The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1907-03-09
CULPEPER VERDICT
StrOther Brothers Congratulated
on all Sides.
THE UNWRlTTEN LAW UPHELD
Judge Commends verdict--Pathetlc Closing Of
the Case. Etc. Etc.

The curtain fell Thursday at Culpeper
on one Of the most thrilling tragedies
in the history Of Virginia, when james
A and Phillip J. Strother, who had been
on trial for the murder OF their brother
in-law, VIM. +. Bywaters, were acquit-
ted. When the jury rendered its verdict
strong men cried. all the jurors were in
tears and Judge Harrison gave way 10
his feelings.
In the last act OF this play OF real life
Judge Harrison brought matters to a
climax by upholdng the "unwritten
law" This is what he told the jurors
in discharging them:
"Your verdict, gentlemen, has followed
the presidents Of American juries gener-
ally so far as they have come under my
observation. Law books may lay down
correct doctrines but American iuries
will not punish man who kills another,
# that other, 10y aggravating and damn
able treachery invades the sanctity OF
his home circle and destroys its
peace know you To be men of
high character and high purpose, and the
verdict is in accordance with the dictates
of your conscience. This is all the Court
could ask, and with it the Court is salts
fed. -"
The verdict was received by nearly
everyone with evidences of feeling which
showed how the sentiment had been.
And when the news was flashed about
the town it seemed that everyone on the
streets was glad. When the StrGther
brothers lett the courthouse host OF
their friends was on all sides Offering
their congratulations.
NEVER FEARED CONVICTION.
James Strother declared he was great
ly pleased with the verdict, but that be
had never feared conviction.
Philip Strother voiced about the same
sentiment as his brother He said he
felt that his cause was right aud that he
never felt for an instant that he would
not be acquitted.
French Strother, the brother who in
stigated the investigation which had
brought ont Bywaters' improper rela-
tons with his sister, declared the course
of his brothers was o righteous one and
he felt from the start that they would be
indicated.
The jurors marched into the court
room At $3.50 O'Clock to take the case
from the Court. The courtroom was
was crowded.
Judge Harrison had merely given them
the necessary Tapers-a letter written by
Philip StTother to his brother, James, q
letter written by Bywaters to the wo-
man who later became his wife, a tele-
gram from Philip to his brother, James,
! the indictment and the instructions oil
the Court. 1t had required just eight
minutes TO do that.
4 THRILLING MOMENT.
An hour and half passed, and
not word from the jury room. Then,
at lilo O'Clock, there came the sudden
cry of the deputy sheriff for order. In
silence the jurors took their seats.
I'VE have found the verdict which we
hand you" said the foreman.
Clerk Coons read aloud:
ave, the jury, find James A. and Philip
j. Strother not guilty.
MANY TEARS OF JOY.
In an instant there was a movement
made toward the brothers. IL was
stopped in a second. and then all was
quiet, for Judge Harrison had held up his
hand. Then the sight OF Mrs.. James
Strother, who had buried her face in her
hands on her husbands knee, sobbing
like tired child, stopped the men.
A TINE FOR CONGRATULATIONS.
When the Judge finished his speech to
the Jury, dignity was cast aside and
James and Philip Strother were lionized
by their friends and relatives. Mrs.