davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-01
Christmas for the Children.

The Christmas for the Children OF thu
Poor" Of Church Hill. which, .hrougtr
the broad sympathy and Christian
charity Of Misses Pearl and Ruby Bode~
ker, assisted by other charitable ladies'
and members Of the city mission. has
become custom, was given Thursday
afternoon at Corcoran Hall. Fully 20
children were present. and large/ss tho
number may seem. the depth Of kindness
Of these ladies had provided a present
for every one.
DR.. Goodwin. rector OF ST. Johns, made
a short and appropriate talk 20 the chill
dren. Little Misses Oracle Wood and
Sadie Newman sang, with Miss Chenaulc
accompanying on the piano. Mr.. How
ard Holland, OF McCabe's School Cleo
club. also sang. with Sir. William We'll
Ter accompanying him. After the pro-
yramme had been concluded old Santa
Claus. frnpersonated by Mr.. George Gret-
ter, entered upon sled drawn py NUS
Roger wilson's goat-team.
Tho ladies' who actively assisted mo
Misses Bodeker in dispensing the good
things were Mrs. Mary Il. Smelling. Mrs.
Green. Mrs. william Murray, Miss Dora
Pugh. Mrs. Maria Rob nson. Miss Lizzie
Baldwin. Mrs. Preston Nash, and MISS
Maggie Prosser.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-01
THEIR TRADE HAS INCREASED.

To the Editor Of the Dispatch:
our business has been fairly satlsfac-
tory the past year. The severe drought
I'm the fan affected same somewhat ana
the low price of cotton has injured south
orn trade during the past two months.
Stnl. the year as a whole shows snBh'
increase over previous years.
The outlook for 1895 Is very good; farm
ers have made good crops and realized
better prices than for several years past.
The only exception 10 this is cotton, the
condition of the markets on which is
having a depressing erect on southern
trade. which. however. may be benehciai
i'm the future I'm causing our southern
farmers 90 diversity their crops 10
greater extent. and so raise more OF
their supplies at home. The diversity OF
crops which can be- raised in the South
the advantages I'm climate, nearness 10
the seaboatd. facilities for reaching the
great markets, and the ease with when
our soils improve under proper systems OF
cultivation. should make our southern
section one of the richest agricultural
sections I'm this country and II our farm
ers will pay more attention TO grass,
forage. and soil improving crops, II VIII
result I'm a vastly improved condition OF
our entire agricultural interests, which IS
bound TO affect fay0rably the prosperity
and advancement of all Of our people.
Very truly yours,
u. w. WOOD & SONS,
Seedsmen.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-01
DIG FALLING OFF IN ARRESTS.
Some 500 Less Than I'm 1S96-The Po-
lice Force Record.

The police force is appointed by the
Board of Police Commissioners, consisting
OF Hon. r. NJ. Taylor, Mayor and Presi-
dent. and Messrs Charles g. Bosher. L.
c. Figg, John F. Jacob, J. b. Welsh, j.
w. Laube, and ID. A. Weinbrum; Il. B.
White, clerk.
The police force consists OF 100 oficers
and men, distributed as follows:
Police Headquarters. Room No. II, City
Hall-Major y. +. Howard. chief; Ser
geant j. +. Shinberger, clerk; Sergeant A.
NJ. Tomlinson, chief OF secret service, and
John r. Hall and c. a. Gibson; l.. 5. ko-
bins, special duty.
First Police-StatiOn. Old Market-Cap-
tain. w. L. Thomas; Sergeant w. Il.
Whitlock, /; Sergeant ]. p. Jeter, !; Ser
geant G.. H. Matthews, /; Sergeant j. A.
Otey !; patrolmen, 70
second Police-Station, Sixth and Mar
shall streets-Captain, j. y. Angle. /: Ser
ceant j. A. Cosby. l; Sergeant Ro. j.
brooks. 1; Sergeant r. A. Allen, l; Act
ing Sergeant. c. II. Talley. l; patroimen
"a
Third Police-Station. Brook avenue and
Marshall street-Captain +. T. Hulce, ]
Sergeant A. r. Cousins, ] Sergeant G.. w
Epps. ]: Sergeant w. j. Orange, !; patrol
men. Is.
Onicer at Police Court Sergeant r. ~
Thomas. Four men are detailed for sani-
fary duty, and are under Board OF Health
Changes in the force during the year
Died. /: resigned, 8: appointed. 3.
Arrests made: White, 1908; colored
ogO: misdemeanor, 1854 felony. 3H. Total
4 oas Number Of ordinance violations
. or Number OF alarms OF fire. l52.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-01
o the Editor of he Dispatch:


