The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1909-02-09

to inquire the significance Of what he
had just heard.
The most dramatic moment Of the
entire trial was when the clerk read
the first word of the verdict: "Guil-
ty," then hesitated, for the one word
would have inflicted upon the con-
victed nan the extreme penalty.
When the rest Of the verdict had been
read there was evident in the coun-
tenances of the defendant and his
counsel expressions of certain de-
gree Of relief, although the jury's
finding was distinct disappointment
to them.
The judge thanked the jury for
/ their patience and forbearance during
the trial, which lasted more than
three days, and discharged them. The
jury showed signs Of great fatigue.
While they were made as comfortable
as possible during the time they We're
kept together and perhaps suffered
comparatively little discomfort, ply
sically, still the mental strain caused
by a realization Of their grave re-
sponsibilty was evident.
It is not known upon what featur-
es Of the testimony the jury based its
verdict.
Two hours after the verdict was
rendered, the court being occupied in
the meantime with hearing motions
Of appeals in several minor cases, W.
T. Jones was placed in the prisoners
dock to receive the sentence which
the law provides.
Motion for New Trial.
Before sentence was passed, Co..
George Johnstone, who made val
liant fight for his clients life and lib
erty, entered a motion for new trial.
Counsel for the defence stated that,
being very much fatigued and wish
ing to secure a transcript Of the tes-
titmony in this case, and also to con-
silt authorities bearing on same, they
would request the court to postpone
the hearing of arguments on the mo-
tion until some time next week. Mr..
P. H. Nelson, of counsel for the State,
interposed an objection, but the court
granted the request Of the defence
and fixed next Friday as the day for
hearing argument, unless otherwise
ordered. The motion will be argued
here, as the court Of commen pleas
will be in session. Sentence was sus-
pended pending tie outcome Of the
motion for a new trial, and the pris-
oner remanded to jail.
During most Of the day, W. I.
Jones, now convicted of perhaps the
most heinous crime in the criminal
category, the murder of the wife Of
his bosom, the mother Of his only
child, and that in the most insidious
manner conceivable-the administra-
ton of a deadly poison-sat by his
counsel. The appearance of indlffer-
ence and unconcern, which was no.
ticeable during the previous days Of
the trial had given way to extreme
nervousness, which he apparently
made no effort to conceal. However,
shortly after the verdict was announc-
ed, adverse though it was, the prison
er seemed relieved, and when taken
back to the Jail, had apparently re-
gained his remarkable composure.
This case is not yet ended, for
"Tee' Jones is a man of wealth,
and not until every legal resource is
exhausted will he become a peniten-
titry inmate.
The verdict meets with the general
aJproval of the people Of this COM
munity, and, with f weexceptions, al
feel that justice has been done, but
there will be a sad sequel, the con-
temptation Of which, has elected in
Vulnerable expressions Of sympathy,
and that is the effect it will have on
the innocent, fourteen-year-old son.