The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-07-19
THE CARGES ARE
NOT SUSTAINED
Mr., F, A. French, Keeper Of River
view Cemetery Exonerated,
SOME EVIDENCE OUT OF DATE.
The Testimony Could Not Go Back
Prior To- July 1SOO-Thc Committee
Recommends That Mr.. French
BE Given Chance for Election

The Subcommittee on Cemeteries. APP
pointed for the purpose OF investigating
the charges against Nj +. A. French,
keeper OF Riveryiew Cemetery, met at
the city Han last night with Mr.. Grimes
chairman. Minor and Smith. the entire
committee, present
Mr.. NJ. j. Burgess. was the first witness
10 testify ON the part OF the prosecution.
His evidence was mainly tO ascertain
whether he was getting regulation pay
for certain DAYS that Doc worked Tor Mr..
French lie claimed that he was getting
less than ar. W. y. Nuckols. whose sub
stitute he was. I'm that Nuckois got {Lj0 a
day while be received only SL-5.
OUT or DATE
Mr. Dennis W. Martin was the second
witness His complaint WAS that ln 1896.
in May or June, COW and horse tracks
were seen on and about graves in The
cemetery.
Mr. Minor objected 20 this witness on
the ground that his evidence did not
come within the resolution OF the COM
mttee which provided that nothing done
or alleged 20 have been done previous 10
July. 1896. should Doe admitted.
Mr. G. W Edwards was the third wit
ness. lie claimed that be experienced a
great deal OF trouble in securing certain
section al Rivcrview cemetery, when no
should have gotten m without trouble. He
did not care 20 make direct charges and
he stated that n he had known Just who
did cause him the trouble he would not
have brought the matter to the commit
tee. but would have settled 30 himself.
Mr.. A. s. Padgett made complaint on
alleged irregularities that had occurred
about five years ago. but his evidence
Ii hH :
ed by Mr. Minor on the evidence Of Mr..
Martin
Mr.. Oscar l.. Jones complained of the
manner I'm which turhns contracts were
given out. and stated that son M Mr..
French's was getting a number or con-
tracts through his father influence.
when there were others who could DO the
work. and needed DO
Mr.. NJ T. Thomas was next called but
his evidence was not accepted because X
related 10 matters that occurred before
1896.
A SWEEPING DENIAL.
No further witnesses We're examined
for the prosecution and Mr French
through his representative. Mr. ". IT,
Dabnev submitted "a statement in which
he refuted each charge made against
him and declared that they were false IN
toto and simply raised Boo order % de-
feat him for recollection.
Petitions were received from number
OF the holders Of sections IN the Gene
torv. and from CITY Engineer Cutshaw
highly recommending Mr. French as
capable man for the position M Keeper
Of the cemetery
CITY Accountan Carlton Mccarthy
stated that he examined into certain
rumors concerning TIE conduct OF Mr.
French but had found nothing or an IT.
regular character
Mr.. French was then placed on me
stand I'm his own behalf and I'm reply To
questions hv the committee as 70
whether he had solicited work at the
cemetery. he said that he had NOT since
the Council had passed am ordinance pro-
viding against such work.
The committee then went into eNeculFs
session and after receiving the testimony
Mr. Minor moved as follows.
NOT SUSTAINED.
eve. your committee. respectlily s-o-
init ttat an complaints and comp. tihants
have carefully heard ana 'lseI
weigh. testimony on both SIDES give
As our opinlon that the charges pr'iFtlsl
should be dismissed. not Deias 'l,l"in''
bv evidence produced. and hfaruy le
commend ,bat Mr. French be placed ~
ssyorablv before the committee as any
other applicant ....t,. aso,..t
This paper was uhti"iH'-
and the committee adjourned