The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1855-02-22

xObAStV - AOl06I iHkg-R l6W HHiu-
uses beiorss O'Clock last night, dsuss yslumes OF
smoke wese seen iesuing from ths doors ard win
dows Of ~. Joseph Taylors tohAccO factory north
side OF Cary, short distance west OF Shockoe
creek md thelalarm being given, the iiremen with
their apparatus fastened 10 the scene, and were
speedily at work endeavoring to suppress the de-
vourine element 1t was soon ascsrtaned that the
bulk OF the fire wss In the Of the first floor and
that the flames had made their way into the second
story. The Chief Engineer discovering the situa-
ton OF the building, Immediately distributed the
streams 10 front and rear so ss to prevent the ire
from spreading and after nearly an hours inces-
SAINT labor, the fire was completely extinguished,
but not until the stock of tobacco hand had been
dranched by water and damaged by smoke. The
loss to Mr.. Taylor viii fall but little short OF
which was partially covered BY insurance 10 the
Fire Association.
Mr. c. C s. Thompson. whose factory and storage
room adjoined Mr.. Taylor's, will probably lose
something by smoke; and but for the extraordinary
exertious of the remen, must have been burnt out
How the fire originated has not been definitely
sscertained. One rumor says that 1t began In the
office, where burning candle was left, which tell
and igpted bed; and another, that it was set on
fire Ia several places Which version is correct we
| are unable 10 say
ATTENTION MECHANICS You are invit-
ed to attend lecture at Metropolitan Hail. to night
to be delivered before the Mechanics Institute by
Mr. "A. M BAILEY, practical mechanic, an excel
lent speaker and gentleman OF great research;
sent to hear him the occasion. Mr.. B. will take
as one of his subjects 'rhe capital of labor, and
we feel assured that he will handle 1t with credit to
himself and profit TO his hearers. The mechanics
of Richmond owe it TO themselves, and the lnsi.
tute which has for its object their mental improve
ment and the prosperity of the Old Dominion; to
| support the lecturer, by their presence, and we
believe they will do so.
This lecture is one of SERIES the success of
which depends on the mechanics alone. 1t has
long bee the opinion of the public, that no ins-
tuition can succeed il only supported by the wor-
| king classes, owing to the fact that they have no
confidence 10 their own talents or information. 1t
now becomes them to disprove the truth OF this
opinion and we call on them to do So We have
among us mechanics who would adorn the highest
intellectual stations in the land II called to fill them
and the time has at length arrived when they should
| be required to do SO What say the working men
of Richmond to putting this ball in motion Are
they prepared to start it in the capital of Virginia.
so that 1t may roll on uninterruptedly, until the
working men can boast their representatives in all
| the higher walks OF lifeY Or do they prefer to
trudge along in the way of their fathers, mere ma
chimes to execute the designs of others, without
the intellectual ability to know why certain means
produce certain end
Mr. Bailey has been selected to deliver the open
ing lecture before the Institute this evening" because
| he is practical man, and because he knows the
and necessities of his fellows and Is able to
point out the remedies for all their ills. We there
fore beseech them to hear him by all Eeans-to
bIag their families with them-snd to aid the mem
bers of the Mechanics Institute in building up az
ISOLATION which has for its object the promotion Of
the mechanic and manufacturing interests OF the city
and State and the intellectual Improvement of those
who now, for want OF a library and suitable
schools, unsble to read, study and become orna-
mems in every sphere of life The lecture will COM
menee at hait-past O'Clock. at which time it ls
| hoped and expected tbs hall will be crowded with
attentive listeners prepared to enjoy the rich feast
| in store for them.