Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1886-02-17
AN AMUSING SCHEME.


One Of His Crew Exchanged Names,
Correspondence OF the Richmond Dispstchl
MATTHEWS g. H., Feb. Is, 1886.
stated in my previous letter, as the
result of the investigations Of the mag
istrates' court, that the captains Of the
three Maryland vessels apprehended for
alleged violation of the oyster law were
committed for misdemeanor and the
crews discharged from custody.
At our County Court, on last
Monday, indictments for felony were
found against the captains and crews
alike, and forthwith q bench warrant
was issued by the County Court for the
arrest of the twenty.eight men COM
posing the crews Of these vessels.
Twelve of these men who had remained
by the vessels were apprehended by the
sheriff, and together with the pseudo
captains taken before Justice Apperson.
Commonwealth attorneys George
Hundley, of this county, and Marquis
Jones, of Gloucester, assisted by B. F.
Bland, appeared for the prosecution /;
and j. b. Donovan and Robert McCand-
lish for the defence.
The trial created much interest, aud
attracted large attendance each day.
The parties were held to answer the
indictment for felony.
The somewhat anomalous proceed
ings in these cases we're greatly en-
HANGED when, under the recent law
allowing persons charged with crime to
testify in their own behalf, the sup
posed captains were placed upon the
witness stand. First, Captain Frank
Powell was duly sworn, and in answer
to a question by the defence gave his
name as John Langford. This unex-
pected denouement had the effect of
bombshell, and took the Common
wealth quite off its feet.
The prisoner appeared to enjoy this
little pleasantly and doubtless enjoyed
some comfort from it. ltnow devolved
upon him to show why he personated
Captain Frank Powell, assumed his re-
sponsibilities, and allowed him to I'M
load his burdens upon his shoulders.
Explaining this dilemma, he stated that
Captain Powell has been here in the
clutches of the law once before and
tried for the same offence that, hearing
he would be recognized, and that pos
sibly this fact might operate to his
prejudice, and being man Of family,
and thinking las under the Maryland
oyster law the captains only would be
held and the crew discharged, had at the
moment of capture exchanged names,
and that he (Johh Langford) was the
steward Of the Robert L. Rogers and
captain only Of the galley. lie also
stated that when the crews were dis
charged by the magistrates court the
genuine Captain Powell and fifteen
others took passage for Baltimore.
This scheme was also reSorted to by
Captains Gibbons, Of the Moore, and
Montax Malery, of the Russell, both
of whom are at large. The trial of
these cases is entailing enormous ex-
pense upon the State. The law cover
ing them, or rather intended to cover
them, is obscure and ambiguous, aud
demands immediate revision. Would
it not be more judicious to confer COM
petent jurisdiction and ample powers
upon the magistrates court, empower
ing them to impose fines, con6scate and
order sale Of vessels mourning the PEN
alties of the law, and dispose of these
cases Immediately, after careful hear
ing, and thus avoid so much delay, liti-
cation, and expense to the State?
BY this course the net proceeds
would be more tangible, whereas they
are now but myth.
The prisoners are comfortably quar-
tered in the courthouse, and are treat
ed with consideration and respect.
George f. Seut, the jsiler and hotel
man, supply their gastronomic wants.
and it is safe to say they are generously
cared for.
The schooner Charles b. Rainor,
twice captured by the police steamer,
and last spring forfeited to the State,
will be sold, under q decree Of court,
at public auction.