The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1910-04-05

BY n majority of 200, citizens OF
Manchester yesterday voted to make
that town Washington Ward and
part of Rtchmond While the vote
was the largest polled In Manchestet
xiuce the constitutional Convention no
election ever held there hns been more
quiet or orderly. Throughout the day
the police had less to do than citizens.
for the latter were working hart
either for or against the proposition.
Two votes were challenged, hut they
were carried mt once to Judge Wells,
who rendered decisions favorable to
both sides.
Knowing that 1t was but question
OF majority. the annexation faction III
the latter part Of the afternoon pro-
vided the enthusiasts OF each ward
with an ample supply of fireworks. and
after the final vote was announced
from the courthouse at 1880 o'clock
pandemonium broke loose. The oppo-
sition took it philosophically and
many declared that they will be as
loyal to Greater Richmond" as they
ever have been to Manchester. whose
identity they fought to save until the
polls closed at sunset.
No COntcst Expected.
Though not announced by officers of
the Anti Cons solidation League, 1t was
reported on the streets last night that
there would be no contest as to the
legality OF the election. and 1t is un-#
derstood that statement to that eff
feet will be made to-day by one OF the
most prominent leaders.
officially. the vote will be announced
this morning. when the sealed ballots
will be counted at the courthouse. Tho
result will be the same as was given
out last night unless some small error
is made in the count. After that, ac-
cording TO the annexation, or consoli-
dation law. there will be an interval
of inactivity until April 1 5 in order 10
give the opposition ample time TO
protest against the legality of the
election or the right of any voter to
cast his ballot. At noon of that day
Judge Frank Christian, of the Corr
poration Court of LSnchburs. who sat
In place of Judge Ernest Wells. and
named the date for the election. will
return to Manchester, certify as to
the correctness of the count and for
mally declare tho cities one according
to the ordinance passed by their
Councils From that time Manchester
will be no more, and Washington Ward
will come into existence, adding more
than $4,000 people to the population,
and making Richmond the greatest
city in the South according TO in
crease in the last decade.
Merging Ceremony simple.
The ceremony of merging the two
cities will be q simple one so far as
official action is concerned, Judge
Christian, after the result Is properly
certified to him by Clerk Du VAL will
announce from the bench that the
election has been held accoraing TO
;p,, iaya al, tra
his decision to Mayor p, C, Richard
son. notifying him of the fact that
every requirement has been complied
with and that consolidation Is in jef-
feet, Not so with the citizens. Already
they are making arrangements for tho
biggest demonstration in the history
of tho town. The majority of those
who have borne the heat and burden
of the fight will cross tho Free Bridge
in long line of motor cars. which
| will draw up before the City HALL
| There they will be met by many more.
and after the Mayor and others have
madc addresses, things viii settle
down and all will be Richmond.
From that time on all attention Will
| be directed to Washington Wards rep
Presentation in the Council For the.
| uneNpired term az the present Council.
new members of the Common Council
! and the Board of Aldermen will be
/ elected by the two branches NJ the
Council. the regular officers going in
at the next election by the vote or the
ward Though certain of the result,
the people OF Manchester have AZ yet
llaid no plans for ths political conduct
OF Washington Ward
Leaders Come 10 Council.
! 1t Is. however. q practical certainty