Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-06-06
Alleged Slayer of Turner Faces a
Jury of His Countrymen.
COURT ROOM WAS CROWDED
Two Sisters OF tho Accused Embrace Him
In Court-Judge Hinton Proves n Stum-
bling Block to tho Prosecution The
Prisoner Has Many Syinpathizers Tho
Case VIII be Resumed This Morning.
Especial to virglnian-Pilot)

SuITolk. June o.-After a day of argu-
ment that once became almost personal
the Gillisan trial was this afternoon
adjourned until 10 o'clock tomorrow.
Every barrier but one to a continuous
trial was removed or an understanding
reached about It, That Is the illness of
Mrs. Susie Batten. OF Smlthfield, sis
ter of the prisoner, and one of his wit
nesses. She could not attend court to-
day. but may be better Tomorrow. A
doctor will make an examination and
report her condition to the court
Even If Mrs. Batten continues sick the
trial may go on, for the court would
have to rule on her materially as n
witness.
THOSE LOVE LETTERS.
After three continuances and many
fights and words about the love letters
written by Miss Turner to Gflligan. the
matter was disposed of to-day by a
ruling of the court that the originals
could be used by the defense, but they
must remain in the courts CUSTODY.
There was a representative but not
large crowd present Still there were
enough to nearly fill the court room.
While some remained on the outside.
There Is intense interest in the proceed
angs. This Ia the farmers busy season,
too.
Spectators from all the country sides
hereabouts began gathering early. They
sat about on benches under great over
managing maple trees that were fresh
and green in their spring-ti4n verdure.
The first ripple of excitement came
when the prisoner, Andrew Carter GILL;
gan. was driven on the court green in
charge of Sheriff Robert a Edward
and Deputy ]. A. Johnson, who had
gone to Petersburg last night. The
party got off at Zion this morning and
had breakfast with Sheriff Edwards at
his pretty country home, three miles
from the courthouse. Gllligan came on
inc scene at 1920. and was locked up
in the little jail
Then came another walt for those
who were there to see things. Two min
utes before eleven o'clock Miss Isabel
Turner. the prisoners sweetheart and
the victims daughter. was driven OH
the ground. She was attended by her
mother. Mrs. Agnes l.. Turner Both
were attired in black and heavily veil
ed. They were assisted out of their
carriage and retired to their rooms In
the hotel.
Sheriff Edwards called the court to
order cat 11:29. Mr.. Sam Edwards got
up and introduced to the court Colonel
j. Z. Baker. of Newport News. Colonel
Baker appeared for the defense.
Gilligan was brought into court at
1887. He walked boldly and indiffer-
emily from the nearby Jail and took n
seat by the 0blg round lawyers table
between Judge Hinton and Mr.. Ed
wards.
Gllligan looked to be in excellent
health. Ho wore n neatly fitting suit
of dark gray. tall white collar and
striped cuffs. He held his head erect
There was a Hull in the proceedings
as witnesses were called. The crowd
in the court house grew thicker. A few
whispers were exchanged 10y those
standing near each other. The court,
lawyers and spectators read copies of
the Virginian- Pilot, the only moning
paper which had come.
Colonel Boykin arose and declared
that the roll call showed several COM
monwealths witnesses had not arrived.
He did not wish to declare the States
readiness till he knew whether they
would come. as they were material. He
requested short wait. One OF the wit
nesses. he said. was Sheriff B. B. Ed
wards. of Surry county. whom he had
yesterday told that his evidence was
needed.
Judge Hinton united In the request.
He said the defense wanted nothing
but q fair trial. He wished the other
side to have all their witnesses.
The court ordered a wait. Court was
reconvened at 1:50 o'clock. Colonel r.
10. Boykin said the mmonwealth was
ready. They had heard from Sheriff
Edwards, OF Surry, whose delay was
caused by the fact that he had to leave
home at O'Clock this morning to make
an arrest. He had no deputy whom
he could send. Colonel Boykin hoped
. the excuse would satisfy the court. He
again announced the States readiness.
Judge Hinton asked that witnesses
dor the defense be called. He announc-
ed to the court that one of his witnesses,
Mr. Howle. was absent this morning. Na
Mad n chill, but was now on the groun a
lle had been examined by DR.. Ward
Judge Hinton said Weed was absent,
hut he was not going to ask n con-
t1nnnnce on that ground.
The speaker said his side wanted
nothing hut n fair trial. He wanted
everything put on record.
Judge Hinton then brought UP the
question Of love letters. The defense
had been trying to get them three
months. He said the letters were JUS;
as much Gilligan's property as his coat.
The lawyer hcgan telling what they
expected to prove by the letters. and
the jury was excluded. Colonel Boy
kin and Mr.. Holland interrupted
He said the letters would prove that
the young people were lovers and that
Gilligan had gone TO see her by her in
Vitation. that he was OH the farm the
fatal night by Miss Turner's invitation.
He said "Gilligan had the alidacity to
fall in love with n lady, who had the
temerity to fall In love with linn"
Judge Hinton fought hard for the
letters which he said belonged to the
defense as much as any of their per-
sonaa property.
He excepted at the removal of pros
pective ta1eslnen.
Colonel Boykin made a brilliant re-
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