Virginia Military Institute - Bomb Yearbook (Lexington, VA)

Text from Pages 1 - 136 of the 1885 volume:

' gtonIvikg ■ -V — W ' TO ' W- — OBnLi V ioisr.°2 ( ' JKA v_ _i — — i_i_ V _i_v_ _i_ i . =s,=r 175574 BIMTI {jXSo HENRY W. HOLT, ALBERT HOWELL, G. B. MILLER, HENRY W. HOLT, R. R. KANE, Business Manager. Editor-in-Chief. Editors. EDITORIAL. fERHAPS the most fitting introduction to this work would be an apology. The preparation of the Bomb, the pioneer of college annuals in the South, has been attended with many difficulties. We present the result of our labors to the public with little cause for con- gratulation, but with the consciousness of knowing that what little we have performed is the result of individual effort. To the Faculty we are indebted for — well, much moral advice and many good wishes ; further than this, they have shown no interest what- ever in the success of our publication. And right here we would like to offer a suggestion. It is a well-known fact among educational institu- tions that great good can be accomplished by the cooperation of the professors, outside as well as inside the recitation rooms. But, with two exceptions, none of our Faculty have ever condescended to attend the literary exercises of our societies. Why is this? By a generous appropriation from the Board of Visitors of the Insti- tute, we have been able to publish an annual, typographically, at least, a success ; and now the Bomb is here, with fuse lit and shell charged, prepared to assail the walls of the vulnerable, one and all, without dis- tinction. And if, after the manner of bombs, we are destined to ter- minate in a bust, we console ourselves with the reflection that we have had for our targets those who have laid themselves liable to assault, be they whom they may ; and for our aim, the welfare and prosperity of our noble Alma Mater. To those who have assisted us in our work by subscriptions and adver- tisements, we are deeply grateful ; to those whose foibles have afforded us amusement we are also greatly indebted, but to those who are inclined to resent the exposure of their weaknesses, we most respectfully refer Our Fighting Editor. Tha Virginia Military Institute. Virginia ' s sons Will ever, through all time, thy name revere, Because Virginia ' s heroes held it dear, The noble ones Who gave themselves, All that they could give ; Or struggled on, until Their country bade them live. All those who knew How willingly thou gavest, at thy country ' s call, Not those she asked, but those she needed ; — all. The brave and true Must honor thee. If they would those Who loved their country. Whether they were friends or foes. Thy name is well Beloved by all, where ' er thy name is known. Not because thy sons were true, — not this alone. But one did dwell Within thy walls, Who loved thee less than none Save his God and country — Heroic Stonewall Jackson ! J. c. M. The Yirginia Military Institute. fRIOR to the year 1839 - Legislature of Virginia had made an annual appropriation of 6,000 for the support of the guard of sol- diers stationed at the Lexington Arsenal. Some citizens of Lexington, in 1836, brought to the notice of the Legislature the fact that the Lexington Arsenal could preserve its character as a military establish- ment, and at the same time a ' Literary Institution ' for youth. A law was passed, March 29th, 1839, establishing a school at the Lexington Arsenal, to be called the Virginia Military Institute. The school went into operation November nth, 1839, with F. H. Smith, as Prin- cipal and Professor of Mathematics, and Major I. T. L. Preston, Pro- fessor of Languages. The institution was supported by the State of Virginia, and its character was intended to be distinctively scientific and military. Its rapid growth led to the gradual increase of its Faculty and the establishment of the several Departments of Natural and experi- mental Philosophy, Chemistry, Mineralogy, Geology, c. In i860 Gen. Philip St. G. Cocke, of Virginia, Dr. Mercer, of Lou- isiana, and Mrs. E. L. Clayton, of Virginia, made liberal donations to endow the Chairs of Agriculture, Animal and Vegetable Physiology and Agriculture, and to erect a Hall of Natural History, respectively. Thus had the Institute grown in numbers and resources until it com- pared favorably with the best colleges of the country, and the practical scientific education which it gave was being illustrated by the lives of its graduates, when the Civil War commenced. Nothing can more fully prove the efficiency of its military education than the fact that One- tenth of the Confederate armies was commanded by eleves of this school, embracing three Major-Generals, thirty Brigadier-Generals, sixt}- Col- onels, fifty Lieutenant-Colonels, thirty Majors, one hundred and twent}-- five Captains and between two and three hundred Lieutenants ; and of these, two hundred were killed and three hundred and fift)- were wounded. THE BOMB. In May, 1864, Gen. Breckenridge, C. S. A., called upon the Corps of Cadets to aid in repelling Siegel ' s invasion of the Valley ; they re- sponded, took part in the Battle of New Market, May 15th, 1864, and contributed greatly to the victory gained there. Two hundred and fifty entered this engagement, and fifty-six were killed and wounded. When Gen. Hunter, U. S. A., invaded the Valley, the buildings, library, and all of its equipments, were consigned to the flames. Upon re-organizing, at the close of hostilities, it was found necessary to incur a large debt for the purpose of rebuilding and refurnishing the Labora- tory, c. This debt pressed heavily upon the School until, by the Act of Legislature, March 15th, 1884, relief was given by providing sub- stantially for the payment of the same. Under the control of the pres- ent Board of Visitors renewed life has been given to the Institution, improvements are being daily made, and the school of Stonewall Jackson, Maury, Rodes, c., may look forward to a long life of pros- perity and usefulness. CADET OFFICERS. STAFF. A. H. Fitzgerald Adjutant. W. L. Hopkins Quartermaster. S. G. FiTZSiMONS Sergeant Major. H. Mansfield Color Sergeant. J. D. Ward Private Secretary. E. Blake Librarian. COMPANY A. I. Hudson Captain. G. B. Miller First Lieutenant. M. B. Corse Second F. Bell - . . . . Third C. P. Barnett First Sergeant. E. A. Palmer Second F. A. Jacobshagen Third J. A. LuDWiG Fourth J. M. Redfield First Corporal. J. A. Ventress Second L. S. Thompson Third E. B. DuBuissoN Fourth R. T. GooDWYN Fifth COMPANY B. J. H. Winston Captain. G. W. FiTCHETT First Lieutenant. J. J. Hager ... Second G. L. Nicholson Third M. W. Doty First Sergeant. A. C. Spotts Second H. J. Redfield Third J. N. Camden Fourth A. B. Luck Fifth R. L. Wilson Sixth J. C. Mechie First Corporal. W. Dickinson Second T. T. Terry Third W. W. Bkander Fourth G. T. Langhorne Fifth W. B. Corse Si.xth History cf ' 85. URS has been a momentous history, made illustrious by our own illustrious achievements ! It will soon be time for us to step down and out, and what is the old Institute going to do without us? Do better, some one suggested, but he has been sat on most uncere- moniously, and the question is still unanswered. We have been hiding ourselves under a bushel for the last four years, and we are now going out to shine ; hitherto only a few stray pilgrims from S n have been dazzled by our brightness — this is not right, and we are going to do better. The prospect is bright and we are as happy as our dignity will permit, but, mingled with this, comes a feeling of sadness, and we will soon be parted forever. It is sad, even to us, yet we can sympathize with those in their loneliness — girls who will not see us any more. This is why we dread the coming end, and examinations have no terror for us. It is even rumored that F ' ather Spex is going to take a number and thus give all a chance for The First Jackson-Hope. Our career, so covered with glory, was begun in the Fall of ' 8i, when fifty-one brave youths started out to make a name ; we have made a name, and will devote the next four years to the un-making of said name. But we are not fifty-one now ; some did not stick close to their desks, the result of which was that they were soon all at sea ; some left with unlimited furloughs, granted by the Superintendent for reasons un- necessary to mention, while death has gathered in three of our brightest and best. In the Fall of ' 82 we were strongly reinforced, and our ac- quisitions, though they might not excite admiration, were certainly such as to attract attention. Through the altered class we passed victorious, and successfully ran the gauntlet of professional jokes that have )iot grown better with time. When we did attempt to make ourselves useful, by methods both inge nious and original, our efforts were plainly not appreciated, as the follow ing distinctly shows : 12 THE BOMB While one of our professors was demonstrating a problem of mathe- matics in a manner more satisfactory to himself than to the class, one of us kindly volunteered to throw some light in the professor ' s face by means of a looking-glass, the room at that time being rather dark, whereupon the ungrateful professor remarked, If you want to throw any light on this subject just step up to the board. Let us draw the curtain. Notwithstanding this and many similar adventures, we still looked upon ourselves as a model class, and none attempted to un- deceive us, till alas! one fatal night, December i6th, sixteen of us proved plainly that we were only human — verily more than this — proved that we might be wrought upon by Love; for, having gotten per- mits to go to the Y. M. C. A. m.eeting, we proceeded to taste of the sweets of Love ' s Labor Lost, but it was a bitter sweet. We did not notice the lapse of time, and when we got back, behold it was after taps. For this we lost four months of liberty and went out of the model class business — it did not pay. On the matrimonial line we have not done anything very startling. This is not because we can ' t, but because we won ' t. Our dude, Lord B., is just grand at this, and we may lose Jiim even yet. We claim also to have the greatest of living curiosities — even the Siamese Twins. They are bound together by a bond of mutual worthlessness and there is no difference hardly, except one has a little down on his upper Hp, and down is the normal condition of the other. Repeated attempts have been made to purchase them at prices varying from two pies to a schofield, but we will not part with them — no, not for twice such a price as this. As engineers, our progress has been great. Machines have been de- signed so fearfully and wonderfully made that the. world will never be able to utilize them.. For example, one of us has already built a Howe Truss out of fiddle-sticks. But our end is at hand, and the annals of the V. M. I. will no longer be graced, or disgraced by our deeds. W must go into the world ; if we fail, on us be the dishonor, and not on our Alma Mater. Ja.s. D. W. Rn, Historian. Members of the Class cf ' 35. J. I. HUDSON, President. G. B. MILLER, Vice-President. FRANK BELL, Secretary. J. H. WINSTON, Valedictorian. • Color, Blue, Alexander, O., . . . Missouri. Baker, R. G. Y., Virginia. Baldwin, G., ............... . Texas. Bass, C. S., ............... . Texas. Bass, T. B Texas. Bell, F., Virginia. Blake, E. , South Carolina. BousH, J. L. , Virginia. BuLLMAN, A. D., ........ Virginia. Caldwell, J., . . South Carolina. Corse, M. B., ........ , Virginia, Deitrick, G. W., Virginia. Duker, H., Maryland. Durham, C. A., ........ South CaroHna. Eldridge, Wm., Virginia. FiTCHETT, G. W., Jr., Virginia. Fitzgerald, A. H., . . Virginia. Foster, S., Virginia. Fro t, E. D., South Carolina. FuLCHER, C, Virginia. GooDE, W. O., . Virginia. Hager, J. J., Virginia. Hall, A. B., Virginia. Harman, K. E., Virginia. Hightower, a. S ■ . . . . Virginia. H THE BOMB. nia. nia. nia. nia. nia. nia. nia. HiGHTOWER, J. B., Virginia. HooE R. A. District of Columbia. Hopkins, W. L., . . . Maryland. Hudson, J. I., Virginia. Lackland, T. W. , West Virginia. Lea, D. M ' Virginia. Levi, M., South Carolina. Maxwell, J. H., . . . West Virginia. Marshall, G. , South Carolina. Meem, J. C Virg Miller, G. B., _ Virg Morton, C. R., Virg Myers, H. L., Virg NicOLSON, G. L., • • • Virg Nichols, H. S., Virg RowE, p., Virg Sims, G. K. Virginia. Settle, E. B., Virginia. Simpson, L. E., Virginia. Steptoe, W. H., Virginia. Tait, W. M Mississippi. Terrell, V. L., Mississippi. Thompson, F. S. , Texas. Trotter, C. P. J., Virginia. Vaden, L., Virginia. Ward, J. D., Virginia. Winston, J. H., Virginia. Wilson, J. W., Virginia. Withers, R. E., Virginia. Woodward, R. H., Virginia. Young, D. M., Virginia. Total, 56. History of ' 86. HE REV. JOS. COOK has said that he who bloweth his own trumpet awakeneth the sweetest echoes. If a calm and impar- tial treatise of the merits of the Class of ' 86 might be termed blowing one ' s trumpet, then long and loud will be the reverberations. Further than this, exaggeration of our importance is sr an impossibility. Above all other classes could ' 86 force eloquence concerning its past glories and its future triumphs. During the Summer and Fall of ' 82, the majority of us matriculated and duly entered upon the duties of V. M. I. Cadetship. We enjoyed the few, the very few, privileges attached thereto, and endured the burdens also. How anxious we were to drill, and, before many days, how anxious we were not to drill ! Of all obnoxious duty that of sentinel was dreaded most. ' Tis midnight ' s holy hour — a weary rat is pacing the court- yard with the indispensable musket ; half asleep, and weary of his lonely vigil, he thinks of his room-mates peacefully sleeping, but hark ! what is that noise on the stoop ? Perhaps ' tis a sub ! In an instant the challenge, Who goes there? is given; but ' tis only one of us, (rats then, just matriculated) ; with faltering steps, chattering teeth and frightened looks, he replies: Only S , from the fourth story. But we soon became accustomed to our duties, and bore all our trials and tribulations with