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GENERAL NEWS

Graham, Va. Feb. 19 Clinch Valley News: I read with interest your article this week about the dynamiting of the Baptist parsonage, occupied by Rev. W.R. RICKMAN and family. Every decent man concurs with you in the sentiments expressed. In thinking over the matter the writer's mind goes back over a period of five years, and he has some thoughts he would like to express if you will give them space. Having lived at Pocahontas nearly 28 years I am somewhat familiar with my subject. And if the article is a little long I ask the reader to finish it if he begins. 

The writer is reminded of an article sent out from Tazewell in the summer of 1916 bearing on the conditions in Pocahontas with regard to the liquor cases. In reading that article one would naturally get the impression that there was only one man in Pocahontas who had the courage to stand up for law enforcement. The statement was made that there came a time in the preceding when Mr. RICKMAN needed just one man, to come to his assistance, and for a long time this one man could not be found. In other words the article came near being a serious reflection on all the people of Pocahontas except Mr. RICKMAN, notwithstanding the fact that the town voted dry by a good majority in the local option contest a few years previous (and their election declared invalid by the judge in this district) and that fact that the town voted two to one in favor or prohibition in the state wide election. 

These facts show unmistakable that there is some prohibition sentiment in the town. To go back to the beginning of the present fight. The Witten-Shumate bill had passed the legislature in 1916 and was before the senate before Pocahontas people knew that such a bill was contemplated. Rev. RICKMAN, without consulting a single individual so far as we knew left immediately to lend his influence to the passage of the bill. Naturally he became the recognized leader of the dry forces. As to what the fate of the bill would have been if he had not gone we do not surmise. But one lone man could hardly have accomplished the passage of the bill if he had not been backed up by at least a representative element of the community. But we are not debating that question. The fact is he went and made the fight. Pocahontas went under prohibition May 1, 1916, six months in advance of the state wide law.

Since Mr. RICKMAN had, by the very nature of the circumstances, become the leader of the people it was perfectly natural that they would expect him to take the initiative, or leading part, in seeing that the laws were executed. When the saloons were closed on May 1 and the violations of law commenced people began to get restless. Complaint after complaint was made. Conditions were fast becoming intolerable. If Mr. RICKMAN had not taken the imitative there would have been others. But, as stated above, they naturally expected him to take the leadership. And he took it. The results spoke for themselves. Now, regarding the claim that there came a time in the proceedings when Mr. RICKMAN needed just one man to come to his assistance, and for a long time even this one man could not be found. 

The facts are as follows: Failing in the first attempt at law enforcement Rev. RICKMAN, in conjunction with the officers of the law, had planned to get search warrants and search the premises of certain ones suspected of being implicated in the business. Private citizens of means and influence were suspected. The police had been working up evidence. The question was simply one of signing the warrants as complainant in the cases. That is when the crucial or testing time came. A person does not like to sign his name to a warrant against a neighbor (for many of the suspects were neighbors of influence as stated above) unless he is positive that he is in the right, or his neighbor is in the wrong. Even then there are those who would rather give their neighbor an admonition to cease the wrong if guilty, and give him an opportunity to correct it, before signing a warrant against him. 

Furthermore, most of the business men took the view that the mayor and police officers were sworn to uphold the law, and that, being in a position to have knowledge of the places and homes that were suspected, it seemed to be the proper thing that they should be the ones to sign these warrants. With most of the business men and citizens generally it was a matter of hear say. There were few, if any, that could testify of their own knowledge of the guilty parties, and naturally would hesitate to sign these warrants, especially when it would mean the severance of business and other relations, if any while with the officers there was nothing to lose, as they were sworn officers. 

It seems to the writer that it is a weakness of the law if a citizen cannot report conditions that he believes are wrong without the party suspected having to know all about it. The police should be and we believe they are given the right to look into all reported violations and if they find the conditions warrant to bring the offender before the court. It becomes an extremely personal matter for one to go to a magistrate and make complaint on oath against a person, and unless a man has pretty good evidence to support the charge he is not going to make the complaint. This is not a defense of any person who would refuse to sign a warrant when he believes that evils exist and there is no officer to sign such warrant, but a defense of the person who wishes to act right and honorably toward his fellow men, but who does not feel called upon to needlessly and knowingly sacrifice business relations (which signing such warrants inevitably means) when there are others whose sworn duty is to uphold the law and who have nothing to lose by signing the warrants, as it is expected of them to use all diligence in the enforcement of the law. 

