The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-12-20
EXPLAINS in HIS CHARGE
FINDS A DECREASE OF IT IN THE
WEST.
DENOUNCEs PROFESSIONAL WITNESSES
Out of Ninty-SK Cases Before the Grand Jury
''Not True Bl' Was Returned in 40
Cases. The Jurymen Say These
40 We're Frivolous Cases.
40 Were Frivolous Cases.

Federal court took a recess yesterday
until January End.
No cases of importance We're disposed
of during the day, though half a dozen
moonshiners were tried and convicted.
Among them was a white MAN,
Rosa Hopson, who lives in the southern
part of this county. She was found
gilty of retailing, but was released in
consideration of the fact that she had
been in Jail for six months.
During the trial of Wilson Womble,
a well-to-do farmer living near Apex,
Mr.. Herbert Norris, his attorney,
charged that the witnesses against him
were professional witnesses; that they
had been down here for the last three
courts. had testified in a great number
Of cases, both before the United States
Commissioners and in the court and
during that time had made more out of
the government than they had made on
their farms in five years.
Then when this case was given to the
jury Judge Purnell took occasion, in
referring to the evident prosperity OF
the defendant and the large number of
cases that have been sent up from his
neighborhood, to say that there is moth
ing that so demoralizes and debauches
community as an illicit dis
tillery. 1t not only breeds vices OF
every kind, he said but it is a cess pool
into which strong meh are often drawn
to their great hurt.
.tIn the Western district" continued
the Judge. Il am glad to say that the
people are beginning to realize this, and
there is healthy public sentiment thar
will not allow the erection or operation
Of an illicit distiTlery. As a result this
violation of the revenue law is becoming
less frequent But in this district it is.
am sorry to observe on the increase.
When public sentiment in community
says illicit distilling must stop. it stops.
When it permits it, they spring up on
all Sides
Womble was convicted of removing
liquor from an illicit distillery and
Judgment against him was suspended on
payment of the cost.
Joseph whitley, the Nash county
farmer who was convicted Of conduct
ing a distillery in his tobacco barn was
sentenced to thirty days IN jail and to
pay fine o. $500 III the fine is not
paid before court adjourns Whitley will
lie given six months in Jail.
Other cases disposed of yesterday By
the court were:
Devereux Lee, illicit distilling Plead
guilty. Judgment, GO days in jail and
500 fine
Pierce Hicks, retailing; verdict, guilty.
A. r. Spence, illicit distilling. Judg-
ment, 60 days in jail and 500 fine.
Docia Williams, retailing: verdict.
guilty. Judgment, 30 days in jail and
500 fine.
Spot Sanford, retailing; verdict, not
guilty.
The grand-jury, which was discharged
Monday night, passed on 96 cases. In
80 of these true bills were found and
III 40 Of them not true bills.
District Attorney Bernard was asked
the cause Of the large number of mot
true bills I"
There are two causes for it, he
said. 1.-THE fault no doubt is partly the
grand jury's find that they have been
disposed to cross-question witnesses and