Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1904-11-15
The Hurst Case.

tSG~otOu BOOlS stOiCu rum AoihO@N S&AS-
The circumstances 10 connection with the
charge have heretofore been published ia
the Gazette. The prosecution was con-
Quoted by Mr.. S. G. Brent, Common
weallh's Attorney, and Messrs. l.. H.
Machen, Robinson Moncure and IL. w.
Smith appeared for the defense.
Mr.. Smith moved continuance of the
case for the reason that material wit
ness for the defense was absent. Justice
Cation overruled the motion, observing
that the case had been set for today at
the suggestion Of the witness referred to
and for bis accommodation.
Mr.. MOncure moved that the warrant
issued for searching Hursfs premises De
quashed, alleging that the accused lived
beyond the police jurisdiction OF Alex
andria. This was also oyerruled.
The witnesses we're mostly employees
of the Virginia Glass Works aud the ma
iority of them were boysand young men.
Hurst is also employed at the works
and is a constable Of Fairfax county.
The 6rst witness, a youth. alleged that
lie stole goods from cars at Hursps in
s,igation. Another youth said the ac-
cused asked him to go up the track with
II mae who would break car seal. Wit
ness said he had seen Hurst carrying
goods.
A mysterious man supposed to be
named Joe Neal or Weems. figured in
the evidence of the witnesses. He had
st times appeared at the glass works and
sold gun to Mr.. Hofaker, an employee,
and a razor to another workman. Neal
is said to live in Richmond.
Special Officer Winter Crupper, of the
Washington Southern Railway, told of
detecting a man breaking into a car in
the night time, of chasing the thief and
shooting at him The man entered the
glass factory, but could not be found
when search was made for him. Wit
ness told of finding goods taken from cars
hidden in the sand room at the works.
lie also told of wheeling discarded lum-
Der from the tracks which had been given
him by railroad officers, as this act had
been referred to in the examination OF
the case. -.
A Young man took the stand. He told
Of Hurst asking him to accompany him
to cars. He saw Hurst and aboy in the
factory with goods. Witnesses testimony
was corroborated by colOred man who
is employed in the works. He also saw
Neal, alias Weems, talk with Hurst.
Another youth testified to Hurst i'm
pertaining him to assist in robbing cars.
A man, another employee ofthe works,
sid he saw Hurst with goods. The lat
ter. witness averred, took the goods
home.
K. C.. Burnett then took the stand.
lie said he knew O'Neal; that ne came
to his house and offered to sell him cigars
of the "Steel-trap' variety. Witness
realized o. Neal did not come 10 possession
of them in legitimate way refused
to transact any business with him, telling
the man not to darken his door again.
tIr. +. 9. joyce, agent Of the Wash
ingtOn.Southern Railway in this city,
told of Hurst coming to him and offering
TO aid in cOnvicting a certain man who,
ne alleged, had been robbing cars, for a
consideration OF 500 and ell the plum
der which be had in his possession; or
should the company give him 5000 he
would aid in convicting the thief and
surrender the goods. If he failed in his
exertions he would expect no pay. Wit
ness said he had concluded that Fair
fax county officer and the police of this
city should vie in restoring the goods,
aud that the company should not be re.
required to pay money for such service.
Hurst told witness that an extensive rob-
berry of cars had been planned for GER
tain night, and it would be necessary for
the company 10 come to some agreement
early If it was desired to capture the
thieves.
Officer Smith and Special Officer Har-
din gave detailed statements concerning
the recovery of the goods at Hurst's
house.
Witnesses for the defense subsequently,
took the stand. Certain employees in
the freight department of the Southern
Railway Company corroborated the as
serlion made BY Hurst when first taken
into custody to the effect that he had
been authorized by that company to pur-
chase goods stolen from cars in order to
get evidence against the thieves.
Justice Bowie, of Fairfax county, an
other witness for the defense, told OF
making out a warrant for the arrest OF
ONeal and placing it in the hands OF
Hurst who alleged he had purchased
goods from the man. The warrant had
been issued at the instance of man
named Shearer, an agent of the Chesa-
peake and Ohio Railroad.
During the time Justice Bowie was on
shs stand.he told of coming to this city
and having an interview with Mr.. Brent
concerning the robbery of cars. Mr..
Brent in cross-examining the witness
Averred that the justice said nothing
about goods being in Hursrs possession.
Dir. Brent supposed both men were after
rewards from the railroad company, ior
she apprehension OF thieves.
Arguments were subsequently heard
Justice Cation alter summoning up the
case held the accused for the grand jury
nF