The Washington herald., 1907-04-26
ESTES FRIENDS DEFEND Him
Brother of Gov. Swanson Gives Out
Statement.
Efforts Being Made TO Prevent Use
of 'Unyvrttten Law by
Judge Loving.
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SPECIAL 10 The Washington Herald
Lynchburg. Va, April &.-John T.
Swanson. brother Of Gov Swanson. ana
brother-in-Iaw of Theodore Estes, who
was killed Monday afternoon, at Oak
Ridge, gave out statement this after
noon, IN which he claims first reports
relative 10 the tragedy and the causes
leading up to it, have been greatly dis
torted. He denies that Estes was a suitor
for Miss Loying's hand. and says the two
families have been most cordial and
friendly.
Mr.. Swanson claims that Estes gave
Miss Loving a drink Of liquor at her re-
quest she claiming to be feeling badly.
On reaching the home Of A. /. Kidd.
where she spent the night, she showed
indications of being intoxicated. She was
carried from the carriage to bed by Miss
Kidd. Estes. Mr.. Swanson says, went for
DR. STothers and this physician found
Miss Loving intoxicated. He felt her
pulse, and prescribed for her but made
no other examination. He states that DIT
StFothers stated that his attention TO
Miss Loving was only ordinary practice
and he never thought or had any sus-
picion that she had been assaulted. He
said he had never been requested to make
an examination of the young woman
From reports here. it is apparent that
the family Of the dead man will leave
absolutely nothing undone 10 clear his
name of the charge that he had drugged
ana assaulted Miss Loving They hold
that Judge Loving killed his victim upon
unfounded suspicious, and that if he had
waited for Estes TO explain, the tragedy
would never have occurred.
The activity of friends Of the Estes
family in conuadicung so many state
ments made by unbiased persons Of
Tuesday is taken 10y many as an indica-
ton that public sentiment is not 10 be
permitted 10 crystalline in favor Of Judge
Loving if It can be stayed. They believe
he should be punished for murder. and
VIII prevent the use of a plea of the
"unwritten' law. if it is possible.
sentiment Running High.
Richmond. Va. April 25.-Despite the
assertions to the contrary, fractional feel
ing has probably been terminated at Oak
Ridge over the killing OF Theodore Estes.
and public sentiment Is now said to be
running high throughout the whole Of
Nelson County. So acute has the situa-
ton become that much speculation is in
dulged in as to whether the trial will be
held in Nelson County, and as to whether
Judge Bennett 7. Gordon. the circuit fudge.
viii preside.
In connection with the approaching
court trial memories Of a personal en-
counter between Judge Loving and Judge
Gordon. occurring some five years back.
are revived. Judge Gordon was then
Commemorative attorney under Judge
Loving. In order to settle a dispute. the
two are said to have repaired themselves
to a private Office. where. locking them
selves ON the inside they fought with
out weapons until neither could stand on
his feet
Whether, in view of his past alteration
with Judge Loving. Judge Gordon will
consider himself disqualified To preside
over the trial is a mOoted question. 1t
is also rumored that owing TO popular
feeling the trial may take place in
Charlottesville.