Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1895-10-26
THE FIRST SETBACK.
Amelia G. II. where the
Counsel were Surprised
and Disguised.
A Typical country Scene
ARGUMENT WASTED UPON A OR
QUIT JUDGE.
The Sequel to the Case.


Amelia CourL-hOuse will long be re-
membered by non George d. Wise,
ex-Judge II. w Flournoy and Captain
A. B. Guigon, counsel for the con-
demDed women. 1t was fully an hour
and half S.f day when Editor John
Mitchell, Jr., in company with Mr.
O. Farley aligEted from the train at
this country station. sheriff NJ O.
Cardoza, Commonwealth Attorney
Neblett and another elderly wnite
gentleman got of at the same place
Sheriff , ardoza's last words TO the con-
ductor of the train was that he hoped
the women would not get a new trial
1t was too early to arouse Mr.. Jeter,
SO the editor and the photographer
strolled down the country roads in the
vicinity, while the Lunenburg folks
wended their way to the place called a
hotel for the want of better name.
Later, three white men sire -ched out
at full length upon blanket spread in
the porch, all other space in the ''ho-l
tel" being occupied, could be seen.
As the hour for holding court arriv-
ed, the country people with that list
less stride made their way to the
courthouse, a picture of which is pre-
sented in this issue. The bell which
made a most unearthly noise was
rung. Inside of the structure on an
elevated rostrum sat Judge Coleman,
at desk to the right OF the Judge,
facing from the doorway, but on
platform lower sat the court clerk.
To the left on the main floor were
benches for jurors. None being need
ed In this case spectators occupied
these seats, editor Mitchell being
among them. AT the bar fronting the
court, sat the counsel. In the open
space beyond stood the populace A
gallery runs across the front portion
of the building. This was at times oc-
cupied by white ladies'. Not more
than haif-dozen colored men appeared
during the argument. Rev j. 4 Raw
lings of Richmond came in during the
discussion.
Judge Coleman sat with an unlight-
ed cigar in his mouth. His counte-
nance at times resembled chiselIed
marble, and it was evident that he
had made up his mind. He coolly
continued the case until , p. AZ heard
argument in the interest of an applica-
tion fora license. TO setl whiskey with
in the limits of Amelia @. b., granted
the same, took recess and shortly be-
fore Z. M was at his post again.
Previous to this Amelia @. h. was a
dry village. Those in need of a 'bever-
age had Co walk nearly mile down
the road to have their appetite graft
fed.
The counsel for the defense had
brought huge pile of law-books. The
counsel for the state virtually admit
ted the soundness of their argument.
The commonwealth's attorney for Luz
nenburg Co., did not say word. Some
said he did not have the ability to ar
que the case.
The scene will never be forgotten by
those who Witnessed it. Youthful
pale, thoughtful, painstaking Captain
A. B. Guigon made a plea that was un-
impassioned but convincing. He was
faultlessly attired, and the Importance
of the question at Issue involving two
human lives rested heavily upon him.
Yet he was study for a painter.
His effort was masterly, only a part
however third of the matchless legal
argument which was afterWard de-
cIared to be the most unique, scholar
ly and exhaustive plea ever presented
in any in any court in the state. When
he was interrupted with question to
present a precedent, his impressive
words, "There never was such a case
and never such triaP' fell with cleo
trical effect upon those assembled.
He was followed by the impulsive,
fiery able Judge IL. w. Flournoy. This
earnest advocate spoke with fervor
that was pleasing, and in manner
that carries conviction with it. He
was sat his best and away out on
the ceurt-green his ringing utterances
ferVid oratory awakened reverberan-
ces and filled with dismay the gentle
men on the other side.
EX-GOnCPeaaman (Hp0rUo n Wfca
was study for painter. His counte-
nance was blushed, his hair was fault
lessly brushed. In fact, had his toilet
been previously arranged for the occa-
sion, he could not have presented a
more handsome appearance.
He was fortified with the law and he
knew it. He rounded up the discus
| sion, rivetted the fact which had pre-
viously been presented and closed the
remarkable plea with one of the finest
perOrations ever heard in any court.
Before ne had reached his seat
Judge Coleman who had noted the au-
| thorities cited but had not examined
a single one of them began the an
nouncement OF his decision, which
sent the women to the gallows, and ap-
parently closed the gateway for a fur
| ther appeal.
The sequel is well-known. The Su-
| preme Court of Appeals decided to the
contrary and virtually overruled Judge
| Coleman and the sentence which wa:
to be carried out eight days later wa.
| suspended and the clients of these able
! o<fo-voro orfuou q lOuCo7. looca Of life