Craven County NcArchives News.....James City Residents Agree to Lease 1893 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/nc/ncfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Connie Ardrey n/a February 16, 2008, 10:43 pm Charlotte Observer 1893 26 Apr 1893 Gov. Carr Makes a Speech to Them - The Presence of the Troops Does the Work - The Negroes Reluctantly Accept Mr. Bryan's Terms and Will Lease the Property at Reasonable Terms - About 500 Members of the State Guard at Newbern. Raleigh, April 25 - It is apparent that the squatter question at James City will be settled and the trouble will be averted as expected. The troops are still on the ground, but the latest advices from official sources say that indications point to a peaceful settlement and that the negro tenants will probably lease the property from James A. Bryan, the owner. Newbern, April 25 - The Governor went to James City this afternoon and addressed the people, who received him cordially and listened to him with earnest attention. They then appointed a committee of conference which came over and through their counsel, J.E. O'Hara, opened negotiations with Mr. Bryan for leases. A proposition to lease for one year was made by them which Mr. Bryan would not accept. He then offered to make them three years leases. This was accepted by their counsel, subject to the approval of the committee, and until 10 o'clock last night was given to decide the matter. If a settlement is not reached then, a movement will be made at 9 o'clock tomorrow morning. Newbern, April 25 - The situation is a little less war-like today. This morning Gov. Carr and staff, accompanied by a few citizens, held a conference with the leaders at James City. The result of this conference was another meeting in Newbern this evening. At this meeting the leaders of the negroes agreed to come to the terms of Mr. Bryan and offered if they could get the consent of the other negroes. This committee is expected to report to Gov. Carr at 10 o'clock tonight. The opinion seems to prevail here that they will accept Mr. Bryan's terms only because of the presence of the members of the State Guard, as they have continued very insolent up to the time the troops arrived. They say now that all they want is a few days in which to make their arrangements to rent or move elsewhere. There are about 500 men of the State Guard quartered here and they are amply able to quell any disturbance that may arise. Newbern, April 25 - I have just had an interview with Mr. James A. Bryan, Gov. Carr and J.E. O'Hara, the colored ex-Congressman, who is the representative of the James City negroes. The negroes have accepted Mr. Bryan's terms, unwillingly, and only because they knew they had to. His terms are to lease the lots at 50 cents, 75 and one dollar for a term of two years, with the privilege of moving their houses at any time within that period. After that time the property reverts to him entirely. The military is expected to remain here several days, till the details are settled. [For more detail, consult "James City - A Black Community in North Carolina, 1863-1900 by Joe A. Mobley] File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/nc/craven/newspapers/jamescit202gnw.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/ncfiles/ File size: 3.5 Kb