patience, suffering the penalties of ratism with manly fortitude. As rats we commanded the respect and admira- tion of the higher classes, and won golden opinions from our professors on our proficiency in the Fourth Class Course. With what joy did we welcome the time when we became Third Class men, and were no longer exposed to the humiliation and suffering that falls to the share of the ' ' rat. We were greatly strengthened in numbers and brains by Third Class rats, men in every sense of the word. One of these has stood first since he entered and will undoubtedly sweep away the highest honors of the Institute. In the Third Class Course there are many rocks that founder even the wary and vigilant. The writer can speak feelingly on this sub- ject, as he has been there himself. i6 . THE BOMB. In the Second Class we have sustained the reputation achieved by us in the last two years. In this class the merit of our officers is allowed to display itself, and we can point to them with pride, for better soldiers and men of finer physique can hardly be found. During the present year the discovery was made by E that three axes could be at right angles to each other in the same plane; and the Class, as a whole, agreed on a startling discovery in the science of Chem- istry, to the utter dismay of J , who takes great pride in his canary locks, viz: that nitric acid would turn red hair blue. We have had more difficulties to overcome, in many respects, than our predecessors. In our fi.rst year the study of the English language was added to our already crowded curriculum, and, in the Second Class Course, we have had more hardships to .overcome than former classes; and lately our Honorable Board of Visitors have considered the advisa- bility of taking away that privilege which v e have so eagerly anticipated for nearly three years, but we still cherish the fond hope that we will go forth in our armor of blue, that badge of servitude to the fascinating ladies of Lexington. ' Tis true that we cannot boast the possession of such heart-renders and lady-killers as my Lord B and V , or even Jim M , but with such irresistible charmers as L , R and E leading our van, we predict a successful campaign against the brilliant brunettes and beauteous blondes of the Athens of Virginia. The Class of ' 86 has furnished three Intermediate Orators, four Inter- mediate Debaters, three Medalists and two Final Orators. We are also well represented in the foot-ball, base-ball, and the minstrel and athletic clubs. In conclusion, class-mates, let us struggle for the highest goal , we have a proud position, let us strive to keep it ; let us work for still greater success, until we are known far and wide as the best class, in every respect, the Institute has ever produced. We are already the first class in the Corps of Cadets, in intellect, in brain and in muscle! I assure you that as long as memory remains to me I will look back with feelings of pride to those halcyon days, which perhaps have been the happiest of my life, and will ever cherish in my heart a warm place for the Class of ' Z6. W. P. Barksdale, Historian. Members of the Class cf ' 86. C. p. BARNETT, President. H. J. REDFIELD, Vice-President. J. H. CATHCART, Secretary. Color, Elephant ' s Breath. Amiss, F. T., Virginia. Arnold, Wilson, West Virginia. Balmer, Chas. , Missouri. Barnett, C. p., Virginia. Barksuale, W. p., Virginia. Best, CM., Virginia. Blaise, Henry Louisiana. Boaz, CO., Georgia. BoMAR, C H., District of Columbia. Bridgforth, T. O. Mississippi. Camden, J. N., Jr., West Virginia. Cameron, F. J., Virginia. Cathcart, J. H., South Carolina. Darst, E. L. , Virginia. Doles, J. T., Virginia. Doty, M. W., • .... South Carolina. Edmonds, G. M., Virginia. Edwards, Thos. , Colorado. Elliott, J. W., . Virginia. FiTzsiMONS, G. S. . South Carolina. Flannagan, Dallas, Virginia. Gatewood, William, Virginia. Gwatkin, W. G., Virginia. Healy, W. L., Virginia. Holt, Clayton, Texas. Hooper, Jno. L., Virginia. HoGE, R. H., District of Columbia. Howard, A. T., Virginia. .18 - THE BOMB Howell, Albert, Georgia. HuBARD, J. L., . . ■ Virginia. Jacobshagen, F. a., Louisiana. Land, H. C. , Virginia. Letcher, G. D., . Virginia. Lewis, C. L. , Tennessee. Luck, A. B., Virginia. LuuwiG, J. A Virginia. Machette, C. C, Missouri. Maier, OttoTh., Louisiana. Mansfield, H., Illinois. Meem, H. G., Virginia. Moody, W. L., Texas. Moorman, M. N., . . . Virginia. Nottingham, T. J., Virginia. Palmer, E. A Virginia. Palmer, W. H. Virginia. Piazza, A. F. , Mississippi. Poindfxter, J. D., New York. Preer, C.- D., Georgia. Redfield, H. J,, New York. Richardson, John, ■ . . Virginia. RuFFiN, C. L. , Virginia. Spencer, J. R. , Virginia. Spotts. a. C, Virginia. Stewart, R. E. B., Virginia. Tennant, H., Montana Territory. Walker, J. F. , Virginia. Walker, M. H North Carolina. Western, PI U., Kentucky. WiLLARD, J. E District of Columbia. Wilson, St. J., Virginia. Wilson, R. L., Mississippi. Woodford, J. H. West ' irginia. Total Number 62. Class of ' S7. C%N THE AUTUMN, nearly two years ago, the Class of ' 87 made its debut upon the unknown, untried stage of military life at the Virginia Military Institute. From the quaking days of ratdom to the present day, which beholds us wrapt in the solitude of our own superiority, wielding the scabbard with firm, impartial justice, our career has been characterized by sundry freaks and sprees. (I use the word in its most innocent sense.) Rather indifferent, as a whole, to the accu- mulation of academic honors, our class has yet made somewhat of a rep with the Faculty. When, in after life, the Czar, surrounded by a happy family, un- folds to eager children the history of his trials and tribulations at the V, M. I., who knows but that a recital of his experience with the Cat Quartette will form a substantial constituent to the entertainment? Quien Sabe ? But when we anxiously search for the relics of true great- ness, we find few things worthy of space in these annals. Eighty-Seven has made her name imperishable, however, by an addition to the mathe- matical apparatus in the person of T , who is so thin that he is com- pelled to walk up the street twice to make a shadow. Col. Lyell uses him as an illustration of a straight line — the Shortest distance be- tween two points. The fame which- we have achieved upon the parade ground has not been so great as to make us unduly conceited. On the contrary, we boast some of the most accomplished Gim-riders in the corps. But we prospered, notwithstanding, and, in spite of many mishaps and blun- ders, we have grown to like, better and better, the curriculum and the ceremonies of the Institute, — for who can withstand the charms and nov- elty which this school, above all others, holds out to the seekers after knowledge ? Gradually we became accustomed to the ways of the Institute, and jogged along with nothing to disturb the even tenor of our way. except the enjoyable trip up the Valley to Winchester ; and then the Fourth, 20 THE BOMB. the glorious Fourth, with its attending festivities, was upon us, and we heard, as cadets, for the first time, the sweet, sad notes of Auld Lang Syne, which, wafted upon the sultry, oppressive atmosphere of that well- remembered July day, filled us with glorious expectations of our coming vacation. Anticipation made way for reality, and, in course of time, the present was the past, and we found ourselves once more within the battle-scarred walls of old V. M. I. But the old familiar reveille found many names unanswered, many faces gone. Some remained away be- cause they didn ' t care to return, some because they couldn ' t. The vacant places were more than filled by the accessions made from the ranks of the new cadets. During the recent revival at the Institute, some o ' four class-mates professed religion, but the majority, we are sorry to state, are still doing business at the old stand. A reasonable share of honors, literary, military and athletic, has fallen to the portion of ' 87, and there is no reason why we can ' t afford to rest on our laurels, complacently stroke our manly chins and cogitate upon the brilliant record of the class we love so well. R. U. Culberson, Historian. Members of the Class of ' 83- ' 87. J. M. REDFIELD, President. W. DICKINSON, Vice-President. T. P. GREENHOW, Secretary. Color, Frog Influenza. Amiss, T. C, Virginia. Arnold, Porter West Virginia. Barrett, W. E., Virginia. Barrow, V. N., Louisiana. Bateman, M. K., Texas. Berry, O. C, , Georgia. Blair, A. P., . . Virginia. Brander, W. W., Virginia. Chalmers, W. P., Virginia. Chisholm, W. S., Georgia. Coles, R. J. ' . . . Virginia. Corse, W. B., Virginia. Crockett, W. S Virginia. Culberson, R. U., Texas. Dickinson, W. , West Virginia. Drewry, H. R. , Iowa. Dubuisson, E. B., Louisiana. George, R. C. , Texas. GooDWYN, R. T., . . Virginia. Greenhow, T. p. ■. . . . . . Virginia. GwATHMEY, G. T., . Virginia. Hall, H. T. , Georgia. Holt, H. W., Virginia. Hubard, T. T., Virginia. Hutter, J. L., .Virginia. Irvine, W. A. Virginia. Jacobs, M. A., Louisiana. Jones, J. S., Virginia. 22 THE BOMB. Knox, F. W., . Alabama, Langhorne, G. T., Virginia. Le Hardy, C. A. , Georgia. Leonard, Nat Missouri. Lewis, H. G., Virginia. Long, Lee, Louisiana. McAlpin, J. W., ... Georgia. Michie, J. C, : . . . Virginia. MiLLHiSER, C, Virginia. Miller, H. S., Ohio. Newton, J. K. M., Virginia. NoRRis, W. J., South Carolina. Peery, a. M., Virginia. Perry, C. B., Texas. Redfield, J. M., ' ....... New York. Reid, L. W., Virginia. Smith, C. F. , . Pennsylvania. Tams, H. p., Virginia. Taylor, R. B . . . . Virginia. Terry, T., .. . . Virginia. Thompson, L. S. , Ohio. Trundle, H. H., Virginia. Turpin, F. M., . . . Georgia. Tutwiler, H. M., ., Virginia. Van Ingen, J. S., Louisiana. Ventress, J. a., Louisiana. Walker, B. P. , Georgia. Webb, H. P. , Virginia. WnrrE, M. V., West Virginia. Total, 57. History of ' 88. ■J HE CLASS of ' 88 became duly incorporated as a finite part of the V. M. I. September 5th, T884. Stragglers dropped in by ones and twos, until it numbered forty-nine. Association soon developed our slight acquaintance into the stronger ties of friendship, and then into love. For various reasons needless to state, some members have left us, and now we number forty-two. We are the smallest class in the school in number, but a very good showing has been made, both as scholars (?) and soldiers. Any one who has ever been a cadet knows the hardships of the rat, or Fourth Class men. The rat appears in the full verdancy of youth at the V. M. I., eager to become a cadet. He reports for duty, and then comes the tug of war. He is put in a room away up among the clouds, on the fourth stoop. For want of something better to do, he wanders aimlessly about barracks, and, after one or two brief interviews with Col. Shipp, he concludes that his room is the proper place for him. The jokes, of which he is the butt, and the pranks that are played upon him, make him long for the time when he will be a rat no more. But more is in store for him ; immediately after tattoo, his honorable predecessors of the Third Class come into his room to disturb his peace of mind, armed with bayonets, scabbards and paddles of all characters, too horrible to describe — they file in. Aston- ished at having so many visitors, he asks the reason. The only reply is a tap on the table, ' and the awful words get over rat, ring in his ears. The performance is of a short duration, but very affecting. The dose is repeated in special cases. The next night the same tragedy takes place ; resistance is sometimes tried, but resistance fails. He is overpowered by superior numbers, and then the never-failing bayonet scabbard is applied vigorously by the unrelenting arm of the old cadet. The novelty soon wears off, and the rat is left to himself for a brief period, but before him dances a gloomy vision — that of the day o n which he is to don his white trousers. Every cadet knows the awful result. But even after all these hardships, he learns to love the old V. M. I., and in the years which are to come, whep the rat of the class of ' 88 will be old and gray, no doubt tie will wish himself back, as in the days of old, a rat at the V. M. I., to be enlivened by the bayonet scabbard of ' 87. Rat. C. L. McCoRD, Historian. Fourth Class. B. SMITH, President. L. H. CHARBONNIER, Vice President J. B. FORD, Secretary. Color, Green. Alexander, H. H., . . . . Room 94 . Archer, J. McI., Alyett, p., Badger, T. N., ..... . Baya, H. p., Camden, G. L., Charbonnier, L. H., . . . . Cochran, W. B., Cralle, a. K., Dangerfeld, a. G. , . . . . Davis, S. G., DeValin, cm., Fauntleroy, J. D. , . . . . Ferrell, H. L. , FlLCHETT, J. M., Flowerree, v. W., .... Ford, J. B. , Ford, G. L Garnett, W. H., Harman, C. p. , Healy, J., HooE, J. D., Hopkins, R. M., I ' Anson, R. F., Kane, R. R., McGarland, H. B. , . . . . McCoRD, C. F Virginia. 95 Virginia. 93 Virginia. 106 Virginia. 94 . . . . . Florida. 6 ] West Virginia. 108 Georgia. 91 . .... Virginia. 102 Virginia. 38 Virginia. 93 Maryland. 91 District of Columbia. 18 Virginia. 66 Virginia. 48 Virginia. 61 Mississippi. 97 Virginia. 91 . , . . . Texas. 94 Arkansas. 104 Virginia. 93 Virginia. loi Virginia. 64 Texas. 106 Virginia, ji Virginia. 66 Tennessee. 6 Missouri THE BOMB 25 Milton, W. H., Room 96 Virsfinia. Moon. H. R., . munsey, t. j., . Neil, H. E., . . Owens, S. K. . Peirce, W., . . Schnebly, D. H., Shackleford, G. , , Slaughter, E. P, , Smith, B. , . . . , Smith, H. M., . Venable, W. p.. Walker, S. B. , . . Williams, G., . . 10 1 Virginia. 98 Virginia. 103 North Carolina. 97 Virginia. 66 Virginia. 91 Pennsylvania. 95 Mississippi. 10 1 Georgia. 44 Illinois. 