The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-09-15
A REMARKABLE
COURT SCENE.
A COIored virago Uses a SIung Shot
on a Witness.
FOUGHT OFFICERS LIKE A TIGER.
The Bedford City Bank Cases Again
Postponed and Messrs. Berry aud
Mosby Were Baiied-Preparing
for the Military Banquet,

LYNCHBURG. VA. Sept. 14-Special-
The case OF John Hancock the negro who
is. charged with criminally assaultng
three little girls, was set Tor to-day, but,
on motion OF counsel for the accused, 1t
was continued until Wednesday, Septem-
Der 2lst
The Mayors Court this morning was
tho scene of most remarkable occur
renee. Elvira Robertson (cooreD was
being tried on a charge of larceny. and
Sarah Mayo. also colored. was in the
witness stand. tesdfying as 10 the iden-
tity OF certain articles which, it was
claimed the accused had stolen.
THE TIGREsS SPRINGS
Just as the witness stated that che
recognized certain shirts, the prisoner
arose as II 20 ask a question. She was
seen 20 put her hand behind her. as II
10 arrange her skirt, when. without any
warning, she drew from the folds OF her
dress d sling shot. All at once she as
sumed the strength OF d Hercules. the
agility OF a tiger. and the ferocity OF
lion. and, springing forward, she as
saulted the witness first with the slung
shot and then with her fists. The wit
ness was so much overcome by the sud
den attack. that she offered no resist
ance, and made no attempt 10 get away.
HARD TO HANDLE.
Before the police could interfere the
slung-shot had plowed two great gashes
In the left temple and on the left side OF
the head OF its victim. who soon became
covered with blood. Two policemen grab
bed the virago, but she twisted out OF
their clutches and, grabbing a huge
stone spittoon, hurled it vlciously into
the crowd.
A warning cry OF Look ont. there"
had prepared those In the line OF her
throw, and they moved aside. allowing
the spittoon 70 fall harmlessly. but heav-
fly against the bench In the rear Of the
courtroom.
BY this time the woman had become
livid with rage. and she fought everyone
who came near her.
Several officers ana court employees, as
sisted by one or two outsiders. grabbed
her ana with great difficulty conducted
her TO an iron cell near by
REMARKABLE STRENGTH
She resisted with power that seemed
almost superhuman. and tore the cloth
ing OF those who held her and scratched
their faces. arms and hands
Her abuse OF the witnesses. the court.
and the police force. was most protans
The slung shot was a four ounce jar OF
vaseline, with 4 heavy metal top. The
glass of the jar was perhaps an eighth
OF an inch In thickness The jar was
tied in a white cloth sufficiently long 10
give a powerful leverage. As a punish
ment for her conduct. the Mayor gave
the woman six months IN jail. In add
ton she will be tried for feionious assault
and for the charge OF larceny she was
sent on 70 the grand jury.
FOR MAIL ROBBERY.
Elijah Wheeler colorsd. was to-day
sentenced IN the United States Court 20
sixteen months IN the penitentiary for
cutting open a mail pouch in Appomattox
and stealing therefrom some money.
T. D. Berry and Charles l. Mosby, OF
Bedford City who are charged with vio-
lating the National Banking law in con-
nection with the dQiunct First National
Bank, OF that place. were to-day bailed
IN the sum OF 5000 each with o. c. Bell
and ]. ri. Walker sureties.
The case. which has been on tho docket
for a long time. was continued until the
third day OF the March term.
Mayor Smith to-day appointed large
number OF prominent persons on a COM
mittee 20 make arrangements for ban
qu~. 70 be given 70 tho returning Lynch
bu4 - 'ldiers.