The Newberry herald and news. (Newberry, S.C.) 1884-1903, 1903-04-21
GET FIVE YEARS BACH.
A Verdict of Guilty In the POStOfflce
Robbery Case The Jury Reached
Verdict Very Quickly
News and Courier, 10th.

|
gan, members Of the gang of safe
blowers, were convicted in the United
States Circuit Court yesterday, after
one Of the most stubborn criminal
trials ever held here since the days of
the Lake City lynching case. Ittook
the jury less than half hour in ac-
tual time to reach verdict. The
mon who had listened patiently to the
great mass of evidence submitted
were of the opinion that guilt beyond
Il reasonable doubt had been estab-
lished, and there was nothing to do
but render verdict accordingly
The prisoners were each sentenced
to five years in the Federal peniten
tiary i'll Atlanta. They we're also re-.
qulred to pay fine Of $500 each.
There WAS some excitement when
the convicted men were leaving the
lobby Of the court building for the
Jail. Just as Nolan and Howard,
handcufted together, were starting
down the steps boy, who has been
hanging around tho court since the
trial began, rushed up and made an
effort, as the authorities believed, to
pass something to Howard. Postoffice
Inspector Gregory caught him and
whisked him quickly to the marshuPs
office. Subsequently the boy was
released
Judge Simonton delivered u plain,
forceful charge to the jury, calling
attention to their duty. 1t WAS able
and strong and directly to the point.
The jury retired at l.20, had dinner,
and then took vote 1t was said
that the twelve men were unanimously
of the opinion that the prisoners
wero guilty.
Had the jury acquitted the pri-
soners they would not have left the
Court room free. Sheriff Martin had
a warrant for their arrest, charging
them with robbing the Bank of Mul
lins Of IS, 200. Deputy Sheriff Poul-
not was in the building, prepared to
take the prisoners. In the general
Indictment the robbers we're not
charged with the Mullins steal, al
though sufficient evidence was at
hand to hold them. Marshal Adams
had advised the sheriff that he could
get the custody of the prisoners should
they go free. The marshal has had
to deal with desperate characters, but
he has exercised the greatest vigil
ance and will continue to do 80 until
the gates are closed on the quartette
in Atlants's Federal prison.
The gang had been operating in
three States: had stolen thousands of
dollars and had caused financial ruin
to many poor people. They had
lived like princes in Columbia on
their ll.gotten gains, and had trav
elled about the State disguised as
tramps.
The fact was brought out during
the course of the trial that Howa,d
and Nolan had frequently been seen
in Charleston. Thew had headquar.
tors uptown and many of the char
acters with whom they associated
we're around the court nearly every
day. When the gang WAS here last
winter they spent money with Law
ish hand, bought wine and diamonds
and squundered bank rolls in the
gay resorts Of the city.
With tho conviction of the pris,
oners yesterday the Government will
not allow the robbery cases to drop.
There are three more men in jail
Gus DeFord, who is alleged to be an
active member Of the gang, will
eventually be brought to trial. Dis
trict Attorney Capers called atten-
ton of the Court to the fact that the
package of money from the Norfolk
Bank, found in tho possession of
Nolan, and proven to be that depos
tied by DeFord, would play an i'm
portant part in the trial of the other
prisoners, and Judge Simonton will
allow this to bs held AZ evidence.
The personal belongings Of the pris,
oners will be returned to them bo
fore they leave the city for Atlanta.
Marshal Adams will prepare to
ship the prisoners to Atlanta as soon
as possible. Before they were trans
ferred from Columbia to Charlesto or
the authorities got word that on of