The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1910-04-03
OPPOSITION'S PLAN
ACTS AS BOOMERANG
Manchester People Wildly Enthusiastic at Mass
Meetings Over Annexation Victory, Now
Secure---E Expect Big Majority.

, said that The election Will be so de-
ciaive that no grounds Of protest will
be LETT, but the more conservative are
preparing now TO combat any argu,
inent which may be advanced as to
the legality of any voter.
Tho Business Mems Club of Man
chester and Chesterfield has made a
careful canvass Of tho vote, and ac-
cordtng to Secretary John p. Sampson,
the majority will be from l5J to zoo.
In fact. several bets have been regis-
tered on this basis with odds strongly
in favor OF annexation. The most
conservative estimate gives tho OPP
position bare 200 votes.
Many dag ago. the Annexation Club.
through ita speakers had placed be-
fore the rcters of Manchester. the facts
In the Ease. They had answered ali
the arguments OF the Ants" despite
the TACT that the stereopticon last
night accused them of being afraid to
t2se part In a Joint debate. Tho
spoeches in the courthouse and Leader
Hall were, therefore, general in char
aeter TO put on the hnishing touches
and impress UPON the voters the I'M
portance OF rolling up big vote.
Meeting mt Lender Hall.
First, Leader Hall was filled. with j
F. Ryland presiding. Colonel John S.
HARDWOOD, OF this city. who was unable
10 attend. sent q letter, in which he
said he was heartily In favor of the
movement. believing IT TO be for the
best interests OF both cities TO get to-
gether He believed that annexation
would be great thing for Richmond
as we'll as Manchester, and expressed
the hope that the majority tomorrow
would be go large as 10 make glad
the hearts of the enterprieing OF Man
chester who are advocating aune1a-
ton"
In opening the meeting. Mr.. Ryland
spoke of 1t az the end OF a great cam
paign and the beginning of an era
said. we are going to clasp hands
across the river-tha, river over which
we soon hope to throw great binding
bands of steel. concrete and stone,
welding us into a great throbblng
entity. emblematical OF our indis-
solubility. now and forever" He was
followed by Alderman John W. Moore.
Delegate d. l. Toney and A. Fl. CAL
iisan OF Manchester. and DIR. j. A
G. Chandler and Joseph Walierstein,
OF Richmond.
Though not quite so large. the
meeting in the courthouse was even
more enthusiastic than that in Leader
Hail. especially after the latter had
adjourned. and as many as possible
crowded themselves in to yell as Bust
ness Manager Dabney. of the Rich
mond Chamber of Commerce. made his
last speech on consolidation, dwelling
as before on the advantages of In
dustrial and mechanical education.
Since he first brought 1T out many
days ago this plan has struck popu-
lar chord In the hearts of Manchester
voters. as was demonstrated when
they loft the band on the green and
squeezed themselves into the Sitting
atmosphere of the courthouse, where
they stood and cheered until the
meeting was adjourned.
Warmly defends Richmond.
Alderman R. L. Patram made brief
annexation arguments was made by
Chairman Thomas J. Nichols, who
spoke in part as follows:
II know OF no more opportune time
than at this. our last public meeting,
TO admonish those of the opposition
ucaliy the city with which we are
soon to cast our lot.
They have vainly attempted to cast
;aspersaons on her fair name. repudate
compromise her honor. In support OF
which they offered statements which
We're made ludicrous by the very con-
tradictlons thew contained and on
next Monday they will receive at the
polls the rcbGke they so justly de-
serve.
"a city that can sell per cent
bonds al par can scarcely be classed
as a bankrupt; but rather stands high
In favor with the financial world.
With more than six millions Of assets
in excess of liabilities. she must be
nbundantly able to carry out her con-
tract with US. Having spent more
money than she originally agreed to
90, and this has been clearly demons
strated, in her new territory, they have
no right to question her good faith.
Gentlemen, If wo We're to stand idly
by and not raise our voice In defense
OF Richmond and in yindication of
her honor, we would be false to the
cause we represent, unworthy to he
called Virgintans, and unfit to become
citizens Of that CITY to which DIR