The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1874-07-08

Westminster College, Fulton Mo- The commence
ment exercises began on Sunday, June l4th, with
the delivery of the baccalaureate sermon, by Presi-
dent n L. Rice, full of lucid thought, mastery
logic, scripturaness aud beautiful expression. Rev.
John Montgomery. D. D.. of Longwood, Mo-,
addressed the Society of Religious Inquiry on Sun
day night, on " Religion, the Source and Support
of Modern Civilization" subject which he hand
led vigorously. On Monday night the Philologc
Society held its celebration. Five speakers enter
tanned crowded audience. The Philalethian So
held its exhibition on Tuesday night. The Old
School Presbyterian says: We were struck with
the cearness OF articulation and easy delivery
On Wednesday night, Rev. h. h. Rutherford, ID.
D., of St. Louis, delivered the address before the
Literary Societies, on 1.-The Influence of the Cos
pei on Education" The Fulton Telegraph says:
THE effort was marked throughout by beautiful
thoughts, clothed in pure English, and delivered
in manner at once elegant and graceful.
Water Power.-A correspondent of the Smith
sonian Institution who has spent considerable time
in investigation of the sui ect. in answer to re.
mark by Professor Henry, that the immense wa
ter power at Niagara may, in the progress OF prac-
tical science, be applied to the purposes OF Indus
try" states that by the last census there are ST.
OFT water wheels in operation in American manu-
featuring establishments, giving power OF 49,
4l6 horses while Niagara Falls gives power of
| ii 366 036 horses"
The Postmaster-General, Mr.. Creswell, resigned
his position last week, having held the Office five
| years.
The Christian Chinese in San Francisco recently
began to hold prayer meeting OF their own, which
times been present.
Prof Joseph LIE Conts, brother of the President of
the American Association for the Advancement of
| q =. L. ~ Al -
versity of California for the position OF State Ge-
ologst of Georgia, because the salary OF the latter
Office is too small An effort is to be made to In
crease the salary as to secure his acceptance
The Governor is also endeavoring to get the Pro-
fessors distinguished brother to accept the Chan
cellorship of the University Of Georgia. Oc-
cident.
The Board of Visitors of the Virginia Military In.
stitute met in Annual Session on the Goth of June,
1874. We take the following extract from the Su-
perintendent's Report
"ADJT. GEN. RICHARDsoN,-We all feel the
absence, at this annual meeting OF the Board, of
the venerable Adjutant General William H. Rich
ardson, who for period of thirty.three years has
borne his unwearied part, having never failed be-
fore in his regular attendance, as member OF the
| Board, ex oticio. A serious confusion which he
received in Richmond in February last, has con-
| fined him to his room ever since, and although
much improved in his general condition, he has
found the journey at this time more than strength
would allow. How much Of support and wise
counsel | have received from this faithful public
servant OF the Commonwealth, no one knows as |
do, who have constantly felt the force of his strong
sustaining arm. May his valuable life be long
spared for many more years of usefulness to the
State and its Institutions"
Congress and Finances Congress has at last
achieved bill on the subject of the finances, one
which would recall the old fable OF the mountain
and the mouse-onIy Congress is not mountain.
The bill was proposed and apparently passed as a
compromise? IL legal yes the issue of twenty-six
millions made last tall. but does not authorize any
more 1t allows the banks to issue their reserves,
to the amount of thirty or forty millions, which
the law of selfpreservation will probably prevent
them from doing. 1t authorizes taking ifty-fve
millions from the East and giving to the West and
South. But as the location Of circulation is de-
termined by laws OF trade, not OF Congress, il is
not likely that this provision will practically affect
circulation materially The bill is notable chiefly
for what it omits Ii contains no provision look
ing even remotely, toward resumption of specie
payments. 1t is valuable chiefly because Congress
has adjourned and can tinker at the currency no
longer. We can at least know what our money is
worth-till Congress meets again.
Deserving Help.-The Trustees OF Jefferson Med
icaT College appeal for balance of $50, 600 needed
for the erection aud equipment of hospital in the
central part OF Philadelphia. They state that dur
ing the past forty years the College has prescribed
and furnished surgical and medical attendance for
at least l0o 600 patients, at an expense of over
$50 600