The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1901-04-10
STATEMENT BY HOLTON
Takes Great Credit For Acting in In.
terests Of Peace.
JUDGE BOYD APPROVES HIS COURSE
They Don't Discuss the Question Of lnnocenc'
or Guilt, But Say the Best Men Of the
State Wanted the PrOsecu-
ton Stopped.

Especial to News and Observer,)
Greensboro N. c., April 9.-Just before
Federal court adjourned this afternoon,
District Attorney Holton arose and stated
that he desired to call up certain cases
(meaning the cases against the Demo
cratic registrars). The clerk was then
instructed to enter an order of pole
prosqui in all the registration cases. The
District Attorney made the following
statement:
In view of the situation in this State
and the general desire for peace and
quiet, and in consideration of what we
conceive to be for the best interest of
the State, we respectfully recommend to
the court that, in these cases, a nolle
prosequi be entered upon the terms and
conditions following; that is to say:
First. That the United States Attorney
reserves the right to reinstate these
cases and prosecute them when, in his
opinion, the public good requires.
Second. We are prompted to pursue
this course in consideration of the recon-
mendations made to US by leading con-
servative men of the State, of all politi-
cal parties as that course would, in their
opinion, best subserve the public well
fare. regardless of the guilt or innocence
of the parties.
Third. That this course is recon
mended without passing upon the question
of the guilt of the parties, inasmuch as
according to the testimony in the possess
sion of the government, the defendants
IN, int osrry,f ,Irr h.
vcted; but with the sole desire to furth-
er what is conceived to be promotive oil
peace and quietude in the State, and
with the firm belief on our part that
it is the desire of the abiding citi-
zens of the State to secure and enforce
the constitutional right of every citizen
and fully protect him in the exercise OF
his elective franchise and privileges.
''If these commendable purposes car
be accomplished or subserved we con-
slider it to be for the best interest of the
State in the present state of affairs, tc
discontinue the further prosecution oil
these cases, with the understanding thai
conditions hereafter are to be such that
there will be no necessity for the prose
cution of such cases."
In ordering the cases mol prosed, Judge
Boyd said: sa'sshissaAasa i
"The court approves the course taken
by the District Attorney, because / be-
lieve that it will be better to subserve
the future peace and good order of the
State than would a further prosecution
of the indictments. | am not oblivious
to the conditions which surround me, and
am satisfied that those who represent
the best classes of citizens desire to up
hold the good name of the State, and
preserve that harmony and good will
among our people which ought to prevail
for the best interests of all.
Il have confidence in the integrity of
those who have suggested the action
taken today in these cases, and COM
mend the District Attorney that he has
responded to a request which seems to
come to him as a command from repre-
sentatives of the best social and busi-
ness elements of the State. The cessa-
tion of the turmoil which has afflicted
us, the restoration of peaceful and cor
dial relations among our people are con
siderations far above those which may
enter into any individual prosecutions.
believing that the discontinuance OF
these cases is long step toward the
realization of conditions so material to
the future welfare of the community, /
desire to express my hearty approval of
the action which has been taken and |
am sure that all good citizens will join
me in the hope that what. has been done
here today will have the effect to cement
together our people in closer bonds of
friendship and inure to the inestimable
blessings of peace and good order among
u.s."