The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1901-08-29
ROGERS BOUND OVER
To THE SUPERIOR
COURT
The Offence Being a Capital
One He Can Give no
Bond.
AND He is SENT 10 JAIL
Miss Harris Declares He Accomplish.
ed Her Ruin by Threats
and Force.
AND He is SENT 10 JAIL
He STANDS BY HIS FIRST STATEMENT
Magistrates Decide Quickly the Case Must go
to Higher Court. Effort May be Made
Through Habeas Corpus Pro-
ceedings 10 Secure Bail.
Especial to News and Observer

Especial to News and Observer
Franklinton, N. c.. Aug. 27-The trial
OF Thomas S. Rogers charged with rape
on Miss Myrtle Harris, the 16-year- old
daughter of Mr.. Walter Harris, was held
today at Wilton, in Granville county. and
resulted in mis- being bound over to the
next term of Granville Superior court.
AS the offence is capital one. he was
had to go to Jail.
The trial lasted from noon till o'clock
tonight, and was heard by great crowd
of people from the surrounding section
The prosecution was represented by
James II. Pou, of Raleigh; L. L. Hicks, Of
Henderson, T. W. Beckett. of Louisburg,
and Frank P. Hobgood. Jr., of Oxford.
For the defendant Judge A. w. Graham,
of Oxford, appeared.
Five magistrates presided and they
were unanimous in their decision. They
were w. A. Blackley, w. II. Garner. L. d.
Davis, j. p. Jenkins and w e. Cannady.
The principal witnesses for the prosecu-
ton were the young lady and her father
and mother. who corroborated her testi-
mony in many material particulars.
She testified that the assault was COM
mitted on the evening of August 18th,
when Rogers had taken her driving and
turned aside from the road. She de-
clared that he used threats and force and
that fear of him prevented her telling
it for two weeks. Other testimony show
ed that during this time her demeanor
toward him was very much changed, and
finally she confided to her mother her
trouble.
The defense Of Rogers was about that
outlined in yesterdays paper. He ac-
knowledged the ruin of the girl and his
responsibility therefor but denied that
he had ever used threats or force. On
the contrary he sought to make it appear
that she had pursued him.
On cross examinati on Rogers admitted
that while he was debauching the girl he
was living at her fathers house accepting
his kindness end hospitality. He ac-
knowledged also that he had from time to
time told certain of his friends of his re-
lations with the girl.
number of character witnesses were
introduced for both sides. and the testi-
mony was concluded at o'clock. Counsel
the magistrates but few minutes to
arrive at their decision that the case
must go to a higher court.
Rogers is twenty three years old, son
of Wiley Rogers, of Creedmore, and was
at one time a student at the A.. and NJ
College of Raleigh He has relatives in
the county possessed of influence and
wealth.
1t was stated tonight after the trial
that an effort would be made through
habeas corpus proceedings to secure bail
for him. Judge Graham, his counsel,
when asked about this. said he had not
definitely decided, but he thought some
such steps would be taken.
Much sympathy is felt for Mr. Harris
in this matter. Only five months ago his
store and other property was swept away
by a cyclone and he received severe ply
steal injuries from which he has never re-
covered. FRED L. MERRITT.