Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1896-05-27
A K|CKERS' CONVENTION.
Island Citizens Held a Meeting on the
Charleston,
Last Night, to Protest Against the
Action of the Board of Directors
IN Compromising with the Bridge
Companies - Another Meeting
Called for Juno 10th.

, The murmurs of dissatisfaction which
have been heard on the Island ever since
the agreement entered into between the di-
rectors of the ferry and the bridge COM
panies, found public expression last night
in the form of an indignation meeting
held on the ferryboat Charleston, which Is
tied to the Island shore, under the steel
bridge. The meeting was called through
hand bills, containing the names of T. S.
Tappan. Ct. w. Robinson, VIM. Mc-Laugh-
lin and H. E. Peterman.
About $50 Island citizens attended the
meeting. Before it was called to order
there was a general discussion Of the stu
alton, and considerable feeding was shown.
Mr. Alex. Mitchell called the meeting to
order, and named Geo. W. Robinson as
chairman. Mr.. Joseph Bell was chosen as
secretary.
Mr. Robinson read the call for the meet
ing, and stated that in order TO proceed
legally. another meeting would have to
be held. Stockholders came forward with
their names, and it was found that 2l7
shares were represented. No person knew
how many shares are held. but it was the
general impression that the number was
about 1900. Mr.. Robinson had copy of
the code Of 1891, and quoted the law bear
ing on the situation showing that one
tenth of the stock represented could call
meeting. Mr.. Mitchell moved to call a
meeting for June 10TH at a place to be
fixed upon hereafter. Adopted. Messrs.
Tappan, Peterman, Robinson and Capt.
VIM. Prince were appointed as commit
tee to secure legal advice if necessary, to
advertise the meeting, ard to make all
other necessary arrangements.
The table was now clear, and some per-
son suggested that an explanation of the
situation be made Mr.. Robinson replied.
He said the directors sold out to the bridge
companies without any legal authority.
II they had called a meeting of stockhold-
ers, and their action had been ratified, Il
would have been all right. The minutes of
the company show that a resolution was
adopted providing for 5000 worth of pre-
ferred stock. to be used only upon condition
that the entire amount was subscribed
Only about $50 was actually subscribed,
and it was never returned, but was APP
piled TO the payment of debts If this
uio4leS idu peeH returned the Slle might
have held good.
Mr.. Robinson, continuing, said that no
set of directors on the face of the earth
had legal right to sell the property of
stockholders, without consulting the
stockholders. The directors sold out the
company without authority. AS far as the
franchise was concerned, any right which
the ferry acquired is not good If the
bridge company offered 1000 for the fran
chise, it was that much money thrown
away, and he would advise the bridge d.
rectors to keep the money in their peck
cts. He hoped some person would make
a motion to request the ferry directors to
make a statement at the meeting on June
10th.
Mr.. c. w. Miller made the motion. and It
went through. There was no further bus
mess, and the meeting adjourned.
1t was stated yesterday that the ferry
company would assign to r. X. Giffen.
but this was not done. so far as could be
learned.