Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-05-31
THE CccKADE CITY.
THE MUSICAL FESTIVAL.

Sessor- Appointment or a Treasurer -nu-
nieissI Statistics Personal Notes.
Correspondence Of tho Richmond Dispatch.
PETERSBURG, May 80, 1885.
The Music Festival closed last night
with the best concert Of the series, in
which all the artists, the orchestra, the
individual and the combined choruses
took prominent part. Notwithstand-
ing the inclement weather which has
prevailed all the week, the festival was
a marked success financially, and all
accord it the most brilliant artistic sue
cess. These festivals, and particularly
the one this week, have made the Cock
ade City the centre Of musical taste and
culture in the State. The audience
last night was a crowded and fash
ionable onC-ladies and gentlemen all
appearing in full dress. Scores Of
extra seats had to be brought in to ac-
commOdate the visitors. The music
throughout was Of the highest order,
both in point Of execution and Of
melody, and the great audience were
delighted beyond description and in
thoroughly fine humor. Magnificent
bouquets, rich in design, were handed
up TO the artists, amidst the plaudits
of the people, and but for the restric-
ton placed upon eRcores it is doubtful
if the concert would have ended until
long past midnight. Mr.. II. Noltenius,
the manager, who has been the leading
spirit in the organization Of these
festivals and in the culture of the
musical taste of our people, was the re-
cipient of a magnificent floral baton,
amidst cheers and applause which last
ed several minutes, and until he was
fairly run from the stage. lie was too
modest to do anything but bow his
thanks. The festival will long be re-
membered as a season Of unalloyed en-
joyment in our city. At the close Of
the concert last night an entertainment
and supper were given at Library Hall,
at which dancing to the music Of the
fne orchestra was kept up for several
hours.
The Musical Convention. which has
been in session here during the festival,
adjourned last evening. Many matters
of interest were discussed, and a COM
mittee was appointed to receive propo-
sitions relative to the place of holding
the next festival. The selection will
not be made until after the LIST of July.
Among other matters of interest dis
cussed was that of church and Sunday
school music. 1t was unanimously
agreed that both the order and character
of music in the churches and Sunday
schools might be greatly improved, and
that to this end selections from some
of the sacred oratOrios might very pro-
perly be introduced in the former--par-
ticularly from the Messiah " and
A" Creation" But no definite action
was taken.
At the inquest held to-day upon the
body of the negro Nick Mason, who
met his death yesterday morning while
asleep on the Shed-track in the Norfolk
and Western railroad yard, the jury
acquitted the company's agents Of all
blame. The man came to his death
through his own foolhardinesS.
\ narrow escape from death or seri-
Gus accident occurred to-day on the
Petersburg railroad track on Washing
ton street. The through train to the
South is usually pulled up the heavy
grade from the Appomattox depot by
two engines, the front one of which,
just before reaching the Southern de-
pot. runs ahead on to a side track,
leaving the train on the main track. A
colored man who was standing on the
track watching the train did not notice
the change made by the engine until it
was on him. lie was fortunately pushed
from the track by the engine, receiving
only slight injuries.
Judge Mann, of the Hastings Court,
to-day appointed Mr.. James W. Couch
treasurer TO fill the vacancy caused by
the death Of his brother. and that gen.
tleman will qualify and give bond on
Monday.
Mr.. Andrew L. Elicit. the new col
lector Of the district. has been in the
city all day. He visited the collectors
office this morning, and during the day
was made acquainted with number Of
our citizens. 1t is not known when he
will take charge Of the office.
During the present month only nine
marriage-licenses were issued from the
clerks Office in this city-six to white
and three to colored couples. The
Mayor disposed of 100 cases in his
court this month. The offences mostly
consisted of violations Of city ordi-
nances.
The public buildings have been closed
to-day in respect to the memory of the
Federal dead. A large number Of peo-
pie went out with flowers and ever
greens TO the Poplar Grove cemetery.
1t has not yet been determined
whether the committee appOintedby the
Council to examine into the status of
the Virginia and Carolina railroad will
make their report on Monday or not. 1t
may be that the report will be made to
an adjourned meeting Of the Council.
The road is owned by the Atlantic
Coast Line. but whether or not it will
ever be built depends upon the ques-
ton whether or not it will pay. On
this point, it is said, no satisfactory ex-
planation has been given. The sum
reported to have been paid for the COM
mon stock of the Virginia and Carolina
road was $4,000, with 100000 addi-
tional for another branch farther south.
ROBIN ADAIR.