The leader. [volume] (Brookhaven, Miss.) 1895-1905, 1897-12-29
CIRCUIT COURT ADJOURNS.
Important Work During the
Closing Hours.
"LET NO GUILTY MAN ESCAPE" THE
MOTTO OF THE COURT AND JU-
RoRs TO THE LAST.

MOTTO OF THE COURT AND JU-
RoRs TO THE LAST.
What 1t Costs the County to Punish Its
Criminals.
The proceedings in the Fore case
continued to occupy the time of
the court from the closing of The
LEADERS last report until Friday
might. During the progress of the
trial, a lengthy argument took
place between opposing counsel
over the admissibility of certain
testimony which the defence wish
ed to introduce. the jury mean-
while being sent to their room.
The court ruled out all testimo.
ny going to show that Matthews
had made threats against Fore,
because it could not be shown that
Matthews had actually committed
any overt act. The testimony for
the defendant tended to show that
Matthews threw his hand behind
him. Judge Powell ruled that as
every man is presumed not to be a
vi0lator of the law, and, therefore.
not carrying concealed weapons,
his adversary could not interpret
the throwing of his hand behind
him as a hostile demonstration.
The fact was Matthews was unarm.
ed and was shot twice IN the back.
Judge Powell instructed the jury,
in short, that if they believed the
testimony either for the State OF
defense, they should find Fore
guilty as charged, thus disallowing
the hip pocket plea as defence.
Argument in the case before the
jury began late Friday afternoon.
Judge Cassedy opened for the
State, followed by Hons. A. q.
McNair and j. l.. Ramsey for the
defense. Mr.. Ramsey was follow
ed by Hon. K. N. Miller in a vigor.
Gus and incisive speech of one hour
for the State, and at Q o'clock the
jury retired to make up their ver-
dict.
What Vas done at the night ses.
slon Is summarized as follows by
the BrOokhaven correspondent of
the N. .. Times. Democrat
BRooKHAvEN. Dec. $50 yes.
o yes, the special term of the
Honorable Circuit Court of Lincoln
county is now adjourned sine die!"
was the cry of the Sheriff which
rang out on the bleak December
air last night just one hour before
the measured strokes of the big
Court House clock in the tall
steeple had proclaimed the usher
ing in of another glad Christmas
tide. During the last hour pre-
.ceding the announcement the
court Overrnled a motion for new
trial in the King case. The jury
in the John p Fore case had re
turned u verdict Of guilty as
charged, and recommended a life
sentence III the penitentiary. A
motion for a new trial by FOre's
counsel was overruled. Sentence
was formally pronounced, and
James King called to the bar Of the
court and sentenced to be hanged
by the neck in the Jail yard
on February 4th, 1898, until
dead. There was a weird
solemnity. abant It all that oddly
contrasted with the good cheer and
hilarity of the festive season which
prevailed on the. outside beyond
the precincts of the court, which
made II deep impression on the
little group of court officers, law
yers and spectators who had lin
gered to witness the last scenes in
lihe. proceedings of court which
will be memorable in Lincoln
county.
just before counsel for King be-
gan arguing for a new trial the
court was informed that Prentlss
Easterling. Kings associate in the
murder OF Joseph Bufkln, desired
to withdraw his motion for new
trial, and on this being done the
yourg man, astripling OF eighteen,
was called to the bar OF the court