Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1897-07-24


at his home on the morning of the l4th,
but could form no idea as to the hour.
THE ALIBI.
James +. johnson was put on the
stand when Mrs. Fife finished and tes-
titled that on the Wednesday morning
in question he met Joe Fife on the
corner of Third and Baker streets and
gave him a ride in Shoemaker's wagon.
Fife left the wagon at Sixth and Broad
street at 8 :05 AN.
+. W. Hunt of the Old Dominion
Preserving C0mpangss works. testified
that on Thursday some one was at the
works inquiring OF Negro who FORM
erly did hauling for the company, and
from the description given ne Judged
that the man wanted Was Edw ard
Washington.
TIE RIDE IN THE DRAY.
Washington was next called, and
testified that he drove a dray. He
left his home, corner Munford and
Leigh streets, on the morning in ques-
tion at about Q o'clock. He picked Joe
Fife up at the corner OF Sixth and
broad streets and gave him ride to
Thirteenth and Cary streets. He ar
rived at Thirteenth and Gary streets
about Q 20 o'clock
Being questioned by Mr. Richard son
witness said he rould not say positive
ly just when he arrived at Thirteenth
street, but he knew he left home ex-
actly ON the stroke Of 8.
WENT INTO THE COUNTRY.
Walter Carter said ne is employed
by JRcob Keck, and was driving out
Brook Avenue about 0:20 O'Clock. He
mst Joe Fife walking with his hat over
his eyes. and Joe asking for ride wal
taken mp. He got out OF the wagon in
HenricO, never having spoken q WORD
during the ride.
George Fife, the prisoners father
was examined, but further than stat.
ing that he saw his son at o'clock OF
the day in question. he knew nothing
OF the case.
| FIFR TEsTIFIEs.
Joe Fife was put on the stand, anC
told of his travels on the WednesdA,
in question. he made no reference &
any visit to the Griffith residence. III,
was cl 'sely cross-examined 10y Mr.
Richardson. he said he went to Mr.
Griffith's on Monday to get the dish
ss, and scaled the walls at Mrs. Mark
request, the key being lost.
| RESTED ITS CASH.
The defence rested its case at thi
point, and Mrs. Marks was recalled
Being asked il the prisoner had visite
the house on Monday, and .climbe
over the wall sc her request, she de
MED most emphatically that such wa
the case. Indeed, she said that tn
prisoner did not visit her house Mon
day, and as the key to the back gat
was never lost, the Negro could nc
have been asked to scale the wall. Sh
was most positive in her declaration.
This case was given to the jury an
at 9 :55 q verdict of guilty and fixin
the punishment at death was announC
ed. A cheer went up from the whit
, men in the city hall for the Lynchbur
| jury. Fife was sentenced TO be hanf
| cd August 20, 1897
His mother uttered q heArt-rend
ing, piercing ecreams, and had to
carried in fainting condition froI
/ the courtroom. Her condition Wa
3 truly pitlsble.
Col. M. l.. Spottswood was counst
4 for Fite, and stood by him throughou
:. the trial even though his fee was ne
3 Forthcoming.
The parents OF the lad could rails
but "a at fret. They finally succeed
ed in getting enough to make $l2. bS
the Colonel did not retire from I'll
. case.
Is was a striking proof OF the max,
: lup of Virginia white men. and e,
plains why there is such q stror
: friendship existing between certai
white and colored men
The feeling is general that Fife Is
: unsound mind.