The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1867-06-19
THE DRINKER's FARM MURDER,
THE TRIAL TO BE RESUMED TO-DAY.
INTERVIEW WITH THE PRISONER.

| n very large crown dSScWDleQ IN the
neighborhood of the county courthouse
yesterday afternoon, drawn thither by the
announcement that the preliminary exami.
nation of James Jeter Phillips, imprisoned
on the charge of numbering his wife, would
commence at that time and place. A large
proportion of the assemblage were citizens
Of the county, neighbors and friends of
the accused; but many more seemed to
have been brought out by curiosity to
learn the correct particulars of a case
which has created such an unusual degree
of interest in the public mind.
Justice Nettles, who conducted the ex-
animation, took his seat at about o'clock,
and Messrs. Marmaduke johnson, George
w. Thomas, and J. C. Spalding announced
their desire to appear as counsel for the
prisoner.
Jeter Phillips was brought into court at
a few minutes past 4 o'clock, being escort
ed by Constable Cole and Deputy Sheriff
George V. Case, who showed him a seat
by the side Of Mr.. Johnson. The appear
ance Of the prisoner as he entered the
courtroom was rather prepossessing than
otherwise. He appears to be about twen-
ty-three years Of age, and is about five
feet nine inches in height. A fine frank
countenance, dark blue eyes, and good
features render him almost handsome,
while curly locks, carelessly hanging over
the forehead, add much to his good ap-
pearance. He would, perhaps, be the
last man in all the crowd here assem-
bled whom we would accuse of mur-
der. No hang-dog" look, no frowning
scowl, nor expression Of guilty con-
science is depicted upon his face, but
on the contrary, at a glance an unpreju-
diced observer would be tempted to ex-
claim, "He is but good natured boy"
Perhaps there was slight tremor upon his
lips, it may be that his cheek did lose for
an instant its ruddy hue, as hundreds Of
eyes were fastened upon, him, and many a
finger pointed him out as the alleged mur-
derer; but in an in an instant look Of
calmness-not of defance-succeeded, and
with an effort his eyes were raised, slowly
scanning the faces of those about him. A
physiognomist would at once detect one
quality written in broad lines upon his
face quality which, if properly directed,
is blessing, but which if abused, may
make man fiend incarnate. FirmneSS
surely must be one of his leading traits.
The prisoner being seated by his coun-
sci, Colonel Johnson desired to inquire
whether the court would at once proceed
with the investigation Of the case. Colo
mel J. B. Young, attorney for the Common
wealth, he stated had not yet come in,
but as he would probably arrive in few
moments the prisoner desired at once to
have the case examined, proceeding as far
as possible, and continuing it to-day if me-
cessary until Thursday.
The court stated that before either ad-
journing or going on with the case, a'few
moments would be given the Common
wealth's Attorney to arrive. In the mean
time the Commonwealth witnesses were
ordered to be called. The following names
were then called by the constable: Will
liam +. Drinker, George Drinker, George
Turner, Sr., Alfred Turner, B. F. Pitts,
X. Pitts, Miss Pitts, William Dowden, II.
G. Gardner, Charles Marlborough, Ii. NJ.
Patton, and G.. W. Turner, Jr. Only
three of these persons answered to their
names; the majority Of them, however,
were in the city, but were doubtless
wearied from days journey by railroad.
After Colonel Young had arrived, Mr..
Spalding, repeating the request to go at
once into the examination, Colonel Young
remarked that he was not willing to gohap-
hazard into the matter. He had just been
furnished by the committing justice with
a list of the witnesses summoned for the
Commonwealth, and had not yet made up
his mind concerning the order in which
they should be examined. Unless the
prisoners counsel had special reasons for
urging such haste, he would greatly prefer
a postponement until to-day.
Colonel Johnson, in behalf Of the ac-
cused, insisted strenuously upon going to
work at once. The prisoner was yet igno-
rant of the evidence to be brought against
him, and it was desirable to know imme-
diately what testimony, if any, is neces-
sary to rebut the charges. There was no
reason for the delay.
One of the assistant counsel then arose
and addressed the court in rather an eX-
cited manner, urging at first that the pri-
soner should be at once examined and
cleared of an utterly groundless charge.
The people, he said, had been greatly
against this young man before
the evidence in the case had been heard.
Guilt does not taint from the moment Of
but many in this city seem
ed to be of that opinion. The press of
this city had, without warrant, tried and
convicted the prisoner, and prejudiced an
excited public against him.
The gentleman was here reminded by,
the court that he was not speaking on the |
question under consideration.
Resuming, the counsel remarked in a
furry of excitement and with a rapid flow |
of words, that facts would be brought to
light which would put the press Of Rich |
mond to the blush of shame for their un-
lust remarks and conclusions. His re-
marks were very protracted, little to the
point, and the cause Of his client was pos
sibly injured by an harangue so exceeding
" ill-timed. In conclusion, he returned
10 the point, and united with his colleague
in urging an immediate examination.
Colonel Young briefly replied that news
paper stories and street rumors could have
little weight with this court, and the deci-
'ion must depend upon the evidence, and the
evidence only. One thing was certain
IN outrageous murder haa been commit
ed, and the perpetrator must be brought
o Justice and receive the penalty OF crime.
He knew little of the facts, and desired to
know nothing but what was revealed un-
Ter oath. In order, however, that the
Commonwealth might have all the facts in
he case, he desired little more time.
Some of the witnesses had just arrived in
hs city, and it was necessary that he should
zee them. Only three or four Of them
we're now present. He moved an adjourn
nent until 10 o'clock tomorrow.
Colonel johnson rejoined at some
ength, referring at first to the remarks Of
lis Junior on the conduct Of the press. He