Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-06-03
Phillips, the wife murderer hanged about
fifteen years ago The defense also offered

Phillips, the wife murderer hanged about
fifteen years ago. The defense also offered
seSiss of instructions and both we're taken
bEfcne court.
MONDAY, JUNE 1sT.
The court met at half past 10 o'clock.
The first witness was Augustus Briggs
(colored) head-waiter at the American
Hotel. He saw Lillian Madison come in
the Hotel at 2 O'Clock P. NJ, on the 18th
OF March, and go out at 6 O'Clock, P. NJ.
Judge Henry W. Flourney, Secretary of
the Commonwealth, was examined as to
how long it would take to walk from the
American Hotel to Belle Isle and back.
DR.. J. E. Courtney testified to seeing
CIuyerius at the funeral of Col. E. B.
Montague on the 4th Monday in February.
He was then questioned so as to bring out
the time required for the prisoner to get to
King and Queen Courthouse.
Edgar Montague, of Middlesex, for the
defence. Witness is son of Col. E. B.
Montague, deceased. The witness stated
the names of the persons who sat up with
his fathers remains February last, includ-
ing the prisoner, and gave an account of
his movements, apparently to prove he
could have reached King William Court
house that day.
Mr.. J. 7. Redd, Jr., of Richmond Col
| lege Ga student), to prosecution said he
saw the prisoner in June last in the Capitol
Square He had moustache. He was
sure of it. Cross-questioned by the de-
fence, which elected nothing material, ex-
cept a little fun, intended to be at the wit
ness's expense.
Counsel on both sides agreed that both
keys and the guard were in evidence.
Counsel also agreed to introduce large
and several small photographs of the fence
around the Reservoir, indicating the hole
through which the unfortunate girl entered
to her doom.
Counsel announced their readiness foI
the instructions of the court, whereupon
the jury retired. The Judge stated that
he would give the same instructions which
were given in the Jeter Phillips case.
Col. William L. Aylett, of counsel fol-
the prosecution, opened the argument on
that side at quarter of 1 o'clock. He
stood Immediately in front of the jury, and
seemed in fine trim for his speech.
| Col. Aylett first showed that the circum-
stances conclusively negatlved the idea OF
suicide in this case, and that it was a case
of "murder most foul and damnable." He
then proceeded to show the motive that
Cluverlus had to commit the murder, as
he had ruined her, and wished to conceal
that fact, as he was engaged to marry
another lady of considerable means, etc.
He insisted ON Lillian's marrying another
person whom he designated in his letter to
her as 'fthat other fellow" Along with
that letter, says Col. Aylett. I'VE found
the most atrocious paper that have ever
read. Talk to me about volumes of testi-
mony in favor of his good character! Of
all the compositions tha5 the English Ian
guage has ever been made to speak or de-
velop, that dirty piece poem 'On the
Delaware exceeds anything have ever
read or seen. He ought to have been hung
for writing that paper ard sending it to a
viTtnous woman"
Col. Aylett took the position, first, that
there had been murder, and second, thai
the murder had been committed by the
prisoner. All other propositions, he said,
would be based on these two points. Col.
Aylett's address occupied five hours in de-
livery, during which time the courtroom
was densely thronged.
Mr.. a. Brown Evans followed Col. Aylett
for the defense. At s P. NJ, the court adj.
journed ill Tuesday, when Mr.. Evans will
resume lis argument