The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-03-17
THE COL0RED FREEHOlDERS.
Enthusiastic for the Bond Or
dinances.
Large Meeting Last Night Passed ResoIu-
tions Endorsing all the Ordinances
They Even Refuse to Hear Argument
Against the Bonds-They VIII Vote
as They Talked.

A called meeting Of the colored free
holders was held last night at Davis
Hall, on .Gainsboro' avenue. About
seventy-fve were present.
Rev. R. r. Jones was made chairman
and Nathan johnson secretary.
William Redd was the first speaker.
He expounded the bond ordinance ques-
ton with much energy. Bill was in
good trim and carried the house by
storm.
DCornelius Lane also favored the ordi.
nances and advised all present to work
for them to-day.
Rev. s. M. Fiery was presently invi-
tation. He took the floor in direct op-
position to the previous speakers. He
said the city already had bonded debt
of S400,000 TO vote this additional
amount it would swell the citys indebt,
edness to SS5O,OO0.
Redd took exceptions to Mr.. Firey's
statements, and going forward to the
speaker fairly roared in his ear. lie
said $4,000 of that supposed indebted
mes ness was voted for the Craig railroad.
That went by the board. So had the
bonds. Mr.. Firey bowed his head sub.
missively to the TRADE and went on in
opposition to the ordinances.
He was interrupted again by some
one, but order was hardly restored until
some one cried: "Put him out, put him
out!'
Mr.. Fiery saw it was useless to pro.
coed further. lie had about one-fifth
of the audience on his side. AS he went
out he called to them to follow. The
greatest confusion reigned. Hardly a
fourth went out though, and after that
order was practically restored.
A. j. Oliver offered a resolution set
ting forth the necessity of public i'm
provements to the general good of the
colored people and urging them to vote
for the ordinances.
Alex. O'Conncr was present. He
poured hot shot into Mr.. Fiery and
favored the ordinances. He said the
reverend gentleman had told them a
lie. They should not listen to such
stuff, but vote for the ordinances to a
man.
ID. w. Iarth and A. J. Oliver followed
\ in speeches of considerable length.
resolution was offered by n. John
NQn rendering a vote of thanks to the
ess for the efficient manner in which
Uad laid the matter before the public.
I chairman for ably presiding, also to
A. j. Oliver for his efficient presentation
of The question.
During A. j. divers speech he took
occasion TO say TIE TIMES had como to
the front in favor of the ordinances in
bold and fearlcs manner. The Herald
was kind O coming around in favor OF
the measure. The World was weaken
ing under the pressure brought to bear
against its policy. Everything would
be all right for the ordinances.
young man representing the Herald
rose to his feet to correct the speaker
He said the Herald was always in favor
of the ordinances. But tho speaker
didn't see it in that light
Syndicatcs for Thirteen Thentrcs.
James X. Branch, of Richmond, is at
Hotel Roanoke. He is now at the head
of syndicate of thirteen theatres, fol
which he books the leading attractions
of the country. lie was very prominent
in the Sir Roger Dc Coverly ball at
Richmond last January in aid of the
Society for the Preservation Of Virginia
Antiquities. THAT ball. said he,
''was one Of the greatest social events
in the history of the South. People
from the North who were present said
ehoy AONoi saw SuCu lhiS HiHccnI COS
.sS4ANning or so many beautiful women.
s fortunately we were unable to obtain
tbh otograph of the scene"
- Mr.. Branch wore a gorgeous outfit
himself, with silk tights and stockings
He says his legs nearly frozc, for like
Lillian Russelfs, nature had been very
generous with them, and padding was
out of the question. He talks seriously
of emigrating to Roanoke.
Winding up Their Business.
A warrant was issued yesterday by
Mr. j nj Gam hill for tho n rroct - LIZ