Polk Township (part 3 of 4)

Reports Of Committees On State And Wishes Of The Churches

After careful examination, your committee finds the churches in a good and prosperous condition. New churches have been added to many of the charges; new chapels have been erected; pastors employed at stated salaries; new members quite frequently received in the churches; houses in good repair; peace prevails among the membership; the doctrine of Christain Union is well understood and maintained by our many live local churches; prayer meetings are held, and the attendance upon public preaching is often very large and universally good; our churches are liberal and generous toward all religious people.

On Bible Cause

We, your committee, report 1st, That we favor the general circulation of King James' translation of the bible; 2d, That we co-operate with the American bible society in its good work; 3d, That we recognize the bible as the great, grand, universal creed of the true church of Christ, and will have no other creed.

On Correspondence

1st. That we have continued to write numerous letters to different sections of our common field of operation, in which letters we have earnestly presented the claims of this blessed Union cause.

3d. We have carried on a correspondence with the prominent workers in and out of the state, from whose pens we have personally learned that our cause was well entrenched in the hearts and minds of all our most useful and successful workers.

5th. In our correspondence at home and abroad, we find no apparent weakening on the part of Christian Union advocates; all are more confident, with but very few exceptions.

6th. We have extended our correspondence beyond our immediate borders and have received words of cheer and good fellowship from D. L. Moody, J. V. Farwell, J. Cook, President Abernethy, Dr. Lyman Abbott, Dr. N. F. Ravlin, H. L. Hasting, H. W. Beecher, and many others, whose worthy names we have not space to mention.

7th. Our correspondence with Tennessee and Kentucky Christian Union assures us that the cause is rapidly gaining influence in those states. Good cheer reaches us from Brothers Deason, Cook, and others, giving accounts of the rapid and effectual advance of the work among their brethren.

8th. Correspondence shows to us that the good brethren in the northeastern portion of Missouri are pressing the work of Union with earnestness and faithful prayer.

9th. We have many communications from Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and elsewhere, written by private brethren, in which we have very cheering news concerning the advance of our active preachers and church workers.

10th. From letters in our possession we learn that quite a large number of members have united with us in the various states; that new churches have been established, and new chapels erected, and dedicated to the worship of Almighty God.

12th. Great anxiety is manifest on the part of all our brethren, - whose hearts are in the work - in relation to our having a firmly established printing house. Letters reach us almost daily, urging that we advance and lead off in this undertaking. Many matters have presented themselves to us, which time and space will not permit recounting.

We, your committee, report that, as resolutionsi expressive of our views, we refer our friends to the resolutions of the last state meeting, and those of the last general council. We stand upon the broad and catholic platform received and acknowledged by all Christians as essential to salvation. Our people are resolved to hold to no dogma calculated to produce and promote division in the church of God.

We, your committee, see no occasion for a change in boundaries, and recommend that they remain as heretofore; but suggest that district councils be held by the brethren of northeast Missouri.

On Sunday Schools

We, your committee, beg leave to report as follows: We would solicit the churches in different localities to establish Sunday-schools in their community without any sectarian principles connected with them; to establish them upon the principles and platform of American Union. Raise your children under the sway of the sceptre of Union and the oneness of the church of Christ; create within them large Union hearts. We would further recommend that the council instruct the state evangelist to do all in his power to organize American Union Sabbath-schools in the different localities visited by him, believing that the Sabbath-school is the nursery of the church.

We, your committee, report that some of the charges do not support their pastors as liberally as should be done, and therefore we urge that every church should contract with its pastor and pay him -promptly. That every member be required to pay to the support of the gospel among them. That the elders see to it, that every attendant on our services be invited to contribute to the support of the minister, that no one may fail of 'an opportunity to do his duty; that our members be advised to pay as the Lord has prospered them, so that our pastors may not be embarrassed in their calling.

On Fraternal Relations

2d. That the best of good feeling exists toward the brethren and the general work throughout the entire confines of the Christian ;Union field.

3d. That the reports we receive from the fraternal messengers who have been appointed to the previous state councils, indicate the best of results.

5th. That we herebv and herein declare that, as a people, we stand ready to fraternize with every Christian person or body of persons whose love and kindliness will prompt them to co-operate with us in our efforts to lead perishing mankind to the blood-stained cross of Jesus.

6th. That in our fraternal overtures we draw no party lines nor prescribe any sectarian or sectional boundaries or edicts, but ask for brotherly love and affiliation on the primal and essential truths of God's dear Son - our Savior.

7th. We rejoice to know that partisanism and sectarian denominationalism are rapidly dying out, and the great and holy principle of a soulsaving gospel getting hold upon and deeply in the hearts of good and true Christians in all the various religious organizations.

8th. The indications, everywhere, justify the conclusion that the religious elements of our country are drawing closer and still closer together.

On Publishing Interests

2d. That our cause is amply strong to maintain and support a printing house, at which all needed printing can be done at reasonable rates, and a good Christian Union paper provided for the promotion of our cause.

3d. We therefore propose that this council appoint a committee of - five, whose duty it shall be to proceed and raise means sufficient to buy a printing office, with all needful appurtenances, to print a Christian Union paper, etc., etc.

4th. That this committee be ordered by this body to use their wisdom in the plan of securing a publishing house, to-wit: That they induce one, two or more brethren to provide said office and have the proceeds thereof, and hire the editor; or, else, that said committee raise a general fund in a sum sufficient to buy an office complete - said sum to be raised by contributions throughout the brotherhood, by a canvass among the local churches; and that said office be the common property of the donors, and to be used, for all time to come, as the publishing house of the Christian Union.

5th. That we, after buying this office, authorize this said committee of five to arrange with Bro. J. V. B. Flack, our former editor, to run the said office and edit a Christian Union paper for a period of, at least, five years; unless, in the judgment of the committee and donors, his services should be discontinued and another take his place, or said editor desires to relinquish the office of his own motion.

ment the idea of the combined contributions of the Christian Union and public generally buying a printing office outfit complete, and then tender the use of said office for five years to Brother J. V. B. Flack, allowing him to have the use of the material, free of all expense, for said period, on condition that he provide a Christian Union weekly paper for our people, he, the said J. V. B. Flack, to receive all the proceeds for subscription and for job work done by the said office, he paying all the expenses for running said office, and keeping up the same to a point of usefulness.

On Publishing Minutes

We, your committee, advise that the proceedings of this council be printed in pamphlet form, and that means be raised at once to defray the expense thereof.

On Examination And Ordination

We, your committee, report that, after careful examination, we commend as proper candidates to ordination, Bros. J. R. Franklin and A. S. Gechter.

On Education

We, your committee, commend to your notice the wisdom and propriety of sound education. We urge that our members seek to give their children the advantages of learning. We suggest that at an early period we adopt measures to secure in our council bounds a first-class college, and until then we commend Rutherford College, Happy Home, North Carolina, to the patronage of our people. We also desire to hereby express our thanks to the above named college and its learned faculty for the merited honor they conferred upon our fellow worker, Brother J. V. B. Flack, in constituting the said beloved brother a doctor of divinity. His learning and faithfulness have rendered him worthy of all honor.

On Temperance

Resolved, that we are a temperance people; that we co-operate with all movements tending to help lift up the fallen inebriate; that we condemn the manufacture, sale and use of ardent spirits as a beverage; that we do not believe in organizing political parties on the temperance question, but think we should promote the cause by the machinery of the church and the conversion of the souls of the unfortunate.

On Unfinished Business On Public Worship

We, your committee on public worship, submit the following complete report : Preaching, Thursday night, by Elder A. Arnote ; preaching, Friday, at 11 A. m., by Elder J. R. Franklin; preaching, Friday night, by Elder A. S. Gechter; preaching, Saturday, at 11 a. m., by Elder N. Nickeson; preaching Saturday night, by Elder N. H. French; social meeting, Sunday, at 9 A. m., by Elder D. H. McClure; preaching, Sunday, at 11 a. m., by ( Elder G. W. Mitchell; sacramental meeting, at 3 p. m., by Elder H.

On Memorial

Since, in the mysterious providences of God, our Heavenly Father, some of the beloved members of the Missouri Annual Council have been called from labor to reward, from earth-life to heaven-life, from mortal to immortal shores, from this valley of grief and partings, to the clime of glory and reunion : Therefore, we express our sense of their absence and our Christian condolence for the bereaved families of the deceased, by hereby recording their names, in token of the fact that their meritorious character and many exceeding excellencies are embalmed in the warm hearts of the members of this Annual Council. That the coming future and its generations may not be oblivious to the estimable and enviable memory of Elder Samuel Leabo, and Brothers G. W. Madden and Wilson Samples, we hereby declare that those beloved brethren were true and worthy citizens of our common country, and of the Christian Union and the State Council of Missouri ; that they left behind them abiding evidences of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and the joyful assurance of an abundant entrance into the eternal City of God, and the endless fellowship of the saints. May the angels of heavenly wing ever watch over their silent graves.

Pleasant Valley Chapel

Brother Ephland writes the church report of the above-named church: This church is a new organization; was established by Elder Andrew Arnote; has sixty-two members in good standing; have enjoyed the spirit of revival during the last year; the pastor is very much appreciated for his ability, zeal and piety; have erected a commodious new church house, tastefully finished, and paid for; the house was dedicated by Elder J. V. B. Flack, D.D.; it was claimed that 2,000 persons were in attendance at the time of dedication; our future looks bright; we adhere to the doctrine of church union; the word of God is our only creed; we are living in daily evincement of the teaching of the 17th chapter of St. John.

