Peninsula Enterprise, February 14, 1885

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Transportation -- Railroad - Litigation

The motions to the county court of certain landowners along the line of the railroad in Northampton, for the appointment of three freeholders to ascertain what cattle guard should be erected on their property were discussed at Eastville on Monday. -- Judge Parramore presiding. They were made by Judge Neale and Fitchett and opposed by Mr. Browne for the Company.

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Infrastructure -- Public - Government : Postal service

A petition is being circulated and numerously signed asking for the establishment of a postoffice at Nelsonia. The town being a thrifty one and central to a large number of industrious and prosperous farmers, should enjoy the privilege desired, without delay. The failure to get a postoffice at this point before, is due to the fact that no one in that community would yield to the blandishments of the Boss Mahone and become one of his followers. Mr. S. R. Nelson, after whom the town takes it name, has been suggested for the position.

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Fields -- Livestock - Horses

Recent sales and offers made of Bajardo colts show that the stock is greatly in demand. The prices seem high, given below, but are considered by those who are judges in such matters only a fair valuation of them. A year old of the stock sold at public auction at Eastville was bid off at $235. One 6 months old sold at sale of James Humphreys, deceased, brought $106 and the purchaser has since declined an offer of $150 for him, and of $90 for a half interest. Two others were sold recently near Belle Haven for $100 and $70, and Mr. Wm. Coxton, of Drummondtown lately has become the purchaser of another very old Bajardo colt at the price of $175.

The Races at Pungoteague.

Tourists and sportsmen -- Other recreation - Horse racing

Two well contested trotting races came off according to announcement on McConnell's track, at Pungoteague, last Thursday. Sherman, owned by Dr. W. P. Read, and Willie Peyton, owned by Mr. Hezekiah James, first on the track, made the first mile in 3.18 and was won by Sherman by about two lengths. The second heat was closely contested to the last quarter stretch, when Sherman went off his feet and lost the heat. Time 3.20. The third and fourth heats and the race was won by Willie Peyton in 3.20, taking the lead in the last heat and keeping it without difficulty until they passed under the wire. The Sherman was the favorite, and even after he had lost two heats many bets were offered on him and not taken.

The second race between Gray Morrill, owned by Mr. Fred Waddy, and Bessie, owned by Mr. E. P. East, was won by Morrell in two straight heats. -- Time 3.09 and 3.12. The horses in the first mile seemed to be pretty evenly matched. In the second heat a bad break by Bessie made Morrell an easy winner.

The time made was very slow owing to a very heavy track. Either of the four horses have trotted several seconds under three minutes. The day was passed pleasantly by the large crowd in attendance. The good order which the owners of the track always try to enforce, certainly prevailed on the occasion.

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Infrastructure -- Commercial - Insurance companies

For about two years the "Mutual Live-Stock Insurance Co., of Emmitsburg," has done business in this county. It has suddenly discovered that "the requirements of the laws of Virginia will prevent this company from transacting any new business in that State." For this reason in order to keep up "the income of the company," "there is but one way of supplying the deficiency," namely: By increasing the number of assessments upon the policies now in force," and the unfortunate holders are coolly informed that "other assessments will shortly follow those enclosed, and the number will most probably multiply rapidly." This precious document bears date February 2, 1885, and is signed "W. G. Horner, secretary." "The cat in the meal tub" put out its claws too clearly. It is evident somebody is to be gouged. This company knew full well what the insurance laws of Virginia were before it began business here, and this is but a dodge to drive out holders now. It is a clear case of attempted "freeze out," and we warn policy holders of the fact. We do not believe the agent of the company here had the least idea of the hidden purpose of this precious set, but that he too was deceived by their apparent honesty.

We have a little curiosity to know how the assessments are to "most probably multiply rapidly," save by deaths! This awful declaration of "W. G. Horner, secretary," ought to suggest to the policy holders the possibility of many losses by treachery and adjustments to suit. Like his namesake "Johnny," W. G. Horner, secretary, intends to "pull out a plum," but from his method we must believe he, unlike "Johnny," is not "a good little boy." The former got his "plum" honestly -- the latter, (that is his company) proposes to steal a little plum "most probably rapidly." We commend this case to the Grand Jury, and urge that while "the requirements of the Laws of Virginia will prevent this Company from transacting any new business in that State," they will see to it that "the requirements of the Laws of Virginia, will prevent this Company from" further violations, and inflict, as far as may be, punishment for past violations of these laws.