The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1904-03-18
Especial to The Nessenger.)

Especial to The Aessenger.)
Raleigh. N. c.. March 1s.-It was
whispered early this afternoon that
some startling developments might be
looked for in the McBee receivership
case. An investigation showed that
McBee had agreed to resign as receiver
and turn the Atlantic and North Car
olina railway over to its lawful owners
the state and private stockholders. De-
velopments at the hearing of the con-
spiracy case before Chief Justice
Clark yesterday, brought this about.
1t was whispered that an effort had
been made to effect what may be call
ed a compromise, that is McBee to
drop out at once. if the state would
not further press the conspiracy mat
ter against him. 1t was said by an
official that the penitentiary was star
ing McBee in the face. McBee's coun-
sci were really quite foored by the
developments in yesterdays proceed
ings, though only one would say so.
1t was regarded by most persons thar
the developments would any how have
led to a revocation by Judge Simonton
Of the appointment of { Be-
fore two o'clock it was said that la.e:
in the day McBee's resignation would
be filed with Judge Purnell. Every
where the receivershlp. matter Ia.
been full OF intense interest. Persons
not taking any sides in the matter
said they rega4ded the action as to
McBee as hasty and ill advised That
here was a man in charge of two and
one-hallf millions of property who had
not put In one cent. 1t Is very frankly
said that il Judge Purnell had known
the facts in the case he would not
have created receivership. nor hare
appointed as receiver any one in the
least interested.
At o'clock this afternoon, Attor-
ney General Gilmer and his associate
counsel, Charles w. Tilletr, represent
ing the State. and w. S. OBJ. Robin
son. attorney for ". Z. McBee. re-
ceiver OF the Atlantic & North Carroll
ma railway. went to the residence Of
Judge Purnell. of the Federal Court,
with paper which they desired sign
ed. 1t having been agreed on by both
sides. This paper was in the shape
of an order. revoking the receivership
Immediately. taxing the costs upon
K. S. Finch, who instituted the receiv-
ership case and swore TO the COM
plant and allowing McBee no pay
for his receivership. Judge Purnell
was not at home and the attorneys
will return later with this important
document
1t was currently rumored that the
judge would not sign it put would
insist on having McBee. before him
in open court tomorrow. IT is no Sc
cret that Judge Purnell Is extremely
Qf hv
brought about the receivership and at
the fraud perpetrated. The matter is
the chief topic of conversation Of all
OF the large number Of public men
here today. Judge /Simonton, OF the
United States Circuit Court, who Is
to Hear tomorrow the case I'm which
the State seeks the revocation OF the
receivership, did not arrive this az
ternoon, as expected. In case he does
not arrive, Judge Purnell can dispose
OF the case himself
Judge Purnell later refused to sign
the order. He said he had no objec-
ton to the order. but as Judge Simon
ton had been asked to come here and
hear this receivership matter. ano
would reach here at midnight and ha
his guest, the signin~ of such an or
der now would be a gross discourtesy
to Judge Smonton. Judge Purnell
added that he would sien no order
until the court regularly opened to-
morrow.
Your correspondent learns that at
9 O'Clock this afternoon McBee's at
torneys, w. w. Clark and w. 5. OBJ.
Robinson. called on Judge Purnell at
the latter's Office and said they want
ed to talk about this receivership mat
| ter. They did not then submit any
order for his signature. He tod them
| he would not hear anything regard
\ ing this matter or consider any prop
| osition except In the presence of
counsel. on the other side, and added
| that he was not conducting any star
/ chamber court
| Among today's arrivals was Bryan.
! of the Atlantic and North Carolirs.
railway; Gordon Williams Charlotte:
Charles NJ. Stedman. He said he was
here by political appointment to NICE.
some friends That he had no pref
erence as to where the state conv.n
ton should be held, or the method
adopted for selecting nominee FOL
governor. whether primary system q:
ordinary method He did not care &c
speak OF his own chances for nomina,
tion hut added with smile that hi.
friends informed him they were al
that could Be desired. He is. in yer,
good sptrits.