Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1903-01-03
GREAT EJECTMENT SUIT
AT ABINGDON, VA.
Now Pending In The United States
Court-Invo1ves Vast Tract In
West Virginia .nd In Buch-
anun, Va

BRISTOL, VA. Dec. 2-(Special.)-
judge Henry c. Mcdowell will open a
special term of the Federal Court at ia b.
1ngdon, Va. on the 18th instant to hear
cause Of special note. At this time
the case of Henry c.. King VS.. Joshua
Justice. ]. N. Watkins. ct al. will come
up for trial. This cause is in the nature
OF an e-ectment suit. and involves the
title to vast area of fine mineral coal
and timber lands in Mingo. and adion-
ing counties In West Virginia and in
Buchanan county, Virginia. The land III
dispute embraces communities with hold
ings and improvements of years the title
to many home being involved. where
prior to the time this suit was instituted,
the occupants of the land had no idea
that their title might ever be made
matter of dispute. Mr.. King, the plain
tiff. is a citizen of New York. and claims
the lands referred to by reason of old
grants. which it is claimed he holds in
his possession. It is only question, it
is said, Of whether the occupants Of the
land have held undisputed possession of
the properties for period sufficient to
give their claims rights over grants that
had for years failed to be asserted
JUDGE PAUL's RULING.
This case was heard in the Federal Cir
cult Court some four years ago. the late
Judge John Paul presiding. AT that time
Judge Pa I'll was so thoroughly impressed
with the alleged rights of the plaintiff
that he instructed the jury to find for
King ard verdict to this effect was
accordingly brought in. The defendants
appealed the cause to the United Stat.
Supreme Court which court. upon some
ground or other. remanded the cause to
the lower court for a re-hearing. 1t is
expected that the forthcoming hearing
will finally decide the matter, thus de
11@1{
communities shall fall into the possession
of the plaintiff in the cause.
THE NEW WATER WORKS.
The new water-works system of Brl,-
toll Va, while not yet completed. is be-
ing used by the city, the supply from
the Bristol. Tenn, water-works having
been cut off. The new supply will be
much more than ample to afford what the
city will demand at present. and it is es-
timated that in a61ition to what finds its
way into the city MAINS about 1900
gallons escape over the reservoir daily.
When the system is completed next
spring it will be one Of the best in the
south, as well as one of the most econo-
mical. since it is operated by gravity
alone. The cost Of the Improvements. it
is calculated, will not exceed $4,000. in
Guiding the purchase price of the springs
Mr.. Robert Pile has sold his handsome
residence property here to Mr.. S. G.
Keller. Jr. The latter paid $1,000 for the
property, and will occupy it with his
family after February 1st. Mr.. Pile ex-2
poets to dispose of all his holdings in
Bristol and go to California to reside.
The new wholesale dry goods and
notion house Of the Mahoney-Jones Cos,
opened its doors for business yesterday.
The house employs several travelling men.
The capital stock of the company is
Sion mn and the stockholders are prepared
to increase the stock as occas sion may de-