Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-06-03
BEDFORD CITY.
Valuable Property SoId-WonderfuI
Escapc.

BEDFORD CITY, June 2.-(Special) y
The valuable property known as Belmont
! Seminary was sold last Saturday after
noon at public auction, Mrs. William NJ
Burwel becoming the owner. The price
realized was 1925. which is about the
amount of mortgage she held upon the
property for money loaned the institution.
This is only small proportion of the
real value of the large and handsome
building and the extensive and beautiful
grounds. For several years the manage
ment of the school, which was under the
auspices of the Presbyterian Church here,
have been greatly embarrassed financially.
and the sale of the property was ineyita-
bic. IL is not yet known what disposi-
tion will be made Of IT. There are many
rumors of negotiations for it, but as yet
nothing has materialized. With the clos
ing of Belmont and the fall of the High
School. the problem of a higher education
for girls than that afforded by the public
graded school is presenting itself to all
those who feel personal interest in the
subject.
Randolph-Macon Academy, with its
splendid and successful record in the six
years Of its career, solves the problem for
boys
A WONDERFUL ESCAPE.
Mr.. W II. Mosby has received letter
from his son. Alfred containing a thrill
ing account Of his wonderful escape from
the hold of the Sommers n. Smith. which
sank while being launched at Newport
News Saturday. Mr.. Mosby, who had re-
Gently removed to Newport News, was in
the engine-room as assistant engineer at
the time of the launching. When the yes
sci careened he was forced down and
pinioned in by timbers and other debris,
Il. -. sY.fsI
nearly touched his chin. Realizing that
death was very near. he made a powerful
effort and wrenched himself free and
swan through an opening and chung to
the side of the hull. But the suction
from the rapidly sinking ship was so
powerful that persons near. seeing his
peril. called TO him to jump into the wa
ter, which he did, and swan until rescued
by boat.
He states that the engineer and another
man who were with him went down with
the vessel. Mr. Mosby is very slight ana
delicate Of build. and the strength and
presence of mind he exhibited are re-
markable.
SUNDAYS DISPATCH.
Last Sundays Dispatch. with its
splendid pictures and reproductions OF
wartime memories. is attracting much at
tention and interest, and many graceful
compliments in regard TO its general con-
duct OF conservatism and absence Of SEN
sational and impure matter have been
paid it.
Yesterday a colored driver, who was
hauling stone. while removing one from
a pile was bitten by a snake. but. while he
was only slightly hurt and a good deal
frightened the snake died instantly from
the effects This IS q fact, the wherefore
who can tell?
The interest that attached to the bacca-
laureate services for Belmont Seminary
on Sunday was peculiar. mainly because
they were the last. and all last things are
sad. AS the procession OF bright young
girls In the airy and beautiful costumes
customary on such occasions. marched
from the school TO the Presbyterian
church through the streets there was
tinge OF sadness blended with the admit
ration Of those who watched them.