91 Virginia 14 Virginia 75 Virginia 96 Alabama Y. M. C. A. HE YOUNG MEN ' S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION of the Vir- ginia Military Institute was founded April 20th, 1883, through the influence of Rev. Frank Stringfellow, after meetings held here by him. It was so near the end of the session that the Association was unable to accomplish much. During the Session of ' 83-4 the Association established a Reading Room and Library. This session, ' 84-5, there are fifty-four active members, making double the number of last year, and sixty-five asso- ciate members — giving an increase of forty-six. The Association has steadily grown and increased in strength since its foundation ; it is on a firm basis now, and, judging of the future by the past, has the bright outlook and pleasant prospect of many years to successfully spend in wielding a good influence. ■ OFFICERS. D. M. Lea, President. W. E. Barrett, Vice-President. J. R. Spencer, Cor. and Rec. Sect ' y. W. W. Brander, Treasurer. R. C. George, Librarian. ACTIVE MEMBERS. Class of ' 85. Baker, L. G. Y., Bell, P., Deitrick. G. W., Fitzgerald, A. H., Hager, J J., Total, Lea, D. M., Meem, J. C, Morton, C. R., Nicolson, G. L Ward, J. D., THE BOMB 27 Barksdale, W. P., Best. C. M., Darst, E. L., Howell, A., Hubard, J. L., Land, H. C, Total, Class of ' 86. Mansfield, H., Meem, H. G., Moorman, M. N., Nottingham, T. J., Spencer, J. R. , Wilson, P. St. J., 12 Class of ' 87. Amiss, T. C, Barnett, W. E., Brander, W. W., Coles, R. J., Crockett, W. J., George, R. C. , Goodwyn, R. T. , Holt, H. W., Hubard, T. T., Total, Jones, J. S. , Michie, J. C, Newton, J. K. M. Perry, C. B., Reid, L. W., Tutwiller, H. N., Van Ingen, J. L., Ventress, J. A., Webb, H. P., 18 Class of Archer, J. McI., Aylett, P., Badger, T. N., Dangergeld, A. G. Davis, S. G., Healy, J., Hooe, J. D., McCord, C. F., Total, Milton, W. H., Schnebly, D. H. Slaughter, E. P., Smith, B., Smith, H. M., Venable, W. P., Williams, G. , Frost, E. D., Hopkins, W. L. , Total, ASSOCIATE MEMBERS Class of ' 85. Hudson, J. I., Lackland, T. W. , -I 28 THE BOMB. Class DF ' 86. Amiss, F. T., Letcher, G. D., Barnett, C. P., Luck, A. B., Camden, J. N., Ludwig, J. A., Cathcart. J. H., Piazza, A. H., Doty, M. W., Redfield, H. J., Edmonds, G. M., Ruffin, C. L., Flannagan, D., Spotts, A. C, Gatewood, W. Willard, J. E., Jacobshagen, F. A., Wilson, R. L., Total. . . . 18 Class ( DF ' 87. Chalmers, W. F., Leonard, N. , Culberson, R. U.. Mc Alpine, L W., Dickinson, W. Millhiser, C, Greenhow, T. P., Norris, W. J., Gwathmey, G. T. , Peery, A. M., Holt, H. W., Taylor, R. B.. Irvine, W. A., Thompson, L. S , Knox, F. W,, Trundle, H. H., Langhorne, G. T. , Walker, B. R, Total, . _ . IS Class DF ' 88. Bethell, G. W., r Anson, R. F., Camden, G. L. , Kane, R. R., Charbonnier, L. H., Moon, H. R., Cochran. W. B., Munsey, T. J , Cralle, A. K., Neil, H. E., De Valin, C. M., Owens, S. K. , Fauntleroy, J. D., Pierce, W., Flowerree, V. W., Pope, C. K., Ford, J. B., Schuster, T. H., Ford, J. L., Shackleford, G., Garnett, W. H., Strouse, C. B., Harman, C. P., Walker, S. B., Hopkins, R., Total, - - - 2,5 Number of Active Members, - - - 54 Number of Associate JMembeMS, - - 65 Total, History of the Cadet Society. HE CADET SOCIETY was founded in the year 1840. Gen. F. H, Smith, seeing the necessity of a Literary Society, and being aware that it would add much towards promoting the welfare of the Institute, suggested to a few cadets the idea of forming one ; they readily perceived the beaefits thit would be derived from such an or- ganization, and formed themselves into a body to be known as The Society of Cadets. Wm. D. Fair, Wm. H. Henderson, Ed. Pendleton, W. M. Elliott, James H. Jameson. V. C. Saunders and Louis A. Garnett founded the Society that we to-day cherish as a living monument to the memory of those who may be called the literary pioneers of the V. M. I. Pages could be filled by an interesting account of the trials they bore before success rewarded their efforts, but, as the historian ' s space and time is limited, he must pass on to his immediate duty, the history of the Ses- sion of ' 84 and ' 85, but, before passing, duty bids us give honor to those to whom honor is due. We will score the first point in our favor by claiming the most literary mind in the Institute. Davy declaimed, orated and debated, all in one night ; he was somewhat astonished to hear some one move, as he reached the grand finale, that the gentleman be excused from farther efforts. But with all our faults we will not yield up the palm. Mr. B , from our sister society, spoke in a debate on Should a plea of emo- tional insanity ever be allowed? when the real question was, Should savages have a full right to the soil ? Words fail us ; but we believe in emotional insanity now ! On the night of January 17th, Gen. Smith delivered his annual address to the Society, touching upon its past history, and related many anec- dotes of cadet life at West Point, which met with much applause. Our Joint Intermediade Celebration comes in among the chief incidents of the session, it was there that Greek met Greek, and there 30 THE BOMB they settled, for all times, the problem of human life; and, when the smoke and din of battle had rolled away, all were happy, save the audi- ence — they were tired. Pres. T bore off the honor of being the Latinist ; Mr. L orated and also exhibited his immense power of absorbing water, and closed with a most interesting sketch of the dude and the dudeene ; Mr. H lead off in the debate, never pausing for a moment in his flow of eloquence (?) except to cast a side thrust at Pluto; Mr. C came next, with the elegance and grace of a kangaroo, preach- ing the philosophy of Carpe diem. But, take them all in all, we shall not look upon their like again; at least it is to be hoped not. On one occasion Mr. G was brought before the tribunal to answer to the charge of disorder. With the look of an ox gazing into futurity, he entered a plea of emotional insanity ; it is not necessary to say that he was acquitted. Dash is our most enthusiastic worker. He is always laboring for the welfare of the Society ; his latest scheme was to answer roll-call — for the first time this year. Fist, from Bremo Bluff, nominated himself for President; he received one vote — that of the gentleman from Bremo Bluff The President called Friend to order and told him that he must always address the Chair when he Avished the floor, whereupon Friend turned and made a most reverent bow to his chair, and then began. Private Reid (our future O. M. Sergt.,) was fined for failing to de- liver an essay, whereupon he hastened to the Gim with many excuses, but the Private got left; tlie Ghn refused to ride. Swell, from the Lone Star State, was seen on knees in his room on several occasions ; at first it was supposed that he had enlisted in the Y. M. C. A., but later developments went to prove that he was only indulging in a frantic effort to depict the woes of Ireland. Sir Isaac, being fined three Saturday nights in succession for not speaking, on the fourth declaimed Mary ' s Lamb. His funeral was very impressive. THE BOMB, 31 The Society has ceased to move on in the old rut which was created for her years ago — it has become worn by continuous use for over forty years. A new era now awaits her, and ere the Session of ' 85 and ' 86 has passed, she will have thrown aside all that is old, save her glorious traditions and indomitable energy. She will strive to keep pace with our old V. M. I. T. J. Nottingham, Historian, Class of ' 85. Adams, H. P. Bass, T. B. Deitrick, G. W. Durham, C. A. Eldridge, Wm. Hooe, R. A., Jr. Lea, D. M. Marshal, G. Boaz, C. O. Bomar, C. H. Camden, J. N., Jr. Gwatkins, W. G. Healy, W. L. Land, H. C. Letcher, G. D. Machette, C. C. Barrow, D. N. Blair, A. P. Chisholm, W. S. Corse, W. B. Crockett, W. S. Culberson, R. U. Drewery, H. R. Dubuisson, E. B. George, R. C. Goodwyn, R. T. Class of ' 86. Myers. H. L. Nichols, H. S. Rowe, P. Steptoe, W. H. Thompson, F. S. Trotter, C. P. J. Valentine, E. P. Young, D. M. Mansfield, H. Nottingham, T. J., Jr. Poindexter. Richardson, J. A. Walker, J. F. Western, E. U. Wilson, P. St. J. Woodford, V. Class of ' 87. Greenhow, T. P. Hall, H. T. Holt, H, W. Hutter, J. L. Irvine, W. A. Jacobs, M. A. Le Hardy, C. A. Lewis, H. G. McAlpine, L W. Michie, J. C. 32 THE BOMB. Class of ' 87.— (Continued.) Miller, H. S. Murdock, W. Newton, J. K. M. Norris, W. J. Perry, C. B. Reid, L. W. Alexander, H. H. Archer, J. McL. Aylett, P. Bethell, G. W. Camden, G. L. Cochran, W. B. Cralle, A. K. Dangerfield, A. G. De Vahn, C. M. F ord, J. B. Ford, J. L. Garnett, W. H. Smith, C. F, Turpin, F. M. Tutwiller, H. M. Van Ingen, J. L. Ventress, J. A. White, M. V. Class of ' 88. Harman, C. P. Hooe, J. D. Hopkins, R. I ' Anson, R. F. Kane, R. B. Milton, W. H. Owens, S. K. Schnebly, D. H. Smith, B. Smith, H. M. Walker, S. B. Williams. G. History of the Dialectic Society. LIMITED SPACE forbids me to dwell upon the past history of our Society longer than to state a few facts in regard to its organi- zation. In the Autumn of 1849, the Dialectic Society was founded by Gen. Samuel Garland and Col. J. M. Massie, men whose illustrious names we shall ever honor and revere. The former fell nobly fighting for his country ; the second served honorably as Professor at the V. M. I. up to the time of his death. With the examples of such men as these before us, is it strange that we should put forth every effort, and strive, by all honorable micans, to make this a refulgent ray in the halo of glory which surrounds the old V. M. I. ? As we gaze upon the faces of the illustrious dead, whose portraits now adorn its walls, our memory is prone to wander back into the past, but we will check it ere it has escaped the confines of the Session of ' 84 and ' 85, and let it direct its full attention to our Presi- dent. How much we feel like saying, in the words of old Gruber, First stands the lofty Wa But, although that might be applicable to the second member of that illustrious body, it would not be so descriptive of the first ; so we will say instead, First came the noble ' Gus. ' Chosen as President for the Final Celebration of ' 83 and ' 84, and the first term of ' 84 and ' 85, he served wisely and well ; and, when we consider the state of his susceptible young heart during that period, we would have forgiven him if he had not served at all. After a rule of three short and uneventful months, his scepter passed into the hands of his successor, who took it up to where he sat, in all the grandeur and lofti- ness of six feet six, to sway it with a justice, combined with a firmness, so characteristic of his elevated ideas. It was near the close of this term that the Joint Intermediate Cele- bration of the two societies took place, and, if justice could be given it, a full description would herein be contained ; but this much may be 34 THE BOMB. said — that it was a perfect success, an honor to those who participated, (to whom this meed of praise is justly due), and a cause of great rejoic- ing to those — who were not able to come. Two weeks after this event, the scepter again descended to the hands of the last president from the Class of ' 85 ; and, as the late president came down from his chair, there was a noise like unto the rushing of many winds to fill the vacuum (created in the upper regions by his departure) which had been made so illustrious by its late occupant. Of the next president it may be said that, although he was afflicted like his predecessor, Gus, it did not in any way interfere with the just discharge of his duties — which consisted, mainly, in suppressing the risibilities of the Secretary. We wish it were possible to give here an individual description of each of the other officers of the society ; but, if an attempt should be made in this direction, it is to be feared that all the volumes in the Society library would not be sufficient to contain a correct catalogue of their many personal charms. ' Our Society Vv as re-convened about the middle of last September, and, though there were many chairs vacant, they were refilled by a large delegation of new members. And the ranks of our best speakers, also, were thinner than when we last met ; yet we looked to the above-men- tioned delegation for their repletion. As a society, we claim that we possess all the varieties of men who are generally found in an organization ot this character. We have men in the audience who can sleep when men are discussing such questions as Does the infinitesimal microbe interfere with the development of the protoplasm ? — men who believe that speech is silver, and are chai ' ita- ble enough to distribute it among the audience in a manner which would cause the charities of W. W. Corcoran to sink down into a dawnless oblivion; ' men who believe that silence is golden, and insist upon hoarding it with an avaricious lust ; men who take the floor and grasp it in a tender embrace with their feet, caring not what or where their words may be, so they hold on to the floor ; men who are funn} ' ; men who are not ; and, lastly, some wise and eloquent men — of whom Corker is the type. THE BOMB 35 Lastly, we have an orator who chose for his subject The Dialectic Society, and began thus-wise: Mr. President : — I am glad to see that the interest of the members of this society is increasing. Gaze round upon the scarcity of vacant seats and you will say, with me, that if there be one absent member here to-night, there are a very few present. Like the swan of old, -he sang before he died. J. C. Meem, Historian. Alexander, O. Baldwin, G. Baker, L. G. Y. Bass, C. S. Bell, F., Jr. Blake, Edmond. Boush, J. L. Bull man, A. D, Caldwell, G. B. Caldwell, Jos. Duker, H. Fitchett, G. W. Fitzgerald, A. H. Foster, Samuel. Frost, E. D. Fulcher, C T. Goode, W. O. Hager, J. J. Harman, K. E. Total. Amiss, F. T. Arnold, W. Balmer, C. Barnett, C. P. Barksdale, W, P. Best, C. M. DIALECTIC SOCIETY ROLL. Class of ' 85. Hall, A. B. Hopkins, W. L. Hudson, J. L Lackland, T. W. Meem, J. C. Miller, G. B. Morton, C. R. Nicolson, G. L. Settle, E. B. Simpson, L. E. Sims, G. K. Tait, W. M. Vaden, L. Ward, J. D. Wilson, J. W. Winston, J. H. Withers, R. E. Woodward, R. H. 37 Class of ' 86. Blaise, H. Bridgeforth, T. O. Cameron, F. J. Darst, E. L. Doles, J. T. Doty, M. W. 36 THE BOMB Edmonds, G. M. Elliott, J. W. Flannagan, D. Hooper, J. L. Howard, A. T. Howell, Albert. Jacobshagen, F. A. Ludwig, J. A. Maier, O. T. Meem, H. G. Moody, W. L. Total, Amiss, T. C. Barrett, W. E. Coles, R. J. Dubuisson, E. B. Jones, J. S. Knox, F. W. Langhorne, G. T. Total, Baya, H. P. Buford, J. G. Charbonnier, L. H. Ford, J. S. Healy, J. McCord, C. F. Class of ' 87. Class of ' 86— (Continued ) Moorman, M. N. Piazza, A. F. Freer, C. D. Redfield. H. J. Ruffin, C. L. Spencer, J. R. Spotts, A. C. Stewart, R. E. B. Tennant, H. Walker, M. H Willard, J. E. 34 Millhiser, C. Peery, A. M. Redfield, J. M. Tams, Handsome. Taylor, R. B. Trundle, H. H, Webb, H. P. 14 Munsey, T. J. Neil, H. E. Pierce, W. Shackleford, G. G. Strouse, C. B. Venable, W. P. Class of Total Membekship. Total, C ' rr • efie goei ' ' B.mrrmi j .