The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1869-02-11
among whom have resided for

tatiou W Gno inquest on the DOQy OF Dallas
T. Smith, it is only necessary to refer to
the volume of testimony taken by me in the
case, and now filed in the Office of the Clerk
OF the Court-containing the evidence of
twenty-eight witnesses taken and recorded
by me for five or six consecutive days-ns
the amplest proof that I was not incapable
OF discharging the laborious duties of that
inquest. There were two inquests in this
case progressing at the same time-one held
by the late Coroner, and that held by my
self The circumstances created some ex-
element at the time, as I had requested
that minority of intelligent colored men
might be placed on the jury. For this, was
censured then, and have been censured ever
since; but, in my opinion, the cause of JUS
tice required such u course, as n colored
man was accused of the murder of the de-
ceased. That the jury could not agree
upon verdict, was not my fault. It may
be said that, as it has been frequently
alleged, if the jury had been composed en-
tirely of white men, and had examined no
colored witnesses, they might have agreed;
as in the case OF the otherj jury. But could
not tconscientiously discharge my duties in all
things appertaining to this inquest, other
wise than by the course aforesaid. Had the
jury agreed, there might have been nothing
resurrected against me.
AS to the other charge. that of my situa-
tlon, when l served warrant upon the
Sheriff of this County, on d charge of per
jury. This IS doubtless founded upon the
evidence given by that officer in case on
trial last week. What was the value of his
evidence on that occasion, may be estimated
from the fact that his Honor, the presiding
Judge, ruled it out of the testimony in the
case and SO instructed the jury. I may fur
ther add, in this instance that L visited the
Sheriff's Office three times, for the purpose
indicated. On the second visit, I was ac-
companied by'myConstablc, and on my third
visit, when found him, l was accompanied
by my son. Both these witnesses can testify
as to the truth or otherwise of his allega-
tions, III the evidence he gave before the
Court. Although he alleged, in that eyi-
dence, that he did not read the warrant,
assert and can prove that he read it through
But as this officers character for virtue,
truth and integrity, is well known in this
community, 1T Is unnecessary to pursue this
matter further.
L might say more III relation to tho
charges referred to, but rs | simply intend
to justify myself against the charges the
Grand Jury considered it their duty to pre-
sent, L forbear to allude to the opposition,
II not persecution, l have experienced, per-
sonally, and in my official position, on
account of my political opinions.
w. Is. JOHNSTON,
Magistrate and Coroner, Richland County.
| The NniOnW H.cNiyence,. OF last week de-
votes seven full columns, in different arti-
cles, to encomiums upon the character of
Andrew Johnson, and the vindcation Of his
! official action. This certainly is great
waste of words, to say the least 'Tlme
makes all things cvcn,' and the nation will
yet do justice to the patriotic intentions
and incorruptible integrity of the man; for
that he has been influenced by patriotism
and honesty we verify believe. He has been
abused as no President ever was before, and
that, too. by the very men who made him
Vice President, and for carrying out the
policy laid down by his predecessor whom
they glorify as saint and martyr. He has
committed great errors, it is true. the Con-
cord IN. IL. People says, one in entering
into an ''entangling alliance" with radical
ism, and another in recognizing Congress
as Constitutional Legislature, while por-
ton of the States were denied representa-
ton, of both of which we think he has sin
cerely repented.
We learned at Shoe Heel, Robeson Coun-
ty, that child of Mr.. Washington McArn,
living near that place, came to its death in a
distressing manner, a few days ago. It
seems it was playing near the door, when it
accidentally fell out into tub of hot water
and was scalded to death. The stricken
parents have our heartfelt coincidence in
their deep grief. Wmtesboro IN c. Argus.
A little daughter of Mrs. Ashecraft was
burned to death recently The children
two girls and their brother) were in gar
den where there was dry straw; the little
brother set fire to this, and the sister at
tempted to run through it, took fire, and
was SO horribly burned rs to be beyond
medical aid Wcniesboro (N. c. argus.
Colonel j. i. Ryan, one of the most USE
ful citizens OF Barnwell, breathed his last
on Monday the 8th instant.
Office of IIdnlnhn Wnlfe