davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1902-03-26
Wilcox Found Guilty
And Sentenced to HANG
Regardless of Abscrce of Proof
the Jury Finis in Conformity
With Public Sentiment.

Elizabeth City, n. G., March
%. James Wilcox was tonight
found guilty Of the murder of
Nellie Cropsey. The Jury, after
having been out 80 hours, brought
In verdict ut 1870 O'Clock of
murder in the first degree. Th G
prisoner heard the verdict without
apparent emotion.
When the verdict had been
received Judge Jones SAID:
"lt is sadder to me than to you,
MIR. Wilcox. The Jury found the
facts. | gave the law. You
have had a far trial. Part of the
public were afraid TO give it to
you. J. am informed that the
movement in the court house here
Friday when u crowd marched
out was pre'arranged. | hope
such was not the case. If it was
true and the offenders brought be-
fore me | would send every man.
woman and child to jail for con.
tempt. 1t the move was for a
purpose it was disgrace to the
fair tame of this county. hope
1T did not influence you gentle
men in tho least. The Judgment
of tho court IL thnt the I,rrsorc,.
be removed to Jail to be hanged
dead by the neck on April 25th. -
Lawyer Aydlett for the defence
will appeal to the supreme court.
At 1.15 O'Clock this afternoon
the jury came into court and ask :
ed for further instruction. The
Judge reiterated his for ner charge
telling the jury the finding of the
facts was with them. He could
give the law only. The jury then
retired for further consultation.
There were many expressions of
impatience at the tardincss of the
jury. Popular feeling was strong
and it was feared that Il verdict of
acquittal would precipitate troub>
lie.
The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1902-03-26
First Move Gl The Political
Board
The Call Issued for Meeting of
State Committee-Will Call
State Convention.
The State

, The State
From April 3 on through Sep
tembcr. there will be much politics
in South Carolina. State and coun-
ty officers, a Uuited States senator
and full set of congressman are
to be chosen by the people. Thus
far this campaign year has been
very quiet one though many have
been informally announcing their
candidacy for different offices.
1t was not until yesterday, how
ever, that the first official move
was made on the political checker
board looking to the campaign of
1902. 1t came 10 the shape of call
issued by Chairman Willie Jones
of the State Democratic executive
committee for meeting of that
committee to he held here in the
office OF tie secretary of state on
the evening of April 3. This meet
ing is simply for the purpose of
issuing the formal call for the
State convention to be held on May
81 and the call for the various pre-
cinct meetings and county conven-
tions to he held earller. The COM
mittee will have nothing else to do
SO far as known. 1t will have moth
ing whatever Ia do with the matter
of arranging the State campaign
this year, that duty falling upon
the new committee to be elected
by the State convention.
1t is not unlikely, however, that
the precinct clubs and the county
conventions will express them =
selves on the matter of reducing
the number of campaign gather
ings so that The State convention
can consider the matter ia the
light of what the people wish. In
several counties articles have
been published advocating the re-
duction Of the number of meet
: ings.
The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1902-03-26
James Wilcox May Not Hang.

Elizabeth City, March %.
The verdict that young Wilcox
was guilty of the murder of Miss
Nellie Cropsey seems to have met
popular approval though it was
not considered probable early yes
teraay that the jury would so re-
port. District Attorney Ward
said yesterday he never looked
for any verdict other than murder
in the second degree. Lawyer
Aydlett for the defense will en-
ter an appeal on behalf of the
prisoner. He will seek to set
aside the verdict ON the gronnd
that it was not consistent with
the evidence brought out In the
trial. There is little prospect of
the prisoner paying the death pen
olty on the date set by Judge
Jones.
The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1902-03-26
Roosevelt Tired of
Friction in Army.
And Wlll Take Action for Re.
tiremeut of Gen. Miles, Who
Is Regarded as Discordant
Element in Army.

Washington, March 21.-At
the cabinet meeting today the pub
llcatlons relating to the statements
made 10y Gen. Miles before the
senate committee yesterday wore
brought up but consideration of
them was postponed until all the
facts In the matter became known.
W hatever intentions the president
had with respect to the treatment
to be accorded Gen. Miles his
future action will be somewhat
influenced by the fact that Gen.
Miles statement before the senate
committee has been represented to
him as being privileged The
president proposes to read the
testimony given at tho hearing and
to consult with different members
Of the committee on military
affairs before finally announcing
what he proposes to do.
1t is significant that long after
the cabinet meeting adjourned
Secretary Root and the attorney
general were closeted with the
president. The presidant is known
to have stated that be was tired of
friction in the army and whether
it is decided that Gen. Miles
statement was privileged or not,
he will at no distant day take ac-
ton looking to his retirement.
The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1902-03-26
The Naval War is Ended Whoever
May Be Victor.

