Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1891-05-17
ONE YEAR In PRISON.
eRYmEs ACCEPTS THE VERDICT AND
WILL NOT TAKE AN APPEAL.
The Prisoner Sentenced by Judge Aiken,
who Speaks Very feeiingiy-otber
Indictments Noiie Prosecuted.

Judge Aiken in feeling words and tones
of sympathy yesterday passed sentence
upon E. Buford Grymes, who was con-
victed in the Hastings Court Friday eve
ming of the embezzlement OF public funds.
The scene in the courtroom was one OF
intense sadness. The attendance was not
so large az during the trial. but the inte-
rest evinced was as great as ever. Every
face bore evidences of deep concern.
When the awful words were uttered that
| declared the popular and influential young
Democrat a felon IL was painful 20 look
upon the accused and his griet-stricken
| brother. There were many fearful eyes In
| the courtroom.
Shortly before II o'clock the prisoner
was brought mp 10 the courtroom by the
| Sergeant. His brother, MIR. Peyton Grymes,
who remained by his side through TIE en-
| tire trial. was present and took scat be-
hind the bar by the side of the young man
upon whom sentence was shortly to be
Several warm friends of the prisoner
came in and pressed his hand in silence.
Grymes seldom raised his eyes TO meet
the curious glances of the large number OF
spectators present or TO look into the faces
| of those whose hearts beat with sympathy
III.
and his features told of his great mental
agony.
RETIRE TO coNrEs.
A minute or two after Grymes took his
seat no and his brother and one OF the law
yers for tho defence retired from the court
room apparently to confer. The prisoner
returned in moment or two alone and re-
sumed his seat.
At lilo Judge Aiken took his seat on the
bench. Sergeant Epps raped the court TO
order and mado proclamation. Inc Clerk
read the record of Fridays proceedings,
which were signed by the Judge. 49,
About a minute later CommOnwealths-
Attorney Smith came into court, spoke 10
the Judge for a few seconds, and was soon
followed blythe four counsel for the de-
fence and Mr.. Peyton Grymes.
MADE MISTAKE.
Mr.. Stringfellow arose and began TO adj
dress the Court, saying: IF your Honor
please, when was arguing my instructions
Yesterday ] lad said that | needed 9th
Wharton. which had only yesterday been
taken out of the Library. In saying this
| did not mean that it had been removed
for other than legitimate purposes, as
might have been inferred. find, however.
that the mistake was mine, and that the
right book was sent me, and in referring
to it looked at the top of page 641 instead
of 461. would be glad, however, If your
Honor would refer to the case cited, that
you may see quoted correctly"
JUSTICE SATISFIED.
Continuing, Major Stringfellow said:
1--WE have thought over the matter and
consulted and we feel convinced that the
ends of Justice have been attained IN the
verdict which was rendered by the jury
YESTERDAY. It seems to US to be useless
l. opH ft-a Won Id thprafnra
ask leave TO withdraw the motion for ar
rest of Judgment made by us yesterday at
ternoon. Doubtlessly your Honor and the
Commonwealth's Attorney will agree with
US in this"
The Judge at once acquiesced in this.
PASSING SENTENCE.
"E. B. Grymes," commanded the Clerk,
"stand up"
You have been indicted. tried, and now
stand convicted of felony. Have you any
thing to say why the Court should not now
proceed to pronounce sentence agalnstyou
according toeaw?"
A negative shake of the head from
Grymes was the only response to this.
Judge Aiken then said:
"E. Il. Grymes, the duty Of sentencing
you IS so unpleasant and painful that Will
say no more than what is necessary to pro-
nounce the judgment of the court upon
YOU, which is that you DO confined in the
penitentiary one year, as found by the jury
in their verdict"
INDICTMENTS DISMISSED.
Mr.. Smith arose and asked permission of
the Court to enter nole proseqm III the
other cases.
Judge Aiken concurred in this. saying
that il was not intended that the law
should be rigorous but certain in It's pun
ishment.
Court was then adjourned until p. NJ.
to enable the Clerk to prepare the record.
At that hour the Judge signed the order
completing the last act Ill court In the
Grymes case.
PARTING WORDS.
Several friends,went forward and pressed
Grymcss hand and left the room. Mr.. H..
Nj. Smith, Jr., who has so ably managed
the case for the Commonwealth. although
@ warm friend of the young man whom 1t
was his duty to prosecute. walked forward
and shook hands with Grymes and his
brother, and in low tone whispered few
words of sympathy for them. Both OF
them seemed deeply moved at what MIR.
Smith bad said.
In a short time Grymes was taken down
to Jail and in few days-perhaps to-mOr-
row-he will be carried TO tho penitentiary.
Sergeant Epps, when approached on the
subject by DIsPATcH reporter, said he did
not yet know what day he would send the
prisoner to the State institution.
1t was rumored around the courtroom
yesterday that the prisoners counsel
would get up petition asking the Gov
ernor to either pardon their client or COM
mute the sentence to Imprisonment in
jail. When asked about this matter one Of
counsel said they had not considered this
question yet.