Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-10-09
BUTLER MAHONES CASE.
The Prosecuting Witness says TIE Was Paid
$50 No; 30 Appear.
Washington Star, yesterday

Washington Star. yesterday
The case Of assault and battery with
intent TO kill John Willis, waiter at
Welcker's. on February 18th last,
against Ringold Butler Malone, had
been set for trial in the Criminal Court,
Judge Macarthur, to-day.
MIR. c. Darlington appeared for the
accused.
Mr.. Taggart stated that the person
on whom the alleged assault was COM
mitted had not been found. He stated
further that the Office had been in
formed by a letter purporting TO be from
Willis that be did not wish to prose-
cute the case; that the matter had been
satisfactorily adjusted between him and
MIR. Malone, he having received $50,
with promise of $75 more when the
case is settled.
Mr.. Darlington said that he knew
nothing Of such settlement, and that.
as far as be was concerned. he believed
they had a good defence, and was will
inc to 60 to trial.
The Court suggested that such a man
ought not TO complain for being shot
81.
Mr.. Taggart said the district attOr-
ney had received the following letter {:
WASHINGTON, Sept. 4, 1885,
Hon. 4. S. VortlingtOs, United States
attorney for District Of Columbia :
Dear Sir desire, as the prosecut-
ing witness in the case Of the United
States against r. Butler Malone. to
respectfully and urgently request that
the above case be nOlle prosecuted.
There are many reasons for making
this request. Mr.. Malone has for years
proven himself one Of the best friends
to me, and has constantly rendered me
acts Of kindness and assistance. There's
has never been an angry word between
us, and have not the slightest idea
that be intended me any bodily harm
or wished to take my life. While un-
der the influence Of liquor, and after
be had been first provoked and assault
ed, be discharged a pistol in the air, as
is evidenced by the bullet-holes in the
ceiling. / was not injured, DOR was
any one else.
/ therefore, f.r the above-nsmed rea-
sons. and for the further reason that
the prosecution and civil suit was insti-
gated by outside parties and enemies Of
Mr.. Malone, request that the case be
dismissed, and ! shall decline to prose-
cute Mr.. Malone unless compelled to
do so against my wishes and by process
Of law.
Signed JOHN II. WILLIS,
(tis mark.
Witnesses Robert Ellis and j. A.
Deben.
Air. Taggsrt stated that on the re-
ceipt Of this letter Willis was sent for,
and il was read for him. when he said
be had signed a paper, but made no
such statements as TO Malone being a
friend of his (; that he intended no
harm, etc. but he acknowledged that
he had received money, ana expected
more.
Mr.. Darlington said that this was all
without his knowledge. He understood
that the civil suit had been dismissed
without the knowledge Of the attorney
who filed it.
Mir. Taggart said that they would make
efforts to secure the attendance OF VIII
lis. and asked Mr.. Darlington if Mon
day next would suit.
Mr.. Darlington said that Senator
Jones and a member Of the House were
witnesses for the defence, they having
been present al the time, and if the case
was called on Monday be would file an
affidavit for its continuance. He sug-
gested that dav be fixed. when these
gentlemen could be present.
The Court thereupon set the trial for
December 18th next.