Washington, March 21.-The
house committee on naval affairs
by vote of Z to 4 today adopted
Il resolution concurring i'll the con-
clusions OF President Roosevelt as
to terminating the agitation of the
Schley controversy aud Indefinite
~ postponing all bills and reselu-'
tionS on the subject.
The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1902-03-26
Conductor Rand Falls OF Train
and Loses an Arm.
Special 20 The State.

Special 20 The State.
Cheraw, March 2I.-William
Rand, conductor on Seaboard
Air Line freight train, while at
tempting te got on flat car
which was in motion fell and his
left arm was crashed to his
shoulder. 1t had to he amputa-
ted at the shoulder. Mr.. Rand is
doing as well as could be expected.
He is from Raleigh.
The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1902-03-26
WOULD SMASH 'EHE 4
Cs.G -

If members Of the Hay Fever
Association" would useDr. King S
New Discovery for Consumption,
the club would 90 to pieces, for
it always cules this maIady,-and
Asth ia, the kind that batfled the
doctors-it wholly drives from the
system. Thousands Of once hope
less sufferers from CONSUMPTION
Pneumonia, Bronchitis owe their
lives and health to it. 1t conquers
Grip, saves little ones from Group
and Whooping Cough and isposlt
lively guaranteed for all Throat
and Lung troubles. 5oc.Sl.O0.
Trial bottles free nt Crawford
Bros, j f. Mackcy d Co.
The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1902-03-26

1t is sorry ruling that de-
prives jurors Of the privilege of
reading newspapers and allows
lawyers to make all manner of
grand-stand plays in order to
work upon their sJmpathies or
prsjudices. Durham Herald.
But 1T shows that there is sense
in the law. A jufor will believe
a newspaper, but NAV have his
doubts about wyer.-Greens-
boro Record.
The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1902-03-26
Y oted 1t Down.

There was pretty hotiy con
tested dispensary election in
Greenwood last Thursday, the
dispensary losing by majority
If 5. There were 153 votes for
the dispensary and 15S votes
against it.
The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1902-03-26
Belton Factory Will Double in

Special to The State.
Anderson, March %. The Bel
ton cotton mills at Bolton, this
county, of which Capt A. L.
Smythe is president, sto be doub-
led in size and capacity and the
capital stock is to be increased
from $500, 900 to 81, 100000.
The Washington times., 1902-12-07
FOR NARONS SAKAN ABSORBING STORY OF LOVE AND ADVENR

The newspaper boys were shouting
"speshull" with more than ordinary
eagerness.
Great robbery IN Birmingham. Ten
thousand pounds stolen. Escape Of the
criminolsr'
Hastily buying a paper l tore # open.
l somehow felt that here was a key to
the mystery.
There It was. sure enouee. in white
and black.
"A daring robbery has been perpe-
trated on the well-known firm OF
Messrs. Trucott & Willis, Of BirminE-
ham. whereby they have lost a sum Of
about $4,000. It appears that 70 meet
some special calls. gold to the above
amount had been placed In the firms
safe the night before last
Besides the partners, but two men.
Henry Thomas and Richard Trent
Heavens! that was Marion's brother
both trusted employees, had access tC
the safe. Thomas. the elder OF the two.
did not return TO work after lunche IN
yesterday. but Trent. who lodged WI a
him. finished his day as usual.
The robbery was discovered before
business hours this morning by Mf
Willis. who went early to the Office 10
have some letters typed. Somehow
Trent must have got wind OF this for
when the police went to arrest him at
his lodgings, he had fed. He had. how
ever, the aulacity to address letter to
the firm. declaring that ne was inno
cent"
That was all. but It was enough. I
had helped criminal to escape. I had
seen his disguise as he entered the train.
Al all events, could put the police on
his track. Stay,-Marion's brother-hIs
words came back to me. Don't te,l
anyone about this ride. for Marion's
sake"
What was TO do? I hurried to my
lodgings and threw myself into a chair.
Marion had released me because she he
heved him guilty. Was it only a dodge
on his part to work on my feelings
that mention OF Marion's name7 How
had he known me2
] confess l never felt so perplexed in
my life. Liverpool would swallow him
up and hide him, as II had many before
If l only held my tongue.
The Washington times., 1902-12-07