Report Of Elder A. Arnote

Dear Brethren: Tongue cannot express the thankfulness of mv heart - to an allwise and loving Father - for the preservation of our lives and the many blessings extended to us during another year. It has pleased the good Lord to spare us so that we can meet once more and behold each other, face to face. I rejoice, brethren, that we can meet and congratulate each other that our work is prospering and Christian Union is moving forward every da}', but let us not think that we will gain the victory riding on flowery beds of ease. The devil trembles ' lest the prayer of our blessed Savior be fulfilled, and the world made to believe; therefore he contends for every inch of ground we pass over, and sectarianism turns its artillery upon us. As men increase in education and a knowledge of the Lord, they naturally desire to throw off the yoke of bondage and dwell together in unity and love, consequently sectarian lines are beginning to break, and many are deserting and coming over to our ranks, hence we may naturally expect a strong resistance from their leaders, but, dear brethren, stand firm fear; not to declare the doctrine of Union. Christ prayed for it, God ordained it, and as sure as God sits upon the throne, Christian Union will prevail, and God's people will be one. I have served as pastor of Graham, Union, Rocky Fork, and Pleasant Valley churches during the year past; have held rive protracted meetings on my work, all resulting in grand success; God's people were revived, sinners convicted, and mourners converted at each meeting; I have witnessed forty-eight conversions during the year, and received sixty.five members in the churches ; I leave my charges in good spiritual condition ; to God be all the glory. Pray for me that I may be an humble and successful co-worker with you for Christ and Union.

In the beginning, when God created man, and then woman, and brought her to the man, he pronounced them one. Of one family, - most intricately united - he started the wheels of generations. The extensive domain of earth was to be thronged by one and the same stock of human beings. The early generations were kept in the favorite relation of unity and peace as long as they remained in favor of and under the guidance of the original All-One-Father. When, by the introduction and conquests of sin, the normal status and condition of man was changed; then war, disquiet, unrest, discord and division tided in upon the world's destinies, and consequently, the world's happiness. Satan and sin have ever been the fruitful, prominent and effectual causes of the absence of peace and union, and the presence of war and disunion. The position has historically demonstrated itself in all and every age of the past developments of human life and society. It would be doing an injustice to God, to intimate that He created intelligent, immortal, and undying souls, for the mere purpose of variance, inharmony, hate, and cruel vengeance. His spirit, and every attribute, puts the Great Maker on the side of quiet, peace, comfort, and joy to all beings into whose nostrils He breathed the breath of life. Jehovah has frowned upon and condemned every divisional and discordant note that ever broke its remorseless sound upon the ears of ever-living and eternally intelligent mankind; the angelkind, before the world's birth, or before the stars had hymned their songs of joyful praise, knew that peace and union must tranquilly ever play its balmy zephyrs around the dazzling throne; that there could not be a heaven with warring winds, and roaring storms; croaking raven, and screaming eagle; roaring lion and howling wolf, God carefully maintained the blessings of unity among his chosen people, until they turned their backs upon him. When any people, of any country, turn away from God, they are left to themselves, and are riven and torn in twain. Had past generations remained loyal to the King of Kings, the floods of blood, carnage, conflagration, and death, that have devastated the earth, would never have occurred. The great hand and arm of God has been visible at all times, and the evident maintenance of peace and pleasantness among his children, has ever written - in letters of adamant - that the Divine One was not pleased with the presence of the elements of discord and sin. Historic Israel teaches that God desires and designs to preserve a united commonwealth. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came heralded by peace messengers, and messages of " Peace on earth, good will to men." Fittingly the Temple of Janus was closed, and the whole world was desirous of universal rest and peace. The angel host sang " good news," while the audience of har- monious stars gave them noiseless reverence; and Bethlehem's happy, social, and united shepherds looked upon the scene with rapture and delight. Christ came to unite, and keep united, the hearts of his followers; hence, he bound them with every common tie and sacred chord of love; finally, sealing the consummated union with his own royal and divine blood. One with the Father, he came to make his people likewise one.

The same holy principle led and stimulated the mission and work of the apostles, and was proclaimed and clearly inculcated in all their teaching. Paul forcibly presented the necessity of this doctrine in his epistles, and doubtless urged it in all his wondrful and vivid discourses. The principle of the unity of God's people lies in the very genius of the gospel, and the effects of saving grace on the heart and life of every rescued sinner proves the naturalness of the holy and lovable sentiment: "As ye receive Christ Jesus so walk ye in Him." The good Christian, who can read the illustrious prayer of Christ, recorded in the 17th of John, and not believe in the union of Christians, has not been found. God never meant that his people should be divided. Christ emphatically taught us to be one, declaring that " there shall be one fold and one shepherd." Paul says: "Since there are wars and divisions among you, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?"

For about two hundred years after Christ there was love, union, peace, and quiet, when wicked and ambitious priests created discord, schism, heresies and sects. The long series of sins and mistakes that followed, until over six hundred rival sectarian bodies were formed, cannot be noticed in this connection. Now, what? The object of the Christian Union movement is to go directly back to first principles, take up the same doctrines of Christ and the apostles, ignore all the isms and dogmas that have caused sects, and seek to promulgate pure primitive Christianity, standing on essentials only. These churches, now numerous, and these Christians, now an army for multitude, declare that they adhere to and advocate the following sentiments, common to every real child of God: (1) The oneness of the church. (2) God, our Creator and Father. (3) Christ, our Savior and only head. (4) The Holy Spirit, our regenerator. (5) The Bible, our only jcreed. (6) Good fruits, our only condition of fellowship. (7) Each local church governs itself. (8) The right of private opinion. (9) Christian and church union, without controversy about questions that neither save nor damn the soul.

Lawson Baptist Church

This church was organized October 4th, 1879, by Elder W. C. Barrett. Following are the names of the original members: Mary Hollingworth, Josephine Palmer, Tillie Asbury, Lottie. Asbury, Mary Jones, Puss Hatfield, Mary L. Smith, Sarah Ahart, Jennie Robinett, Eliza Garrison, J. L. Smith, William Ahart, M. Nicholson and John Garrison.

The house of worship is frame; was built in 1879, and cost $1,082.92. The building was dedicated on the first Lord's day in s August, 1880, by Revs. W. C. Barrett, of Plattsburg, and T. W. Barrett, of Jefferson City. The pastor of this church is Rev. W. C. Barrett. The present membership is seventeen.

Educational

It is to the interest of every man to live in a refined, moral and educated community. Ignorance is the handmaid of vice. Education promotes the happiness, harmony and general well-being of society. Where ignorance prevails, religion is neglected, progress impeded, crime increases, and disorder reigns. The only way of improving the social, mental and moral status of mankind is, by the dissemination of useful knowledge among all classes, in every community. The great aim of education, in the true meaning of that term, is to make mo?-al beings of those upon whom the advantages of learning are bestowed. Therefore, every member of society is equally interested in the diffusion of intelligence. Every man and woman in Ray county is mutually benefitted by the means of education, placed within the reach of all. The good of society demands that every member thereof shall receive at least a common school education. It is the one true way of promoting the peace, good order and prosperity of the state. Where public instruction is fostered and maintained, men are prosperous and progressive in every department of life. Education upholds religion, propels the machinery of government, and sustains the whole fabric of society. To no community of Christian people is this fact better, or more appreciatively known, than to the citizens of Ray county; and to their encouragement and maintenance of common schools, under the laws of the state, is largely due the enviable prosperity the county enjoys.

Section I. of Article VI. of the first constitution of Missouri, declared, that: " Schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged in this state; and the general assembly shall take measures to preserve from waste or damage such lands as have been, or hereafter may be granted by the United States, for the use of schools within each township in this state, and shall apply the funds which may arise from such lands, in strict conformity to the object of the grant; one school, or more, shall be established in each township, as soon as practicable and necessary, where the poor shall be taught gratis."

The general assembly subsequently provided for the appointment of commissioners by the county in each county court, to preserve from waste or damage the school lands mentioned above; and at the first term of the county court in Ray county, April 2, 1821, the court "ordered that John Shields, John Stanley, James Snowden, Sr., John Hutchings and Samuel Tilford be appointed to superintend and preserve from waste, all school lands in this county; and that they be empowered to lease or rent the same for any term not exceeding five years."

As soon as possible after the completion of hovels in which to live, and of preparations absolutely necessary for their sustenance and comfort, the first settlers commenced the building of school houses. Such as they built were poor and mean, it is true, but they could do no better, and doing their best, they did well.

There are, at present, (May, 1881,) one hundred and twelve school buildings in the county. They are commodious, comfortable and substantial, and comport well with the advanced and improved condition of the county, in other than educational affairs.

The municipal townships are divided into school districts; and the employment of teachers and the control and management of the schools (except as to the authority of teachers) are vested in a board of directors, composed of three members, elected by the qualified voters of each district, at the annual school meeting, which is held on the first Tuesday in April, of each year.

The public teachers of Ray county, who receive a certificate of qualification from the county commissioner, are liberally, though perhaps not quite adequately, paid for their services, and it is fair to say that, as a rule, they are exceptionally industrious and competent.

Mr. Lindsey Dickey, a courteous, agreeable gentleman, now principal of the Taitsville public school, has, doubtless, been longer continuously engaged as teacher in the public schools of Ray county, than any of his brother teachers, he having taught in this county for fifteen successive years.

Thomas M. Deacy, Esq., county commissioner, kindly furnishes us the following educational statistics of the county, for the year 1880. It is simply a copy of his report to the state superintendent of. public schools; and it is believed that, especially in after years, it will be of peculiar interest.

Richmond College

In the year 1851, the ynod of the Presbyterian Church of Missouri realizing the importance of establishing a first-class college to be under its control, resolved, " That the time is come to arise and build," and appointed a committee composed of elders from different parts of the state, to examine such places as should offer inducements for its location and report at the next meeting of synod.