--- Final Celebration of Cadet and Dialectic Societies. CADET SOCIETY. T. J. Nottingham, President. J. A. Ventress Vice-President. Henry W. Holt, Orator for the Evening G. D. Letcher, Medalist Orator. Henry W. Holt Debater. D. M. Lea Declaimer. dialectic society. W. N. Doty, President. G. T. Langhorne, Vice-President. Albert Howell, .............. Orator for the Evening Albert Howell Medalist Orator. W. P. Barksdale Debater. G. M, Edmonds, Declaimer. Alpha lau Omega. tHE FRATERNITY of Alpha Tau Omega was founded in Rich- mond, Virginia, September nth, 1865, by Messrs. Otis A. Glaze- brook, Alfred Marshall and Erskine M. Ross. The latter was then a recent graduate of the Virginia Military Institute, and the two former were members of the graduating class. The Fraternity was projected as a national organization, but was compelled by circumstances to con- fine itself to the South until 1881, when it began the establishment of Chapters in many strong Northern and Western Colleges. It is governed by its Biennial Congress, in which all power is vested while in session, and, in the meantime, by the High Council. The active Chapters are in good condition, and State Alumni Associations have been established in Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Virginia and South Carolina. Its most important publication is the A p ia Tail Omega Palm, a quarterly magazine, established in 1880. Among its prominent members are noted the following : Rev. Otis A. Glazebrook, Chaplain University of Virginia; Rt. Rev. C. T. Ouintard, D. D., S. T. D., Bishop of Tennessee ; Rev. Isaac S. Hopkins, M. D., D. D., A. M., Ph. D., Vice-President of, and Professor in Emory College; Hon. Erskine M. Ross, of California Supreme Court; Hon. J. W. Childress, of Tennessee, etc. Abha Tau Ome a. Virginia . . Virginia . . Virginia . . Virginia . . Virginia . . Virginia .. . Kentucky . Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Maryland . Tennessee . Tennessee . Georgia . . Georgia . . Georgia . . North Carolina North Carolina Alabama . . New Jersey . New York . New York . Michigan . Ohio . . . Ohio . . . Arkansas . Oregon . . South Carolina South Carolina ROLL OF Alpha . . Beta . . . Delta . . . Epsilon . . Phi . . . Alpha Alpha Mu . . . . Tau . . . Alpha Iota Alpha Phi . Alpha Rho Alpha Upsilon Psi . . . . Omega . . Alpha Tau Alpha Beta Alpha Zeta Alpha Theta Alpha Delta . Alpha Eta . Alpha Epsilon Alpha Kappa Alpha Lambda Alpha Omicron Alpha Mu . . Alpha Nu . . Alpha Chi . Alpha Xi . . Alpha Sigma Alpha Phi . . Alpha Psi . . CHAPTERS. Virginia Military Institute. Washington and Lee University. University of Virginia. Roanoke College. Alumni Chapter. Alumni Chapter. Kentucky Military Institute. University Pennsylvania. Muhlenberg College. Washington and JeTerson College, Lehigh University. Pennsylvania College. Alumni Chapter. University of the South. Southwestern Presbyterian Univ. University of Georgia. Mercer University. Emory College. Alabama A. and M. College. Stevens Institute of Technology. Columbia College. St. Lawrence University. Adrian College. Mt. Union College. Wittenberg College. Arkansas Industrial University. State Agricultural College. South Carolina Collesre. ALPHA CHAPTER OF- r ? ALPHA TAU OMEGA, o U 2sr E:x3 iisr ti e: I XjXj oi 3.SS5. ' 85. E. D. Frost. ' 86. H. G. Meem. Kappa Alpha. The Fraternity of Kappa Alpha was founded April, 1865, at Wash- ington and Lee University. Its founders, in its establishment, aimed at the organization of a Southern Fraternity. This principle has been strictly adhered to until recently, when the advisability of the exten- sion of the order in the North has been entertained by many members. The projected union with the Northern order of Kappa Alpha, first pro- posed by that Fraternity, has been abandoned. Our most important publications are the Biennial Catalogue, General Catalogue, Kappa Alpha Journal and Kappa Alpha Magazine. A song book of the Fraternity is now in course of preparation. A convention is held annually, at which the general interests of the order are discussed. Kappa Alpha numbers twenty-four active and several alumni Chapters. The next general con- vention of the Fraternity will be held at Athens, Georgia, July, 1885. KaiDiDa Abha. Alpha . Beta . . Gamma Delta . Epsilon Zeta . . Eta . . Theta . Iota . . Kappa . Lambda Mu . . Nu . . Xi. . . Omicron Pi . . . Rho . . Sigma . Tau . Upsilon Phi . . Chi . . Omega Alpha Alpha ROLL OF ACTIVE CHAPTERS. Washington and Lee University .... Virginia. Virginia Military Institute Virginia. University of Georgia Georgia. Wofford College South Carolina. Emory College Georgia. Randolph Macon College Virginia. Richmond College Virginia. Sub Rosa Furman University South Carolina. Mercer University Georgia. University of Virginia Virginia. Erskine University South Carolina. Alabama State College Alabama. Sub Rosa Texas University Texas. University of Tennessee Tennessee. South Carolina College South Carolina. Davidson College South Carolina. Wake Forest College North Carolina. University of North Carolina North Carolina. Southern University Alabama. Vanderbilt University Tennessee. Centre College Kentucky. University of the South Tennessee. THE BETA CHAPTER KAPPA ALPHA. r ' o-u-i TTJEX) ISSS. ' 85. M. B. Corse, J. I. Hudson, G. L. NicoLsoN, ' 86. W. L. Hopkins. Albert Howell, G. V. Letcher. H. J. Redfield, J. L. HUBARD. ' 87. J. H. Cathcart, W. B. Corse, J. T. GWATHMEY, T. T. HUBARD, ' 88. J. V. HooE. L. S. Thompson. Sisma Hu. The Sigma Nu Fraternity was founded at the Virginia Military Insti- tute, January ist, 1866, by J. F. Hopkins, Arkansas; J, W. Hopson, Ten- nessee ; J. M. Riley, Missouri ; G. Ouarles, Arkansas ; R. E. Sample, Mississippi. It was projected as a local Fraternity, and it was not until four years had passed that the idea of extension was entertained. Beta Chapter was then established at the University of Virginia. The Fraternity seems to have made slow progress in the establishment of Chapters, for at the end of five years, it had entered only four colleges. In the next six or seven years several Chapters were established. The three years immediately preceding ' 83 witnessed the birth of three Chapters, four in the meantime having died. In April ' 83, appeared the first number of the Delta, a quarterly magazine devoted to the interest of the Fraternity. Up to ' 84, the efforts of Sigma Nu, had been confined entirely to Southern colleges, but during the past year it has gained admittance in two Western insti- tutions and now has twelve active and two alumni Chapters. The governing power is vested in a biennial congress, the last meeting of which was held in Nashville, Tennessee, the next will be held in Lexing ' - ton, Kentucky. While the congress is not in session, the governing power devolves on the Grand Chapter. Sigma Nu aims to let the voice of both its active and alumni mem- bers be heard in its government, and to this end the Grand Chapter is so constructed that both branches of the Fraternity are represented. Sicrma Hu. ROLL OF ACTIVE CHAPTERS. Alpha . . . Virginia Military Institute .... Lexington, Virginia. Eta .... Mercer University Macon, Georgia. Iota .... Howard College Marion, Alabama. Kappa . . . North Georgia Agricul. College . Dolhonega, Georgia. Lambda . . Washington and Lee University . Lexington, Virginia. Nu .... Kansas University Laurence, Kansas. Omicron. . . Bethel College Russellville, Ky. Theta . . . University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Xi Sub Rosa Zeta .... Central University Richmond, Kentucky. Gamma . . Ashville, N. C. THE ALPHA CHAPTER @- — OF ' SIGMA NU. r ' OTTISTXJEaD T. 3 T-U-. IS 2 1 ST, ISSS. ' 85. A. H. Fitzgerald. J. H. Winston. ' 86. D. Flannagan. a. C. Spotts. ' 87. W. F. Chalmers. J. M. Redfield. ' 88. J. McI. Archer, S. K. Owens, C. F. McCoRD, W. Pierce. Kappa Sigma Kappa. The Kappa Sigma Kappa Fraternity was founded at the Virginia Mili- tary Institute in 1867, by John McC. Tutwiller and others. It was designed to be a Southern College Fraternity, but recently has been declared universal. It is governed by its Grand Chapter, which meets biennially at such a place as may be designated by the Chapter. The Grand Chapter is composed of both active and alumni members. All of its active Chapters are in a flourishing condition. The colors of the Fraternity are old gold, pink and blue. The next Convention meets in Lynchburg, Virginia, in December, 1885. Kappa Sigma Kappa. ROLL OF ACTIVE CHAPTERS. 1867 Gamma . Virginia Military Institute . . . Lexington, Virginia. 1 87 1 Epsilon . Washington and Lee University . Lexington, Virginia. 1874 Zeta . . Virginia A. and M. College . . Blacksburg, Virginia. 1875 Delta . . University of Virginia Charlottsville, Va. 1 88 1 Upsilon . Randolph Macon College . . . Ashland, Virginia, 1 88 1 Eta . . . Emory and Henry College . . Virginia. 1882 Nu . . . Richmond College Richmond, Virginia. 1883 Rho . . Bethel Academy Virginia. 1885 Omega . University of North Carolina . Chapel Hill, N. C. 1885 Alpha . . University of Louisiana .... New Orleans, La. Theta Alumni Alexandria, Virginia. Beta Alumni Savannah, Georgia. Iota Alumni Lynchburg, Virginia. Omicron Alumni New Orleans, La. Kappa Alumni Louisville, Kentucky. Sigma Alumni Holly Springs, Miss. ♦Inactive. THE GAMMA CHAPTER KAPPA SIGMA KAPPA. I OTTI TIDEIXS I3iT THE I - XjXj O l.SS ' 7 ' . ' 85. L. G. Y. Baker, - G. W. Fitchett. ' 86. C. P. Barnett, E. L. Darst. F. A. Jacobshagen. ' 87. T. P. Greenhow, R. B. Taylor, J. K. M. Newton, H. M. Tutwiller, J. A. Ventress. ' 88. A. G. Dangerfield, J. M. Fitchett, J. G. Buford, J. B. Ford. C. M. De Valin, S. B. Walker. Phi Delta Theta. HIS FRATERNITY was founded December 26th, 1848, at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio. The founders were Robert Morrison, ' 49 ; John McMellan Wilson, ' 49 ; Robert Thompson Drake. ' 50; John Wolfe Lindley, ' 50; Andrian Walker Rodgers, ' 51 ; and Andrew Watts Rodgers, ' 51. Though strongest in the West, it has now Chapters in the North, South and the East. The executive power is vested in a General Council, elected every two years, and is composed of four alumni. The States in which this Fraternity is established are considered divided into seven Provinces, and, to each Province, a President is appointed, who has special charge of the Fraternity ' s interest therein. National Con- ventions are held biennially. The journal of this Fraternity is called the Scroll, It was established in 1875. It is a monthly journal of fifty pages, and is published in New York city. The Fraternity has also a song book. Five editions of the Catalogue have been published. The last was issued in 1883, and it contains elaborate biographical informa- tion concerning all members. The number of members in 1883 was 3,460. The following are some of the most prominent members, all of whom received regular initiation while in college, not honorary election : Hon. W. T. Vilas, Postmaster-General ; Hon. J. W. Foster, Ex-Min- ister to Mexico, and to Russia, and now Minister to Spain ; United States Senator Benjamin Harrison, of Indiana ; United States Senator, J. C. S. Blackburn, of Kentucky ; United States District Judge W. A. Woods ; Hon. B. K. Elliott, Chief Justice of the Indiana Supreme Court ; Hon. Norman Buck, Associate Justice of the Idaho Supreme Court; Congressmen Ward, of Ohio, Hamilton, of Indiana, Stevenson, and Sherwin, of Illinois, Phillips, of Missouri, Anderson, of Kansas ; Hon. E. H. Conger, State Treasurer, of Iowa ; Hon. J. C. Black, Com- missioner of Pensions ; Eugene Field, of The Chicago Xcics. The Virginia Epsilon Chapter was founded at the Virginia Military Institute in 1878, by Thorn. Washington Keith, R. F. Hawkins, James B. Beverly ; twenty-six men have been initiated since then. Phi Delta Theta. ROLL OF CHAPTERS. 1849 Indiana Alpha; . Indiana University. . Bloomington, Indiana. 1850 Kentucky Alpha Centre College. Danville, Kentucky. 1853 Indiana Beta Wabash College Crawfordsville, Indiana. 1857 Wisconsin Alpha University of Wisconsin Madison, Wisconsin, 1859 Indiana Ganiraa Butler University 1860 Ohio Beta Wesleyan University Delaware, Ohio. 1860 Indiana Delta Franklin College .. Franklin, Indiana. 1868 Ohio Gamma. Ohio University Athens, Ohio. 1868 Indiana Epsilon Hanover College Hanover, Indiana. 1868 Indiana Zeta De Pauw University. Greencastle, Indiana. 1869 Virginia Alpha Roanoke College Salem, Virginia. 1870 Missouri Alpha Missouri University.. Columbia, Missouri. ' 1871 Illinois Gamma Monmouth College Monmouth, Illinois. 1871 Illinois Delta Knox College Galesburg, Illinois. 1871 Iowa Alpha Iowa Wesleyan University Mount Pleasant, Iowa. 1871 Georgia Alpha University of Georgia Athens, Georgia. 1871 Georgia. Beta... Emory College Oxford, Georgia. 1873 Georgia Gamma Mercer University Macon, Georgia. 1873 Ohio Delta University of Wooster Wooster, Ohio. 1873 Pennsylvania Alpha Lafayette College Easton, Pennsylvania. 1873 Michigan Beta Michigan State College ...Lansing, ] [ichigan. 1873 Virginia Beta University of Virginia Albemarle county, Virginia. 1874 Virginia Gamma Randolph Macon College Ashland, Virginia. 1875 Ohio Epsilon Buchtel College Akron. Ohio. 1875 Nebraska Alpha University of Nebraska Lincoln, Nebraska. 1875 Virginia Delta Richmond College Richmond, Virginia. 1875 Pennsylvania Gamma. ... Wash, and Jefiferson College. ...Washington, Pennsylvania. 1875 Pennsylvania Beta Pennsylvania College Gettysburg, Pensylvania. 