Washington Society
“With the excellent programme of the annual celebration of the Washington Literary Society the exercises of the joint commencement of the Randolph-Macon system of educational institutions were brought to a close.
“Prayer was offered by Bishop Granbery, after which Edwin B. Jones, president of the society, welcomed those present, and introduced J. W. Kight, of Front Royal, who entertained his hearers with a short, humorous sketch. Miss Swanson, of the Danville Institute, followed with a dialect recitation, entitled ‘Writin’ Back to the Home Folks.’ ‘Flying Jim’s Last Leap’ was the declamation given by Mr. Taylor, of the Bedford City Academy, and the next was an oration by F. Burke Fitzpatrick, of Randolph-Macon College. His speech was devoted to prophesying as to the future of Virginia, basing his remarks upon the record of the past.
“Miss Edith Cheatham’s address was ‘College Men and Women.’
“The programme was brought to a close by an oration, ‘A Great Work; Our Share in It,’ delivered by Frank A. Simpson, of Richmond, Va.
“On behalf of the Washington Literary Society, Professor R. B. Smithey presented three medals one to the best declaimer, D. R. Anderson; to the best debater, F. R. Hill; to the best orator, S. R. Tyler.
“Dr. E. E. Hoss, of Nashville, the speaker of the evening, was then introduced. His subject was ‘The Forces that Make Character.’ He delivered a strong and thoughtful address, which would have been more fully appreciated at an earlier hour.”