The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1901-07-14
WHY He WITHDREW
Mr.. Norris States His Reason
For His Action.
He Thinks That Judge Robinson's Conduct 10.
ward Him in Court Was Wrong and His
Words 10 Him Were Insulting.

To the Editor: Referring to the unpleas-
ant incident that occurred between Judge
Robinson and myself in Wake Superior
Court Friday, u inst during the trial OF
Haryel and Stevens for an ARRAY, re-
ported in your paper of yesterday, permit
me to state the facts, as | remember
them, in justification of myself, and that
my friends and the public may be fully
informed The contest being between
the two defendants, it became necessary
for me to introduce my client, Harvell,
as a witness, whose direct statement ala
not occupy more than five minutes. In
his statement he said Stevens entered
upon land under his control COTTON field
after having been forbidden; and on day
of ARRAY after being told to get out
Stevens went into woods adjacent to his
field. that he, Harvell, followed to see ii
Stevent left premises, and as he entered
woods. Stevens. who was behind some
bushes. attacked him, and a fight resulted.
| then asked witness to state position of
Stevens, when in field. relative to path
leading from stevens house to Ram
brants (where Stevens claimed to have
been going with a view to showing
Stevens had gone in field of Harvell to
did not understand, repeated question in
different form; when the Judge (who am
informed had been and was looking out
OF window at rear of Judges stand) IN
violent, insulting and abusive tone OF
voice said: "Dont answer that question
stand aside-we have heard enough
about bushes" Counsel for Stevens, Col.
Argo, objected to witness going off stand
as he had not cross examined him, as also
had not the solicitor, a right both had,
which the judge had overlooked. then,
rising to my feet, asked Judge in quiet
and respectful manner IL / could explain
my question and purpose of same-as 1t
was apparent he did not know what the
question was; whereupon the judge in the
same violent, insulting and abusive tone
of voice said: mo, l want no explana-
tion-the more / try to connect things
the worse you tear them up-sit down
the time of this court shall not be taken
up this way" Having been, not exceed
ing ten minutes examining this witness,
and being as courteous az | knew how,
and knowing that my question was en-
tirely proper (neither the solicitor or OPP
posing counsel Directing to same) could
not submit to such an unprovoked insult,
and maintain my self respect; hence /
asked permission to withdraw from the
case there being no other alternative. |
am glad to say, that so far as / know,
the bar of this city, and all who heard
the unpleasant episode approve my
course, as did nay client.
/ desire to say further, that I have
been In the active practice of law for
about 10 years, enjoying good and in
creasing clientage. during which time |
have been appearing In all the courts of
this State; and have also appeared in the
courts of several other States, and have
never, to my knowledge, been otherwise
than courteous, and respectful to all tri-
bunals, and have received the same treat
ment in return, except from Judge Robin
son. / might, of course, feel Inundated,
somewhat, in consequence of his action
towards me. but for the fact that others
have received similar treatment from him,
who has, am informed stuffed eetten in
his ears in open court, to indicate his
contempt for a reputable attorney
think SUD- conduct is wrong, to use no
stronger language. on the part any per-
son, and especially Judge; and l desire
To apter my protest and condemnation OF
same, as | believe the public will.
H. E. NORRIS.
Raleigh N. c., July 18th.