Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1899-08-29
A Talk With rIr. Rouss.
From tbe Wiuchevter star.l

from the Winchester Star.l
County Clerk t. k. cartmell, who has
been spending vacation of two weeks in
New York City returned last night over
the Baltimore an Ohio Railroad. accompa-
MED by his charming daughter. Miss An
ME cartrnell, who was with him on his
vacation.
While in New York, like all true Win
chesterians. Mr.. Cartmell called on his
old time friend, Mr.. Charles B. Rouss.
Mr.. Cartmell found Mr.. Rouss feeling
unwell, although genial and sprightly in
conversation as he alwaysis. Mr.. Rouss
has aged considerably and said that he
was much broken in health, a statement
which his face bore out.
His son, Mr.. Peter Winchester Rouss.
told Mr.. Cartmell that has father for some
time past had been undergoing an cleo
trical treatment to build up his constitu-
ton. but that the treatment did not seem
to do him any good, and he would there
fore likely discontinue the treatment.
Some time ago the Star described this
treatment in detail, which consists in plac-
ing the patient in glass cabinet and
turning on powerful electric current
which passes through the body while
the patient lies on glass couch.
Mr. Cartmell told Mr.. Rouss that he
had merely called to pay his respects, but
the latter insisted that he should remain,
as he wished to have long talk. The
two chatted pleasantly together for long
time, Mr.. Rouss inquiFing about Win
chester and Frederick county affairs with
his characteristic interest in the people he
loves. Finally the conversation drifted
to the market square case. particularly to
that phase of it relative to Mr.. Rouss'
offer of $50, 900 to the city of Winchester
for public building provided the county
would relinquish its claim in the square.
Mr.. Ca-tmell explained that perhaps
Mr.. Rouss had been misinformcd in re-
gard to the county peoples attitude. Mr..
cartmell said that the county people had
the highest regard for Mr.. Rouss and the
keenest appreciation of his offer, but that
the offer based upon the terms was man
ifestly unfair to the county because they
would be giving up everything and re,
ceiviug practically nothing In return.
The county people would be glad to give
up their square provided they had some
interest in the building to be placed
thereon.
Mr.. Caftmell reminded Mr.. Rouss of
the start he made and of who gave him
the support that was the entering wedge
to his success later. 1t was the county
people, Mr.. cartmell explained, who pa
tronized him when he sold his ware; on
the public square. The town people were
opposed to Mr.. Rouss then because he
was able to sell cheaper than they could.
Therefore, if for sentimental reasons Mr..
Rouss wished to erect building on the
site where he made his start, the county
people could scarcely be expected to give
up their property for some one else to
enjoy.
Mr.. Rouss heartily agreed with Mr..
Cartmell and said that since this view of
the matter had been presented to him
that, although he had withdrawn his offer
of 100000, yet he would now reconsider
it. Mr.. Rouss further stated that if sew
eral level-headed business men from each
community could get together and agree
upon plan, that he would abide by the
result and his offer would be in force.
Anything that would beagFeeable to town
andcounty would also be agreeable to him.
Mr.. cartmell explained that if the
county were given an interest in thepub-
lie building not protesting voice would
be raised against its erection. AS Mr..
Cartmell bid Mr.. Rouss good-by the lat
ter said significantly. ut is not too late
vet. il is not too late