The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-04-11

~ W
of Appeals, had declined yes-
terday to grant an Injunction to forcd
an amended election plan. the City
Democratic Committee practically is-
sued to voters an -ultimatum to the ef-
feet that they must accept the whole
program or quit the party. The real
fight before the committee came on a
motion to suspend the rules made by
Mr.. e. B. Thomasson. its counsel. in
the court proceedings, and member
who had originally supported the pro-
position which aroused the hostility Of
hundreds of loyal Democrats. Mr..
Thomasson urged reconsideration on
the ground OF expectancy, but his mo-
tion lacked the two-ttirds majority
This means that the double pledge VIII
be exacted from all who exercise their
right of suffrage on Tuesday next
Three Rallies.
There were three rallies last night
in widely scattered sections OF the city,
that held at Corcoran Hall being ad-
dressed by the candidates for Mayor.
1t was the sixth JOINT appearance Of
the mayoralty asplrants. and the hall
was crowded with enthusiastic voters.
Judge Richardson led off, receiving a
rather spicy at times. though it WAS
along usual lines. and he brought
out very few points which he had not
previously discussed
When the Mayor was presented there
was some kissing In the rear OF the
hall. which was quickly abandoned
under withering criticism OF The
speaker Captain Mccarthy spoke tor
perhaps an hour, and though he was
at times vigorous in his replies to
Judge Richardson's references to him.
ha C1OSaH ~ Nil, III
petttor as an estimable aud worthy
gentleman.
An amusing incident occurred while
the Mayor was speaking. In stamping
his foot by way OF emphasis he slipped
off the platform, which Is about two
feet high. The crowd yelled with
laughter.
The Mayor smiled and steped back
on the stage. resuming his speech as
though nothing had happened.
The two candidates will meet at Nom
roe Hall, In Clay Ward. tonight, and
will wind up at Sanger Hall. on Mon
day night.
The other meetings last night were
at Nelson's Hall, In Fulton. and at
Henry Clay Club. No. 80 Maiden Lane.
They were addressed exclusively by
candidates for the Council.
Court Would Not Interfere.
The day was full Of excitement to
those who had waited patiently Cor
some change of program by which the
primary would be open to all who
claimed to be Democrats. Not satisfied
with tho ruling OF Judge ingram In
the mandamus application, counsel for
voters applied to him again in the Law
and Equity Court early in the mornG>
ing. this time for an injunction. which \
xal,.
the case was transferred to the SUI
preme Court, where Judge Keith heard
and then in a verbal opinion,
that he would not interfere,
In the amended complaint, or In
junction, James A. Moncure. Levin
Joynes and W. l.. Royal contended
that as Democrats and citizens they
would be deprived of the privilege Of
voting as a result of the pledge. The 4
legal points We're ably presented for
and against the motion by the same
lawyers who had appeared in the man
damus proceedings on Wednesday,. Mr..
Charles " Meredith, however, being
engaged as associate counsel for the
For two hours or more the
case was argued, Judge Keith finally
stating from the bench that he would
sustain the law as interpreted by Judge
Ingram.
Contest Shifts to Committee.
On the heels OF this decision the con-
test was shifted to the City Committee
Mr. Thomasson leading the movement
for reconsideration of the pledge mat
ter. The meeting had about reached
the end. Mr.. Clyde w. Saunders point
ed the way 10 q quick finish by a mo-
tion to adjourn, but withdrew II In
order to have matter of routine pres
sented, Before the members could hs
formally disbanded Mr.. Thomasson got
the floor and urged q suspension of the
rules,
Up to that moment the stand-pat ma
iority was confident that the pledge
would not be discussed. There was a
! urried consultation. Many questions
We're hred from all parts OF the hall
but Mr. Thomasson was courtsously
permitted to express his views. after
which there was a whirlwind ot talk,
The burden OF which vaa 'lek Me4