The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 18??-19??, 1902-03-25
THE DAY OF DEATH SET FOR APRIL 18TH
The Sacredness of Woman's Life in North Carolina
is Protected.

waited Gil the jury , NtidlCb,
", but anxiously, almost breathlessly.
They couldn't see why it took them So
long. On the streets, in the stores,
around the Offices, IN hotel lobbies.
everywhere, nothing was talked of, moth
ing was thought of but the jury's verdict.
And the way some folks discussed it
would chill the blood Of a stole.
ASK FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS.
About ! o'clock the jury went back to
the court house 10 ask further instruc-
tions from the judge. 1t had been said
before hat the jury would have Judge
Jones come down to their hotel and eX-
plain some things. and II was no surprise
when they fled back into the court room
and sought enlightenment.
One of them asked the court to say
something about first and second degree
murder. The building soon filled.
Judge Jones went over the instructions
and rules already given and printed. He
explained the difference in murder de
grces and told them if there was doubt
it was their duty to give it to the prison
er. judge Jones cautioned the jury
again about allowing any foreign impress
sions or anything heard or seen beyond
the witnesses. He said if their verdict
was influenced by passion. prejudice or
any public sentiment shown during the
trial they would do violence to their
oaths, they would perjure themselves.
He told the jury to come back as often
as they liked, it was their duty, ana
have explained any point not fully undcr-
stood. He cautioned the jury not to
construe his words to mean that he had
an opinion in the matter, and if they had,
to treat his opinion with contempt, to
fine a verdict in accordance with the
facts. the evidence and nothing else.
In releasing the jury he said: Mr..
officer take these men back. If they
wish to walk let them do so, it is a hard
ship to keep them in a room after SO
long confinement, they need exercise.
Go back gentlemen"
The Judge repeated that before they
could find Wilcox guilty they must de
eide that his conduct was not only con-
sistent with guilt, but inconsistent with
innocence.
WILCOXS LANGUID INTEREST.
Some folks thought when the jury went
into the court room they had cone to
a conclusion, and there was excitement
for awhile. Wilcox was brought into
court. He sat in a section heretofore
used by reporters and watched with
ASNAAS oN ~ 'to AO HOSAH
no sign Of feeling or fear.
When it was all over and the Jury had
gone, District Attorney Ward remarked
to Mr.. Aydlett: "Vou don't want them
to clear him, do you?' Mr.. Aydlett re
piled, L don't know and passed on.
Mr.. Bond. another defense lawyer left
tonight for his home in Edenton without
having heard the verdict.
Mr.. Ward, who has labored so hard, Sc
conscientiously and so ably for the
States interest. waited for the finding
with the enthusiasm of a court-struck
novice. All day his constituents were
coming to him with congratulations for
the fight he had made. Mr.. Aydlett and
others for the defense, were also tc
siCgod with admirers.
Questioned about the danger Of vio-
lence, former Sheriff Wilcox, Jim's
father, said he anticipated no trouble
tonight. He thought the deputies sworn
III could keep order and save his son in
case the mob should try to do anything.
Mr.. Wilcox is a highly respected citi-
zen, and for his conservatism as we'll as
for his loyalty to his boy, the public
here gives out it's sympathy. Mr.. Will
cox, talking about the case with tears
in his eyes. He knew the situation and
dSp1Di % !. i ItdltItS J1II > pcSlllOu.
BETTER DEATH THAN PRISON.
1t is understood that Jim said toda,
he would rather be hanged than 20 20
States prison for q long time. The
maximum term here is thirty years.
There is a rumor that jim had a dream,
and said words about the case in his
sleep. words that showed his feeling. A
negro jail inmate is reported to have
o,-J tIo., yI;J,-, ,4-LI
against people following him between the
Jail and the court house. He is carried
to and fro without hand-cuffs.
When the verdict is brought in the
judge Will, if it is conviction, name the
day of death or the time in States
prison, and then the defense lawyers
have the right to appeal. which they
will. The elder Wilcox will spend his
whole estate before seeing Jim convicted
District Attorney Ward thinks he
knows one man on the jury who is hold
ing out for Wilcox. and there may be
others.
Mi. Ward does not think the two ne
Jurors count for much. He believes
they will be sWayed by the white men.
are saying words of sympathy FIR
the jurors. 1t is realized they will be
in any event, and should one
cause a r~liStrial it will not be
for him hereabouts. In no case
Of Importance has public sentiment been
so much one way. Like before the bar
of heavenly Justice all Elizabeth City to-
night is waiting for the jury's words
eagerly, anXiously, nervously, almost
breathleSsly. Most of them want the
prisoner punished legally if possible, but
Talk indicates they will see
that he does not 90 unnnniShnd NH