Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-10-14
THE EASTERN SHORE.
The Work of the Waves at Cobb's-
Political Mention.

ONANCOCK, VA, october 1S.--(Spe-
cial.)--The recent high tides have about
completed the destruction Of Cobb's
Island. The cottage which the Rev.
Thomas Dixon, Jr, had built there, and
which some time ago he sold to Captain
Thomas Smith, of the Life-Saying Ser
vice. has now been reached by the all
devouring waves, and to save ii from
utter destruction Captain Smith has just
had 1t pulled down and removed to the
adjacent mainland. Cobb's Island, SO
well known to the readers of the Dis
patch from the many interesting letters
the paper has published from this once
famous seaside resort lies In the Attain
tic off the coast OF Northampton. 1t is
one Of fringe of islands extending from
the mouth of the Delaware bay TO the
Capes of Virginia. With the exception
of Assateague, these islands are all
about seven miles long and are sepa-
rated from each other by inlets varying
1n width from one to two miles. All of
them that front the sea are more or less
subject TO changes of form by the corro-
sive action of the sea waves that lash
them during the northeasterly storms
that prevail during the autumn and
winter seasons. But in the course of a
few years the same forces that cut
away portions of these islands will build
them up again. Unfortunately, this has
not proved true of dear old Cobbs. The
work OF destruction which began there
more than a year ago has gone on till
every house has been swept away, and
nothing of the fair island now remains
except narrow ridge OF bleak and bar
rem sand, over which the waves dash
when the sea is high. Why, of all the
islands that line our Virginia seacoast
Cobbs should have been marked by
fate for destruction Is question that
win puzzle the geologist and physical
geographer; but there are hundreds of
people who have wooed the cool sea
breezes that waited over this delightful
little island and sported in the invigo-
rating waves that rolled up OH her
shores who will indulge the fond hope
that some day in the not distant future
the cruel waves that washed away this
gem OF our coast Will throw IL up again
20 sparkle In It's wonted place and beckon
weary and careworn men and women to
the cooling sea when the dog-star RACES.
The Democratic convention, represent
fng Elizabeth City and Accomac coun-
ties, that reassembled at Parksley yes
terday and declared Mr.. H. L. Montague
the nominee of the party for the House
OF Delegates, was well attended, and
considering the difficulties OF the situa-
tion, one Is inclined TO believe that the
convention did the only thing that could
have been done under the circumstances.
though there was strong and intelligent
minority In the convention i'm favor of
referring the matter back to the Demo-
Gratis OF Elizabeth City again for settle
ment. Mr.. 5. Gordon Cumming, who was
Mr.. Montague's opponent, but who, for
certain reasons, urged his friends rot
TO participate In the recent primary cleo
tion. appeared before the convention and
supported the protest against the pri-
mary election IN u strong and well con-
sidered speech. When the convention
decided TO ignore the protest and de-
clare Mr.. Montague the nominee Mr..
Cumming and his friends accepted de-
feat gracefully. and now all the forces
will pun together 10 give the nominee a
big majority.
Annie May. the 4-year-old daughter of
Rev. J. l.. King. pastor OF the Baptist
church al Mappsvlle, died yesterday
morning, OF typhoid-fevef, after an illness
OF about one week. She was a bright IT.
lie child. and the only girl In the house,
hold Much sympathy is felt for the
stricken parents.
The Rev. Dr. q. j.. Bagby, OF FARM
VILE. who. for the past week has been
assisting the Rev. George w. Hurt IN
noiding series OF revival meetings In
the Baptist church Of this town, left
gcsterday for his home. much to the re-
-'~' u az who have had the pleasure OF