The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1865-11-27

MEETING AT THE ExcHASGE.-Thsre was quite
a respectable gathering of the solid men of Nor
folk at the Exchange Reading Rooms, on Satur-
day evening, the ostensible object of which was
the formal Inauguration of the Merchants and
Mechanics Asso citation. Mr. Samuel X. Borum,
one of the Board of Directors, for reasons which
be thought it unnecessary to state, moved that
the meeting adjourn until Monday, the 4th of De-
cember. This was thought too long a time to
defer the object in view, and gave rise to some
discussion, in which Colonies Geo. Sangster, E.
c. Robinson and E. G. Lindsay participated FL
nally, Mr.. Borum accepted an amendm ent to his
resolution, to the effect that the meeting adjourn
to Monday evening the 9th instant, which was
adopted.
Colonies Sangster, Lindsay and Robinson ad-
dressed the meeting with considerable spirit and
point, as to the duty of the citizens of Norfolk
generally, and the members of the Exchange par
ticularly, in regard to the future of this city.
Their remarks were received with applause, and
the meeting, generally, was exceedingly agree
able affair.
1t is pertinent that we repeat, there will be
meeting of the Merchants and Mechanics Ex-
change this evening, at O'Clock. Every mem
Der of the Exchange is urged to attend, and the
public generally are invited to be present. This
is meeting of much Importance and every gen
tleman in this community having the future well
fare of Norfolk at heart should attend and with
his presence, if not his counsel, give "aid and
comfort" to the enterprizing who seem de-
termined tc do all in their power to promote the
best interests of the old Borough.
The rooms of the Exchange have been COM
fortably and elegantly furnished, sample tables
and boxes provided, books, pamphlets, and maps
abound the best and latest newspapers, from all
sections of the Union, are spread out for the
qualification and edifcaton of visitors and the
Exchange, upon the whole, rendered attrac-
tive energy and liberal outlay could make it.
Abstractly, these facts, while they are important
within themselves, not half so significant as
the animous which prompted them for the
very spirit which produced these results will
prove the great lever which will ultimately move
our people to organize and perfect other schemes
which must rebound to the general good of the.
community.
From the past we Judge the future; and as this
organization, Phoenix like, has sprung up from
the ashes of the old Exchange, and has inherited
all its energy and public spirit, we think we can
safely predict the future Importance of the new
organization. The blighting influences of a four
years war, which overwhelmed nearly all the
commercial organizations of the South, swept off
the old Exchange in its relentless tide but the
monuments oft energy and public spirit remain
Prominent among these are the commercial re-
cords of this city, and that magnificent structure
on Main street, known as the Atlantic Hotel.
Through the well-directed energy of the old
Exchange, the receipts of cotton during the last
year of its existence, over five hundred per
cent. greater than the first year of organiza-
ton; and the increase in the receipts of other
staples equally gratifying. That this new
organization will direct all its energies to the
end we feel well assured, and we wish it God
speed in the great work.