Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-04-15
SENTENCED TO HANG.
MsTTHEw ALIAS DOCK JONES, THE
PETERSBURG wrFE-MuRDrRER.
Asked for n Public Ex.-s.tion-The
Coming Democratic Primary-An-
nuai Meeting of the Chamber OF
Commerce--Omcers Elected.

PETERSBURG. VA, April H.-(Spe-
cial.) jim the Hastings Court to-day Judge
Mullen passed sentence OF death on
Matthew alias Doc Jones (colored),
convicted at the present term of the
court OF the murder OF his wife, Lucy
Jones, on the 18th OF November last.
When asked II he had anything to say
why sentence should not be passed upon,
him. the unfortunate man made a few
rambling remarks. but made the request
that the Court allow his execution 20
take place in public. The Judge said
thing In his power but that the manner
OF execution was regulated by law,
and over this he had no control. The
Court then sentenced Jones to be hanged
in the jail-yard Of this city on the 31st
day OF July next, between the hours Of
10 A. NJ. and p NJ. The prisoner was
warned to prepare for his fate and to
expect no lenlency from the Governor
or the courts.
The condemned man took his sentence
with the most stolld indifference. his
only disappointment apparently being
that he should not be allowed the privilege
Of a public hanging. This with be the
first execution In Petersburg in a great
many years.
THE MUNICIPAL ELECTION.
At 3 o'clock tomorrow afternoon the
privilege OF entering any name to be
voted for at the Democratic primary on
the DIST instant for fnunfcfpoI ofico nv
pires. At present Hon. Charles f. Col
Her, the incumbent, and Mr.. William H.
Talley. a popular Sycamore-street dry
goods merchant. are the only candidates
for the mayoraIty.
Great influence has been brought to
bear upon Mr.. John T.. Townes, who to-
morrow retires from the Office Of De-
putty Collector OF Internal Revenue in
this city, 10 announce himself a can
didate for Mayor; but he has declined
to run. because OF the short time be-
tween now and the primary. His father
and grandfather were mayors of the city.
the former having held the office for
many years.
For the office OF High Constable there
are two candidates and for the Com
mon Council there are innumerable aspi-
rants.
PERSONAL AND GENERAL.
The report of the Elections Commit
tee of the House Of Representatives in
favor Of unseating Hon. William r. Nc
Kenney and seating Mr.. r. T. Thorp
was a surprise to our people. But for the
long-continued i'll health Of Mr. McKen-
ney the result might have been other
wise.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE..
An unusually large meeting Of the
Chamber Of Commerce was held this
afternoon, the increased attendance being
due TO the fact that IL was the an
nual meeting and that the Committee
on Trade and Transportation was ex-
pected TO make a report in the matter OF
running trade excursions.
The Committee on River and Harbor
made a report showing that the value
Of the frelghts on the river for the past
year had been more than 100000. The
committee made several recommendations
looking to the betterment OF the harbor
The special committee appointed to de-
wise means for securing n cheaper tele-
phone service made a report, which was
received. and. on motion. the Chamber,
by rising vote. rendered its unanimous
thanks TO the committee.
TRADE EXCURSIONS.
A special committee was appointed 10
inquire into the advisabilty Of running
trade excursions to this city. and was
instructed TO report as to the cost OF the
same, and plan for getting them up In
the most effective manner. An early spe-
cial meeting Of the Chamber will be held
TO consider this report. A number OF
gentlemen addressed the Chamber on this
subject, all the retail trade SEEM
ing to approve.the scheme. the jobbing
trade Directing.
The following officers were elected for
the ensuing year: President, Bartlett
Roper; First Vlce-Presldent. Simon Sc
ward: Second Vice-President, Stith Boil
ling; Secretary and Treasurer, r. d.
Gillian; Board Of Directors-Messrs. Il.
A. Heartley, Augustus Wright, J. S.
Northington, c. r. Bishop, c. T. Las
sitter. a. Rosenstock, f. NJ Dalton. r.
=. Barham, c. c. Alley, Daniel Rahlly,
T. S. Beckwith. NJ. r. Saal, +. C. Ven
able, T. p. Underhill, and William b.
McIlwaine.