The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1877-11-22

| Portsmouth, when Cue iaaL tSts'1'l s.Jn,.o
be driven in the presence OF large asi.sa
tions from Columbus, Richmona, uu S.1ns
will fairly paw the earth endeaVorlne "
reach Iror,ton, Ashland, and Huntington.
| Tho day OF deliverance draws nigh'
Virginia Historical Society.
The Historical Society could and should
| he made to fiji an extended and important
field OF usefulness as q conservator and
exponent Of our history, State ana ma
tional; also, of science and Its kindred OBJ
jects. 1t should also be medium OF en-
lichtenment, as well as agreeable to the pub
| lie in many matters affecting everyday pur-
suits. II should be beneficial not only to
the literary and historical student, but to
the farmer and mechanic in their investiga-
tons, through the information which its
library and collections might afford. In the
linking Of lessons OF the past with the pre-
sent experience and improvements in ply
steal and social science and philosophy So
ciety will derive not only real advantage,
but become inspired with opinions and SEN
timents that would be sure to improve the
moral feelings and energies OF the people OF
these times.
1t is well to come directly to the practical
wants OF this valuable institution. de-
sidcratum Of the Society now is atire-proof
hall, in which may be preserved and ex-
hibited the library, portraits, and records
which it possesses, and to which addltlohs
arc constantly being made by donation.
This object merits IN appropriation Of an
amount sufficient to erect such b'llioinS
as would reflect credit not only on the city
hut upon the State, and which might serve
a. an attraction to visitors from abroad.
For this purpose $4,000 would none 100
much. But the Society, through its EXecu'
tive Committee, impelled by the necessity
for some safe depository of their own, have
deemed it more judiclouS to ask first for
the modest sum of $4,000; for the raising
OF which sum the following plan was divised
more than year since by its venerable ana
honored president, Mr.. GEIGSBY-to wit:
To obtain the sum OF $4,000 from ten sub
scribers at $500 each, and the additional
81. 900 by fifty subscriptions Of 800 each.
| The list was headed by Dir. GRIGsBY with 4
subscription OF $500; and though persist
emf efforts have since been made by ap-
meals through the press and by per-
sonal application on the part OF the
members OF the committee only $500 has
been added to Mr.. GRIGSBY's subscription.
The Society, independent of this subscrlp-
ton, possesses 4 fund OF $3.50, which with
the money subscribed makes available the
sum of s1,G50. Any addition to this
amount, however small, would be most
thankfully received by the Society. There
are on the rolls of the Society long list OF
members, numbering about $50, the large
majority OF whom are in arrears for several
years OF their annual dues, which is five
dollars each. Ii such indebtedness could be
collected and the paying-list of members
augmented considerable revenue might be
obtained. Richmond might properly lend
helping hand by appropriation and by do
nation, OF site for building, but especially
should the State foster this honorable and
meritorious institution. Several of the
eastern aud western States give halls,
yearly appropriations for the pay OF Off
cials, &C., to their State historical societies.
One or more OF them, in addition, print at
public expense the Society publications.
Whilst we do not yield to our contempt
raries in the matter of sympathy in the inter-
ests and objects Of the Society, we cannot
unite with the Wing in its structures upon
the gentlemen who compose the Executive
Committee OF the institution. They per-
form an onerous and, it would seem, a
thankless Office to the best Of their ability.
None of them possess what may be called
liberal means, aud several we know are in
circumstances that give them little or no.
thing to spare to public charity pecuniarily
We are assured OF their earnest desire to
uphold the Society in every manner that is
within their power. The Society wants
money. Virginia and Virginians should
give it help, and thus secure to the commu-
nifty a most important agent for refined sat
isfaction, and for the instruction and eleva-
ton Of the public mind, and inspiring the
hearts of the citizens with proper pride and
public devotion. r.. .