1876 Tennessee Alpha. Vanderbilt University- Nashville, Tennessee. 1877 Mississippi Alpha University of Mississippi Oxford, Mississippi. 1877 Alabama Alpha University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, Alabama. 1878 Virginia Epsilon Virginia Military Institute Lexington, Virginia. 1878 Illinois Epsilon Illinois Wesleyan University. ...Bloomington, Illinois. 1878 Illinois Zeta Lombard University,- Galesburg. Illinois. 1879 Alabama Beta Alabama State College Auburn, Alabama, 1879 South Carolina Alpha. ...Wofford College Spartansburg, S. C. 52 THE BOMB. 1879 Pennsylvania Delta Allegheny College Meadnlle, Pennsylvania. 1879 Vermont Alpha University of Vermont Burlington, Vermont. 1880 Pennsylvania Epsilon.... Dickinson College Carlisle, Pennsylvania. 1880 Missouri Beta Westminster College Fulton, Missouri. 1881 Minnesota Alpha, University of Minnesota Minneapolis, Minneosta. 1883 Iowa Beta State University of Iowa Iowa City, Iowa. 1883 South Carolina Beta South Carolina College Columbia, South Carolina 1883 Kansas Alpha University of Kansas Lawrence, Kansas. 1883 Michigan Gamma Hillsdale College Hillsdale, Miehigah. 1883 Tennessee Beta University of the South Sewanee, Tennessee. 1883 Pennsylvania Zeta University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 1883 Ohio Zeta Ohio State University Columbus, Ohio. 1883 New York Beta Union College Schenectady, New York. 1884 New York Gamma .College of the City of New York. New York City, New York. 1884 Maine Alpha Colby University Waterville, Maine. 1884 New York Delta Columbia College New York City, New York. 1884 New Hampshire Alpha.. Dartmouth College Hanover. New Hampshire. 1885 North Carolina Alpha. University of North Carolina. ..Chapel Hill, North Carolina. THE EPSILON CHAPTER PHI DELTA THETA. lE OTTn Eis iiiT IS ' 7 ' S. ' 85. G. B. Miller. ' %6. Henry Mansfield. ' 88. W. B. Cochran, Boyd Smith Sigma Chi. ' he SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY was founded at Miami Univer- sity, Oxford, Ohio, June 28th, 1855. The founders were Thos. C. Bell, Jas. P. Caldwell, Dan ' l W. Cooper, Benj. P. Runkle, Frank H. Scobey, Isaac M. Jordan and Wm. L. Lockvvood. The first six had been members of Delta Kappa Epsilon, but, becoming dissatisfied, they determined to start a Fraternity according to their own ideas. This thev did, and gave to the new Fraternity the name of Sigma Phi, but this was almost immediately changed to Sigma Chi. Within a few months a Chapter was established at Delaware, and was called Gamma Chapter. When the Chapter at Miami died, Gamma was changed to Alpha Chapter, and assumed the government of the order. Since her birth she has continued to grow in strength and increase in numbers, which is attested by her thirty-eight active Chapters in the best colleges of the Central, Western and Southern States, having an average undergraduate membership of twelve, and counting a total membership roll of about 3,500 alumni members. At a recent meeting of the Convention, which is held biennially, the power residing in Alpha Chapter was removed from that body and placed in the hands of a Grand Council, which acts during recesses of the Biennial Convention, and has all power, excepting alteration of the constitution. The Council is assisted by a chief executive or general secretary, who conducts all correspondence and maintains an intimate acquaintance with the Fraternity. The judicial power resides in the Board of Tribunes. Alpha Mu is still in her infancy, being only one year old. This Chapter was founded at the Virginia Military Institute in the Spring of 1884. In 1866 a charter was granted to some of the students of Wash- ington and Lee University, which gave them the power to initiate Vir- ginia Military Institute cadets; this they continued to do till the size of the Chapter, together with the fact that it was impossible to pick a time for meetings that was convenient to both institutions, made it appear best to separate, and Alpha Mu began life with seventeen members. This year several failed to retu rn and three graduated, leaving her now with twelve active members. LOCKWOOD 8.=iON_NEW YORK Sigma Chi. ROLL OF ACTIVE CHAPTERS 873 Beta Wooster University .... 866 Zeta Washington and Lee Univ. , 857 Eta University of Mississippi , 863 Theta Pennsylvania College . . . 864 Kappa .... University of Lewisburg . 858 Lambda .... Indiana State University . SGy Mu Uenison University . . 859 Xi De Pauw University . 859 Omicron .... Dickinson College . . 866 Rho Butler University . . 872 Tau Roanoke College . . . 867 Phi Lafayette College . , 871 Chi Hanover College . . . 859 Psi University of Virginia 869 Omega • . Northwestern University 882 Alpha Gamma . Ohio State University . . Stevens Inst, of Technology, Hoboken, N. J Nebraska State University . Lincoln, Neb. Wooster, O. Lexington, Va. Oxford, Miss. Gettysburg, Pa. Lewisburg, Pa. Bloomington, Ind. Granville, O. Greencastle, Ind, Carlisle, Pa. Irvington, Ind. Salem, Va. Easton, Pa. Hanover, Ind. Virginia. Evanston, 111. Columbus, O. 883 Alpha Delta . 883 Alpha Epsilon 882 Alpha Zeta . 882 Alpha Eta . . 882 Alpha Theta. 883 Alpha Iota . 883 Alpha Kappa Beloit College ...... Beloit, Wis. Iowa State University . . . Iowa City, Iowa. Mass. Inst, of Technology . Boston, Mass. Illinois Wesleyan Univ. . . Bloomington, III. Hillsdale College Hillsdale, Mich. 874 Gamma Gamma Randolph Macon College . Ashland, Va. 874 Delta Delta . . Purdue University .... Lafayette, Ind. 880 Delta Chi , . . Waba.sh College Crawfordsville, Ind. 884 Alpha Lambda. Wisconsin State Univ. . . Madison, Wis. Virginia Military Institute . Lexington, Va Centre College Danville, Ky. University of Cincinnati . Cincinnati, O. University of Michigan . Hampden Sidney College Univ. of Pennsylvania . Eta Alumni Lafayette, Ind. Theta Alumni Cincinnati, O. Iota Alumni Indianapolis, Ind Omesra Alumni Chicago, 111. 884 Alpha Mu . 876 Zeta Zeta . 882 Zeta Psi . . 877 Theta Theta 872 Sigma Sigma 884 Phi Phi . . Ann Arbor, Mich. Virginia. Philadelphia, Pa. THE ALPHA MU CHAPTER — -w-opw- — SIGMA CHI. I O-U-3iTX)EX3 . IFEaiXj StU, jLSS ' :. T. W. Lackland, J N. Camden, T. J. Nottingham, P. St. J. Wilson, H. W. Holt, ' 85. R. E. Withers. ' 86. ' 87. ' 88. V. W. Flowerree. J. W. Wilson. J. A. LUDWIG, E. A. Palmer, R. L. Wilson. G. T. Langhorxe. Othsr Fraternity Men in the Institute. KAPPA SIGMA. F. Bell, ' 85. J. R. Spencer, ' 86. SIGMA ALPHA EPSILON. L. H. Charbonnier, ' ' 88. R. R. Kane, ' 88. Ye TriiD to Yx ashinsten. QjaT HAS LONG been a custom of the Institute to visit some historic = city, or participate in some State or National ceremony during the academic year. The trip to the Centennial Exposition in ' 6, at which the corps bore ofT the highest military honors, the successive encamp- ments at the Yorktown Centennial, Richmond Fair, New York, Win- chester, etc., etc, were highly enjoyed by the corps, and resulted in material increase to the reputation of the Institute. During the present year sundry causes have prevented an adherence to this custom. It was the intention of the authorities to allow the corps of cadets to par- ticipate in the Presidential Inauguration, but owing to the immense demand on the Railroad Companies, transportation could not be arranged, and we were forced to abandon the prospect of the excursion. Wishing the corps to be represented, however, the Superintendent sent a delegation of twelve men to visit Washington, as a substitute for the battalion. Messrs Camden, Cathcart, Cralle, Culberson, Doty, Fitz- gerald, Hopkins, Howell, Fitchett, Hubard, Langhorne and Trundle, constituted the delegation. To say that they sustained the reputation of the Institute would be surperfluous, and to say that they enjoyed themselves would be putting it mildly, indeed. To begin at the beginning. C — 1 — e — s — n insisted on distributing among us his Texas stock of bowies, bludgeons and boomerangs, but armed with a patent-pick-pocket-protector, paper collar and a round-trip ticket, we delivered ourselves to the tender mercies of the Baltimore and Ohio. The inevitable ennui of the journey was appreciably lessened by the rich tenor strains which were coaxed and tortured from the throat of H — pk — s, the V. M. I. nightingale. A committee from the adjacent coach, being accorded a hearing, claimed that the noise annoyed an invalid in Richmond, and demanded its suppression. They were mildly but firmly squelched by being told that they must suffer for the deficiency in their musical taste and education. THE BOMB. 59 Next morning found us strangers in a strange land, anchored in Wash- ington. We unanimously elected, as guide, D — y, who had expatiated upon his knowledge of the ropes of the Capital City. We suffered for our credulity, however, by being guided six miles to the Inte rior Department building, which he declared was the Metropolitan Hotel. After continued knocking at the doors of the hotel, we succeeded in rousing a negro porter who, presumably mistaking us for burglars, by his shouts and cries, summoned all the police in the neighborhood. One glance at the peaceful, innocent countenance of F — z — g — r — Id sufficed to re-assure those guardians of the peace, and we were allowed to go on our way unmolested. Rejoicing at our narrow escape, we impeached our guide, chose another, and, after various adventures, found ourselves at last in the corridors of the Metropolitan, only to discover that all the hotels were full, and that no amount of persuasive eloquence could obtain us quarters for the night. Making a virtue of necessity, we spent the remainder of the night in the study of astronomy. C — md — n was going into rhapsodies over the beauty of the full moon as seen i n Washington, when he was plunged into the depths of despair by being informed that the supposed moon was only the illuminated dial of the clock upon the post-office. But the darkest night must have its dawn, and this proved no exception to the rule. After indulging in the rare luxury of a shave and shine, we proceeded to breakfast, and there did bloody work, amid the astonished glances of the assembled waiters and the desperate remonstrances of the proprietor. We then issued forth, intent upon seeing the elephant. L — gh — ne persisted in getting himself lost, until, by unanimous consent, he was belled No further trouble with him was experienced. C — t — c — rt, accustomed to the potato hills and moss grown cow-paths of Carolina, was dazed and bewildered by the labyrinth of streets which crossed and re-crossed on every side. He expressed his intention of boarding a street- car for the Navy Yard, and left us with that purpose. An hour afterwards we found him quietly reclining in the elevator of Willard ' s Hotel, evidently enjoying the ride. The first words that greeted our ears were : Con- ductor, when iviU this measly car get to the Navy Yard ? To say elevator to him now means a fight on short notice. In our perambula- tions about the Capital, a pick-pocket, evidently an amatuer in the pro- fession, succeeded in picking the pocket of ye editor. We read next 6o THE BOMB. day in the columns of the Star of the suicide of the thief. The coro- ner ' s jury returned a verdict of death from disappointment. Next on the programme was a visit to Ford ' s and AUbaugh ' s Opera Houses. The party enjoyed the plays immensely, with the exception of C — t — c — rt, who was rendered frightfully nervous by some one in the balcony persistently levelling at him an opera- glass. When he had recovered from his fright sufficiently to speak, he broke out in vehement revilings against that dad-blamed dude who kept that double-barrelled thing aimed at him. He was satisfied that Providence interfered in his behalf, or else, he said, the infernal thing didn ' t happen to be loaded. Washington, during inauguration week, is essentially a city of extor- tion. Fifty cents all ' round is the invariable reply made to any ques- tion or remark ventured on the streets. So great was this nuisance, that the financial themometer of the party was coquetting with the zeros long before our visit was ended. Rumor has it, that H — b — rd made several and repeated visits to a neighboring pawn-broker, and there left several articles of his wearing apparel in limbo. At any rate, we answer for it, that he sent the following telegram to his father, who was sojourning near the city: Dear father, meet me in the suburbs to-night with a blanket. I have a cap and pair of shoes ; yours, etc. Of C — t — c — rt ' s encounter with the dummy, C — 1 — e — s — n ' s expe- rience with the bicycle, ye editor ' s domicile in the Hospital for Tramps, and other items of interest, we would like to speak at length, but limited space forbids the indulgence. Before closing, however, we desire to return thanks to Mr. C — t — c — rt, in the name of the party, for the inestimable service he rendered us in his capacity of German inter- preter. Its a poor rule that won ' t work both Mays, and we returned to barracks wiser, if not sadder men. Moral : Its a wise man that knoweth a street car from an elevator. History of the Y. M. I. Gymnasium Club. |URING THE SESSION of 1 880-81, four cadets, Breckenridge, J. G., Saunders, T. E., Patton, A. T. and Camden, R. P., taking great interest in athletic exercises, formed a club, since known as the V. M. I. Gymnasium Club. Practicing steadily during the session in a private room, using a single bar, they attained such proficiency on the bar and at tumbling that they decided to give an exhibition of their skill at the Final. This they did, and the entertainment was attended -with great success, reflecting credit both upon themselves and the Institute. The following year, 1881-82, Saunders and Patton failing to return, Breckenridge and Camden decided to increase the number of members to six, and selected from the Corps, Screven, R. M., Maury, D. H., Winston, J. H. , and Withers, R. E. The Club, now compo.sed of six men, continued to practice regularly during the year, and their public exhibition at Commencement far surpassed the preceding one, attracting great attention from the public and placing them among the first of col- lege gymnasts. The following session, 1882-83, the Club was composed of cadets Camden, Winston, Withers, Palmer, E., Wilson, R. L. , and Williamson, S. B., the last three taking the places of Breckenridge, Maury and Screven. On account of the Corps visiting New York, and breaking up at that place, no public entertainment was given that year. In 1883-84, the Club, composed of the above-named cadets, elated at their former success, and finding that the single bar did not allow them to exercise their skill and powers in full, substituted the double bar in its stead. His Excellency, the Governor of Virginia, wishing to encourage such manly exercise, offered to present the Club with a gold medal, which medal they were to hold until some rival club, in a public contest, should be pronounced their superiors ; in which case the victor, of course. 