in that breakneck rush; all our energies
went in holding on like grim death. The
brake was on the front wheel. and my
companion did not use It,
Now a numbering load OF hay appeared
before US, zig-zagging down the steep
incline.
He rang the bell madly, but the leth-
argic countryman could not be aroused.
How the mad rider did il. / do not
know; calculating the position to a
nicely. he shot through the couple Of
feet Of space allowed us in safety, the
hay sweeping stingingly against our
faces as we did so.
We scarcely heard the growing czcla-
nation Of the driver; we must have
been a quarter Of a mile away before
he had finished
Then the descent became less steep, as
It sloUed toward the level country.
Before us railroad .ine wound
through the fields. while the tall signal
posts Of a little wayside station rose
on our left.
Suddenly my companion sat up. and
the hiss of the brake told me that our
journey was at an end
Pulling up by the side Of the road, we
dismounted, covered with dust and
streaming with perspiration.
we part here" said the modman. for
that he was one I was by this time firm
ly convinced.
7 am more grateful to you than I can
tell for the assistance you have given
me. You have. you will De glad to hear,
done service for one you love. Good
by. sir" stretching out his hand
am sincerely sorry for the trouble have
given you"
I found myself shaking hands with this
strange man in silent amazement
But tell me" ! began,
Nothing now" he interrupted
promptly: 1T would be neither advisable
nor is there time"
He started. and again wishing me q
hurried "Good-by," he ran toward the
station.
The train came slowly 70 standsull
and I saw him spring lightly into IT, He
turned slightly as he did so. and l saw
that he now wore a light beard
What did it an mean? AT all events
here / was, I had to face mile and p
The Washington times., 1902-12-07

At length I resolved to do nothing
Marion, OF course, was the chief factor
in this decision. but somehow the man
struck me as honest, and then there was
a letteT-perhaps there was more In 81
than the newspaper reporter supposed
rose next morning and set about my
business with \ heavy heart. I had
never for an instant wavered In my feel
ings towards my fancee. and now that
knew all. l was determined TO 20 out
to Woodview as soon as possible and SGT
things straight between us.
II was with a sigh Of relief that at d,
o'clock I turned the key in my desk and
set out on my mission.
Again I traversed that long white hill
but in a very different mood from that
OF the day before. Then all was well
now cloud OF trouble hung over the
house Of my beloved.
There she was in the garden, I almost
fancied that she was waiting for me.
need not go into our conversation
during the next half hour. it sudices to
say that as we sat there together in the
evening sunlight. something again spar
kled on the third finger Of her left hand.
The gate swung open.
"A telegraph boy" cried Marion,
what can it be-"
Miss Duncan. ninepeuce to pay for
delivery" said the stolid youth.
Marion seized the envelope and tore
It open with trembling fingers. then.
with a glad cry, she handed me the slip
OF paper.
Have caught thief.-Dlck."
Here. boy. keep the change" I cried
joyfully, tossing a half a crown TO the
youngster, who pocketed Il with a grin.
Father, father. come here. it's all
right"
Mr.. Duncan appeared 1t the door
IT'S all right. father. Dick is innocent
and he has caught the thief: see, here is
his telegram"
Thank Heaven" said Mr.. Duncan fer
vently; Il am as glad for your sake. my
dear girl as for him. and you. my dear
fellow. he said. turning to NE; you
did not desert us in our trouble"
For answer Marion shyly held out her
left hand. "Ah. ! see" said her father,
smiling. Well, Jack Is no fair weather
frlend-nOw ! suppose. neither Of you
want me particularly just now"
The short account Of his adventures,
The Washington times., 1902-12-07

half Of stiff hill. puzzled. dust-covered
and tired as l was.
There was nothing for it, so I started
stidiy to face my task.
In shor; time ! met the haycart COM
ing slowly toward me. The carter gazed
at me stupidly and pulled up his horse.
BE you one o. they chaps that buzzed
past me just now up there?"-he jerked
his head backward.
yes I am, l replied
BE you mad?" was his next query.
Well no. I hope not" I answered
half laughing.
4. you bCan't father chap wuz. was
his ultimatum rs he cracked his whip
and resumed his journey.
At length l arrived at Woodview;
Marion was in the garden talking earn
estly 10 her father.
As the gate swung open they turned
toward me. What was this? No sign Of
pleasure on their white faces.
How are you. my boy" said Mr.. Dun
can kindly. Then turning to his daughter
he continued: DO as you think best,
Marion, can trust you to act rightly"
and without another word he entered the
house.
Marion. dear. what is the matter?''
asked anxiously,
'Oh. Jack. 1 can't tell you." said the
girl with a sob; but we mustn't be en-
gagged any more-we mustn't realIy-'Is
for your sake, Jack. indeed It Is. but
/ must break It of"
Marion, what is it2" l cried aghast.
Il cant tell you. dear. you'll know
soon enough. tonight perhaps but you
must take this now"-and she drew a
flashing circlet from her hand.
Has # anything to do with the fell
low I met on the road?" I asked. my
head in a whirl from all the strange
events OF the afternoon
What fellow?" said Marion. eagerly.
I then told her what had happened,
and described the man had met.
Yes" she said, when I had finished
that must have been Dick. my step
brother-you know have often spoken
about him-and you helped hlm'-after a
pause-"yes. I do thank you-and now
dear, please go; I want 20 be alone" q"
And I went, sorely stricken and puzzled.
/ walked back to the town slowly.
The Washington times., 1902-12-07

