The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-03-23
The Jury Declare Wilcox to be Guilt.
First Degree.
REACH A DECISION AFTER THIRTY HOURS'
The Sacredness of Woman Life in North Carolina
is Protected

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.
Some folks thought when the jury went
into the court room they had come 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
languid interest. There was no emotion,
no sign of feeling or fear
When it was all over and the jury had
gone, District Attorney Ward rema1k ked
to Mr.. Aydlett: You don't want them
to clear him. do you?" Mr.. Aydlett re-
piled, Il 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 be.
sieged 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
in could keep orderu and save his son in
case the mob should try to do anything.
Mr.. Wilcox is a highly respected citi-
zen, and for his conservat tism as we'll as
for his loyalty to his boy. the public
here gives out its sympathy. Mr.. Will
cox, talking about the case with tears
in his eyes. He knew the situation and
deplores it. He realizes Jim's position.
1t is understood that Jim said today
he would rather be hanged than go 20
States prison for a 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
heard them. Wilcox uttered a protest
against people following him between the
Jail and the court house. He is carried
to and from 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
uniustly.
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 me-
gr" jurors count for much. He believes
they will be swayed by the white men.
People are saying words of sympathy Tor
the jurors. 1t is realized they will be
criticized in any event. and should one
man cause a mistrial it will not be
pleasant 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- I
night is waiting for the jury's words
eagerly, anxiously, nervously, almost
breathlessly. Most of them want the
prisoner punished legally if possible, but
punished Talk indicates they will see
that he does not go unpublished. This
afternoon the jury took a walk.