Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-02-02
THE EASTERN SHORE.
rATTENiNG OYSTERS Dy GIVING
THEN FRESH WATER.
Then They Bring Fancy PriceS-Thc
Cold snap-Thc Governorship--Na-
sonic Matters-Csrrying the Mall
PersonaI and General.

ONANCOCK. VA, February l.-(Spe-
ciaL)-Many years ago it was found out
by seaside oystermen that oysters could
be rapidly fattened by putting them in
watts OF fresh water, and allowing them
10 remain for some days. This drink
ing process. as II is called. has been
practiced for years on Chincoteague
Island. where extensive watts have been
constructed, and water-pipes have been
laid leading to them from wells and
pumps. There are many small fresh
water lakes on the island and last fan
some Of the islanders thought they would
Try the experiment OF putting "a few
oysters in them. 1t proved very sue
cessful. and the oysters when taken from
these lakes and shipped to market
brought fancy prices. AS a result OF
this. nearly all the oystermen Of the
island are now using these lakes TO fat
ten their oysters in. and the oysters thus
fattened bring dollar per barrel more
than those taken from the surrounding
bodies Of saltwater. IL is contended by
many that the oysters are not really
drink fresh water. but that 1t merely
gives them a bloated appearance. AT
any rate, 1t accomplishes the purpose Of
the oystermen in enhancing their market
value.
THE COLD SNAP.
Tho cold weather that has been pre-
vailing here for the past week is the
severest for several winters. The snow
lies on the ground 10 the depth OF about
TWO inches. and all the creeks and es-
tuaries are covered with ice. The hill
sides around Margaret Academy the
only ones for many miles around. are
alive night and day with young coasters
Sleigh bells are heard on every hand. and
skaters are enjoying a carnival Of fun
or the ice.
The Impression prevails here that Con-
gressman w. A. Jones will not be. a can
didate for the Democratic nomination
for Governor. The announcement that
the Hon. Lloyd T. Smith. Of Northum-
berland. will be a candidate for Attor-
ney-General is accepted AS conclusive
that Mr. Jones will not enter the race, as
ne and Mr.. Smith are known TO be very
warm personal and political friends This
being the case. persons here are be-
ginning to canvass the relative merits
Of the other gentlemen mentioned in con-
nection with the gubernatorial nomina-
ton: and there seems TO be a decided pre-
ponderance of sentiment in favor Of the
Hon. J. Taylor Ellyson. Of Richmond
Among the more thoughtful and con-
servative men of the party on the East
ern Shore II Is very generally recog-
nzed that the next Governor must be
n level-headed. far-seeing. business man.
who will lead In putting the affairs OF
the State in proper shape TO meet the
certain demands of the near future: and
II is generally conceded that Ellyson is
tust the man TO place at the helm in the
crisis that now confronts the State.
MASONIC.
The Masons of Chesapeake Lodge held
n special communication here Saturday
night. and made the Rev. Mr.. Stone, Of
Parksley, an entered apprentice. In
spite of the intense cold. there was
good attendance OF the craft. and among
them were four ministers. exclusive OF
the candidate Past-Master Duncan de-
livered the lecture In the first degree.
The revival meetings that have been 60
ing on in the Northern Methodist church.
mt Parksley, and the Southern Methodist
church. at louisville have been brought
10 a close. The one at Locustville. con-
Quoted by the Rev. Luther T. Hit. was
very successful. thirty-eight persons
having professed conversion
V.
of the Southern Methodist churches in
the Eastern Shore District. held the
quarterly meeting, at Andrew chapel,
near Cashvlle Saturday and Sunday.
Twelve years ago Mr. Walden was pastor
of the Onancock church and Andrew
chapel
The prevalence of hard times has not
seriously interfered with matrimonial al
liances in Accomac. as was at one time
he 1Cf n
forty marriage licenses were issued from
the Clerks office Of this county, and
the cry is. "Still they come"
IL is said that more than one half of
the mail-routes in this county have been
let TO North Carolina contractors many
of them at much less than it will cost
20 carry the mails over them. There is
a strong disposition among local mail
contractors TO make no bids for these
routes. but to let the North Carolina
contractors fulfill their contracts at their
own figures.
Congressman Jones. having authorized
n competitive examination, TO be held
AT Tappahannock next Tuesday the 9th
instant for the purpose of appointing
cadet from this district 10 the United
States Military Academy. at West Point.
Mr.. George o. Nocks, of Accomac, will
be among those who will stand the
eAdDliildilOil.
The spring term of Margaret Academy
began to-day, and a number OF rev
pupils were enrolled.
Grip and pneumonia are said 10 be
very prevalent in many parts of the East
ern Shore.
Mr.. George w Bull died several days
ago at his home near Craddockville. in
the southern part Of Acconac; aged Al
years He had been in declining hea,tn !
for several years.
News comes from Braifori's Neck. on
the seaside. of the death Of Mr.. William
n. Mapp. one OF the Oldest citizens Of
this county. He was an oil hacrclor. |
and for many years had led the life of
recluse. rarely leaving his home. Some |
of his old servants lived with him up TO
the day Of his death, and manifested
great attachment TO theic former master. |
Several DAYS ago a colored boy. living |
with Mr.. Stanley Lewis ~ Parksley. |
was severely bitten by log he had been |
teasing Several dogs. supposed 10 have
been mad have been killed in that neigh |
borhood and though thsce is no evil |
dence that the dog in question had been |
bitten by a mad-dcg. some anxiety Is |
Eel, about the result Of The bite
The Hon. Richard r. Kenney. who |
was recently elected 10 The United States |
Senate from Delaware. * well known In |
Acconac where he taught public school |
fn 1877 The great Luther Martin. Of |
Maryland. was once a school-teacher In |
this county