Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-11-20

Tho disposition to preserve the relics or
the past. the percepuble and permanent
results Of creative processes Is stronger
at present than it was hundred years
ago. and for this the antiquary mas rea-
SON to be deeply grateful.
mobile token OF this disposition, and
permaneYt object of interest 10 the ciuzeh
md pilgrim of Richmond, Is supplied py
the munilcent gift Of the late Mann .
Valentine OF a museum, rich in antique
treasures. collected by the members OF
his family for several generations ana
arranged with superb taste and admira-
BILE discretion by his executors.
This treasure store is to be thrown
open for public inspection under crcuih-
rtarfces that have been officially an
rounced in these columns. Invitations
have been issued for the formal opening
which takes place tomorrow night, 10
the Governor of Virginia and MS stan,
me state and city officials, professors Oh
schools. principals of schools, ana the
heads of educational and historical IN
,titutions and societies. Thencetorth
tickets OF admission may be obtained by
the general public at certain drusstoreS
which have heretofore been designated
The generous donor of this nne art les-
,irnonial was an antiquarian and a
scholar of ample requirements and hhe
,alents. and throughout the country, as
well as at home, his name will always be
honorably associated. The people of the
South are not less interested in TINS
museum, than the community that 1t is
especialIv intended to honor ana Denent.
They will observe with satisfaction ana
pride that Mr.. Valentine has made TINS
benedcent. beautiful, and opulent oHerlng
20 q city which, for all of them, Is nal
lowed by exalted associations, ana LOT
many of them is endeared by delightful
memories 1t is not every man VINO
knows how to give with grace, ana the
good deed is "done double" that IS done
sat the right time. Richmond has long
been in need Of such an institution anu
therefore, IL satisfies public want.
In Virginia more than anywhere else
on earth the record Of good deeds is made
permanent, not alone with imperlshaole
symbols. but in the hearts OF the people.
THE inhabitants of Richmond, guarding
and maintaining their museum, VIII not
forget by whom il was given. Wherever
won go YOU find memorials Of the past
and of individuals who have done good
deeds in their time, and you also ma
that these memorials are respected ana
preserved. Many such emblems might DC
indicated. Each one of them takes It's
Mace In the regard and gradually be-
comes entwined with the experience OF
The whole community. So 1t viii be with
The Valentine Museum. If the founder
had been capable of a selfish thought ne
could have taken no way better or more
certain than this for the perpetualon oil
his name in the affectionate esteem OF
one Of the loveliest places and one OF the
most sedate communities In the world.
HISTORIC LIFE OF HUMANITY.
1t was said by Lord Beaconsfeld that
nrogress In the nineteenth century Is
found TO consist chiefly in return 10
ancient ideas. There may be places 70
which the Characteristic spirit OF the
present day contributes an element OF
beauty. but they are at least difficult &c
and Wherever there Is beauty there i:
the living force OF tradition to account
Tor n The most that q conservative force
I'm society can accomplish for the pre-
servation OF an instinct in favor or what
everis beautiful and impressive is to pro
feet what remains from the past. 1t Il
strange that the life OF the past, in III
unfamiliar remains and fading traces
should 50 far surpass the lie OF I'M
present I'm impressive force and influence
Human Characteristics, although mani
Tested u.,der widely different conditions
were the same In old times that they ar
now 1t Is not in them. surely, that W
are 10 seek for the mysterious cheIh
that hallows ancient objects and the MS
torIcal antiquities OF the world. Time
shadow on the works of man, like moon
light on a landscape. gives only grace
"a the yiew-tingeing them the While VIII
sombre sheen-and leaves all blemishe
q, darkness. The efficacy Of endeavorin
Ia make a State n united, comfortable
and beautiful home for ali its inhaol
tants-binding every heart 10 the lahu D
the same tie that binds every heart l
the freside--is something well worthy
he considered, equally by the practice
stateman and the cOntemplatiVe observer
That way, assurediy lie the welfare Q
the human race, and all the tranquiilt
mat human nature-warped as 1t is b
eyil--will ever permit IN TINS world IN
epaeavor has. through long age, bee
steadily pursued In Virginia, and one {
tts results-which Is also one OF its ina
ca,ions-is the vast accumulation Q
what may be called home treasures ]
the city Of Richmond. When all has bee
seen elsewhere, the wanderer. stated WI
The glitter OF snowy opulence and tire
with the whirl Of frivolous life, will GLAD
Iy and gratefully turn again to restt'
old Richmond; and, like the Syrian car
tain. though in the better spirit OF trut
and rfyht. declare that ALBANIA and Phai
par. rivers OF Damascus, are better ina
all the waters OF Israel.
AN OLD VIRGINIA HOME.
The Valentine Museum. which is STU
ated on the southwest corner OF EleVent
and ,eqay streets. Is one Of the most II
teresting buildings In the city. IL wa
erected in the year 1872 by Robert Mil
Esq, distinguished architect or ths
day who also designed the Monument
church. IL is a typical Virginia HON
and was hpiit. In the first instance, X
the celebrated lawyer. john Wtckhan
The doorways OF the interior and n
winding stair Of oak boards. solid. Gin
pie. and consonant with the times on
manners they represent, are very fin
The house Itself is an imposing brio
building, painted white. IL is associate
with names that are stately in Virgin
history. and its garden invests It vii
peculiar beauty. The style is dignlhe
and carries with II an air OF permanenc
The entrance is particularly worthy
note A larga yestibule leads into a a