The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 18??-19??, 1902-03-25
Especial to News and Observer

Elizabeth City, y. c., March 22.-"Guil-
ty of murder in the first degree" said the
jury of jim Wilcox. He stood up and
heard his doom fearlessly. His nerve still
did not forsake him. 1t was 1910 o'clock.
A short time before q recess had been
held ana crowds were gathering about
the court house. There were knots of
nervous men hurrying here and there in
the moonlight.
Judge Jones. who had been TO District
Attorney Wards office, went straight to-
wards the building. Mr.. Ward started the
other way but soon doubled The jury
left left their hotel but did not take
the direct route.
The harsh changing of the court house
bell told people something was about to
happen.
Several hundred people followed Judge
Jones, who told the sheriff to ask the
jury if they had agreed. The prisoner
was there, hands folded. composed, scan
ming the faces of the jurors. Clerk Jen-
nings asked if they had agreed. Derrick
insCn was named as foreman. Wilcox
stood Up and held up his right hand
WILCOX CALMEST OF ALL.
No man in the building was more
brave than he. | was watching his face
four feet away as the foreman said the
words that meant death. Not Il muscle
of his face moved. Other people in the
room We're nervous. Some cried. Law
yer Aydlett shed tears 1t was 4 solemn
scene there in the yellow glow Of the oil
The Judge said April 25th was the
tine Wilcox should die, between IL and
3 o'clock. Sheriff Wilcox looked sad bat
was not GemOnstrative. The doomed
man uttered 10 word as he sat down
again. The brave bearing throughout
the ordeal did not forsake hin, at the
end, but he sat there like a pale-taceG
statue, while lockers on We're nervous
and trcmhlod Nisibly.
District Attorney Ward said it was
the most remarkable nerve he had ever
heard of or read of. The conviction is
a great victory for Ward, Sheriff
GraDdy said Wilcox would be confined in
the same cell.
The prisoner was led away. He
walked with a firm step, his hoad erect.
COUNSEL WILL APPEAL.
Many citizens said the verdict was
but a vindication of justice; some ex-
pressed sympathy for the young man.
Counsel Will appeal to the highest
courts.
There was . first night crush about
the single telegraph office. Paper, and
individuals all over the country bad
wired for the verdict.
Judge Joces made an impressive talk
as he sentenced Wilcox. lie said:
1T is sadder to me than you. Mr.. vii
cox. The jury found the facts. gave
the law. You have had d fair trial. Part
OF tho public were afraid to give it % Won.
l am Informed that the movement in the
court house here FRIDAY when a crowd
ntarched out was pre-arrangcd. hope
such was not the case. If il was true
and the offenders brought before me
would send every man. woman and ,1ld
TO Jail for contempt. If the mov" was
for a purpose it was a disgrace ID ne
falr name of the Ounty. / hop Il did
not influence you gentlemen in the Last.
1he Judgment of the court is that th2
prisoner be removed to jail and be hanged
dead by the neck on April 25th."
The judge said that in sentencing
Wilcox to die April % O: in his remarks
he did rot mean to wound the feelings
OF the Wilcox family nor of the CropScy
family. The judge has scered atso-
lutcly fair throughout.
Asked about the verdict late tonight
Lawyer Andrew G. Cropsey. Of New
York, said it would never be set aside.
He declared with emotion that there
was enough evidence to hang the pris-
oner ten times over, u strong chain of
circum5tantial evidence tina could not
be broken. He was Nell s uncle.
Judge ~ her father. seemed
satisfied VITA tn" decision but his de
mcanCr was calm.
The Misses cropsey were not in the
building tonight. At home they heard
about the verdict Of death with ladyIike
dignity.