Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-05-03
The Supreme Court Hands Down
Q Very important Decision.
PENALTIES AND DAMAGES.
Under the DeoisIon the Railroad Compa-
niles Can No Longer ignore the Rights of
shippers Tho Exodus Of Ncsroes-Con-
gresham Linney VIII Not Run for Gov
erner-rho Remark of Row. Sheldon as
to How Christ Would Run Nowspapss
Criticised.

Raleigh, N. c., May "A. decision
was handed down by the Supreme
Court yesterday that will probably
play an important part in the settle
ment of the strlke now on the Southern
Railway.
Under it the railroad can certainly no
longer say the public be hanged, and
decline to open Its offices for the recep-
ton OF delivery of freight, nor can it
decline to transmit or deliver kilograms
when Offered.
To do either Of these things will sub
ject the road to a penalty and damages.
The decision above referred to is that
Of State VIZ. Carter. written by Judge
Douglas.
In this 1t is held that under section
1857 Of the Code a railroad company Is
liabls to a penalty of $26 a day for
every day over five days that 1t delays
in tho shipment of any article Of freight
offered
In the Carter decision, thirty head of
cattle were offered for shipment and for
a delay over five days in shipping them
the plaintiff RECEIVERS $3.50 for each day
each head of cattle being counted as
an article .
This decision follows number of
presidents heretofore established. One
we'll known case Is that of MCGOWAN
VS.. Railroad, from Goldsboro. decided
in 1885, In that the sum of s2.S75 was
collected from the railroad for delay in
shipment of a few bags Of rice.
1t Is also fact worthy OF note in this
connection that the plaintiff in the Nc
Gowan case was represented by the
present chief justice, Faircloth.
The penalty in these suits goes not
necessarily to the owner of the article
offered for shipment. but may be re-
covered by any person who may choose
to sue for IT..
In case. OF a telegram not promptly
sent or delivered, thei sender or re-
ceiver may sue for damages.
1t can be readily seen what all i'm
portant bearing this l'declsion must
have on the strike which has closed
up the Offices -ofrthe Southern to such
aniextent that the office ofTthea Corpos
ration Commission d. boing flooded
with complaints and prayers for re-
lief ~. t7.-,. 49,. ,t,.c5 a-
EXODUS OF. NEGROES. =
Negroes continue to move out Of the
State. From the eastern part of the
State they are going further south.
From this section they go to New York
and New Jersey. Several hundred ne
groes. both men and women, have left
the State the past Winter and Spring
From the West they are going to West
Virginia to work in the mines and on
the railroads.
LINNEY WON'T RUN.
Senator Pritchard has n letter from
Congressman Linney positively declin-
ing to allow his name to be used as a
candidate for Governor. Linney wants
to be renominated for Congress. Spen-
Ger Blackburn claims he is sure of
the nomination. Senator Pritchard
when asked what the Republican Con-
vention would do. said it would heart
lily endorse President Mckinley and his
policy. declare in opposition to the con-
stitutional amendment. denounce the
election law. and declare for-an-ia-
creased appropriation for public
schools.
MIR. SHELDON CRITICISED.
There Is much criticism on the re-
mark OF Rev. Mr.. Sheldon as to the
fact of how Jesus would run this cam
paign. Some ministers here on Sun
day alluded to the fact that eX-Solicit-
or Seawell had quoted Mr. Sheldon, and
1t Is set down as little short than bias
phemy.
BANK INQUIRY.
The Corporation Commission to-day
asks for statement of business from
the banks for the quarter ending April
26th.
The Soldiers Home is full to the linn
1t now. the attendance there being
greater than ever before
It is said that If the strike of the rail
road telegraph men continues much
longer the Corporation Commission will
be asked to interfere:
ELIZABETH CITY.