The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1872-03-07


PsrEasBrRG, March G, 1872.
An unfortunate difficulty occurred this
morning in the press-room of the index of
flee between Mr.. Robert Roper, the press
man, and Mr.. G. N. Sykes, the mailing clerk.
4 quarrel had arisen between them. Roper
slapped Sykes. Roper then struck him several
times, and while he was down held him while
his pistol was taken away. Sykes, rs soon as
he got up, seized the pistol from the young
man who had it, and was simultaneously
seized by Roper. Sykes then shot, the ball
entering the other under the left arm and
lodging, it is supposed, in the region of the
shoulder-bladc. Roper is not believed to be
seriously hurt. There has been no arrest.
The session Of the Common Council yes
tcrday was prolonged and exciting. With
only one dissenting voice the Council decided
to accept the joint bond ofthe five present hold
el.s Of The stock, waving the right to give four
months notice, and compel cash payment Tor
the stock when it has been released from NY
pothecat;on, 90 long as majority of 1T re-
mains in the hands of Petersburg men idcn-
tilted with the interests of the city. Dir. Rag
land then rendered the joint bond, and re-
ccired his individual bond in return.
The heavy discussion of the OCCASION was
over the proposition to invest $1,000 of the
purchase and redeem that amount of the
river bonds, upon which 10i Interest is
being raid. There was counter PROPOSE
ton to deposit S94 900 in bank to meet bonds
and certificates Of indebtedness which will
mature Oh the first of August next. The
discussion embraced and involve review of
the entire financial policy and situation of the
city. II WAS maintained on the one hand
that there would be $4,000 available funds
left in bonds for the new administration on
the 1st Of August if the 100000 Of river
bonds were bought; and on the other hand
that the CITY would have tc, borrow money if
il used these funds to buy bonds instead Of
]iouilating the floating debt OF $4,000 and
meeting current expenditures. The whole
question was finally referred to the Finance
Committee, to report to an adjourned meet
ing on Tuesday next.
Congressman Platt sent in his resignation
as member Of the Council, accompanied BY
a letter which was characterized very pro-
pcrlv rs 4 "caL 1paign document" He says
| that all must ad nit that the promises OF the
| Republicans hac, all been magnificently full
| filled" On motion OF MIR. j. VI. Donnan,
| the resignation was tabled.
The cases of the two suspended lieutenants
| of police were also heard. Lieutenant Par
| ker (colnred) was reinstated, good words
having been spo ken in his behalf by several
| members, including some Conservatives. The
case of Lieutenant Baker (white), who has
| more than once been suspended for drunken
ness, comes up Tuesday. His friends will
mako q strong effort to save him. It was
stated that the whole force stood i'll urgent
need OF reformation.
The Examining Committee will make
| their annual trip over the line Of the Peters
burg and Weldon Ri lroad tomorrow, pre-
!i!nnary to the mcetir & OF the stockholders.
1t is stated that Il gentleman c:tme to the
city not long since with $4,000, which he
desired to invest in real estate; but after Il
short experience Of our colorcd councilmen
and colOrcd police nc went away and took
lis money with him.
Work has been be gun On the old planning
mill in Blandford, which is to be converted
into Il Zine large cotton mill by MI. c. II.
Cuthbert and her capitalists.
The weather is bitterly cold, and the SLOW
is gradually disa ppeling.
Yesterday $3.50 more was appropriated to
tho Relief Association. HoDIE ADAIE.