The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1894-05-23
FROM THE STATE HOUSE
A CITIZEN OF ROCKINGHAM ANi-
IOUy TO SEE THE HANGING.
Sheriff Watts, of Augusta County, IL a Busy
Mnn-Offer OF a Steam Launch for
the Oyster Navy.

Sheriff Watts, OF Augusta county. seems
TO be having hard time just at present
on account OF the numerous applications
which he receives from persons who de-
sire TO attend the execution OF spiller.
the negro who Is to be hanged at Staun-
ton on June Sth. Governor O'FerraI yes
terday received the following letter. which
had been sent by Sheriff Watts TO a citi-
zen Of Rockbridge county in reply 70 his
application to be admitted to the execu-
ton:
Nothing would give me more pleasure
than 10 admit you, along with two or
three thousand of my friends VINO nave
applied IN advance OF you, but as the ia"
likes the number to witness the hanging
my hands are tied, as 1 have promised
more by far than | can admit. / am al
most crazy, as 1 get letters and messages
for admission from every section OF the
State, but | must comply win the law,
and am very sorry that / cannot grant
your request. and nope you Will not think
hard OF me under the circumstances.
This letter of Sherim Watts was ac-
companied by the following communica-
ton addressed to the Governor by the
applicant:
OF SpilIer at stanton, Va, on June Sth
next, and as you will see by the enclosed
letter Of my friend, Sheriff Watts, his
hands are tied. / write to ask II you
VIII not grant me the permission 10 do
So AS you possess the power, l hope,
beg, and believe that you Will in some
manner arrange 1t so / may be there
Il hope you have not forgotten me. |
was living at or near HarrisOnburg when
you were judge of the County Court.
heard you pass sentence or death upon
Shipiett. Morris. and his wife, and was
with you at the execution of Shiplett.
You presided when | was made a
JonOdeck, and in the Masonic order as
sisted Inc from the beginning endorsing
mel until ] was made a Mason OF the
eleventh degree. l mention these things
In order that you may know that l still
remember and appreciate the interest you
took IN me, and hope If you have for
gotten me they may be the means Of
my Identification. COngratulaung you
upon the laurels you have won since L
saw you. and hoping you may still reach
a higher office, even the highest in the
land, L am, as ever,
Truly your friend, etc.
The Governor replied through Mr.. e. r.
Chesterman. his private secretary, yester-
day. that he regretted not 10 be able TO
90 anything in the matter
rHE BOARD OF THE CHfsAPEAKE.
The Board Of the Chesapeake and its
tributaries held a called meeting in the
Governors Office yesterday at noon. and
held another lengthy conference over the
oyster question. a proposal was received
in regard 10 the purchase Of steam
yacht TO be used for policing the oyster
grounds, and Mr. u. G. XOlikOfer Sec
rotary of the board, was directed TO
instruct Captain William f.. Hudgins the
cOmmandant of the Chesapeake. TO pro-
coed to New York for the purpose Of
inspecting the launch offered for sale
STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION.
The State Board Of Education met in
the Governors Office yesterday after
noon at . o'clock, and held a conference
with a number Of booksellers as 10 the
discount TO be allowed on their school
books. The board, however. took no ac-
tiOn.
PUBLIC RECEPTION.
The Governor has decided TO give a
public reception at the Executive Man
sion on the night Of May Both. and for
that occasion the interior and exterior or
the building viii be handsomely decorated
The big scales which have been in posi-
ton on the westerly side Of the Capitol
building for a great many years have
been taken out the grounds. They viii
be removed to q place near the state
Library building. where the coal fur
nished the State viii hereafter be
weighed
ANOTHER cow, 7.
Sheriff r. r. Davis of Henry county,
called at the Office Of the Auditor Of Pub
lie Accounts yesterday after delivering
at the penitentiary cap Mitchell (colOredl
sentenced TO three years imprisonment