Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1881-11-03
SENATOR BARRETT
Being "VIndicated,' WithHaWs
His Suit for Damages.

The attorneys for Senator W. r.
Barrett in the $4,000 damage suit
against John V. Yertrees, had the case
dismissed at plaintiff cost this morn
ing. 1t will be remembered that the
suit was brought by Senator Barrett,
who alleged 10 have been slandered by
John V. Vertress, one OF the lawyers
in the 1908 case. 1t is understood
that Mr.. Barrett said that as two
grand juries had failed TO find atrue
bill against him in the bribery case,
aud then too where not one witness Of
his was examined, he felt fully ex-
onorated; and he further says that it
was not for the money that he brought
suit, but for the VindicatioD, and now
that he had got the vindication, he
thought it best and proper to withdraw
all prosecution, aud so instructed his
attorneys.
The following appears onrecord OF
the minutes Of the Circuit Court:
w. r. Barrett VS.. John j. Vertrees,
dismissed. Plaintiff appears by at
torney aud says he intends no further
TO prosecute this suit, the same is
therefore dismissed. Therefore it is
considered by the court that the
defendant 60 hence and recover ofthe
plaintiff and w. &c. Kain, security on
prosecution bond, the costs of the
cause, for which lot f. ia. issue.
Mr.. McWhirter, attorney for Yer
trees, said to a Banner reporter this
morning, that the dismissal of the
suit was a political trick. He said:
81 know what | am talking about. |
know that Vertrees had the evidence
to prove Barrett guilty OF accepting
brides from both sides. We held a
meeting and decided to subioin one of
the grand jury; and demand Of him the
evidence that bad been adduced before
that body for the purpose OF publica-
ton, The friends of Barrett tele-
graphed him to come here instantly
and dismiss the suit"
II is understood that Mr.. Vertrees
is preparing a card, in which he shall
express his regrets at the dismissal of
the suit, aud in which he will tell
something Of what he knows about
Barrett accepting brides.
The above is given for what it is
worth, and is not Endorsed by the
Banner.
Senator Barrett to-day prepared the
following card for publication:
THE CARD OF SENATOR BARRETT.
this morning dismissed my suit in
the Criminal Court against j. j. Yer
trees, and as the matter has been made
public through the press, | desire to
give my reasons for doing so.
When Mr.. Vertrees made the charge
Of bribery against me in the Chancery
Court | felt that a suit was necessary
for my v%indicatioD, and therefore I
brought the suit against him. My
object was not for money | might
gain, but simply a vindication. Be-
fore the meeting of the Criminal
Court witnesses were summoned from
all parts of the State and an ex parte
investigation was had. | had no wit
nesses before the grand jury. The
finding Of a true bill was urged by
the Attorney General. The grand
jury refused to indiet me, and, there
upon, another grand jury was impan-
eled and the same witnesses put be-
fore them, when they returned mot a
true bill"
Now this was done when | was not
represented by a counsel or witnesses,
and by two juries of your county
selected from the best men in it, and
as honorable men as are to be found in
the United States or elsewhere. And
thus, by two juries in an ex.parte pro-
ceeding, | have been fully vindicated.
As l am a poor man, and as the
litigation would necessarily involve
heavy expenditures, in taking depo-
sitions all over the State. and employ
ing counsel and travelling expenses,
wen should | be successful in the suit
againt Mr.. Vertrees, and a verdict in
my favor could not possibly add to the
future vindication, l therefore dis
missed my suit.
w II pAupprr