Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-01-10
MUST RETURN THE FURNITURE.
The Charge Against Harris Dis
missed Upon This Condition.

missed Upon This Condition.
The instalment furniture case Of Ed
ward Harris was heard in the Police
Court yesterday morning. and the in
vestigation resulted IN the dismissal OF
the charge. AZ this was made test
case. much interest was manifested In it.
Mr.. Harris. who IS an agent of the
J. H. Busby furniture-house, was charged
with entering the dwelling Of Virginia
Williams (coloreD, and taking, stealing,
and carrying away a suit Of furniture
and articles Of bedding. The warrant
was practically issued against Mr..
Busby who is proprietor of the furnl-
ture establishment. who was himself
present and who was represented by Mr..
H. NJ Smith, while Mr.. NJ. l.. Maury
conducted tho prosecution.
Nearly three years ago Virginia VIII
I liams purchased a suit of furniture,
valued at SIT. from Mr.. Busby, on the
instalment plan, and since the time OF
purchase has paid on the contract $50.
Several months ago the plaintiff moved
from the house In which she was then
living, and went into service, renting
storage-room for the furniture in the
house OF a colored woman, named Corne-
liza Rowland with the understanding that
when out of service she and her hus-
band might occupy the apartment, and
that in their absence It might be used
as kitchen by the woman from whom
il was rented. Virginia paid the install
ments as they became due, until August
md had at that time paid $50 She then
vent into service in Albemarle county,
where she remained until the 4th instant
During this absence she received a bill
from Mr.. Busby, and replied. asking
leniency, and promising 10 make an
other payment Immediately upon her re-
turn on the first of the month
Nothing more was heard from the fur
niture-house, and when she reached the
city on Monday night last she went to
the dwelling where she had left her
possessions. and found everything gone
Upon inquiry she learned that few
days ago Mr.. Harris had come and
taken the goods away. and she Informed
her husband Of the proceeding, and he
had the warrant issued for Mr.. Harris's
arrest.
Counsel for defendant contended that
the proceeding OF his client was justi-
fed BY the contract under which the
purchase was made, and upon this
ground his Honor's decision was made
Justice Crutchdeld gave Il as his opin-
ion, however. that the whole transaction
was Illegal. and that the furniture com
pany should have placed writ OF
detinue in the hands OF the high con-
stable, and that disposition of the furni-
ture should have been under his super
vision, and, further that the furniture
should be returned and placed i'm posi-
ton. as found. This Mr.. Busby said,
should be done before o'clock OF the day.
and the case passed into record.
Edward Sims (colored). charged with
being disordsrly and using profane Ian
guage in the Second Market. during the
market hours was fined $50 and costs.
TWO colored damsels-Maggie Davis and
Belle notwithstanding enraged, came
10 blows, and Belle received beating
nc Maggie's hands which cost the latter
$50 and costs.
Pat Willis. a young man, but an old
sinner, charged with being disorderly in
the street and resisting an officer I'm the
discharge OF his duty, was fined s. and
costs. and security In 500 for twelve
months was required.