The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-07-20
AMHERST BARM0VES
IN CAMPBELL CASE
They Memorabilia the Legis|a-
ture to Deal With it.
THE FACTS ARE SET FORTH
The Conduct of Judge Campbell is De-
elared to Be Unworthy of Judge
Having the Lives of Citizens
in His Keeping.
THE FACTS ARE SET FORTH
Especial Dispatch to The T,me,., ,

Of members OF the Amherst county ba
and endorsed by two lawyers of Nelson.
To the Honorables. the General Assem-.
bly, of Virginia:
We. the undersigned members Of the
Amherst county bar, feel called upon ia
bring to your attention this public ex.
preston of our sentiments in. regard
to the recent assault by Judge 6. J.
Campbell. Of the County Court of Am
oerst. upon Rev. G. II. Crawford
Inc following facts we believe are
ohoispnted by any one having knowI-
edse OF this unfortunate occurrence:
Mr. Crawford In March, 1902 published
IN the Christian Federation, a paper ed
TIED by him in the city of Richmond.
an article rejecting upon Judge Camp
oeil IN his administration of the local
option laws in force IN amherst county.
and insinuating that he had been I'M
GUY influenced in the giving of certain
instructions to a recent grand jury upon
this subject. Subsequently 10 the publ
cation Of this article and because of its
publication Judge Campbell issued a rule
embodying this said article therein and
citing Mr.. Crawford to appear before
his court TO answer a charge of contempt
founded entirely upon the said publica-
ton This rule Mr.. Crawford noting
with and upon advice of counsel ignored.
ATTACHMENT ISSUED.
Upon tho return Of the rule executed
and the failure of Mr.. Crawford to ap-
pear in answer thereto. Judge Campbell
awarded an attachment. addressed II
he sheriff of the city of Richmond, COM
handing him to bring Mr.. Crawford be-
ore th. County Court Of Amherst coun-
at its May term. Having been ar
>sted under this attachment, Mr.. Craw-
RI was brought by the sheriff of Rich
and before the County Court of Am
-st at its May term. 1902.
Upon the appearance in the courtroom
Mr.. Crawford with his counsel. Judge
". H Mann. at the May term of the
court, Judge Campbell left the bench and
sought from Judge Mann a. personal in
PRODUCTION to Mr.. Crawford, which was
given him. Judge Campbell Offering him
his hand and shaking hands with Mr.
Crawford.
Judge Ca77-!>ell then returning to the
bench called tho case against Mr. Craw-
ford. who t,leTeupon filed a written an
swer purging himself of the contempt
charged because Of his not having an
swered the rule. but saying that in max
Ing the publication charged against him
he but exercised his rights as a citizen
of Virginia in criticising the decision of
an ended matter.
Mr. Crawford having failed to admit as
true certain alleged interviews published
in the Richmond papers in reference to
the matter before the court, Judge Camp
bell continued the contempt proceeding
until the June term of his court SO that
he might summon the Richmond re-
porters.
In doing this Judge Campbell took &C
casion to say that a majority of the peo-
pie of Amherst would not believe the in
situations published against him. and
that therefore, he was not conducting
this prosecution because of any personal
Interest, and in fact denied that he had
any personal feeling in the matter.
CALLED FOR APOLOGY.
At the calling of the case at the June
term Mr.. Crawford again appeared with
Judge Mann. his counsel Upon the TAX
Ing UP of the case, though AIr. Crawford
did not desire to testify. and said so, and
though Judge Mann objected and eX-
copied to any questions asked or demands
made upon Mr.. Crawford. Judge Camp
bell from the bench called upon Mr.
Crawford to retract and apologize; but
Mr.. Crawford. while saying he did not
intend his publication to have meaning
given it by the court, said that he must
decline to retract what he had published
as in the sense that he intended it he
still believed that it was true
Thereupon the case being heard upon
argument OF Judge Mann for MT. Craw-
ford. Judge Campbell dismissed the pro-
ccedinEs and discharged Mr.. Crawford.
AS soon as ne had done this Judge
Campbell, without adiourning court
promptly left the courthouse. stopping
and standing on tho outside near the
door. On one arm he carried a walking
stick and in the other hand was a whip
or cowhide taken into the courtroom
with him that morning and brought out
with him as he came.
THE BLOW STRUCK.
In few minutes along with the Grove
coming out of the court room came Mr.
Crawford and Judge Mann. Judge Manr
and Judge Campbell shook hands anC
then Mr.. Crawford offered his hand Il
Judge Campbell. Judge Campbell ig-
nore6 the proffered hand and saying, II
effect, II gave you an opportunity u
apologize IN the court room and now
give you this, struck Mr. Crawford IA p
idly and violently a number of time:
across the head and face with his whil
or cowhide breaking and bruising The
skin IN one or more places and causing
blood TO fow.
Mr. Crawford was entirely nnarmet
and could only protect himself with hi:
hands. Judge Campbell is a man abou
forty years old, in the prime of life
above six feet tall. strong and athletic
in build and lusty in health. Mr.. Craw
ford is much older man with hair near
~ white. Of medium height, and to a de
gree nfi,n and weak. and obviously so
Such are the facts of a. case which ou'
sense Of self-respect as well as of tn,
duty that we owe to the high traditions
of our profession whose great aim il
has always been to secure justice to al
men under the forms and forces OF Law
will not allow to pass unnoticed.
SCATHING CONDEMNATION.
II is submitted that such conduct IS
unworthy a Judge wearing the ermine OF
a court into whose Keeping Virginia has
placed the lives and liberties of her cti.
Lens. and that man who. while a judge
has so conducted himself should not l,t
permitted longer TO hold the high com.
mission OF a Virginia Judgeship.
And having thus recorded our unqual
fled disapprobation anG condemnation OF
The aforesaid conduct of Judge Campbell
ne respectfully submit the matter tc
vour honorable body with entire Goa.
ndence that you will promptly deal witt
1t as It deserves to be dealt with.
tsigned)