If these conclusions are erroneous the writer stands ready to be shown wherein they are in error. I realize that it means a great responsibility for our officers. Coming down to recent events, and charging the viewpoint in the subject, what protection has a man of high ideals who has the courage of his convictions to stand for the right? The writer happened to be in the city of Danville at the time Rev. John R. MOFFETT was shot, and attended the funeral. You spoke of him in your article this week. Whose duty is it to see that the law in enforced? And where the officers are fearless and do their duty there is no need for any citizen's life to be in danger from an assassin. This thing of men being sworn in as officers and officials to uphold the law and lie down on their jobs is responsible for a great deal of the trouble almost every community is having. 

And in saying that I realize fully that the force of public sentiment in the community is largely responsible for the laxness on the part of our public servants. And yet the officers should set the pace. They should be chosen with this end in view. And our public servants should be required to live up to their duties or not re-elected to office. Mayors, councilmen and county officers need to wake up. That incident at Pocahontas is but an example of what can and may happen in any community if the good people do not bestir themselves. If there is an ounce of decency in a man a thing like that dastardly act ought to bring it out and cause him to take a stand on the side of law and order. J.M.N. 

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Mr. L. RAFFEL, a hustling Pocahontas merchant, was here at court this week. Mr. RAFFEL was the successful bidder on a part of Ed ADAMS property at Pocahontas. Like many other citizens of Pocahontas, Mr. RAFFEL is very much incensed at the attempt upon the life of Rev. Mr. RICKMAN and his family, whose home was dynamited recently by unknown parties. It is Mr. RAFFEL'S opinion that the efforts of the Pocahontas people will soon be rewarded by the arrest of the person who perpetrated the crime, and that a great sensation will be created at Pocahontas when the identity of the man is made known. He further stated that the city of Pocahontas has offered $500 reward for the capture and conviction of the criminal.

C.C. FRAZIER, of Pocahontas, has been here at court this term. Mr. FRAZIER joins the good people of Pocahontas in condemning the outrage recently perpetrated in that town by unknown parties in throwing dynamite through the window of the home of Rev. W.R. RICKMAN, pastor of the Baptist Church. Rev. Mr. RICKMAN and his family have left Pocahontas, having gone to Mrs. RICKMAN'S home in North Carolina. It is said that Mrs. RICKMAN has been terribly affected by the experience, and that complete rest will be necessary to restore her health.

A wedding of much interest to their many friends occurred at the home of Mr. and Mrs. R.C. SIMPSON of Elkhorn City, Ky. when their son, Norris Walter SIMPSON, claimed as his bride Helen ST. CLAIR JONES the beautiful and charming daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W.E. BROWN, of Tip Top, Va. Promptly at 5 o'clock, Tuesday evening, February 15th, Miss Katherine SIMPSON, sister of the groom, seated herself at the piano, and Miss Eleanor SIMPSON, also sister of the groom, beautifully attired in a suit of Navy blue and carrying pink and white carnations attended by Mr. David CANNON, descended the stairs, crossed the hall into the library, followed by the bride on the arm of the groom, to the beautiful strains of a lovely wedding march. The bride wore a suit of navy blue tricotine, with all accessories to match, carrying a large arm bouquet of brides roses and lilies of the valley. After the ceremony dinner was served to the following guests: Mrs. W.E. BROWN, Tip Top, mother of the bride; Mr. G.W. JONES, father in law of the bride, (she being a war widow) Rev. and Mrs. HINTON, Dr. and Mrs.. PENSOW, Mr. David CANNON and Miss Rutherford BROWN sister of the bride. They will make their home at Elkhorn City.

