux, but must tell all his class-mates of the many ludicrous things he wrote, and an ' one who chanced to pass him on the stoops or in the court-} ard. What was B ' s chagrin, when, a day or two after ' ards, Pie came to him with a thick and important looking envelope in his hand, which he gave him without saying a word. As B read this letter, his cheeks were tinged successiveh ' with almost ever) ' color of the rainbow, until finally they settled at a deathly pale, and he swooned to the floor in a faint. It was but a few moments before he recovered sufficiently to ' alk to his room and retire to his humble cot. The next morning Pie marched on officer of the day, and had heard that B was taking all duty. About eleven o ' clock he came to B ' s room and told him the Old Man had been there and was at that moment walking up the road, so if he would go to the window he might } et catch a glimpse of him. B was at the window in an instant, and saw an old man, with a long white beard, walking in the direction of the limit gate. He turned around and asked Pie, e.xcitedh ' , if he was sure that was the Old Man, to which Pie responded in the affirmative, and added that he had just had a lengthy talk with him upon the matter, and had spent at least an hour in explaining the object which the funny man, who wrote the far-famed letter, had in view, and in making due apologies for the same. Pie also told him that the Old Man had listened attentively to all he had to say, and just before leaving said he would come down again after dinner to interview the )onng man personally, and with that in mind he had departed. B was b - this time almost in a fit of hysterics — He was the worst scared man This Institute has seen, P ir man) ' a day In anv way. Or doubtless ever been. Cadet P) could not close his eves in sleep again that morning, owing to the miserable condition of his troubled mind. He fancied lie co ikl see the Old Man ' s fece cloud up in auger, and could hear the scornful words that would be heaped upon him. All this, as the time wore on, tended the more to increase his excitement. At length he heard the front door open, and drew himself as near to the bottom of the bed as possible, without going all the way out at that end. Dreading to uncover his head, lest he should find the Old : Ian staring him straight in the eyes. Yet when he thought of his offense calmly — as he seldom did — he could find nothing wrong at all in his letter ; of course, it -was impertineut, that was all. At last his courage was restored by hearing the familiar voice of Pie. He uncovered his head and was relieved to see that Pie held an opened note in his hand, which he gave .to his unsuspecting victim. This letter completely restored his nerves to their proper pitch, since it said that the Old Man had just received from his daughter a copy of Cadet B ' s letter, and after ■carefullv readino- it, was much relie -ed at its being what it was, and that his daughter in first writing to him had greath- exaoo-erated the offense. He said he could find nothing particnlarh- offensive in the fellow ' s letter, onl - a poor attempt at being funnv, and so he had decided to make no moi-e ado about it, but would lea e for home on the evening train. A few days after this, a meeting of the First Cla s was called. After all of the men had entered the appointed room. Pie climbed upon the table and called them to attention by numerous knocks upon the gas jet with an old shoe. A short time elapsed before everything became quiet enough for him to Ije heard. Then he beoau, first, in a sarcastic voice, to tell how a very dear friend of his had gotten into a terrible scrape, etc. Soon his manner grew frivolous, almost causing his cla.s.s-mates to laugh, and he ended his speech by telling how the Old : Ian, whom J5 iiad seen, was some old countryman, who chanced to be passing in front of barracks on his way up town. The last word was no sooner uttered than a blocking stool, followed immediately by an Indian club, came sailing by his head. It was but the merest chance that Pie escaped from the room uninjured, and to this day B swears vengeance aganist liim at the first opportunity. C. F. H. CAsrr SCENES. Battalion Organization. BATTALION STAFF. Co. A R. M. jMorgan. ' H. G. Shiiiey.3 E. B. Fi-ain. M. :M. .Mills. ' S. T. Moore. C. M. Blackford. ' s T. Stephens. ' P. C. Harding. ' C. P. Nelson. P. H. Montgomers ' . J. H. Addison. C. C. DiCKlx.sox jciitciiaiit and Adjutant. J. R. HiC ' KS I.icntcnanl and Ouartermaster. W. W. B.VLL. RD, Jr., . . . Sergeant- Major. C. E. :Michel.3 R. W. I ' eatross.- J. ' . Bickford. ' G. P. Man ' ow. ' G. Lee.5 S. J. Hurt. ' H. B. Miller. - ' J. I). Tavlor. H. A. Brinkley. H. (i. Ellen. ' A. C. Cr imp. ' CAPTAINS. Co. -C R. S. Spihnan.- FIRST LIEUTENANTS. W. V. Holt.- ' SECOND LIEUTENANTS. FIRST SERGEANTS. SERGEANTS. CORPORALS. W. H. I -ek.i A. I). Hamilton. I T. M. Fendall.- A. M. Sliipp.5 F. Phinizy. G. P. Ha ves.= E. Averett.5 A. H. Bryant. R. G. Goolifby. Co. D J. P. Onne. ' R. W. Williams.5 C. E. Harri.son.- E. L. McGiil. L. Roper. ' ' H. Stockdell. A. T. Lincoln. ' C. S. ' illianis.3 H. I). Bacon. ' • ' G. Mason. ' J. T. Carter. ' 5 Initium. ' Twas the eleventh of a cold November, In the autumn of Thirty-Nine, That a column of eager, stalwart youths Marched onward, in steady line. Onward their leader led them, With more than a soldier ' s grace, Till he called a halt on the crested ridge, In the Arsenal ' s open space. No knapsacks upon their .shoulders, No bayonets yet in hand ; But they stepped through the streets of Lexington, At their Colonel ' s clear command. t Then he turned with a ringing accent ;- Cadets, you are pledged to-day. To do ) ' our duty at honor ' s call, — Drill, study, keep guard, obey. The} ' were gathered from distant homesteads, From ham lets, and towns, and farms ; Ready to man our Arsenal — Ready to guard our arms. By the love -ou bear Virginia, By the name and fame that flood Such radiance over her golden past. Be true to your birth and blood 1 See, flinging its folds above you, The flag that jour fathers bore : So live for it, — shield it — you dare not do less. Die for it — vou cannot do more ! Mrs. M. J. Preston. ■ The day 01 the founding of the Virgii A Raving. I Once upon a midniglit dreary, while I floundered weak and weary, On an awful knobby mattress, feeling veiy lame and sore. While promiscuously tumbling, suddenly 1 hear a rumbling Like a tipsy earthquake grumbling somewhere near m - chamber door. Or a herd of bulls a-practicing improvements on their roar — Only that, and nothing more. II Ah I distinctly 1 remember, ' twas a hot night in vSeptember, And my chum in cot beside me fell asleep an hour before ; He slept as soundh- as a baby, and at first I was agaby, For I never thought that, ma be, he might perpetrate a snore- That it was, and nothing more. Ill There he lay and groaned and grunted, and, 1 own I felt aftronted ; Yet with patience quite enormous, I did quietly implore That he wouldn ' t snore, but cease it, and if nothing else would ease it Take his wind-pipe out and grease it ; that would surely stop the snore- But he did it all the more. And he needed no imploring and my patience .still kept boring ; Weaving gasps and chokes and gurglings in the fabric of his snore. And it drove me to distraction, for I couldn ' t sleep a fraction, ' ith his quintuple, back-action, reilex, s)-mpathetic snore ; Win-, a constant tooth-extraction wouldn ' t make me feel so sore As that horrifying snore. V So with energy astounding, I resorted unto pounding, And I punched him, and I beat him like a full drum major ' s corps, But it didn ' t stop his snoring, he regarded it encoring, And complacently kept scoring nasal home-runs by the score ; Till he swelled the dulcet chorus fiftv thousand notes or more In one everlasting snore. VI Then, despairingly, I took him out of bed, and having shook him, Laid him out as a spread eagle on the carpet near the door, But changing his position didn ' t offer opposition. For it favored the condition of developing his snore ; And it made it so much louder I ' m inclined to think I swore ; Quoth I, raving, Darn that snore! VII And in anger and vexation and tremendous desperation I danced upon the fellow as he lay upon the floor. But this made his music jerky, like the gobbling of a turkey. And throughout the darkness nrurky it resounded more and more ; So my dancing was but bootless to eradicate his snore — His unconscionable snore. ' III Then, with madness despairing, I exhausted all my swearing, And I flung the mattress on him as he sprawled upon the floor. And I left him there till morning as a melancholy warning Of the sad results of scoring tender feelings with his snore ; But I asked a final question, Will you never stop that snore? And its echo, as before, seemed to answer — Nevermore ! ' BATTALION PARADE. V. M. L Alumni Association. President Greenlke D. Lktchkk, S6. I ' iic-Pjrsideiil, Sa.muei. B. Walker, Jr., ' S8. Secretary E. W. Nichols, ' 78- Treasurer, W . T. Shiiclds, ' 71. Should old acquaintance be forgot And never brought to mind. Should old acquaintance be forgot And days of ' Auld Lang S ne. ' As the history of the people is the country ' s history, so the histor ' of the Alumni is the history of the ' . M. I. ; and by that history is it to be condemned or justified. Responding by request to the sentiment Oursehes, the feeling towards our Alma Maler first demanding expression and embracing all others, is that of gratitude — perhaps a disguised egotism — but rather let us say that it is incense of worship burning on the altar of our regard ; — gratitude for her well-ordered literary and scientific ctirriculum, which in scope and practical utility is the maximum possible in the gi ' en time ; gratitude for her physical culture, which develops the brawn with the brain, the muscle with the mind ; gratitude for Iter military training, which marks b clear lines authority and stibordination, teaching to command firmly when it is a privilege and to obej ' promptly when such is a duty, to lead without vanity and to follow without sensitiveness ; gratitude for her Spartanic hardships and exposure and discipline ; gratitude for her plain yet healthy regimen ; and in fine gratitude for her magnificent scheme of instruction, nrental and physical, which in the words of the philosopher lea -es that sine qua noii of temporal blessings, mens sano in saiio corpora — a sound mind in a sound bodj- ; and finally for the happiest go-luck} ' years of all our lives. All this becomes inwrought into tlie fibre and frame of a cadet, and bears fhiit through life, and never was it shown more resplendently than from 1861-65, that time which tried men ' s souls ; but her victories are of peace as well as of war, and where er Old Cadets are found they are usualh- found to be among the leaders of thought and action. One of the works of this Association is the preparation of a complete Biographical Alumni Register — a work of fraternal love and hero- worship, which would be the most commanding monument to the greatness and useftilness of the ' . M. I. — it would be the present commemorating the past and inspiring the future. A conspicuous mark of an Old Cadet is his undying lo e for the ' . I. I., and the wealth of glorious memories and charming reminiscenses present whene er and where ' er two or three are gathered together. To afford the pleasure of this to the full. Annual Reunions during the Commencements were instituted last June with great success, and from the many favorable responses from almost ever - Class, the indications are the Alumni Da)-, June 24th, 1896, will far surpass it, the programme and purposes of which are fully set out in the following letter, mailed to all Alumni whose addresses were known. Old Cadets, be here Alumni Day, June 24th I Alu.mni Associatiox, Virgixia :Miutarv Ixstitute, | Lexington, ' a., February 20th, 1S96. | Dear Sir: The undersigned. Committee of the Alumni Association ' . M. I., appointed June, 1894, to formulate and carr - out a Programme for Alumni Day during the Connnencement of 1895, did so ; and the occasion met with a degree of success both in attendance and enjo -ment be -ond expectations. Many classes, running back to the very first, were represented, and the desire was unanimous that Alumni Day be made a permanent feature of the Annual Cuuinieiicement, and for that purpose your Com- mittee was continued. We therefore notify you that in 1896 Aluunii Da - will be Wednesday, June 24th, with the following PROGRAMME Informal Meeting of Alumni in Library, ..... 