After an animated discussion the questions was decided in favor of the affirmative.

On motion it was resolved that the question. Is fire a more destructive element than water, be the subject of discussion at the next meeting.

On motion the meeting adjourned until Saturday Feb^y 24th 1866 at 6 P.M.

F. W. Bowles Sec^y

Pursuant to adjournment a special meeting of St. Patrick’s Benevolent society was held at the usual place on Saturday Feb^y 24th 1866. The President being absent, The Vice President took the chair.

On motion the minutes of the preceding meeting were adopted.

On motion the following resolutions was adopted.

Resolved that if any person be found guilty of criticizing the speech of our member, outside of this society he shall be fined the sum of twenty five cents for each offence and if not a member shall thereafter be excluded from the debates of the society.

On motion a committee of three were appointed as judges of the debate, namely Dennis Whalen, Patrick Galvin and David Galvin.

The question previously selected was then discussed.

Is fire a more destructive element than water.