62 THE BOMB would carry off the palm. The Virginia Military Institute Club accepted the Governor ' s offer gladly, and immediately sent challenges to the Uni- versity of Virginia, Washington and Lee University, Richmond and Norfolk clubs, but, to their sorrow, none of the clubs would meet them. The fame of the Virginia Military Institute boys had gone before them, leaving them masters of the field without a battle. They claim now the championship of the amateur clubs of Virginia, and acknowledge them- selves second to none elsewhere. Their performance last year was the finest athletic exhibition ever given in Lexington. The Club this year is composed of the cadets whose names are given in connection with the cut. From the present indications the performance this year will be equally as good as last year ' s. VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE GYMNASIUM CLUB. J. H. Winston, President. ' 85. R. E. Withers, J. H. Winston. ' 86. E. A. Palmer, R. L. Wilson. J. M. Redfield. A B C D E F G H I d K L M N P Q R S T U V W Our Alphabet. s for Amiss, always on the Gim, s for Baker, our young seraphim. s for Cathcart, who wants a moustache, s for Deitrick, a terror on hash. s for Edmonds, who wears No. 12 shoes, s for Fitchett, a terrible bruise. s for Growley, the bete noir of school, s for Hagan, Sir Knight of the Mule. s for Irvine, of arsenal fame, s for Jones, the last of the name. s for Kane, nidis rnsticiis est, s for Leonard, Cow-boy of the West. s for Miller, pugilist of The Bomb, s for Norris, E plnrilnis iimnn. s for Owens, a buzzard-roost rat, s for Palmer, a profesh at the bat. s for Camden, in spelling, phonetic, s for Redfield, intensely athletic. s for Schofield, a dessert delicious, s for Thompson, just slightly officious. s for Upton ' s, a terrible bore, s for Vaden, the dude of the Corps, s for Wilson, a calico beau. X Y and have left on furlough. Our Religion. T IS NOT human nature to do cheerfully that which one is forced to = do. We see that this is true in the every day walks of life and in matters spiritual. The truth is even more apparent. Sunday after Sunday furnishes us with demonstrations that are beyond criticism. When a body of men is ordered to go to church in some particular manner, to sit in a particular place, and to be watched by particular persons, that they may not sleep, we may be tolerably certain that the effect is not particularly edifying. One may come here who has attended some church since childhood, but if he has not joined his church, he is told that it is impossible for him to go on in this old and beaten path — that it is not regulations — that he must scatter himself around ; that no one church is capable of shed- ding that amount of sanctity on him requisite to cadet happiness. And in the place of going (cheerfully) to one church, he is dragged to four. The result is that he becomes callous. The whole service appears cold and formal. Whatever apparent attention he may give is wrought more by fear of extra tours, than by love of divine law. The time when, last winter, through a foot of snow and zero tempera- ture, we struggled on to church, is still painfully vivid. .And the man- ner, remarkable rather for earnestness than piety, in which we wished that we were in a warmer place, was enough to make Beelzebub glow with anticipation. But we may look at this subject from a higher plane still. Religion is eminently free. All attempts to make it compulsory are essentially wrong and must result in ignominious failure. Let us go to church out of ranks ; put us on our honor not to abuse this privilege. If this experiment is not a success, then we are indeed peculiarly constituted. Yirginia Military Institute Base Ball Nine, 1884- ' 85. W. L. Hopkins Captain. W. H. Palmer Secretary and Treasurer. ' 85. W. L. Hopkins Second Base. J. H. Winston Catcher. R. E. Withers Right Field. ' 86. G. D. Letcher Short Stop. R. L. Wilson First Base. H. Mansfield -. Third Base. W. H. Palmer ' . . Left Field. ' 88. V. W. Flowerree Centre Field. G. L. Camden Pitcher. The Y. M. 1 Football Team. RUSHERS. T. W. Lackland, ' 85. G. S. Fitzsimons, ' S6. G. W. FiTCHETT, ' 85 W. H. Palmer, ' 86 H. G. Meem, ' 86. G. D. Letcher, ' 86. W. A. Irvine, ' 87. QUARTER BACK. G. B. Miller, ' 85. HALF BACKS. R. L. Wilson, ' 86. E. A. Palmer, 86. BACK. J. H. Winston, ' 85 — Captain. SUBSTITUTES. E. L. Darst, ' 86. T. J. Nottingham, ' 86. UMPIRE. G. L. Nicholson. Y. M. I. Athletic Association. G. B. Miller, President. J. N. Camden, Treasurer. T. P. Greenhow, Secretary. COMMITTEE. ' 85. G. B. Miller. J. N. Camden. T. P. Greenhow. ' 86. ' 87. ' 88. S. B. Walker. F. S. Thompson. A. C. Spotts. J. M. Redfeld. Our Yacation. [T MIGHT BE said that on this subject we stand somewhat in the position of that boy who, out of pure goodness of heart, volunteered to teach his father the art of shaving. This may be true — but from the manner in which our vacation is whittled down, we ought to be somewhat up on this subject. Sixty days out of the year is too little— less than that of any other school of note in the country, if we mistake not ; while on the other hand, many of our progressive institutions have practically reduced the session to eight months. The amount of work men do is by no means necessarily proportional to the time they work. And it is easily possible to learn in nine months what we learn in ten. As cadets, our school life is necessarily more confining than that of the representative college ; this, together with the fact that there is practically no break in the session, makes it appear but fair that we should be given the three months of other schools. A ten-month session smacks of canal boats, and canal boats are gone.. During the past few years we have numerically lost ground. This is brought about by clinging too closely to the old — by not adapting our- selves to the demands of the present. Hugging traditions is one of the few faults of the school. It might be called its cardinal fault. This sys- tem, for making fossils, is certainly without a peer. The ' Mollies. T IS WITH PARDONABLE pride that we are able to show up a band of conspirators which, for so long, have baffled O. S., and which have laughed to scorn the dignity of Father Spex. It is only by the aid of Detective Ruffin that we have been able to do this. Many have criticised him for the ferocity with which he has followed up this trail. But, if the troubles and trials he has gone through be taken into account, he may be forgiven. Information furnished, states as follows : C. R. Morton Grand Mogul. G. W. Deitrick Assistant Mogul. W. P. Barksdale Appointed to hold money. J. R. Spencer Appointed to hold Barksdale. W. W. Brander Grand Instigator. L. W. Reid Powder Extractor. A. L. Duncan Legal Adviser. E. B. DuBUissoN Secretary. CONSULTING CONSPIRATORS. D. M. Lea, R. L. Wilson, J. J. Hager, J. H. Cathcart, R. T. Goodwyn, J. K. M. Z. Newton,- R. F. I ' Anson. Y. M. I. Glee Club. F. H. S. Morrison, General Manager. Henry W. Holt, Treasurer and Secretary. S. B. Miller, Stage Manager. D. M. Lea. G. B. Miller. D. Flannagan. A. Howell. A. B. Luck. R. T. Goodwin. H. W. Holt. J. B Ford. C. F. McCoRD. ' 85. R. E. Withers. ' 86. ' 87. C. Millhiser. ' 88. L. Vaden. J. H. Winston. H. Meem. T. J. Nottingham. W. H. Palmer. W. A. Irvine. J. C. MiCHIE. C. K. Pope. S. B. Walker. Our . acuity. Who governs with a watchful eye, And rules with power firm and high, The kingdom of the V. M. I. ? Old Spex. Who loves to sketch the mountains green, And knows each hill and dale between The V. M. I. and Palestine? Old Tom. Who loves to see us double-quick, And when he gets a chance — to stick, Lays on demerits fast and thick ? Old Ship. Who keeps his class in constant fear. Lest every moment they shall hear, Well sir ! But how does that appear ? Old John. Who loves to parlez-vous so much, And glories in teaching Dutch, And hates to see a Trans too much? Tommie. Who physics us with heat and light. And talks of stars that shine by night, And of the world we claim by right ? Old Mike. 72 THE BOMB. Who puzzles our poor feeble mind, By giving rocks their names to find, To classify and arrange in kind ? OldMose. Who prides himself upon his rule, And runs mechanics for the school, And is as stubborn as a mule ? Old Nick. Who loves to terrify the rats, With pompous step and dude cravat. Surmounted by the latest hat? Charlie. Who screws his face into the shapes Assumed by dignified old apes. Who have been eating unripe grapes ? Granny. Who is the dude, the masher and The loveliest sub in all the land, Who has indeed no end of sand ? The Czar. Loyg ' s Labor Lost. [Trans. ated from the English.] N THE MERRY DAYS OF LONG AGO, near the beginning of the year 1885, there came a fair maiden wandering through the ancient and historic town of Lexington, and, being a true lady, she possessed as comely a face and as dainty a figure as ever graced the arm of any noble knight. In her peregrinations, the beauteous maiden wandered into the domains of Duke Spex, where she was wel- comed with all the honor due to one of so attractive a person ; and behold, in the dining hall of the castle of the Virginia Military Institute, there had gathered themselves together all the castle minstrels, for to play before the people of the city. Now, when the fair lady had rested from the fatigues of her journey, she expressed a desire to be transported to the hall of gaiety, which request was executed with such promptness that ere long she was en- tranced with the first lay of the minstrel, and her joy was exceeding great. Now, from the ranks of the assembled noblemen there stepped forth one and took his place by her side. This was the knightliest of all Duke Spex ' s knightly knights, heir to a long-line-lien and even the Knight of the Mule. And he, being greatly enraptured by her beauty, went down upon his knee and spake thus-wise: Fair lady of the heav- enly eyes, I adore thee — wilt thou become the Lady Mule? Soft as the whisperings of Spring zephyrs came the answer : ' ' What fortune possessest thou? And an aureate hue overcame the native hardness of his cheek, as he answered, My face is my fortune, fair maid, and verily I subsist on the interest of my debts. Then I will have none of thee, returned she proudly. And he waxed wroth, and departed. Just then another knight came striding by, and upon his weighty shield was inscribed his title, even Prince Chat-du-Badger. Now, the Prince was a learned man, great in his wisdom ; he had traveled much, and had even journeyed to Washington, where he engaged in his famous 74 THE BOMB. encounter with the dummy. When his eyes fell upon the fair maiden he loved her, and he proposed to the maid that they should meander down the shady pathway which borders the spicy groves of the parapet. And, as they wandered, he did entwine his arms about her neck, and verily, he did kiss her, when, lo ! the sunny curls did fall from her head, disclosing the closely clipped locks of one of the minstrels! And the Prince fainted away on the spot, and when he did recover, his mind was discovered to be lost, for he wandered to and fro, murmuring incessantly: ' How-well ' he did that. J. c. M. j iti Mmmmmm u A The Editors. Editor Holt is from the Boston School of Technology. He was a d— d-d-d-efunct of the first water, which fact accounts for his being chosen business manager of The Bomb. We wish he was still there, not that we wish the Bostonians any harm, but if he were, he could not be here. Oh ! dude, with the massive brow ; with the beautiful top knot ; what a Holt you have upon the hearts of the editors. Editor Howell hails from Atlanta, Georgia, and if reports be true, he was driven from that city by the respectable citizens thereof. We would give his character, were we not afraid Corporal I ' Anson would think we had surreptitiously gotten possession of the manuscript of his new nickel. His only qualification as editor-in-chief is, that he thinks he can, with Pluto Barksdale as a breast-work, successfully defy the nu- merous friends (?) which his publication is sure to make. HISTORY OF G. B. MILLER. There are things in the life of Gideon Brown which The Bomb, as an organ of civilization, cannot make public. It is even rumored he takes calico. It is known that he once so wrought on the fancy of a fair damsel of Lexington, that she did him the honor to mistake him for The Mule. But he was not always thus, and, though fallen ' , he some- times gives us cause for hope. To see him stalk across the parade ground by the aid of large and serviceable feet, and by the aid of legs elliptical in their nature, while above his fair brow floats the raven-hued plumes of the Philaloo-bird, he appears as he is, an ideal fighting editor. And now we come to the last and least of our illustrious band, R. R. Kane, of Scott. Scott has always done well before ; she has sent us Corky ; she has sent us The Mule — star men ; but now she has to acknowledge Roan, who is contending with our Sergeant Major for a stand that need not be mentioned. There is, however, one thing about it that must not be overlooked. It is his personal beauty, which, together with his powers as a declaimer, makes him