The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1897-01-21

|
re-iterate It," replied the Congressman
elect. and the chair had IL restore order.
Mr.. III. l.. Page was then called. He
SAID $50 an acre was the first price Of
fered by Mr.. Freeman. Later he stated
that he would accept $50 for the water
and $50 for the high land.
This closed the testimony in this case,
and the Joyce Lake matter was then
taken up.
THAT SECRET MEETING
The secret meeting of the Water
Board was then taken up. Dr. Ander-
son stated that Mr.. Freeman had init
| mated that the action taken ut that
meeting had been given out by some
person. He asked Mr. Freeman If he
coud make more definite statement
That gentleman said that when the
Board decided to purchase Joyce's
lake, interested parties secured informa-
ton regarding the matter. and Judge
Keeling was prepared for the commit
tees visit
The matter had been discussed in open
session November 18th. The secret SEES
sion was held December 9Th. He did not
know who had disclosed the matter
Judge Brooke stated that Judge Keel
ing's option was dated December 4th
or before the secret meeting was held.
MIR. Thomas X. Ballcntine testified re-
Sarding the secret meeting. He was one
OF the committee appointed To purchase
VIC BlopcilS. Juupc J\ctilnf5 anticipated
the visit of the committee. and SO stated
to them. lie had not divuIgcd any of
the transactions of that meeting
AIR. Hugh {. Davis, testified that at
the meeting of November 18th, the Joyce
lake matter was discussed. a press re-
porter was present at the time.
Colonel w. a. S. Taylor was next
sworn. He referred tn the meeting OF
November 1lth about which there Gyas
nothing secret, except the reduction in
the water pressure. Did not hear re-
| quest made for Messrs. Wright and Rid
| dle to examine the property Did not
know how he learned of Judge Keel
| .nE's Interest in Joyca's Lake.
Mi Riddle said that Joyce's Lake was
never mentioned prior to November 18th.
when he and Mr.. Wright went down to
examine the property. He was not in
water Works. but Mr.. Wright's connec-
| ton Herewith was well known
Mr.. w. Il. Barron testified that at the
| lltn OF November meeting MI Wright
stated that Butts pond was an available
| supply.
AT the December 9th meeting n secret
session was held, and 1t was decided to
! purchase Joycc'S Lake. He had not dis
closed any of the proceedings of the
meeting ON the 9th. but was sure Judge
Neeiing had been Informed. for he anti
| clnated the committees visit.
| Judge Keeling here stated that he had
not anticipated visit from the com
| mlttee; was never more surprised in his
life. MIR. Baldwin thought regularity
should be observed and the Judge
| subsidized.
Mr.. Woodland, member Of the com
miitec that waited on Judge Keeling
testified that that gentleman stated tina
he had anticipated the committee
visit.
Mr.. George w. Wright was mex,
called He testified To the discussion oi
Joyce's A.akc in committee, his visit
there with Mr.. Riddle.
| hr. Hugh steele. OF the Landmark
stan, testified that he was not request
ed TO avoid reference to Joyce's Lake n
the November llth meeting. He did no
consider IL OF sufficient Importance tC
notice however. at the time.
JUDGE KEELING'S REBUTT,AI..
Judge Keeling was next called. II,
said that he desired to state positively
and emphatically that no member ot
the committee had ever approached hin
before the official visit of that body
and when the gentlemen say that | eX-
pressed having anticipated their visit
they are mistaken.
why did l purchase the lake," Be.
| cause believed il was Il piece OF prop
crty that could be disposed of to the
city If properly presented.
| he had not attempted To purchase tho
lake prior to November 18th. He desired
to purchase the property for the Lynn.
| haven syndicate.
II would not have secured the option
had known the city desired the prop.
crty. l did not know that Mr.. Riddle
had been there
Il took the option in another person.
name because of pending litigation OF
the property. Mr.. Freeman stated thai
he did not divulgc the secret of the
December meeting and he had no per.
sonal nnimus IN the matter"
Mr.. II. II. Wright asked Mr.. Freeman
| If he had not sought To convey the i'm
| preston TO the Councilmcn that tn,
$1,000 option held by Judge Keeling
controlled the property.
Mr.. Freeman replied that he had not
| MIR. Wright stated that he had full
power To act for the Lynnhaven syn.
dicate. He had not n dollars Interest
in the lake other than In dispose of the
Lynnhaven syndicatc's interest in the
properly, amounting 10 about clever
acres. and 10 DO this he had appointcC
| Judge Keeling his attorney.
The committee adjourned at the cal
of the chair at 1858 o'clock.
THE CHARLOTTE AGROUND.