10.00 a. m. Salute to Alumni by Cadet Battery, 12.0011. Review of Battalion before Alumni, ...... 5.00 p. Ji. Public Reception to Alumni in Library, .... 6.30 p. m. . lumni Meeting and Address, ....... 8.30 p. 11. Banquet 10.30 P. M. The ' . M. I. desires us to extend vou an invitation to renew your Cadet lift- by coming on Tuesday evening and going into quarters either in Barracks or Camp and taking your meals (cadet fare) at the Mess Hall — she desires ' ou to be her guest for the occasion. Bring your blanket with you. Please extend this invitation to ever - AUunnus in your reach, as we ma - mi.ss some by reason of defects in our mailing list. We ha -e assurances that Lexington will be made a Summer Excursion Point, and round-trip tickets be sold thereto for one and one-third fare from all points. Aid u.s by going, on receipt of this, to your Depot Agent and ask if it has been done ; and if not, see that he writes directlv to his railroad officials about it. We would also ask, your co-operation in making Alumni Day, 1896, a great success in this way: Immediateh ' on receipt of this, write to your class-mates or such of our friends as you would particular!} ' desire to see again, to meet you here, or arrange a Class Reunion. This ino ' ement is set on foot to bring about stated fraternal gatherings among us, to afford pleasant return trips to the V. M. I. during the interesting Commencement occasions, to renew for a season the old Cadet life and associations, to make the bonds between the V. M. I. and her sons stronger and continuous, and to focus their interest and enthusiasm in her growth and prosperity. Drop us a postal, saying you can come ; or if not, why not ? Yours in V. M, I. bonds, Greexlke D. Letchkr, Chairman, E. W. Nichols, B. B. Morgan, E. M. Pendleton, W. T. Shields, N. B. Tucker, I. H. Saunders, Conunittec. partial commencement programme. J8g5 Tuesday, June 23D, 10.00 p. . L — German. Wednesday, June 24TH — Alumni Day. (Programme j ( ; ' a.) Thursday, June 25TH, 11.00 . . m. — Final Exercis s. 10.00 p. II. — Ball. X. B. — To all the above vou are cordially invited. Your . lunini Badge will be your pa.ssport. VM.I. ALUMNI. Jackson-Hope Medalist L. H. Strothf.r E. ' . Davidson T. T. Ho I. LOW AY R. G. Withers J. H. MCCORD . A. K. SxvDER J. M. Pattox D. H. Pritchett ' IRGIXIA Marylaxd Ili.ixois IRGIXIA TlSSOURI Virginia ViRGIXIA Virgixia G. I-). Letcher V. Gatewood E. B. DuBuissoN . L. W. Reid . N. B. Tucker C. P. Fexxer . V. X. Hamlet F. ilALLORY . ' irgixia X ' iRGIXIA Louisiana ' IRGIXIA ' IRGINIA Louisiana ' IRGIXIA Virgixia A. T. Sloss W. J. Crocker W. F. Dkxxis E. H. L ury . R. B. James J. R. Doles . J. Gr. Meem, Jr. W. A. MONCURE G. B. Miller J. D. Ward . Missouri ' irginia ' IRGINIA IRGINIA ' irginia ' IR(:;INIA ' IRGIXIA ' irgixia ' IRGINIA ' IRGINIA T. H. Taliaferro B. L. Hardin . C. B. Slemp L. T. Hyatt . J. R. Thomas W. H. Taylor J. A. M. Dearing L. X ' . H. Pey ' Ton A. J. ' aughn C. J. Moore W. H. Cocke C. E. KiLBOURNE ' irginia ' irginia Virginia Virginia ' IRGINIA Virginia Tennessee Virginia Virginia irginia . ' IRGINIA District of Columbia JACKSON MEMORIAL HAI.L. Class of ' 96, COLORS. Old Crold and Maroon CLASS YELL. Brecky, Coex, Coax ! Coix I Brecky, Coax, Coix I Holly-go, Wallago ! Wallago ! Wix ! We are the Class of ' 96, ' . M. I. ! CLASS OFFICERS. Ja: ies Van Allen Bickforh Joseph Priestly Orme . Everett Baldwin Frain . Peyton Beatti Locker . President Vice-President Valedictorian . Historian James Van Allen Bickford L t;orge JMeicer Brooke John Cocke Thomas Whare}- Daniel Charles Cameron Dickinson John Lea Dillard Everett Baldwin Frain Francis Wharton Grififin Burr Powell Harrison John Robertson Hicks members. Erasmus Gill Hinton Harley Ross Hinton William Wallace Holt William Stone Hiitton John Janney Henry Fulton Jefiress William Archibald Dickinson Keen Peyton Beatti Locker Charles Eugene Michel Robert JMcIlwaine 2 Iorgan Joseph Pricsth- Orme Robert Wortham Peatross William Herscheval Peek William Archer Roberts Frank Guy Roche John Kent Sheppard Henry Gordon Shirley Robert Scott Spilman Edward Rodolph Ford Wells Robert Withers Williams ' 96 Class Table, NAME ALIAS RECREATION OCCI-PIED IN HEIGHT OF AMBITION TO WILL BE AFTER GRADUATION Bickford Jimmy Cussing his luck Hold the record on eating oysters An Oysterman Brooke Napoleon Fighting duels Be killed in battle A Monk Cocke Sweater Grinning Straighten his legs A Total Wreck Daniel Duck Boot licking Change his face Quack Doctor Dickinson Dick Sleeping in section room Be a foot ball hero Typewriter Dillard Pie Weeping Find some calic that will love him An African Frain Growly Playing poker Lick Peter Jackson Pugilist Griffin Hoss Going to guard house Escape being killed when the Bomb comes out A Night Watch Harrison Bull Jaw Getting into scrapes Lick little Joe Policeman Hicks Quarter Rooster Watching his mail Prevent his mail from being stolen Mail Carrier Hinton, G. Gillett Riding the (Mm Be a professional fakir A Fire Bug Hinton. R. Ross Trj-ing to reform Gill President of scavengers Tramp Holt Ikey Training his voice Prove he is not a Jew Pawn Shop Keeper Hutton Baby Blushing Learn how to swim A Prohibitionist Janney Captain John Making sweet music Look sane A Paderewski Jeffress Corp. Dancing hoochi-coochi Marrj ' a queen Boot Black Keen Diamond Telling lies Tell the biggest lie A Great Lawyer Locker Pig Smoking two-fers Get fourth Captain Most au3- Old Thing Michel Umbles Using anti-fat Be a duck hunter A JIuseum Freak ilorgan Field Marshal Getting boozy Join the Salvation Arm ' A Circuit Rider Ornie Priest Drinking fire-water Take the Keeley cure Undertaker Peatross Bird Visiting up-town calic Get a new member for Cadet Society An Asylum Warden Peek Goat Hunting for tin cans Smoke once without being reported Musician Roberts Bob Calicoing Hasn ' t any Auctioneer Roche Forward Cjuide Running for a Lieu. Raise a beard A Freak Sheppard Kate flaying whist Keep from running in debt on the Bomb A New Woman Shirley Ape Getting his tail twisted Tame himself A Park Animal Spilman Bottle Moping Get even with Gunston Institute Principal ofa Girls ' SolioOl Wells Affie Trying to look different from J. O. To get drinks like those in Atlanta An Author Williams Beef Trying to get a divorce Squeeze a fat girl Fireman ' -= 2: History of ' 96. The sun, with its radiant glow, is gilding the eastern hills on the ist of September, as in fulfillment of a cherished dream I pass the threshhold of the ' . SI. I. ' Sly dream of the grandeur of the place where I am to w-ear the brass buttons is not much exaggerated. Now I see the loft - Isuildings towering high above their neighbors, and the green parade ground girt about with beautiful shade trees. All is quiet. No one to be seen save the laborers, who seem to be working earnesth ' in the endeavor to make the exterior dress more pleasing to the eye. I stop for a moment in meditation, tr ' ing to fancy the inner life of these beautiful surroundings. My reverie is disturbed by some new arrivals, and we pass together to the Superintendent ' s office. We are soon made acquainted with the rules and sent to Barracks. On the way hither we meet the after illustrious Ikey Holt, who has preceded us by a few hours. We then, five in number, pass in through the great arch at Barracks, and the history of the Class of Ninety-six is begun. We are yet few in number, but are not destined to remain so long, for ever) train brings new recruits, and soon the Parade Ground is covered with green and gawk}- youngsters ( Rats, but as brave and noble ones as the Institute has ever had the honor of claiming.) These davs are spent with exciting occurrences marking each hour of our existence. The agonies of Rat drill are insignificant compared with the many receptions we are so earnestly requested to attend in the rooms of the Third class-men. We pass our time in constant dread and fear of the bayonet scabbard, and the most difficult task that we ha -e is to reach the fourth stoop unmolested — a feat seldom accomplished. When we are so fortunate, we gather in our rooms and pour our tales of woe into s -mpathetic ears. These are every-day occurrences, relieved on Sundays by grand receptions in the society halls and sundr - other things. Yesterday we spent our Sabbath on the Nile, where we fought battles with corn-stalks for guns. Odelle was our leader ; he rode an old crippled white horse without bridle or saddle. Wa -ing aloft his sword he cheered us on. We could not imagine win- he yelled so, until we saw the horse begin to run. He called for help, but kept whipping the horse, and soon he vanished in a railroad cut not far distant. Xo one else having a horse, and there being no chance of escape, we were kept fighting, making charge after charge, until the evening drum came to our relief This is one of the man - similar occurrences which we participate in during the next few months. Our ranks ha -e swelled until we number eight}--seven. We are succeeding well in the military line, and the same is true of us in our class work. We have men taking the lead in all athletic sports, holding positions that higher class-men may well env ' . ' 96 promises to be the bright particular star in the Institute crown. Every morning you may see the Class of ' 96 well represented among the Gini fakirs. Our recreation hours are spent grouped in Ninetv-one, or upon the Parade Ground, listening to the thrilling stories of the adventures of some of our number, or planning for the time when we shall become Third class-men. We have cho sen our President and Vice-President judiciously, and have grown to be a united class. All glorying in the successes of one another and united b - a bond of friendship, we press onward, strong in our singleness of purpose. The final examinations are over and we are crowned with laurels. Now we move into Camp McKinney. The extreme heat makes it disagreeable, but the novelt}- of the life and the ease with which we can run the block, fulh- offset all inconveniences. Our number, from one cause and another, is slightly decreased — only sixty-eight assemble on the Parade Ground, June 28th, to hear Auld Lang Syne, and disperse to our respective homes, each thanking his luck3- star that he belongs to Ninety-six. When we meet again in September, we miss several of the familiar faces of the last year ; but each of us is cheerful and bright after the many pleasures of the summer vacation. We introduce many novelties in the use of the bayonet scabbard, having much improved on the skill of the preceding Class. We retain our reputation in the class-room, and still take the lead in athletic sports. The year passes rapidly and soon we are on the eve of entering Camp Stonewall Jackson. We have in the meantime lost several from our ranks, including our President. As an offset to these losses, we have been joined by eighteen Third Class rats, all of whom have proved themselves worthy of unfolding the Old Gold and Maroon, under which we all stand as so many brave Napoleons in a common cause. So close is our friendship that some one has remarked that we are the most closely united Class since the New Market boys, who fought so bravely and died in a common cause. The year ' s work is over, and after a brilliant banquet we leave on our second summer ' s furlough, to return again in Sep- tember with our ranks again diminished to a little band of thirty-three. The faculty have our capabilities so great that they put an entirely new subject in our course. This, together witli Calculus and Organic, causes us to work like Trojans, but with the vim and determination so characteristic of ' 96, we reach the goal and feel the better for having accomplished more than any other Class. A brilliant oung fellow joins us in the Second Class, and at the close of the session is crowned with honor that any of us might well en - . Our efforts are crowned with success, and after the Examinations we are First C ' ass-men, ready to don the blues and leave on a summer furlough for the last time ; but before we leave we must display the true ' g6 spirit. We assemble at our banquet and for se -eral hours ou ma - hear, between the clank of ch.ampagne bottles, those who have grown very faint in speech offering toast to the Class, and telling of anticipations of the evening, where we trip the light fantastic with some of the fairest daughters of the South till the wee sma ' hours of the morn call ns from the Mess Hall to our distant homes. We say a fond, vet sad, farewell and leave to assemble again in September for the last time within the domains of the