The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1905-04-28
Especial to The MeSenger.)

Whiteville, n c., April 26.-J: W.
Collins, a white man, was today acquit-
ted of the murder of Jeff Davis, a
small white boy, who was working for
Collins and who was found dead in a
mill pond not far from Collins home.
The case was taken up last Thursday
morning and has been before the court
ever since. A large number of wit
nesses were examined on each side,
and both the state and the defense
were represented with a splendid array
of counsel which looked we'll after ev-
cry point Many sharp clashes occur
red between the opposing lawyers and
the case was notable for the prOmi-
nence of the counsel engaged. The
speeches to the jury will be reckoned
as some of the most brilliant and con-
yincing ever heard in Columbus cOun-
ty The personnel of the jury was sat
isfactory to both sides and it has been
conceded all along that their verdict
would be based entirely on the evil
dence presented them and that local
prejudice would have no influence over
their decision.
The progress of the trial has been
watched with great interest and the
jury's verdict is probably in accord
with the opinion of nearly all who
have heard the evidence.
Court convened this morning at 9:3O
O'Clock and the case Of state VS.. Collins
for murder was continued.
MI Marsden Bellamy, of Whining
ton, of counsel for defendant. began
his argument Immediately upon the
opening of court. For more than an
hour this gifted and eloquent lawyer
held the jury and those present spell
bound at the beautiful flow of Ian
guage that came from his lips.
Mr.. Bellamy began by paying the
jury compliment upon the attention
they had given the case; saying that al
though for seven days they have sat
together and heard the witnesses and
listened to argument of counsel, their
interest has never tagged, but on the
contrary they had been ever attentive.
Answering one of state cOunsel's ref
erences as to the defendant surround
ing himself with an army of attorneys,
even going to Wilmington and securing
Mr.. .Bellamy and Mr.. McClammy, Mr..
Bellamy said: This is not the first
time I have been to Columbus court
Why when | was Il young man and be-
fore my practice in Wilmington grew
to such an extent that it required all
my attention, | used to attend Column
bus court regularly"
Mr.. Bellamy then assailed the states
evidence. while at the height Of his
assault he said:
THE burden of this case is upon the
state. The state must satisfy the jury
beyond a reasonable doubt that the
boy, Jeff Davis, was slain-and, if he
was slain. then they must prove that
Collins was the slayer. No burden
rests on the defendant
Mr.. Bellamy closed with beautiful
tribute to Mrs. Collins.
Upon the conclusion of Mr.. Bella
my's argument. Solicitor c. c. Lyon
addressed the jury. He made his us
ual strong, forceful speech. He re-
viewed all the states evidence and his
argument was attentively listened to
by the jury.
Mr.. Bellamy's speech was the closing
argument for the defendant, as was
Solicitor Lyons for the state
The judge then charged the jury and
they retired to the jury room about
O'clock
After celebrating for about two
hours. they notified the court that they
had agreed, just about O'Clock.
The defendant was then sent for
and in few minutes came into court
accompanied by his counsel. The jury
was called over. the defendant was
told to stand UP, and in response to
the usual question ENpounded by the
clerk in capital felonies the jury said
that they had agreed upon verdict
and found that the defendant was moi
guilty of the felony and murder witt
which he was charged.
! As the verdict was announced there
!. was some applause, which was quickly