perfectly irresistible. Grcwiey— A Medley. A big thing. — B-rn-t ' s pedal extremity. A conundrum — Growley. Mtdtwii in parvo — Shackleford. Corker Edmonds has made a valuable chemical discovery. He calls it bucolic acid. Darst, the sporting man of , wants to know who won the Epsom Salts Cup. Ned Palmer says he ' s quite an epicure in paintings. A minstrel gem — Who can mash all the girls in Lexington ? Why Dun-can ! Another — Why is a quarter of Col. Hardin worth more than the Professor of Mechanics ? Because it ' s worth five Nicholls ! Col. S. , in Latin Section — Gideon and Helle were riding on the golden fleece, and Helle fell off. L-d-g— Helle did! Mess Hal! Motto — Blessed are those that expect little, for they shall not be disappointed. It is said that Third Class rats dislike Bucking -ham. Organ Pumpers — Terms reasonable ; quality fair. For further par- ticulars, apply io8. For Cadets only — ' Leben and a-half cents a-piece is worse than nothing. For sale — Sentimental Tommie ; or, the Tragedy beyond the Grave. Apply 6i. N , soon after his arrival, was told that he might have a Rev., whereupon he thanked his Captain, and said : I have gotten my outfit at the Quartermaster ' s, thanks. Great interest is taken in dancing here, particularly by Hand.some, who has already been tr} ' ing to exchange sets for the German. R. J. C. , at the soda fountain — What syrup will you take, sir? ' Lasses, is you please, replied Pittsylvania promptly. THE BOMB. yj R. T. G. received from a lady friend a very beautiful birth-day card. He eyed it for some time, and then said, Wonder what she is sending me a valentine in June for. The difference between Dr. Tanner and R. J. C, consists in the fact that while the one can fast for forty days, the other can feast for forty days. Bad ' g says he would like to be a civil engineer, but he does not like having to work his way up from the position of fireman. G. M. E, has contributed much towards our amusement, but he has determined to stop it. The other day he was handed a telegram by one of the cadets. He looked at it and handed it back, .saying: You can ' t fool 7n€ ; I know the handwriting of all my home-folks. The Mule is running for a lieutenancy in the United States Army, and thinks that his chances are good, as Cleveland has given Virginia no place in his Cabinet. Victor wishes to know why the Orderly at D. P., just after orders are published, tells the Adjutant to quit lyen. — (Quick-lime.) Professor, trying to explain to F the changes brought about in our language by the Normans, asked him if- he were to kill an ox what would he have, whereupon F , without pausing, answered, A dead steer. Great minds, such as Cavaliere ' s, were able, out of the sum of nothings to make something ; but we are ahead of him — we make nothing out of the sum of somethings. Parson Jones is no slouch when you get him on the Bible, but he couldn ' t find the ten commandments in Revelations, for all that. Mc is not a dude, but when he came down to Rev., with a pair of rubber boots and an overcoat, his costume certainly attracted attention. There is nothing like running, and the rat who wanted to know if Tadpole P had permission to look at the sun during an eclipse, deserves a corp. Cat, at times, is very persuasive, (reference, Howell), but his earnest appeal to his gun, lying on the Fourth, Get up, old boy, or Mr. Dun- can will report you, was not a success. 78 THE BOMB. Pluto is a very live man, and seldom gets left, but he was just a little put out when he was told that his premature eclipse was caused by a piece of window sash, and not by the moon. Grund G is rather inclined to be bald, and is sensitive on that subject, but he tries to keep up appearances ; and, on the advice of a friend, bought a bottle of hair tonic, which he drank! An Episode in Life, by J. J. H. — ' Tis Sunday in E. The quiet of the day of rest is broken by the deep baying of hounds in eager chase, and, borne upon the morning breeze, com_es the voice of Judge W. , urging the dogs upon the track of the deer (Belinda ' s dear.) Crashing through the undergrowtii of that mountaneous region comes the chased ani-Mule. He casts one look of sad reproach upon his pursuers and resigns himself to his fate and — is invested in a change of raiment. Smiley Morton says he can ' t see why they can ' t kill ' ' bars with bul- lets as well as ' ' bear ' ' shot. 1ST Rat. — Say ; what ' s that there game them fellers playing? 2ND Rat. — Why ; don ' t you know ? Didn ' t you ever see ' um play- ing Long Tennyson before. Willis L., {alias Fatty.) — Boys ; look what a soliloquy that woman is having with that dog. Jim Meem ' s latest — What would we do for music if all the musi cians were absent from D. P ? We ' d get the subs to-toot. Rat Charbonnier has been very much engrossed in the games of Tennis Clubs. He was heard to exclaim very enthusiastically to a brother rat : Ah ! I think Tennyson is the boss game ! Prof of Chemistry — What is antimony? M — rm — n (who takes great interest in the Hill-Sharon case). Why sir, it ' s what a man is- required by law to pay to his divorced wife. H — g — n heard a few days ago, that one of his W. and L. friends, while rowing on the North river, had broken his scull. He immediately wrote him a very sympathising note, advising him to have it trepanned. W — 11 — d asserts that he is safe from small-pox, as he had the cellu- loid once. THE BOMB. 79 H — ds — n remarks that it would make a Wesleyan Institute girl dan- gerously ill to keep silent three minutes. Has the experiment ever been tried : Sp — nc — r, the astronomer of ' 86, inquired of Col. Brooke whether the planet Perihelion was discovered before Apehelion. V. M. I. abounds in royal personages. The El Mahdi manipu- lates the heating apparatus of the Institute ; the Mikado slings the shears, and the Czar, — well, he dodges the Mollies and sets on the Cat Quartette. Mr. H called on a young lady of Lexington, and,, by mistake, sent up a card of his friend, P . The young lady was not in. In the meantime H discovers his mistake and sends up his own card. The young lady was in, and P has since subsided. Love and cheek do very well in their respective spheres, but they don ' t work well in double harness. R — ff — n recently indited an amor- ous epistle to his fair Dulcinea and paralyzed the postmaster by sub- stituting for a stamp, the legend, L. P. P. — Love pays postage. During the last commencement of the Washington and Lee Univer- sity Gum Corse was introduced, by mistake, to a young lady whom he ascertained to be a deaf mute. His endeavors to make himself understood were extremely amusing to the spectators. He has withdrawn from the athletic club, as the dumb-belles bring up painful memories. A buzzard-roost rat called Hooe, Imagined himself a great booe, But deep is his wooe, For Miss Annie said nooe, And certes, his cake is all dooe. H — pk — ns is so infatuated with his Sunday-go-to-meeting girl, that when he receives a letter from her, he carefully removes the two-center and relicks the stamp. His bliss was converted into gall, however, when he learned that she made a practice of having her billet doux stamped by the colored butler. The Steward has applied for an injunction to prevent B — k — r ' s girl from promenading near the Mess Hall. He states in his appeal that ' she is so homely that all the milk sours ' when she goes marching by. ' They say that her face would unlock a stable door. She ' s his bonay cross-eyed, freckled M. J. The injunction, we predict, will be promptly granted. So THE BOMB. Our enterprising Business Manager, who has small faith in the efficiency of the Lexington postoffice, has devised a novel scheme to insure the distribution of The Bomb to subscribers. He advises the insertion of a notice stating that ' if you fail to receive this copy, please let us know as soon as you read this notice. It does credit to his ingenuity. A small book, bearing the name of T. P. Greenhow upon its fly-leaf, has been handed us by the Commissary Sergeant, who found it in B. Company trunk-room. Hoping to assist in its return to its owner, we publish the contents for his identification : January ist, 1885. — I hereby resolve to keep a diary. I also resolve to quit all such pernicious habits as smoking, chewing, drinking, loafing and swearing. I will stop going to sleep in church. I will endeavor to. refrain from riding the Gim. I propose to run hard for a SergQ. ' I will not prevaricate to the Commandant about my reports any more. I intend to stop gouging Barksdale. I will never more boot-lick the subs. Finally, I will endeavor to apply myself assiduously to my studies and improve myself in every respect. January 15TH, 1885. — Too big a contract ! The Seventh B. Company Mess boasts the possession of a prodigy in the epicurean line — he has proven himself invulnerable. One morning,, in the heat of Summer, the principal constituent of the Mess Hall breakfast was sausage. Unfortunately the heat had somewhat soured the disposition of the said venerable sausage, rendering it extremely odoriferous. Some cadet, presumably not a member of the S. P. C. A., thoughtlessly tossed a piece of the aforesaid ancient sausage to Boots, the Commissary ' s dog. Poor Boots ! he never lived to tell the tale. No sooner had he tasted it than he fell into violent convulsions, of which he died. Now, it happened that C — 1 — s, the Seventh Mess phenomenon, had a most vigorous and comprehensive appetite that morning, and he waded into those sausages, and verily, verily he did demolish them — yea, every one. After the smoke of battle had cleared away it was found that he had succeeded in getting outside of seventeen of the petrified odors. To those who know him, it is superfluous to add that he was not in the least affected, save as Alexander, inasmuch as he had no more to conquer. Personalia. Chas. W. Winston is farming near Gainesville, Alabama. G. M. Francisco is now doing a large business as a merchant, in Mar- shall, Missouri. C. H. Minge is in the cotton commission business, in Shreveport Louisiana. J. G. James is president of the Pan-Handle National Bank, of Texas. Grenville Gaines, of Warrenton, Virginia, is doing a fine law busi- ness. Eugene Williams is practicing law in Waco, Texas. C. L. Finch is a prominent lawyer of Boydton, Virginia. Wm. H. Barney, as a hardware merchant, is doing a large business in Mobile, Alabama. J. E. Wood is practicing medicine in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, where he always manages to keep himself in work. T. K. Dunn, of Petersburg, is there successfully following his profes- sion of civil and sanitary engineer, in that city. Andrew Pizzini is doing a very large business in Richmond, and is among the most prominent citizens of that town. J. F. Hanna, of Washington, is doing a fine law business in that city. J. R. Waddy, of Northampton county, writes that he still takes a warm interest in the old V. M. I. W. H. White, of the firm of White Garnett, is among the fore- most lawyers of Norfolk. J. T. Murfee, President of Howard College, sent The Bomb his best wishes, along with his dollar. Both were accepted. Geo. W. Thomas is Commandant of Cadets and Assistant Professor at the Military Institute, of Lexington, Missouri. James Bowles is now Attorney for the Commonwealth, Alleghany county, Virginia. Alleghany has not been troubled with convicts lately. 82 THE BOMB H. H. Dinwiddle, who was Color Corporal at New Market, is Profes- sor of Chemistry, and Chairman of Faculty of the A. and M. College, Texas. B. F. Clark is now Prosecuting Attorney for the city and county of Mobile, Alabama. D. W. Fleet is a good Democrat, and was recently elected Auditor of Gehalis county, W. T. , in the face of an apparently overwhelming oppo- sition. Chas. D. Glenn is now living in Leaksville, North Carolina. He was very prominently spoken of for Speaker of the House of Delegates in his State, but that cut of the Chronicle was too much for any one man to bear up under, and he will have to wait till next time. G. G. Lacy, ' 79, is now practicing law in St. Joseph, Missouri. W. J. Crocker, ' 81, is now teaching in Texas. R. T.- Poage, ' 81, is in the drug business at Wytheville, Virginia. Andy Nichols, ' 81, is in the coal business in Petersburg. W. W. Gwathmey, ' 81, is following the profession of C. E. at Norfolk. J. H. Adams, ' 81, is in the tobacco business, Lynchburg. W. H. Price, ' 82, is now raising alligators in Louisiana. D. M. Wall, ' 82, is teaching in Tazewell. G. R. Murrell, ' 82, is now a tobacconist of Lynchburg. R. A. James, ' 82, is running a tobacco factory in Pittsylvania. E. E. Hartsook, ' 82, is now a blooming lawyer in Texas. Cub says that he is going to grow up to the State. He is also raising cow- slips. J. T. Deal, ' 82, is in the saw-mill business in Surry. The latest is that Joe is about to take unto himself a wife. We heard the other day that he was dead, but he was only D. D. J. Patton, ' 82, is farming on Timber Ridge, Rockbridge. Pate says that he has not forgotten his old friends, the Mollies. Mc. Sterret, ' 82, is farming in Rockbridge O. M. Rutledge, ' 82, is in St. Louis, looking for work. When we last heard from him he was in much trouble. He had found it. THE BOMB. 83 R. Taylor, ' 82, was in a bank in Norfolk but since the bank left, Dick has been taking life easy. W. A. Land, ' 82, has been running a railroad in Surry, which has to be pulled out of the mud in wet weather, but that does not worry Jack. J. N. J. Covey, ' 82, is following the profession of C. E. in Chicago. B. C. C. has not been heard from lately, but we suppose that he is still swinging Indian clubs. Chas. Lazenby, ' 83, tramp. R. B. James, ' 83, is studying medicine in Pittsylvania. E. T. Corbell, ' 83, of Surry, is reading law. Cary Heath, ' 83, is running a foundry in Goshen. P. E. Yateman, ' 83, of punning fame, is a clerk on the C. O. R. R., Norfolk. Dudley McDonald, ' 83, is in his father ' s office in Richmond. A. Duglas, ' 83, of Louisiana, is still loading rifles and farming in that State. T. T. Perry, ' 83, has just completed his course as C. E. in Troy, New York. L C. Rose, ' 83, is running that saw mill near Richmond. R. M. Screven, ' 83, is running a steam-boat. J. T. Gwathmey, ' 83, of Norfolk, is in the export business. John Screven, ' 83, of Savannah, is now a blooming C. E. George Pickett, ' 83, is on the city survey of Washington. P. G. Omohundro, ' 83, is, according to the last account, a C. E. in Kansas City. W. H. Wade, ' 83, has just finished a course of M. E. at S. L T. T. O. Smith, ' 83, who had, at one time, aspirations for Lyric fame, is now not quite so ambitious — he is married. W. J. Carlisle, ' 83, who was with us during a part of the session, is now having a good time generally. H. P. Bougere, ' 83, is pressing bricks in New Orleans. E . H. Lewis, ' 83, is a saw-mill man, carpenter, undertaker and doctor, in Culpeper. He will wedge his way through this world. 