Page 130 - YB1896

Sk~tcb of Irving Cit~rarp SOCi~tp. W I-lEN the most new arduous task has that matriculated, hi111. 1f he is ignorant as to is the student the selection of a society confronts the and of the two demerits which is so contra- choose, merits he is at once overwhelmed societies advice between which he is to with dictory as to lead him into further difficulties than those which his vcrdancy would place him.\Vhen he has, after considerable difficulty, considered the advantages offered by the advocates of each society, he finds that a visit to each is necessary before he can make his choice. Irving Society whose praises I am 110t to sing, bur whose 1 am to tell, was organized in 1867, with Dr. J T. then President of College, as its first president. A constitution and were adopted, and Irving Society started upon what has proven to be a prosperous and progressive life. When Irving was founded, the college was small and rOOI11 was scarce; her first meetings were held in a small r00111, which at the same time was used for various other purposes. Irving is firmly establislled in a spacious and comfortable room, richly and containing a choice library of about I,Q(X) volumes of works, covering all ideas of literature, history and reference. The society was named after \Vashington Irving," The Prince of American Leiters," whose writings arc a shining example of American literature, and to whom every lover of literature looks with admiring eye. Irving is nobly accomplishing the wor-k for which she was founded. From her hall many minds have gone to successfully fight life's battles, proud and strong in the training received in her society hall. Her aim has always been one of cultivation and improvement, and she can proudly boast of her exactiYes. whose influence is felt wherever they may exert it-in the counting-office, store room, in the pulpit, at the bar, in the field of politics, and ill the House of Representatives. 11: is Irving's pride and boast that her every member, who has spent his leur years of his college course, has received full and benefits that have proven a bulwark of strength ill their future life. IrviJig been ever ready and willing to sustain her own and her college's reputation whenever called upon. J 11 all her endeavors Irving has acquitted herself with praise-in literary ability, dramatic skill and oratorical powers. Her entertainments have been not only a pride to herself, but an honor to the college which she represents.