The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-05-31

have been for several years subjects OF
comment in the Riddick family.
Mr. Saunders first cross-examfned Mr.
Riddck. In reply to his questions. the
witness said his son was a successful
student at college, and took his a. q de-
gree Roane had regularly attended all
the sessions of the Conference.
QUESTION OF INSANITY.
Mr.. Saunders asked NIr. Riddick If he
thought that because his son discussed
with him questions OF theology and dog
mas that was evidence OF sanity, and Mr..
Poage objected, and the point was briefly
argued. The court held that the question
was a proper one. Air. Ridd!ck, in reply,
said the fact that q person held peculiar
religious views was not per Sc evidence
OF insanity
What he meant by his testimony along
this line was that his fears as TO mis- SON
mental condition were first awakened when
he learned OF his remarkable and rapid
changes of religious views. Mr.. Riddick
had heard his son preach several ser
mons, but had not listened to him since
Roane had typhoid fever Those sermons
he had heard were correct and well bal
anced.
Mr.. Saunders asked Mr. Riddick if his
son had changed his religious views, as he
said he had done would il not have been
the proper course for him TO pursue to
retire from his Church, as he said he was
going to do? The witness replied IN the
affirmative.
Then you do not regard his threatened
action as evidence of insanity" asked
Sir. Saunders.
No: not per SCI replied Mr. Rtddick.
Mr.. Buford finally took Mr.. Riddick in
hand and closely questioned him as to
letters received by the family from the
prisoner. but no new facts were devei-
oped-
Mr.. Riddick, going more into details.
said there were many things that, taken
altogether had convinced him that his
sons mind was unsound once when on
a visit 10 him in Petersburg. Roane had
called him into his room. His son was
very much excited. and accused his father
OF insulting mis- wife.
The witness proceeded to tell that ne,
while a Presiding Elder. received a letter
from Roane complaining bitterly oil MS
Conference appointment, and accusing his
father OF treating him badly The son
threatened to arraign his father.
This latter part OF the testimony was
ruled out. The sons treatment OF his
father in a financial matter convinced the
witness fully that the young man HliId
was unbalanced. Counsel had a lively dis
cussion with reference to forcing the IN
PRODUCTION OF letters referred TO by MIR.
Riddick. as having materially aided him
in arriving at the conclusion that his
son was insane.
Inc court Gsc!uSu itiSis =. Lou ~ PNs}''St
TO force the defence 10 offer these letters
in evidence Then. on motion of the Com
| monweaith, the court ruled out all thst
portion of Mr. Riddick's testimony that
was based on these letters. The defence
excepted 10 this ruling
| OPPOSED THE MARRIAGE
It was brought out In the further cross
examination OF Mr.. Riddick that he and
ALI the family were opposed, for reasons
he did not state. 10 the marriage OF his
son. bur, he stated, that after marriage
! Mrs Roane Riddick was reated as a men,
| Der OF the family.
She often visited at his house Mr.. Rid
| dick concluded his testimony ar 8 O'Clock
and court adjourned until 10 A. " to-
| morrow.
His Ancestor Freakish-
Z ,,1rE,r,0r II VA. Nav 20 -SoaciaL-Rev.