Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1900-02-18
HUNT TI0NERlIB)'
BEFORE JUSTICE G. E. GREER
Yesterday-Testimo Was COmplet-
ed Shortly After Noon, When the
Justice Dismissed the Charge.
Hunt Broke Down for the First
Time During the Hearing.

George Hunt, of West Liberty, was
yesterday discharged by Justice w. W..
Rogers, after a preliminary hearing on
the charge of numbering Harvey Wells,
carpenter of that town. Hunt, during
the hearing of his case, which contin-
ued all day Friday and yesterday af-
ternoon until o'clock, kept his nerve
until the justice rendered his decis-
ion totally generating him of the
charge, when he broke down complete
'ly, but only for minute. The decis-
ion was made in the Office OF the
county Jail at o'clock yesterday af-
ternoon in the presence of large
crowd of spectators. AS soon as the
Justice finished speaking, Hunt was
surrounded, almost everyone present
pressing forward to congratulate him.
The hearing was resumed at eleven
o'clock yesterday morning before JUS
tice Rogers in the Circuit Court room.
The evidence was very brief, the de-
fence closing, after putting on three
witnesses. One more witness was
heard for the State and then the argu-
ments were submitted Prosecuting
Attorney Meyer made the usual request
to hold the prisoner. The arguments
of the defense were very short, much
stress being put on the time that
elapsed between the time Hunt struck
Wells and that of Wells death, and
especially on the conflicting testimony
of the physicians.
The first witness put on the stand
yesterday morning by the defense was
colored man named Champ Thomas,
of West Liberty. He testified to find
ing Wells lying on his back in field
near the Wells home in an unconscious
condition. To the best of the witness
knowledge, this was on or about Feb
ruary 2, 1900.
Attorney Dunlap was the next wit
ness. He testified to representing Hunt
in criminal action brought by Wells
before Justice Gardner, of Liberty dis
trict, on the charge of assault with in
tent to kill. The Justices decision ex-
onerated Hunt and Wells was placed
under bond to keep the peace.
Justice of the Peace Gardner, of Lib
erty district, was the next witness. He
corroberated the testimony of Attor-
ney Dunlap. At the conclusion of JUS
tice Gardeners testimony the defense
rested.
Mr.. Meyer then put on the stand
Frank Johnson, carpenter, who work.
ed with Wells. Johnson stated that
after the fight Wells seemed dull and
communicative. In his work he was
afraid to venture on high places, where
IL ere was any chance of falling. When
asked on cross-examination by Mr..
Boyce If Wells was a drinking man,
witness answered he was man who
would take drink. When the witness
fl ished the case was argued and sub
mitted. Justice Rogers fixed 3 o'clock
p. m. for the time and the office of the
county Jail the place for rendering his
decision.
AT o'clock the jail office was crowd
ed. Justice Rogers asked, "Are the de-
PENDANTS attorneys here?"
Messrs. Boyce. Addleman and Dun
lap answered affirmatively.
The Justice continued II have de-
cided, gentlemen, to discharge this
prisoner. l don't consider the evil
Gence strong enough"
Then 1t was that Hunt broke down
for the first time during the hearing.
1t was reported that the case might
be taken before the grand jury, but it
is highly improbable.