The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1871-03-11
VOL. XII.
BY Mr.. Guy: When did you sign the pa
>er, and when did tie conversation take

WILL IA LIZ
BY Mr.. Guy: When did you sign the pa
per, and when did tie conversation take
placer .. -
A. I signed the paper a few days after
the meeting Of the stockholders, and the
occurred few days after l
signed the paper, .satstg
! @. DO YOU remember the date?
A. think it was in November or Deem
Der. / can tell by referring to the paper.
Testimony OF Mr. Lyon.
Mr.. john LYON was sworn.
Mr.. WooD said he would say previous to
any examination that the witness was not
obliged to answer any question which
would compel the disclosure of the matters
committed to his charge as an attorney for
clients.
Mr.. Lyon said he wished to avail himself
Of no such privilege. he would answer any
question without reserve.
BY Mr.. Woop: Do the owners of ma
jority of the stock in the Wilmington and
Weldon road own majority of the private
stock In the Richmond and Petersburg rail-
roadg
A. do not know that any one person Is
Mt present owner Of majority Of the pri-
vate stock in the Richmond and Petersburg
railroad. I have reason to believe, how
ever, that certain gentlemen who have,
during the last two or three months, en-
tertained the same views of policy in the
management Of that road, and who have
during that time acted in concert in carry
ing out those views, and who may, so far
as unity of policy and purpose be con.
cerned as associates, own q majority of the
stock. I really II"
DO NOT KNOW WHO OWNS A MAJORITY OF THE
STOCK
in the Wilmington and Weldon railroad.
Q. Are you not aware that the same per-
sons who own very large amount OF the
private stock of the Weldon and Whining
ton railroad also own very large amount
of the private stock in the Richmond and
Petersburg railroad, and that the purpose
of the owners of said stock is to assimilate
the management, at least of the Richmond
and Petersburg railroad, in entire accord
ance and perfect harmony with that OF the
Weldon and Wilmington railroads If this
question compels you to disclose anything
communicated to you as an attorney, do
not answer it.
A. The gentlemen who are my clients
now have relieved me voluntarily Of all OBJ
legations to retain from this committee any
information whatever, professional or other
wise, which might ... t-.,
AID THE GENEBAL ASSEMBLY IN COMING to
A WISE CONCLUSION
on this subject. have been Informed ana
believe that Mr.. VIM. T. Walters, of Baltl-
more, owns very large amount Of stock
much less than majority-in the Whining
ton and Weldon railroad and am also
informed and believe that by the legitimate
influence of his intellect, his will, and
his public spirit, he exercises upon
other stockholders. who, together with
himself, own, majority of the stock, an
influence which controls the policy and
management of that road. It is within my
knowledge that Mr.. Walters has purchased
4 very large amount of stock in the Rich
mond and Petersburg railroad, and that in
like manner he seeks to exercise, and has
exercised. will not say controlling, but
Q very powerful influence in the policy
and management of the Richmond and
Petersburg railroad. I verify believe,
from frequent, consistent, and appa-
rently frank communications made
to me by Mr.. Walters and his asso-
ciates, that their purpose in seeking
controlling influence i'll the Richmond and
Petersburg railroad is to procure cheap and
advent to the city of Richmond
for the passengers and freights from the
Wilmington and Weldon railroad which
might seek that destination, and especially
to break up an obstruction upon the
line of communication between Whining
ton and Richmond, which had been used
10 divert ut Weldon, along the Seaboard
and Roanoke railroad to Portsmouth,
much trade and travel which would natu-
rally and profitably have come to Rich
mona DuC IOr Salu ODSIruCtlOu.
@. In the beginning Of your answer you
emphasized the word noao in the phrase
"the gentlemen who are my clients now"
What do you mean by that?
A. mean exactly what said, and have
no words to make my meaning palmer.
Q. Are your clients no,o other than your
clients of last week?
A. They are the same.
Q. Are you employed by any of the nine
gentlemen who have united in Il PROPOSE
ton TO buy the States stock in the hich-
mond and Petersburg railroad?
A. No, sir, in no sense whatever; and it
is due to those gentlemen to say, that when
l was in great trouble last Saturday even
ing Mr.. Ellyson came to me Of his own ac-
cord and suggested to me the plan which
is now the subject of inquiry. 1t was re-
ceiyed by ME as graceful and appropriate
offer, and, in the language of Mr.. Wood, l
accept ed it as very present, etfectual, and
success sful help in time of need.
Q. Shall understand your answer given
awhile ago to indicate that it is the purpose
Of the Wilmington and Weldon railroad to
obtain continuous facilities for the transpor-
alton of freight and passengers from Will
nington to the city Of Richmond?
A. l will not be responsible for your I'M
but only for my words, and
@ help your understanding I will repeat
hat from the best information can get
md have sought it diligently verify be-
leye that the purpose of Mi. Walters and
us associates is to secure rapid, certain, and
heap transportation of passengers and