Chariton courier. (Keytesville, Chariton County, Mo.) 1878-current, 1894-06-01
A Splendid Address.


OF Salisbury's coal mine, on Wednes-
day, May 23rd, the following address,
among other speeches, was delivered
by Miss Lizzie Finks, q pre-possess.
ing and accomplished daughter Of
the gallant Major j. II. Finks, of
that city:
"We meet to-day around this
shait to celebrate an important
event in the history Of our little
discovery OF coal. At last
arduous toll and faithful efforts
have been crowned with success.
Here we have another illustration OF
the triumph Of faith and energy over
indecision and credulity. Let the
lesson sink deep into the hearts OF all
present. We should bear in mind
that success is a creature OF gradual
developement. Coal was not reached
until much time and labor had been
expended in penetrating depths nrst
OF shale and then fire clay. Words
cannot express the happiness Of
these men when the cry OF "coal dis
covered"l reached their ears, from
the ehaft, and we are here to-day to
rejoice with those who originated
this enterprise, who thought OF the
magnificent resources lying at our
feet and only awaiting such enter
prise Tor development. &
All houor to those who furnished
the capital, and to those who day
after day. and night after night.
through cold and heat, and at the
peril of their very lives, slowly but
surely worked their way to that
great depth where that most useful
mineral, sThe Black Diamond" lay
restfse 90 long. Working men, you
who hsve striven so hard in this
great enterprise, walk worthy OF
your vocatioh. You have q noble
calling. If.wfile thus laboring on
earth, you anticipate the rest Of
heaven, and cau'say as did q poor
man once, who when pitied on ae-
count OF his humbN lot. said, taking
OF his hat, "Sir, Fam the son OF a
king, / am a child OF God, and when
i die angles will carrysnfe from this
coal shaft, direct to the court OF
heaven"
We feel this evening as Se surround
this shaft that providence has grant
ed these gentlemen an unusual sue
cess in their great undertaking. One
OF the main projectors of this enter
prise is an old man ever looking
to the interest OF the
community. He entered the
cause with the enthusiasm of youth,
and his presence has been an inspira.
tion. / allude to our distinguished
friend, the Hon. VIM. Heryiord.
Mr.. w. r. Slaughter has played no
inconspicuous part In the drama Of
Salisbury's history. and our people
have not been slow to place him
among the most worthy.
The remainder OF the mining force
has not been with us long, but they
are starting out as all good citisens
should to do something toward the
upbuilding OF our little city, "the
Queen Of the Prairie"
We fell thankful that We have the
privilege Of participating In the dedi-
cation OF this shaft. Remembering
these things let rs leave this place
with our love for the beautiful city
strengthened, with q higher esti-
mate Of the value OF citizenship, and
with q prayer to God that our peo-
pie may hold fast to the sentiment
that grows out Of q love and rever-
ence for our county's resource, and
may the name Of Covey and Bently
Heryford. VIM. Hayes, w. X.
Slaughter and VIM. Heryford be
treasured up in the hearts OF the
people OF Salisbury. May they live
to see this enterprise continue and
prosper and may this shaft which we
hereby christen as "the Salisbury
Coal Co." remain an enduring mon
ument to their memory"