Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-01-13
THE WALTON LAW.
EFFORT TO TEST ITS coNsTlTu.
TlONALlTY IN BRUNSWICK co.
Condition OF tho Farmers Not EncouSsg-
inR-Coming County Elccfions--Kotei
Changed Hands-The River High.

PETERSBURG. VA. January l2.-(S3e-
cial)-A great deal OF interest ia express
ed here in the result OF the case to be
brought before Judge Hancock In the
Circuit Court OF Brunswick county. which
involves the cons,itutionality OF the Wal
ton election-law. under which the peo-
pie voted In November last. or course
1t IL the policy OF the Republicans to cast
every possible discredit upon the law. rs
1t would be their policy. IL possible, to
discredit any law passed by n Demo-
cratic Legislature. 1t is proposed to bring
Che Walton law to test as to its consti-
tutionality at the ensuing term OF the
Circuit Court OF Brunswick county. 1t
is proposed to enjoin the supervisors OF
the county from paying the bills for ser
vice Of the election officers. and should
the injunction be granted. as 1t probably
VIII. the question OF the constitutionality
of the Walton law would come directly
before the Court for decision. Judge Han
cock Is one OF the most honest judges
in the State. His decisions have seldom
been reversed by the Supreme Court OF
Appeals. and what he may decide in this
important case Will be accepted as law.
FARMERS DISCOURAGED.
Your correspondent to-day converscd
with very prominent farmer In this
section relative TO the present condition
OF the farmers. He said that as gem
eral thing they had plenty to eat, but
that in fact they could get very little
money for their produce. Cotton Is
low tobacco is low, peanuts do not pay
the expense OF the raising. The farmer"
n. sNa- 10. hut ha
has not enough to pay his debts and
clothe his family. For this reason many
farmers will either curtail their crops. or
abandon farming altogether. They cannot
afford to live as they are doing now"
VIRGINIA AND CAROLINA II. r.
The status OF tho Virginia and CAROLINA
railroad remains unchanged. There will
be no abandonment by the city OF hs
right, In case of n sale. OF a first mort
gage on the property. and the PROPOSE
ton of the parties lately negotiating for
the purchase OF the road TO that effect
will not be considered.
A great deal of interest IA expressed
here in reference 10 the coming election
In the several counties adjacent to Pc
tersburg, as Il is understood that there
will be decided opposition in many in
stances to the incumbents now in office.
IL Dc4itNcl tudt lle Itfpubl4SdUS h'h
Populists will coalesce to beat the Demo-
crats-otherwise there would be 10 ma
terial contest
a PISTOL RECOVERED.
Some weeks ago the gunsmith shop OF
Mr.. James Branch. on Bank street in this
city, was robbed OF a quantity of goods,
including number OF pistols Recently
one of the stolen pistols was presented 20
Mr.. Branch for repairs. and to-day John
Jackson (coloreD. who had left the
weapon, called for 1t. He was arrested
but after giving satisfactory account
of how he came into possession OF the
pistol be WAS released 1t is probable
that the thieves may yet be captured.
II is understood that the Appomattox-
Hotel property, on Boll.ngbrook street,
has changed hands. and that II has been
leased by parties from Columbia. :. {.
The AppomattOx river is on hiCh
boom. The water is overlooking the
banks and wharves on either sid.
The suicide of Mr.. Charles f. Whit
lock in Philadelphia, caused sincere re
greet here. where be was not only well
known. but had numerous relatives.
BASE-BALLISTS AT SEA.
The friends of baseball in this city
seem TO be at a loss as to what VIII
be done in the matter Of the organization
Of a 1rst-class club for this season. No
definite steps have yet been taken in
that direction.
a superb entertainment and reception
was given last night by Mr.. and Mrs.
". W. Townes at their hosptable resi-
d nee. on Sycamore street in honor or
Mr.. and Mrs. j. Thweatt Townes, or
Chicago and Miss Bessie Gilpin. ard
Mr.. Caleb Stabler Of Maryland. who are
visiting friends and relatives in the city.
The entertainment was Of the most eie-
can't style, and many guests were present.