Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1875-03-02
JEFFERsoN LITERARY SocfrTY

SkkEnSON LITERARY SOCIETY Lecture
Of Hon. A. e. Boteler on tie CeatenniaL-
The very large aud appreciative audience
which greeted our distinguished couutymau,
the Hon. Alexander R. Boteler. were amply
repaid by the eloquent aud interesting ad-
dress which he delivered on Friday evening
last
bis introduction was conceived in the
broad and comprehensive spirit of patriot,
and delivered with the taste of an artist, and
the elOquence of finished orator. Had Mrs
Sisouruey been present, no doubt the breath
of dEatory would again have vibrated the
aeolian harp of pOesy. as it did in days of yore,
IA the Hall Of the House of Representatives.
After his exordium. Mr. Boteler proceeded
20 point out the general scope and design of
= the International Exhibition of 1876. Thus
IA, no less than twenty-five nations had of.
hcially signifed their intention to contribute
In addition to these, six or seven more had
given unofficial information of design to
participate. The speaker thought there was
some reason to complain of the action of the
Federal Executive. in the premises, to say
nothing of the refusal of Congress to con-
treute to an exhibition inaugurated by their
aWn Act, under national auspices Private
enterprise, however, under the lead of the
womea Of America. had noely responded.
until success based aron pecuuiary coutribu-
tons, and endorsements, was assured. Moth
ing in all history rivalled the scale upon whi.h
propositions were now being made -Four
hundred and fifty acres had been assigned in
Fairmont Park, Philadelphia, to the exhibi-
tiOn. OF this, the buildings, and floor space
would occupy not less than fifty acres. The
Exhibition would open on the 18th of April,
1876, and end on the 18th of October, thus
giving historical significance to the durational
term of the Centenary celebration.
Mr. BOteler enlarged upon the Importance
of State action on the part of West Virginia
Viewed from the utilitarian stand point ouly,
here was an opportunity to advertise her im-
mense mineral deposits, aud resources, which
would never again be presented. He had
urged this matter on the Legislature By pri-
tate appeals, aud the Governor had adverted
to it in his message But as yet no action
had been tlkea. He had recommended the
appointment OF NJ F Maury .Jr to superin-
tend our meteorological contributions But
our legislature was too much engaged in con-
troversies sprinsiug out of personal ambition,
and local interests. to attend 10 the material
welfare of the commonwealth
The speaker concluded his address by in
vitins attention to the instructions to applicants
for space. aud expressed the hope thar private
enterprise would do something to supplement
tee lethsrsy of our representatives.
Ia these views of Mr.. BoteIer we cordially
coocar, and trust that the Legislature will ye,
act upon the Recommendation of the Governor
Among the audience we observed Porte
CrayOu, Gen. David H. Strother) an atteu-
tive listener.
At re opening of the exercises. the peesi-
dent announced that on Friday evening next.
the 9Th OF March. an election of officers would
take place, aud full attendance at O'clock
Punetualiy, was desired for that purpose -
After the election, the following question
would be debated:
Should Free Education, provided by the
State, be Compulsory p
Debdters.
Afarmative-Rev W. 6. Hammond. Viii.
liam L. Wilson.
Nesativs-wm. Il. Travers, Herbsr,
Thompson.
Ahesnotes
Afirmative-Rev. A. G. Hopkins, Forest
Brown
Nesstive-Charles Davies, a. E. Ken
nedy.
Town COUNCIL MATrERs.-A regular
meeting of the Town Council was held on
Tuesday night last-tbo Mayor, Recorder and
all the members present.
The Committee on leasing public grounds
Was granted further time to report
The bills Of members of the Market House
Building Committee we're cut down from $50
70 S25, aud passed.
Facts were developed showing some prot>
ability that portion. at least, of the 500
bond fraudulently obtained by the late Nail
City Insurance Co., of Wheeling, may possibly
Be recovered.
The lamp question was again discussed but
no aesioa was taken other than the appoint
ment of Committee to ascertain the prob.
able cost Of lamps, Ightiog. keeping the same
in repair, &c, said Committee to report to a
special meeting OF the Council Tonight
DoUBLE-HEADED CALF.-We learn of a
strange freak of nature which occurred at
MyerstOwn. in this county. few days ago.
A COW belonging to Mr, Fl. NJ. Smith, of that
locality. is reported to have given birth to a
6nnhIn- hn.1oI ..sIl...