The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1879-09-04
From the Upper James. IA
| Observation-Disclosures LAWS
* ss . I11 M n IN pIcuNONn


Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatchl
LOCUST BorroM, BoTETouRT COUNTY, !
/ 9s%z ~ September I, 1879.
The state of affairs in this community has
| been much enliYened within the last few
days by the meeting of Montgomery Pres.
,bytery, which began its sessions on Wed
tnesday' the goth ultimo. The weather was
most propitious, the community turned out
en- 7adSse in attendance, the hospitality was
unbounded, as every one OF numerous visi'
tors will testify; the midday repasts upon
the ground were most laYishly bountiful,
and detied any amount OF appetite; every
BODY was pleased, fair ladies aud brave men
were plenty. and universal cordially aud
good shumor. prevailed. But joy was not
lunmixed With sorrow. Only about one
hall OF the regular members of Presbytery
| were present. OF these, four were called
off upon the second day by the burial at
Fincastle OF Colonel John Anderson, OF
Buchanan. Upon the third day the death
of Mr.. Ruff, OF Rockbridge county, father
of three OF the members OF PresbYtery, was
announced. On the same day the minister
and elder from Liberty gave as their rea-
sons for hardness the death OF one OF the
oldest and most valued members OF that
congregation. On the fourth day was. an-
nounced the dangerous illness OF Rev.
James u. Rice, Of Covington. another mem
Der OF this Presbytery. w no, having sought
/ during the summer the restoration OF his
health at Buford's, was taken home on Sat
urday incurably i'll, it is supposed, with
dropsy.
Outside of the regular routine the prin-
cipaI matter OF business was resolution
for the division OF the Synod OF Virginia
| s~fn pvDn1s which was
passed, with only two dissenting voices.
Rev. Mr.. Arrowwood, OF the Synod oil
North Carolina, was received, and steps
taken for bis installation rs pastor OF seve
rul churches in Giles county. III
Rev. William McPheeters, OF Lynchburg
was requested to take charge OF severn
churches in Franklin county. .. .~.
The following sentences from the ses'
sional report OF the Blacksburg church
struck us as having a general Importance
1.-The favorable legislation Of the State
touching the sale OF ardent spirits in this
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. especially intended
to protect the college students here assem-
| bled-has been very cordially sustained,
both by our members and the members oil
other churches, as well as by those not con-
nected with any church, and the spectacle
OF intoxicated men on our streets has be-
come rare. This is an Improvement on the
past, for which the whole community are
duly thankful" Such testimony as this.
which may be regarded as official. seems to
set aside the idea OF the liquor-men thai
local-option liquor laws do no good. ...,,..,
This community is looking for good times
NOW, in the assured resumption OF work
upon the Buchanan and Clifton Forge rail
road. To-day the laborers begin their work
| The tools and other supplies were at Cllftor
few days ago. Messrs. Mason, Hoge &
Co. have the contract. Forthe present free
labor is employed. The road is to be com
pleted in twelve mouths. W hen this roat
reaches Buchanan its extension to Balcony
Falls (irom the uncertain state OF the cana
navlgation) will be seen aud felt necessity
and then son to Richmond" B. "