The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-01-13
LATE TRAIN DELAYS
THE WILCOX TRIAL
Judge Council Misses Con-
nection at Norfolk.
COURT WILL OPEN TODAY
II is Admitted That the Defence Will Introduce
Evidence in This Trial and It is Pos
sible That Wilcox Himself
May Testify,
Especial to News and observer)

Especial to News and Observer.)
Hertford, N. c., Jan. 12.-Because Judge
Council missed train connection in Nor
folk this afternoon, the Wilcox trial did
not begin at the hour appointed, and
about o'clock in the afternoon the
court crier declared there would be no
trial today.
The judge will open his court at $50
o'clock tomorrow morning. Only twen-
ty-four talesmen were summoned for this
special term of court, according to Gus
tom, but it is thought at least 200 per-
sons will be examined before a COM
petent jury is gotten.
That the defense will introduce evil
dence 49, time was acknowledged this
afternoon by one in q position to know,
and the same authority said it was pos
sible the prisoner himself would go on
the witness stand, though that would
positively be decided later.
Il believe Jim Wilcox was RESPONSE
BILE for my daughters DEATH but 1 could
serve on the jury if need be and serve
impartially, and if the evidence did not
Justify a conviction l would acquit him.
So said Justice w. II. ropsey, of Eliza
beth City, father of Miss Nell Cropsey
Judge Cropsey talked feelingly of the
case and its results, and how he had
passed many a sleepless night because
of it. But, he said, he tried to be fair
all along, and still cherished a friendly
toward the family of the prisoner for
whose actions they should not be blamed.
eff / said the word" he continued, re-
ferring to the day when Nell's body
was found" it would all have been over
then, but ] preferred that the law should
take it course"
Referring to the report that the
Quakers influence in Perquimans county,
their recognized opposition, to capital
punishment Judge Cropsey did not think
that the result would be potential. He
said good Quaker would not serve on
the jury this time; that he would not
qualify if inherently opposed to hanging.
Though he expressed no bitterness to-
wards former Sheriff Wilcox, Jim's father,
Judge Cropsey said they were not now on
speaking terms. He declared on one oc-
casion when Sheriff Wilcox asked
whether he believed in Jim's guilt, the
answer caused Mr.. Wilcox to shed tears.
Mr.. Cropsey thought that public feel
ing was unchanged and said he did not
see how the jury could bring in any
other verdict than the first.
Mr. T. P. Wilcox too, when seen,
talked in friendly terms about Mr.. Crop
sey, but did not consider that it was his
fault that they were not on speaking
terms. He thinks Mr.. Cropsey's actions
in some particulars, have been caused
by the influence of friends. He says Jim
is comfortably situated and that Sheriff
Winslow will care for his comfort as far
as possible. Sheriff Winslow remarked
this afternoon in Mr.. Wilcoxs presence
that Jim resembles his father very much.
and the latter agreed. In pursuance of
requests, Sheriff Winslow
Sunday afternoon saw Jim, and said
some reporters would like to see him
so that they could tell their papers
about it. Jim said it did not matter
about seeing him, for they could say
just as many things about him without
coming near the Jail 1t was remarked
tonight that Wilcox, because of the one
day postponement, would have his trial
begin on the unlucky 18th.
Concerning the two alleged new wit
nesses a person interested in the case.
said that Norris, who is Baltimore
detective, would not be put on the wit
ness stand, but that Mrs. Gale Parker
may be.
1t has been persistently rumored all
along that her husband did not tell all
S knew when on the stand. Later, |
Parkerd sal he hoped they would intro |
duce his wife.
Il do not believe Wilcox would walk
out of jail if he could said Sheriff T. F.
today. "He has made a model
prisoner since being in my custody last
Friday. He still maintains his demeanor |
of Indifference. He eats heartily. 1t is /
not true as reported, that l have put a |
negro boy in his cell to keep fires for |
Wilcox today was shaved for the last !
time by himself. Considering his cool |
demeanor, Sheriff Winslow today allowed |
him to do his own tonsorial work |
Hereafter, the sheriff says he will send |
in barber to do the shaving The !
sheriff, though, does not consider that |
the noted prisoner has any idea of
making an attempt at suicide.
The prison, which holds Wilcox. is just !
behind the court house and he is in a
steel cage on the first floor in the south |
west corner. A part of the window is |
screened to prevent curious persons from
seeing or talking with the defendant. |
Wilcox told the sheriff that he was only !
a man, not a show. The Jail is secure |
and Sheriff Winslow will use every pre- !
caution to prevent an escape. rescue or
attack from the outside. He is cauti- |
Gus and capable officer.
The court room is a very creditable
one for u town of 500 inhabitants. The
building is of brick and two stories