Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1872-10-12
WHICH GO
The Late VIM. Prescott Smith.
Meeting Of Citizens to Gice Expression to
the General Regret at tie Death Of vi
liam Prescott Smith.

the General Regret at tie Death Of WI
liam Prescott Smith.
At noon yesterday, says the Baltimore
Gazette, of October 4th,l pursuant to notice
large number Of citizens assembled at Rains
Hall, to take action with regard to the death
of the late William Prescott, Smith. The
meeting was large, and every class of society
was represented. The merchant the profess
siOnal man, the mechanic, and the artist were
there while the department Of music was well
represented. The railroad interest, with which
the deceased was for 50 many years connected,
was represented Ly john W. Garrett, Esq,
president of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad,
James L. AlcLaiu, Esq, president of the
Western Maryland Railroad, and Robert Gar
rett, Esq, president of The Valley Railroad.
The meeting was called to order by Joseph
J. Stewart, Esq.
REMARKS OF JOHN W. GAREETE, ESQ
Mr.. CHAIRMAN: Within the past hour
have been asked to participate in these pro-
ceediugS Our genial, our amiable, our excel
lent and most useful friend has been called
suddeuly-very suddeniy-lrom us. Only a
few weeks siace Mr.. SMith visited Inc, aud
stated that in consequence of changes about to
occur ia the roads with which he was connect
ed-the Washington and New York lue-he
designed to retire from that service; and lie
added that thai which would grauty him most
would be to return to the service oil the Balti
more aud Ohio Company, with which ne mad
been so long associated, ana IN connection ~ th
which he felt that his efforts would probably
aid 70 q greater extent than in any other form
10 build up the interests Of the community
with which be had been SO long identified.
As president OF tue Baltimore and Ohio rail-
road cordially responded to the suggestion.
In the course Of that interview be stated that
whilst he had previously laJorcd diligently,
yet it was his determination to devote himself
more seriously than before, when again in the
service, to the great aud expanding interests Of
/ the company.
felt, aud am sure the board of the Ba,ti
more aud Ohio Company felt, when as its
| chairman, bad tie pleasure ut making this
statement. at ON v It's last meeting that striking
as it had been, Mr.. Smiths history, aud uselu!
as had been bis career, lie was about entering
| upon higher usefulness and commanding a
| position of greater emiueuce. Unfortunately
at the very period his services were to com
mence, ON the Isl OF September, he was not
/ well aud he WAS able ouly to take partial
charge of the department to which he had
/ been appointed.
/ He was not however, deemed III, and so re-
/ Gently as on Friday last he expressed the hope
( that In few days be would he able TO fully
assume the duties Of his clicc. He was buoy
ant, and felt no anxiety as TO the serious nature
| Of the attack from which he WAS suffering
/ lie has gone He who in the midst Of great
emp.Oymeuts, found abundant time for kindly
! deeds and for charitable hbors; who served
| alike the humble aud the emiueut who was
always prepared, with the greatest energy aud
| interest, TO do all that could add 10 tue happi-
ness of others.
/ How often during the fearful conflict through
which our country pasSed-alter days Of great
/ fatigue and labor ou the part Of Mr.. Smith,
wien arriving from Washington aud meeting
| him at Camden Station, at hours after mid
night, with authority from the President OF the
! United States or the Secretary of War; TO act
| in cases of humauity-to aid the wounded, the
| prisoner, the suffering or the oupreSsed-how
often have seen his ewes brighten with graft
/ hcaton when told that those things could be
done that would help tie helpless, and how
/ promptly under those circumstances he would
hasten 10 accomplish the desired objects.
/ He, you all know, performed his great duties
with energy, with skill and with loyalty. But
10 the midst of the exciting, narrowing and
/ bloody scene oi those days, ON all occasions,
irrespective Of pgessures elsewhere, he, with a
stioug heart, and 0agclouate nature, was VIII
ing 10 make those VINO dl Tered politically and
who were ar,ayed in hostility, feel that there
was fraternity still, aad that man should be
/ humane TO man. l could not refrain When
asked. though SO unexpectedly, from saying
something Ia reference 90 our departed and
laMeuted friend.
lattempt no eulogv. Ny hearts full, my
friends, on this occasion. My personal loss is
of one who, In the midst of crises, was always
truc-oue who not ouI as au officer, but as a
man could always feel would respond to the
dictates of the right and the true. You all
remember that his W.T. and genius and lumor
were not merely for gIyety and amusement. but
that nhis igut.ruour, were az .j.eliu tie iu-
terests OF charity and beaeyolelce, la coatr.Ou-
ting TO the education O. The orphan, and in aid
iug the POGO cordially unite IN giving this
brief tribute 90 his memory, IN rendering most
earnest coudo.eace 90 his bcreayed family, and
aiding to place garlands Of appreciation upon
hls grave.