For some months preceding the meeting of synod in Fulton, October,. 1852, the most vigorous efforts were put forth in Ray county to raise a large subscription in money and land in order to secure the location of the college at Richmond.

The county was thoroughly canvassed by able speakers, who set forth the great advantages that would result, not only to Richmond, but the county, by securing the location of this institution of learning at our county seat.

The Richmond Herald, the only newspaper published in the county at that time, the publication of which commenced in March, 1852, in a number of able and spirited editorials and articles urged the great importance of this movement, and called upon the people of Ray county to present a liberal subscription to the synod that was to meet at Fulton in the ensuing October.

After a thorough canvass the subscription realized from the county was $15,000 in money and ten acres in land within the limits of the city of Richmond. The subscription in money was subsequently increased to $18,00t). This was regarded as the best subscription made by any of the contending points.

A delegation of citizens was selected to represent the county, and present its claims for the location of this institution of learning at Richmond, to the Presbyterian synod of Missouri that was to meet at Fulton, Callaway county, Missouri, on Tuesday. October 12, 1852.

The delegation consisted of Dr. George W. Buchanan, Joseph S. Hughes, William Boyce, Dr. Henry C. Garner, James W. Black, and Captain William M. Jacobs.

Reverend David Harbeson, Hon. Austin A. King, who was then governor of Missouri; Hon. E. M. Samuel, of Clay county, Missouri; Reverend T. A. Bracken, and a number of other prominent citizens from western Missouri, were present advocating the claims of Richmond as being the most eligible place for the location of this institution of learning.

The claims of the other contending points were also ably presented, especially those of Fulton and Booneville. Hon. John Jameson, of Callaway county, and other prominent citizens, made the most earnest efforts in behalf of Fulton. Considerable influence was exerted by the citizens in Fulton and vicinity with whom the Presbyterian clergymen were quartered during the session of Synod. The delegation of citizens from Richmond, it is proper to state here, -were all quartered at Hackady's hotel and most hospitably entertained, but met with no Presbyterian clergymen entertained at this hotel from other portions of the state than western Missouri.

Hon. John G. Miller, then a member of congress from the third district of Missouri, made a most eloquent and impressive speech in favor of Booneville, presenting its claims with great clearness and vigor of thought. The ingenuity of his arguments, in showing that Booneville was the most elegible point for the college, and the most flourishing central city of Missouri, was highly complimented by many in the audience.

On taking the vote, after all the contending points had been duly heard, Fulton received a majority of the votes of the synod, and was consequently declared to be the most eligible place for the location of the Presbyterian College. Richmond received a large number of votes, being the only strong contending point against Fulton. Booneville and St. Charles received but a few votes.

The Reverend Hiram P. Goodrich, after the question of the location of the college had been decided, suggested the name, Westminster, as the most appropriate name for the college, which was adopted by the synod.

Considerable disappointment was manifested by the friends of Richmond, who had advocated its claims for the location of the college. An effort was therefore soon made by the Presbytery of Upper Missouri, to establish a Presbyterian College at Richmond, Missouri, on the endowment plan from scholarship. Vigorous efforts were at once made to place the projected scheme on a proper basis. The citizens of Ray county agreed to guarantee the building fund of $15,000, and the Presbytery of Upper Missouri to guarantee the endowment fund of $40,000.

Whereas, The presbytery of Upper Missouri, (O. S.) in view of the rapidly increasing population of that portion of the state, denominated Upper Missouri, and the existing and prospective necessity of educational institutions of a high order, desire to locate, erect and endow, a college of said character, in or near the town of Richmond, in Ray county, to meet said necessities; therefore,

Samuel, W. M. Paxton, Robert Sevier, James L. McCoun, R. H. Smith, Robert Clark, D. F. Green, N. Davis, J. R. Allen, and George W. Dunn, shall be, and they and their successors in office, are hereby constituted a body politic and corporate, by the name, "The Trustees of Richmond College."

The first meeting of the board of trustees of Richmond College, was in the city of Richmond, on Thursday, the 29th of December, 1853. The following trustees were present: George W. Dunn, William Dickson, A. V. C. Schenck, Thomas A. Bracken, J. B. Harbison, I. W. Canrleld, James L. McCoun, Lewis Green, Nathaniel Davis, George I. Wasson, Robert Sevier (resigned).

Soon after the complete organization of the board of trustees was effected, arrangements were made for building the college. The contract for building it was let to William Hunter, in the year 1856. The site selected for it was in the southern suburbs of the city of Richmond, on a beautiful eminence called College Hill, surrounded by a delightful and inviting "campus."

The work of the building had progressed so far, and was so near completion by September, 1856, that the lower stories could be occupied for the purposes intended by the board of trustees. Richmond College was therefore formally opened in September, 1856, for students. Reverend John L. Yantis, D. D., a distinguished Presbyterian divine, was duly installed as president of it. Prof. Oliver Cunningham, a teacher of great experience and ability, was selected as professor of languages. Professor Rufus B. Finley, a teacher of high standing, and a thorough mathematician, was chosen for the position of professor of mathematics. There were also assistant teachers in the different departments. The college opened with the most flattering prospects; a large number of students was soon in attendance, and everything connected with this young institution of learning seemed to progress most admirably, in every respect, for about two years. About this time it was ascertained that the resoures and liberality of the presbytery of Upper Missouri had been overestimated. The friends of Westminster College, at Fulton, charged a want of good faith, on the part of the presbytery of Upper Missouri, that had been one of the contestants for the synodical college; that having failed in obtaining it, it should have acquiesced in the decision of synod in establishing the college at Fulton, in October, 1852; that it should not have engaged in an enterprise and movement that placed it in an opposing attitude to the interests of the synodical college at Fulton. This was the prominent cause of the enthusiasm waning for establishing a Presbyterian College at Richmond, and in a great measure caused the enterprise to give way. It was also ascertained at this time, that the financial scheme for endowing the college from scholarships, was far from being a success, and fell far behind the expectation of the friends of the college. At the end of two years it was found that the fund realized from the endowment plan by scholarships was only $13,000 of the $40,000 promised, and agreed upon. Failing, therefore, to realize a sufficient amount from the endowment fund to meet the annual expenses of the college, and that a debt was rapidly accumulating, the presbytery of Upper Missouri submitted to the board of trustees of Richmond College the proposal that the presbytery would assume the entire indebtedness, not only the debt to the teachers, which had become a considerable one, but to relieve it of indebtedness of every kind, and cancel the guaranty bond of the citizens of Ray county for the building fund of $15,000 for Richmond College, on condition that the guaranty bond of the presbytery of Upper Missouri, for the endowment fund for $40,000, should also be canceled, and- the college building revert to the people of Ray county. This proposition was accepted. The agreements were not fully complied with until some years afterward. The presbytery of Upper Missouri relinquished all claim to the college building and grounds, which reverted to the people of Ray county, Missouri.

Some time, however, before this arrangement had been consummated, James R. Allen, of Ray county, had completed the Richmond college edifice, at his own expense, and received the grateful acknowledgments of the synod of upper Missouri in a resolution passed in session at Lexington, Missouri, September 29, 1860. The synod of Upper Missouri was organized some time after the presbytery of Upper Missouri had engaged in the work of locating, erecting, and endowing the Richmond college. This explanation is made to show the connection of the synod of Upper Missouri with the Richmond College, and all matters pertaining to it.

Some of the original trustees of the college having resigned, the follow ing board of trustees were elected, and classed as required in the charter by the synod of Upper Missouri, at the session held at Lexington, September 29, 1860: First class, composed of Judge George W. Dunn, Rev. Robert Scott, George I. Wasson, Lewis Green, and Rev. Ralph Harris; second class, Rev. I. Canfield, Dr. B. A. Rives, Preston Dunlap, James Furguson, and A. W. Hutchins; third class, Benjamin J. Brown, Geo. W. Buchanan, D. F. Green, Rev. D. Coulter, D. D., and Dr. I. M. Keith, any seven of which to constitute a quorum.

After it was ascertained that Richmond College could no longer be -sustained on account of the reasons already mentioned, private schools were organized, and taught in the college building, one by Rufus W. Finley, and one by George B. Turner. These schools were well patronized, and admirably conducted, until the spring of 1861, when the blast of " grim-visaged war" was heard in the land, they ceased to exist.

Richmond College building from the commencement of the great civil war until its close, instead of being the temple of learning, the home of star-eyed science, became, from necessity, a fortress bristling with bayonets, and arrayed in all the fierce panooly of war.

From 1862 till 1865 large bodies of troops were quartered in it at different times, and as a natural consequence the injuries it sustained were considerable. As soon as practicable after the close of the war, repairs were made to the college building by the board of trustees, and it was put in as good condition, if not better, than it was before the commencement of the war. In September, 1867, a tier of lots on the east and west sides of the college ground, extending entirely across it from north to south, was sold, in accordance with legal process, and the amount realized from said sale was appropriated to the liquidation of a portion of the debt against the trustees of the college building. James R. Allen instituted suit against the trustees of Richmond College, in 1862, in Ray county circuit court, for the amount of money advanced by him to complete the college building in the year 1858, but dying before the suit was determined, the administrators were substituted as plaintiffs in the case. Failing to obtain judgment in the circuit court, the cause was appealed to the 5th district court of Missouri, held at St. Joseph, Missouri, and on being heard, resulted in a reversal of the judgment of the Ray county circuit court.

In September, 1868, Rev. Samuel J. Huffaker opened a high school in the college building, for the co-ordinate education of male and female pupils. The faculty for the collegiate year of this school, from 1868 to 1869, were as follows: Rev. S. J. Huffaker, principal and teacher in the several schools; Lafayette W. Groves, professor of ancient languages, and assistant teacher in the several schools; Frank G. Gibson, professor of pure and mixed mathematics, French, and assistant in the several schools; Miss Mattie Steele, mistress of primary school; Miss Docia Smith, assistant in library school; Miss Ruth B. Colgan, principal of music school.

