Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-01-09
ON TRIAL FOR ARSON.
Mr.. Parker MctcaIf the Accused
Charged with Attempting to harm
the Moody a Carpenter Building
mt Clifton Forge.

CONVICTION, VA. January s.-(Spe-
cial)-The case of W. Parker Metcalf.
charged with arson. came up in the
Today This case Is attracting more at
tention than any since that OF Captain
Goodman, for the killing OF Colonel Par
sons. two years ago. During the past six
months no less than six fires have &C.
Cured in Clifton Forge. all apparently
OF incendiary origin, and one resulted
In the cremation OF one OF the wealthiest
and most highly-respected citizens of
that place. TIE lass OF this series OF
fires was the attempted burning of the
Moody &: Carpenter building. just across
the street from rhe one in which mir.
Ford. the citizen above mentioned. lost
his life.
PRISONER AND FAMILY.
Metcaif and his family occu-
by portion OF the upper part
OF this building, two STORES comprising
the lower floor, and Il Is with an at.
tempt to fire the roof that gave shelter
TO his mother, wife, and children thai
Metcalf is charged. Metcalf. at the time
of bis arrest, was fireman on the
James-River Division OF the Chesapeake
and Ohio road, and very active mem
Der Of the Chiffon Forge Fire Company
His family are very respectable people
his mother being well known for her
active participation in church affairs and
charities. Metcaif. prior to the fires, en-
joyed good reputation. Suspicion, how
ever. pointed to him, and he was closely
watched The surveillance resulting In
his arrest November Sd last.
MANY WITNESSES.
Two coaches fled with Witnesses came
up on the morning train from Clifton
Forge. and the courtroom was crowded
with interested spectators. Metcalrs
mother. wife and two children occupied
seats near the accused. and manifest ed
deep interest in the proceedings. mis-
mother occasionally prompting the at
torneys for the defence. Metcslt sp-
peared very cool and collected. though he
was very pale. There was little trouble
in securing a jury. most of whom reside
in a remote section OF the county.
DISCOVERED THE FLAMES
Night-Policeman W. :. Cochran was
the first witness for the Commonwealth
He testified that he had peen instructed
to watch the accused particularly. and
on the night in question had observed
his movements closely. These he de-
tailed at some length. Witness did not
see accused enter the building that wa.
nred but "A few minutes after the time
Metcalf is supposed TO have entered the
building. witness saw fire In one OF
the middle rooms. used az sn office
which is on the opposite side of the
hall from the rooms In which Metcall
and his family we're domiciled. Witness
IN company with w. J. DAVIS. broke open
the front door, ran up stairs. and ex'
tinguished the flames. which had pene
trared door leading ipto the adjoining
room A piece of dope" commonly used
for car-sxle boxes, was found ignited
Metcalf came out In his night-clothes,
and inquired IL It was he rney were now
trying TO burn up.
The witness was put under a severe
cross examination. IL being the object OF
the defence &c show that the fire was
started in the adjoining room. and
burned through the door, igniting the
Cope"
Court adjourned until . o'clock Thurs
day, when The cxamina ton OF COCHRAN
will be resumed.
About 100 witnesses nave been SIM
moned. and the trial will likely consume
three days, and will be holly contested
by the best legal talent Of this section
or Virginia.