The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-08-22
FIRE In THE SWITCHBOARD.
Connections Of Telephones Destroyed by
an Electric Storm.
A NEGRO CAUGHT IN 4 BALLOON.
He Finally Lands Safely, But Paralysed With
Iear-Peffer and Polk 10 speak nc
the Alliance Rally.

RAIEGH, N. c.. August 2L-lSpecial.l-h
sharp electric storm prevailed here this even
ing about o'clock, and in the midst OF 1t,
while sharp flashes and reports we're follow
ing each other in quick succession, flame
shot of of the switchboard box IN the ONCE
of the Telephone Exchange, and the occu-
pants Of the Office saw to their horror that the
entire switchboard had been burned out by
electricity and that the woodwork was on flre
aud in flames, while Kissing blue jets OF
flames shot out of the Gack in the door OF
the box A fire alarm was quickly sent IN
and the water was soon put on and the hro
extingiiished. though not until the connec-
lions Of nearly all of the telephones III the city
had been destroy ed.
PETER AND POLK WILL SPEAK.
IL is announced that Senator-eiect PETER
Of Kansas and President Polk OF the National
Alliance will deliver addresses at the grand
Alliance rally to 10 held at Charlotte on the
10Th instant 1t is also probable that Mrs.
Lease, the woman Alliance lecturer, Will be
present and speak.
UP IN 4 BALLOON.
An exciting and thrilling balloon ascension
occurred yesterday evening at Carolina Beach.
The ascension Was 10 he made by Professor
getting the balloon ready he directed
the negro 10 get into II and arrange
some Of tho paraphernala. Whlle
doing so the balloon suddenly shot up
into the air carrying the horrihed negro with
it. followed by cries OF CONSERVATION by hum
dreds of spectators. who were present. The
negro tried u descend by the rope, and came
part OF the way down by 1t. when he saw that
it was clear of the ground by many
feet, leaving him suspended III midalr on the
rope.
LANDED GRACEFULLY.
The balloon scared up till the figure Of the
terrified man could not be seen. The bal
loon however, finally settled gracefully 70 tho
ground about half an hour later. and the
negro landed safely, but when the crowd
reached him lie was 50 parayzed with lear
lie could scarcely speak.
THE INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL FOR GIRLS.
The board of trustees Of the new Normal
and Industrial School for Girls. which was
provided for by tho last Legislature. are IL
session at Greensboro. which place has been
chosen as the location Of the school, to make
full arrangements for the buildings.
COLONEL PoLK's WAR RECORD.
War TO the hilt of the knife has been de-
clared between Colonel l.. l.. Polk, president
of the National Farmers Alliance, and the
News and Observer OF this city. President
tDik organ bbfc, Inc i -ifSSAfS a. tAA'Af %
kept busy defending its chief, and tins week
goes for tho NoNs and Observer. whegeupon
the latter in its reply, among other things
says
it is amusing to witness tho insistance Of
the Progressive Farmer that II and Colonel
Polk constitute the Alliance u studies 10
keep prominent in its columns the idea that
every criticism Of Colonel Polk Is an act OF
hostility.to the Alliance There never was any
thing more ridiculous and contemplate than
the effort of the Progressive Farmer 70 con-
meet, as inseparable. the interest OF the farm
ers with the political interest Of Colonel Polk.
Why We suppose If any one were 10 charge
That Lieutenant L. l.. Polk proved coward
in a battle the PROGRESSIVE Farmer would I'M
msdlately reply that il was reflection upon
the bravery of General Lees army"
This is not the first time that hints reflect
ING on Colonel Folks war record have been
thrown ont. Something Of the sort was
charged against him during the Kansas sena-
toriaI fight by what tho Alliance papers called
the "Iupalls Islander bureau" bat nothing
definite was proved and general denial was
entered.
lie is .aid to have shown the white feather
at the battle of Winchester on September ~.
1864.
VERY CONVENIENT CHILL.
Thomas =. Devereux, Esq Is q prominent
lawyer OF this city ana late kepublican candi-
also belonged T. the forty-third regiment
and was at the battle Of Winchester.
When asked If lie knew ANYTHING about this
charge against President Polk, be replied
Yes. / know all about il. General Bryan
Crimes and were riding on TO the scene of
conflict when we saw Confederate soldier
living in the shade If a stone fence. He WAS a
lieutenant and his company had gone on into
the battle some time before General Grimes
went up TO him and asked what was the matter
with him. whereupon he replied that he had
chill. As we rode away General Grimes
turned 10 me and said, "Remember you area
witness 10 this ! mean to have that man
court martialed.' Tie man was l.. l.. Polk,
now president Of the National organization OF
tie Farmers Alliance.
Lieutenant Polk was not -martialed.
Il is SAID that he was allowed to resign. At
any rate he was afterward elected 10 the
Legislature as his name appears III theIHouse
journal Of 1864.
His critics say it was strange. TO say the
least. that man with chile" should seek
the shady side Of stone wall in the latter
part Of fall month.
R1yI nam RRInG