The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1901-03-05
DIVERSION PLAN
IN PETERSBURG
Lost for a Season, But Not Given
Up,
MYSTERIOUS CARD ON THE BANK
An Epidemic of Whooplng. Cough Among the
Colored People = Pastors Called
to Churches in Petersburg.
Captain Wilson Dead.
Lost for a Season, But Not Given
MYSTERIOUS CARD ON THE BANK

Especial Dispatch to The Times )

PETERSBURG, VA, March 4.-The
talking to death of the river and harbor
bill has temporarily blasted the hopes of
those in Petersburg directly interested in
the appropriation for Appomattox River
which was incorporated in the bill. Sena-
tor Martin and Captain Carter r. Bishop
have been tireless in their work for this
much needed Improvements The reputa-
ton of Senator Martin for work was
never more manifestly sustained than by
his efforts in behalf of the Appomattox
bill. It is due to his ingenuity that the
bill was incorporated in the harbor bill by
the Senate after being omitted in the
House.
The delay, however. does not mean de-
feat. The efforts spent will not be lost.
but it is believed will result in the appro-
priation being made next session.
A FINE SCHEME.
All who have investigated the proposed
detection of the freshet water in the APP
ponlattoX pronounce the scheme entirely
feasible and expedient. Those in charge
will continue their work till by the as
sistance of Congress Petersburg will have
an ample waterway 10 the Capes.
There is an epidemic of whooping
cough and influenza prevailing among the
colored people in this city. There were
eighteen deaths from these causes in the
city last week.
MYSTERIOUS CARD.
Goodbye: this is the last of me- T..
r. Roberts,
A card with this inscription was found
on the river bank here by f. w. Drink
water, just in the rear of John Belcher's
butcher shop. Whether the card was left
upon the bank by some one who took his
own life or fiOated down the river and
landed there, or whether it is Il hoax. are
questions that are now being asked. Z.
T. Roberts is unknown in Petersburg.
CALI, y PREACHER.
The committee appointed by West-End
Baptist Church to recommend a pastor
made its report yesterday and recon-
mended that John r. Doan, of Black
stone, be rendered the paStorate of the
church to succeed the late Rev. w. S.
Leakc The church concurred unanimous
ly in the report, and the call will be ex-
tended to Mr.. ,Doan at once.
Captain D. V. Wilson, of Chesterfield
county. died at his home aSturday; aged
Seventy-Sevcn years.
Rev. S. p. Drew (colored, president of
the Lincoln National Industrial Bureau,
of New York. has written Il letter to
Mayor Peasants, requesting that he be
granted the use of the City Hall for the
purpose of lecturing on the immigration Of
the colored people North and West
He claims that thousands of his race
have been fooled by employment agencies
and left good homes. and been left penLi-
less. homeless and friendlcsS. and his bu-
reau has decided to send lecturers
throughout the South for the purpose of
trying to stop this exodus.
After the night service at Old-Street
Presbyterian Church. Petersburg, on
Sunday, a congregational meeting was
held, at which the committee APP
pointed by the congregation to
recommend a pastor, reported recon-
mending that the church call Mr.. Harry
W. Pratt. student in the senior class
of the Union Theological Seminary. of
this city. Though Mr.. Pratt has not yet
been officially informed of this action.
it is understood that he will accept the
call and take charge of the church soon
after his graduation at the Seminary at
its next Commencement, in May.
Mr. Pratt is a young man of splendid
attachments. He is well-known here. Dur
ing last year. in addition to his work at
the Seminary, he taught at Mrs. Ellett's
Girls School, of this city.