Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-25
RALEIGH's BUDGET.
Picked the Lock-What Il He Going
TO Do:

RALEIGH. y. c., December A.-(Spe-
cial)-It was said early last evening by
persons who knew Governor Russelrs
ideas and plans that his appointees as
railway commissioners. c. Caldwell
and John II. Pearson-intended 10 get
into the office in some way last night.
And so they did. 1t was nedrly midnight
when a lock-picker admitted them
through a rear door. They then had the
front door locks removed. and made a
night of it. lying on lounges or reading.
This morning at 10 O'clock your cor
respondent went to the office and found
them both there. Pearson said: eve
waited in the portico here two hours,
from TO s, last evening. waiting for the
Sheriff to execute the writ issued by the
Supreme Court (signed by Justice Clark,
and put US in possession. The Sherin
was there at 6 o'clock. but did not re-
turn. and we went out to tea. Then We
came back here. We sent for a lock-
smith. and got in at 1:lO. l declare. we
arc not in contempt of Chief-Justice Fair
clcth or of the Supreme Court Of the
United States, which granted the writ OF
error last evening. We were not served
with that writ. nor did We hear of II
from our attorneys. but indirectly We
disclaim any contempt in what we have
done. 1t was the Sheriffs duty to have
opened the door for us at 6 o'clock
Caldwell said: II nearly froZe TO death
those two hours l was waiting on the
portico here" II was walking and wait
ing for the majesty Of the law" said
Pearson. -Four of the justices OF the
Supreme Court had said we were en-
titled TO the Office. Had they decided
against US, Caldwell and I would have
taken our departure for home at once
IL is said that the Governor personally
advised that the lock be picked, but told
the Sheriff not to force the door The
Sheriff was too sharp 10 take any hand
in the matter. He was afraid VI pro-
ceeding in contempt and an amcrccment.
The attorney here for Caldwell and Pear
son and the Governor was In state or
mind for hours. The Governor was rush
ing matters. He wanted to put in his
men at o'clock last evening.
WHAT WILL HE DO?
In view of the fact that ID. II. Abbott
Of the Railway Commission, has said
publicly he did not acknowledge Cover
nor Russelrs appointees, but recognized
j. w. Wilson and S. Otho Wilson until
the United States Supreme Court passed
on the matter, it is interesting 10 know
what he now proposes TO do. with Pear
son and Caldwell in possession Of the
office. VIII the two Wilson's and Abbott
work as usual, and thus present the
spectacle Of two commissions?
The two morning papers here take OPP
posite sides on the question. One attacks
the Governor and the majority Of the Su
preme Court the other sustains them.
Chief-Justice Faircloth's hits at the Gov
ernor in his dissenting opinion were GER
tainly centre shots, and naturally had
made the Governor madden and more
obstinate than ever, If such a thing be
possible.
The Governors side gave it out last
night that before the Supreme Court this
morning motion would be made to set
aside Chief-Justice Faircloth's super
sedeas. or writ OF error to the United
States Supreme Court, which he accept
ed last evening.
The Agricultural Department was yes
terday closed until Monday.
Judge Robinson is assigned 10 hold Gull
ford Court, beginning January SOth.
Governor Russell was yesterday asked
for a list Of the pardons granted during
his administration for use in a special ar
ticle. His reply was that he would give
1t to friendly papers" BY this he must
surely mean Senator Buffers paper, the
Caucasian, the only paper in all North
Carolina friendly to him.
The town of Smithfield now has bank,
with a strong backing.
There was quite an exodus or state
officials to-day. Only the Governor, Sec
rotary of State Auditor. and Treasurer
remain. and will spend the holidays in
Raleigh.
X. A. Cobb, State Librarian and men,
Der of the Populist State Committee,
founders desperately in his absurd eff
forts to prove that there are now GOcO
Populsts in North Carolina.
Mr.. Norwood. Wilmington banker, Is
well pleased with his efforts to establish
a new bank at Asheville.
Major James w. Wilson, chairman OF
the Railway Commission, arrived here
from Morganton at 2 o'clock last night
and was then informed that violent pos
session of his office had been taken
couple OF hours before.
Clerk Riddick. Of the United States
Court. who signed the writ of error to
the United States Supreme Court was
asked this morning what steps he now
proposed to take. He said he had done
all he was going TO do; that what Pear
son and Caldwell had done was not i'm
contempt of the United States Circuit
Court. He says he does not think they
had any right TO enter the commission
oAica