The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-04-23
The Colored Councilnien.
Richmond, Va, April II, 1896.

Richmond, va, April II, looo'
Editor of The Times: "
correct certain erroneous impressions
made by publications which recently APP
peared in three JournalsIhamely: me ne
former OF this city; the virginia bap-
fist. of this city. and the Norfolk Re-
In view of the many erroneous publica-
tons made by the colored press concern
ing the absence Of the colored members
of the CITY Council from jackson Ward
on the night when the nnal vote was
taken in the case OF Mr.. John X Grimes,
who was tried for certain VIOLATIONS OF the
CITY ordinances, We deem II our duty 10
deny the charges and insfnuations made.
and to characterize them as reckless and
false.
First. We are charged with holding a
conference with MIR. Grimes. This Isl alb
solutely false.
Second. We are charged with holding
a conference in the Planet Office with
John Mitchell, Jr., and James Bahen,
members OF the Board or Aldermen from
Jackson ward. This we absolutely deny.
We consulted neither Mitchell nor Bahen,
nor were we Influenced by them in any
way whatever. We think we are capable
of thinking and acting for ourselves, and
allow no one 10 dictate 10 US what course
we shall pursue.
Third. We are indirectly charged with
being bought OF and bribed 10 stay away
from the meeting that night. This IS
equally false, and we chdHehSe any EFFORT
to prove the charge.
We respectfully claim TO have acted
honestly and honorably in all our connec-
ton with the city government, and 10
have respected our oath OF office through
out our entire service.
We feel that we have right to demand
either that these charges and insinua-
tions shall cease or that the parties re-
sDonsible for them snail institute, or
cause TO be instituted, an investigation
OF our conduct.
We are responsible to the people of our
ward as their representatives; We are re-
sponsible to the City Council for our
conduct as such, and we court the most
rigid investigation.
There has never been any secrecy con-
corning our whereabouts on the night in
question. nor have we any concealments
10 make.
or the signers of this card
Griffin was present at Richmond Chapter.
No. Z, Royal Arch Masons, over which
he presided In his capacity as High
smith was confined to his home with
rheumatism, and was unable to attend the
Jackson was in attendance upon his
wife, who was very SICK, and did not
leave his house the entire evening.
Deane has never stated 10 any one that
ne was al church on the occasion In ques-
ton. but had he been asked his reasons
for being absent ne would nave given
trustee of the Second Baptist church, and
spent the evening examining papers In
connection with the remodeling OF the
church. which he considered OF paramount
Importance, as the church building was
considered dangerous and had been re-
ported 10 the authorities.
These facts we are prepared 70 prove
by reputable citizens. whose standing Is
second TO none in this community. ana
we feel that we are amply JUSTIFIED In
demanding that our defamers either cause
rigid investigation OF our conduct 10 be
had or retract their SANDERS and insinua-
lions.
We have done nothing to forfeit the re-
spect of our associates or the confidence
OF the people among whom we have lived
so long, and whose interests we have
endeavored faithfully to represent, and 10
them we submit this indignant protest
against the attitude in which designing
enemies have sought TO place us.
Very respectfully,
j X. GRIFFIN,
~ w. Is. SMITH,
A. Els BENZ. JACKSON.
r. d. ~. DEANE.-.x.