The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1903-07-02
MANCHESTER PREPARES
Special Police Sworn In and Call to Be
Made for Troops.

When the first cars run across the Free
Bridge into Manchester this morning they
Will be manned by soldiers.
Mayor Maurice has not yet asked for
them but he will do SO during the morning,
and Sheriff Gill, of Chesterfield. will be
ready, TOO, to meet any violent emergency
that may como UP.
The Mayor was officially informed yes
to-day afternoon that cars would DO run
to. day, and Mr. Ernest il. Wells. counsel
for the Passenger and Power Company,
asked tho city to provide sufficient pro-
lection for them in tho event OF mob Nio-
lence or other disorder.
A meeting OF the Board Of Police Cons
missioncrs was called by the Mayor and
Chief Illpsconlb and City Attorney Clop-
.or. were present. Three of tho board who
were OH hand were Messrs. Sampson,
Ferguson, Nunnally and Abbott. In tho
room also were CounCilncn Bradley, Bar
rett and Reams.
Much interest was ccntercd IN tho meet
Ing. and the, situation was fully discussed.
.No,Need for Troops.
Mcssrs. Nunnally. Ferguson and Samp-
son did not believe there would be any
display of violence OH the streets. and
mid not think there would be occasion for
protection, But Messrs. Abbott and Brad
ley thought it would DO best TO be pre-
pared for any emergency and not walt
until trouble appeared to prepare for u:
1Yle general sentiment was that RI
there was trouble 1t would not be occa-
stoned by citizens OF Manchester, hut by
people who might follow the cars into
the city from Richmond.
Chief 1Lipscomb was alone In his opin-
ior about tho matter. He said that from
what he had noticed in the past week or
two he was satisfied that there was cer-
tain element In Manchester who would
not hesitate 10 create disorder, and lie
could not SEQ how no could maintain
the peace and dignity of the city with
his small force. lie wanted to take the
hull by the horns and prevent possible
disorder, rather than let 1t arise TO be
put down.
AS "A result of tho meeting, and upon
motion of Commissioner Ferguson, the
Mayor, with the City Attorney and chief
OF police. was authorized to appoint as
many special officers as he felt might be
necessary 10 meet tho situation. The
Mayor was also authorized to have q pro-
ciamation that he will Issue to-day print
ed and distributed throughout the city.
To Prevent Trouble.
Mayor Maurice. in calling the meeting
to order, said 1t WAS done for the pur-
pose of devising ways and means for pre-
venting trouble. He had been notified
by the Passenger and Power Company
that il was the intention OF that company
70 make an effort to run their cars to-
day and they had asked for proper pro-
ection.
.,Now." said Mir. Maurice. II want you
gentlemen to advise with me. do not
Z wish DO spend money unnecessarily, and
want the Board to assist me In the
effort TO maintain peace and order in our
city. 1t is not question as to the rights
of either the men or the, company, but
II is a question with us of unfolding and
enforcing the law, and we must do ttat
1t all hazards, do not feel that opr
good citizens are going to allow any dis
graceful or Violent scenes 10 occur, but
u is good to he prepared for the une&-
pected,'
Mr.. Nunnally said the city had no
money 10 spend for such q purpose, and
he couldn't see what was to be done.
Mr. Sampson questioned the need of
protection. lie WAS inclined to believe