The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 18??-19??, 1903-06-30
The Morning Session.

Wilson, N. c.. June 24.-The mornings
session of the Jones murder trial has
brought to light very few new features,
most OF the time being consumed by the
defense in proving the characters of Ward
and Rich.
The counsel for the State and defense
were ia consultation during the morning
session for nearly half hour and it was
thought something would develop from
this conference, but as yet, it has borne
no fruit.
When the name of Frank Brinkley was
called by the defense, objection was made
by the State on the grounds that witness
Gid not believe in the existence of a God.
The State put Mr.. Blake Baker on the
stand. who swore that he heard witness
say that he did not believe in the exis-
tence of a God. This came
up IN the course of a conversation. The
court asked witness if he believed in the
existence of a God, which he answered
IN the affirmative, saying that what was
said at the time referred to did not rep
resent his real sentiments. Judge Shaw or
dered the jury brought back into the
room and the witness was examined.
Witness Brinkley said he saw Bill
Barnes often; be had made his confession
and he told hin that he (Barnes) thought
he had told ten thousand lies about this
matter.
Blake Baker was called by the defense
and testified to the good character of Ed.
Brinkley.
Ed. ~Gattingburg being sworn said that
he was engineer of the electric light sta
ton. He said on the night of the killing
the arc lights were turned out.
On cross-examinatlon by Solicitor Dan
lels witness said the reason the arc lights
were out was because it was moonlight.
Witness said further that he saw defend
ants Ward and Bass about four O'Clock
on the morning Of the killing. He said
that he saw John Plttman and Sid Davis
at the depot twenty minutes after one
o'clock on the night of the killing. Witness
testified further that he heard Whitley
talking about Jones.
Mat Johnson being sworn said: 81 am
from Fremont, and am one of the coun-
ty commissioner of Wayne county. ]
knew Gill Ward, and his general charac-
ter IS good"
On cross-examination by Mr.. Spruill it
was brought out that witness was on
Wards bond at one time. He said he
knew Ward had been charged with muir
der of a negro who lived with him. 1t
was also brought out that witness knew
that there was a general rumor that Ward
was a fugitive from justice and a reward
offered for him. Witness said when Ward
was on trial for his life before that he
put up the money for his defense. He
said further that wards character was
not good when he was drinking.
At the request Of Mr.. S. A. Woodarl
defendants counsel were allowed to re
tire for a few minutes for consultation
Jesse Brinkley, the defendants witness
uras raca1lnl NV tho Stata Witness cor
he was a brother-in-law of defendant, JOIN
Pfttman.
Z. j. Barnes, q lawyer, was put on BY
the defense. He said he was a partner O
the Solicitor and was retained by Piver.
.. Was there a proposition made tt
you by the Solicitor?' The State objected
and the jury was taken from the room
and Mr.. F. A. Woodland stated to tn,
court that a proposition was made b,
the Solicitor to Mr.. Barnes that if Pive
and w. w. Barnes would turn State
evidence against the others the cas-
against them would be mol pressed. MI
F. A. Woodland said it was their objec
to show that W. w. Barnes went to Nj
Uzzell at the suggestion of his attorney
Mi. E. j. Barnes. Witness said that h
had never talked with w. w. Barnes, blu
met jeff Barnes. brother to defendan
Barnes. Witness said that this CONVEX
satlon took place several days after tn
killing and that nothing came out at tn
time and so he thought the matter wa
closed and did not learn otherwise unit
w. w. Barnes was put on the stand o
Monday.
The court ruled that the evidence we
competent In so far as it came from Je1
Barnes to his brother, w. W. Barnes, an
that it was evident hat Defendant Barrt
made his confession on a well-fonnde
belief that he would not be prosecuted.
Mr.. Spruill stated to the court that
conference with the States counsel ha
been requested by Mr.. S. A. Woodar.
Permission was granted by the court ft
a consultation. After this consultatio
had been in progress for some time thel
was a full conference held between a
of the defendants counsel
After the consultation was over the ju
was brought back into the room and w
ness Barnes stated to the jury that t