The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-05-18
MUNICIPAL CAMPAIGN.
OPENS IN STAUNTON.
Preparations to Bore for Oil and
Gas Near Waynesboro; Kings
Daughters HOSPITAL.
fspecial Disnatch to The Times. )

STANTON, VA, May 17.NAs the
municipal election draws near much in
terest centers in the office of Mayor
Mr. w. II. Landes the incumbent, is a
candidate for reelection, and is opposed
by Captain ]. H Waters, who served the
city as chief of police for twenty odd
years. Mr.. Landes is the nominee Of
the Democratic primary held on April
3oth, and Captain Waters is an inde-
pendent candidate. The fight promises
to be of much interest.
It is also expected that there will be
quite a lively fight over the office for
Commissioners of the Revenue Mr. A. A.
Eskridge. the incumbent, and nominee
of the Democratic primary, is opposed
by Captain Thomas J. crowder, who held
the office of Commissioners Of Revenue
IN Staunton from 1856 to 1898, at which
time he was defeated by Mr.. Eskridge.
For City Constable, c.. A. C1afton, in
cumhent, is vigorously opposed by James
w. Blackburn, and this fight will be
quite lively. Other offices to be voted
for are Commemorative Attorney, for
which office there is no opposition against
Carter Braxton. There is also no oppo-
sition against E D. Bell for City Ser
geant. For Councilrnen Inc independent
ticket Is rather strong, and the fight will
be interesting.
The company that Is now developing
the natural gas and OIL prospects in the
vicinity of Waynesboro and Basic City
now holds! leases and options on nearly
1000 acres Of very desirable lands around
Waynesboro and Basic with a number
of other options and leases likely to be
obtained in the next few DAYS
The order has been placed for the 1urn-
Der to build an efghty-foot derrick, end
is now being sawed for immediate de-
livery The machinery for boreing has
also been ordered from the maaufac-
turers, and 1t is expected that the drill
Ing of the test wells will begin by June
LIST. A number of New York capitalists
are becoming very much interested In
the prospects of oil and gas, and other
minerals in and around Waynesboro, and
several of these parties have expressed
an opinion of locating there
A company is now organizing in New
York to develop a valuable track of min
eral land a few miles west of Waynes-
boro. which it is claimed is financiered
by men of large means, who 1t is learned
have great confidence in It's mineral pos
sibility.
An entertainment was given last night
at the Young Mems Christian Associa-
ton, consisting Of music and recitations,
for the benefit of the Kings Daughters
Hospital. The very best talent of Staun-
| ton took part in the entertainment, and
it was one of high order.
The Kings Daughters Hospital has
| purchased from the heirs of George NJ.
Cochran, deceased lot adjoining the
hospital for fifteen hundred and fifty
dollars, with view Of charging that
| institution.
The Van Dyke and Eaton Opera Com
pany H5astern) played at the Opera
House this week to a large audience.
Captain J. N. Mcfarland has received
| letter from Captain Richard Pearson
| Hobson, of the navy, who was invited by
| StonewaIl Jackson Camp to deliver an
| address in staunton May 3Otll. saying
that he cannot come, owing to previous
engagements. and to his duties in the
| navy.
Professor J. H. Bader, superintendent
of the city public schools, has resigned
his position, his resignation to take effect
at the close of the present session I'M
| der Prof. Bader, the schools Of Staun-
| ton have taken a high stand. Pror
Bader will retire from school life and
will accept a position with a school book
/ manufacturing firm
Judge Letcher opened the spring term
| Of his Augusta County Circuit Court, In
Staunton on Monday Of this week. while
the docket is rather light in the new
1 business line. the term will likely be long
| owing to continued cases.
The County Court adjourned Its Aprs
/ term Wednesday.