Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-08-16
Norfolk, Va. Aug. Is, 100

Norfolk, Va. Aug 10, 1900.
Editor of the Nirginian- Pilot:
In to-days issue of your paper some
one. writing under the caudal appen-
daSe 10. has in Il strain of melancholy
appealed to the Nirginian- Pilot for it's
KINDLY aid and comfort amid the sor-
rows Of his unhappy lot, burdened by
the spirits of vandalism and vengeance.
me feelings of your correspondent
'B were sadly mutiiated. First. be-
cause the policeman who interferred
With nm III discharge of his duty at
the CITY Park carried an innocent bar
re- stave instead of wicked club to
oVcriWe the NiolatorS of the law
Second. because the bicycle track at
said park has been destroyed
All through his classic essay on van
dalism and vengeance he foams and
froths over the imaginary trespassing
upon his rights and high privileges as
he thinks. the Rights of Man" had laid
them down for him. and calls upon the
gods to witness his anger and the de-
Struction of his divine inheritance All,
but what Il pity that n inan with such
II luminous brain should rush in where
angels fear to tread and expose to
this critical world a mass of ignorance
which is an anliction to any man who
has 10 carry it. Who would ever sup
pose that Captain Billie" the keeper
of the park. with his years and weight.
would ever envy 81 riding on his
wheel around that track. especially
with his head down between his knees,
as most of the rdders on the track arc
in the habit of doing. We gods. what a
spectacle! How 1 sympathize with a
man indulging in such imagery.
Now. Tor Il few facts for the public
whom r. seeks for an audience and
for the enlightenment of the shadows of
his brain. as to why that bicycle track
was destroyed.
First. The track was made by the
genial and big hearted keeper of the
city Park. of his own voition to en-
nance the pleasure of the people visit
ing the park.
Second. The ladies' and gentlemen
ciated the track exceedingly and said
all sorts of pleasant things about the
park keeper for his thoughtfulness. and
the boys and girls We're in high glee as
they sailed around the track and
watched the setting sun go down.
Third. But now the scene is changed.
transformation occurs and presto a
disgusting crowd of negroes and
whites take possession of this fairy
dream, and convert the wheeling circle
INTO IL race track, and 10, the inferno
has opened it's gates and this is what
Dante might have heard or seen: vul-
Sarity OF the vilest kind: profanity
which would make the devil blush. The
orderly pcpolc for whom the track was
made vanished. except during moments
OF quiet in the day, and the mob had
full possession.
All that is here stated have heard
ana seen these many months. | know
of my own knowlege that many com
paints were made to the Keeper of the
Park by the people concerning this dis
graceful condition of affairs and con
Sequently ii was decided Il few months
ago TO plow up the track and abate
the nuisance.
| have time and time again seen
ladies passing through the park cross
over the lawns to avoid the insults and
vulgar comments of negroes and whites
sitting crowded together by the walk
near the track. And here is another
condition existing AT the track: riding
on the bicycle track was exceedingly
dangerous because OF the constant rae
ing and It's congcStcd condition. / have
seen in broad daylight the most reck-
less riding and the most distressing ac-
cidentS and SmashupS. and number
OF unfortunate riders will remember
how ! came To them Mt 10 and II O'Clock
at night with bandagcs and other
necessities to relieve their pain and
aid in bringing them back to their
these are a few of the reasons WHY the
bicycle track at the City Park was de
Stioycd. And now comes b" who
ever he may be. with his raE-che wing
a dainty morSol for goats and some
| times for animals with long ears. and
| hrays to the Spirits OF Vandalism and
Vengeance in his despair.
PRO BONO PUBLICO.