The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-06-21
The NATIONAL CHAUTAUQUA,
BelieYed That 1t is Certainly Doomed to
Failure.
PROBABLE CAUSE OF ITS NEW SUCCESS.
Latest Reports az tho Agricultural Depart
mont Of the Crops in Virginia and North
Carolina Capital News in General.

WlsHNoToS. d. c., June 20-lSpecial. 1T
seems that the National ChautauGda9 which
has been advertised so extensively is doomed
70 failure, and it is stated tonight that tho
grounds will bo closed next week. The
management has been enterprisng and ener-
getc but the people have not taken
hold" Within an almost incredibly
short space OF time grand buildings
have been erected and every preparation made
for affairs on big scale. But despite all the
inducements there was no public response.
The one great obstacle to success was lack of
facilities To reach the grounds. The place
was too inaccessl ble. The lO-s entailed by
the failure viii tall upon the few projectors
and those who were induced TO buy lots on
speculation
AGRICULTURAL REPORTS.
The last reports received by the Agricultu-
raj Department i'm regard 10 crops in Vir-
ginia and North Carolina came from State
agents and are as follows:
grginia.-Ihe acreage of wheat remains
about the sano as last year. The condition
has retrograded - few points since the last
report owing 10 dry and cold period which
commenced in the early part Of April and con-
tinued about six weeks The recent rains
hurt the wheat on bottom lands. but else
where improved it, The cold. dry weather
and irOsts in May injured the oat crop. the
area Of which IS much reduced for reasons
stated IN 3iay report Clover has suffered
from drought and frosty spring. but recent
rams nave improved IT, Apples and peaches
promised hne crop. but the condition was
greatly reduced by the frost which occurred
about May 9Th The crop, however Is yet
fair. IN some counties more cotton ls planted,
owing 20 the low price of peanuts.
I.tHF HHss q. -
good and it is heading well. 40 fly or lonse
reported this year. Glover is steadily grow
lng IN favor, as 1t makes excellent feed. yields
abundantly IA good ground and does not Im-
poverish the land. The fruit crop will 10
fair average. Cotton is from ten days TO three
weeks late. A portion Of the crop was killed
by the trosts Of May 5th and eth and had 10 be
replanted. The acreage Is slightly on the de
cline lnroads being made by tobacco and pea
nuts.
An unusual number of hail-storms have
passed over the State doing much damage 20
al crops 10 small sections. but the loss will
hardly affect the general average.
MINISTER RoarERo's EXPLANATION.
Senior Romero. the Mexican Minister 10 the
United States, was asked by a United Press
reporter to-day what he had 10 say in refer
cnce 20 the dispatch from Indianapolis % the
effect that General Sturm claimed to have
paid 100000 20 members Of the
Mexican Congress and other Oihclais
to secure payment of large claim
be- held against the Mexican Government
Mr Romero said that as the charges came
se.on hand. il Is but fair to get a direct
statement Of the focts from General Sturm
himself before forming any opinion thereon
Nr Romero has no doubt. however that both
tie Leg s.ative and Executive branches of the
Mexican Government will make the most ripd
inquiry into the mGttee aad that should any
official BE found guilty Of or implicated IA
bribery be VIII be severely punished without
regard % hls standing 8lr Romero
remarked, however upon the face
of Mr. HondeTsons statement II ap-
peared that General Siurm could
not have brbed any members of the Mexican
Congress for the simple reason that Congress
had nothing 90 do with this matter, it being
within. the exclusive province of the EXecu-
tive. lie feels sure that the Mexican Gov
eminent will not allow this matter forest and
that We shall hear from it, and that very soon.
CAPITAL MOTIFS.
The p0stofice at Rerkeley, Va. has been
raised 20 presidential TO take effect the first
of next month. The salary of the Office will
now he 2 600 per year. The office is made
presidential under the law providing that
when the gross receipts reach a certain figure
lie promotion follows.
Charles II. Birchhead of Virginia. has been
promoted from $1,000 to 3 200 a year IN the
signal service. I'm the same Office Miss Matte
IT, Chapman, of Virginia, has been promoted
from 800 % s lO0O
Thomas IT. Leary. of North Carolina, has
resigned s 1000 clerkship IN the WarDepart-
Wcnt.