Institute. All reti ' .rn save Arthur Gatewood, who has during the furlough been called bv our all wise and good God to a brighter home, there to wear a crown not made with hands, created for those who like him deserve a place with the angels in that home above. His loss is deeplv felt by all, for in him we lose a loved comrade and a talented gentleman. This is a verv pleasant vear, for we find upon our return in exchange for Col. Rockenbach, Col. D. D. Price, who deals wiselv and impartially with all, and wdio by his gentlemanh- kindness wins our respect and highest esteem. The fall is characterized by several incidents that make the memory of onr last year very pleasant. Among the re.st is onr Atlanta Trip. The officers work xcrv hard instructing the new Cadets, and wlien we assemble for our Southern trip, we all teel that Governor O ' Ferrell will be proud of his escort of soldier bo s. The vear is also characterized bv great success in foot ball, for ' 96 has on the team four as plucky fellows as ever wore the canvas. The time h.TS arrived when we are soon to leave the Institute, and be .scattered as chaff before the wind, but there are ties of friendship made that will know no end. We would say to the Class which is to succeed us : Be considerate in your actions, uphold alwa-s ' s the right, and glorv in the downfall of wrong. In all cases, let your higher spirit guiSe you in doing that which will promote the upbuilding of the Institute, for upon you much of the responsibility lies. Now the four vears ' scene closes; the curtain falls; we are a Class at the ' . M. I. no more — But when our course is o ' er. We leave here with a sigh, And shout with all our voices, ' , Vive la V. M. I. ! Ci.Ahb ' Ji- Call to Battle. ' Suiunum the Corps: Let them march to the front! Gilhaui must come with his tactics and skill : None are so fitted for bearing the brunt Of the disorder that waits for the drill. ■Ranks that are eager for discipline stand; Regiments pressing for work to be done ; Meagre battalions that lack a command — Rustic recruits without knapsack or gun. Drill them — and so when the order shall come, Shoulder to shoulder, all marching aright. On they will rush at the roll of the drum. Forward — then, uclsou ivill teach Uicm to fighl T Mrs. M. J. Pre,ston. Class of ' 97. CLASS YELL. Hullabaloo ! Ku uec ! Ku ncc ! Hullabaloo ! Ku nee ! Razzle Dazzle ! Hobble Gobble ! Sis ! Boom ! Ri I Ninety-seven, Ninetv-seven, ' . M. I. E. L. McCJuj. Cr. P. ! Iarro v OFFICERS. President Vice-President Baird, J. M. Ballard, W. W. Blackford, C. M. Brown, J. T. Bruce, H. Dobie, R. L. Kendall, T. M. Foster, S. Freeman, A. C. Hamilton, A. D. Harrison, C. F. Hurt, S. J. Inglesb)-, T. S. James, J. F. Lawson, R. B. Lee, C;. D. F. Lincoln, A. T. Marrow, G. P. McGill, E. L. Miller, H. B. Mills, M. M. Milton, T. :M(:.ore, S. T. : Iorton, I. T. Phinizy, F. Roper, L. R. Rvland, A. T. Shipp, A. ] L Smith, M. B. Stephens, T. S. Stockdell, H. History of ' 97. The sprintjing iuto existence of the Class of ' 97 may not have been an event in the historv of tlie world, bnt it certainly was an auspicious moment for the members of ' 97, and, alas, for ' 96 also, if not for the world in general. We came from our homes — some from the country, others from the cities — to a place whose reputation for loving kindness was doubtful in the extreme. Sixty-three verdant -ouths, from fourteen of the States of the Union, trembling over their anticipated debut into military life at the V. M. I. Soon, however, all doubts as to their reception were dispelled b - the warmth of the greeting gi -en them by ' 96, who immediately proceeded to initiate them into the mysteries of hazing in the most approved and up-to-date form. Who does not remember those thrilling experiences of the Society Hall and river bank on Sunday evenings, where we were put through tortures that would have been ortlu- of the most subtle brain power of an Indian chief! After we had gotten through with that excru- ciating torture known to the cadet as Rat drill. Company drill commenced, then Battalion drill, and we got our first insight as to what we should have to undergo the following spring. The most important event in the histor ' of the Class that year was the election of Mr. McGill as President, and Mr. :Marrow as Vice-President of our Class. The choice was a wise one, as two worthier gentlemen could not have been found on whom to confer the highest ofifices of the Class. We got along very well until one fatal day in spring, when we were cheeky enough to laugh at the First Class officers at Sword drill. In consequence they paid us a call the next morning after Rev., and gave us a gentle reminder not to do so again — an admonition which you may be sure we heeded. Following close upon that e ' ent was the S. M. I., when we donned white trousers for the first time. ' 97 was in great demand in 72 that morning, and as there were not many of us, we received the more indi -idual attention. If a vote had then been taken, we should most assuredly have been unanimousU of the opinion that the hannless-looking bayonet scabbard is the most dangerous instrument in modern warfare, especialh- when directed against an enemy clad in the aforementioned trousers, which 3 ' ou must know are anything but thick. The most enjo ' able moment of this — our first, and to nearly all of us, happiest — year, was the Class banquet, given when ve were supremely happy, having just dropped our tails. Here we drank the health of many members for the last time, happy in the ignorance that from some we were parting forever, instead of for two months. Coming back from our first furlough as Third Class-men, and thinking ourselves as important as these individuals always consider themselves, we were astonished to find that hazing was a thing of the past, and that all of our hard-earned experience was forever lost. Many men were dropped from our rolls that year whose places can never be filled, but the addition of nine Third Class rats, who ha ' e nobly done their part to keep up the standard of ' 97, brought our number up to forty-eight. Nothing worlln- of mention occurred until Mercum tried to turn over the sentry-box, and had greatness thrust upon him ; for the exclusive dul ' of guarding the .sentrv-box was an honor, which perhaps was never conferred ipon a member of an) ' other Class. We got along smoothly in our ignorance of things of the most serious consequence to us, as we afterwards found out to our sorrow. One of these subjects was getting through in Trig., which, as Old Nick remarked, was very doubtful — a statement which proved only too true, to the discomfiture of several of om- number. The same ' ear Analytic, too, proved a stumbling block, and made our Dips. appear even farther off than they had ever done before. At the Intermediate Examinations this year, some of our ninuber got a degree sooner than they expected: — that of E. C, which is only given by military schools, and means Ex-Cadet. We ■ent home on our second furlough this year to return as dignified Second Class-men, and to learn of the sad death of our class-mate, William Calvert JNIurdaugh, whose loss was keenly felt by each man individually, and by the Class as a whole. To the surprise of Old Nick and ourselves, also. Calculus went down before us in great confusion, and we have started into Organic and Mechanics with renewed vigor. One morning, this year, we went to Re ' . to find that Old George had had a snow-storm for his .special benefit; and, somehow, ' 97 happened to be formed by the snow-flakes. We were promptl) ' confined, and the next night one cannon was fired, and the evening gun started on a trip to Lexington, but, suddenly changing its mind, halted in a very abrupt manner. It is only just to say that the painters had no thought of disrespect, and regarded these happenings in the light of a good practical joke. This is the year that we excelled in Gim Fakers. The gentleman from Norfolk comes first, with Petersburg a close CLASS UF y;. second; the first-named gentleman having ridden the Gim since the Atlanta trip — a period of about one hundred and sixty dajs — which is a record to be proud of. An important event in the history of the Class was the election of Mr. Roper as President, and Mr. McGill as ' ice- President of the Final Ball, to be given by ' 97 this ear, and which bids fair to prove a great success. An occasion was given this ear for the Shoat to display his effervescent wit, for which he is so well noted. When the Commandant was inspecting one Sunday morning, he suddenly asked the Shoat why he ran the block when his permit was disapproved. His prompt reply was: I went up to let them know I couldn ' t come! ' 97 has furnished six men and one substitute to the Foot Ball eleven — fi -e nten and one substitute playing the satne ear. To the Base Ball nine she has given four men — all four playing one year. To the G)innasium team she has given three men, and to the Glee and Minstrel Club she has given eight. We shall go home on furlough this year for the last time, and we are looking forward to the day we shall don the Blues — the crowning glory of the life at the V. M. I. As the day of our becoming First Class-men draws near, let us close this history- with the wish that the remaining year at the Institute, and our future life, ma)- be as happy and as beneficial as the past three years of the Class of ' 97. HiSTORI.AX. % Class of 98. y. CLASS COLORS. Royal Purple and C)rano e CLASS YELL. Riiikitv Dink! Rinkit - Dink! Hi! Ho! Hah! We are the Class of Xinetv-eight ! Sis! Boom! Bah! . M. I.! V • . ' CLASS OFFICERS. Addison, Jno. H. Atkinson, H. Averett, E. Bacon, H. 1). Barrett, G. H., Jr. Brinkley, H. A. Bryant, A. H. Burruss, A. K. Cabaniss, J. W. Crump, A. C. Jxo. T. Carter . F. S. Hereford Wm. B. S.-vvres, Jr. Presihext Vice-President . • Historian Dickinson, J. O. EUett, H. G. Estill, Howard S. Feiuier, Gny j Goddin, Aylett W Goodman, X. C. Goolsby, R. G. Goolrick, C. O. Hardeman, W. D. Harding-, P. C. Hawes, (i. P. Hoge, V. Hubard, X. W. Inglesby, F. J. Jones, X. R. Jones, T. A. , Lewis, W. B. Lewis, H. L. D, Lively, L. AL : Larshall, R. C. members. Marsteller, IC. H.. Mason, Geo. IMcNiel, V. A. Mizell, J. Jr. Montgomery, P.H. :Moore, A. W. Nelson, Paul Xunuallv, F . J L Penn, J. G., Jr. Penn, J. P. Percivall, H..L. Poiteven ' , J. Powers, Thos. H. Raleigh, A. C. Richards, F. D. Rogers, P rd Rogers, R. M. Schoen, C. C. Sneed, J. L. Steger, J. O. ' . Stratton, C. S. - S|iibbs, J. B. Taylor, J. D. ' ories, A. H. Williams, C. S. Wood, J. H. Worthington, L- J. H Jf « J History of ' 98. ; E, the Class of ' 98, leel called upon to relate our history, fraught with its many trials, and crowned with its numerous victories. We were once Rats, awkward and green, which %-ou could see by looking at us ; especially noticeable were our quiet demeanor and downcast expression, for the demon cheek was dreaded by all. But these days have passed ; having ser ed oiu apprenticeship honorably and creditabh ' , we now breathe the free air of liberty. The Class of ' 98 is cosmopolitan, that is, it is represented in ever - department in the Institute. vSuccess has smiled kindh- on ' 98, and honors have been profuse. We returned in September, ' 95, at the expiration of our furloughs, each and ever - one having spent a most happy vacation. The chief e -ent of interest during the fall of ' 95 was our V trip to the Atlanta Exposition. We were -ery conspicuous on the Midwa ' Plaisance ; the Lauty Show and dance having allured many of our class-mates into its snares. Taking it all in all, the Class ot 98 did herself great honor, and Atlanta resounded again and again with her stiriring A . The remainder of the year was devoted to Foot Ball, in which we again figured prominently, ha ing one on the Institute team and three as substitutes. Tlie material for Foot Ball in ' 98 is good, and there is no doubt but she will be well represented on next year ' s team. In Base Ball she conies in for her share of glor)-, having two on the Institute team, and three as substitutes. The G} ' mnasium team is not to be neglected, in which ' 98 is well represented. The literary societies are crowded with our men, who carried off the majorit - of the medals last year, and whose prospects this year are much brighter. Socially we are all that a Class can be, and we pride ourselves as having as many spoony men as an)- of our contemporaries. The Class of ' 98, as a Third Class, has sown its wild oats, having caused many sudden and unexpected things to happen in Barracks. In the melee seven