The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1903-03-26
A BANQUET:
IN AP Ri.
Petersburg's Chamber Of Com N.
merce and its Useful Work
LUMBER WASHED AWAY
The Flood In the Appomattox Has Been
4 Record. Maker Exc elent Flnan-
cial Condition Of the CitY--Blds
for Refundlng Bonds.
Especial to rhs Ttmss. Dispatch,

Especial to Ths Times. Dispatch.)
PETERSBURG. VA. March 26-Early
In April the Chamber Of Commerce OF
this city VIII inausurate 9 period Of ro-
newed activity, and the beginning Will
be marked by splendid banquet to
which two or three hundred business mon
will BE- Invited. Mon distinguished In
ynnanoo, commerce and law will deliver
addresses on the occasion. Tho Chamber
ia anxious to have al large q membor-
ship as possible by the evening OF tho
banquet, and every effort will be made
to have two hundred members BY that
time. The coulm!tteo having the matter
in charge will see that every business
man In tho city has an opportunity to
unite with tho body. li5
For twenty-five years tho Chamber has
looked after matters that concerned the
interests Of the people Of Petersburg,
and whenever there was anything that
needed attention, the people have always
gone to the Chamber and made known
their wishes through It. While the body
has done so much, It Is fully realized that
still more could have been done II there
were more members i to be represented
BY the various committees. Il #
Just at this time when the city IL NOV
ing forward so rapidly in many respects.
there are exceedingly important matters
that need the attention OF this CONNER
cial body, and It Is hoped that the busi-
ness mon OF Petersburg will come to the
support OF the Chamber and aid It IN
doing still greater good for tho business
interests Of the city. Is Is
RECORD FREsHET.
The biggest freshet In the Appomattox
River TOR ten years was at its height
about 6 O. clock this afternoon. While
the water is very high flooding many
streets and stopping work at several
manufacturing plants. no damage Of
Several thousand feet OF lumber may
have been washed away by the time the
water subsidies, and a large quantity
damaged by mud and water, but no fur
Their losses are expected at this time.
Tho Finance Committee OF this city will
receive bids for the whole or any part of
the Issue OF 800, 900 "refunding bonds"
until April Esd. These bonds bear four
per cent, interest and run for forty years.
the interest and principal being payable
in gold. The issue Is made to retire
500, 900 eight per cent. bonds issued In
1878. SIC. 900 OF which was used in building
Anderson public school. Petersburg is in
excellent financial condition. Tho aggro-
gate taxable value OF real estate in 1909
assessment Is s8s31. OCT. Undor this valu-
alton the limit Of debt would DO 81 ,6os 900,
The total debt OF tho city now amounts
to s18o1,oO but this amount is reduced
by the sinking fund, which now has to Its
credit In securities and cash 1902. 07s, 40.
and which is being increased at the rate
OF $4,000 annually,
RETAIL CLERKS.
The Retail Clerks International Pro-
tectlve Association hold an enthusiastic
meeting nt "A. r. Hill Camp Hall last
night. There was large turnout OF
clerks,
Neal Bradley, tho negro who was run
over by q train night before last, died
Of his Injuries last evening @
Alocal freight train on tho Norfolk and
Western Railroad Is soon to DO run west
Of tho city at such a schedule MS to fncli-
tate shipping along that line from Peters,
burg. Il
A movement Is said to be on foot look
Ing to the building Of a handsome fiat
on upper Sycamore Street.