The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-01-07
HIS REASON, PERSONAL
HE WITHDRAWS NO STATEMENT
UPON THE RECORD.
IS WILLING TO RETURN RETAINERS
Mr. Avirett Denounces as False an Alleged
Newspaper Charge That he Attempted to
Intox cate or Entrap Certain Witnesses
His Personal Reference.
His Personal Reference.

Salisbury, n. c., Jan. 6.-(Special.)- If
you publish any statement concerning
my notice of intention, with the courts
permission, to withdraw from the North
Carolina Railroad lease case, please
print the following as my statement,
taken by the official stenographer.
Mr.. Avirett said: "If the court
pleases, before this examination pro-
ceeds further, l desire to give notice that
at the first hearing of this case before
his honor, Judge Simonton, l asked
permission OF the court to retire from
this case for reasons good and salts
factory to myself, which reflect upon
and concern no one save myself and my
clients. l understand under the practice,
although my appearance was entered be-
fore the master, that the consent of
the court is necessary before counsel
can be permitted to retire from any case
whatsoever. Until that consent is had,
| shall make no statement further than
the statement which | have made that
my reasons concern only myself. l de-
sire to. say that my withdrawal is not
made because of any lack of confidence
in the cause of these defendants, and
that it is made entirely without prejudice
to them, or without the withdrawal
upon my part of any statement now
upon that record heretofore made by me.
IL the court so rules, and my clients then
consent, l shall have great pleasure in
returning any retainers which have
been paid me, and be released from all
connections with the case except as a
stockholder in the North Carolina rail-
road, and a citizen OF North Carolina.
Before | conclude, there is one matter
concerning which | feel that / am en-
titled to ask the indulgence of the court
to make a statement. There have been
published certain alleged interviews
with me from tine to time in the con
duet Of this case, some of which coRtafn
fair and truthful statements, some of
which were false. Perhaps the most
remarkable newspaper publication CON
cePniug this case occurred here in the
town Of Salisbury l have not seen the
article and do not care TO see it, The
article | am informed, however, accuses
me In substance of attempting to intoXi-
cate or entrap certain witnesses; that
charge is absolutely false. If my own
experience which is recorded in the laws
and courts of Maryland, was not sad
enough TO induce me never, under any
circumstances, for any pUrpose to at
tempt to use any intoXicant to influence
the act OF any person, my respect for
this court and my respect for my oath
would certainly have prevented my being
guilty OF so infamous an action. | was
advised by his honor, Judge Simonton
at Columbia, 10 pay no attention tC
newspaper attacks upon counsel. l feel
however, as stranger in this State
though my forebears died here, that
have q right to make this statement
particularly in view of the fact that
/ have been myself peculiarly a victim
Of the use OF intoxicants, and because
have tried in number of ways to help
others to abstain from it. l think the
court and counsel on both sides for theiI
courtesy and kindness and consideration
and respectfully withdraw from al
connection with the case pending the
ruling Of his honor, Judge Simonton
Further than this l decline to make, and
hope ] will not be put in the position OF
making any statement.
PHILIP WILLIAMS AVIRETT.'