Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1902-12-12
WHAT DOES IT MEAN
RUMOR THAT VIRGINIA AND WEST
VA. COAL MINES MAY COMBINE.
a TRUST FEARED IN ROANOKE.
Many Operators as Well rs Buyers
and Furnace Men Now In the
Magic Ci,y-Norfolk and western
Telegraph Operators to Get More
Pay.

ROANOKE. VA. December ll-(Spe-
cial)-Therc is an impression among coal
men in this city that a big deal is under
way, which means the consolida ton of
the big operations in the Virginia and
West Virginia fields into a trust. 1t is
known fact that q meeting has been
held In the Office of one Of the big opera
tors. at which was present a number of
other operators, who represented a con-
! trolling interest in the field. Registered
at the several hotels here during the
past few days have been a number Of
operators and men concerned in the coal
industry. There are also a large nun:
Der of buyers and furnace men here,
ostensibly for the purpose Of purchasing
and Fastening forward shipments Of coal.
but it is believed that the real object of
their presence is to keep a close watch
upon any move of the operators The adj
vent Of a trust would be Of great hene-
iii to the incorporators, but it would
be :, crushing blow to the small con-
sumner. as there is little doubt that such
a combine is for no other purpose than
TO raise the price of the article con-
sumed. The demand for bituminous coal
since the anthracite miners strike has
become enormous, and in consequence the
price has gone UP from S. to $3.50 per ton.
The situation is now at that point where
a trust, which could control the field.
would mean an immense fortune for all
concerned in its organiza ton.
MORE PAY FOR OPERATORS.
The teleSraphers on the Norfolk and
Western railway system have been grant
Cd ten per cent. increase in wages, shorter
hours, and extra pay for overtime. the
welcome change to become effective jan
uary lst. These concessions were grant
ed after conference between d com
mittee from the Order Of Railway Tele-
sraplaers and L. E. Johnson, vice-presi-
dent and general manager of the Norfolk
and Western Six hundred men are af
fectcd. and, 7the increase will amount
to many thousands of dollars per annum.
SCARED THE ROBBER OFF.
Last night between the hOtrs of and
8 o'clock q man secreted himself in the
parlor at the residence Of f. II. Wickes,
and shortly after Mrs. Wickes retired,
she was aroused by the severe barking Of
the dog in the house. Her brother, p.
A Graves, who boards there, got up and
secured pistol. BY that time the man
was in The hall. where the dog gave
hin, a lively tussle, and he got out Of the
front door just as Mr.. Graves fired thres
shots at him Mr.. Wickes came home to
supper al $50 and left soon after, return
ing to work. and, naturally. the man
thought no one else was in the house
save Mrs. Wicl.es, but he was surprised
and frightened by the presence of Mr.
Graves.
1t was impossible TO determine whether
he was white or black.
f II. F'iShburne. an old Confederate
veteran. has issued invi -ations to his
old comrades, members OF Company y,
Thirty-seventh Virginia Regiment, to meet
him al Rocky Mount on Monday. Deem
Der 2d The company was commanded by
Captain George T. Williams. Of Allegheny
Springs.
Professor D. r. Wood, Of the English
department of the National Business
College, mas rendered his resignation 70
the faculty, and will locate in West Vir-
gina.
Joseph Hurt. aged 10 years. was run
down by a Yard engine to-day and badl:'
injured.
BOGUS DRAFTS CASHED.
1t is alleged that D. r. Bereheimer. o.
Richmond an erstwhile candy drumme:
for Baltimore firm, has victilnized seve-
raj restaurant. bank. and hotel clerks by
securing cash on worthless drafts upon
the firm by which he was formerly en-
ployed. lie came here three weeks ago
and was apparently busy visiting the
merchants. lie landed inc various clerks
for amounts ranging from $40 to S25.