man. Il will mount In front I am
heavier than you are; it VIII make US
travel better"
Very good" 1 answered. seeing the
force of his remark.
How that fellow could go! Onward
and upward we flew; at length. in spite
Of the heat, his energy infected me. and
found myself ankling away eagerly.
He maintained a silence during the
ascent At length we arrived at the
top. where a cooling breeze greeted us.
Before us the hill dipped at a sleeper
gradient into the fiat country beyond
while, just in front OF us TO the right, I
could see the line OF trees which ran
along the lane to Marlon's home.
We are nearly az my destination
now" 7 said, as he swung low over the
handle bars and began 10 pedal more
pilly than ever.
Yes, indeed" he replied.
"Hullo. man. steady" l cried. you
will go past the lane at this rate"
"Oh, no, shall slow up soon enough %
on9E NAiNN again. Nah OA pun
up. here's the turn"
For answer he only worked harder.
The machine swerved slightly as / en-
deavored TO guide II round.
STEADY" he roared, cor you viii be
killed" In another moment we we're
far down the road in a whiri Of dust
What do you mean by this conduct"
exclaimed, now thoroughly angry.
II dawned upon me that this was some
reckless bounder, who wished to get a
lift at my expense.
Il see your game. but you will find
you are dealing with the wrong man"
Don't try to stop now" he answered
doggedly. I'VE shall both be killed II
you do, and that would mar your salts
faction at finishing me. But let me beg
Of YOU" he continued. earnestly. mot
TO make a fuss when We get TO the bot
tom. Don't tell anyone about this ride"
Che glanced over his shoulder for a mo-
menO "for Marion's sake. can't ex-
plain now"
What on earth do you mean?' l
cried. in utter astonishment.
L can't explain now" he repeated.
you will know all later on
He relapsed into silence. Indeed.
there was little time or power for speech
The Washington times., 1902-12-07

told us BY Dick Trent himself. is the best
way in which I can tell this story.
You know / lodged with Thomas" ." he
began. "A quiet. decent sort OF fellow.
On the day he boltcd / went out before
him, but. having forgotten my gloves.
ran back. ] found him closing a small
strong leather bag. BE seemed greatly
put out at my appearance. but
thought nothing Of It at the time.
When I returned from the office, as
you know. be was not there. Although
had not the slightest idea OF the t.Ith. 1
took a look through his papers, to see II
he had left any message
Il found nothing but scrap Of crum-
pied paper with a Liverpool address IN
It. and a time table 1 went to bed Iage
that night could only think that M
bad been intrusted by the firm with some
sudden and important business.
Just as was starting for work next
morning a boy brought me a note.
e1O 900 missing at Office T. and you
suspected-R s."
who is r.. 5. I asked.
r. s. is the young lady typewriter
said Dick with a blush, but that Is an
other story.
7 did not know what to do; if I gave
myself up. ! thought that the possible
delay might leJ Tuomas slip OF. besides
Il suppose was a fool wanted to
do a bit Of good on my own. II could.
I can see how it all worked out beautl-
fully against me. now.
Wei, TO make long story short,
ran and walked from birmingham 10
Bingham. I knew that the stations
were being watched. and by the aid OF
my future brother-in-law managed TO
catch a train TO Liverpool.
There. at the address I had found
Thomas only sIip-I ran my gentleman
to earth in a quiet lodging. with all the
cash"
How did you know I was Marion's
fance2'' I asked.
BY that little lOcket on your chain
replied Trent. smiling. L oLght to
know #, for Marion commissioned me to
buy &c."
That Is the whole story Dick Trent
IS now In Thomas position. with excel
lent prospects. AS for r. g.. we'll. there
is 70 be a double wedding some time
about Christmas.
The Washington times., 1902-12-07
Ha1dshipS of Genus,

