Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-11-14
He Is SENT TO JAIL.
SAM eAcHRAcH GIVEN FIFTEEN DAYS
FOR RECEIVING STOLEN GOODS.
Fine Of 800 Also Imposed Upon Him
Policeman Grifiin Sues tho Times
for Alleged Libeh

samuel BICUrdtU. Ntit "Nhhhf"h
NInth-s,reet pawnbroker. was tried in
the Hastings Court yesterday for buying
or receiving goods known to have been
stolen.
The Jury found him guilty, and fixed
his punishment at imprisonment In the
city Jail for fifteen days and the payment
OF fine of 800
The trial consumed the entire day and
attracted good deal OF attention. Messrs
Robert L. Montague and II. ST. John
Coalter conducted the prosecution. and
Messrs H. NJ. Smith. Jr.. and Samuel
NJ. Page appeared for the defence. MI.
Smith was counsel for the pawnbroker
before his election as Commemorative
Attorney. This accounts for his appear
ance for the defence.
1t was In the latter part OF March that
n diamond ring and other jewelry stolen
from Mr.. J. II. Robinson. who keeps a
green-grocery on west Main street. and
resides on Randolph near Ashland, was
taken 70 Bachrachs by two or three
small boys, and a gun was given In ex-
change for the ring. When the case was
heard in the Police Court March 9th
Justice Crutchfield discharged the boys.
and Commonwealth's- s-Attorney Spotswo0d
Immediately instituted proceedings against
Bachrach. The pawnbroker was given
accommodations last night In cell No. 2
and made as comfortable az possible.
Policeman Grialn sues the Times.
Mr.. l.. o. Wendenburg brought suit in
the Law and Equity Court yesterday for
Maurice j. Griffin against the Times Com
pany for $500 damages for alleged libel.
Mr.. Griffin is n well-known member Of
the Richmond police force and Is on
duty in the Second District.
The bin filed is lengthy cue. and sets
forth that on the evening Of November
IL. 1898 officer Griffin was detailed TO
special duty at the Second Baptist church.
the occasion being the wedding Of Miss
Peasants and Mr.. Tyler The duties OF
policeman at marriages are fully cited
IN the paper. At the time spoken OF. ac-
cording TO the bill. Griffin and Officer
Marian Sutton were on DUTY In the vesti-
bule keeping the crowds back. when a
reporter OF the Times broke through the
cOncOurse OF people being kept back by
officer Griffin and stood In the opening.
According 10 the declaration, officer
Griffin approached the reporter gently
and laid his hand upon him. and told him
he would have To get back. This angere1
the newspaper man, but he obeyed tho
policeman.
POLICE At WEDDINGS"
on the morning of November 10, 1893.
however, there appeared an article In the
Tlmes, under the caption. police at
Weddings" which was quite severe upon
officer Griffin and his conduct upon these
occasions. After an explanation Of his
side OF the case the writer claimed that
he had been treated In a rough and un-
gentlemanly manner by the officer. and
went on TO say:
policeman Griffin Is no suitable man
70 send to church weddings. where ars
usually seen some of the best element
Of the city. Instead OF speaking 10
ladies' and gentlemen in manner recog-
nizing them as such. he adopted the
bully process, after the manner of a
Northwestern Texas or the wilds Of
Southern Arizona. The copper has either
been on the force a short time. and hasn't
had enough experience 10 know what
the duties Of n police officer consist Of.
or he Is naturally unqualified for special
duty on such occasions. He might ac-
quit himself creditably in controlling
mob about the front door OF n lower
Franklin-street theatre comique; he might
gather laurels inspiring with dread the
dock rats at Cash Corner; should he keep
hls eyes wide open. he might possibly
run In a participant In Midnight free
fight In Jail alley; under very lucky
conditions he could, probably, arrest a
might, under some circumstances. even
maintain an appearance Of order al a pud-
dlers picnic. on Rockets wharf. Yes.
IN these capacities officer Griffin could
possibly make his influence felt and help
maintain the dignity OF the law. Bat
when II comes 10 putting him at a church
wedding. whore ladies and gentlemen have
reason TO expect courteous treatment, the
blue-cOnt is entirely out OF his sphere.
and, with n few repettions Of his per-
fOrmance Thursday evening, VIII reflect
no little disorcdit upon the position he
holds. Richmond has an excellent police
force. almost every member or which IL
courteous and well known for hts de-
corurn. officer Griffin proved very concu-
sivey that he was not one OF them.
and II would be advisable to detail him
for other duty than that at a church we'd
ding"
ALLEGES MALICIOUS INTENT.
The plaintiff alleges that the article was
published with malicious Intent, 10 make
people believe him "A ruiiLan and incom-
petcnt TO discharge police duties AZ we'd
dings. and TO subject him 10 public ridi-
culc and disgrace. II Is charged that the
publication has greatly injured Onicer
Griitn's name. fame, and credit. mas
much as divers good and worthy citizens
OF the Commonwealth. to whom the In
nOcence and integrity ot the plalntlr were,
unknown. have, on account or the saii
grievances. wholly refused to nave any
transaction. acquaintance, or discourse
with Griffin as before, AMI that the
plaintiff has been put In jeopardy or
losing his position, and been held up 10
ridicule and contempt before his friencs.
OTHER COURT MATTERS.
Suits were Instituted In the Law and
Equity Court yesterday as follows:
John T. Anderson vs. +. A. Hundley
and y. l.. Beall for s25l2i
John r. Anderson ~ Son VS.. Henry
Neurohr and Jane King for Sl79.75.