The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1903-07-28

interested spectators when tho hour fot
tho opening arrived. Judge Lewis, OF
Louisa, occupied the bench. Coroner
James was In charge Of the courtroom.
Sheriff Solomon sat behind the bar. and
his looks Indicated that he was no whit
worried by the prospect before him
The attorneys for all sides were pres
emit. The regular legal edvisers OF the
Passenger and Pow4 Company were
there, but only as witnesses The pros
ecutor-the company-was represented oy
MIR Wyndham Meredith. The Common
wealth was present In the person OF Mr.
George Bryan. who throughout the day
kept q close watch on things. Indicating
that he will go to the bottom OF the case.
The defendant was ably represented by
Mr. Hill Carter and Mr.. II. NJ. Smith,
IT.. both OF whom appeared in fine trim
for the fray.
The usual process Of selecting the Jury
was gone through with, and the follow
ing were chosen to sit In the case: John
W. Warmer, John A. Archer. George
L. Crinker, Frank Guy, r: II. Nelson.
]. r. Woodson, j. o. Duval. H. H. Chris
tan, Frank Mosm!ller. NJ. E. BabcocE,
J. ". Holman and n. 8. Worsham.
After the selection OF the Jury the pre-
limipary argument was gone through
with Mr.. Meredith made a speech. In
which he detailed the conversation OF
the sheriff referred to above, and stated
further that Judge Wickham had advised
the company to buy a hundred shotguns
and rifles to protect Itself, since the civil
authorities In the county could not do
so. Mr.. Smith made brilliant reply,
In which, among others things, he de-
clared that the situation In the county
called for the exercise Of great discre-
ton, and that It would be duly shown
that this discretion was wisely exer-
ri Hn Cot 1,Sy nf
operating Its cars. was saving money; 1t
had not held the cars In the barns be-
cause the military had not been called
out. Considera BILE discussion develoI<A
over the company's petition asking the
removal OF the sheriff and over the
question OF procedure. Mr.. Carter filed
a technical objection to the petition.
Evidence was limited to the time be-
tween June 18th. when the strike began.
and June oath, when Mr.. Solomon applied
for troops
The Testimony Begins.
First among the witnesses Of the day
counsel for the Passenger and Power
Company. Before the testimony was
gone Into, however. Mr.. Meredith arose
to state to the jury that It was admitted
in evidence that the complainant. the
said Simon Solomon. Is the duly elected
and sworn sheriff OF the county OF Hen
rico, which Office he filled during the
recent disorder and fills at this slime. It
was further stated by Mr.. Meredith.
which statement he offered to prove
with court records. II the occasion arose.
that tho Passenger and Power Company
ran Its cars In Henrico under contract,
which the County Court authorized Its
Judge to make. One of the provisions OF
this contract was that the company should
operate its cars on regular schedule
failing In which provision. the company
was to be fined. each days violation OF
the contract constituting separate Of
Tense.
Some objection was taken to the first
question asked Captain Guigon. and the
witness was told to stand aside for the
present, and Major Miles M. Martin, the
senior counsel. was called.
Had Conference.
According to Major Martin. Mr.. Solo
mon and Judge Wickham came to the
Reservoir together on June lsth-the Sat-
urday before the Sunday on which the
strikers parade was held-to consult