The news & observer., 1897-08-26
THURSDAY, Angus
THAT N0LO C0NTENDERE PLEA.

It is virtual confession of guilt, or
at least it is so regarded generally, Tor
o man who lis accused of crime to enter
tho rare plea of nolo contendere. 1t was
naver heard of by most people in North
Carolina until it was entered in wake
Superior Court some years ago by ;.
Ohio Wilson. when under indictment for
belonging to secret political organlza-
ton.
Last week, in Vance county, we hear
of this plea again. this time having been
entered by DIR. Moss, Republican chair
man of the Board of County Comms-
sioners. who had been indicted upon
charge of having solicited a bribe of $ooo
to cast a vote to license the sale of liquor
in Vance county. When the case was
called for trial, DR.. Moss stepped for
ward with a plea nolo contendere, ac-
companied by, his resignation as chair
man of the Board of Commissioners. Be
fore permitting the plea, the Judge
caused this statement to be added to the
record "It appearing to the court that
the defendant has resigned his office as
county commissioner, upon request of the
Solicitor and his associate counsel, judg-
ment is suspended upon payment of all
costs"
On the day that this plea was allowed,
our Henderson correspondent wrote:
when the case was called it was asked
who appeared for the defendant. Mr..
Il. II. Hicks stated that he, Mr.. Pittman
and others had Leen appearing for DIR.
Moss, but that in view OF the statement
Of the Solicitor that he had plea of
'nolo contendere, which had been hand
ed him, he and his associates would ask
to be allowed to withdraw from the case
"The Solicitor stated that he held in
his hand plea Of nolo contendere, signed
by the defendant, ]. r. Moss, and that
he had been asked to have the same filed; ;
also that DIR. Moss had signed and hand
ed him his resignation as a county COM
missioner.
''Mr. Pittman, of counsel for defendant
stated that his indictment grew out
of refusal by the Board Of Commission
ers to grant liquor license; that DIR. Moss
was chairman and cast the deciding vote.
That he understood now that there was
a bargain for Moss to resign and for a
man to be put in his place who would
vote for license; that this was corrup-
tion, and that he would not be party to
it; that he had SO stated to DIR. Moss's
son-in-law, and asked the court to consid-
er him as no longer representing the de-
fendant
"Mr. Hicks, of counsel for defendant,
stated that he knew nothing Of it until
yesterday at 3 O'clock; that he did NOT
advise it, and wouh not act farther in
the case; that he did not believe that the
defendant could be convicted.
Similar statements were made by the
other counsel for defendant, Messrs.
harris and Eaton, to the effect that they
had not been consulted"
These attorneys stand high IN their
profession, and their declaration
will have weight wherever they are
known. Their action in the matter Is
highly creditable to them. Mr.. Pittman,s
declaration that he Understood now that
thefe was a bargain for Moss to resign
anu Tor man to be put in his place
VINO would vote for license: that this was
corruption" shows that the rascality did
not stop with soliciting bribe.
wherever Republicans are in power
there you find rascality, corruption and
degradation.
MOSS is a product of his party. Men
VINO want to put an end to these ex.
hlDitions must get togethr and burv
past differences. The preservation 20
aeceht government and AngIo-Sa
cViiization is of paramount importance