The board of trustees at this time, 186S to 1869, were: Judge G. W. Dunn, president; Dr. W. W. Mosby, C. T. Garner, Esq., G. I. Wasson, Esq., treasurer; Judge Walter King, Joseph S. Hughes, Esq., J. C. Cates Esq.

Teachers in Richmond College in scholastic year from 1869 to 1870: Samuel J. HufFaker, principal; Lafayette W. Groves, professor of languages; Frank G. Gibson, professor of mathematics; Mrs. F. M. Pritchard, mistress of primary school; Miss Ruth B. Colgan, principal of music school.

Board of trustees from 1869 to 1870, were as follows: Judge Geo. W. Dunn, president; Dr. W. W. Mosby, C. T. Garner, Esq., Geo. I. Wasson, Judge Walter King, J. C. Cates, Esq., Joseph S. Hughes, and Isaac Hale, Esq.

Teachers in Richmond College, scholastic year from 1870 to 1871 : Samuel J. HufFaker, principal; Lafayette W. Groves, professor of languages; Frank G. Gibson, professor of mathematics; Miss M. A. S. Clark, teacher in intermediate department until February, 1871; Miss Mary Woodson, successor to Miss Clark, in intermediate department; Miss Alice Colter, teacher in primary department; Miss Ruth B. Colgan, principal in music school.

Board of trustees from 1870 to 1871: Geo. W. Dunn, president; C. T. Garner, secretary; Geo. I. Wasson, treasurer; Dr. W. W. Mosby, Judge Walter King, Joseph S. Hughes, J. C. Cates, and Isaac Hale.

The graduating class of this year were: Miss Lucy S. Menefee, Miss Ollie Miller, Miss Sallie Harbison, Charles J.- Hughes, Jr., James W. Garner, and Geo. W. Sweich. The essays and orations of this class on commencement day, were splendid efforts. They sparkled with brilliant thoughts, and glowed with beautiful imagery.

Teachers in Richmond graded school, from 1871 to 1872, organized under school laws of Missouri as Richmond public school:* N. B. Peeler, principal; F. G. Gibson, professor of mathematics; Rev. Samuel E. Derackin, teacher in intermediate department; Mrs. F. M. Pritchard, teacher in intermediate department; Alvin S. Child, teacher in primary department; Miss Alice Colter, teacher in intermediate department; Miss Flora Child, teacher in primary department; Miss Bettie Lynch, teacher in primary department; Miss Docia Smith, teacher in primary department.

Board of directors from 1871 to 1872, were: Dr. W. W. Mosby, president; C. J. Hughes, Sr., secretary; A. K. Reyburn, treasurer; Geo. W. Dunn, D. H. Harbison, and Geo. I. Wasson.

*The public school in Richmond, Missouri, was first organized in the year 1859. Prior to that time the public moneys were distributed among the children residing in the territory afterward.-* included in the Richmond school district, who attended the various private schools. Joseph E. Black taught the first session of the public school, assisted b}r Miss Cynthia J. Cole. The public school was continued until the organization of Richmond College, in 1871, as above stated.

Teachers in Richmond College, for the scholastic year from 1872 to 1873, were as follows: S.J. Huffaker, principal; T. F. Peake, professor of languages; Reverend Thomas B. King, intermediate department, succeeded by Thomas J. Dodd, in February, 1873; Miss Emma Pybas, high school department; Miss Maggie Jackson, intermediate department; Miss Docia Smith, primary department; Miss Bettie Lynch, primary department; Mrs. Ruth B. Colgan, music teacher; Thomas J. Dodd, (successor to Thomas B. King), teacher from February, 1873, to close of term.

Board of directors from 1872 to 1873: W. W. Mosby, president; Chas. J. Hughes, secretary; A. K. Rayburn, treasurer; Geo. W. Dunn, Geo. I. Wasson, and Henry C. Garner.

Teachers for the scholastic year from 1873 to 1874 - (board of trustees same as from 1872 to 1873): S. J. Huffaker, president; Thomas F. Peake, professor of languages and elocution; James Jane Allen, professor of Greek, French, logic, and English literature; Charles J. Hughes, professor of mathematics, mathematical science, and political economy; Mrs. Clara K. Fore, intermediate department; Mr. Delos Luther, intermediate department; Mrs. P. M. Luther, primary department; Miss Docia Smith, primary department; Miss Bettie Lynch, primary department; Mrs. C. M. Murray, vocal music; Miss Ruth B. Colgan, music teacher.

The graduating class of 1874 were: C. T. Garner, Jr., Miss Lizzie S. Garner, Miss Josie H. Shweich, Miss Maggie E. Rimmer, and Miss Julia M. Beyan.

Teachers in Richmond graded school, for scholastic year from 1874 to 1875: Samuel J. Huffaker, principal; Thomas F. Peake, professor of languages; Charles J. Hughes, professor of mathematics; Z. M. Willis, intermediate department; Mrs. Clara Fore, intermediate department; Miss Docia T. Smith, Miss Bettie Lynch, and Mrs. S. E. Percival, primary department; Miss Ruth B. Colgan, music teacher.

The board of trustees for this year were: Dr. W. W. Mosby, president; Charles J. Hughes, secretary; A. K. Rayburn, Geo. W. Dunn; H. C. Garner, and Geo. I. Wasson.

Graduating class of 1875: William Banister, Geo. Warriner, Warner Holt, Miss Maggie Hughes, Miss Mollie Rodman, Miss Susie Demasters, Miss Ida Carter, and John R. Watkins.

Teachers in Richmond graded school, from 1S75 to 1876: Samuel J. Huffaker, principal; Thomas F. Peake, professor of languages; Charles J. Hughes, Jr., professor of mathematics; Z. M. Willis, intermediate department; Mrs. C. Fore, intermediate department; Mrs. S. E. Perci-

Teachers in Richmond graded school from 1876 to 1877: S. J. Huffaker, principal; Joseph Godby, professor of languages; C.J. Hughes, Jr., professor of mathematics ;G. M. Caldwell, intermediate department; Mrs.S E. Percival, teacher in primary; Miss Josie Sweich, teacher in primary; Miss Bell Jacobs, teacher in primary; Miss Ruth B. Colgan, music teacher; Miss M. D. Morehead, music teacher.

Board of directors from 1876 to 1877, were: James L. Farris, president; Chas. J. Hughes, secretary; Geo. I. Wasson, John T. Quirk and Geo. W Dunn.

Teachers in Richmond graded school from 1877 to 1878: Samuel J. Huflaker, principal; N. B. Peeler, professor of languages (resigned); Elder James E. Dunn, succeeded N. B. Peeler ;T. F. Peake, professor of languages; Mrs. S. E. Holt (formerly Mrs. Percival), primary department; Charles B. Armstrong, elected to succeed Mrs. Holt; Josie Sweich, primary department; Mrs. Mary H. Menefee, primary department; Mrs. Mary H. Shaw, primary department; Miss Ruth B. Colgan, music teacher.

Board of directors from 1877 to 1878, were: Jas. L. Farris, president; C.J.Hughes, secretary; Geo. I. Wasson, John T. Quirk, James D. Taylor, George W. Dunn.

Teachers in Richmond graded school from 1878 to 1879: Rev. Jas. Greer, principal; Jno. P. Anshu, intermediate department; Miss Ann Greer, intermediate department; Miss Docia Smith, primary department; Miss Bettie Lynch, primary department; Mrs. Mary H. Menefee, primary department.

Board of directors from 1878 to 1879: Geo. W. Dunn, president; Jno. C. Brown, J. T. Taylor, Geo. I. Wasson, Geo. N. McGee, secretary; and Thos. J. Dodd.

Teachers in Richmond graded school from 1S80 to 1881: Benjamin F. Duncan, A. M., professor of history, rhetoric, English literature, civil government, mental and moral philosophy, and international law ; James M. Long, A. M., professor of natural sciences and Latin; Charles B. Shotwell, A. B., professor of mathematics and physiology; William S. Tompkins, principal of intermediate department, and teacher of fourth grade; Mrs. J. M. Long, teacher of third grade; Miss Nettie Keith, teacher of second grade; Mrs. M. H. Menefee, teacher of first grade; Miss Ada Butler, teacher of instrumental music.

Board of directors from 1880 to 1881: James W. Black, president of board of directors; George N. McGee, secretary until August 1,1880, the time of his death. He was succeeded by George A. Hughes, by appointment of board to fill vacancy. George I. Wasson, treasurer; George W. Dunn, George W. Buchanan, James L. Farris.

Teachers for Richmond graded school, elected by board of directors for scholastic year, from 1881 to 1882, to commence September 12, 1881: Benjamin F. Duncan, A. M., principal; Charles Howard Greathouse, A. M., first assistant; James Black, A. B., professor of mathematics and languages; William S. Tompkins, principal of intermediate department; Miss Lucy Shotwell, teacher of fourth grade; Miss Lutie Palmer, teacher of third grade; Miss Bettie Lynch, teacher of second grade; Mrs. Mary H. Menefee, teacher of first grade; Miss Florie Duncan, principal in music department.

Board of directors for Richmond graded school in 1881: James W. Black, president; George A. Hughes, secretary; George I. Wasson, treasurer; John C. Brown, George W. Buchanan, James L. Farris.

Teachers elected for colored school in Richmond for 1881 to 1882, to commence September: John D. Waltan, principal; and Milan McGee, assistant teacher.

