National Republican., 1883-05-23
NEWS FROM LYNOHBURG.
The Debt Question Of the State and the Recent
Decision.
DIR. RsDdolph's Election Recent Railway
Changes-The Regatta.
Spsctdl Dispdtch.


IYNcHBuRG, VA, May 22.-Tbe decision
last week of Judge Bond, of the Maryland
United States circuit court sitting in Rich
mond, in tho case of the coupon bond case of
the Baltimore and Ohio railway VS.. the state Of
Virginia, has created no little animation in
public opinion and discussion in this state,
and has opened in fresh place the debt ques-
ton of the state which it was generally
claimed and conceded to have been set
tied by the late decision OF the supreme
court of tho United Statesin the Riddleberger
bill case Of Antoni VS.. Greenshaw, repre-
sented by Mr.. William l.. Royal as attorney
for British bondholders. AS Judge Bonds
court was equallydivided, his colleague, Judge
Hughes, having rendered an opposite opinion
in the samo case the day before, of course the
question will have to go for final adjudication
TO the supreme court, aud as that body does
not convene again until next October, the
new case, ,,even If it should be given prece-
dence, cannot possibly be determined for
many months to come. In the meantime this
opening of the debt question again has occa-
stoned great uneasiness and regret on
the part Of the bourbon democrats, who fear
any further agitation of question
which has given them so much trouble, and
occasioned them so many defeats in the past.
Though somewhat inconsistent with their
previous funder position upon tho debt ques-
tion, they were anxious and determined to
entirely eliminate it from their future plat
forms and party issues, and to leave the bond
holders TO take care of themselves as best they
can, letting tho devil take the hindmost If so
decreed by the courts But this opinion OF
Judge Bond in not letting the ghost of Ban
quo down" bit throws no little fear and
damper upon this plan and purpose of the
democrats, and will keep them in con-
tinued dread of new revenue
and discussion of the debt question,
for which they have no relish, and can never
be anything but disastrous to them in future
elections. The read justers, on the other
hand are very willing to hold their present
advanced position in having adjusted the
debt upon what they consider fair basis and
the determined will of the people, and sus-
tanned as they have so far been by the rulings
of the highest court of the state and of the
United States: but if this late opinion of
Judge Bond should eventuate in opening up
the question again before the people Of the
state, it cannot possibly result otherwise than
immensely to the advantage of the read
justers.
The election of the Rev. DIR. Randolph, of
Baltimore, by the late Episcopal convention
sitting in Richmond, to be assistant bishop to
Bishop Whittle, gives great satisfaction to
his church all over the state, although sew
eral other distinguished divines had their
WARM 1rlen0S anu lOllOWeTs UuB pOSlUlOu,
and were somewhat disappointed at the re-
suit. DIR. Randolph is of the old Virginia
stock of the illustrious name, and stands very
high in his church for his talents, piety, and
great worth.
The recent change in leading railroad off,
cials in this quarter Of the state has created
no little uneasiness among Others and no lit
tie dissatisfaction with large portion of the
public. Maj. Henry Fink, who has been gen.
eral manager of the Norfolk and Western and
the Shenandoah Valley roads, and all their
connections, ever since the formation of the
syndicate has resigned and his place, which
has been supplied by Mr.. Sands, of Philadel-
phia, brother-in-law to Mr.. Kimball who is
vice-president. Maj. Fink has always faith
fully represented the interests Of Lynchburg
and the south side section of the state, and
his departure not only makes it now certain
that several other changes of old officials will
speedily occur, but that the central depot
and headquarters of the company will be
transferred from this city to the now city oil
Roanoke; and the consequent apprehension
has been excited that the policy of this move
Is to run these roads hereafter in the .particu
lar interest of Philadelphia and the Valley
line to the prejudice and material injury
of Lynchburg, Norfolk, and other Virgins
cities in the east. Whether our apprehension Il
well founded remains to be seen, but it is sc
strongly entertained that leading men and
interests along this line are seriously debating
the policy of getting up a syndicate alonl
with Jay Gould, who now controls the west.
ern and southern connection, to purchase the
Norfolk and Western branch to be run in con
nection with direct water line to Europe
from Virginia's deep ports. This will bC
glorious event to this state and the south
and west should it be accomplished. In thu
meantime Maj. Finks headquarters are tc
be at Knoxville, Tenn, and it is understood
that he is to manage the leading railway in
terests in that quarter in which Jay Goulc
holds controlling influence.
II has been finally determined that the
next regatta of the State Rowing association
of Virginia shall be held in this city July 3
being tho best point in the state for tina
sport.
The city council yesterday met in specia
session to make proper preparations for th
reception and entertainment of the American
Institute of Minining Engineers, which is b
assemble in this city ON the fifth of June. !
grand banquet is to be given them, and speci
mems of mineral deposits invited from al
sections.
Three prisoners who escaped from th
Abingdon Jail last week have been recap
tured. G.. w. Krantz, the counterfeiter, an'
another of the prisoners were retaken with
out difficulty, but the negro desperate, namet
Smith Nelson, was shetland seriously wounde,
by his pursuers.
BAPTISTS AND THE BIBLE.