The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1884-11-20
THE CoURTs.
a Singular suit-PaEticulars of the Case
la the District Court.

a Singular Suit-Pa5ticulars of the Case
Ia the District Court.
The whole OF yesterday was con-
seemed in hearing testimony in the
case Of Robbins VS. Dimmitt, suit
brought to recover $500. The case
is very peculiar one and is almost
entitled to rank with the causes
ceIebre" in the list of Texas law suits.
An outline of the facts is briefly this:
Sometime in the summer OF 1877, Rob-
bins, the plaintiff, in the case, and
Dimmttt, the defendant, both citizens
Of Williamson county, the latter
gentleman of considerable wealth, &C
companied by DimmitJ's son, youth
some 16 years of age, went on trip
to some of the western counties. They
were going, it is believed to look at
some lands, that one wished to dispose
of to the other. The three travelled
together in hack. While on their
route, on a certain night, after
striking camp in a Sequestered
place, a couple of alleged highway
men rode up and demanded
supper. 1t was furnished them.
When they had finished both present.
ed reviewers at Mr.. Dimmitt's head,
and the sum of 5000 was demanded,
in behalf of James Smith, whom the
person assaulted was accused Of hav-
ing swindled. A slight scuffle ensued.
Dimmitt refused to pay the money
over. The pistols were still pointed
at him and murderous threats were
made. There were but two OF the
robbers. One of them was large
man, with bandage drawn across his
face, so as to effect partial disguise.
II. 4. lSKNl nd hn
did most of the talking. Certain in
quiries were made of Mr.. Dimmitt as
TO other parties in Williamson coun-
ty. He told what he knew. No pis-
tolls were pointed at Robbins. One OF
the men swore they didn't know Rob
bins, and by - they didn't want to-:
ter. Robbins then asked the men if
they would Let him speak with
his companion awhile. The
request was granted, but he was bid
to lose no time. A hurried conversa-
ton ensued. Then Robbins went to
the hack, and presently shouted back
to the other whom the men kept COW
cred with their pistols, where is 1T 2"
The reply was, 81 don't knowl"
Shortly afterwards he returned with
an envelope, which he handed over
with the remark, "Here is $500,
gentlemen" They took it. Dimmitt
said, "Please count that money" With
AN oath one Of them remarked that
there was no time to lose counting
money, and demanded that $500
more be forwarded to Jim Smith.
They then mounted their horses and
rode away, nor were they ever seen
again.
The above is an abridged report of
the testimony given by Clyde Dim
mitE, son of the defendant in the trial
yesterday.
Robbins brought suit to recoverable
$500 which ne alleges he loaned the
other to save his life on the occasion
described. Accusations of completely
in the robbery have been freely in
dulged in on both sides, and remark
ablo case has been developed. The first
hearing of the suit in Williamson
county iresulted in a mistrial. A
change of venue was obtained to
Travis couuoy, and at the last term of
the district court another hung jury
weg the result.
County Attorney Morris acting as
special Judge, from the fact chat
Judge Walker was formerly connected
with the suit. Hughes, Sneed and Ter
rell represent the defense (the defend
ant, Dimmitt, having died some time
ago., and Maj. Buck Walton appears
for Robbins. 1t is a most ssingular
trial, and the outcome is awaited with
a considerable degree of interest.