To the Editor of he Dispatch:
For the first six months Of 1897 we
found no improvement in business over
1885, but from July 10 January the sales
of each month have been In excess OF the
same time last year, and, as a whole our
business for 1897 Is considerably ahead OF
1896.
our wholesale business with North and
South Carolina, Virginia. and West Nir-
ginia has been above the average this
season, and especially in the holiday line
sold a better class Of these goods than
usual.
Our business opened earlier this year
than ever before for Christmas goods,
and by the middle of September we had
as many orders as we could handle and
early In October we were forced 10 put
on an extra force and longer hours in
order TO keep up with the heavy demand
for holiday goods.
As to business for 1898 in our line, we
do not believe that any one knows what
IL will be- as there has been considerable
advance In earthenware. china, ETC., and
with increased prices, ~hich all jobbers
will be forced to make, we believe it
will have a tendency to hold back or
ders for time, at least, from the coun-
try merchants. but we believe that in a
few months everything will straighten
itself out, and give us a good business
for 1898. Very truly yours,
T.. b. TAYLOR COMPANY,
China and Glassware.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-01
The Virginia stock compap:.

Subscriptions for season tickets have
been coming in TO the support OK ING
Virginia Stock Company at Lively rat
during the week. and the promoters ~
the enterprise are now sanguine OF .
splendid success.
The plans OF Manager Benjamin Tut
hin appear to have struck populaS
chord. having aroused the interest OF ths
regular theatre-patrons to an exten. :ar
beyond his anticipations. He Is parueu-
Iarlv encouraged by the enthusiasm the
ladies have shown in behalf OF tho pro-
posed venture.
Many prominent people are among those
who have already secured tickets, ane.
the greater proportion OF the subscribers
are lending their active aid 10 secure tta
stock company.
Mr.. p. NJ Fry. the host OF the Jensfson.
q generously using his influence with tha
quests OF his hotel. and voluntary Vs.
slstance Is being extended on every slos.
Norfolk and Petersburg will be gwen tnS
opportunity TO be taken into tho circois
next week.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-01

1893 viii. be a better business year In
many respects than we have had In cur
line for some years past
ID. Buchanan a. Son, jewellers: In re-
gard to business for the year just ending
is97-we can truthfully state that the
volume OF business done surpasses any
year since 1890. and. naturally. we feel
very much gratified with the good re-
suits OF our labors. In regard 10 the
prospects OF 1888, we feel convinced that
they are good. the effects or the panic
are gradually passing away, and In the
future it will only be matter OF history.
The general public appear to be more
active, the merchants as whole are IN
a better frame OF mind. The manu-
facturers in our line have a great many
orders given them in 1897 yet 10 be filled.
and are working overtime. AS a matter
OF fact. when the general public. the
merchants and the manufacturers. one
and all. are in the condition as above
stated. the future Of 1898 Is assured.
The Star Clothing House: Speaking
from a business standpoint, we are glad
TO say that the year 1891 has been the
most successful one for the past TWO
wears. Business has improved wonder
fully with us during the past few
months. our outlook for 1898 Is very
good one. and If all OF the factories and
different places OF work will start up,
"a we hope they will do, we expect
even a better year than the past one.
Sydnor e. Hundley. furniture with
thankful hearts we close 1897. Our motto
has always been forward, and our en-
deavor has been to keep In the front rank
of the procession. Looking back on the
work OF the last TWO years, when an
kinds of competition had 10 be contendeu
with, and strong men We're railing by the
way. w are led TO exclaim, hitnerto
bath the Lord led US" Our outlook Tor
the future is good. our endeayor Is 70
keen a very full and complete stock, that
we may meet the needs OF every customer,
and while we make a speciality or fine and
high-grade furniture. our stock OF medium
and cheap is very complete. Returning
thanks for past favors, we pledge for the
| future our best efforts TO furnish the good
people of Richmond and Virginia a strict
| lv first-class and up-to-date stock OF FUR
| nfture TO select from. We have enlarged
our upholstery department. and can serve
our patrons satisfactorily in that de-
| partment
John r. Rose & Co., stoves, crockery'
| and glassware: We have found business
| for 1897 entirely satisfactory, and our ran
and Xmas trade far exceeding 1896. Gun
outlook for next year is encouraging
having several large contracts to start
during January
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-01
LARGE SALES; GOOD COLLECTIONS

