The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1872-11-20

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sngiaaiaea Mover and Affecting
Scene ingotirf - 49, $, s,.S,5ss
from she New. YORK irerala, fith november
RAIEiaH, N. C.s Novcmber rs. ts52. \.
{ At o'clock to-day Mfrs. Mary T.. Smith
and Mrs. Frances Il. Mann, charged with the
murder, by poisoning, OF DR.. j.. Brinton
smith, the husband and fatber. were brought
by Sheriff Lee before Judge Watts on a writ
Of hd6eds corpus. They were ACCOMPANIED
BY n. II. and r, n. Battle, their counsel; by
several lady friends, three other daughters Of
pr. Smith, Rev. Drs. Srnedes and Mason, of
tne Episcopal Church, and by Captain Smith,
OF Philadelphia, brother of the deceased,
on whose arm the widow leaned. There
were present a large crowd OF interested
spectators. The calm demeanor OF the pris-
oners and their relutiyes and friends was no
ticeable. The family we're all dressed In
deep black, and on the part Of the prisoners
there was no affectation of grief-it was deep
and pure. Indeed, their countenances bore
evidently an expression Of resignation and
also the indication Of conscious innocence. :
The family, a! most interesting one, IS of
high culture, and apparently knit closely to-
gether by ties Of affection. Mrs. Mann is "a
lady apparently about twenty-five years of
age, rather above the medium height, resem-
bles her deceased father very much is
pretty, and has an arniable, intelligent ex-
preston. Mrs. Smith is about fifty years Of
age, with gray, hair lis a dignltied inatron,
whose bearing would at once inspire respect.
The bearing Of the whole family throughout
has been commendable. sr :
While expressing surprise at the suspicion
thrown upon them, they have invariably dis
countenanced any theory which would i'm
plicats others, as well as the theory OF suicide;
which they repefled With emphasis. Mrs.
Smith insisted upon the post-morteni exathi.
nation and the analysis of the chemist, and
both parties have shown no disposition to
conceal anything In regard to the mysterious
deathl fa% p - Fires &sg.'ao,I.5t Z.
ION being warned of the action Of the cor
oner's jury by Mr. Battle prior to arrest they
both said, "Can it be possible that any one
believes us guilty of SO feudish deed 2"
During the examination Mr.. Mann, the
husband of one Of the accused. entered,
having just arrived. His meeting with the
family under the circumstances was most
affecting and impressive. ia,;, a.sa .s.se IS
The evidence adduced before the coroner's
jury, and analysis of Professor Genth, show
ing the presence of stFychnne in the stomach,
brain, &c, were read. Mr.. R. FL. Battle made
an eloquent address in behalf Of the prison.
ers. He raised no question as to the poison.
ing, but contended that no motive existed to
commit the crime. The deceased was sala-
ried man his affairs were embarrassed; his
family were most deeply interested in his
living; the daughter was Dr.. Smith favor
lite: and the amiable character of both offset
any presumption of guilt. iE.t ~: -
Captain Smith, of Philadelphia, brother of
the deceased, testified to the high, lovable
character of Mrs. Smith that her amiability
had been the subject of reorganization in the
family, as well as the fact that his brother
had been Joined to one who so well under
stood and could so well endure and excuse
his brusque manner and quick temper.
When asked what were her principal virtues
he remarked, "All the Christian graces."
+ DR.. Smedes and DR.. II. B. Saunders also
testified to the character of the prisoner and
the affcctionate relations existing between
deceased and his family. - e''.;
Judge Watts then delivered bis decision,
that there was not the slightest evidence to
sustain the charge against either prisoner,
and ordered their discharge.
! Tremendous applause from the audience
followed the decision, while numerous
friends crowded around the prisoners con-
graduating them. The sef-possession SO
long maintained gave way at the last mo-
ment. and dropping their heads with quick
start, they both burst forth in audible sobs.
The spectators were deeply moved, and tears
filed the eyes OF nearly all the'spectators in
court. The Judges decision was universally
approved. Mrs. Mann, her husband, and
the other daughter then pressed forward to
thank the sheriff for his delicate kindness
during their Incarceration. 4 1913
The Messrs. Bstlle, of counsel, were heart
lily thanked for their efforts. The whole
was, indeed, Il most affecting scene.
After the trial the family returned to the
sheriti7s residence amid the congratulations
and good wishes of large multitude, and
shortly after proceeded to their residence.
Thus ends, so far as these parties are con-
eerhed, one Of the most startling tragedies
that ever occurred in this State. Mrs. Smith
and daughter are believed universally 10 be
innocent of the crime, rs adjudged by Judge
Watts, but the mystery of the death of DR.
Smith is still .impenetrably yelled.
EDispatch to the New York SUM- p. T.
| The belief in their innocence, notwith.
standing the terrible cord!of circumstances
that surrounds them, is almost universal In
the city. The result is not conclusive. Oh
course the effect of the decision is; only to
discharge them from custody. Doubtless the
prosecuting attorney will present the case
before the grand jury at the next term of the
Superior Court, which will be in March. and
ask for bill of indictment, as it can hardly
he denied that there is sufficient ground fol
holding them for trial. There will probably
be regular and formal trial at that time
though it is hardly possible. They can neither
of them be convicted unless mean time some
new evidence should be discovered. The