Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-07-21

cd. besides having other necessary altera-
tions made. The vessel has had quite an
extensive overhaulng. and no doubt she
will now prove one Of the finest war
ships alOat.
1t is said that the cost OF the changes
made on the Texas will amount to $780,
90 for material and workmanship. Naval
officers here say she has been wonderfully
improved IN the matter of strength, ana
that owing TO her good steaming quail
ties and ability TO turn in a small radius,
she will be valuable addition to any
fleet.
The machinery of the Texas was built
at the Richmond Locomotive and Ma
chine-Works. and il is said TO be superior
TO that OF any other ship in the navy.
FIRST DISTRICT CONVENTION.
Congressman William A. Jones, OF the
First Virginia District, is In the city to-
day on his way TO attend the Democratic
congressional convention in his district,
which meets al Cape Charles tomorrow.
Mr.. Jones said that the district will 20
next November for the Democratic norhi-
nee whoever he may be, by a larger ma
jority than ever before. There is no
doubt of Mr.. Joness denomination by the
convention, and there is just as little
doubt as 20 what he said of the result IN
the district next November.
FUN ON THE POTOMAC.
large party left this evening for
Lower Cedar Point, on the Maryland
side OF the Potomac river on board
| that well-known steamer. the John Syl-
vester, TO attend a full-hedged lawn party
and regular old-time Charles county bail
/ 4 number of resident Nirginians and
: Washington newspaper men went down
to enjoy the festivities. and the hospi-
tality OF Count Eugene de Mltkiewicz
who has reopened this old resort, rehabi-
litated it, and made It one of the most
attractive points near Washington. A
great many ladies Of Charles county
Md, who are noted for their beauty,
viii be present and Will be patronesses
Of the ball
Among other attractions will be dis
| play Of fireworks. and the occasion will
be a most enjoyable one
GENERAL WILLIAM H. PAYNE.
In a recently copy of the London
| Gng) American. which accidentally fell
into my hands l found the following
well-deserved notice Of General William
/ IL. Payne, who by the way. has re-
/ turned. and was in time to attend the
/ grand Confederate reunion, at Rich
mOnd
General William II. Payne. OF War
renton, Va. sailed on the Majestic on
| June 18th, after a two months sojourn
! I'm Europe. The General spent a few
/ days in Paris. General Payne has made
many friends during his brief soiourn
on this side. and his departure was the
/ signal for many expressions OF regret.
| painful to some because as we have
/ heard IT said. he was such pleasant fell
! low. brimful Of kindness and courtesy. "
The General resides in a handsome
house on Washington circle. in this city.
PERSONAL NOTES.
| Mr.. Augustus a. Chapman, of Fairfax
county, Va, for many years n we'll
known and convivial resident of Rich
! mond. and now an Inspector Of Public
Works. in the District service here. Will,
on the lst Of August next. wed Miss
Jennie Warner. Of Baltimore, Md, and
also resident OF this city Mr. Chap
man has already been warmly congratu-
lated upon the announcement
General Albert and Mrs. Ordway. with
their little daughter. Valerie Padelford
leave for the Hot Springs. Va. this
week. and later in the season viii go Il
| British America TO see their son, Mr.
| Goodwin Ordway, who Is i'm business
there. and VINO graduated with high
honors OF Lehigh University.
General and Mrs. OrdVev for many
wears resided IN Richmond, and the
General may be said TO have been tn,
pioneer OF the building Of fine houses ir
The region OF Monroe Park, now tn,
most beautiful portion OF your city.
Miss Bessie Spickard, n popular youns
ladv of Blacksburg. Va. Is visiting hel
cousin. Mrs. Simmons. Of Roanok,
street. Columbia Heights.
Minister Mcdonald, who is steadily re-
covering from the effects OF cold he
took while at the coronation OF the Gar
again called at the State Department to-
day. but Secretary Olney and the AS
sistant Secretary were absent. Mr.. Nc
Donald has nothing special TO communi-
cate. and as he will remain here for seve-
raj days yet he will make II convenient