The Railroad Company commenced paying semi-annual dividends on their stock on the 1st of November, 1854,--first dividend four per cent; all after five; and continued doing so until the 1st November, 1856, when an extra dividend of twelve and a-half per cent. payable in stock, was made. From this the City realized $4,825, a portion of which was used in paying off two judgements which had been obtained against the City, and upon which the City Hall had been sold, amounting together to $1,474.50. The balance was used for the payment of outstanding coupons on the various kinds of bonds, and other claims. On the 7th January another serious loss by fire took place. The Hoffman House, owned by John Hoffman and occupied by P. T. Moore, was destroyed. The building was thoroughly and substantially built, although of wood, and occupied a beautiful site, and was one of the leading institutions of the town. The loss to both owner and occupant was heavy. On the 26th September, of the same year, an extensive chair, furniture, sash and blind factory, erected through the indomitable energy and perseverance of Geo. B. Willis, was destroyed by fire. Loss about $20,000. The fate of Mr. Willis, who is now beyond the reach of praise or censure, calls for a passing notice. He came to Peru, poor and blind. By his sagacity and energy he so improved his circumstances that he succeeded in building and putting into operation a manufactory which gave employment to about fifty mechanics. The manner in which he conducted this business would have done credit to any person in the possession of all of his senses, but was very remarkable when done by one who suffered under the loss of so important an organ as that of sight. But the load was too heavy for him to carry. He staggered for a time and fell. Disappointment, mortification, anxiety and despondency did their work. The grave holds him. Whose hand was stretched forth to lighten the burden under which he began to reel? Whose voice whispered words of sympathy and hope when discouragement and disaster crowded upon him? Whose was the intelligent self interest that enquired whether a small amount of aid, in money or credit, would not sustain and foster an enterprise which, in its turn, would invigorate every interest in the community?--Whose was the practical sagacity that perceived, that fifty male operatives, with their families and dependants, were of more value in advancing the growth and prosperity of the town than the rows of stately and costly stores, which have for years stood idle and tenantless? Where were the men--generally to be found on every corner--who proclaim that upon manufacturing industry alone must Peru depend for advancement? Ah! When it was perceived that Mr. Willis had undertaken an enterprise to which his energies and means were inadequate, how hands which, had been stretched forth to catch the copious streams of disbursement, slunk into the fathomless depths of