Bristol news. [volume] (Bristol, Va. & Tenn.) 1867-189?, 1875-12-14
RICHMOND, VA. /
Dec. 10Th. 1875. (

find the partial prediction made in
my last letter, concerning the Contest
ed offices. were verified. For Superin-
iendrmt of the Peuitentiary Col
Strother proved so strong N caucus
that the call of the roll was speedily
ca. short by the withdrawal of all OPP
position, and the nomination made by
reclamation.
For Store-keeper of the Penitentiary,
there was the one hOtly contested and
exciting struggle. The race was sub
stantially between Talliaferro, LOven-
stem and spindle.
An effort was again made to exclude
the Independent candidates, and
again the effort failed. a very large
majority of the caucus, voted prompt
~ and loudly against it. Again thu
independents crossed their legs and
sent the smoke of their cigars i'm sub
lime spirals into the lofty spaces Os the
Hall. These Independents voted of
ten, and often they voted right. AT
one time count of the vote showed
that Taliaferro would he dropped. but
changes We're rapidly made and pre-
vented shat result. The name of Low
enstein. which had polled Sc votes,
was withdrawn and his strength
thrown on TalliaferrO, and had the
effect of electing that gentleman by
few votes. Spindle reached 50 votes.
Two more would have nominated him.
The officers of the Capitol were re-
elected without opposition. excepting
Gen Rogers, the Second Auditor,
Maj. Holiday his opponent, soon with
drew however, as he developed little
strength in tie early portion of the
ballot.
In my last I stated that nothing
could be done with reference to the
six committee clerkships, as long as
m, Clerk of the House had the APP
poiIting power. Over this announce
ment, the Dispatch of this city shows
its teeth. The fact is, there were
many applicants for the one |IerkShlP
usually awarded the South west. MT
Conrad. the incumbent had GeclaC eu
that he could no longer serve. Yet he
was reappoInted, ant! it was said the
Clerk hal done this as his only escape |
from the numerous conflicting appli- |
cants. Tine Southwestern members |
were willing to harmonic the claims
of conflicting applicants, 10y holding a |
and nominating one of the |
number, aud ask ing the Clerk to APP |
polnt him as acceptihle 10 the entire |
delegation. At the request OF the Del
egate from Montgomery, this action
was modified 10y the appointment at a
to visit MIR. Bigger, and ask
him if he would he disposed to respect
such nomination when made. Mr..
Bigger replied adversely. Hence the
remark i'm my last letter Mr.. Conrad
afterwald resigned, aud Mr.. +. A
Ayes. of EsJilville. was appointed by
Mr.. Bigger in his stead.
The committee on Privileges and
elections, have reported that IN the
contested election ease from Augusta,
between Stuart and Opie, that there
was no election, there being twoi legal
votes cast for Mr.. Stuart. As the lat
ter got the certificate 10y just two votes.
this made tie, aud the committee
recommend that the case Ice remanded
t, the people. Messrs. Gordon and
St-uther submitted minority report,
recommending that Opie be seated
Che case has been postponed TO allow
the two reports to he printed.
Another move has been made to
abolish stripes for larceny. 1t is very
likely that more elegant remedy may
be adopted, but one cheaper or more
efficient in the case of old offenders.
will not he easily found.
a meeting of the Danville Stock
holders. held III this city a few
DAYS ago, cut out material for the usu-
NJ rail road war before the two Houses
bv asking the Legislature TO grant a
charter for rival rail road from Rich