Virginia Military Institute - Bomb Yearbook (Lexington, VA)

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of the corps saved it from utter destruction, Ijy quickly checking the advance of the flames that surrounded it. During the Finals, the crowning event of the session, on account of the changes that occur in the different classes, Liberty Hall is the center of attraction for a good many cadets as some of the fairest daughters of the South, who come to add glory and splendor to our commencement, with their charms and beauty, make their headquar- ters at this favorite place. The Class of ' 99 will soon pass out of existence from the annals of the institute, its members to occupy prominent positions in the long list of alumni and to place fresh laurels upon the altar of their alma mater, by continuing the work already begun by her illustrious sons in every sphere of life. Whenever we look back to our happy cadet days spent at the Virginia ililitary Institute, the name of Liberty Hall will always hold a warm place in our hearts. A. M., ' 99.

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IDibcrtg Malt ALMOST every cadet who has attended the Institute since the year ' 90, is well acquainted with the name that heads this article and what it stands for, on account of the diverse incidents that have taken place in Liberty Hall in connection with his cadet life. Situated within limits, its doors are always open and ready to receive within its walls any one who cares to cast aside during the short recreation hours the monotonous barracks life, exchanging it for the pleasures afforded by social surroundings, whenever duty or punishment, which always comes unsought, does not compel him to remain caged in the Sanctum Sanctorum. Liberty Hall is the only place in Lexington, where the cadets irrespective of class enjoy the privileges of home life, as the charming hostess spares no trouble to make everything as pleasant and agree- able as possible. After the sweet strains of taps have commanded lights out and the only sound heard in barracks is the tramping of the lone sentinel intrusted with the safety of the lives of his fellow-cadets, many at homes are given in the different rooms, and in all these a great part of the choicest delicacies that the culinary art can procure are smuggled in from Liberty Hall, this operation requiring the greatest precaution and sagacity, for otherwise you will find yourself the pos- sessor of an empty basket, much to your regret. The fame of the smuggled eatables is known to all cadets, hence the need of care. One night last winter Liberty Hall came very near experiencing the fate that the building of the same name, situated not very far from the Athens of the South, and of great historic fame as an educational center, suffered in years past ; but the prompt arrival of the members

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(umtti iB Q. AMONG the celebrations of our Commencement week there is none due more notice in the pages of our Annual than the dav set apart for the assembly of the Alumni. Acknowledging their strong attachment to the Institute together with their sympathy and enthusiastic interest manifested for her maintenance and con- tinuation of usefulness in training young men of our great country to be good and honorable citizens, it becomes us as members of the grad- uating class to cordially welcome them and express in courteous terms our appreciation of their presence in our midst, and to exert every effort in making their stay most pleasant and agreeable. When we consider that the greatness of an institution of learning is but the greatness of her sons, demonstrated in service rendered mankind not only through thought and eloquence in peace ' s tran- quillity, but also by devotedness equally unshaken in times of deadly conflict, — not only strong amid the dazzling brilliance of a diplomatic crowd, but fearless and powerful before thickening masses of con- tending armies and smoke of musketry, — we are more and more deeply impressed with the sublimity of Virginia Military Institute, and with recognition of regard for her Alumni who have so nobly wrought her tame and glorious immortality. Alrginia Military Institute can well boast of her eminence. Her record in the past established by heroism of her sons is an imperishable spotless monument, fashioned and built not suddenly by the magic chisel of an accomplished artist to guard the memory of some potentate but her fair fame arose magnificent from the valor of those who fell in defence of the flag, and continues to endure by the life and virtue of those who survive ; warriors, statesmen, citizens. 23