of our Corps. found themselves minus their chevrons, but the limit has now been reached and we repent in sack-cloth and ashes. The Class of ' 98 now numbers si.xt -one, several having fallen by the wayside ; still, they are not forgotten, for a ' 98 once, a ' 98 fore -er. A brotherly feeling pervades the whole Class, and a grasp of a ' 98 with a ' 98 is true and sincere. The future for our Class is bright. Ma ■ she continue her progressi ' e march, winning the laurels which she well deser es, and when those of ' 98, whom fortune blesses, shall have attained their goal, may the reputation which we leave behind be like foot-prints on the sand of time — a standard and a guide to all future classes. Class of 99. JNI. E. Locke President G. A. Derbyshire Vice-President MEMBERS. Alexander, G. A. Allen, G. A. Ayres, J. B. Black, W. L. Cabell, L. R. Coleman, G. H. Crider, J. E., Jr. Danjean, L. J. Davis, J. L. Denby, S. F. Deveney, A. H. Dockery, A. Downhaui, R. F. Ellett, J. S., Jr. Ewing, P. D. Gordon, D. C. Gwin, W. :M. Hannan, J. P. Harrison, F. S. Hawes, C. :M. Hay, E. : I. Ho-e, A. A. Hoge, W. A. Jenkins, J. Jones, F. Kent, J. C. Krenier, H. J. Leiberninth, L. L. Lewis, E. P. C. Lindsay, A. L. Lownian, L. L. R. :Marshall, J. J. .McBee, V. E., Jr. McDurmott, Chas. Meem, S. H. IMiller, R. W. Moore, B. S. JMoreno, A. ] Iorrison, H. G. Morton, J. W. Murray, E. Orr, G. W. Otey, D. Owens, W. IM. Patterson, W. H. Payne, K. Perkins, T. W. Phillips, F. E. Pohl, G. W. Poitevent, E. Powell, L. Roberts, D. Y. Robertson, C. S. Rodgers, H. P. Scott, W. D. Slianer, H. L. Shaver, D. B. Shaver, V. B. . Stanton, J. U. Stratton, M. T. Sullivan, F. A. Talbott, S. G. Tha er, O. A., Jr. ' enable, J. E. Williams, L. L Williamson, U. R. Wood, William Wooters, J. D. Yates, J. W. Young, N. Zinimer, ' . L., Jr. CLASS OF 99. ' i f History of ' 99. T was in September of the year ' 95, when se -ent3- unsophisticated youths from all parts of the Union entered upon a military career at the ' . M. I. After having been assigned to our rooms on the fourth stoop, it was but a short time before our acquaintance was well formed and some ties of friendship became ven ' dear. The alacrity and energ - which we ha -e at all times displayed are, in a measure, due to the kindly teachings of the old cadets. Although we have not been through our entire period as RaLs, we are greatly obliged to these gentlemen for the knowledge they ha -e Ijestowed upon us, and hope we ma ' display as much interest in the education of future Rats. Concerning our abilities in the section room, we may sa - that, although we have not all given many indications of the mathematical genius of either Pythagoras or Newton, we have nevertheless gotten through the intermediates without serious damage, and hope to pass our finals with but few ipso factos, if anv at all. In athletics we have given to the Foot Ball team men who have liorne themseh-es -er - creditably, and we are also ver - well represented on the Base Ball team. (Xir literary powers have been shown in both Societies, and one of our members has, b) ' his dramatic talent, made himself immortal in the Corps, owing to his rendition of Shakespeare ' s Macbeth, in some lines of which he shows a greater power than does Sir Henry Irving. Our short career here has been marked by many pleasant occurrences, and but one dark shadow. Although we have been here so short a time, it has been our misfortune to meet with a deep berea -ement in the loss of one of our class-mates. Edward Park Custis Lewis died on March loth. He was one of the youngest members of the Class, just entering upon the golden period of } ' outh ' s hope and vigor. He was buried in the Cadet Cemetery, there to peacefully sleep until he awakes to the last great Reveille. Though taken from us so early, he is sti ll held in lo ' ing remembrance as a generous friend and lo- al class-mate, of whom we shall alwa s retain the fondest memories. With so few troubles and man hopes, we look forward with joy and expectation to the now not distant finals. Each night the notes of taps find us curled up in our cots, where we drop to sleep to dream of home and furlough, and so we feel prompted to say with the sentinel, All ' s well. Recapitulation by States. Virginia, Georgia, . Texas, . Tennessee, West ' irginia, Mississippi, Kentnck -, Mar}-land, New York, . Soutli Carolina, Florida, Ohio, Louisiana, Missouri, . District of Columbia, Illinois, California, Penns ' lvania, . North Carolina, . Montana, . Arkansas, South America, Total, 205 fej Words Used Around Barracks. Bat — To make a good recitation. Bird — Rather gay calic ; fly. Blues — First Class uniform. Bone — To study hard. Boot lick, n. — A parasite. Bootlick, V. — To toady. B. P. — Battalion parade. Brace up — Stand erect. Broken — Officer reduced to ranks. Buck — To irritate new cadets. Bull — Last. Busted — See Broken. Calic — Young lady or girl. Calicoing — To go calling. Caught — To be reported absent. Cheeky — Forward. Cit. — Civilian. Cits. — Civilian clothes. Confinement — Confined to room. Corp. — Corporal. Cut — To cast lots. jC.t -— Turn. Descript. — Descriptive geometn-. nip. — Diploma. D. P. — Dress parade (now B. P.) Exam. — Examination. Fake the Gim — To be excused by the Surgeon when not ill. Fin out — Turn palms of hands to the front. First Class — Senior Class. Found — Deficient. Fusi out — Complete failure in class. Gnu — Surgeon. Groivlcy — ]Mess Hall hash. Gym. — G ninasium. Ha ing — Maltreating new cadets. Hot — ery swell. Limits — Institute bounds. Make a three — See Fuse out. Math. — Mathematics. Max. — Maximum. Mess — Nine men at a table in dining- hall. Mess ,7 — Dining hall. J ;« -i— Students of W. and L. U. Molly — Amateur anarchist. Molly Hole — Space under floor for stor- ing unauthorized articles. O. 1). — Officer of the day. Orderly — One responsible for the police of room for one week. Paletots — First Class summer miform. ' apes — Cards. Prob. — Problem. Pull — Influence. Put on canine — To be affected. Ram — To make a report. Pat — New cadet. Report — To enter charges. Rev. — Reveille, 6 A. Ji., call for rising. Ride — To reprimand. Ride the Gim — To be excused by Sur- geon. R. T. a— Relief turn out. Run — Tr ' for an office. Run absent — To be absent. Run the block — To go beyond limits without permission. Schoficld — A kind of pie. Section — A siib-di ' ision of a class. Section mardicr — The first stand man in the section. 5 ' . E. I. — Saturday evening inspection. Sid; list — List of cadets excused by the Surgeon. 6 . J . . — Sunday morning inspection. Smootli girl — Attracti ' e girl. Sock — See Ram. Sivipe — To borrow with no intention of returning. Sub. — Assistant Professor. Supe — Supernunierar ' . Take a bird — Make a zero on a reci- tation. Taking duty — To be absent from dut ' . Taps — lo o ' clock, bugle call for lights out. Tattoo — Roll call, 9.30 P. .m. Turned out — Called out. V. M. I. Maxims. Hearts were made to break, Hands were made to squeeze ; Eyes were made to laugh and dance, And make men do as you please. Ears were made to burn. Feet were made to show ; Girls were made to flirt with men. But men with girls — O, no ! Eyelids were made to droop. And cheeks were made to blush ; Hair was made to frizz and curl. And lips were made — O, hush I Our Dream of Vacation. Six more weeks until vacation, Then we lea ve for civilization. No more the block will have to run, No more guard dut)- in the sun, No more reveille, no more drills, No more Gim to give us pills, No more rooms will have to sweep, No more the regulations keep, No more reports will David stick, No more Math, under Nick, No more Astronomy, heat or light. No more black marks under Mike, No more Ferdy, no more Gummy, No more French under Tommy, No more Organic from the Rat, No more we ' ll hear Old Branchy ' s rap. No more Hocky, no more Bascom, No more questions can we ask ' em. No more about Optics will our Beverly tell. No more the Geolog - we love so well, No more Old Bobby your tales will hear. No more strains and stresses and shear, No more Old Billy ' s ee-ee we ' ll hear, No more Old Sammy we ' ll dread and fear. ' acation cannot come too soon. For from this prison we ' re freed in June. A. H. V. Furlough Song. Lad}-, no cap is on my head, No visor on my brow, I ' ve lost niy plume and lost m - heart, I ' m not a soldier now. My uniform I ' ve taken off, I} ' cits I ' ve just put on, And silk I ' ve substituted for The leather stock I ' ve worn. No more the sound of cannon orates Upon m} ' ear, as when It waked me up at break of day — I was a soldier then. But now without the reveille r -e learned to ope ' mine eyes, And also can get up from tea, Without the word to rise. I ' m not at rest when I should talk. Don ' t flourish « ' hen I bow. Nor do I march when I should walk — I ' m not a soldier now. I ' ve changed to glancing at a dress, M) ' dressing at a glance, And from the prompt manoeuvres when Advancing up to dance. Lad}-, no cap is on my head. No visor on my brow, I ' ve lost my heart and lost my plume — I ' m not a soldier now. I ' ve torn my differentials up, The lea -es — ah I how the - flew ! And integral and Algebra Are out of the window, too. The only cur atures I iind Are those of neck and brow. I ' ve made mv arms m - asvniptotes, ]My lips are tangents now. I ' ve my cosines all to verse, So did the muse require. To boots, my logarithms as They raise me somewhat higher. Wy sextant and theodolite Are on the mountain ' s brow. And they may get themselves the height, ' I cannot take it now. For all my measures now I tread, I sight through ladies ' eyes, j Iy observations are remarks ' Mid fish my angling lies, And I can move without command, Can sit up after ten, Ah ! how unlike my former selt — I was a .soldier then 1 [• , ' Riding the Gim. After years of hard labor, the honest and praiseworth)- efforts of the now ahnost extinct tribe of dead game sports has been crowned with success, and the cadets as a whole have now fully realized the importance and utilit ' of learning gim-ridino-. And if I may be allowed to say so, it is at present throwing foot ball and base ball, tennis, etc., in the shade. The expression riding the gim, is unfortunately a misnomer now-a-days, although I have it from unreliable authority that the ancient gim-riders used to revel in the luxury of an old soap box, well padded with old foot ball suits, and as handsome a willie goat as evex ate a tin can. When a cadet was sick, so ' tis said, he was carefulh- drawn down to the surgeons by this goat. This practice was inaugurated b - some of the jMollies, who in their best health rode the goat for all that they could get out of him ; consequently when a cadet pleaded to be sick, and was not, he was called a goat-rider. The old goat while roaming around one dav discovered and drank some acid under the impression that it was water ; in consequence he in a few hours turned his toes to the daisies. This was a sad blow to the Institute. Necessity, however, is the fatlier of invention, and in a few da ' s the old o-oat was served up as growley, his feet making a particularly good dish of souse. The revenue derived from this soiu ' ce was spent in purchasing him a handsome monument with the following inscription : ' Little Willie gone to h ' His face we ' ll see no more, J For what he thought was H O ' as H, S O4. After this catastrophe it was decided to in ' est no more money in goats, so the cadets ha ' e had to foot it down to the surgeon ' s ever since. In honor of the goat, the expression goat-riding was then changed to gim-riding, ( gim being the word in goat language for surgeon for the goat had been heard to say upon one occasion: If I were not a goat I would be a gim, and gim-riding it has been ever since. Lately we have put forth strenuous efforts to raise money enough to bu - a good serviceable ambulance, ha -ing already in stock a very- handsome specimen of a full blooded bilh ' , with green whiskers. And it has been reported that he is 17th or rSth cousin to : Iaude S, which of course enhances his vahie to the Institute. If we are fortunate enougli to succeed in this enterprise goat-riding will of course again become the expression. Now, having prbbabh- taken up too much space in explaining how the expression originated, and how the art progressed in the earliest stages, I shall endeavor to explain modern gim-riding by giving several experiences which have come under my personal notice. The first case which I will put before you, I witnessed when I myself was young — very young in the art. Having concocted my stor - before