The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-02-23
RUSSELL, HE SAYS. ADVISED
A VIOLENT ASSAULT AND
BATTERY UPON Ed
TOR DANIELS.
SAYS RUSSELL LACKS SeLF-RESPECT
Hancock Says He Was Once Russell's Ser
want, But No Longer--The Board Yester-
day Removed Him from Presi'
dency of A. & N. C. R. R.

Newbern, Feb. 22-(Staff Correspon.
dence. Out of the Hancock scandal
may grow the impeachment of Governor
Russell by the next Legislature.
That is the belief here tonight after
the adjournment of the Atlantic and
North Carolina Railroad Directors
Though in session only an hour, it was
quite sensational meeting. Hancock re-
fused to give mp his office, but notwith-
standing his protest, the resolution dis
missing him was passed.
1his done, the board adjourned to
meet again in this city March Sth They
met in the presidents office at 8 o'clock.
Hancock in the chair. After the trans
action of some nnimportant routine bus
iness, a resolution was introduced by
DR. Person, of Wayne, dism.ssing Han
cock from office
This resolution had been drawn mp in IL
Caucus and agreed to by all the members
Of the board before the meeting. 1t
t'itrd the amendment TO the charter
giving the power to the board of internal
iproyemeIrts to dismiss him from office.
Hancock opposed the resolution on the
ground that no such power was confcrr-
ed by the charter. The bylaw referred
10, he contended, applied only to subor-
dlnate officers of the road and not to
the president. That it only prescribed
that officers duty that if it were con-
strued as applying to the president, then
it could also apply to director who is
likewise an officer of the road with this
explanation. Mr.. nancock refused to
put the motion on the ground that it
was out Of order. after some discussion.
DIR. Person put the motion and the reso-
luton was unanimously CARRIED.
Another resolution was then offered
by DIR. Person directing Mr.. S. l.. Dill.
the present superintendent of the road,
to perfom the duties of president until
n president was elected. Mr.. Hancock
again, preiding officer, protested against
the passage of this resolution claiming
that under the charter no one could per-
form the duties of president, except a
regularly elected president and he di-
rector.
Mr.. Hancock further notified the board
that he was at their services as presi-
dent of the company, and would he until
the next annual meeting of the directors.
This resolution was passed. DIR. Per-
son was elected temporary chairman of
the board Mr.. Hancock still occupying
the chair.
Mr.. Dill was then sent for and noti-
lied of the passage of the resolution,
authorizing him to perform the duties
of president He accepted, stating that
he would do so to the best of his ability.
Mr.. Hancock stated to the board that
he was not resigning, surrendering or
turning over under protest, but was
here to act and perform the duties of
president.
The board then adjourned until Tues
day, March Sth, when it will meet in
the presidents office at Newbern,
After the meeting Mr.. Hancock was
seen and in reply to my question as to
why he was turned ont, he gave me the
following open letter to Governor Rus
sol:
His Excelleny.
"Danel l.. Russell,
''RAlaivh " n