Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-04-13
CAPTAIN MORRlSSUES
nRrNGs AcrIoS AGAINST DIR. JONES
FOR $1,000 DAMAGES.
The CRIMINAL CHARGE DISMISSED.
Evidence shows That. the Captain
Did Not inappropriate the Funds,
INIT rendered All Except what
Was Due Him.
Was Dne Hin

The hearing In the Police court yes
terday morning OF the case OF Captain
James A. Morris, charged with misap-
propriating $40. the money of Dr. Allen
C. Jones. of Newport News. resulted in
the prompt dismissal Of the case. and
counsel for Captain Morris Immediately
instituted suit in the Law and Equity
Court against DIR. Jones for SUO dam
ages Mr.. II. NJ. Smith, Jr., of smith,
Moncure & Gordon. had the papers served
on DR.. Jones as soon as the case was
dismissed by Justice Crutchfeld.
DR.. Jones is in charge of the Quaran-
tine Department at Newport News har-
Dor, and has under his control a number
OF tugs, which ply the neighboring
waters of the harbor and James river
as tow-boats for vessels. In manage
ment Of one of these little steamers. the
Henry Christian, which is frequently
visitor to Richmond's harbor, was Cap
tain Morris, until the evening of Janu-
AIRY 5th on this evening Captain Morris
visited Dr. Jones's office, I'm Newport
News, and was discharged and paid up
for his past services. with the exception
Of 1920 This DR. Jones claimed he with
held to insure himself. because. contrary
TO his instructions. Captain Morris said
he had paid the engineer of the tug $50
on his months wages. and he wished to
ascertain II this was true.
HOW THE MONEY COLLECTED.
When Captain Morris left the quaran-
tine officers place, Dr. Jones told him he
could have a passage to Richmond the
next day on the Henry Christian, which
had been then. as he thought. placed
under Captain Grant. When near this
city the idea struck him to examine the
tugs papers. which he did. and found
that they showed him still in command.
On a previous trip he had towed the
schooner Dora Allison TO this harbor, and
II was for the purpose Of taking her back
that the Christian this time came 10
Richmond AS soon as the Christian
arrived Captain Morris went around the
dock where the Allison was loading and
was told by her master that he had a
few moments previous engaged another
tug TO take the vessel back to Newport
News. but would pay him for the towage
up the river. This he did which was
$40. Captain Morris said he took the
money to get out his 1920 which is the
custom among boat masters and IS per-
mitted by law. As soon as he received
the money Captain Morris wrote to Dr.
Jones. telling him OF the collection. and
that he would send 1t down by Captain
Graves. of the Pocahontas. BY the next
mail he received a reply from Dr. Jones,
saying that he would not 20 near the
Pocahontas. and that he did not recog-
nize any collection made by him. Later
he wrote Captain Norris If he had the
money, TO pay it to Mr. Curry, an agent
Of DR.. Jones's. in this city. Captain
Morris then went to Mr.. Curry's place
and presented $3.50 which was refused,
because Mr.. Curry said he had no au-
thority to receive less than the full
amount-sO. This Captain Morris would
not pay over. IL was after this that
DIR. Jones brought criminal action. Cap
tain Norris was represented by Mr.. II.
NJ. Smith while DR.. Jones conducted his
own case.
Mr. Smith stated during the progress
of the hearing that ne would bring civn
action against DR.. Jones for his clients
full months salary OF $50 and the 1920
as well.
MORRIS HAS THE MONEY.
The so out of which this litigation
grew is still in the possession Of Cap
$35.S TO Mr. Curry who declined to re-
ceive less than the whole $40 collected.
the matter was laid before counsel, who
advised Captain Morris TO hold the money
and make a claim for a months salary
of $50. A good deal OF correspondence
followed this. and finally the Captain was
arrested I'm Newport News. where he was
confined in Jail three days before be-
ing brought to this city on Saturday last.
Other Police Court News.
Emma Sylvia was charged with beating
Fannie Thomas, and was fined 50 and
costs.
The case Of Henry Allen, charged with
stealing a pair of gold cuff-buttons, was
dismissed. There was not evidence sum-
Client to connect him with the theft.
Margaret Mills (colored) was charged
with beating Eliza Meekins, but Eliza
didn't appear. and so the case went over
until Thursday.
In the case of Charles jefferson (co-
ored), charged with beating Floyd Dick
erson also colored), the accused was fined
$40 and costs Dickerson received a good
beating this time. and Justice John
thought IL was worth an y.
Eddie Taylor (colored) was charged with
beating the same Floyd Dickerson. and
as he received another good thrashng,
Justice John thought it was worth an
other X
Henderson Johnson was charged with
fighting I'm the street and was fined 81
and costs.
The case Of William Wilkinson (col-
ored). charged with assaulting and beat
ing John Lockett, was continued until
Thursday. John did not show up.
Louis Washington (cOlOredl was charP-