Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1888-03-08
A REORGANIZATION.
THE VIRGINIA AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY
DISSOLVED LAST NIGHT.
New Body Formed With Design to Hold an
Exposition in the City OF
Richmond.

A largely-attended meeting of life
members OF the State Agricultural Soci-
ETY. was held last night in the hall Of the
House of Delegates. Every seat in the
hall WAS occupied, and yet there were
many persons standing. Mr.. Ashton
Starke, president of the society, presided,
and Major a. II. Venable, the secretary,
was at his post.
President Starke in calling the meet
ing TO order said that Its object was TO
consider the bill which had been pre-
pared by special committee appointed
tor the purpose by the Executive Com
mittee at its quarterly meeting in Janu
airy last, and which had been passed by
the General Assembly. The question to
be decided, he said, was whether the
life members would accept the charter
for reorganization as granted under this
bill.
THOSE PRESENT.
On motion Of Colonel r. #. W. Duke
a committee Of three was appointed to
ascertain if there was quorum present.
The Chair appointed Messrs. Duke,
John Ellitt, and Corbin NJ. Reynolds as
this committee.
These gentlemen after being out about
twenty minutes reported that there were
represented in person or by proxy 400
members.
ACCEPT THE CHARTER.
General Joseph r. Anderson, with q
few predatory remarks, offered the fol-
lowing and asked its adoption
Whereas the General Assembly Of
Virginia las passed an act, approved
February S, 1888, to incorporate the
Virginia State Agricultural and Mechani-
cal Society, and this meeting has been
called in furtherance of the provisions
of said act to consider whether it will
accept or reject the said charter:
Rcso,Ued, That we hereby accept the
said act OF the General Assembly, ap-
proved February 8, 1883, incorporating
the Virginia State Agricultural and
Mechanical Society.
At the suggestion of Mr.. Wingo the
charter was read by the secretary.
PATRIOTIC PURPOSE.
After come brief explanation from
Colonel Buford and Mr.. Wingo Mr. j.
Rayenscrolt Jones, OF Brunswick, OBJ
tanned the floor and warmly advocated
the adoption of the resolution. He was
present thirty-fve years ago when the
society was bankrupt and almost extinct.
Inspired by the same love for the whole
State aud the success of every section
that he then felt he was now present,
and he did hope that the resolution
would be unanimously adopted. He
sincerely desired that there should not
be any local jealouses against the city Of
Richmond, which should be regarded as
the representative OF the entire State.
A VETERANS VIEWS.
Mr.. Thomas r. Branch, now eighty
three wears old, arose to give bis counsel,
and as he did so was applauded as a
token of reverence to his honOred age.
He urged that the city be asked to give
to the society, not lend to it, the $50, 900
which is owing the city. There was no
reason why the city should not be asked
10 do this. 1t had lent the money be
fore when it was needed, and he hoped
that it would now be made donation.
General Anderson said there was no.
thing in the act to keep the city from
giving the money, but the society had
first to accept the charter before the city
could either take stock or make the do
nation.
Mr.. Branch insisted that the city
sbonld be asked to make a donation OF
the $50, 600.
General Andersons resolution was
unanimously adopted.
| REPRESENTATION.
Mr. Starke said this resolution having
been adopted it became him to say that
the State Agricultural Society was at an
end.
General Anderson said the proper
course was TO proceed to organize the
new society under the charter Just &C
cepted.
On his motion Colonel Buford was
called to the chair.
Colonel Buford said that he had just
noticed that the act required its accept
ance by the new as well as the old soci'
ETY..
PRESIDENT.
The first business in order was the
election of n president, for which posi-
ton General Anderson nominated Mr.
Ashton Starke, who had done so much
for the old society, and who would, by
his intelligence, perseverance,, energy,
and push, put new life into the new or
ganization.
Colonel Duke seconded the nomina
ton.
Captain r. f. Blankenship, in a very
neat little speech, endorsed the nomina
ton of Mr.. Starke, who could have
more influence with the businessmen
and merchants than any other man.
Colonel Beverley, who was for three
years president of the society, said tha
Mr. Starke had rendered him more sub
stantial aid than any other person.
Mr. Starke was elected by acclama
ton. =,
On motion OF Mr.. Branch commit
tee of three was appointed to wait OF
Mr.. Starke and inform him OF his elec
ton.
MIR. Starke's appearance was greeted
with applause.
CONGRATULATIONS.
Colonel Buford congratulated the so
cietv on its selection, and turning to Mr.