I went down, I had abundance of time to examine the other gim-riders. There was a little fellow perched up on a steam-pipe, in a vain endeavor to extract some of its heat. This fact alone showed that he was going to work the same old gag of chills and fever. I might say right here that this is a most successfiil gag, if you work it in the right season. But this happened to be in the winter-time, and not a particle of heat could be found in the steam-pipes, even with the most delicateh- constructed calorimeter. Well, this tells the tale ; the Gim didn ' t touch him, and to publish the little fellow ' s remarks would not be exactly in keeping with ni - subject, although it might be interesting to know that, in connection with other things, he softly swore. Now, I shall show one of the successful ways of riding the Gim for a furlough. Over by the wash-stand stood another gim-rider washing his e es with a strong solution of ' . M. I. soap and water. I didn ' t get a chance to hear what he told the Gim, but in a few minutes he came out with a furlough for two weeks (on account of weak e -es). This is both a dangerous and painful method of riding the Gim, but it is an indispensable one to the love-sick cadet who wishes to get a furlough and see his best girl. In a few minutes it came m ' turn and I was ushered into the presence of His Royal Highness, the Gim. After having bowed profusely and skinned m ' face several times, T stood in the position of a soldier, head and body erect, etc., and waited for him to make the break. He started with, Good morning Mr. Gill ; what is the matter now ? Well, I went off on a tangent and told him that I had a habit of dreaming every night that I was drilling and marching, and that when I awoke in the morning I was just as tired as if I had realh- been doing it. Now this was a puzzle to him, but he finally said, That will do Mr. Gill, you can have all duty to-day, but if your dream is repeated to-night, just fall out of ranks and don ' t do anv more marching ; I will excuse you from it. Well, without taking up any more space relating experiences, I will gi -e ou a few pointers -hich should alwa s be followed if ' ou would succeed in this art. (i.) Never let the Gim catch you in a lie that is not a reversible, double-action, self-cocking and automatic-exit one. (2.) Never leave the Gim shop mumbling under your breath, when the Gim fails to excuse you. And lasth , ne -er ride the G ' m. if -ou are realh- sick, unless you ha -e -our life hea -iU- insured, and even then -ou would not be in a -ery en -iable position. - ' - - - GOING TO REVEILLE. The Sentinel ' s Dream. ' Twas the night of election — a beautiful night — Aud the moon clothed the world in a silvery light, And transformed our old barracks that darkh- did lower To a castle enchanted, with turret and tower. And grumbled that we should be treated so foull} ' , Get nothing to eat but corn-bread and growley. But while I was grumbling and growling there, Just in front of the arch I discovered a chair. So quiet a niglit — one so calm and serene — A sentinel soldier ne er had seen. .-Vnd men of all parties were sleeping away The trials, and troubles and cares of the day, No lunger 1 muttered or grumbled or grieved, But thanked the kind fellow whom I had relieved For leaving the chair when he went up to bed. The considerate rascal — God bless him, I said. While 1, to the best of my humble belief, as walking my post on the second relief. I was tired and sleepy and cross as you please And cold ! Gracious hea ' ens, 1 thought I ould freeze. 1 was just in the act of closing m ' eyes When the statue in front made tne stare with surprise. The thing I had gazed at so often before With pleasure and pride, was a statue no more, • I en -ied ni)- room-mates ' twas really too hard That they should be sleeping while I was on guard. Tho ' I knew it was wrong, I wished they were walking And cursed the dogs that kept up such a barking. But sir, as I hope in the future to thrive. It raised up its arms, and, in short, was alive. Yes, there in his beaut - and majesty stood The Warrior, the Statesman, the Great and the Good. Though I swore at them, really I wished them no harm : ' Twas to keep me awake as I walked to keep warm. I regretted that e ' er 1 had heard of the place Where fools come to learn the Right about face, His e e was as bright as the fame he had won. His complexion was bronzed by exposure to sun. Though frightened a little (the hair on my head Was as stiff as a poker l I walked up and said : ; of heterogeneous par Good evening, dear sir, we ' ve a beautiful night. His answer was kind, his manner polite. We spoke of the weather, the men of the day, And of politics, too, I am sorr3 ' to say. For on politics, sir, we couldn ' t agree. He was too much in favor of Union for me. His eyes flashed like fire, and, raising his head And lifting his voice, he excitedly said : These new fangled notions should all be rejected ; Be brothers, be friends, though the Devil ' s elected. I urged that the South had been dreadfully treated, Her propertv stolen, her citizens cheated. Then, seeing he did not intend to reply, I argued as follows: ly dear sir, said I, That a State ' s independent the world has agreed ; Then 1 reckon the South has a right to secede. Here he raised his stick and struck me so hard I swear I ' d a notion to turn out the guard. His stick flew to splinters, so stout was the blow, And rung as it fell on the pavement below. A right to secede ! Why, what do you mean ? You are foolish, or else inconceivably green. That term, sir — secession — should never be heard. And you ought to be ' shipped ' for using the word. I ' ll see that an order is published for you And signed by the Adjutant, right away, too. He ripped out an oath — a shock to Theolog) ' — And demanded an instant and ample apology. But just at that moment a tug at my hair Awoke me, alas, from my nap in the chair. The Corporal had caught me asleep where I sat. And never neglected to stick me for that. My vision had vanished — my dream had an end — And I cursed the mean act of that kind-hearted friend Who left me the chair, and I wished him bad luck For leaving it there for me to get stuck ; Then, rubbing my eyes and scratching my head, And raising my gun, Devil take it, I said. Why didn ' t he leave us to finish our bout. And let George and I fight our difference out? ' Tis lucky the Corporal awoke me in time, Or sure there ' d have been an encounter sublime ; And you, my readers, must try and agree Whether I ' d have licked George, or George would licked me. have The Charge of the Hungry Brigade. Fifty -ards, fifty yards, Fifty ) ' ards onward, Into the Mess Hall Rushed the Two Hundred. Seats ! was the captain ' s cry, Theirs not to reason why, Theirs but to eat or die — Xoble Two Hundred. Waiters to the right of them. Waiters to the left of them, ' aiters in front of them, Stumbled and blundered. But they were not dismayed, No, no, not yet afraid, Not till the growley played. Stopped the Two Hundred. Flashed knives and forks in air. Slashing up tough beef there. Smashed plates were nothing rare — Nobodv wondered. Braveh- each did his part, Not as he thought it smart, But still with all his heart, Noble Two Hundred. Oh, how they knocked it cold. Just as in days of old Did soldiers brave and bold, Miile the world wondered. Forth steps the captain proud, And to the waiting crowd Cried out in tones as loud, As if it thundered — Rise . ' And they rise, indeed. And forth with lightning speed. As if from prison freed. Rushed the Two Hundred. The Empty Court- Yard. The box has left the court-yard, For the Seven Stars, O ' er the top of barracks it has flown ; Gone to join the moonbeams With tremendous jars — Empts ' is the court-j-ard, sentr - box ' s gone. Up she went a-flying, Like lightning did she go ; Not a splinter upon the ground ; Left th ' exulting Molly Alone, far, far, below. And pacing on his weary midnight round. Chorl ' S Chorus. — Little empty court-yard, Full of empt - glass ; Sentry box no longer standing there, Nothing left but brick walls . nd a little glass — Sentry ' s standing out in open air. Once there was a sentry box Standing nice and dry. Where a sentry went in, rain or snow ; But a Molly thought that Just for fun he ' d try To see how high that sentry box could go. Chorus. Nothing ' s left the Molly On which to spend his fuse. While Shipp and Price stand aghast ; For every one has joined, from Private up to Lieus., In throwing bomb and setting off the blast. Chorus. In Spring. In Spring a deep depression enters in the soldier ' s breast ; In Spring the green parade ground is in a greener coating dressed : In Spring the tired Rat does double time o ' er the hill; In Spring the Cadet ' s fancy darkly turns to thoughts of drill. The Girl of To-day. Her love is such as cannot tire While he has money to spend, But as sooir as that stops Her love she just drops And considers the aflfair at an end. C. F. H. Drags. Cadet 11 ' . (walking back from cliurch Suiukw night with Miss L.) — I do so love to dance with Miss N.; she nestles so nicel) ' . A iss L. — Does she confine herself to nestlinsj only when she dances? Mr. G. (to Cadet F., who has just taken a drink) — My friend, why don ' t you leave whiskev alone? Don ' t yon know it is your worst enemy ? Cadet F. — Yes, sir ; but the Good Book tells us to love our enemies, and I must abide by it. Cadet — Say, Burt, do you charge extra for the water in this milk? Burt (waiter in Mess Hall) — No, sah ; we jes throws dat in. Keen — Look here, Hinton, why don ' t ' ou go out and take some exercise? Hintoii, G. — Yes, drill begins next week; I ' ll take that. Roche (O. D. at Class parade) — Make your report. Frain (section marcher) — Cocke-Roche and Locker absent, sir. Prof, (in Analytic Geom. Class) — Mr. Janne ' , when is a point said to be on a line? Janney — Why, sir, when the line runs through the point. Cadet D-H- (on his second dav at the ' . AL L, to new arrival, who, hearing the ii . . M. study drum, had run to the door and was peering out) — Oh, shucks! that ' .s nothing but Guard Mount. Cadet D. — Say, Dillard, wonder wlm that man Supe is that they detail on uard every day ! He must have a hard time of it. Huttun was taken sick the other day, and, as the Gim could not be found, was forced to prescribe for his own malady. On account of his extreme thinness, he could not decide whether his disease required the use of Jamaica ginger or one of Allcock ' i porous plasters for the backache. Enquirer — What epidemic is that which is raging so violently among tlie Subs? S irireoii — Wheels in the head. Cadet (to bugler) — Sav, Steinv, pla - ' Then You ' ll Remember j le. ' Stcinmullci- — Don ' t know the darn thing — never heard it but once, and that was when a fellow owed me $4.50. He was on a ship that was about to sail, and I was on the Ijank. Just as the ship started, he came to the e nd of it and played a tune on his cornet. I asked .some one what it was, and he told me it was ' Then You ' ll Renicmlier Me, ' and I have never cared much for the darn thing since. 