The community was shocked and grieved upon hearing of the death of Dr. GROSS. His death occurred last Tuesday night about 9 o'clock, in the Bluefield Sanitarium, following an operation for appendicitis, and other troubles. He was 64 years of age. The funeral and burial took place on yesterday at his home at Maxwell. Besides a widow he leaves four children: V.N. GROSS, Richlands; Mrs. John BRATTEN, Alexandria; R.B. GROSS, Glen Alum, West Virginia, Mrs. W.E. ABBOTT, Roanoke; Misses Josie and Nell, Washington, DC; Ralph, Harvey, John, Misses Ruth and Annie, Maxwell. Also four brothers and one sister survive: Rev. J.N. GROSS, Florida, J.S. GROSS, Bastian, Va; E.S GROSS, Tip Top; W.H. GROSS, Albany, Mo.; and Mrs Nannie NEWBERRY, Bland, Va. Dr. GROSS was born and reared at or near Hicksville, Bland County. He had practiced medicine in this county for 35 years, and was highly appreciated and beloved by his patients and his fellow citizens generally. This good man, faithful physician, loyal churchman will be missed and mourned.

Attorney C.C. PAYNE, a member of the Tazewell bar, who was indicted at the last term of court on account of the discovery in his garage west of town of several gallons of liquor, was tried yesterday the jury returning a verdict of not guilty. Notwithstanding the fact that PAYNE assumed the responsibility for the liquor at the time of its discovery, it was developed at the trail that the goods belonged to his brother, J. PAYNE, who used the garage as a distributing point without C.C. PAYNE'S knowledge, and that his confession was to shield his brother. J. PAYNE was here this week, but upon being advised where the would stand when the truth of the matter became known he left the jurisdiction of the court and is said to have gone to Maryland. He had promised to return and stand by his brother at trial, which he failed to do, according to the testimony.

The townspeople were shocked last Sunday afternoon when a message was received here stating that Eugene PEIRCE, who is in the the drug business with his brother, William, at Evarts Ky;, was dead. Shortly after the receipt of this news another message came stating that the first message was error, but that PEIRCE was critically ill, and was being taken to a hospital at Louisville for treatment. Later information gave encouraging report of his ultimate recovery. The sick man's father, Dr. Isaac PEIRCE left Tazewell Monday morning for Louisville, and it is reported that he will bring the sick man home when he is strong enough to make the trip. His illness is said to be caused by kidney trouble.

John P. GOSE Jr. reports that he has had a number of orders and inquiries for seed oats advertised in this paper. 

Joe B GILLESPIE, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.F. GILLEPSIE of this town, has recently lost his appendix by an operation in a Bluefield hospital. He is doing well and expects to return to his home here Saturday.

Miss Lucy MCCLINTOCK, daughter of Mrs. G.L. MCCLINTOCK, of this town, and Mr. John H. GREEVER, of Five Oaks, were married at Princeton last Thursday. They reached Tazewell and were here until Tuesday with Mrs. GREEVER'S mother, and sister, leaving Tuesday morning for Kentucky where Mr. GREEVER is in business.

Ed ADAMS, the notorious Pocahontas boot-legger, has been about "cleaned out" in Pocahontas, all of his real estate in that town having been sold to the highest bidder here recently. ADAMS is now operating in Bluefield, and his name frequently appears in the Bluefield papers in connection with illicit sales of liquor. The latest happened this week when he was arrested for giving two bad checks to a bootlegger for liquor. The amount was several hundred dollars. Both ADAMS and the person from whom he bought the liquor will have to answer in court at Princeton.

Miss Eva STEELE, teacher in Norton High School, was visiting homefolks last week.

Mr. and Mrs. SLUSS are on a visit to Mrs. SLUSS'S parents, Mr. and Mr. BUSTON. George BUSTON is expected home from VIP on a short vacation.

Mrs. P.D. JOHNSON is visiting her sister in Philadelphia. In her absence P.D. Jr. has developed a case of tonsillitis, but is getting on well.

T.A. REPASS, manager of the Clinch Valley Insurance Agency, has been ill at his home here for the past ten days with tonsilitis.

Mr. and Mrs. G.M. ST. CLAIR have both been ill at their home on Tazewell Ave. Mrs. ST. CLAIR recently returned from a very pleasant visit to New York City.

WANTED - One 100 chick brooder, in first class shape. Price must be right - W.G. SAUNDERS, Tip Top, Va.

FOR SALE - two 1-2 Percheron mares, black, well broken to work any where, age five years, weigh about 1200 lbs. sound as a dollar. Priced to sell at $400.00 W.G. SAUNDERS, Tip Top, Va.

