The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-02-17
In THE JURY"S HANDS.
NO DECISION AS. YET REACHED IN
THE CLARK TRIAL.
Commonwcalth's Attorney Massie Makes
sBriIliant Effort for tho state.
A Slight Sensation.

pANvlLE, VA, Feb. 16-Special.-
When the hastings court opened at 10
o'clock this morning there was not an
inch OF standing rom unoccupied. The
trial OF J. T. Clark for the murder OF
Rev j. r. Moffett was the attraction.
much larger number OF women were pres
cnt than on any previous day. and they
having learned that Judge Aiken does not
have any regard for the dinner hour'
came prepared for the worst by supplying
themselves with healthy lunch baskets
Among those present to-day were MIS-
Berkeley and Mrs. HARRISON. wives 81 Two
rof the lawyers for the defense ana Mrs
Massie, wife of the Commonwealth 5 az
torney. also n dozen OF more OF the Iady
membtrs of the late Mr.. Mohetts church
ir North Danviile. AS many as two nun
bred country people are In the city Tor no
other purpose than TO attend the CiarK
trial. Were the courtroom three times US
present size IL would rot hold the crowds
who flock there to sec and hear.
At 10 o'clock, when Judge Aiken took
his seat, Mr.. ~. IL. Massie, Common
wcalth's attorney, commenced the closing
argument for the prosecution. This Is the
first case OF real Importance the young
ATTORNEY has had since he was elected to
the position. and 1t is the general verdict
that he has acquitted himself in manner
mat reflects credit on his learning md his
close application. He was four hours DIS
secting the argument of the counsel for
the defense. He attacked every weak
point and assailed their strong points
with vigOr. Then, taking he evidence
he was nearly two hours more IN pre-
senting the case TO the jury from his
standpoint. His theory was that Clark
came 10 Danyille on the night of the 18th
of November, not 10 look for Moffett, but
the copy of Antl-Liquor containing the
article rejecting on him. At the register
Office he saw Moffett Unexpectedly, and
then Il was the scheme TO murder ioffett
who entered and IL was perfected in his
mind. The prisoner, then leaving the
Register office. loitered en- the street. con-
ealing himself as best he could behind
telegraph poles and in the shadows until
Moffett went along on his way 10 the
First Baptist church. Then Clark rushed
upon him and shot him. The brilliant
young attorney argued every point With
signal ability, and 1t is universally con-
coded that his was the effort of the cele-
brated Clark case.
Mr.. II. G.. Moffett. ex-railroad commits
sioner anu commemorative Attorney ana
n cousin Of the deceased preacher. who
has been attending the trial, says: Mr.
Massie's speech. which was taken down
by stenographer. will be published in
full In pamphlet form, and whatever may
be the verdict Of the jury that speech will
be complete vindication Of j. II. Moi
felt. At $3.50 +. NJ. the jury was sent TO
the rooom. and counsel submitted ques-
tons which the court took an hour to
examine and pass upon. and then the
case was in the hands Of the jury.
Colonel Aylett. of the prosecution,
created somewhat of n sensation by re-
Questing that Deputy Sergeant Womack
be not allowed to have further charge
Of the jury, and intimated that he might
bring charges against that officer. Later
he said that the charges If proven would
be nothing serious, merely a slight in
discretion on the part of the officer, and
he had made the request out Of abundant
precaution. At $50 the jury having failed
10 agree, were taken TO their rooms at
the hotel. and the court adjourned till
o'clock tomorrow. 1t is believed they
will agree tonight.