The Commonwealth

A Sermon's Value in Dollars.

The following is an interesting item sent out from Richmond, Va., concerning a minister known in North Carolina:

"The Norfolk and Western railroad has been called upon to decide what is the value of a sermon in dollars and cents and for that purpose a board of arbitration has been appointed.

Last summer Rev. W. P. Hines, of Norfolk, while a passenger on the Norfolk and Western, lost a satchel containing among other things two hundred sermons in manuscript. The satchel had been properly checked, and the road was therefore responsible for it and was willing to make the loss good, but what the loss is, no one up to the present time knows. It was finally decided to appoint a board of arbitration. Mr. Hines to select one minister, the railroad another, and the two a third. Mr. Hines has chosen Rev. A. E. Owen, D. D., of Norfolk, and the railroad people have selected Rev. Hubert M. Hoge, editor of the Richmond and Baltimore Christian Advocate. The two have not yet held a consultation. The decision of this board will set a precedent, and it is awaited with interest."

Later.—A board of arbitration, consisting of Rev. Hubert M. Hoge, associate editor of the Richmond Christian Advocate; Rev. Dr. A. E. Owen, pastor of Grace Baptist church, of this city; and Rev. Dr. J. J. Hall, pastor of Park Avenue Baptist church, Norfolk, after a session of nine hours, awarded Rev. W. P. Hines, pastor of Park View Baptist church, Portsmouth, $250 damages for the loss of a satchel checked by the Norfolk and Western railway and containing 202 sermons, as well as a Bible with many notations therein.

Rev. Mr. Hines asked $1,000. Both sides will abide by the decision of the arbitrators, and the $250 will be paid the minister by the Norfolk and Western at once. Of the board of arbitration, Rev. Mr. Hoge was selected by the Norfolk and Western, and Rev. Dr. Owen by Rev. Mr. Hines, and the two selected Rev. Dr. Hall.