Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-06-30

men Of America have sat fraternally,
Richmond Lodge No. TO- first charteieu
in 1880 was chiefly instrumental ia tN-
tending the fratcmal order IN virginia
Kentucky. and the West and was primey
instrumental In the building Of the time
worn structure.
MANY REFINING INFLUENCES.
Richmond has over been distinguished
for the worth and refinement OF IT'S poo
pie, who have been constant patrons
Of art and enlightenins mediums. We
have had succession OF circulating
libraries. commencing with the Richmond
Library. instituted about 1900 We nave
now the state Library Of nearly iOtD
volumes: its adjunct the Law LIBRARY
those of Richmond College the virginia
and the Southern Historical societies; tie
Rosemary Library. and that or the
Young Mems Christian Association. be-
sides many private Libraries OF extent ana
value.
THE HISTORICAL SOCIETIES
The historical s3ciet.es-the virginia
and the Southern-h1ve been important
factors In encouragement Of history. mo
former chartered n 1884. prior TO the
war. had published n number of volume :
and since 1861 has put forth n serial or
eleven volumes of Historical collections
which have been widely accepted as au-
tborfty The society since 1898 has pub
Ushad a quarterly magazine. The efii-
cient secretary Of tho Virginia Society
IS Mr. Phillip A. Bruce. The southern
Historical Society since 1873 has pub
Ushol twenty-three volumes of IT'S in-
valuable southern Historical Society
Pauors" of which h is the dictum OF
the London Saturday Review that they
contain a mass OF information relative
10 the late war without a careful study
Of which no historian. however limited
his scope should venture 20 trust any
fragment Of that most interesting story
of these volumes. Volume - has a pecu-
liar interest for our veterans The Paroles
OF the Army Of Northern virginia. Sur
rendered at Appomattox Courthouse.
with Historical Introduction This vol
ume is truly a Battle Abbey OF worth.
valor and sublime patriotism. never sur
passed. The present secretary Of
the society, and the editor Of
the Papers. is Mr.. r. A. Brock,
who was for eighteen years the Sec
rotary OF the Virginia Historical Society.
The Southern Society has am exceedingly
valuable library. and a collection ar
manuscripts Of the highest his toricnl I'M
p0rtance. IL has recently made yaiu-
able addition % the last in the purchase
of papers from the estate Of Colonel Benz
ItlIlllI So AaN 49, liza Lfsf it'NN
William and Mary College. who was the
Acknowledgement Of General JOS ph j..
Johnston during the late war.
PATRIOTIC SOCIETIES.
The inauguration Of the patriotic So
ciety the Sons and Daughters OF the
American Revolution; the Society OF Coz
lonial Wars. the Society OF Colonial
Danes; the revival Of the Virginia
branch Of the order Of the Cincinnati,
have given a great impetus 10 the study
Of the past history OF the States and
country. whilst the establishment OF
the Valentine Museum Of Archaeology.
and the comprehensive museum Of Rich
m0nd College have quick ned the taste
for science and broader study.
THE JEFF. DAVIS MANSION
The Confederate Museum I'm the Jeffer-
SON Davis Mansion. has a collection OF
appealing interest. which is fast assuming
PROPORTIONS which win demand more room.
The Southern Historical Society. is ace
commOdated in the building If which the
ample grounds oner tho sites Tor the
erection NJ any additional buildings which
may be- required 10 accommodate any
further desired Battle Abbey Of the South.
REGION OF HISTORIC INTEREST.
II has been indicated that Richmond is
the centre OF region OF tho highest his-
toric interest. a circuit OF 100 miles
around the city Is the arena or more his