The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1872-02-28
OUR COURT.

.Nc4Ee llON III tle ScSouu Nceh VI ooi
Court and the criminal business will
likely occupy the greater part of the
week. His Honor Judge Orr, with his
characteristic ability and despatch, and
Solicitor Perry with his usual zeal and
efficiency, are pressing on the cases as
rapidly as practicable, but most of them
being cases of serious character arc
stoutly defended, and necessarily occupy
a good deal Of time. In most of the
cases there has been al arraignment and
impanneling of Jury, and as the law
allows in felonies, a right of peremptory
challenge on the part of the prisoner to
the number of twenty which has been
freely exercised, much time has been
taken up this way. For the first time that
we have observed in our Court, chai-
lcngc was made to q juror or the ground
of having expressed all opinion as to the
guilt or innocence of the prisoner, and
was sustained under cur new jury law.
In New York this objection is the chief
obstacle in the way of trials, and consti-
tutes a serious hindrance to the proper
punishment of crime. In an exciting
criminal trial it is sometimes necessary
to summon . thousand men, before a
jury can be selected. Every days expe-
rience, especially in cities, demonstrates
the folly of any such objection to the
competency Of juror. -.. .s.,
The Grand Jury were dismissed on
Friday morning, after making, through
their Foreman, VIM. A. Giles, Esq, oil
interesting Presentment which will be
found in another column. .s
In the case of the State vs. Virgil
Madden for the crime of highway rob-
berry, committed upon two colored men
near the Village, the defence was ably
conducted by Messrs. Thomson and Goth
ran, but the proof of guilt was too clear
and the prisoner was found guilty. In
this case witness, Marlborough Mad
den, having returned into court during
the progress Of the trial, in violation OF
an order directing the witness to retire
WAS fined for contempt.
In the case of the State IS. Henry
Ware and Mack Vandiver, for stealing
q bale of cotton from Mr.. McGee, neal
Donnaldsville, the first named pleaded
guilty, and the second was successfully
defended by Mr.. Thomson, and was ac
quilted.
The case of the State VS.. George Sears
involved the charge of n breach of trust
with a fraudulent intent, in disposing O
cotton raised on place of Mr.. Johr
Moseley, near Lowndesville, on which
the prisoner was croper. He wa:
earnestly and successfully defended by
Mr.. MCGOWAN, and was acquitted.
In the case of the State VS.. Calhoun
Hamblin for assault and battery, witt
intent to murder, in shooting one Johl
Bowie. colored, in the village, during thu
last Christmas, the prisoner was defend
ed by Mr.. Thomson and found guilty 0
the assault and battery, only.
In case of the State VS.. John McCord
for assault and battery, upon Alfred El
lis, the Town Marshall, with intent t.
murder, the Defendant pleaded guilty
of assault and battery, under the in
structions of his attorneys, Messrs. Per
rim & Cothran.
In the State VS.. - Johnson, foI
same offence, the prisonerwas defended
| by Messrs. MCGOWAN & Parker, ant
found guilty of the assault and battery
In the case of the State VS.. Jepthf
Hamblin for grand larceny, committed
on q cow of Edward Coche, the prison
er was defended by Messrs. Perrin &
Cothran, and the State was assisted by
Mr.. Hemphill. The defendant was
found guilty. A motion will be made in
arrest of Judgment.
In the case of the State vs. Thomas
Williamson, School Commissioner, fol
malfeasance in Office, motion was
made by Messrs. MCGOWAN & Parker
to quash the Indictment on the ground
that it was found after the repeal of the
Act of 1920, under which the offence
was charged. The matter is still pend.
ing.
In the case Of the State VS.. Joe Ander-
son aud Jerry Coleman, Burglary and
Grand Larceny, the prisoners pleaded
pnilty TO Grand Larceny. ..
Inthe case of State VS. Robt. Partlow,
and Steve Partlow, colored, charged with