3l.UE Hot ' SK. — Special rates to cadets. E. M. Mkrr, Proprietor. While the Battalion was in Atlanta a member of the First Class, from the wilds of West Virginia, remarked that he had often heard (jf the phonograph, and that he intended to investigate the machine at his first opportunity. A friend directed him to the Midway, and a few mintites later we were greath- surprised to see Dick on a dead run for the Alcazar. Some one asked him that evening what he thought of the phonograph. He answered that he didn ' t have time to form an opinion, for no sooner had he gotten the speaking trumpet to his ears, than he heard the band playing Dixie, and knew that it was time for D. P., so he had to drop the darned thing and run. RAT INSFECTIUN i iF yl. ■ ■ ' v X-RAVS APPLIED TO A MOLLY HOLE. A Cure for Love. One pound of resolution. Twelve ounces of dislike, Two ounces of experience, Four miles upon your bike. ' Three quarts of consolation, Two grains of common sense, Add a great big sprig of time, For feelings most intense. . f. Then sweeten with forgetfulness, . nd cork it in your heart ; If taken in small doses ' Twill kill lo e in the start. J. K. H. RRISON. Guard Duty. The shades of night were falling fast, , s along the lonely beat he passed, . n unfortimate Rat whose face was gluui, AS he often to himself did hum — ( ruard Duty. His face was fair, his cap was blue, His eyes were dull and sleepy, too. But still he walked along and swore, ' We use the same phrase o ' er and o ' er) — Guard Dutv. Within the arch he saw a light, Along the .stoop glistening and bright. Near him his still bayonet shone. As from his lips escaped a groan — Guard Dutv. Desert -our post, his evil spirit said. And quickly warm yourself in bed, A tear stood in his dark blue e ' e. But still he murmured with a sigh — Extra Tours. Third Class Examination. For the benefit of those who are to come after us, The Bo.mb i;i es here a few quescions from the entrance examinations of ' 92. We have also attempted to give candidates a slight idea of the physical requirements in order that he may perfect himself in them. The examining board in question met in Xo. 32, back room. The great modesty of the examiners restrains us from o-iving their names to the public, so for further particulars address Thk Bo-MI!. PHYSICAL. I. The candidate is carefully examined as to the position and ccjndition of his heart. If this organ is found on his right side or any signs of fracture are discovered, he is at once sent to the superintendent with papers to this effect. [X. B. — This is frequently found to be the case.] II. He unist sit placidly on the point of a bayonet for fifteen minutes. Soap and other refreshments are furnished irom time to time. III. He nnist be able to perform the couche-couche. IX. He must root a penny from the bottom of bowl of water, catch five flies in five minutes, blindfolded, and be able to gracefullv climb the wall to the ceiling. ' . This includes important conditions which the board does not care to disclose. MENTAL. Tr- nslath Into Latix : C;esar took the elevated raihva - and hastened to the Bower) ' , where he hocked his wife ' s bloomers for the price of admission to the living pictures. GEOiRAPHV. — (i.) Mention the principal cities in Rockbridge Comity situated on Xorth River. (2.) Where is Paradise Alley? ;M. THEMATICS. — How many countersigns will it require to fill a bucket? How ninch growlev can be ol)tained from one paper of collar buttons, two pounds of tenpenny nails, and the bones from dinner ? PLEur.E. — The abo ' e is official. To an Old Coatee. Mv old coatee I Mv old coatee 1 What memories cluster and cling to thee I To each demmed button by magic thread A sweet dream hangs of days long dead — Of fair girl faces which smiled to greet Your inmate passing the Guard Tree seat. C)h ! buttons of brass ! Oh ! buttons of brass ! Yon have caught the eye of many a lass ; And many a romance and tale ot woe, To many a maiden whispered low, You have heard on the cannon in days gone by. With onlv the moon to ask wherefore or why. The chevrons are tarnished ; the slee -es threadbare. Yet the daintiest of fingers have rested there ; And to-night as I gaze we live in the past, Heart beats quickh ' , her breath comes fast, At the old, old stoiy, that ' s known to thee. Hence I hold bevond treasure mv old coatee. Sad Memories. Once upon a midnight bri,t;ht, Made so by my electric light, As we shuffled round the papes, Holding booze beneath otir capes; Suddenly there came a squeaking, As of some one heavily creaking, Creaking on the front-room floor — ' Twas the Inspector — nothing more. Out the lights went in a flashing. Soon the booze came with a clashing; In the Sub came with his taper, Took our names down on his paper. Out at Dress Parade ue.xt da -, (Jne might hear this sad lay : Gone from ' . NI. I. for ever more — We were shipped — nothing more. H. R. H. Operatic Medley. ' Now I lay me down to sleep, When the swallows homeward fly, ' Rocked in the cradle of the deep, Dear mother, I ' ve come home to die. ' Come where mv love lies dreaming, The dearest spot on earth to me, ' Brightly the Southern cross is gleaming In the cottage bv the sea. ' I am dying, Egypt, dying, With my banjo on my knee, ' ' And as Marion said, defying, ' ' Sallv is the gal for me. Let me kiss him for his mother, To keep awa the Ijlue-tailed fly, For I love you as a brother, So, Susannah, don ' t vou crv. Athletic Association. p. B. Locker M. M. Mills C. C. Dickinson R. S. Spilman . W. A. Roberts R. M. Morgan- . A. D. Keen . J. ' . ?)ICKFORD . E. B. Frain . Dr. Reed White President Vice-President Captain Foot Ball Teaji Manager Foot Ball Team Ass ' T Manager Foot Ball Team Captain Base Ball Team Manager Base Ball Team Captain Gymnasiuji Team President Tennis Clue Surgeon ENDS. Rio i : H. G. Shirley, ' g6. Lc l.- S. T. Moore, ' 97. LEFT HALF-BACK. R. B. I AWSOX, ' Q7 Team of ' 95. C. C. DiCKLXsox, Captain. GUARDS. Righl : M. M. Mil.i.s, ' 97. Left: P. C. Haruixg, ' 9S. CENTRE. P. P . LoL ' KER, ' 96. quarter-back. Sidney Ko.stkr, ' 97. FULL-BACK. W. J. TwKiGs, -97. TACKLES. Ri ht: . . Moore, ' 98. Left: C. E. Michel, ' 96. RIGHT HALF-BACK. C. C. Dickinson, ' 96 TEAM OF 95. Previous Teams. ' 91 Wise, ' 94 . BiscoE, ' 94 Magoffin, ' 93 . Spilman, ' 93 . Crenshaw, ' 92 . Smith, ' 94 Cabell, ' 92 Carter, ' 93 . Allen, ' 92 . Cary, ' 92 Taylor, ' 92 (Capt] 92 . Wise, ' 94 . BiSCOE, ' 94 . Magoffin, ' 93 Spilman, ' 93 . . Poindexter, ' 95 . Smith, ' 94 . Berkly, ' 94 Carter, ' 93 (Capt.; . Coffeen, 94 Holt, ' 96 . Twiggs, ' 95 Wise, ' 94 (Capt) Michel, ' 96 . BiSCOE, ' 94 . Smith, ' 94 Poindexter, ' 95 Baxxon, ' 95 . Dickinson, ' 94 yi -96 . Coffeen, ' 94 Holt, ' 96 Twiggs, ' 95 Selden, ' 95 Serpf:ll, ' 95 • Stratton, ' 98 Locker, ' 96 Poindexter, ' 95 Michel, ' 96 Jones, ' 95 . Hickman, ' 95 . Dickinson, ' 96 . Foster, ' 97 Twiggs, ' 95 (Capt.) Right End Right Tackle Right Guard . Centre LEFr Guard Left Tackle . ' Left End . Right Half Left Half Quarter-Back . Full-Back Record. OCTOBKR 12 Xri ' KMBER I I I October xovembkr 28, OcroBER 13 16 XO EMBFR 3, 17 3 ' 29, L CTOBER 14. 1895. V. L. U Richmond College, Roanoke College, W. L. r., ..... X. C. - . M. C, (in . tlanta), ' a. A. ; I.C., I ill Lynclibnrg), 1£94. St. Alban ' s W. L. r H. A. C V. L. U Roanoke College, ' a. . . M. C, (in StanntonI, o V.M.I. 1893. W. L. V V. X. C, XO ' EMI!ER 1 1. Richmond College, . . iS 2,S. r. -a., . 44 26 1E92.I 30 October 27. St. John ' s 42 November I I. Wake Forrest, . . . 4 .. 19. 29. Trinity, State Colk ge, Kv., . . W. L. U.. 44 4 4 ' ' 1891. 16 October 31- W. L. r.. 16 Xo -EMBER 1 1. W. L. U., 10 1 2. 20. St. John ' s, Pantops, 28 10 Opponents N ' -M.I., 34 o ' . M.I., 18 34 34 o -. .M. I. 554 Foot Ball. Since tlie fall of ' 91, wlien the Institute put her first team in the field to contest with southern colleges for foot ball supremacy, the interest of the corps in the game has increased in proportion to the successes its elevens ha -e attained, so that now foot ball holds undisputed title to first place in our list of college sports. A glance at our record on the gridiron will show that the game has fiilh- deserved its prestige. In five years the sturdy wearers of the canvass have met with but two defeats, — one at the hands of U. ' a., which won the championship of the South for that season, and the other on last Thanksgiving Day, at Lynchburg, when our friends from Blacksburg, aided b - a fortunate gust of wind which carried the pigskin clear of the goal posts, partially revenged themsel -es for the cruel manner in which their hopes and aspirations were blighted at Staunton a year before. The score up to date stands — victories to — deleats; and we ha -e scored points against our opponents. The strongest teams in the South are among the vanquished — Trinity, University ' of North Carolina, Center College (inter-collegiate champions of Kentucky), ' a. A. and ,: I. C, Roanoke College and St. John being some that have played that role. The team of ' 95 was below the average in weight, but under the careful training of Mr. Geo. W. Bryant, of Princeton, they attained a knowdedge of the game, which added to their own hard work and determination, marked it as one of the strongest that ha -e ever done battle under our colors. As usual Washington and Lee pro ' ed eas - -ictims in two games, failing to score in either. Richmond College and Roanoke were also unable to get past our rushers, while in the Atlanta game the Agriccltnral and Mechanical College of North Carolina were more lucky and secured a touch down on a fumble. The team met their only defeat at L ■nchburgh b - the narrow margin of two points. Dickinson, as captain and left half-back, besides being the hardest line bucker we have e er had, handled his men with exceptional skill, always showing a cool head and clear judgment. Lawson at right half seldom failed to gain his ground, while Twiggs and Foster at full and quarter were the best men that we have ever played in these positions. Shirley at left end had no superior in the South, while :Moore on the right also pro -ed a stumbling block to aspiring half-backs, the pair being largely blame to for the low scores of our opponents. In lichel, our old veteran, and W. A. Moore, we had a pair of tackles which need ask odds fi-om none. Mills and Harding, though both new men in their positions, played excellent guards, and Locker in the center was sure and aggressive. Stephens, Shaver, Harman and Rogers as substitutes gave promise of good material in the future. With Moore as captain of next year ' s team, .supported by five or six experienced men, and with the record of past victories to .spur them on, we feel that the reputation of the Institute is in good hands, and that it remains for them to win for her new laurels. m % f« ' W Team of 96, A. D. Keen, ' c ]Maxager H. B. Miller, ' 97 . G. A. Allen, ' 99 S. T. [Moore, ' 97 R. ' SI. Morgan, ' 96 (Capt. F. E. Phillips, ' 99 . H. L. Shaner, ' 99 J. D. Taylor, ' 98 A. H. Bryant, ' 98 J. P. Harnian, ' 99 . Catcher Pitiher First Base Second Base Tliird Base Short Stop . Left Field Centre Field Risht Field C. O. Goolrick, ' 98 SUBSTITUTES. F. Stephens, ' 97 N. R. Jones, ' 98 Base Ball. The athletic excellence of cadets has not been exhibited in base ball for several ears. Indeed, our base ball stock has been considerabh- below par for some time, and imtil this year with no visible prospect of its rise. At first sight it would seem strange that an Institution as large as ours, having two hundred names on the rolls, should so rarely have a first-class base ball team. When, howexer, we look at the conditions as they really exist, and become a little more familiar with barrack-life, some of the strangeness will disappear, and we will realize win ' it is almost next to impossible to put a first-class team in the field. What, then, are the.se conditions? First, we have no gymnasium where the men may get their preliminar ■ training during the winter months. This counts for more than most people think, but we are glad to say that our wants in this direction will soon be supplied, for in oin- new Jackson JMemorial Hall which is now nearing completion, there is to be a splendid gymnasium with all the modern equipments. It will certainly fill a long felt need and the cadets are looking forward to it with many pleasant anticipations. Then, when the season really opens, we have next to no time for practice. This is the reason why we ahvax ' s have onh- a tolerably good base ball nine. Everybody- knows that constant thorough practice is the prime requisite to success as an indixidnal ball player, and almost as many know that for a team to be successful, the team, as a whole, must have constant and thorough practice also. Now that is just what we do not have. One hour in the afternoon on alternate days has been, up to this j-ear, all that was allowed us, and even then it frequently happened that there would be no game on account of some of the players being kept in barracks b) ' academic duties. The idea of getting out a team with only this little time for practice would seem alisurd to men of most other colleges, accustomed as the)- are to plenty of time of their own, but in this, as in e -er - otiier thing, when reduced to grim necessity, we have to lay aside our troubles and complaints and do the best we can. This is what our base ball captains, heretofore, have done, and though it has alwax ' s been their best, we are sorrv to sa -, it has not yet been good. This ear, for the benefit of the few men who are able to get off, permission has been granted to play from two till four P. m. This applies only to a very few men, but it has helped to stimulate popular interest and, indeed, has done a great deal of good, more interest being taken in the team this year than heretofore. This is what we have worked for from the ver - beginning of the year, and now so nuich new material has shown up to be really worth something, and the team itself is such an improvement on that of last year, e -erybod - seems to have