The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1904-03-18
AS DUMB AS OYSTERS

The A. & N. c. Railroad Now in the
Hands of the President and the
Board of Directors, while McBee
Pays, all Expenses OF ReceHership
While Finch and His Surety are
SaddIed With the Court Costs.
1t was very simple transaction on its
face.
But out of sight the people could see
the grewsome corps of an unholy con-
sriracy strangled in its infancy by JUS
t.ce.
So complete it was that while the as
senblage in the Federal court room waited
for developments there had come and
gene without a ripple. McBee was un-
frccked of his authority at the rustling
OF a pen. None were here 10 show open
grief, but chagrin lurked behind the eyes
Vi SOluc NHO Hdu given stlu anu COLilOl l.
The return of the A. and n. c. Railroad
to the authorities legally named by those
in whose charge he road Is placed by law
was made upon a program mapped out
the night before. There We're absolutely
no dramatic incidents in the proceedings
in the Circuit Court and the great throng
that gathered at ten O'Clock could only
think What came we out to see.''
Judge Thomas R. Purnell, of this city,
who had granted the receivership, sat
with Judge Charles H. SImonton, of
Charleston, S. c., in the hearing and his
expressions cf indignation on the cay pre-
vious, coupled with the intlmation con-
veyed that he proposed in open court to
rcIrimand men who had imposed upon
the court over which he presides. had
led to the belief that something OF deep
interest would occur But it didn't.
Judge Purnells only remarks in the
natter were that ne had waited for the
open court in which to sign the order dis
missing McBee from his receivership. Hav
ing done this the routine OF reading the
dismissal order came Iext ard this relEg
done by Judge Sinonton it was signed
by him and by Judge Purnell and the re-
cciyership of the A. and N. c. was at an
end, McBee was cnce again a jobless pro-
mOer of railroad hold-ups, and the road
grabbers had been bounced out of court.
The hearing i.c d been set for ten O'Clock
yesterday morning, and a great audience
had gathered, the keenest interest being
shown Within the bar every seat was
occupied .nd the chairs about the judges
desk was occupied by many. In the court
room there was distinguished gathering,
in addition to the counsel who represented
either side Of the case. In it were promi-
ncnt State officials, judges of the Supreme
Court OF the State, Directors, and officers
o. the road in dispute, leading lawyers OF
the city and State, men who had made
bids for the lease of the road, promi-
nent visitors to the city who had come
to attend the meeting of the State Demo
cratic Executive Committee, delegation
from New Bern whose deep interest in the
transaction had brought many gentlemen
to Raleigh, and many of the leading citi-
zens of Raleigh.
And close to the door back against the
wall. occupying as little space as possible,
his eyes fixed on the page OF a letter he
never turned, sat " E. McBee, bunch"
OF sadness.
The minutes past, but the court failed
10 open, and then more minutes past.
whats the matter?" was passed from
lip to lip. Say, tell you," said one,
Judge Simonton is waiting to have the
creases ironed out of his court gown, "
and then there was a smile that smiled
out loud as the news went round tilat
Judge Simonton is having his official robe
ironed."
But an end came at last and thu stento
rian voice of United States Marshall H.
G. Dockery was heard announcing the
approach of the honorable the court"
anG bidding ell rise. At this the folks all
mounted on their hind feet and looked
as two black Tobed forms paraded before
them and Judge Simonton, followed by
Judge Purnell. each daintily holding up
his flowing garment, ascended the das
ard were seated. Then the folks in the
room were allowed to sit down once again.
Open court, Mr.. Crier," said the Mar
shall and Crier Rowan Rogers IN thrill
ing voice elocuted: 80 yes! o yes! O
scs. The honorable, the Circuit Court for
tie Eastern District of North Carolina is
now in session. or words to that effect,
ending with the the prayer May God
save the United States and this Honor
able Court.
Judge Purnell coughed, and then gave
a ruling in the Cigarette Company case vs.
Wright, overruling the demurrer Of the
defendant, and then there was pause.
Everybody waited, everybody watched,
everybody listened and Judge Purnell
next remarked:
I'm the case of Finch vs. the A. and N.
c. Railroad Company have decree and
order which was rendered last night by
the attorneys in this case which l declined