Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-03-26
N OLD BEDFORD.
THE CANDIDATES VERY MUCH IN
EVIDENCE.
SOME LIVELY CONTESTS PROMISED
The Republican POIicy-Experimen
in Fruit-Uaising-WOO Iien-Nil1s--
Farming Operations Generally De-
hfnd-PersonaI md General.

BEDFORD CITY, VA. March 25.-(Spe-
claL)-Even the fruitful theme of the
weather in all its varying phases, and the
untravelable state of the roads, and sug
gestions of possible remedy. are becoming
OF secondary Importance in comparison
with the county elections. On every hand
may be seen the aspirants TO the several
Offices I'm affectionate juxtaposition to
their longed-for supporters, eagerly de-
monstrating their claims and superior
capacity for the Offices they aspire to fill
The most animated contest is for the
position of Clerk of the County Court
The list of aspirants has been increased
by the announcement of the name of
Mr. William NJ. Quarles, making four
candidates. each of whom possesses I'M
denlable qualifications for the duties. The
others are Mr. Roland ID. Buford, the in
cumbent; Mr. X. L. Quarles, the Deputy
Clerk, and son of the late r. S. Quarles,
who held the position for many years to
the time OF his death, and was remark
ably popular throughout the county, and
Mr.. $. NJ. Boiling, a former member Of
the State Legislature.
The Republicans have no candidates in
the field, and are being coached by their
leaders TO bestow their votes according
| TO their behests among the several Demo-
cratic nominees.
Farming operations have been greatly
| retarded by the unusual amount of bad
weather, but the farmers are now pre-
| pairing for active operation. Five hundred
| and thirty-one fruit-trees OF new and i'm
! proved varieties have arrived for the
ncighborhoods of Bunker Hill and Body
| Camp, where the people propose expert
menung in this valuable branch of farm
| industry.
Despite the heavy state OF the roads,
| the tobacco market continues brisk.
| The merchants report a decided I'M
provement in trade.
| The tobacco factories are working full
| compliments of hands, which is a great
blessing TO the colored race particularly.
| The Woollen Mill, which is now owned
| by the Kent Manufacturing Company. OF
| Philadelphia. and is upon firm financial
| basis presents a busy scene, and the
steady hum Of it's machinery gives a plea
SAINT sense of activity and assured sub
| sistence 10 many worthy families. Thirty
| thousand broad yards Of the blue Kersey
| for the government contract have already
| been delivered, and the remaining half
will be completed in the next two months.
| Two cars of wool were received on Thurs
| day from st. Louis and Chicago. Six
new looms will shortly be put in and an
! addition made TO the building.
William Coleman, a negro, has been
| captured and lodged in Jail on suspicion
| of robbing and then setting fire to the
| store of William Campbell, at Patterson's
| Mill, seven miles distant. The post-oflice
| for the neighborhood was also located in
| the store. The loss TO the government
| has not yet been ascertained. The loss
| on the building and stock is estimated at
about $1,000 with only $500 of insurance.
| Mr.. and Mrs. John w McGavock, of
| Pulaski, are the guests OF Mrs. Miller
the mother OF Mrs. McGavock.
Mr.. o. c. Bell has returned from an ex-
| tended southern business trip.
Mr. Il. ID. Gregory returned Thursday
| from visit to relatives at Vinton..
The first building ever erected here
was a courthouse. 20x30 feet in the clear.
and built of logs the order for which was
| given July IS. l7S2. Up to that time all
sessions OF courts were held in private
I houses. This rude temple of justice form
| ed the nucleus of Bedford City. Upon the
| same site have been erected three success
sivc structures TO serve the same pur-
| pose. Thus for period Of III years has
the spot been sacred to the Goddess of
| Justice. Many eminent men have made
| the walls echo with eloquent appeals, and
many a culprit has received his doom.