Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1897-04-28
THE FAIRFAX ASSAULT CASE.
When the GAzETTE's report closed at

~ O'CLOCK yesterday evening OF the
second trial at Fairfax of James Lewis
colored, for an assault on old Mrs
from the Clifton venire. The three
others were not secured till 6 O'Clock
when the trial was begun with the fol.
lowing jury A. j. Kidwell, M. Nj
Payne, f. G.. Mayhem, John NJ. Ford,
F. M. Ford. Louis Hunt, Thomas Har-
rison, Robert n. Ions, A. w. Robinson,
Berkeley Kidwell, J. F. Johnson and
Edward Stalant.
A large crowd was present, many
coming from adjoining towns, and the
feeling against The prisoner and the
action, or rather want of action, of the
former jury was intense.
About o'clock r. E. Thornton, one
of the counsel for the defense, received
message from ex-Congressman Mere
dith, at Manassas, stating that crowd
was coming from Prince William to
help hang the negro. Another mes.
sage was received that crowd was
coming from lower Fairfax. This news
seemed to brace up the crowd at the
court house.
Gov. O'Ferrall was criticised for his
action regarding the Alexandria lynch
ing. The crowd collected in groups,
and the excitement increased.
When the jury had been properly
sworn, an opening statement was made
by the prosecution and defense, and
Mrs. Reidel took the stand. Judge
Lipscomb announced that he would
try the case if it took all night.
The testimony of Mrs. Reidel was
without any material change from that
given on Monday. She is ill from the
intense strain and excitement in attend
ing court. During the night the court
house was crowded with farmers and
farm hands, awaiting patiently the re-
suit of the trial. Emanuel Reidel,
George. Appich, the interpreter, and
Sheriff Gordon gave their testimony o.
Monday over again.
Lewis was put upon the stand, and
during the cross. examination became
impudent. He did not help his case
any from his testimony. The argyll
ment in the case was commenced at
1880 p. m.
At l:20 o'clock this morning the court
finished its charge and the case was
given to the jury. After being in their
room some time the jury reported that
they could not agree as to the punish
ment. Eleven stood for hanging and
one for six years in the penitentiary
Intense excitement prevailed and at
3 O'Clock three pistol shorts were fired
outside the court house. Mr.. Il. Wal
ton Moore entered the building and
announced that he and his friends were
not responsible for the disturbance out.
side, but that the patience of the PEG.
pie of Fairfax was being severely test.
ed. In the meantime number of men
entered the building and took q stand
behind the prisoner. The sheriff see
ing rope dangling from under the
coat of one of the men took it from
him and reported the fact to the court
Judge Lipscomb in tired way replied
ooh, throw it away"
The court remained in session till
after daybreak and the prisoner and
Jury were kept in the building as pre-
cautionary measure.
Before leaving the bench at 5 O'Clock
this morning Judge Lipscomb ordered
another jury, the third, and then adj
journed court till 10 o'clock this morn
ing.
Much excitement prevailed; indigna
( ton was freely expressed and threat;
, of violence were heard.
The jurymen who had voted thai
the man was guilty and then refused
TO agree with the others were roundly
condemned.
There he's been a disposition on ths
part of the people to give the man q
| fair and just trial, and this they say h,
has already had, and it is now time
the community should act, in view O
the fact that the jury has failed tt
do so.
RICHMOND, Va, April Ex-Governor
O'Ferrall this morning ordered the
Monticello Guards. of Charlottesville
: to proceed Immediately to Fairfax
Courthouse to protect the negro Lewis
who is on trial there for his life for an
-. alleged outrage on Mrs. Reidel. Lynch
iug is feared and the Governor desire:
to prevent repetition OF the recent
5 mob violence at Alexandria.
CHARLOTTESVILLE, April 2S.-By
order of Governor O'Ferrali the Mon
+, tcello Guards left here to-day fo,
+; Fairfax to guard Lewis, the colored as
sailant of Mrs. Reidel
A telegram was received here TO-DAY
from Richmond stating that the reason
Governor O'Ferrall ordered the Char
lottesville company and not the Alex
andria Light Infantry to Fairfax is thai
he thought it best for the Alexandris
company to remain at home as G pre-
, cautionary measure, owing to the recen
excitement in this city.
by Home Telephone Line.
FAIRFAX COURTHOUSE, April 2S-.
p. m.-The court house bell is now
ringing announcing the opening c
f court. The late opening was caused by
delay in the arrival of the third venirl
from the Chantilly and Falls Church
neighborhoods. Mr.. Geo. Appich, o
Alexandria, who had acted Us interpre
r tor for Mrs Reidel, was summoned t,
, appear again to-day, but did not d.
so, and Mr.. Louis Kraft, of Alexandria
is here to act in that capacity.
? News was received here this morn
, inc that q military cop,peuv from, Gho r