LARGE SALES; GOOD 0Ol@i<i-N L 49,
To the Editor Of the Dispatch:
Taking it all together. we think our
trade for the year just closing has been
satisfactory. The volume of our trade
has been much larger than ever before.
but owing 10 the low prices Of goods, Of
course the amount Of business in dollars
and cents has not been very materially
increased.
We have not suffered this. as in former
years. from the continued decline In our
goods. as most OF them have been very
stationary, as a rule. We think every
thing has reached "low-water mark" and
the staple goods in our line are very firm
indeed, some considerable advances have
taken place We think the advance VIII
be general along the whole line, and
this being the case. IL will make our busi-
ness far more satisfactory than 1t has
been for the past five or ten years, with
steadily declining market.
our collections throughout the South
have been wonderfully good. considering
the extremely low price Of cotton. which
has been very disastrous to all classes OF
business We do not know Of anything
TO increase the price of this great staple
as the supply seems 10 be very much IN
excess Of the demand, but we do know
that our customers throughout the South
are I'm much better shape, financially.
than they have been for years past. They
are. comparatively speaking. out Of debt.
and have learned to economic in all de-
partments Of life, so that they have been
able to stand this great distress Of low
priced cotton much better than they could
have done few years ago.
We have bought our usual stock o.
goods for the coming season. and look
for a heavy trade in 1898 The country
through which we travel is comparatively
bare Of goods Of all kinds. and whilst we
do not think our customers are inclined
TO buy largely, still we are satisfied that
they will have TO buy considerably TO
supplv their actual wants. Conservatism
seems to be the principle upon which al
classes Of trade are now proceeding with
their business. Our line of credit is very
much more thoroughly scrutinized than
ever before and by strict economy on
our part and the part Of our trade, we
hope for a successful trade in 1898.
WATKINS-COTTREL CO,
Hardware and Cutlery.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-01
Agent Southern Express compan
IMPROVEMENT IN SHOE TRADE.

To the Editor Of the Dispatch:
We are glad to report an improvement
over recent years. and our hopeful eNpec-
tation of continued Improvement for the
coming year our own state is better OH
than she has been for years, in conse-
ouence of better prices for grain ana
tobacco. and we believe our southern
neighbors are, as a rule. prospering not
outstanding the low price Of cotton
Allow us 10 say that we think our
papers should take up the question OF
better terminal facilities for our city py
the Chesapeake and Ohio and southern
railways The present shantles nave
baen used as depots ever since the war;
ana would be a disgrace 10 country
village. WINGO, ELLETr & CRUMP,
Shoes.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-01

An assault was made upon Chinana4
last Thursday night by two boys. whose
Identity has not yet been estanhshsu.
Lee Hung IS the proprietor OF laundry
near the corner OF Main ana Chef.y
streets. and on tho night In question ~
was working I'm his store about ~ S.o,A ne
when his window was sInasnea anu ~
was struck on the chest Win a 49,
,,ran,te snail. HIS assailants made GOOD
9heir escape in the dark. and the untos-
innate Chinaman, who Is suffering Sc
verslv from the effects OF the blow. VAS
civ able 10 give Sergean; Gibson very
,ooe,re description OK them. The case
- IN good hands, however. and VIII pro.
bahlv be worked out 90 conclusiop ,nae
viii be satisfactory. AT least 10 Leo
Hung
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-01
THE YEAR WAS GOOD
WHOLESALE TRADE or RICHMOND
BETTER THAN WAS EXPECTED.
MARKED IMPROVEMENT IN SOME LINES
various Houses Report Having Ex-
tending BusIpcss Into New Terri
tory with InrEcly-Increnscd Sales.
Outlook for Isos Very Bright.

