The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1904-02-03
ABOUT THE BONDS
A Rumor that Pace Was
Arrested.
Statement From Attorneys for Col.
Harris and Messrs. Dortch and
jones---A Grand Jury Story
investigated.

Interest in the Godfrey bond affair still
keeps up. The matter is still a leading
topic of discussion on all sides. Much
qualification was expressed yesterday at
the return OF the second $500 to Mr.. God
frey, and general satisfaction was felt
that he had recovered the entire amount
lest, with the exception of the $40 for the
coupons that had been detached.
There was a report yesterday to the
effect that a member of the last grand
jury had Asaid that Solicitor Arm.stead
Jones had told the jury on the last day
o. court that they could not indict any
body except the person who was charged
with the actual stealing of the bonds.
A News and Observer reporter called
on the member of the grand jury and
asked him about this report. The jury
man said it was incorrect, that what Solio
itor Jones really did say to the jury, al
he understood it, and as he believed
every member of the jury understood it,
was that they could only indict the one
that stole the bonds or the one that re-
ceived the stolen goods from the thief.
and that they could not indict a man for
simply having them In his possession, II
he did not receive them from the party
that stole them. That was the impress
sion made upon the juryman's mind, nc
said, by the explanation of Solicitor
Jones
Yesterday evening Mr.. H. d. Hardy, of
tho staff of this paper, telephoned FROM
Goldsboro to this office that it was re-
ported in that city that Mr.. E. w. Pace.
OF Wilmington, who Mr.. Jones testified
lad directed MIR. Staunton or Bradley to
him as one likely to make the loan de-
sired, had been arrested IN Wilmington
Oh suspicion.
The News and Observer at once wired
10 its regular correspondent at Whining
ton to investigate the report, and re-
ceived the following reply:
Wilmington, N. c., Feb
News and Observer, Raleigh, N. c.:
Authorities here know nothing OF
PAGES arrest. Think report is inbound
ed
Judge Womack, attorney for Col. ]. c..
L Harris, and Messrs. Pou Fuller, who
represent Col. Harris and Messrs. Dortch
and Jones, were seen yesterday in refer
ence to the report published in. yesterdays
paper of the return of the second $500
to Mr.. Godfrey. They said
1T is a fact that the thousand dollars
has been returned to Mr.. Godfrey. Ii
is a fact that no conditions were exacted
or expected from Mr.. Godfrey. He is at
liberty to take any action he thinks prop
e.. 1t is a fact that our clients refused
to pay Mr.. Godfrey anything ovar and
above the money they had received. 1t
is a fact that Jones loaned $4,000 on the
bonds in good faith, and has lost ha
money. 1t is fact that neither Col. Har-
ris nor Mr.. Dortch touched the bonds un
til after Col. Harris had consultation
with Mr.. Godfrey. In pursuance OF that
conversation and agreement, they, Messrs.
Dortch and Harris, obtained the bonds for
the purpose of turning them over to Mr.
Godfrey at his request. The bonds were
turned over to Mr.. Godfrey by appoint
ment with him, and in the presence and
under the advice OF his attorney
They said further that they did not
know whether Mr. Godfrey would pursue
the matter further or not. If he did, th-y
were ready to meet any action he nigh
take. Having returned to Mr.. Godfrey
every cent they had received on aCcoun:
OF said bonds, their clients would not pay
him any additional sum whatsoever