waked up, and the old ' . M. I. base ball spirit is once more reviving. The team is made up as follows : Allen and Shaner, pitchers, both new men this year and both left-handers — Shaner will also play .short stop while he is not in the box ; Stephens, ' 97, (his third year on the team) and IMiller ' 97, catchers ; : Ioore, ' 97 ■ first base, (of last year ' s club) ; Morgan, ' 96, (captain) second base, (third year in that position); Phillips, ' 99, third base ; Taylor, ' 98, Harman, ' 99, and Bryant, ' gS, fielders, with Goolrick, ' 98, and Jones, ' 9S, substitutes. The Gymnasium Team. J. ' . BiCKFORD, . President W. S. HUTTOX, Bus. Manager MEMBERS. H. Ross HiN ' TON John Cocke J. H. Wood W. A. McNiel E. B. Fraix, President W. W. HoLT, Vice-President A. H. ' ORiES, Secretary and Treasurer MEMBERS. Alexander Carter Harrisson F. S. Robertson Averett Dobie Kent Ryland A)-ers Freeman Lowinan Spilman Brinkle)- Goddin Otey Stnbbs Cabell Harrisson B P. Perkins Williams, C. S r . J The Tennis Club. While not so popular a game at the V. M. I. as either fnot ball or base ball, still this trulv exhilarativg sraine has its many enthusiasts here as elsewhere. We have now a total of nearh thirty members, wliich is a slight increase ver last 5 ' ear. This may seem very few in a school of two hundred; but, when you consider that with the exception of Saturday a ' ternoous we are only allowed the half hour recreation after meals in which to ])la ' , and then only on ,L;rass courts which are not of ihe best, you will rather wonder that we ha •e so man •. At the noon recreation, especialh , there is a rush for the courts, and for half an hour there is brisk playing, with the result that we have several players who will compare fa (irably with those of any college of this si e in the State. The club gives a tournament every year, in which the playing is exceptionally good. Prizes are given with the intention of increasing the interest. Last ear R. L. Dobie carried off the first prize in singles — a se -en dollar racket. This year the tournament promises to be very good, and the interest being sliown is great. Who will be the luck - men is still a quandary. Altogether, the year has been a most successful one ; but with a little more interest shown, more privileges could undoubt- edly be obtained, and Tennis could be made to take its proper place as one of the most fascinating of athletic games. My hope is that the President next year will find a marked increase in the membership, and then, with a little judicious management, the future prosperity of the club will be assured. OFFICERS. G. M. Brooke, President A. H. VORIES, Secretar - M. M. Mills, Vice-President T. W. Perkins, Librarian Medalist, 1883—1894. DECLAIMKRS. ISS4 Albeit Howell 1885 G. M. Edmonds I8S6 T. J. Munsey 1887 H. P. Wchb 1888 V. M. McXulty 1889 N. B. Early 1890 Chas. Massie IS9I P. St. Geo. Cock 1892 W. A. Peaterson 1893 G. M. Wise IS94 L. R. Gigiiilliat 1895 J. D. Taylor ORATORS. 1SS4. J. H. Winston 1885. Albert Howell 1886. G. M. Edmonds 1887. W. ' . Paw 1888. N. B. Early 1 889. C. B. Massie 1890. J. A. Lawton 1891. A. J. Orme 1S92. B. B. Morgan 1893. C. B. CofFeen 1894. H. E. Hyatt 1895. h. R. Gignilliat DEBATERS. 1884. B. B. Senimes 1885. W. P. Barksdale 1886. Alljert Howell 1887. T. T. Terr - 1888. C. B. Massie 1889. G. L. Snowden 1S90. T. W. Lewis 1891. J. (J. Pace 1892. C. B. Coffeen 1893. H. Staton 1894. P. St. Geo. Cocke 1895- F. D. Richards President ' s Register, 1883 — 1894. ' 83- ' S4. V. A, Mehegan, ' irginia ' Sj- ' SS. ' 83-84. W. A. Moncure, ' irginia ' 87-88. ' 83-84. C. :M. Snelling, Virginia ' 87-88. ' 84- ' 85. G. B. Miller, Virginia ' 88- ' 89. ' 84- ' 85. J. D. Ward, Virginia ' 88- ' 89. ' 84-85. Louis ' aden, ' irginia ' 88- ' 89. ' 85- ' 86. : I. V. Daly, South Carolina ' 88- ' S9. ' 85- ' 86. Albert Howell, Georgia ' 89- ' 90. ' 86-87. T. S. Thompson, Ohio ' 89- ' 90. ' 86-87. W. E. Barrett, ' irginia ' 89- ' 90. T. B. Fannt Le Roy, Virginia ' 90- ' 9i S. D. Rockenbach, ' irginia ' 90-91 H. C. Ford, Virginia ' 91-92 N. B. Early, ' irginia ' 91-92 S. D. Rockenbach, Virginia ' 92-93 W. S. Hancock, ' irginia ' 92- ' 93 T. W. Lewis, ' irginia ' 92- ' 93 G. L. Snowden, Georgia ' g3- ' 94 W. S. Hancock, ' irginia ' 93- ' 94 J. A. Lawton, South Carolina ' 94- ' 95 A ' ni. yi. McXult , ' irginia J. O. Pace, Kentucky J. I. Stephens, Virginia B. B. Morgan, ' irginia C. W. Watts, ' irginia W. H. Cocke, ' irginia H. E. Hyatt, A ' irginia C. B. Coffeen, Illinois D. H. Smith, ' irginia L. R. Gignilliat, Georgia OFFICERS. R. W. Peatrmss, Pixsident P. J. ' OK•rHIXGTO •, ' ice-President J. D. Taylor, Secretary Y, M. C, A. R. M. Morgan, President M. M. Mills, Vice-President G. P. Ha WES, Secretar - PREVIOUS PRESIDENTS. C. M. SxELLiXG, Virginia .... D. M. Lea, . . . . E. L. Darsh, .... R. C. Grorgk, Texas .... S. B. Walker, Virginia ' Sj- ' SS A. D. H.vMiLTox, Treasurer J. H. Addlsox, Cor. Secretary ■ ' S3- ' 84 ' 84-85 . ' 8 5- ' 86 ' S6-87 S. D. Rockexbach, W. S. Hancocke, C. B. Slemp, J. H. Chillxs, B. B. MORGAX, H. ' . revxolds, W. A. Petersox, Georgia ' 88-89 ' 89-90 ' 90- ' 9 1 ' 91-92 ' 92-93 ' 93-94 ' 94-95 DUMB BEU.E. Roi.FE Ford Wf.lls J. K. Slieppard ASSISTANT LEADERS. B. Powell Harrison John Janney John Lea Dillard FLOOR COMMITTEE. John Cocke A. D. Keen E. B. Frain J. P. Orme J. ' . Bickford F. W. (kiffin J. Cocke H. R. Hinton C. C. Dickinson C. E. Michel J. K. Sheppard R. W. Williams A. D. Keen B. P. Harrison R. S. Spilman J. Janney J. L. Dillard W. H. Peek P. B. Locker W. W. Holt H. G. Shirley A. D. Hamilton E. L. McGill J. T. Morton G. P. Marrow A. AI. Shipp F. Phinizy C. F. Harrison G. D. F. Lee Le Roy Roper J. M. Baird S. Foster T. Milton Geo. Mason G. P. Hawes J. O. Steger H. D. Bacon J. T. Carter X. R. Jones C. S. Williams A. H. Bn,ant A. C. Crump J. D. Taylor Geo. A. Allen J. Gordon J. E. ' enabee German Club. Whilst striving to win the smiles of her sister muses, the Cadet has never failed to render due homage to Terpsichore. The German Club was one of his earliest tributes to the maid of the dance. Its origin dates from time mediceval — befo ' the war, though then more modestly known as the Hop Club. But what ' s in a name, and what matters it whether the Cadet goes in and out through the intricacies of the Cottilion where his father danced the ' irginia reel, so long as each has on his arm the prettiest girl in town ? There are few who have worn the cadet gray that can not see in the smoke of a briar faces and scenes of his dancing days at the Institute, which recall some memorable hop of -ore. Perhaps it is the night she gave you Home, Sweet Home, or a break out under the Guard Tree, that was the beginning of it all. y -„ That old lace handkerchief, resurrected from the folds of your sa.sh, brings up as vividly as though twenty suc- cessive classes had not followed our example, a chat on the cannon, chaperoned only by the paternal George standing clear cut in the moonlight. The admiration of the cadet for the fair sex has been too often told in song and storj- to need more than mere mention here. Naturally, he would confide to a sympathizing ear his trials, plans and pet schemes. Now if the cadet has a hobby, it is the subject of Reciprocity. It is not difficult to trace the cause of this peculiarit)-, for he has boned page after page reciprocals — reciprocal action, reciprocal motion — and what wonder is it that Reciprocity is a vital subject to him, and that he should urge the application of this theory in connection with the state of his feelings. An - one knows that it is necessar - to exemplify, touching briefly the important points, in explaining an abstruse subject of this nature. i_ ' ' ' i! Hence it has been claimed by eminent authorit - that no time and place are so suitable for such dissertations ' T n, as mess hall steps at 12.30 A. m., in proof of which statemeirt he offers to present to the skeptical conclusive evidence under above conditions. Evidently a properly conducted hop is of great value from an educational standpoint, but in return for his best meant effort the fair one often leaves the luckless son of Mars so entangled and bewildered that he is even in the dark as to where he is at. Such are the wiles of woman. But enough of the tribulations of the poor soldier. Surel)- no one will grudge him a few hours on the light fantastic with the cares of his world forgotten, with no spectres of Math., Rev. or Guard Dut - to haunt him. No triumph he shall ever win, saving, perhaps, the donning of his Corps che Tons can compare with his rodent elation on getting a dance with a Lexington calic. The Final German, given by the graduating class to their friends of the past four years, is alwa3 ' s an event of commence- ment week. It is the last appearance of the First Class as such, for already their mantles, or rather their blues, have fallen upon the .shoulders of the coming rulers of the Corps. In concluding we would add a cordial invitation to our Ahunni, their friends and acquaintances, to join us in June among the familiar scenes of Auld Lang Syne — scenes that will recall the careless, happy days when you wore the gray. 0n furloiifih. tExcused from all duty. ;Dismissed. Iii Mexico. In hospital. A. D. Keen R. M. MORGAX T. M. Fexdai.i. President Manager Secretar - and Treasurer MEMBERS. A. D. Keen R. yi. Morgan T. M. Fendall W. W. Ballard, Jr. P. C. Harding A. C. Raleigh C. C. Schoen IX C. (jordon T. W. Perkins : !. W. Hubard H. A. Brinkley S. F. Hurt H. B. Miller G. A. Derbyshire W. B. Shaver H. 1. Kremer n F ' i,n a Ca-fr-v oy ' Finals. P ' inal week has come. For three months, — since the first leaves appeared timidly on the trees along the parapet, and the last patches of snow disappeai ' ed from the nigged flants of House JMountain, — we have awaited it, dreamed of, longed for it. Those outside the pale can scarce understand our enthusiasm, seeing- onl)- an apparently endless succession of drills, parades and reviews ' neath the sweltering sun of later June. As you sit in the shade of the old guard tree and watch the faultless line of white duck at battalion drill, or the luckless Rodents dragging the guns, 5 ' ou are conscious of that dry feeling in j-our throat and a throb of pit ' in your heart, provided always, you are a tender-hearted maiden, and have a brother, cousin or — friend, somewhere vonder in the ranks. But he goes gallantly on, never suspecting that he is an oljject of sympathy, and why should he, knowing as he does that Finals are come? Of this there is no doubt. The white walls of Camp O ' Ferrall, the exchange of our cots for the tent floor, the girls who stroll around the walks at parade, and, later, the white figures seen indistinctly on the seats along the lower road, all announce it. Even the hardships of camp life cannot dampen our ardor. For better or worse, exams, are finished, and the magic touch of the season has brushed away from the weary brow the lingering shadows of grim old INIatli., and in his stead reignetli another sovereign. The cramped hand readily exchanges the pen for the sword, and both are forgot at the first strains of the dance. The day ' s routine over. Mars girds himself for conquests by the light of a single candle suspended from the ridge-pole of his tent. If luck is with him, he succeeds in drawing forth his armor from the recesses of the common locker ; otherwise he borrows when his neighbor is out. It is the night of the Society Celebrations and the would-be orator holds forth, to the delight of his assembled kith and kin, and finalh ' ceases, to the relief of the rest of us who clear the field of obstacles and prepare for action. Soon the dance is over, the lights are gone, and the only sound which comes to one ' s ear is the tramp of the sentinel back of his triit. This grows more faint and indistinct, then fades awav. The next sounds are the notes of Re ' . ; a brief struggle with your drowsiness and you are in the companv street. The company dismissed, ou loaf back to vonr tent, luiiit np the other hoe and stretch yourself on the blankets, giving the Rodent lots of sage advice as he replenishes the water bucket and rolls up the tent wall, and growling when he observes that our most noble carcass must be displaced if he is to fold and stack the blankets before inspection. Tiie companv street is dotted with men in various stages of deshabille, and a sound of much spluttering and splashing, mingled with chaff and snatches of song, rises from the midst. The breakfast drum spoils the fun and commences the programme. Drill is literally the order of the day, and there is no