New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1854-12-28
PRINCELY DONATION FOR TIE POOR
Corresr oadence OF The Philadelphia Ledger

We frequently hear of generous posthumous be-
quests, but is seldom if ever that the press mas an
opportunity Of recording acts of liberal character
during the lifetime OF those who are blessed with
large fortunes 1t is therefore gratifying to me to be
able TO bring to your notice departure from the
beaten pah-so exalted in its purposes, and destined
20 be productive of iumessurable good to our fel-
low beiDgs-ss that which took place Yesterday at
SbamokiD.
The Hon. VIM Z. Helienstein being iu possession
OF large body OF valuable coal lands in the Shamo-
kin region, and having heart always open to acts
calculated to ameliorate the condition Of those in
want determined TO dedicate forecer portion OF his
estate for the benefit Of the destitute poor of New
YoIk, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Lancaster, Carlisle
&C., &c; for the endowment Of Free College at
Shamokin, and for the benefit Of African Colonza-
ton.
The land to DE devoted to these praisewor'hy OBJ.
ects is in tracs and embraces about GOO OF
the best anthracite ia the State the tract for the
destitute DOOR is said to be capable of producing
1000 tuns per annum when properly developed,
and the other tract for the endowment Of the College
ard African Colonization will yield, il ia estimated
by competent Judges, $50 600 tuns. AT low rental
this quantity will bring in revenue of upward of
500 600 year]y-shich lie more than per cent. Oh
million and n half Of dollars. One of these tracts
put in operation.
The day Get apart for the contamination of the de-
sign of Judge Heensten last Friday, the 221 Of
December A number OF persons were present from
PHILADELPHIA Lancaster III Harrisburg, POt'sye, Dam
vile, SuDbury Northumberland Traverton, and
other places 10 witness and participate, along with
the people Of SbamokD, in the interesting ceremonies
Our excellent Governor, VIM. Biger, was one of the
guests in attendance.
At 10 O'Clock A. NJ n procession was formed, under
the direction of Col. james Covert, marshal of the
IA h lie hard yvhi al
TO The land intended for the poor 1t is located imme-
diaely on the south west side of Shemokn, and for
easy development and facilities of to
the main road, is not surpassed by any tract IN me
region. And having passed over portion OF 1t, tuiil-
centIy TO give all idea Of its immense value as coal
estate the grouud selected for the college was visited
for the purpose Of laying the OF that H.
Its proper here to say that the site for the College
covers an of 30 the highest point IN the
vicinity of Shamokin Otlording views OF the sur
rounding country rs surpasslns beauty ana love-
At tfs point the Hon. c. w. Higgins, of Pottsvie,
introduced Governor Bger the person selected TO
perform the ceremony OF laying the corners stone;
Tbe Governor delivered n brief hut most eloquent
and imrressiye ADDRESS. He deposited IN the stone
the Bible the Prayer Book, the several nowspi per
pubcatiors of the Episcopal Church, and me An.'r
icdn and The Gazette OF S W Wy.,nrp pots'
;ile after which the procession returned 10 we new
hotel TO hear the benevolent intentions OF The donor
The meeting was here organized py ham'ns tne ioi'
low ing officers
Pyadent--Gov. WM. BiGLER
ice Pyssidenn-Ihe hon c w. nesinS the Hon A. JoI'
Hugh Bsias Peter Boldly, 10. PIle;tly VIM f,seiy 9.
30 6.I 1S:isI and M Iase ~
Steretarie,JDo. b. Packer IL DonSe O. fIesssp'' al r.
Badly g. b. Youngman. CieaVeI D. hase' 'no l. ''''
Nj ID Boyd and G. Ii. Clay Esqts .,
Al this iuncture Judge Heleensteln arose. with
three deeds in his hand making conveyance 10
trustee of the lands above dessnated and addressed
the m. citing with much force and ability lie re-
parded himself as sn humble agent, ruled by wise
Providence, in accomplishing, in q limited sphere
His puIposes of good lie e9huds,eu aue naPp' ,ho
sults attending donations made while living WIN the
sad story of posthumous requests, where tne most
liberal intentions perverted ana defeated oy e
squanderBg away of munihcent means. ms ie.iaLns'
l., tbis connections were OF the most interesting cnar
acter and made marked impression on the minus Vi
all within their hearing. . ,.,.o h .ba
enlightened and philanthiopic everywne,ei p"e y"u
snsce am aware, is taken up with pressing ia''eI
tbst win prevent the insertion OF fuh report In
conclusion. the Judge took occasion TO speak ol 'ne
liberal confidence and efficient ard oil namoel u
friends who were steadiast anG rug "y",t,nc
With whom he said, his humble ell )rts Ill eIeo"us
The donation would have been unavaalng lie 'o'A
his 50 at amid loud applause.
Governor Biger being called ior Ihousu ms 5,:
marks were entirely extemporaneous Responded, VI
ad;nolv banpy and appropriate speech. lie
had expected his friend Bishop ro'eI " 'naHo
address He, the Governor asa nol an.ep' =.
INV further participation III tuV 0e'c \ =:
,be OF the college He alluded in
touching the motives and and 'i
s,,h in the eloouent address Of that gentleman
There was idea in it, which above e S S
hau az n,iar ~ our meeting here .o-day-thft
Was the sihgusr though wise purpose o u Tlis, and
vi. e. ,b the nromise OF many days before him'
and with the design that the Whole Sr e s sn1
up under the aus ?icts OF the au1lor' M a,shIshsI
he bappiest results from The precedent e''spllsu,.
by Judge H. and beloved it %Sa k p~f s!nV Gov
thinking the subject and actins ",sS he tbs
n then alluded 10 he VISIT topics suggested " auo
arcssion~the course of education, OF .benev1lenTo
and charlie and that of a separate no 'o' '''
fortunate African. -, ;os of the
MI Marsha, superintendent Of the mines 81 the
syersl coal companies of the region, eAPta1heu W.
So and extent of the estate donated. hs remaIhs
"rs in substance similar TO the Description ol VIC
property given in the fret partot ihlsIe''sr 10
The reodos Of letters being tsr00n s the sn9 history
ny ,ao;on Of country that will not be without us
,auepce on future generations
ILa