Virginia Military Institute - Bomb Yearbook (Lexington, VA)

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' STONHWAI.l, JACKSON.

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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.