dearth as to number, varietv or extent, until the evening gun announces that the day is done. Somewhat later, the lights in mess hall tell of an approaching fi ' tc, for to-night brawn is king, and the hard)- athlete will shortly hold full sway. He is in his glorv, boxing, swinging clubs and tumbling, the feature of the evening being the performance of the Gymnasium Team on the bars. This seems to fascinate the fair ones, for thev cover their faces with their hands yet are powerless under the spell ; and Eve-like see all through their fingers. When the limit to endtu ' ance of actors, and perhaps of audience, has been reached, the lucky ones go for a stroll in the moonlight, while less fortunate fellows move out the seats and the musicians tune their instruments The first notes call in the greater number of the wanderers, and the dance goes on until Home Sweet Home makes us realize that we shall be needed at camp in twenty minutes. On the following evening the corps is at home to friends, and ever ' one is busy doing the agreeable to numerous guests. Soft lights from Chinese lanterns cast weird shadows on canvas walls as one strolls down the company street, re- vealing mern,- groups seated on tent floor and blacking stools at some popular tent. The band is sufficiently distant to give to its music the requisite enchantment, though soon the nearer notes of dnnn and fife prove what most of us - have often learned to our sorrow : that time, tide and tattoo wait for no man, or even woman. Yet twenty-four hours later we have our re ' enge when at the Opera House the (ilee Club displays the nitisical and histrionic talent of the corps, the curtain falling on a hop at mess hall as the grand finale of the evening. The few hours that come between the last dance and Rev., are the last we spend on the pine-board couch. After troop on the same morning, preparations are hastily made for the movement on barracks. When all is removed to the color-line and the guv-ropes are loosed, the bugle sounds the knell to our white cit -, which disappears suddenly as at the peal of a magician ' s trump. Again we are back in barrack.s, enjoying the luxury of mattress and cot and the other comforts of civilization. The bare floor, yellow-washed walls and rough table, which we have been known to compare to a cell, now seem trul - palatial to a wear - fellow seeking a few snatches of slumber in the wee sma ' hours after the German. Merciless Reveille awakens us. Some hear it sadly as for the last time ; others gladh-, since for two months the - will hear it no more ; but merry or melancholy, laughing or silent, we all pass out through the arch and into commencement day proper. Breakfast over, the disposal of goods and chattels begins. The quondam first classman is bus ' bestowing legacies, tr -ino- on his cits., and also striving to look as if he were enjoying life as much as the embryo, -ho is soon to reign in his stead. A little later arms are stacked in front of mess hall ; we go in to hear account rendered of oursehes for the past ten months, and those of us who are to graduate to receive hard-earned dips. The honors having been awarded and the address to the graduating class finished, we march for the last time to the parade ground, now enli -ened by a deep border of those who have friends in the ranks. The battalion forms as for parade, but instead comes the command, Stack Arms; Parade Rest, ' ' from the commandant. The band starts down the line just as we have seen it do at the close of each day for four years, but Auld Lang Syne and the tears that start to the eyes of the firmest, tell that this is the last time we shall ever stand shoulder to shoulder. The music ceases and a great silence falls as the commandant draws from his breast the order which straightway annuls previous appointments in the corps., makes the officers for the ensuing -ear, and leaves both disappointment and jov in its wake. When ranks are brokeu, the lucky are surrounded by their le.ss fortunate friends eager to congratulate with their bayonet scabbards, and no sooner is escape from these effected than a rush for the tailor ' s, with chevrons in hand, commences, while we who have been, smile at their vanity and proceed to transform ourselves into citizens. Somewhat later we gather again in mess hall, alread ' crowded even to windows and stairway. The deep voice of cannon brings a hush on all and starts the music. For one moment the room is in darkness ; at the next swaying plumes have caught the gleam of calcium lights wliich are reflected from crest and sword to the dantiest of evening gowns, making a pictin-e once seen not soon forgot. The dancers form a double line to salute the chaperones, break, reform and wind so deftly that to the onlooker the scene seems to be the field of some giant kaleidoscope. A slight pause is followed by the clashing of drawn swords as a dozen of the prettiest girls in the South dance under the arch of steel. The leader ' s whistle finally breaks the spell by recalling the glare of the lights, and now all join in the dance. With only a short breathing .spell at supper, the music plays on until the graduating class fall in for the last roll call. How different it is from all others 1 And what wonder that afterward ihere are many heavy hearts ! Yes, it is no light matter to break ties of four ears ' standing, to leavt sweet-heart. Many have left, but there are still those wlio keep bravely on until a gleam in the East announces the approaching end. Home, Sweet, Home, . uld Lang Syne — tears that start to the eve despite the careless smile — and all is over. class-mate and room-mate — and Calendar for 1896, Friday, June 19. Final Gymnasu ' .m Exhibition. Hop. Saturday, June 20. Joint Celebration Cadet and Dialectic Literary Societies. Award of Medals. Orations. Monday, June 22. Concert by Glee Cltb. Tuesday, June 23. Inspection and Review of Battalion of Cadets by Board of Visitors. Final German. Wednesday, June 24. Meeting of the Society of . ll-mni. Review. Banquet. Thursday, June 25. Closing Exercises of the Institute. Valedictory Address. Delivery of Diplomas. Certificates. Honors. AuLD Lang Syne. Final Ball. r p r ' s L- Saturday Evening, June 20. G. M. Brooke, R. W. Peatross Presidext Dialectic PRESini-:NT Cadet N Orations. Declamations. .VwAKD (IE Medals. Programme. Friday Evening, June 19. PART I. Performance on the Horizoxtai. and Parallel Bars. PART II. Tu.aiblers. PART III. Boxing. Cub Swinging. Hop. Programme. PART I. Performance by the Minstrel Troupe Jokes. Songs. Clog Dancing. Music. Intcrludf. (Music by the Gl part II. The Musical Skrv. nt. A Musical Farce, introducing specialties on the Guitar, Mandolin, Flute, Violin and Metallopbone. Inlctiudc. N-JO A.N-D MA.VIiOL.N CLDBS ) Silent Drill. Le Roy Roper, Virgi: E. L. McGiLL, George P. Marrow, Richard L. Dobie, President . Vice-President . Chief Marshall Chairman Committee Samtki. J. Hurt, Virginia, S. T. Moork, MARSHALLS. W. W. Ballard, Virginia. A D. Hamilton, A. M. Shipp, Virginia. C. F. Harrison, J. M. Baird, Virginia. J. T. Morton, 150 Ind. ex Page Alumni Association ....... 59-61 AJvertisements ........ 155-162 Base Ball Team . . . . . .122 History ........ 125 Board of Editors ......... 6 Cadet Society . . . . . . . . . 132 Calendar for 1896 ......... 145 Call to Battle {poei,.} ....... 73 Charge at New Market, The ....... 23-24 Charge of the Hungry Brigade ( joemi ..... loi Class of ' 96 . . . . . . . -65 History ...... . 6S-70 Table ......... 66 Class of ' 97 . . . . . . . , . 74 History ........ 75-79 Class of ' 98 .... . ... 80 History ...... -83 Class of ' 99 . . . . . . . . 84 History ........ 87 Cure for Love {poem) ........ 109 Dedication .......... 2 Dialectic Society ...... . 129 Medalists, 1883-1894 ...... 130 President ' s Register, 1883-1894 . . 131 Drags ......... 105-106 Dramatic Club ....... 137 Duel on the Nile, A ...... .41-43 Early Days at the V. M. 1 r2-i6 Editorial .......... 5 Page Empty Courtyard. The ....... 102 Finals ......... 141-144 Final Ball ......... 150 Final Celebration of the Glee Club . . . . .148 Final German ......... 149 Foot Ball Team of ' 95 . . . .116 Previous Teams ....... 119 Record ........ 120 History ........ 121 Furlough Song (poem) ........ 94 German Club, The, Officers ...... 135 History ........ 136 Girl of To-day ( oenj) ,103 Glee and Minstrel Club .... 139 Guard Duty ..... v .. . 109 Gymnasium Team ......... 126 Gym., The. Programme ..... 147 Initium {poem) ......... 52 In Spring {poem) ........ 102 Jackson-Hope Medalists ........ 62 Memorial ......... 19 Modern Rathood ......... 25-27 A y Maiden ' s Hair (poem) ...... 44 One of Many Practical Jokes ..... 47-48 Our Dream of Vacation {poem) .... 93 Our Trip to Atlanta ... .... 30-38 Partial Commencement Programme, 1896 .... 61 Raving. A (jdo tji) .... .... 55-56 Recapitulation by States ....... 83 Rehcof the War, A {poem) Ridins the Gim . Sad Memories {poem) Sentinel ' s Dream, The ( ooii Society Celebration, Officers Tennis Club History- Third Class Examination To an Old Coatee (poem) . Page 28-29 Page Virginia ,V ilitary Institute Academic Staff .... ti Athletic Association .... 114 Battalion Organization ... 51 Colors, Yell ..... 7 jWaxims {poemi ..... 91 Officers ...... 8 Why Is It? (ponn) ...... .29 Words Used Around Barracks, ...... 90-91 Y. M. C. A. 13} Illustrations Arch, The Athletics {sketch) Auld Lang Syne Base Ball Team Battalion Parade Battery Drill Camp Camp Scenes Class of ' 96 Class of ' 97 Class of ' 98 Class of ' 99 Dumb Belle, A Faculty, The Final Celebrations Foot Ball (sketch) Teams Team of ' 95 Going to Reveille . Guard Tree Indian Club, The . In Lighter Vein (sketch) Jackson, Stonewall Jackson ' s Statue Jackson Memorial Hall Limit Gate, The iUilitary Girl Museum Rat Inspection . Rays . NOTICE. We, who have done the work and worried our minds with ,i:;etting up The Bomb, are gone, and are no longer in the position to help those who aided us in our troubles, but we do not leave without making an attempt to return their kindness. So boys, we call your attention to our Advertisers as friends of ours and people who have helped us and enabled us to publish this annual. They are all first-class firms, and will appreciate your patronage. When there comes a time to choose between them and other firms, favor us by selecting them. ii- -; : : : : W. C. TQART sStationery P)00l5S ««« ■ tMetic Tmcy, Goods I r oll WANT miiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiin Printing Done in a :eat and Tasteful .■ Xanner fiALPi STREET, OPPOSITE PRES ' HERIAM CHURCH LE-XIMGTO ;, A. :? p: 5ri i = = = 3pend your money with Dold HE sells everything you want while a Cadet. everybody knows him. U. ' is the Cadefs Friend. ;gp, ?;w,« :,, ,_;:?;,,;= « W. C. vSanderson (ommission ercl)ant iol West German t. I altimore, ! d. A Youno: Man starts in to learn a business. By and by a chance for pro- motion occurs. The young man steps right in and is a success from the start, provided— ] early education was not neglected. When it comes to a Thorough Education for Business it may truly be said that no other institu- tion can approach ITS reputation for forty years past has been based upon the number of successful 7ne7i who have developed a substantial money-making life from their brief residence at Poughkeepsie. The school procures situations promptly for all graduates of its Business and Shorthand departments — an invaluable feature to many young people. Young men are carefully trained in all the following branches of busi- ness or in anv one of them, viz: BOOKKEEPING TELEGRAPHING COM MISSION BANKING TYPEWRITING REAL ESTATE JOBBING STENOGRAPHY POST-OFFICE EXPRESSING COMMERCIAL LAW CIVIL SERVICE RAILROADING INSURANCE ETC., ETC. The most instructive and attractive literature on the subject of Practical Education may be had upon application to the President. e„J« iTlh?: ;it.:rlii - clement C. GMNES, Pres.. other details. Free to anyone. POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. RICHMOND Strai ,dil Cut No. 1 Cigarettes CK.ARETTE SMOKERS, who are willing to pay a little more than the price charged for the ordinary trade Cigarettes, will lind THIS BRAND snperior to all others. These Cigarettes are made from the brightest, most delicately flavored and hicrhest cost Gold Leaf grown in Virginia This is the Old and Oriijiiial Bran l of Straight Cut Cigarettes, ;br Lrht ont li ' thi BEWAKE OF IMITATIONS; and ob- serve that the firm uaine as below is on every package. Allen Qinter The American Tobacco Company Successor. 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