Milton sold his copyright OF Para
disc Lost for S72. in three payments
and finished his life in obscurity-
Homer was a beggar.
Spenser died IN want
Cervantes died OF hunger.
Dryden lived In poverty and dis
tress.
Torrance. the dramatist. was
slave.
Butler lived life Of penury and
died poor.
Platus. the Roman comic poet
turned a mill.
Paul Gorghese had fourteen trades,
yet starved with II all,
Tasso. the Italian poet. was often
distressed for n dollar.
Otway. the English dramatist. died
prematurely and through hunger.
Bacon lived a life Of meanness and
distress.
Steele. the humorist. lived life Of
perfect warfare with bailifis
Sir Walter Raleigh died on the
scanOld.
The death Of Cillins was through
neglect. first causing mental derange-
ment.
Chatterton. the child of genius and
misfortune. destroyed himself at
eighteen.
Savage died in prison at Bristol.
where he was confined for a debt of
$40.
Goldsmith's Vicar Of Wakefield"
was sold for a trife to save him from
the grip Of the law.
The Washington times., 1902-12-07

TINE lonely white road wound mp
and up endlessly before me, the
sun beat on my head merciless-
Iy. and the flies buzzed into my
face in a manner only cyclists can ap-
Dreciate.
The tandem seemed TO increase in
weight as I plugged slowly forward, un-
til was almost tempted 70 think some
demon of spite had got astride the va
cant back saddle.
over two miles Of ascent still 20 90
and then that little lane. a couple Of
hundred yards Of level way, and Marion's
home would be rvached-my goal
How I I0nEed for it. once there, tea
and tenderness would soon make amends
for my hot ride. we should admire the
tandem at our leisure, while planning
for future delightful excursions to be
updertaken when my daily work at the
bank was over, for Marion was. first
class Dedaler.
I should explain that the young lady
in question was my fancee. and that we
were TO be married toward the end OF
the year. She lived with her father and
aunt in a pretty little house just be
yond the brow OF the hill up which
was toiing; at the foot Of It. behind
me. lay Eningham. while in the dis
tance could be seen the haze Of smoke
which hung over busy Birmingham.
"a trying climb this, sir" said
voice. suddenly. at my side.
A good-loolying. clean-shaven young
fellow was breaking into a trot to keep
up with me.
May I suggest. sir" he continued. IF
you viii excuse a stranger, that il you
will allow me to mount you will lessen
your work. you woulG also do me a
great favor, we are going in the same
direction"
by all means. I responded. gladly
bringing the tandem to a halt ut the side
of the path. Il am going as far as
Woodview."
"Woodview?" said the young man.
with a start, looking at me with sudden
interest.
yes" / answered. growing suspi-
cious in a moment; "do you know it2"
"Only by name" he replied. careless
II: 81 am almost a stranger here"
well. jump up ] answered.
IF you will allow me. said the young
The Washington times., 1902-12-07
ND so you positively refuse to
give up this intimacy?"
Really. you ask too much.

w 50 you pCsluFely reIuSe TO
n give up this intimacy"
L \ Really. you ask too much.
aunty What else can do
in this stupid place? I am devoted to
yachting. you know. and besides. Mr..
Trevor IS the only man here who has a
motor car"
But, my child. you are engaged to be
married, What would Tom say n he
should hear OF It? And what would you
do. II he followed your example?''
"Oh. I wish he would, His devotion
wearies me sometimes. He used to be
quite a tease. but since our engagement
he seems TO have foresworn everything
exciting"
Flossie tossed her pretty head until
her blonde curls fell over her eyes. from
which cleaned a spirit OF mischief
The first speaker was Miss Treadway
the girls aunt, wealthy woman OF forty
years. who had adopted her after the
death OF her parents. Flossie's fance.
a young doctor Of good family and some
means. was completing a medical course
in Germany. and they we're to be mar
ried as soon as he received his foreign
diploma.
The girl loved him, but she was very
yoUng-only nineteen-and she was
willful maid. having always had her own
way Her besetting sin was love OF ad
miration, and she deemed Il essential to
her happiness TO have a man in her
tolls. So, being for the time bereft OF
her lover. she had drifted into a serious
Irritation with rich bachelor who lived
near the seaside resort where they were
staying.
Mr.. Trevors summer home, fine
stone mansion overlooking the harbor.
was the scene Of many festivities. Ho
had already given two dinners in Flos-
sizes honor. at which functions Miss
Treadway had served as an unwilling
chaperon. for she realized that the bril-
liant company invited TO meet them re-
garded her niece as the future Mrs. Ire