The Richmond school is now one of the best in Missouri. The number of puplis in attendance is very large. The course of studies is admirably arranged, so as to make it complete and thorough in meeting, in every respect, the requirements of a people distinguished not only for strong practical intelligence, but also for refined culture and classical elegance. Professor B. F. Duncan and his corps of able and accomplished teachers have given this school a splendid reputation. The mode and system of their teaching is fully up with all the successful modern improvements in the art and science of educating, and keeps well to the front in the advanced progress of the age. The broad foundation of a solid education in deeply laid in the primary and intermediate departments, so that on its Doric strength, the elegant and classical superstructure can be

The prospect for the future continued success of the school is flattering in the highest degree. The good work so nobly done in the past, on the part of the teachers in this school is a splendid guaranty of what the future will be, in training the minds of our youth as they ascend the " hill of science," in obtaining a virtuous and noble education.

Richmond College is situated on a beautiful eminence in the southern addition to the city of Richmond, that affords a glorious view of the surrounding country for many miles. No place in the west can boast of greater advantages as a seat of a literary institution than Richmond. In point of health it is unsurpassed. Its elevated situation frees it from all local causes of malarious diseases. The water is pure, the air salubrious. Some mineral springs have been recently discovered near it, St. Cloud mineral springs, whose health restoring qualities are attracting visitors from all parts of our state. The college building is a spacious and elegant edifice, of modern style of architecture, and makes a very attractive appearance standing upon the crown of a graceful swell of a sloping hill.

The citizens of Richmond and vicinity knowing full well that education is the "pearl of great price," have earned the well deserved reputation of being great workers in the cause of education, doing all in their power to foster, cherish, and sustain their noble institution of learning, so that it may be the pride of their city and county.

To the Board of Education: Sirs: - I have the honor to present the following as my report for the year closing with this date, being the second annual report since my connection with the schools.

The year just closed, has been, to our people, one of great material prosperity, and this has had a marked influence in the success of our schools.

The number in attendance, as may be seen from our tables of statistics, is largely in excess of last year's attendance, and we think that there is no egotism in saying the work done is far better than during the preceding year.

In getting up the crude materials from which this report is compiled, it has been my custom to note from day to day such facts as seemed to grow out of the experiences of the school room, and impressions felt at the time. There are experiences in our daily work in the school room that are of great value to the teacher, and if a proper regard is had to these, they become the basis of many sound and healthful improvements. It has been my aim to note carefully the effect of any experiment looking to the improvement of the schools whether tentatively applied or proved by long usages.

It is believed that the curriculum of studies pursued in the Richmond public schools is not only equal to that of any school, public or private, in northwest Missouri, but superior to most and fully abreast with the progressive spurt of the age. The course of study comprising the ancient languages, natural sciences and mathematics, is, we think, ahead of any similar school in this part of the state.

By reference to the carefully and judiciously graded course of study, it may be seen that the time required to complete it properly, embraces a period of eleven years, from the time the child enters school at first, to the time when it may, with due diligence, finish. It is true that many of our students enter upon the active duties and employments of life before completing the entire course, feeling that they have acquired enough to meet all the exigencies that may arise in life. This, in a certain sense is true; but without additional expense to the community we are able to supply a much larger and more thorough course of training, a course intended to equip for the higher and professional walks in life. This higher training cannot, I think, be well dispensed with, without great injury to your schools and the course of education generally. In reference to the studv of Latin, the decision of school officers in other free schools has been uniformly favorable to its retention. We are gratified that this has been the result reached, if for no other reason than because there was a popular demand for its continuance, which, if disregarded, would seriously injure the standing of our schools. I am confident that any effort looking to a further contraction of the excellent course of education at present in vogue in our schools, would cause the withdrawal from it of some of the best material now in attendance. The discussion of the advantage of the study of Latin is an old one, but the history of education shows that no great headway has been made by those who hold that it is a useless study. The thorough study of a language that underlies the modern southern languages, and is so largely interwoven with the English, cannot be an unprofitable or unpractical study. The chief objection has appeared to be that the results of Latin are not like those of what are called practical studies. The student of surveying has the results of his knowledge in tangible shape, while the results of Latin scholarship, like the moral training at home, are a part of and color everything done in life, and yet rarely appear in such tangible form as to be readily separated and pointed out. The study of Latin is the study of the crystalized embodied thought of ages, that thought which underlies and has been made the foundation of modern civilization.

One cannot study the language thoroughly, without better understanding from a knowledge of that which underlies it, the drift of modern thought. Every Latin word in our language, like the river at its mouth, contains the spring that was the source, and all the contributions from all sides on its way down to us ; to follow it back to its source, is not only mental exercise of great value, but it is obtaining a knowledge of not the language we speak alone, but also of the thought of this age in the material which has contributed to and determined its direction. Certainly the highest aim in education is the training of the mind, without which practical knowledge is as useless and impracticable as a garret and its useless contents. It is true that a mere smattering in any branch is not training, and confers no practical benefits, but it is also true that it is the very few that acquire more than a mere smattering, whether the aim be practical knowledge or mental training. In thorough study of the ancient languages, it is the experience and settled opinion of great educators, and one demonstrated in the practical efficiency of thorough scholars in all fields of human endeavor, that it confers the highest mental training, and the highest practical efficiency and aptitude for all pursuits, as well as a useful knowledge. It does not stand alone, and is not only not incompatible with other studies, but the best preparation for thorough knowledge of those things miscalled practical - miscalled when it is intended to convey the meaning that the languages are unpractical study. This much has been said in regard to the ancient languages, because of the belief in their transcendant importance in that course of study, that would lay claim to anything like completeness.

Let no one conclude that we undervalue the necessity of preserving intact the full course of study in those departments that have contributed so largely to the success and reputation of the schools in the past. Arrangements have been made to place in charge of the mathematics a gentleman of very high scholastic attainments, a graduate of the university of Michigan, while another, a graduate of the university of Missouri occupies a position in the school. We feel, therefore, thoroughly competent to the work assigned us by the board of education.

In my report for last year, the teachers were commended for their diligence and punctuality. I stated that the corps of teachers seemed to recognize the pre-eminent force of example and to desire to conduct themselves in such manner as to render other means of securing good habits on the part of the pupils unnecessary. This method, to a great extent* was successful, as the character and conduct of the pupils amply proved. The ability to set a proper example before his pupils is a necessary qualification on the part of the teacher, and one that should be insisted upon by school officers in the selection of teachers, and if, after a teacher has been fairly tried, he is found wanting in this important respect, it is plainly the duty of the board to displace him. No teacher, however, should be displaced at the instance of prejudiced complainants or in compliance with an ignorant and unjust popular clamor. There are times when communities seem to forget that onerous and most delicate responsibilities rest upon the teacher, the discharge of which renders it necessary that he should combine in his own character some of the rarest elements that enter into the make-up of a human being. It is believed that, 'with the exception of a few notable instances, our corps of teachers have exercised great patience and forbearance in dealing with refractory pupils, and, as said last year, we are still able to say that in no instance have we been forced to acknowledge even a partial failure by resorting to expulsion. In this connection I would state that the right to inflict corporal punishment with the very proper and necessary restrictions thrown around it by the board meets all the demands of sound sense, merciful discretion, and public justice.

I am glad to state that our board of education possess the firmness to protect their employes in the legitimate discharge of their duties, and that no teacher need fear displacement as a consequence of a rigid performance of duty. It would certainly be a great detriment to the successful operation of the schools were any outside pressure permitted to operate to such an extent upon the mind of the teacher as to cause him to hesitate in the performance of any known duty, and no conduct would more surely or speedily secure his dismissal than the manifestation of this timeserving spirit.

We desire to pursue such a course with the corps of teachers in our schools as will stimulate them to high and noble effort, and inspire them with that degree of enthusiasm that will lead to prosperity and renown.

As the compensation received by teachers is a matter of great concernment, you will excuse me for suggesting that liberality in this direction is in perfect accord with the strictest economy in the management of school finances. Demand controls supply, and low salaries command only a low order of talent. Schools should be managed with the strictest economy, but in my opinion there is no economy in employing cheap teachers. Better dispense with the services of all incompetents and put double work and larger salaries on those who are thoroughly informed and able to impress their ideas. It is a suicidal policy that applies economy to the extreme of driving off efficient service in any business. Especially is this true of a profession in which personal qualification and character are almost exclusively the forces employed to produce the results sought.

Finally, returning most sincere thanks to the members of the board and of the corps of teachers who have co-operated with and assisted me in the discharge of the complicated and arduous duties devolving upon me, allow me to express the hope that under your control the schools will continue to do well the important work for which they were established, and that they will always command the respect, the confidence and the cordial support of the entire community.

A brief account of the various societies in Ray county, founded for objects of usefulness, charity, profit, or pleasure, will be found interesting and important. These organizations are beneficial alike to the individuals who compose them, and to the community at large. That Masonry, for instance, the chief and grandest of all secret orders, and which has existed for centuries, 4ias wrought much good in the world, no one will deny who impartially consider its results. It is an honor to be a Mason; and the same is true of all other societies established for similar purposes. We have taken special pains to gather the following information concerning the different lodges of the county; and while the result of our effort is not so gratifying as we could wish, it is believed to be, to some extent

Richmond Lodge, No. 57, A. F. And A. M.

The first meeting, looking to the organization of this lodge, was held July 16, 1842. The date of dispensation, or by whom instituted, was not reported, and we have been unable to ascertain. Its charter is dated October 12, 1842; and the names of the charter members are as follows: Charles R. Morehead, Sinclair Miller, David Bullock, Caleb Tompkins, John Jackson, William Hudgins, James H. Smith, Charles V. Hern, Austin A. King, J. C. Richardson, and Wm. Berry. Of the above named charter members, only the last named is now (April, 1881), living.

