Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-09-05
THE CITY ON THE DAN.
WOODALL REITERATEs HIS con-
FEssION OF A MURDER.
He Was Never suspected-severe and
Frequent HaiI-storms-Death of an
Old Teacher-PersonnI and General
Notes.
Notes.

DANVILLE, VA, September 4.-tSpe-
cial.)-John w. Woodall, now confined In
Fort Columbus n. Y, military prison,
whose confession OF the murder OF
negro in Pittsylvania county. six years
ago, has been published, although dis
claimed by his relatives, reiterates his
confession in a letter recently shown the
Dispatch correspondent. Woodall left his
home, near Danville, about the time OF
the discovery OF the negro's body, and
joined the United States army. Until his
voluntary confession OF the killing. which
is claimed to have been in self-defence,
no suspicion attached to Woodall
This section quite recently has been
visited so frequently by hail-storms as
to induce some OF the weather prophets
to declare that hail belt" exists on the
eastern and western borders Of Henry
and Pittsylvania counties. Be that as 1t
may, a very severe storm Of hail, wind,
and rain passed over it early In the week
and destroyed nearly 10000 tobacco
plants
information was received here late last
night OF the DEATH after a short i'll
ness, at Houston, Halifax county, Of Mr..
Joseph James Averett; aged co years.
The deceased was one of the original
founders OF Roanoke Female College, OF
this city, and was it's assistant principal
for several years. He was desperately
wounded at the battle Of Seven Pines.
and never fully recovered. Since the war
Mr.. Averett, who was a man Of uncom-
mon ability, had taught school In various
portions of Virginia.
The Danville Military Institute, the
Randolph-Macon Institute Qemale), and
the Roanoke Female College open the
fall term next week. The public schools
begin the session on Monday morning.
PROBABLE TELEPHONE WAR.
Danville seems about TO experience a
telephone war. The Southern Bell Com
pany has long held undisputed possession
of the field, but recently several infuen-
tial businessmen inaUgurated a move
ment for a cheaper rate. The Bell COM
pany refused to grant reduction, so the
businessmen referred the matter to the
recently organized Buslness-Men's Club
The Board of Directors Of this organiza-
ton had recently had before 1t repre-
sentatives Of the Bell Company and of
several rival telephone concerns. The
whole matter will be laid before the gene
4 al ODAg VI NllC lpusllifss-.ltll NAib III
a few days, the outcome of which will be
so those on the INSIDE" predict, the es-
adjustment of an exchange TO compete
with the Bell PEOPLE
The annual inspection OF the Danville
Blues and the Danville Grays, Third
Regiment, Virginia Volunteers, will be
held here on the 18th instant. Colonel
Jo Lane Stern, Of Richmond, 1t is pre-
sumed, will conduct the inspection.
PERSONAL
Miss Berkeley Ellyson. daughter of Mr..
and Mrs. II. S. Ellyson, formerly OF
Richmond. is in the capital city. visiting
friends. Mr.. Ellyson is associated with
his brother here in the conduct Of the
Normandie and Carolina Hotel.
Mr.. w. r. Tayloe, Of the Hotel Burton
management, for several years resident
Of Richmond Is recuperating from Illness
at his old home, in Charlottesville. Du-
ring his temporary absence, Mr.. Hunter
Mcclure Bigger, OF Richmond, is behind
the register OF the Burton.
Mr.. Frank Thomasson, of this city, left
to-day for Lynchburg, where he assumes
charge Of the Lynch House.
Miss May Hatcher, of Richmond, is the
guest Of Mrs. J.. S. Ellyson.
A subscription german, the first dance
Of the fall season, was given on Monday
night Among the dancers was Mis-.
Steele, Of Petersburg.
Mr.. i. II. Boisseau, City Sergeant, who
has been absent two months on a plea
sure jaunt through Europe, is expected
in Danville next week.
Hon. A. j. Montague has returned from
Jordan White Sulphur Springs, Frederich
county.
Mr. n. II. Massie spent several day.
this week at Chatham, completing th'
brief to be submitted by Congressman
Swanson in rebuttal Of the evidence Of
Hon. John r. Brown, Of Martinsville, who
contests Mr.. Swanson's election. III,
printed brief will be from the hands o.
the printer by Saturday next, the last
day allowed by the rules governing con
gressional contest proceedings.