eting,
and, after a dozen regretful and complimentary speeches, from clergy and
laity, resolved:

"1st. That we have learned with profound regret that our distinguished
fellow-citizen, ROBERT BELCHER, Esq., is about to remove his residence
from among us, and to become a citizen of the commercial emporium of our
country.

"2d. That we recognize in him a gentleman of great business enterprise,
of generous instincts, of remarkable public spirit, and a personal
illustration of the beneficent influence of freedom and of free
democratic institutions.

"3d. That the citizens of Sevenoaks will ever hold in kindly remembrance
a gentleman who has been identified with the growth and importance of
their beloved village, and that they shall follow him to his new home
with heartiest good wishes and prayers for his welfare.

"4th. That whenever in the future his heart and his steps shall turn
toward his old home, and the friends of his youth, he shall be greeted
with voices of welcome, and hearts and homes of hospitality.

"5th. That these resolutions shall be published in the county papers,
and that a copy shall be presented to the gentleman named therein, by a
committee to be appointed by the chairman."

As was quite natural, and quite noteworthy, under the circumstances, the
committee appointed was composed of those most deeply interested in the
affairs of the Continental Petroleum Company.

Mr. Belcher received the committee very graciously, and made them a neat
little speech, which he had carefully prepared for the occasion. In
concluding, he alluded to the great speculation in which they, with so
many of their fellow-citizens, had embarked.

"Gentlemen," said he, "there is no one who holds so large an interest in
the Continental as myself. I have parted with many of my shares to
gratify the desire of the people of Sevenoaks to possess them, but I
still hold more than any of you. If the enterprise prospers, I shall
prosper with you. If it goes down, as I sincerely hope it may not--more
for your sakes, believe me, than my own--I shall suffer with you. Let us
hope for the best. I have already authority for announcing to you that
another monthly dividend of two per cent. will be paid you before I am
called upon to leave you. That certainly looks like prosperity.
Gentlemen, I bid you farewell."

When they had departed, having first heartily shaken the proprietor's
hand, that gentleman locked his door, and gazed for a long