The age-herald., 1898-01-18
JOHN WRIGHT WAS CLEARED
Charged With the Murder of
 John Maherg.
IT OCCURRED DURING 1895
Wright Fled and Did Not Return Until Last Year Two Suits For Damages Filed in
 City Court

John Wright, charged with the murder of John Maherg, a negro, was found not guilty by jury in the criminal court yes terday afternoon.
 The non-capital felony docket was first taken up and the following juries organ ized: -.. ....
 No. 1-Robert Goodwin, R. L. Perry, W. Robbins, J. H. Hagood, A. B. Waldrop, J. M Gilbert J. T. Vines, O. s. Wear, w. Shelton, B. B. Givins, c. B. Rogers, W. M. Shoemaker.
 No. 2-W. M. Franklin, l.. Gluck, J. L. Hurst, T. R. Crittenden, J. P. Eaton, F. R. Buck, I. R. Parsons, w. M. Beckett, D. P. Shelton, P D. Goodwin, M. O. Fields, E. L. Smithson.
 The first case taken up was that of John Wright, charged with murder in the sec- ond degree. The state was represented by Attorney Lee c. Bradley and the defense by Attorney F. E. White
 Wright, who is a well known young man of this city, shot and killed James Maherg, negro man, in second avenue, near Four teenth street, in August, 1895. From the testimony of Wright and his witnesses it appears that Wright was walking down Second avenue with companion and had been drinking. As he neared Maherg's, the negro ordered him to stop cursing. It is alleged that the negro was invited out to make him stop, and accepted the invita- tion, attacking Wright with a short stick club when Wright pulled his pistol and shot, striking the negro in the breast, from the effect of which he died in short time. Wright immediately left the city, and re- mained away until February 1897, when he returned and surrendered to the sheriff and gave bond for his appearance.
 A plea of self-defense was set up. num- Der of witnesses were examined by both sides
 MT. Bradley, for the state, made the opening argument, asking for a conviction MT. White made earnest appeal for his client, asking that he be acquitted on the plea of self defense.
 Judge Greene then gave the charge and the jury retired. After remaining out for about forty-five minutes the jury asked for further instruction on the law of self-de- fense which was given them by the judge. They again retired, and after a few min utes returned verdict of not guilty.
 The cases against West Jones, Will Jor- dan and others, charged with robbng rail- road cars, were set for hearing yesterday, but were passed until 9:3O o'clock this morning.
 In the City Court.
 Two suits for da nages were filed in the city court yesterday. Mrs, A. M. Stewart entered suit against the Louisville and Nashville Railroad company for s5,000. She alleges that while crossing the tracks at Eighteenth street on a bicycle on Sept. 8, 1S97 she was struck by engine which was being operated by the defendant, and was bruised and injured and her wheel greatly damaged.
 Walter Booker also entered suit against the Louisville and Nashville Railroad company for s3000, alleging that while ployed as fireman he was injured in a collision which occurred Sept. 29, 1897, through the alleged carelessness of the en- gineer.
 B. D. Jefferson filed suit in the city court yesterday for divorce from Minnie Jefferson on the grounds of abandonment and adu- tsry.
 In the first division the following juries were organized:
 Jury No. 1.--W. H. Anderson, J. D. Ca- ruthers, J. T. Guardian, l.. IL. c. Wesson John T. Savage, D. A. McCord, w. S. Reaves, John Wise, D. H. Nebbett, John c. Nickname. Walter Kirtland,. W. W. Reese. Jury No. 2.--F. L. Bivins, w. A. Falker. w. Hagood, Perry Higgins, M. J. Jones, G. B. Jacks. R. L. Lovelady, James Eilard, J. P Reed, J. b. Ellis Mac Sloss, P. Cos minsky
 No case was aken up this morning, all being passed.
 In the second division the following cases were acted upon:
 Several cases were passed to be rescn In the case of the First National bank vs America Hagood, assumpsit, verdict for the plaintiff was rendered in the sum of $3,S4015.
 The case of Dennis J. Kelley vs. the Mabel Mining company, damages, was taken up and is on trial
 In the second division the following cases were disposed of:
 Lippie Moore, pro ami, -vs the Tennes- see Coal, Iron and Railroad company; judg- ment for $50.
 Mayor and Aldermen of Birmingham vs. Rutherford & Hudnall, defendants, and J. J. Odom and Pratt City Saloon company {, garnishee; dismissed for want of prosecu- tion.
 R. R. Morris vs N. B. Casey, D. l.. Bridges and w. H. Reynolds defendants, and J. L. Lockwood garnishee; dismissed by plaintiff.
 In the Circuit Court.
 The civil docket was taken up in the cir