the debt of $1,997.57 ought to be promptly met by special donations, so that the Papers may not longer have to carry this burden.
In conclusion, we would express our growing conviction of the importance of an enterprise which has for its object the vindication of as pure a cause as was ever submitted to the arbitrament of the sword, and the furnishing of the material for a true history of as noble a band of patriot heroes as ever marched or fought "in all the tide of time."
By order of the Executive Committee.
Secretary Southern Historical Society.
General Early, President of the Society, explained that Father Ryan, of Mobile, had first promised to make the oration on this occasion; that his physicians having forbidden him to use his voice, he had promised to send an original poem (telegraphing as late as Monday that it would certainly be here); and that the poem had failed to come by some unexplained cause. General Early submitted a few remarks as to the value and importance of the work of the Society.
Dr. J. L. M. Curry submitted the following resolution, which was unanimously adopted:
Resolved, That the past success of the Society, its valuable work in securing the preparation and publication of historic documents, its influence in vindicating truth and correcting erroneous opinions at home and abroad, make its support more important than ever before, and we commend it and the Historical Society Papers to the confidence and patronage of all our late associates, and of all who wish the truth of history to be scrupulously preserved.
Dr. Curry sustained his resolution in an earnest and eloquent speech, which was frequently interrupted with applause.
Major Stiles made a strong and very forcible appeal to the audience to take life-memberships and relieve the Society of its burden, which was enthusiastically applauded.
The Secretary said that while it was exceedingly important to raise the amount named at the earliest possible moment, yet a plenty of new subscribers would enable them to work through.
There was a good deal of enthusiam in the meeting.
