The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-01-15
BLOODY COLLAR
AND A CHISEL
New Evidences in the
Crime in Lynchburg.
BOWER OF FLOWERS.
Many Dainties and Blooms Sent to
Mrs. Webber's Room.
no DOUBT OF N5GRO'S GUILT
.ut Those Who Knew film as Jauitor Of tie
0 DOUBT OF N5GRO'S GUILT
,ut Those Who Knew film as Jauitor of tie
ochoo! and S.x.on o, a >hIrch are
Lotn to beiitvc the tvllcace agalust
h,m-He Viii nav- ope dy
Trial Ie;s Ab,u. Ills
Owl t.oines.
Special Dispatch to The Times,

eAAA4SSsL
LYNCHBuRG, VA, JAM l4.-Practical-
iy the only Developments in the Weobe-
assault case to-day were the finding OF
- bloody color. which is supposed OF
nave belonged TO nlgginbotham, and OF
IL chisel, which he is thought to have
used in plizlng open the wlnduw, through
mnlch 1t Is supposed, he gained access
10 the Webber home.
People of LynchEurs are manfestlhg
the deepest sympathy for the unfor-
,unate woman and Gainties and flowers
nave been sent to her room at ST. An
drew's Home to-day in greatest abun-
-ance
The tables and chairs and even her
bed and the floor are decorated with
fragrant blossoms until her surroundings
have been converted into a veritable
bower.
SPEEDY TRIAL.
The disposition on the part Of authori-
ties to expedite proceedings in the case
is strengthened by public sentiment and
{ is possible that All arrangement will be
made by which the negro will be brought
o trial without awaiting Mrs. WebEer 3
fun recovery
It Is confidently expected that Higgln-
notlam will be returned here inside of
ten days
Perhaps the most remarkable feature
of the whole case is the fine reputation
borne by Higginbotham before his ar
est He was universally esteemed, as a
trustworthy, w-abiding servant, and
was held in highest regard by the public
school authorities, by whom he was en-
oloyed as janitor in the Floyd school
house.
10TH TO BELIEVE IT.
The scholars, both boys and. girls, and
the teachers were highly indignant whom
hey first heard of his arrest, and many
IF the little ones repelled the accusa-
ions against him with tears in their
eyes.
The accumulation of evidence against
-1igeiubotham has been to them a source
Of intensea mazenent, and even now sew
eral Of the teachers and many OF the
scholars refuse to l'alieve him guilty.
HigGnbotham was raised in one of
IynchlJurg's most respectable and p~onli-
nent families and he has filled import
mt and responsible positions. having
been for some time janitor Of the First
Presbyterian Church.
In the public mind, there is not the
slightest doubt i'll regard to Higgin-
DCtlam s quit. and. While all seem now
ready and willing to wait for the action
OF the law, there is profound feeling and
an earnest demand that justice shall be
applied speedily.
Immediately after the Identification the
negro will be taken to the courthouse. q
special grand jury will indict and the
trial entered into at once. It is probable
that several military companies will ac-
company the prisoner from Roanoke to
Lynchburg and guard him during the
legal proceedings. There has been some
talk OF a change of venue. but as suc,,
a course would arouse the greatest in
dignation in Lynchburg it will hardly b.
resorted to.
MRS. wEBBERs CONDITION.
There seems TO be no doubt
now of Mrs. Webber's recovery. She is
growing stronger every day. The fear
full wounds in her throat are healing and
she is gradually raNying from the hor-
rible shock which she received.
commemorative hs-Attorney Robert D.
Yancey has already drawn up the form,
of indictment against Higginbothan1 and
all steps are being taken, with a. view
to expediting the trial