National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-10-14
LETTER FBON ANNAPOLIS.

Correspondence Of the National Republican
ANNAPOLIS, Oct. IL, 1874.
The correspondence between Governors GrOome
of Maryland, and Kemper, of Virginia, inrelation
to the shooting Of Thomas RiEgtn, in Poeomoko
sound, and to the boundary between Maryland
and Virginia, has been given to the press. The
correspondence was opened by Governor Groome
on the LIST Of October, who said that complaints
had been made that Mr.. Thomas Riggin, an unre-
sisting and unarmed citizen of Maryland, was Sc
yerely Wouneed by an armed canoe, supposed to
be commanded by William P. Curtis, an oyster
inspector of the State of Virginia. The Governor
claimed that the shooting was done in waters in
the actual possession of Somerset county, Nd,
though Of late they have been claimed by Vlr-
ginia. The Governor also states that this canoe
captured the same day four other canoes, owned
and occupied by citizens OF Maryland, which
were taking oysters in the same locality. The
canoes were taken to AnsncOck, Va, and their
owners-Edward Horsey, John H. Garrison,
Henry Curtis and Mr.. LeWis-were lodged in
the Drummondtown Ea:) Jail, where all, save
Mr.. Lewis, who obtained ball, are now lodged.
Governor GroOme then advanced at considera-
BILE length the claim that MarylandeTs had the
right, conformity with Nirginians, to take oysters
there was any law to prevent any others but Viz
ginians from fishing in POcomOke sound, that no
attempt may be made to enforce said law pending
the decision Of the arbitrators; or that line be
agreed upon temporarily. Governor Groome de-
sired also to know If the acts Of the canoe was
also accompanied the letter by number of afida-
Wits relating to the shooting.
Governor Kemper answered the letter on the
It'll Of October, saying he had ordered an inyesti-
cation. Of the matter, and as soon as the
result was obtained he would respond TO his sew
eral suggestions: In the meantime H1a UNI ne wrote,
my office will be efficiently exerted to prevent any
encroaehment upon the rights of citizens Of Mary
land by Virginians, and to redress any Of the
past Whilst the Constitution did not allow him
to interfere with the processes Of o court, yet lie
had requested the Circuit Court Of Accomac TO
postpone the cases, and should there be q convic-
ton now or at any time, an application for Execu-
tive clemency would meet with the greatest re-
spect.
another letter to Governor GrOome, saying he had
adopted all available means for redressing the
wrongs which appear to have been perpetrated in
upon citizens of Maryland" He added he would
exert the utmost powers Of his office to prevent
recurrence Of such wrongs in the future.
Governor Remper then states that the Virginia
Legislature, acts Of 1874, passed q law not only
allowing Maryland to fish on the PocomOke
sound, but also in the Potomac river, and, assum-
ing both States have taken methods to protect
their citizens he dissents from the request to es-
tablish temporary boundary line.
The act of violence upon Thomas Riggin is q
fragrant violation Of the laws Of Virginia, and,
says the Governor, az have directed prompt and
ecution of the offenders" The Governor also
states that he is using all the authority of his Of
fee to effect the final discharge Of the citizens of
Maryland held for trial in Aecomae county, Va.
Governor Groome replied to the last communi-
cation yesterday, expressing his qualification at
the view taken Of and the steps taken in the mat
ter Of the shooting Of Riggin, by Gov. Kemper,
assuring the latter that his acts have done much
to restore and strengthen the relations Of amity
between the citizens Of our respective States.
The Governor states that SIS the Virginia act Of
arbitration did not extend the privilege to Mary
landers of fishing in the Pocomoke, the Maryland
Legislature passed no act in relation to 1t, and
adr fxra1 dav hafOre he ofh
act giving the right had been passed. Had he
known OF this law he would not Fave suggested n
that the release Of the DrummondUown prisoners
and the restoration Of their canoes with the pros
ecution Of the parties who shot Riggin, who may
yet die will serve to prevent similar outrages by
Marylanders. The Governor stated, also, IN this
communication that, although no law had been
passed, he could pledge for the authorities Of
Maryland that the citizens Of Virginia would be
allowed to fish Ii. e. take oysters, tish and terra
pins in the Pocomoke without molestation.
The people of Annapolis are in earnest about
their centennial celebration. Rev. DR.. Q. X.
Nelson will deliver the GRAFTON on the occasion,
Col. ]. Thomas Seharfwill be the historiographer,
and Mr. James r. Brewer, editor of the BaltI
more EreRing het1s, q native Of Annapolis, has
been invited TO write poem. A procession will
parade the streets during the day, and all the
societies of the town have been invited to take
part Statutes of cannon will also be fired, and
in the evening the public buildings, draped with
flags, and private houses Will be illuminated.
The Grafton will be delivered under the old pop
lar tree, on the college green, where, tradition
says, Washington and Lafayette have dined to-
gether. In the evening centennial tea-party
will be held at the State-house. The tables will
be presided over by ladies dressed in the cos
tunes Of the period Ofl774. A band Of music will
be present, and dancing will be enjoyed. The
proceeds Of the party will be used to establish q
free hospital in Annapolis. Contributions will be
received by the Centennial Tea-party Commit
tee, Annapolis"
A youth named Edward Marine, aged nineteen
years, and hailing from Milford, Delaware, made
balloon ascension yesterday afternoon from the
grounds Of the Chicago circus company, in the
northwestern section Of the city. The balloon
was inflated with hot air and smoke, and as it
that, Of the Iour hooks that held the car to the
bag, three had slipped from their places, and he
hung in partially upset basket, which, in turn,
was supported by single hook that attached the
car TO the balloon by half inch rope. In this
perilous position he crossed Annapolis in south
easterly direction, about half mile up, and
landed on Horn Point about mile from the place
of ascension, and within two hundred yards, in
the line Of the wind of Back creek deep basin
Of water. When the aeronaut was within i've
feet Of the ground, the balloon falling in a most
rapid manner, he jumped out and attempted to
hold his air-ship, but # dragged him along I'M
tremendously until he struck fence and was
able to make turn or two Of one Of the ropes
upon it.
THE teachers institute convened at the hall of
the House Of Delegates this morning, Professor
Newell occupying the chair, and delivering an
address upon a new method Of discipline that he
has introduced. The subject Of discussion was
discipline" in which the teachers took part