The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1905-11-14

that he pay the costs of the warrant and
the expenses and fees OF their attorney,
who had lost four days from his office
in the matter, and had driven over twcn-
ty miles on each trip. TO this he read
ily consented. and paper was drawn
accordingly, the amount OF the costs and
fees being fixed at 500. That paper was
carefully read in his presence. and he ex-
pressed his Willingness to sign 1t then
and there for Mr.. Higginson. Doubling
his authority to 60 this far, he was told
Higginson sign the paper himself. This
Representative then left with the full un-
dcrstanuang that the paper would be sign
ed and returned that night or by the
cd the reasons for the refusal. All
thought the matter closed. No answer
being received, nothing was left except to
attend the place Of trial. some five mile
and this three OF those composing this
club did with their attorney. On their
arrival they found that Mr.. Hlgginf on
and this representative OF the day before
had proceeded them; had telephoned to
Leshurg for a lawyei'. and that on that
account the case had been postponed lot
two hours. 1t was soon learned that Mr..
Hieginson had objected $50 Mr.. Payne
was informedJ to the amount named In
the paper and the intimation was given
that If 1t had been so Instead OF $500. the
paper would have been signed and re-
turned This may Or may not be true,
but certain it is that as soon as Mr..
PAYNE was SO informed he said | will go
and tell Mr.. Htsginson that what we
want is a promise that we VIII not be
again moested and that the amount of
costs shall not stand IN the way or 4
settlement OF this disagreeable matter
and this he did.
Mr.. Higg.nson replied that as he had
sent for an attorney he thoughtsit noth-
ing more than right that he await MS
arrival; that he did not care to send for
d lawyer and then settle in his absence.
t,-f.1 f.fyl IL
tation was had. Soon Mr.. Higgnson
agreed, then declined. and finally consent
cd TO sign the paper, which pledged MN
and his club not TO again trespass on the
to furnish the names of such as might
be with him. who might break said
pledge; to pay $50 on account OF attor-
lnes's fee and costs OF warrant ar ,, ana u. 10
done; the paper and money handed by
the attorney Of Mr.. Hisginson to the at
storney representing these farmers. VINO
understood fully the wishes of those ne
represented nor was Mr.. Payne present
at this consultation or consulted before IT
was concluded. AT no time, as stated ~
your correspondent. did he insist that Mr.
Higginson pay 500, or make any threats
to that end. The amount was put in that
paper at the conference tho day before,
and not then did Mr.. Payne fix the
amount, nor was 1t ever contemplated
that one cent Of whatever might be paid
would go to Mr.. Payne, or any OF those
with whom he had joined for mutual
protection. and the paper that Mr.. His-
ginson signed so stated. It is believed
that the whole matter would have been
satisfactorily adjusted within twenty
minutes after the arrival of Mr.. Hlggin--
sons attorney, but for the interference Of
that same representative" of the day
before, who was then SO willing to agree
to what he afterwards advised against
accepting.
Your correspondent also states that the
magistrate told Mr.. Higginson that. a
small fine was all the punishment that
could be administered under the circum-
stances" OF this I know nothing. but
doubt that the magistrate made any such
statement L do know, however, that a
jail sentence could also have been inn
posed, though 1t was never the Intention
OF these gentlemen to ask for such at
that hearing.
at length, ! know. would much have
preferred not to have written at all, and
/ am certain that those farmers COM
posing that protective club have no de-
sire to appear in print, but, cannot let
PASS the unjust criticism upon Mr.. Payne,
and through him.. those who are Assoc
ciated with him, without a. protest
- G, NJ WHITE.
worrenton VA. November 49, 1905.