The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1896-01-26
NORTH CAROL,INA:

your store the night At was broken
open?"
Mr.. Beckwith objected to Mr.. Cherry
stating in rebuttal Evidence what had
been stated In the direct.
States tcounsel said that Uridh Bell
not say that he was dn his store that
night
"well." said Mr.. Bcckwlth, "that is a
matter for the jury"
Promptly said Judge IIoke: cit Ia a
matter Of too much Importance to be
left In doubt. Ask your question:"
Counsel for defense still objec4ed. The
objection was promptly overruled and
the defense asked for the benefit Of nn
exception and Il was noted.
: It was rumored outside Of the court
room ut the dinner recess that the State
had more important evidence to put in,
and everybody returned to the court
room cn tiptoe OF expectancy a5 to what
would turn up next.
Peggy Ann Moore. oolored. was the
first afternoon witness. She lives In
Aurora, not far from VIII Thompson's
store. and the might 1t was broken open
come one drove near her gate, stopped
the buggy and remained a short while
the sdrawer from which Thompson's
money had been taken lying, in the
weeds not far from her fence. Her evil
dence was not very material. though.
or cross examination. there We're some
amusing passes between her and the
counsel for the defense.
There were more character witnesses.
Bryon Bonner was next witness. Mr..
Rodman conducted the examination.
Conserving Charles Sparrow, one Of the
wftnessestror the defense. who testified
for Uriah Bell MIR. Rodman asked;
What did you hear Charlie Sparrow
say relative to Uriah BELL and the kill
Ing OF Mr. Bonner?"
Heard him say about the time the
boat wasileavin8 to bring the boys to
Washington: that he'd bet IS the id
scoundrel was with HIN five minutes
utter he KILLED Mr.. Bonner."
Sparrow was asked ON the stand II
he said that and he said he did not.
On cross examinatlon by Mr.. Moore.
witness said he knew Charlie Sparrow:
that he Is of good family. but Is him
self wild.
MIR. ]. B. Whitehurst was again call
ed to the stand. The Bell boys had
both testified TINT they regarded them
seves above Brantiey's circle. and Sher-
ELL, BELL said he had never visited
Brantley In his life.
MT. Whitehurst was put on the stand
for evidence against what the Bell boys
said about visiting Brantley. He tessti-
fled that he had seen Uriah and Sher-
rilt Bell both sitting In Brantiey's house
tn a circle AROUND the fire smoking
with him.
His oross-exaiIinatlon was short but
was perhaps the most spirited tilt that
has occurred between any OF the law
yers and witnesses
Mr. Beckwith conducted the crpss-ex-
animation
How long was it before Mr.. Bonner's
murder you saw the Bell boys In at
Brantiey's smoking with him2"
''Three or four weeks"
He said Sheriff. Bells character was
GOOD so far as he knew. Uriah Bells
character was good, so far as he knew,
except he is Wild Here the examina-
came little excited, and raised his
voice little, and the witness answered
In the same tone until 1t became a little
stormy
You have taken u good deal of in
terest In this trial, have you not?"
II certainly have"
Have You not been to WASHINGTON
anu tried tn create sentiment against
these boys?" u,I :,
Il have been to Washington and
nave done all could to correct the
raise impressions here about the feeling
IN the community Of Aurora"
Have you not been here and hound
ed tneSe boys to create sentiment that
would hang them 2"
II certainly have not"
Here counsel grew more excited
Have you not been here during the
progress OF this trial talking TO the wit
nesses or both the State and the de
fense?"
Il certainly have" retorted the wit
ness.
Why were you 80 anxious about it?,'
knew some one killed j. B. Bonner
ana wanted somebody hanged
fou wanted somebody hanged. and
you oidnt care who?" almost shouted
counsel.
mo; I didn't care who" roared the
one" 1'eA
At this there was applause in the
courtroom. but Judge Hoke's keen ewes
suppressed 1t in second. and then he
SAID Keep order" +
MS was perhaps the most exciting
moment as regards short questions and
answers since the trial opend.
uRIAH BELL CONTRA DICTED
Uriah Bell was asked on his crnas-1x
animation If he did not buy a ntatoI
the Friday before Mr.. Bonner was LiiI.
ed. His answer was: IT DENY r.. n ~
raise. / bought one about two months
before" "o ii'o'''hs
Dudley Hudnell was put on tho stand
to contradict that. He said he waa
clerktng for Whitehurst g. Hudnar at
the tine OF the murder Of Mr.. Bonner
He said he sold Urteh Bell two nistn,a.:
one about two months before the mir
der. the other the day before the mr.
der. He said It was 32-caltbre cs.ntre
fire. The pistol he sold to IJriah Vas
the same kind that had been exhihitsd
ftrv, ~.