The wholesale trade Of Richmond dur
ing 1897 was. upon the whole. satisfac-
tory. In some lines this is especially
true. there having been marked improve
men. ever 1896 In others the dealers
did not do so we'll as in years past. but
I'm no line was there a falling OF Of con-
sequence.
Merchants naturally feel that It is a
great achievement 20 hold their own in
these days. when the stringency IS
crowdng so many TO the wall, and neces-
Stating tho closest watch upon every de-
tail. I'm order 10 avert disaster by over
stepping very narrow margins. That they
have an been able 10 90 this. and that
many have been able 70 extend their
trade into now fields with resulting in
crease OF sales. IS naturally cause for
congratulation.
Upon the whole. the expectation OF bet
ter things IN 1898 which seems general,
are wen-f0unded The wholesale men
and manufacturers unite with the retail
ers in the belief that times Will be bet
ter, which Is q l)ng step towards pros
perity. The following letters sent the
Dispatch by the wholesale dealers or
Richmond ere unanimous 20 a remark
able degree in their expression Of high
hopes Tor 1895:
THEY HAVE EXTENDED TRADE.
To the Editor OF the Dispatch:
We have had "a fairly good year In our
line Of business. considering the depres-
sion which has existed all over the coun-
try. in tho department Of builders hard
ware (Which includes most of our city
trado) for supplying contractors busi-
ness has not been up TO the usual marx,
an account OF the fact that few of them
have had contracts of any size. We feel
however. that we have furnished our
share Of the goods used in this line
In our wholesale department. by greater
exertion. and taking in new territory
we have brought our total sales quite up
To what we anticipated.
We are hopeful that another year mas
in store better prospects still. Win the
building of the electric power plants on
the river. which will give our manuiactur-
ing interests an impetus, and we trust
the beginning az least of the great I'M
prOvements Of the Chesapeake and ONO
railway. and the Inauguration Of the
sugar-beet industry. all lines of business
in the city viii be benefited, some directly,
others indirectly; but the stimulus VIII
be felt over the whole city.
a. Il. CLARKE & SON
Hardware Dealers
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-01
WAY PAVED FOR PROSPERITY.

To the Editor of the Dispatch:
The business conditions through con-
siderable mart of 1897 were favorable, ana
every indication pointed to an eXceedlhg-
" nrosperous years work, but the dread
cd vellow-fever. making its appearance
lust at the beginning Of the best Dusl-
ness season in the fan, ana the great
drop i'm the price Of cotton served TO de-
moralize business in a large part OF the
South for several months Of the year. ana
we have not yet recovered from the
effects Of IT..
ON looking into the matter we ma
thar the farmers are, as far as possible
bolding their cotton for better prices
rrbev are limiting their needs TO the
barest necessities, and gradually as the
cotton now in the hands of the farmers
GOES on the market. it means better busi-
ness and more money III crculauoh
tbrouphout the South than Tor many
years during the winter months. Oul
ohearvation also leads us to believe tha'
tho farmers Of the South have raised
larger proportion Of their own supphes
49, ever before. and consequently are
more independent While there Is ITO
indication of a great boom IN business,
the outlook for substantial anu az
business year during 1898 is very bright
1,he probabilities are that business Trans
actions during the year VIII be nearer vi
a cash basis than ever before, anc tha'
we are gradually paving the way loi
return TO solid, prosperous times.
Very respectfully yours,
y. II. JOHNSON.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-01
HEALTHY INCREASE SHOWN.

To the Editor Of the Dispatch:
We have a right TO be thankful that
our business has been better during the
year now closing than before. and the
present conditions are healthy On ac-
count of the low prices of cotton the
growers will receive slO,Wo,DO less for
their product, which Will have not only
n depressing effect upon our business,
upon trade tributary to Richmond, but
upon the whole country. The advanced
price OF wheat will about half obliterate
this amount. which goes principally 10
the West. Therefore strict economy and
earnest efforts are necessary TO make the
outlook bright for 1885,
RICHMOND AGR'L IMP. CO.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-01
SOUTHERN TRADE IMPROVED.

To the Editor Of the Dispatch:
our business for 1897 has been about as
large az the previous year and equally
satisfactory. There was decided I'M
provement I'm the southern trade until
cotton reached the present low price.
our collections have been good. We
think the conditions promise some I'M
prOvement IN 1895. although we 90 not
expect any very great Increase. II the
improvements that are promised our city
for. 1888 are realized, # will necessarily
inprove our local conditions.
HARDWOOD BROTHERS,
Dealers in Oils.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-01
ARE PERFECTLY SATISFIED.