The members of this lodge owned a well furnished and commodious hall, which, together with all their books, jewels, regalia, furniture, etc., was destroyed by a cyclone, June 1, 1878.

The following are the names of the charter members: John F. Houston, David Snowden, J. H. Anderson, R. B. Kice, B. F. Gray, John T. Quirk, M. H. Allison, D. P. Proctor, William D. Albright, and D. D. Gant.

The Hon. John F. Houston, who was a member of this chapter, was elected grand master of the grand lodge of Missouri, for the years 1864, '65 and ^66. He died of paralysis in St. Louis, December 7, 1870. His remains are interred in the new cemetery at Richmond. Over his grave the Masons of Missouri have erected a costly and beautiful monument.

Mr. Houston was a man of broad charity, great heart, and untarnished character, and dying, left a name to go down to posterity, pure and spotless and bright, and revered by all who knew him living, or read his history, now that he is dead.

Hardin Lodge, No. 322, A. F. And A. M.

was instituted by James E. Drake, W. M., of Wakanda Lodge, No. 52, D. G. L. Dispensation to establish this lodge was granted July 21r 1869, and its charter bears date October 12, of the same year. William R. Hunt, W. C. Rifle, S. R. Crispin, D. W. Trigg, L. C. Rhinehart, A. L. Bailey, James E. Johnston and Robert Livingston are the charter members.

Myrtle Lodge No. 338, A. F. And A. M.

This lodge is located at Millville, and was instituted by Elias Parrott, D. D. G. M. Date of dispensation, October 12, 1869; date of charter, October 13, 1S70.

Following is a complete list of the charter members: Joseph F. Duvall, R. S. Thomson, William M. McCuistion, Caleb Witcher, Silas Keith, A. A. McCuistion, George W. McCuistion, George W. Lozier, J. M. Carter, John Harrison, S. L. McCuistion, Ambrose Young, John Schooler, S. S. Young, Kedar Wall, J. G. Williams, William Burnett, and A. R. Campbell.

hall, at a cost of $1,800. This building, together with the furniture, jewels, regalia, etc., belonging to the lodge, was destroyed by fire March 12, 1878. The insurance of $1,000 was realized, and the hall was rebuilt the same year, and dedicated May 3, 1879.

Bee Hive Lodge, No. 393, A. F. And A. M.

This lodge, located in the town of Lawson, Polk township, was instituted by Dr. R. B. Kice, of Richmond. Dispensation was granted December 8, 1870, and its charter is dated October 13, 1871.

Ada Lodge, No. 444, A. F. And A. M.

For the facts concerning this lodge, we are indebted to Captain R. H . McWhorter, its secretary - an obliging gentleman, who called at our office, in Richmond, to impart the information desired.

The lodge was instituted by Honorable Samuel J. Owens, grand master of grand lodge of Missouri. Dispensation was granted February 24 1872, and its charter is dated the 16th of the following October.

This lodge was instituted by G. W. McKeon, of Lexington, Missouri- A dispensation was granted in January, 1869, and its charter is dated May of the same year. The following are the names of the charter members: W. W. Orrick, J. T. Child, J. W. Harrison, C. S. W. Taylor, Joseph Robb, F. M. Ball, William Carlyle, John Q. Word and William Crouch.

t The lodge at present, April, 1881, has thirty-six members. It is in good working order, and all the members take a lively interest in its prosperity.

Lodge No. 205, I. O. G. T., Millville

Colonel James W. Black was the founder of the first newspaper published in Ray county. It was called the Richmond Herald, and the first issue thereof was presented to the public, Wednesday, March 17, 1852. It was an attractive twenty-eight column sheet, form seventeen by twentytwo inches, published weekly. * The following little poem, written by "Ada " (Miss Pauline J. De Masters), is inserted, because appropriate - and for its own sake:

Herald! thou star of first magnitude bright, Thy beams will illumine the dark brow of night; We see thee arising in beauty and power, Amid thy competitors proudly to tower. On the wild western border is a banner unfurled, And bravely it floats o'er a wondering world: Truth, beauty and wisdom are strongly combined On that banner where virtue and love are entwined.

Then, Herald, arise, let thy proud voice be heard, As the heart-thrilling tones of our " Liberty bird," Careering all brightly toward the blue skies, And bathing his pinions in sunlight's deep dyes. I see thee! I see thee! in beauty and power, Breathing peace o'er each wild-wood and beautifal bower; "Onward and upward," and holy and free, Ever bright and untarnished thy future shall be.

Col. Black continued at the head of the Herald, as editor and proprietor, till September, 1852, when he sold it to John B. Stoops and Frank Stutzman.

In the spring of 1853, Stoops & Stutzman sold the paper to Rober Miller, Esq., of Clay county, Missouri. Thomas Smith became the publisher and the name of the paper was changed to the Richmond Mirror. In 1857 it was sold by Robert Miller to Messrs. John Gwinne and John W. Griffin. The latter gentleman became the sole proprietor in 1858, and continued the publication of the Mirror until 1859, when it was sold, and consolidated with the Richmond Bulletin, a newspaper published only a short time in the year 1859, in Richmond, by Edward L. King, Esq.

Taking the name of the Northwest Conservator, it was published by Richard M. Hubbell & Co., till 1861. In that year it was sold to Christopher T. Garner, who conducted the paper till 1864, when it was sold to Hawkins & O'Gorman. In 1865, O'Gorman sold his interest in the paper to Richard M. Hubbell, and the firm name of the proprietors became Hawkins & Hubbell.

In 1866, Hawkins & Hubbell sold the Northwest Conservator to Col. Jacob T. Child, who substituted "- Richmond " for " Northwest," and the name of the paper became the Richmond Conservator, and under that name it is still - April, 1881 - edited, owned and operated by Col. Child, who has greatly improved the paper by the addition to his office of a new power press, modern machinery for job work, and a large amount of type, fixtures, etc. His printing establishment is one of the best equipped and appointed of any of its class in the state. The paper is democratic in politics; is ably and impartially edited, and to the prosperity, amusement, and instruction of the people of Ray county, the Richmond Conservator is a sine qua non.

in the fall of 1865, by James A. Berry. Mr. Berry continued to publish the Freeman till the last of November, 1866, when he discontinued its publication in consequence of the injury his press and material received from a detail of Union soldiers, sent from Lexington, Missouri, at that time, by Colonel Bacon Montgomery, to arrest the editor of the Freeman, James A. Berry.

Colonel J. T. Child, editor of the Conservator, was also arrested at the same time and taken to Lexington, but his printing press was not damaged by the soldiers. Colonel Child was released the same day of his arrest, and permitted to return to Richmond.

Mr. Berry, on his release, published a few more numbers of the Freeman and then discontinued it, and removed with his printing press to Kansas.

The Richmond Republican was started by Thomas J. Sutton, Esq., at Richmond, in November, 1866. Mr. Sutton continued to publish the Republican till 1870, when he sold it to his brother, William A. Sutton, who, after publishing it a short time, sold it to Ed. Turner & Co., George McFadden being the publisher. Ed. Turner & Company sold the Re-publican in 1872, to Manias Buchanan, who in December of the same year, sold it to George W. Hendley. The name of the paper was then changed to Ray County Chronicle, the first number of which was published December 28, 1872.

George W. Hendley continued the publication of the Chronicle till February, 1875, when Julius C. Hughes became its owner by purchase. February 26, 1875, the paper appeared under the editorship of Mr. Hughes, and so continued until April 5, 1879, at which time he sold it to Colonel Thomas D. Bogie. May 22, 1879, Colonel Bogie changed the name of the paper to Richmond Democrat, and under that name continues its editor and proprietor. The paper is much improved since he became its owner. It is a reliable family newspaper, devoted to the interests of the town and county in which it is published. It is, like the Conservator, democratic in politics, and, as a county paper, ranks high among other similar publications in Missouri.

Friday April 8, 1881, the first number of the Lawson Gazette was issued. It is owned and conducted by the Lawson Publishing Company, and is a twenty-eight column weekly paper, neat in appearance and worthy of public patronage.

A few extracts from some of the first numbers of the Herald, the first Ray county paper, will, it is believed, be of general and permanent interest. We therefore subjoin the following:

First Newspaper Editorial To Our Patrons

As stated in our prospectus, we shall endeavor to maintain a strict neutrality in politics, reserving to ourselves the right of commenting upon all affairs of state, in such a manner as may be considered consistent with the character of a neutral paper; we shall, nevertheless, keep our readers duly informed of all the political events that are transpiring, without entering the arena of political strife, and becoming a partisan.

It shall be our constant aim and endeavor to make the paper a valuable home journal, by devoting its columns principally to the promotion of the interests of our rapidly growing section of country, which is unsurpassed in fertility of soil, and possesses every facility for carrying on trade.

We shall give a place in our columns, with pleasure, to all articles written for the advancement of trade, agriculture, the mechanics, and other arts, education and morals.

We shall regularly publish such original and selected agricultural articles in our farmer's column, as we shall consider calculated to excite a lively interest in that greatest source of our wealth and prosperity.

It shall be our great aim to give variety to the columns - to have all its departments sustained - to relieve the dryness of commercial and political intelligence, with interesting tales, anecdotes, and other miscellaneous matter.

We shall spare no pains in securing local items, as well as the latest news, both foreign and domestic. In a word, we trust that our labors shall render the paper a source of pleasure to every family circle to which it may be a visitor.

With these few words of preface, we commit our enterprise to the future, trusting to the liberal patronage of an intelligent community to secure permanency and prosperity to the Richmond Herald.

