Evening star., 1911-06-04
Would Increase Rates.

4
corporation commission to increase the
passenger rates on the interurban line
between this city and Ashland. the prop
erty of the Gould interests in New York.
The increase asked is % per cent. The
| application will be resisted by persons who
have bought property along the line and
who have built homes within easy dis
tance Of the city. They declare that II
the increase is granted that they will
be practically compelled to sell out at a
sacrifice and move back to the city, being
unable to save anything by living In
the country. The matter is to come
up next Tuesday for a hearing. The
roads also want to make an increase of
33 per cent for hauling milk to the city
from points along their lines.
The Norfolk and Western met defeat
a. the hands of the state corporation
commission here this week. Application
was made to the commission to abandon
a station between Lynchburg and Bed
| ford City, because of the allegation that
| 1t was not a paying location. The resi-
| ment, and the commission decided that
public necessities demanded that the sta
ton be continued as before-to stop to
let off passengers or to take them on
asked. Had the station been closed.
parties desiring to use the trains would
have been forced to drive from four
to six miles over mountain rOaCs.
The officers Of the local militia who
have been attending the camp Of instruc-
ton at Luray for the last week have re-
turned to the city. Adjt. Gen. w. w.
Sale. in speaking OF the camp and the
work done by the officers, says he has
never before seen such readiness and
willingness on their part to learn. He
also said that the corps of instructors
were exceedingly efficient and careful, and
appeared to take pleasure in the manner
in which they went at their duties. Gen
Sale also declared that the officers of the
state are at this time far better equipped
and more capable IN every way than be-
fore. due to the fact that the officers and
men are taking an interest in their duties.
Rules Against Pawnbrokers.
Pawnbrokers Of this city have been
forbidden by ordinance to engage in the
handling sale or loaning of money on
deadly weapons of any and all kinds. The
ordinance was enacted after the grand
jury had made a recommendation to the
judge of the criminal court here follow
ing an epidemic of shootings and cuttings
by negroes and the lower class of whites.
who manage to buy cheap pistols, and
are a menace to the public. The pawn
brokers have applied for a mandamus to
compel the city to issue to them IL
cense to engage in that business. and the
matter is before the courts for decision.
The police are using every means known
to defeat the application. saying that
when the criminal element is denied the
right to have weapons crime will de-
crease one-half.
Speaker Richard E. Byrd of Winchester.
before leaving this city for his home to
look after his interests In the primary
election there. said that from what his
friends had told him there would be no
question of his election to- the house. and
that he expected to return to the legisla-
ture. He said he would certainly be in
the race for the place of speaker, which
he has filled for two terms. He has not
had opposition since he first announced
his candidacy. and 1t is believed that Ae
is certain OF reelection.
Capt. George F. Baltzell of the 9TH
United States Infantry has been detailed
by the War Department for duty in Vir-
ginia. and will devote some time to
work in instructing the officers in this
state. 1t was thought that three officers
would be sent here for duty. one for each
of the regiments. Capt. Baltzell has not
yet reported. but he will report to Adju-
tant General Sale. and a plan will be
| worked out for his stay in the stations
of the several commands as long as pos
sible. His work will be restricted to the
infantry.
Fredericksburg is preparing to celebrate
July In a manner which will mark
an epech In the history OF that ancient
town. The corner stone Of the new
state Female College and Industrial
Institute will be laid on that date with
imposing Masonic ceremonies. President
T.. III. Russell Is already arranging the
| details for the occasion, and SO far he
has announced that Gov. Mann will be
one OF the speakers. 1t is expected
| that the military Of that place will take
part in the exercises. The school will
open for the reception of students by
| the middle Of September.
Searcher for Short Weights.
Thomas w. Joseph. sealer of weights
and measures. is on a campaiRn for the