The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1900-05-01
Messenger Bureau,

Ralelgh, ~. ca April y
Today there was filed here the opin-
ion Of Judge Simonton in the notable
case of George Arents and others
against Blackwelrs Durham Tobacco
Company. This is the case in which,
after w. A. Guthrie, who holds a share
of stock, had given notice that he
would ask the legislature to repeal the
company's charter, the American To-
bacco Company, in the person of
Arents and Others asked the courts to
allow the sale of the Blackwell Com
pany and the appointment of S. Hill,
OF New York, as permanent receiver.
Judge Simonton decides in favor Of
Arents and others. In his opinion he
says that the interests of SO per cent. Of
the stockholders is greatly in peril from
the threatened action of one, whose
purpose is avowed to be the destruction
of the company and embarking it on
the sea. of politics; that Guthrie is a
man of character, a leader among his
people, of a high order of ability and
that his threat means and guarantees
action. The judge says a court of
chancery will always grant relief
against solvent corporations wherever
sufficient cause is shown. Hill is ap-
pointed permanent receiver and is Or
dered to conduct the company'S busi-
| ness until further order of the court
The case is referred to Standing Mas
ter Shepherd and he is directed to take
testimony on matters of fact alleged
in the bill of complaint and not
! admitted in Guthries answer and re-
port the same to the court as early as
| possible.
In the supreme court today there
| was long argument in the murder
,IOneS who
| sons in Wake, and of Tom Smith, who
killed one man and nearly Killed an
! other in Johnston.
| Democrats of influence and informa-
| ton say they fear over-confidence in
| the matter of ratifying the constitu-
| tional amendment; that hard work
| every day is essential to success; that
| the organization of the opposition is
simply remarkablemor thorough even
| than in 1896. Democrats ought to heed
| this warning.
In the superior court here today
! there was argument in the case Of
Mrs. Pattie D. B. Arlington, of Nash
| county, against w. H. Arlington, her
| former husband, for alimoy. B. H
| Burn and F. S. Spruill appeared for
| Arlington.
The appeals from the order Of the
railway commission and that of the
| corporation commission reducing and
| fixing telephone rental rates have both
| gone off the dockets this week-here
| and in Iredell county.
| In the convention of the Christian
Endeavorers here today much interest
ing work was done. The opening ser
| vice of prayer was led by E. H. Stock
ton, of Winston-Salem. William Shaw,
! of Boston, Mass, led the open parlia-
| ment," taking as his subject THE Best
! Things We Have Tried" The secre-
tary, Miss Ruth Worth, conducted a
model business meeting. Two other
addresses were delivered during the
day, one by Rev. j. P. Rodgers, of Will
kesboro, and William Shaw. of Boston
President Andrews, of the Southern
| went to Wilmington yesterday to
| confer with President Elliott, of the
! Wilmington and Weldon railway, about
the tax assessment case.
Some years ago the grape business
at Rldgeway was very large. 1t was
also large here; but the appendicitis
fad came along and it is asserted that
this was the chief cause Of the ruin OF
the business. Now there is not a vine
| yard at Ridgeway and only one here
the latter depending largely on Local
trade. AT Southern Pines there are
| some vineyards, but it is said they dc
| not pay. 1t is found that cultivated
blackberries are a better crop. The
| Ridgeway people have gone into this
business, and so have some Raleigh
| Peopie. 1He StTaWDerrleS nave been
set back and somewhat injured by wet
| weather.
A man here is devoting himself to a
study OF the wills filed in this county
The oldest is dated 174O. There are
about 5000 Of them. One of the oldest
is by a Presbyterian clergyman, who
when about to leave here for Philadel.
phia as a delegate to the general as.
sembly Of his church, made his will
saying he deemed it wise to take tha
step in view of the length and peril OF
the journey.
At the executive mansion last even
ing the Gov. and Mrs. Russell gave a
reception to the state union of Chris
lan Endeavorers. Tomorrow the En-.
deavorers will hold a prayer service in
, the penitentiary.