To the Editor of the Dispatch.
We are glad TO be able TO report our
perfect satisfaction with the business OF
the year about to close. The outlook for
1898 appears bright and prosperous, and
we see no reason that would lead us TO
believe that we will not have prosperous
year While there. is no spasmodic inn
provement in trade, there is general
and healthful Improvement and we think
1898 will show better results than for some
years past Yours truly,
BALDWIN 81 BROWN,
Hardware and Cutlery.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-01

active. on account OF decline In manu-
featuring In nearly all lines using glue.
and ovcrstock on cheaper grades. oi
fine CLUES there ~ very small supply
on hand.
The photograph trade has been yer,
much cut W. among the professionals,
and prices are veiy low. The amateur
trade has Increased very much. being 'he
best l have had In the twelve years
have sold Photographic supplies.
The cycle trade 20 July was very good
when there was cut IN prices by seVe-
raj makers. The wheel I represent was
not reduced In price until November
when the 1895 wheels came out since
which time trade has been fair for inns
season OF the year. Prospects Tor w,
trade are very bright, as the wheei
represent has given perfect satisfaction
I'm 1897. THOMAS CHRISTIAN
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-01

we havc had very gratifying increase
OF our business this year as compared
with 1895.
The general business situation appears
10 us TO be encouraging. and we conn.,
IDENTIFY look for further Improvement in all
lines OF business the coming year, as the
underlying conditions all seem 10 be favor
able and the people apparently more
hopeful Yours truly,
ALLISON & ADDISON, Fertilizers.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-01
Petition for EIIyson's Release.

Mr.. II. d. Armstrong, Juryman on the
pauel that convicted Major Ellyson.
negro, OF assault several months ago.
presented a petition to Governor OFer-
rail- yesterday for Ellyson's release. The
petition is grounded on new evidence In
the case. and upon affidavits that some
OF the witnesses for the prosecution
committed perjury. Governor OFerran
declined to consider the matter, but ad-
yised Mr.. Armstrong TO present the petit
ton to Governor J. Hoge Tyler.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-01
JEFFERSON'S PATRONAGE IN
CRSEASING.
M fhe Ediior of Ia Disnatch:

To the Editor Of the Dispatch:
Business at the jefferson for the past
year, and especially the past six months.
shows a steady increase over the cor
responding months of 1896, and our pros
poets for the ensuing year are very much
better than any year previous; in fact
the owners have found it necessary 10
put in many additional private baths 70
accommodate the increased number Of
tourists. who demand the same. There
are several improvements nearing COM
pletion. which will be of material ad-
vantage to the patrons Of the Jefferson.
p. NJ. FRY, Manager
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-01
THE BUILDING OUTLOOK BRIGHTER

THE BUILDING OUTLOOK BRIGHTER
TO the Editor Of the Dispatch:
The mast year has been characterized
nv Great stagnation in all building opera
lions and as these operations are the
first TO feel the general depression III
business affairs, and are the last to recu-
nerate. the building interest is sun dull
and far below the normal conditions.
There has been lately, however, some
Improvement, principally consisting OF
alterations and additions 70 old buildings
and the outlook is for greater Improve
mont and activity. There are many va
cant houses In the city, but this Is due
IA the hard times and the congregation
of several families into one dwelling; Out
with Improvement IN general business
these conditions will no longer exist. sIhe
vacant houses are generally old buildings
ont Of date as to plan and arrangement
and In a more or less dllapidated conul-
lion The chance for tenant Tor these
,,o,sas grows more remote with time,
nnd the sooner these buildings are re-
modelled or pulled down, the better Tor
.he onnearance OF the city and the pos
sihilitv of q return TO the owner upon
,he money invested in them. Building
materials and labor are now very 10" ~,
cost and these properties can be improved
now at a much less post than IN the Iu-
ture. "i -
INCREASE IN FERTILlzER s'LEs
- nts,ofoh.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-01
LARGE DEMAND FOR FERTILIZERS

To the Editor Of the Dispatch:
The demand for fertilizers for both
spring and fall crops for 1887 has been
larger than ever before, the price paid for
them the lowest known I'm the history OF
the business.
Crops of all kinds, with local excep-
tions only, have been abundant. Added
to this the Virginia farmer received the
best prices for wheat obtained in num-
Der of years. and tobacco is now bringin2
him much better prices than he has real
lied for some time. and the outlook is
encouraging. The cotton planter has beer
less fortunate. as scent cotton, after pay
ing debts leaves but little money foi
christmas cheer"
The indications for the coming year are
a decreased demand for fertilizers in the
cotton States. and a largely increased
demand for growing tobacco and Other
crops grown in Virginia and Piedmont
N. c. s. w. TRAVERS & co.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-01

The police are investigating the s's
.,,nstances surrounding the robbery OF =
Young Businessman. which occurrea =
few nights ago In Jackson Wara. Inc
gentleman was found in an alley IN =. =
saml-consclous condition. his yockets VIZ.
empty. and he had been robbed OF n's
coat vest, and even his shoes