Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 31.djvu/185

 New Market Day at V. M. I. 177

said, "we are veterans in precincts where we thought a man of thirty old."

A more eloquent tribute has seldom been paid the Institute than that paid by Mr. Wise. There was no such applause in the entire day as that which followed the conclusion of Mr. Wise's speech. As he came down the aisle to his seat he had to pause many times to shake the hands of his old comrades who crowded around him, the tears coming down the cheeks of many of them.

Colonel E. W. Nichol, treasurer of the New Market monument fund, made his report, which showed that the monument was paid for and that there was a small balance on hand.

Captain S. B. Walker, secretary and treasurer of the Alumni Association, read his annual report, showing a balance of fifty-odd dollars on hand. The report was adopted, and then Captain Walker suggested that the alumni, exclusive of the New Market Battalion, present the crosses, and also that the association be photographed in a body.

The Chair announced the following committee to arrange for the purchase of the crosses: Joseph R. Anderson, W. E. Cutshaw and John B. Purcell.

After some discussion it was agreed that the cost of the crosses should be met by voluntary contributions.

On motion of Colonel Purcell, the class of 1903 was elected to membership in the association.

Mr. Anderson read a letter received from Dr. George W. Wil- liams, of Farmington, Mo., class of '43, regretting that he could not be present, and also one from his wife, asking that some loving message be sent him, as he is now eighty-four years old and too feeble to attend the reunion. He is thought to be the oldest living cadet. A committee was directed to write a suitable letter to Dr. Williams and his wife.

In response to the motion of Dr. Upshur, the New Market sur- vivors decided to send their autographs to Ezekiel, the sculptor. This action was taken at the request of Mrs. Brauer, of Richmond, sister of the sculptor.

The old officers of the association, J. R. Anderson, president, and S. B. Walker, secretary, were unanimously re-elected.

BANQUET AND HOP.

The alumni banquet to-night and the hop were much enjoyed. Girls from all over Virginia were at the dance, and the speakers at

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