The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-06-23
GRAND SECRETARY SIMPSON.
He is Chosen TO the Position by North
Carolina MdSOIS.
EVANGELIST FIFE IS EXONERATED.
The Direct Tax-Grand Sire Busbee's Con-
dition-Annual Masonic Celebration.
North State News.

RALE1oH. n. c.. June 22.-fSpecial. 1T was
officially announced to-day that William Simp-
son, Esq, of this city. had been appointed
grand secretary Of the Grand Lodge Of Masons
of North Carolina. to succeed d. ). VAIL
who died last week.
Mr.. Simpson is the most prominent Mason
in the State and already holds the positions Of
grand chapter of Royal Arch Masons ana
grand treasurer Of the Grand Commandery OF
Knights Templar of North Carolina
The work of transcrbing the record OF the
direct taxes. which has been in progress for
several weeks. has been about completed; ana
the records are now being sent out 70 clerks
of the court, and payments to claimants VIII
shortly be begun.
GRAND SIRE BUSHELS CONDITION.
News from Grand Sire Charles NJ. Bushee
this evening is more unfayorsble than hereto
fore. and it is believed that he IS gradually
sinking. Hope of his recovery Is almost des-
The Mnsons of this State will hold their an
nual celebration at the Oxford Orphan Asy-
lum Wednesday, as is their custom. An
elaborate programme has been announced.
and addresses will be made by Governor Holt
and other distinguished gentlemen.
EVANGELIST
Profound interest has centred here in the
past day or two in the reports which have
been circulated affecting the Christian char
acter of Rev. W. Z. Fife. the drummer evan
gelist. Mr. Fife has on two occasions held
revival meetings in Raleigh, and has been
held in high regard by a large number OF the
Raleigh public, and this increased the inter
est and concern felt III the rumOr regarding
him. 1t WAS learned yesterday that thor
II Il 81. Ioa
held and that he has been completely exhon-
Grated of the charges against him. Last night
he began series Of meetings at Greensboro.
and the committee IN charge hearing of the
rumors against him several days ago notified
nm to come 10 Greensboro III order that the
matter might be thoroughly investigated be-
fore the beginning of his meetings. He ar
rived there on Friday andappeared before the
committee with the result of indicating his
character b. their satisfaction. He procured
and produced before the committee a letter
from the young ladywhose name was involved
in the affair and also letters from her parents
and from others who had knowledge concern
ing it, which completely exonerated him.
RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
Upon the strength of this evidence the COM
mittee adopted and made public the follow
ing resolution;
Whereas rumors have been ahoat here
tian character and usefulness of Evangelist
W. 2. Fife Just upon the eve of the meetings
in this city, which has been done by evil and
designing persons. md whereas the commit
tee having in charge the said meetings have
in two meetings had a number OF letters and
testimony generating him from all such
charges, and his open aud full information of
the circumstances in the case cOrrObOrated IN
person by gentleman who knows all the
parties: now therefore be II
Resolved That we are clearly OF the opn-
ion that the charges and rumOrs are wholly
without the slightest foundation, and we
shall hold mp his hands by our prayers and
bid him God-speed in the good work, not
only here, but wherever his lot may be cast
in the Masters work. "
This resolution is signed by the committee,
composed Of nine respectable citizens OF
Greensboro. Mr. Flies indication IS re-
ceived with pleasure by his many friends
here. He opened his series Of meetingslast
night in Greensboro in a mammoth tent
which has been erected there for that pur-
pose.
PRESIDENT ELECTED.
The board of directors Of the Cape Fear and
Yadkia Valley railroad have elected DR.. W.
A. Lash of Walnut Cove, as president of the
road to succeed the late deceased president
Colonel Julius A. Gray. Dir. Lash is q young
and progressive man. prominent IN his section
and enjoying great popularity all over the
State. He has been a director of the road for
several years and is a man Of considerable
wealth and influence. His election to the head
of the Cape Fear and Yadkn Valley will in
spire confidence and satisfaction. Mr. r. 7.
Gray son Of the late president. has been
elected director of the road and will be as
sistant president as lie has been in the past.
so SUI THE DUKES.
1t is announced that r. II. Wright, of Dur
ham. who was formerly member Of the firm
of w. Duke Sons IL Co.. will bring suit
against the Dukes for the recovery of about
$40 coo. About three or four years ago
Wright sold his interest in the concern to the
other partners. and be claims that the recent
Bonsack trial against the Dukes at Charlotte
revealed that there were certain assets which
he knew nothing about At the time he sold out.
If he had known OF this he claims that he
would not have sold out at the figures at
which he did SELL and he now claims that he
is entitled to recover on the ground named,
Nd IA e Tr,ta 70.