The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-02-23
ABOUT POSTMASTERSAIP
RIGSBEEfS REVENUE APPOINT
MENT INTENSIFIES FIGHT.
FIGHT so WARM DARK HORSE MAY WIN
The Condition of Miss Mena Soutbgate is
Much Improved and Chances Favor Her
Recovey-Epdemic of Measles in
Wont 0urbapo PorconaIc
West Durham Personals.

Durham. Y. c., Feb. 22.--(Special.)-
The postoffice fight that has been on in
Durham for several months has recently
took on new life, and to an outsider it
looks like the fur is flying in every di-
rection Just what the result will be no
mortal can tell. While there are three
candidates, S. NJ. Holton. Pat O'Brien
and Chas. BiekerS. it has been under
stood that the real battle was between
the first two named, though there are
many who think that the party fcalty
and valuable services entitle Mr.. Biek-
erS to more than passing notice.
There are two factions taking an ac-
tive hand in this fight. and the de-
valopments of the past few days look
like they were at each others throats|
with drawn daggers and war of exter-
mination would be waged. These fac
tions are led respectively by S. VI.
HOlton and +. ]. O'Brien. When John
V. Rigsbee was appointed stamp clerk
it looked like n settlement of the fight.
but / learn that instead, thereof, it has
been intensified. 1t has been understood
Senator Pritchard was pledged to the
appointment of O'Brien. But if that is
so the talk now is that the faithful is
that Holton's friends are making it I'M
comfortably warm for the Senator, and
If the pledge is maintained voluminousI
chorus of threats a hot time in the old
town tonight" will buzz about the noun
tainepr'S ears.
So warm has the fight grown that
there is much talk of a compromise, and
the appointment of man who, mp toI
this time has taken no part in the fight.
Col. Blackwelfs four year term ex
rires about the middle of March. and
from now on l take it that the contest
will be very sharp and pointed.
Miss Mena Southgate, who was re-
ported yesterday to be critically i'll is
somewhat better to-day. and the chances
favor her recovery. There haze been
much anxiety ON the part of our people.
and many warm and fervent prayers
have gone up in her behalf.
There was no meeting of thhe choral
society. of which her distinguished father
is president, last night on account of her
sickness.
Miss Florence Raney returned yes
terday from Haw river where she had
been on a visit.
Miss Blanch Blake went back to Raj
eigh yesterday after visit in this city
to relatives.
Rev. ]. W. Wellons has gone to
Franklinton, his old home, for a few
days Where, as here he is greatly be-
loved by every body, and his stay will
be most pleasant
The Factories. the banks, the postofficc,
revenue office and city schools were all
closed today in honor of General George
Washington.
Mr.. w. A. Slater came in from up the
road yesterday.
Capt. J. \. White came in from the
west yesmterday.
DR.. r. A. Moore has gone to Salisbury
to attend the Grand Lodge of the Jun
Tor Order of United American Me-
chanics.
Mr. L. s. Christian is down in Moore
county ON business.
Mr. Herbert Slater came in from Me-
bant yesterday. and will spend the holt
day with his parents in this city. He is
attending school at Mebane, and is one
of the brightest OF Durham's bright
AOuliS HiCu'
There were four cases on the police
docket for trial this morning. Two
affrays. two DRINKS and one larceny.
Mr. G. B. Grimes, one of East Dur
hams cleverest and most enterprising
business men, went up the Southern
yesterday evening.
Mrs. L. l.. Morehead returned yes
terday from Greensboro, where she went
to attend the funeral of Mrs. Hub.
Mr.. j. w. Hamilton returned yester-
day from business trip to Salisbury.
Mr.. J. A. Baldwin went to Cary yes
terday.
Out at West Durham the people are
very much afflicted with q peculiar and
severe type of measles. There are a
great number of cases and the physicians
are on the go all the while.
Mr. Jno. G. Angler was here yester
day from Cary.
Mr. j. ID. Kernoodlc, the clever editor
of the Alamance Cleaner, was here yes
terday on business.
Mr.. r. b. Proctor went to Raleigh
yesterday.