84 THE BOMB. G. B. Edmiston, ' 84, is teaching in Weston West Virginia. He is well up on cubic equations. R. J . Camden, ' 84, is just now running the O. R. R. R. Whoop-e-e ! ! C. E. Harper, ' 84, is engaged at present in teaching. Possibly lec- turing on Snow Chloride (sn. clz.). I. H. Saunders, ' 84, is Commandant at Fisher ' s Academy. C. R. Varner, ' 84, is teaching in Staunton. W. A. Moncure, ' 84, is reading law and says that he has gotten over the effects of J. W. W. ' s slipper. C. J. Cambell, ' 84, is married and teaching singing school. All re- member how sweetly he sang. S. V. Fulkerson, ' 84, is reading law in Bristol, Tennessee, and. at odd times, gets off some of Yateman ' s puns. L. J. Whitehead, ' 84, of Bay View, Northampton, is just now con- templating matrimony. H. Zuberbier, ' 84, is bridge building in Louisana, where he furnishes Natural Bridges at the lowest rates. L. H. Lightfoot, ' 84, is now in Baltimore, doing business as profes- sional album writer, and can rhyme album with come. W. E. Doxtater is studying law in Rome, New York. Duck- sticker will be president yet. J. Barbour, ' 84, is on the United States Geological Survey, stationed at Washington. C. H. Hughes, ' 84, is farming and-clog dancing near Havana. E. P. Valentine. ' 84, is now at the University of Virginia. It is ru- mored that he is about to add himself to his collection of curiosities. L. M. LeHardy, ' 84, is carving his name on benches in Savannah. M. Levi, ' 85, is merchandising in Manning, So uth Carolina. W. O. Goode, ' 85, is firming in Mecklenburg. R. Woodward. ' 85, is now a student in Johns Hopkins University. THE BOMB. 85 V. T. Terrell, ' 85, is an artist in Crystal Springs, Mississippi. When last heard from, he was decorating a fence with a white-wash brush. H. P. Duker, ' 85, is studying architecture at the M. I. T., also taking private lessons under Johnnie L. G. Baldwin, ' 85, is a doctor in Texas. Undertakers are flourishing there, E. A. Maddox, ' 85, is still laughing in Front Royal, Virginia. R. A. Hoo€, ' 85, is a merchant in Washington. G. Marshall, ' 85, is diamond mining in South Africa, G. K, Sims, ' 85, is a lumber merchant in Louisa county, P, Rowe, ' 85, is at R. M. C. Suppose he is going to give the girls of Ashland a chance. W, Steptoe, ' 85, is in Lynchburg, Willie has branched out as a full blown dude. H, Nichols, ' 85, is in Norfolk, taking life easy. A. D. Bullman, ' 85, of King and Queen, is astonished, astounded and. aggrieved to learn that his old friend has gone under. W, L. Healy, ' 85, is in Middlesex. . C, A, Fulcher, ' 85, is in Staunton, and says it is a good place for sore eyes. C, P. Trotter, ' 85, is in Pittsylvania, where ' Pap is running a Kin- dergarten, W. Tait, ' 85, is in Mississippi. Willie writes that he is trying to reform. E. B. Settle, ' 85, since jining two pints. has been farming in Rich- mond county. J. B. and A. S. Hightower, both of ' 85, are farming in Georgia. K. E. Harmon, ' 85, is making a fortune speculating in cattle in Pu- laski. King was in New Orleans, and there lead one of our honored professors from the path of sobriety and rectitude, the result of which, said 86 THE BOMB. professor has again been forced to put an advertisement in the Matri- monial Bureau. He said that he was coming up on the Fourth for the sake of the Maids of Athens. J. Richardson, i6, is clerking in Lynchburg. W. G. Gwatkins ' 86, of section room window fame, is now a ship- ping clerk in Richmond. W. L. Moody, ' Z6, is now at Heidelberg. M. H. Walker, ' 86, of Mecklenburg, is a merchant in that county. J. F. Walker, ' 86, is on the United States Geological survey. A, Howard, ' 6, is a ranger in Texas. C. D. Freer, ' 6, is in Columbus, Georgia. Since he has left, it has been very difficult to get countersigns brought over from the Superin- tendent ' s in buckets. T. Edwards, ' Z6, is in Pulaski making red-eye. O. Maier, ' 86, is pressing bricks in New Orleans, and is eminently a success at that. R. M. Matchetle, ' Z6, Sir Knight of the 9th Section, is going to. school in Massachusetts. C. Balmer, ' 86, is making music boxes and learning to ride a bicycle in St. Louis. T. O. Bridgeforth, ' 86, is lost in the swamps of Mississippi. From a paper of that State we see that there is a reward of 25 cents offered for him. H. R. Drewry, , is farming in Southampton. J. Hutter, ' 87, is running a mine for his father near Roanoke. R-. B. Taylor, ' 87, is shooting ducks in Northampton. W. G. Chisholm, ' 87, is at Exeter, New Hampshire, C. H. Boaz, ' 87, is in Suffolk cultivating that moustache. C. Holt, ' 87, is now a cow-boy in Texas. T. A. Wingfield, ' 84, of Broadway, writes, that since leaving the V. M. I. he has learned that water may be used for other purposes besides personal cleanliness. THE BOMB. 87 G. F. Lucado is doing a large business in wet groceries in Lynchburg. We are always glad to see him, especially in dry weather. Gilmer Breckinridge is now in Botetourt The Mollies still mourn for him. D. H. Maury, who has recently graduated at S. I. T., is now a gen- eral man of science in Texas, where his intimacy with fluids has led him to write a book on that subject, A. F, Piazza is now in New Orleans, where he is about to be married to one of that city ' s most charming daughters. J. W. Wilson is farming in Surry. He is now the happy father of charming twins, but alas ,; they cannot be cadets — they are girls. An Apologr, In this, the first appearance of The Bomb, we have attempted nothing ' original. We have simply followed in the footsteps of others. This seemed best for two reasons. First, because others have done so well that it seemed a waste of time to attempt to improve on them. In this we have particular reference to TJie Bolt of S. I. T. ; which is a model in its way. Second, because our military life affords few opportunities for literary efforts, the Superintendent having refused to let us run lights. To the Board of Visitors for their encouragement and fiiia)icial sup- port, without which we would have been able to do absolutely nothing, we return hearty thanks. To our Faculty, for their moral support, we are duly grateful. We have attempted to offend no one — reference, our Fighting Editor. Henry W. Holt. CADETS, READ THIS!! ■ OXJK BIBST I OTJTE TO- NEW mm, TEm the west i southwest -IS BY THE- I . kMI|Min,plH l.f U l«M||Mk« THAT THE Pierfiiioot lli[ Line I fttlaota i New Orleaos M Lioe VIA mwm, CHAMIE, ATUm, MIGOliIERV AND Um, IS THE SHORTEST, QUICKEST AND BEST ROUTE TO New Orleans, the South and West ? SHORT Li, Shortest RUNNING m CAMS TO MBMIMAK IS THE ickcst Most Popular TO ARKANSAS « TEXAS ! ASK, OR WRITE FOR PARTICULARS, TO HUGH W. CABBETT, CHAS. H. CROMWELL, Eastern Passenger Agent, General Passenger Agent, RIC OND, VA. MONTGOMERY, ALA. AT THE DBUG €Lj au tX M. Jf M:% Mid a Corner Maiu and Henry Streets, XjEXiinsTG-TOisr, - - ■V II G-I nsr i. , Will te found a full supply of DRUGS, CHEMICALS, ETC., CHOICE TOBACCOS AND CIGARS. Fhyaicians ' prescriptions carefully compounded at all hours ' day or night. TOmST T. O-IEES, . tSg-ent for  Wj- . jy J. Gihbs, t7 I2 t:e: ' s ::e3:o ' x ]I-., MAIH STREET, - - LBXIMG-TON, V A. ETerytMiiiNef! Electric Bells!! Free Bns to aM from all Trains!!! SPECIAL RATES TO CADETS AND STUDENTS RATES, $2.00 AND $2. 50 PER DAY. TICKET !iG[NT mmm I Oil m Richmond k mmm RftiLROMs. THROUGH TICKETS TO AIL POINTS EAST, WEST, SOKTH ASD SOITH. LOW RATES FOR CADETS, STUDENTS I THE TRAVELIN PDBLIC GENERALLY. OmOE ,A.X FETXIGrDREV T HOXJSE, X_i :e: 2n 3sr 3- ' T ' o 3: , _ _ _ vT x zds o- z 3 x .a. . IFECIAL xRATES TO CAEETS AND STUDENTS. Dental Room, NeLson Street, Opposite Presbyterian Church, iL,E2c:iiNro-T02Nr, - - - - - ; ii a-i3 i- - Is dZ- n ZILilE] , m m PICTURES TAKEN IN ANY STYLE DESIRED, Pictures of Celebrated Men and Places of Note. Also, Valentine ' s Recumbent Figure of Lee. Has Removed to Nelson St., Next door to Billiard Hall. Experience has made him skillful in his trade, and he respectfully solicits the patronage of citizens, cadets and students. M ly TR. H. KRAUSE, Leader of the Jfi -LVL Celebrated V. M. I. Band fM , and Orchestra, Cornet Soloist, }. teacher of the Violin, Piano, Or- V i ' T gan. jCornet a specialty. % W . j6®=-For terms, apply either at ray ' J(t home, at Lexington, or at tlae Vir- |V!a0 ginia Military Institute. , , LIVERY STABLE, HORSES, BUGGIES, PH ETONS ND CARRIAGES, OPPOSITE ODD FELLOWS ' HALL, Main Street, Lexington. Va. J . E. HDEJ VEK., IDIE Xj IIS iost CANDY, CAKES AND CONFECTIONERIES OF ALL KINDS. CIGARETTES A SPECIALTY. Washington St., a few doors below the Postoiiice. W ' ! ' — 2 .- :c2LIVERY_STABLEJ HAHDSOME BUGGIES HACKS AKC CARRIAGES. PATRONAGE OF CADETS AND STUDENTS SOLICITED. PASSENGERS AND TRUNKS TO R. A. DEPOT, 23 CENTS. OAMilTB AMD STUBliJ.MTS WILL FIND IT ADVANTAGEOUS TO HAVE THEIE FINE CLOTHING DRESS SUITS, f-r-.z i i ZDE :e-2--w- IP. HI. ■YEK.S CO., l ALL WORK GUARANTEED TO SUIT IN EVERY PARTICULAR. 1 T- X3:. :3Z):H;_. T7 E3:Ee, Near Blue Hotel, Main Street, XjExiiisrG-Tonsr, - - - ' rx:Ei(3rXisTXJ BOOTS J .IsrnD SHEOES, ALSO, KEEPS FULL STOCK OF DRY GOODS, NOTIONS_ CIGARS e TOBACCOS. Xj-vjiLiaaTcer 2 a,rd. iarx Co33.iaect5.03a. -c itli. Stoxe. tF ' vLll Stoclc o£ , - PRICES TO SUIT HARD TIMES. ' Respectfully, T. H. ID3 i ■V-:E . T. T- DVCcCK XJIS , XJE i lliIEEl liT FANCY AND TOILET ARTICLES, SPONGES, BRUSHES .PERFUMERY, k. Physicians prescriplions compounded carefull y , and ord2r, answered with care and dispatch. r p aMNBawviae a HiHII fi ■ ■ ' ■■iiwr i n bumi n n iimiiI ■iM—J ■■IllBBlJ m JD-RA.LEiE, IIsT ,. — — isrEL.soJsr st:eieet GENTS ' SHOES IN ALL STYLES, D ANCING PUMPS A LWAYS ON H AND. WHITE SENSENEY KEEPS A HRST-CLASS ' TT I ZRESidl O STEI S IIST SE A SOIvT. OLD PETTIGRE V HOUSE, J. W. JEWELL, Proprietor, Nelson Street, - - - Lexington, Va. RATES, $1 50 PER DAY JTHOTYPE PRmTIHG QO -MANUFACTURERS OF- Tl FMS! PEOTO-IECKMICAL EMI The Lithotype Frint is produced from the photographic negative with the finest printing inks, and, on account of its brinia,ncy and beauty, is particularly adapted to book illustrations. Attention is specially in- vited to THE FIVE FULL PAGE LLUST RATIO US IN THIS BOOK, which are Lithotype Prints. Correspondence solicitedv Gardner, Massachusetts. (114 Nassau Street, New York:. OFFICES : „ „ , « ( 11 Washington Street, Providence, R. I. R. T. NORTHERN, I 3Iaiu Street, Opposite Presbyterian Chnrcli, A FINE LOT OF CLOTHS AND CASSIMERES ALWAYS ON HAND. zif ATCHIKERS, JEWELEHS AND (ENWERS, REPAIRING AND ENGRAVING A SPECIALTY. All Piirc ' Iiases Engraved Free of Cliargre. GORRELL ' S DRUG STORE IS THE PLACE TO BUY OCK[T TOOTH BfiUSH[S CHAMOIS SKINS, TRIPOLI, RAZORS, TOILET SOAPS, A Large Supply of Such Goods as Cadets Need. W . C. SUART Bookseller and Stationer TOBACCO, CIOARS, CIGARETTES, GAMES, BASE BALL GOODS I NOVELTIES, EYERY YARIETY PAPER, ENYELOPES AND CARDS. Anything Aranted not on hand v ill be ordered and furnished at short notice. VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITLTB, This vfell-known State institutian is located upon the outskirts of the town of Lexington, Yi ,, near the North River, in the beautiful Valley of Virginia, and is readily accessible by 1-ail from all points. There is a telegraph oiBce in the town.. The climate is healthful. The mountains are pure and invigorating. . The barracks is lighted with gas and heated by stearo. There is a commodious hospital and an experienced surgeon for the care of the sick. Cadets are marched on Sundays to the different churches of the town in rotation , and the pastors of the churches hold service in the barracks at stated times during the week. The course of instruction embraces Mathematics and Drawing, Engineering, Civil and Military, and the Mechanics of Engineering, Descriptive and Determinative Mineralogy, Geology, Chemistry — theoretical and practical. Astronomy, Mechanics and Physioi, the Latin, French and German Languages, Logic, Rhetoric and Moral Philosophy, and Consti- tutional li j, Ordnance and Gunnery, Infantry and Artillery Tactics, English and Geog_ raphy. Throughout the year the caidets are subject to the usual routine of soldiers in garrison alluding guard mountings, parades, inspections and reviews, squad, company, skirmish and battalion - ' ' ills, the manruil of the piece, the mechanical manoeuvres and battery drill?. The military ..« i are so arranged as not to trench upon or conflict with study and recita,- tion. For further information or appointment, apply to the Superintendent, General Francis H. Smith, Lexington, Virginia . . .z c- iDiz vCic st- :e :e . FRANCIS H. SMITH, nperiiitendeiit . .id I ' rofessor of Mathematics and xMoral Philos i ljy,. THOMAS H. WILLIAMSON, Professor Practical Eugineering, Architecture and Drawing. SCOTT SHIPP, Commandant of Cadets, and Instructor of Tactics, etc. JOHN M. BROOKE, Professor of Physics and Astronomy. Vf. B. HARDIN, Professor of General and Applied Chemistry, Mineralogy and Geology. • THOMAS M. SEMMES, ' Professor Modern Languages and Rhetoric. JOHN W. LYELL, Professor Mathematics and Logic. J. HORACE M RR. N, Adjunct Pi ofessor Cii. ' etc. E. W. NICITOLl, Professor Civil and Military Engineering; auu Mechanics. 1 1- 1 !«; ' ■