Presentation Of A Medal To Mr. Clay

The citizens of New York, desirious of presenting some testimonial of respect to the Hon. Henry Clay, lately caused a medal to be prepared at an expense worthy of the man, and highly honorable to the party paying him this mark of respect, which was conveyed to this city by a delegation of business men of that spirited, commercial metropolis, and presented to him, yesterday, at his lodgings at the National hotel.

The medal is of a circular form, three and a half inches in diameter; the case of chased silver. The front of the case presents a view of Ashland, the residence of Mr. Clay - above which is engraved the monument erected to Mr. Clay, on the great National (Cumberland) road. On the other side is a picture of the capitol, the prominent theatre of his public life. The front of the medal presents the head and bust of Mr. Clay, in strong bas-relief, encircled by a prominent wreath, representing a union of the states, in which the leading agricultural staples of the north and south form the principal ornaments. On the reverse side are the following inscriptions, indicative of the illustrious periods in the life of Mr. Clay: "Senate, 1806; speaker, 1811; war, 1812; Ghent, 1814; Spanish

America, 1812; Missouri Compromise, 1821; American system, 1824; Secretary of State, 1825; Panama instructions, 1826; Tariff compromise, 1833; Public domain, 1832 and 1834; Peace with France preserved, 1835; Compromise, 1850.

The delegation appointed to deliver this token of respect and veneration to the illustrious statesman, waited upon Mr. Clay at his private chamber.

Gentlemen: This is among the most interesting and gratifying days Of my life, although I have been confined to these rooms for a long time by a tedious and doubtful illness. You have come here the representatives of a large and enlightened body of ardent and devoted friends of mine in the city of New York, to present me a beautiful and costly gold medal, intended to commemorate my public life. On one face are engraved the great public measures, adopted in the national councils in which I was supposed to have had any conspicuous agency; and on the other a remarkable and accurate likeness of me. The time and place of presentation, and the friends who have contributed this splendid testimonial, give to it an inestimable value.

The time is when I am about to retire forever from public life, and when I cannot expect much longer to linger here below; the place is the city of Washington, the principal theatre of these public services, which have commended themselves to your approbation. Throughout my public life I have been blessed everywhere in the United States with more or fewer true friends to whom I am bound by the strongest sentiments of gratitude, but nowhere have they surpassed those in the city of New York in zeal, constancy, and fidelity, and in distinguished and various demonstrations of their affection and attachment.

Whilst one is in the pursuit of public life, and is held up for his highest honors, it is not practicable always to discriminate, among his supporters, between those who bestow their suffrages from pure, patriotic and disinterested motives, and those who are actuated by selfish ends; but on this occasion no such difficult)' exists. You have come, at much personal inconvenience, to the bed of a sick and afflicted friend, to present to him, in your names, and in the name of a numerous body of his personal and political friends whom you represent, a most precious token of your esteem and efiectionate regard. That friend has not now, and never will have any public patronage to dispense. The high and honorable and disinterested character of your motives can not, therefore, be questioned.

Gentlemen, I request vou to accept yourselves, and to communicate to my absent friends whom you represent, my cordial and heartfelt thanks, and mv grateful and profound acknowledgements for this honor you entertain towards me; I should have been most happy to have expressed my great obligations to all of them personally, if it had been in my power.

I shall soon pass from the jurisdiction of any contemporaries, and of the present generation, to that of history and posterity, if the one shall deem me worthy of any record on its pages, or tradition shall transmit any recollection of me to the other.

own public career or public deeds. That office belongs to them, and I shall consider my future fame fortunate, if it shall be regarded by them with a small portion of the favor with which the partiality of yourselves and your associates now contemplate it.

I shall soon appear before a hightr and more holy tribunal than any earthly one, which can unerringly judge of the motives as well as of the acts of man. To that tribunal I look forward with composure and confidence, that I shall be acquitted of ever having been prompted, in the discharge of my public duties, by any mean or selfish ends, or been animated by any other purpose than to promote the honor, the prosperity and glory of our common country.

Medals are generally struck by the authority, and paid for out of the public treasury of the government, and most frequently are intended to reward and signalize the triumphs achieved in war. But that which you now so kindly tender to my acceptance, is the spontaneous offering of private citizens, from their private purses, for public services exclusively in the civil department. I shall fondly and gratefully cherish and preserve it whilst life endures, and transmit it to my descendants under the hope that they receive and carefully guard it, with emotions of lively gratitude to my New York friends, as the proudest and richest legacy that I could leave them.

Democratic Meeting In Ray

In accordance with the notice previouslv given by printed hand-bills, set up in different parts of the county, a meeting of the democrats of Ray was held in the court house, at Richmond, on the 1st day of January, A. D. 1852.

On motion of Captain William M. Jacobs. Dr. Thomas A. King was called upon to explain the objects of the meeting, which he did, stating that they had met for the purpose of organizing for the ensuing political canvass, by making a declaration of the principles by which the democracy of Ray will be governed, and bv appointing delegates to the democratic state convention, and to the congressional district convention. His remarks were brief and appropriate, and conceived in a spirit of harmonv-

On the motion of Capt. William M. Jacobs, a committee of nine was appointed to draw resolutions for the consideration of the meeting. That committee consisted of the following gentlemen, to-wit: Captain William M. Jacobs, Colonel Benjamin J. Brown, Dr. John B. McGaugh, Colonel B. F. Smith, E. Sanderson, John E. Wells, Henry Boggess, Major Henry Lile, and James B. Turner.

The committee, after a short retirement, reported through their chairman, Captain William M. Jacobs, the following resolutions, which were read, and unanimously adopted by the meeting:

Resolved, That we still adhere to the principles contained in the resolutions adopted by the democratic national convention at Baltimore, and we pledge ourselves to support and defend the great political doctrines embraced in that platform of the national democracy.

Resolved, That, inscribing the Baltimore resolutions on our banner, and observing an unfaltering devotion to the union of the states, we will hold no political fellowship with the abolitionists of the north or the nullifiers of the south, and we discard, as unworthy of our confidence, all enemies of the union of the states, and all enemies of the union of the democracy.

Resolved, That we approve the compromise measures of the last session of congress, and we will rely3 upon them as a final settlement of the vexed questions which grew out of the slavery controversy, and we are opposed to the repeal or modification of the fugitive slave law, and demand its faithful execution.

Resolved, That we still cling to the republican doctrines contained in the celebrated Virginia and Kentucky resolutions drawn by Madison and Jefferson, which contained the platform upon which the republicans of that period rallied and swept the alien and sedition laws from the statute books, and checked the encroachments of federalism.

Resolved, That we subscribe to the well known Atherton resolutions, passed by the votes of the democratic members of congress, and by which the democracy manifested an open and determined opposition to the fell spirit of abolitionism.

Resolved, That we regard the right of instruction as a vital principle of republicanism. And representatives and senators are bound to obey in their legislative action the instructions of their constituents respectively, or resign; and the people have a right to instruct their senators in congress through the legislature, and to hold their members in the legislature accountable for any misrepresentation of their will, in giving instructions to senators, as well as in electing senators.

Resolved, That we hereby express our unqualified disapprobation of all acts of omission and commission, on the part of our public servants, calculated to involve our noble state in schemes of disunion, regarding it to be the first and highest duty of every patriot, and especially of those who have been placed as sentinels upon the watchtower of liberty, to denounce in its inception, without regard to personal consequences, every attempt to alienate one portion of the Confederacy from another, or to weaken the bonds which hold us together as one people.

Resolved, That we abhor calculations or combinations of men of opposite political sentiments for the purpose of securing the spoils of office; and we repudiate as unworthy of intelligent freemen, cherishing an attachment for the same great political principles, that spirit of intolerance which leads to the establishment of factious tests of political fellowship, founded in differences of opinion in regard to men and not measures.

Resolved, That we will join no faction which prescribes as a test of political fellowship either the support of or opposition to any man, however distinguished; but, sternly adhering to the old landmarks, we will continue to act upon the motto: "Union, harmony, self-denial, concession, everything for the cause; nothing for men."

Resolved, That the democracy of Ray, having remained united in principle, and acquiesced in the decisions of majorities in regard to men throughout the fiercest political storm that ever swept over the state, will not separate now, since all the questions that created division have been settled; and we, accordingly, pledge the united support of the democracy of Ray to the nominees of the national, state, district, and county democratic conventions, held according to established usage.

Resolved, That the chairman, with the concurrence of the meeting, appoint six delegates to the democratic state convention, to be called together by the state central committee; and six delegates to the congressional district convention, and that each delegate who cannot attend, shall have the power to appoint his own substitute.

Under this resolution, the chairman, upon the recommendation of the committee, and with the unanimous concurrence and confirmation of the meeting, appointed Samuel A. Richardson, Judge Daniel Branstetter, Colonel B. F. Smith, Aaron H. Conrow, Colonel John Hannah, and John Bales, delegates to the democratic state convention; and Colonel Benjamin J. Brown, Major Henry Lile, John E. Wells, James H. Gant, James W.

C. Wilson, and Doctor Thomas A. King, delegates to the congressional district convention; and Captain William M. Jacobs, with the concurrence of the democracy of Clay and Caldwell, as a delegate from the senatorial district, composed of the counties of Ray, Clay, and Caldwell, to both conventions, and that he be governed in his action, in both conventions, by the will of the democracv of this senatorial district.

Resolved, That we are willing to trust the defense of our principles to our distinguished fellow-citizen, Austin A. King, who, whenever he has been the chosen standard-bearer of the democracy, has signalized himself by his ability, zeal, and fidelity in the democratic cause, and we hereby instruct our delegates to the congressional district convention to use their efforts to procure his nomination as the democratic candidate to represent this district in congress.