A red heifer, about 3 years old, came to my place about 6 months ago. Has no horns, white streak, across under jaw, White spot in forehead, a little white under her legs. Owner can get the heifer by proving ownership and payment of expenses. Benjamin READ, Pocahontas, Va.

POUNDING MILL
 
Miss Jessie GILLESPIE gave on the night of the 12th from 8 until 11, a delightful valentine party. Those present were: Misses Emma HAGER, PHAAR, OBENSHAIN, teachers. Misses HUNTER, Hazel and Nellie MCGEE, Elizabeth GILLESPIE, of Gillespie, Dr. Rex STEELE, George and David HURT, H.G. GILLESPIE, George MOSS, of Tazewell, Delightful (I use the word again, as the only word to express) Refreshments were served.

Friends here of Mrs. Bertha Wright THORNTON, wife of James T. THORNTON, of Bluefield are grieved to hear of her death, which occurred Monday at the sanatorium at Huntington, where she had been for perhaps 15 years. We remember her beautiful young life, when she and her mother used to visit in our home and I in theirs. She was a worker in the Christian church to which she belonged, a daughter of Rev. and Mrs. Isaac WRIGHT, of Bluefield, and leaves two grown sons and a daughter. 

Rev. G.W. DOYLE "dropped up" from Wise C.H. where he is stationed with his good wife and three pretty and intelligent children, and preached for us last Wednesday night to an appreciative audience at the meeting house of the Church of God. He also preached at Maxwell on Tuesday night. Cedar Bluff on Thursday night, Richlands, Friday and Bondtown Saturday and Wise Sunday night. Rev. Kate McDILDA will preach here next Sunday and Sunday night. Come out to hear her and bring your friends.

Mr. Rees LOW died at the home of his daughter, Mr. and Mrs. SMITH, 1 mile west of here Monday night at 11:30 and was buried on Grays Branch where he used to own a farm. He was 78 years old and had been sick some time. His mind was deranged. 

Mr. Frank BROWN, of Claypool Branch, died today. he was about 75 years of age. No particulars.

SHAWVERS MILL

Rev. James SPITZER filled his regular appointment at Kinker's Chapel Sunday. 

Mr. and Mrs. G.W. WALKER, who have been in Maryland for some time, have returned to their home here.

A very social crowd spent last Thursday at the home of Mis Lula THOMPSON, a very tempting dinner was served the table fairly groaned under the good things to eat. Those present were: Mrs. Alice SHAWVER, Mrs. C.E. GREGORY, Mrs. M.E. BELCHER, Mrs. W.L. SHAWVER, Mrs. William DUNNINGAN, Mrs. Dave FOX, and Misses Mary HUMMEL, Fae GREGORY and Mary BELCHER. All enjoyed the day.

Mrs. H.J. NEEL has returned home from Marion, where she spent a few days with her daughter, Mrs. J.W. BOWSER.

Mr. M.J. SHAWVER spent last week with his daughter, Mrs. Josie PEERY, of Burkes Garden.

Mrs. Mustard PRUETT is on the sick list this week.

Miss Nona LEFFEL has returned to her home here from a trip to Bluefield.

Miss Fannie COMPTON has returned from Cedar Bluff, where she has been on a visit to her sister, Mrs. Harve SANDERS.

Mrs. C.E. GREGORY and Mrs. J.A. LEFFEL received a message last week stating that their sister, Mrs. Newt CALDWELL was very ill at her home in New Castle, Va.

Mr. and Mrs. A.B. DUNNINGAN spent last week end with their sister, Mrs. Clifton COUNTS, of Bluefield.

Mr. and Mrs. Claude LEFFEL have moved to Giles County, where Mr. LEFFEL is demonstrator this season.

COVE CREEK

The farmers are busy plowing and building fence in this part of the country.

Mrs. Bettie WYATT and Mrs. Della NEEL are visiting in Graham and Bluefield.

Mrs. Andy FOX spent Saturday at Mr. John CRABTREE'S.

Rev. SPITZER filled his regular appointment at Calvary Sunday at 3 PM.

Aker ATKINS who was sent to the Bluefield Sanatorium several months ago, being shot in the left side, has returned to the home of his sister, Mrs. Pierce NEELE, much improved.

Ray WYATT is spending a few days with home folks.