Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1871-03-13

}ist of formidable diScOuragementS. The qucS-
tiou of taxes assumes formidable shape to
large land holders with meagre incomes, for
land does not sell readily even at the low prices
at which it is offered, and at shcrift's sale
would be a sacrifice Of a r,linous character.
Labor, as previously intimated, is scarce, the
colored population prefering to work on rail
roads &C., where they realize more quick " the
fruits of their toll. 1t is to be hoped that
something will turn the tide of emigration this
way, for it is utterly impossible to deyclope the
resources of our State without more labor OF
better class than that now available.
upon us on Friday last very suddenly changed
to winter again and March asserted his right
on Saturday with Snow four inches deep
Still the spring is coming heralded by millions
of mining frogs in the marshes and by birds
and the harder flowers The farmers are doing
all they can toward preparing for spring crops,
though the weather has hindered them greatly.
Along the river the fishermen are busy clearing
the shores for the season, which Is close at
hand. The OILERS are catching considerable
quantities of rock and cat fish and Il few shad
and herring about Currioman and Mattox.
Instead of Being run up the river to market in
sailing vessels as in former days, the fish
caught are put on the passing steamers and
thus landed at our wharves in i few hours, i'll
much freshcr condition than formerly. The
Wawaset brings up large quantities, and is
nerhaps doing as much toward developing the
river trade with Alexandria as is done by any
other enterprise Besides tie traffic just men
toned, large quantities of produce, chickens,
eggs, grain and stock are shipped. Being OF
light draft, she goes into small creeks not ac-
cessiblc to the larger boats. H.
Bait. Conference M. f. Church South.
THIRD DAY.-A committee was appointed
to examine charges against the character OF
DR.. w. g. Hancock.
After some discussion the question as to the
disposition Of missionary funds was referred to
the missionary board Rev. DR.. Bond address
ed the Conference in the interest Of the Baltl
more Christian Advocate.
Rev. Dr. Finley presented preamble and
resolution, in which mention was made OF the
unconstitutional taY on the preachers Tor
Randolph Macon College, complaining that ii
was oppressive, &C., and asking that 1t be
rescinded. The paper was referred to the com
mittee on education, as also paper to the
same import from Winchester Station
The characters Of all the travelling elders IN
the East Baltimore, Washington, Winchester
and Rockingham districts were examined and
passed, each presiding elder representing his
work as prospecting.
Rev. S. Kepler was granted supernumera-
ry relation.
FOURTH DAY.-The characters Of all the
elders OF the Roanoke and Lewisburg districts
were passed save that Of +. G. Jameson,
whose case was referred to committee ot
three. Rev. q. e. Smith by letter expressed
his regret at leaving the body.
The report of the committee Oh education
excited considerable discussion, but after amend
ment was adopted 1t recites the fact that al
though Randolph Macon College WAS now edu-
eating twelve candidates for the ministry tor
the Baltimore Conference and the SONS Of lis
ministers free, yet but small percentage OF
the s2jO0 pledged to said college had been
raised. Rev. DR.. Duncan then addressed the
body in relation to said college and the general
subject of its education, influence, NC. reading
Il very able paper, which is to appear in the
conference journals.
Rev. Dr. McFerrin then appealed to the
Conference to pay their share of the old mis-
sionary debt, and although only 81 GOO was
asked for LII was in few minutes raised,
and on further appeal by Rev. John Land
street in behalf of the bishop fund, about $50
was collected to meet its deficiency.