Resolved, That when this meeting adjourns, it will adjourn to meet on the first Monday in June next, to nominate democratic candidates to represent this county tin the legislature, and that notice of the adjourned meeting in June be dulv given.

Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting, duly authenticated by the chairman and secretary, be forwarded to the Platte Argus for publication, with a request for their publication in the other democratic papers of the state.

Resolved, That the chair appoint a committee of seven persons to report resolutions for the action of the meeting. Whereupon the chair appointed C. T. Garner, Esq., Colonel Joseph B. Terry, Eli Carter, Charles B. Allen, John U. Miles, Thomas Barber and A. D. Brashear,

Whereas, We regard the elections of this year with deep interest, involving not only the past and present principles and policy of the state and general government, but as calculated to exert an influence upon subjects of vital importance, that may hereafter arise. In view, therefore, and for the purpose of securing unity of action, harmony and strength, and a thorough organization of the whig party throughout the state:

Resolved 1st, That the whigs of Ray county, heartily concur with their whig brethren throughout the state, in the propriety of holding a state convention at St. Louis, on the third Monday in April next, to nominate candidates for state officers; electors for president, and for appointing delegates to the national whig convention, to be held in May next.

3d, That we are in favor of holding a district convention at Plattsburg, to nominate a candidate for congress; and we suggest the second Monday in May next, as the most suitable time.

5th, That we most cordially approve the course of our present chief magistrate, Millard Fillmore, and his administration of the affairs of the general government. *

6th, That we fully approve the measures of adjustment passed by the congress of 1850, commonly called the " compromise," and regard them as a full and final settlement of the questions to which they relate, and will not support any man for either state or federal offices who does not so regard them, or who advocates the repeal or modification of them, or any one of them.

7th, That in the administration of the general government by Millard Fillmore, the whigs of this nation behold with gratitude and delight the glorious triumphs of an enlarged partriotism over sectional prejudice and wicked machinations of fanatics, and enemies to the Union, and in the moral courage displayed by him, in the prompt and efficient execution of the laws in times of great excitement. In the wisdom and ability with which he has conducted our foreign relations, we see the sterling qualities of head and heart, that peculiarity Jit him for the high and responsible station he now fills. He is, therefore, our first choice for the next presidency; and our distinguished fellow-citizen, Colonel A. W. Doniphan, of Clay county, our first choice for the vice presidency - subject, however, to the decision of the whig national convention.

8th, That the blank in the second resolution be filled with the names of the following persons as delegates to the state convention, viz: Milo C. Nuckles, Jesse Esry, John U. Miles, Major W. Boyce, Eli Carter, A. D. Brashear, George I. Wasson, William Berry, Randolph McDonald, Colonel Joseph B. Terry, James S. Hughes, Elias Graham, Joseph Hughes, A. W. Morrow, Louis C. Bohannon, Charles B. Allen, O. P. Creason, Charles R. Shrewsberry, Thomas Hamilton, and A. B. Ralph.

10th, That the blank in the fourth resolution be filled with the names of the following persons, as delegates to said district convention, viz: Dr. Joseph Chew, C. T. Garner, Esq., A. J. Gibson, Dr. Wm. T. Bra-

11th, That our esteemed fellow-citizen, Mordecai Oliver, is our first choice for congress, and the delegates to the district convention are hereby instructed to cast the vote of this county for him.

12th, That the chair appoint a central committee of five persons to fill any vacancy that may occur among the delegates to either the state or district convention. Whereupon the chair apointed Dr. Jos. Chew, Major W. Boyce, C. T. Garner, Esq., George I. Wasson, and Mordecai Oliver, Esq.

13th, That the proceedings of this meeting be published in the Richmond Herald and Liberty Tribune, and that the whig papers throughout the state are requested to copy.

Richmond Academy

This institution is pleasantly situated in a retired and healthful part of the town. The school rooms are well ventilated, and in every respect well adapted to promote the health, comfort and convenience of the pupils.

Virtue, as well as knowledge, is the object of a sound education. Special attention, therefore, is given to the moral conduct of all the pupils of the school, as well as to their intellectual improvement, since it is evident that the one is almost useless, unless adorned and directed by the other.

While California is engrossing so large a share of the public attention, we must not overlook the great inducements that Ray county presents to those that are in quest of a western home. The interests of our immediate section of country have hitherto been neglected, from a want of the means to disabuse the public mind with regard to our resources, wealth and prosperity. Unfavorable reports have frequently been put in circulation in adjoining counties as to the true condition of old Ray, for the purpose of deterring emigrants from settling in it, and, at the same time, not losing sight of home interests, make their own counties the subject of laudation. As the Richmond Herald is the advocate of home interests, we deem it our imperative duty to set before the public mind some statements as to the soil, productions and climate.

It is conceded by all that have any knowledge of the soil, that in point of fertility it can not be surpassed by any in this western country. The rich loam extends to an astonishing depth, and may be tilled for years in succession without exhausting its productiveness. While the farmer in sections of the country less favored by nature is making use of strenuous efforts to restore the exhausted soil to a fruitful condition, he here has but to commit his grain to the soil, and with a moderate share of attention, may expect an abundant yield. The surface of the country is generally undulating, presenting to the eye of the beholder beautiful rolling prairies, skirted with an abundance of fine timber, and traversed by numerous streams of water, thus adapting it to grazing, as well as to the culture of all kinds of grain.

The staple productions are wheat, corn, hemp and tobacco; great quantities of which are shipped annually from different shipping points of the county, the principal of which are Camden and Hughes' Landing. A ready market can always be had at the different trading establishments at home for all kinds of produce.

The favorableness of a climate to the preservation of health, is always an important consideration in settling a country; we can with safety say that our county from its salubrious air and excellent water very strongly recommends itself in that point of view.

The efforts of our enterprising citizens are rapidly improving the appearance of the country. Villages are springing up throughout the country as if by the touch of a magical wand, and thousands of acres of land lying waste a few years ago, are now assuming the appearance of well cultivated farms.

Our community is an intelligent one - a thinking people, with whom law and order are safe. Vice and immorality no sooner raise their Protean heads to the public gaze than they meet with that censure and condemnation which they deserve.

It would be better, by far, for the man of moderate means to seek a home in a land like this, and by gradual accessions of fortune to become independent, than to be lured to the land of Ophir by idle dreams of glittering wealth.

The expectations of many that have gone to California have been blighted, who, after enduring innumerable hardships in pursuit of the yellow phantom, and expending all they possessed, return home depressed in spirits. The anticipations of but few in amassing splendid fortunes are realized, and some sometimes at the expense of health and happiness. It should, therefore, be a matter of serious reflection to those who go, to know whether they will ameliorate their condition in any wise by emigrating to the Eldorada of the ninteenth century.

On the 3d instant, between thirty and forty emigrants were landed at Hughes' Landing, from the steamboat, Monongahela. They were destitute of everything that pertains to comfort. Several of them were dangerously ill, and one of the number, named Brown, died on the bank a few minutes after landing. While one of the party went in quest of a physician, Mr. J. N. Hughes, with his characteristic promptness and philanthropy, had the whole of them conveyed to his dwelling, where he administered to their wants in a humane manner.

Doctor Crutchy arrived in due time, and did all that medical skill could do to alleviate the sufferings of the sick, and the next morning all were better, except a child, when our informant left. They were from East Tennessee, and intended locating near Millville.

Steam Boiler Explosion

It falls to our painful duty to record the destruction of the steamer Saluda, commanded by Captain Belt, by the explosion of her boilers, attended with an awful destruction of human life.

The boat was just leaving the wharf at Lexington, bound for Council Bluffs, on the morning of the 9th instant, between seven and eight o'clock, when the explosion took place, with a report that was heard for miles around, while in the immediate vicinity the shock was so great as to cause houses to tremble to their foundations. The air was darkened with fragments of the vessel, and scores of human beings without a moment's warning, were swept into eternity. When the citizens reached the spot, the most heart-rending scenes were presented to view, of which the imagination can possibly conceive. The shore was covered with the limbs and mangled bodies of the sufferers, their warm blood trickling down the banks, while the screams and the groans of the wounded and the dying filled the air, causing the hearts of the beholders to sicken, and the tears of sympathy to gush from their eyes.

Everything that was in human power was done. The boat was soon reached and the wounded and dying conveyed to the nearest warehouses, where every possible assistance was rendered that was calculated to relieve their sufferings or soothe their dying moments.

Through the exertions of Mr. Ball and others, several were saved from a watery grave, among whem was an interesting little child, both of whose parents were killed, and whom Mr. Ball, in the goodness of his heart, intends to adopt as his own.

The number on board is variously estimated, but it may be put down at two hundred, of which number, one hundred and thirty-five were killed, and thirty-five wounded so seriously that but few will recover. All of the officers of the boat were killed, with the exception of the mate and first clerk. The second clerk was literally torn to pieces, and the captain was thrown out one hundred yards from the boat against the bluff.

The city council and citizens of Lexington contributed $900 towards defraying the expenses that might be incurred, thus showing in a manner worthy of the highest praise, their sympathy for the sufferers.

The Saluda was a condemned boat, and the .captain of the Isabel had the caution to land some three hundred yards below her, saying that he knew she was an old boat, and that it would be unsafe to be near her, when she should attempt to stem the strong current above Lexington.

by Joseph E. Black, Esq., of Richmond, who was on the ground immediately after the explosion, rendering assistance to the unfortunate sufferers.

Feeling a deep interest in the welfare of old Ray, and knowing that the location of a college here must be a matter of the utmost importance and earnestly desired by every one who has the interest of his county at heart, we shall present a few more considerations to the minds of our readers.

On Monday, the 3d inst., a college meeting was held according to notice, and, considering the unfavorableness of the weather, there was a very good turn out.