The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-03-01
Nine of the Twelve Jurymen Sc
lected, Five Colored.
The Usual Crowd Is in Attendance
at the Proceedings.
Judge Mayors Good Humor Keeps
Everybody Straight.
Sheriff Dobson In Fine Frame OF Mind
Notwithstanding the Remarks of
the Defendants Counsel Yes
terday.
Special Dispatch TO The.Appeal.

BRANDON, Miss, Feb. 20.-The usual
crowd was in the courtroom this morning
and the labor Of selecting jurors from the
persons summoned by the sheriff was COM
menced without needless ceremony. The
machinery of the court is now in flrst-class
working order and moves smoothly, and
with but little friction. The temperament
Of Judge Mayors is admirably suited to the
conducting Of a trial concerning which
there is so much interest and feeling, and
though the lawyers on either side are spr-
tied and meddlesome, they seem TO have
imbibed some Of the judges good humor
and patience. Sheriff Dobson, who is o
most afiable and genial gentleman, was not
ruiiled by the comments made by defend.
ants attorneys yesterday evening on the
rule he adopted for getting talesmen. He
was in fine humor after adjournment and
seemed to understand that as public Of
iicer he was under duty 10 submit 20 all
reasonable criticism. He is personally
popular and on the best terms with
all the lawyers, especially with those
representing the defendant. lie is
managing his part of the trial in a
manner which meets the approval OF the
lockers on. Clerk Williams is quiet and
unassuming, and very efficient. His
presence in the courtroom is scarcely
noticed, except when he swears the tales
men to answer questions, and this he does
30 quickly that only those sitting in the
immediate neighborhood Of his desk can
hear the oath.
J. S. Goodman, the first person on the
list returned by the sheriff, had heard
something Of the case, but had formed no
opinion. Had not read the newspaper
accounts, and had no prejudice for or
against the defendant Believed in capt.
tai punishment. lie was accepted ~ n
juror.
W. J. Bishop was a competent Juror,
and was accepted by the State, but chal-
lcnged percmptorily by the defense.
II. @. Bullock, 4. J. Cox, J. ID. Ross, J.
II. Reid, Esau Bass and w. Il. Coler had
read the testimony and formed opinions
that were fixed, and were adjudged incom.
peicnt and discharged, when the court
took recess at 1890 O'Clock until 800
o'clock.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
S. J. Donnell knew nothing about the
case aud was free from prejudice, had no
opinion as 10 Hamilton's guilt or inno-
cencc. lie was accepted by the State and
defendant, and went into the box ns the
ninth Juror. q. q. Rouse, J. A. Moore,
X. $. Donnell, l.. &. Ferguson, J. NJ. ID.
Stevenson, VIM. Smith and w. III. Tn omp-
son were adjudged incompetent because
Of fixed opinions aud were discharged. T..
+. Martin had formed no opinion Of the
guilt or innocence OF the defendant Had
no conscientious scruplcs against capital
punishment. Believed that men ought
sometimes 10 be hung for murder, but II
elected 10 serve ON the jury would not vote
In favor OF hanging. Would rather Others
should do that. The court declared him
incompetent and he was discharged. ]. ID.
| WYNN had Rad sketches OF the homicide
In the Brandon Republican, but did not be-
lieye what he read. lie had also heard the
ease discussed 10y persons Of opposite views,
but did not believe anything he heard ey-
ccpt that Hamilton did the killing. This
| he believed because he had heard that
Hamilton had acknowledged u, aud he
regarded Ilamilton's admission ~ better
| evidence than the other hcanay. The cx-
animation by the defense was prolonged
| The court said he was competent and cx-
ccpiions were reserved. lie was accepted
by the State but rejected by the defense
J. VI. Till, II. 9. Ford, J. 4. Shields and
John wirz had fixed opinions and were
discharged.
Other persons who had been summoned
were called, but the sheriff said lac did not
think they had had time 10 get In and the
Judge, after having instructed him 30 con.
tinue 10 summon other persons. adjourned
the court till tomorrow morning nj 10
o'clock.
AZ the end Of tho third day nine Jurors
have been accepted, four white and five
colorcd.
The State Ia entitled, under the statute,
TO six percmptory challenges and has cx.
haustcd two; the defense Is entitled Ia
twelve and has exhausted five.