The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-04-09
STATE RESTS IN
 THE SORSBY CASE
Most of the Witnesses Will Be
 Used In Rebuttal
INSANITY PLEA GAINING
Sorsby's Actions Now Are Making an Impression Upon the Jury and Add ing Strength to the Method
 of the Defense.

Jackson, Miss, April .-(Special.)-The crowd in attendance of the Sorsby trial today was larger, if possible, than yes l terday. but the proceedings were cut short at the morning session when the defense stated that it rested. In view of the fact that the state had not used half its witnesses this announcement was un- looked for at this stage of the proceed ings, and gave the defense a hard jolt. The state announced 1t did not excuse its witnesses. showing It expects to play some of It's strongest cards in rebuttal.
 At the afternoon session the defense first placed brother of the defendant on the stand to tell what he knew of the management of the postoffice, and that he had noticed evidences of insanity in Sors- by prior to the killing of Fitzgerald. The eross-examination of the boy was furious, and he became so badly confused that he remembered nothing, and had never mo- ticed anything peculiar about his brother in-law till after the killing Other mem bers of the sorsby family and several of it's most intimate friends and neighbors
 
 tendencies of long standing. One of these, an aunt of the defendant, told of how his grandmother and father had both died insane, and that his grandmother died of paralysis of the brain.
 While the effect of the testimony of the widow of Fitzgerald. in which his dying statement was repeated to the jury, is still apparent. there is no doubt the im- pression is growing that there is some thing in the insanity plea-that Is, that Sorsby looks crazy now, and has acted crazy since the killing, whether he was before or not. He sits all day gazing fix edly at the ceiling with stare that is de- scribed by all as vacant"
 The Vicksburg monument commission met at the office of Governor Noel today for the purpose of conference with the contractor, Professor Trebel of New York, the designer and the builder of the monument the state of Mississippi is building in the military park at vicksburg in commemoration of the deeds of valor performed by the state troops in the war of the. rebellion.
 Those present were Capt. W. T. Ratlif of Raymond, Capt. J. M. Cashman of vicksburg, Capt William Yerger of Greenville. The designer and his brother the latter having charge of the construc- tion work. were both present. and stated to the commission that it would be im- possible to complete the monument before October l, 1910, and the time was extended to that date It had been expected that 10 1uorly xuofld he dona Iv Tupa Yaxf
 In view of the fact that the contractors cannot get the bronze work that is to go on the monument before the date named the commission saw no other course but to continue the time. The contractors de- clare the manufacturers cannot get out the work.
 It is stated that the marble work is about completed or will be in a few days. When completed the monument will stand 76 feet high, the base being 12 feet square. The commission adopted the statue Of History, with medallions of Jefferson Davis and Gov. J. J. Pettus, an ante-bel- lum character in this state. It Is stated that there is a probability that the Con- federate veterans who meet in Vicksburg during the summer in annual camp may determine to dedicate the monument at
 
 will be in attendance.
 The Methodist orphanage near this city is in great luck, and the friends and supporters of the institution are in high feather over the generosity that has been displayed by two distinguished natives of the state, though one of them is now a citizen of Louisiana.
 Maj. R. w Millsaps and the Rev Will liam Williams, manager of the orphan age have just returned from New Or leans where they went to consult with Dr. Luther Sexton, formerly of Hazle- hurst, but now one of the leading plry- sicians of the Crescent City, and report that Dr. Sexton has donated s10000 to the orphanage. This donation is to form a memorial to Dr. Sextons mother, and will be in the shape of a new building or dormitory, something that is very badly needed because of the overcrowded con dition of the present quarters
 But this is not all the funds that are soon to come into the hands of the or phanage management. MT. w M. Lamp ton of Magnolia having assured the man. agement that he has set aside 5000 to be used in the betterment of the conditions at the institution.
 With this sum of cash the Methodist orphanage will largely increase the field of it's usefulness. There are now more than 100 children being cared for, and many more would be there if there were accommodations for them.
 Bishop Charles B. Galloway was among the distinguished citizens in attendance on the Sorsby trial yesterday and his many friends were happy to see him able to get out once more This beloved churchman Is still weak. but is encour- aged to believe he is some better than during the winter. Asked about his con- dtion he states, "Oh, I'm no account now" but it is hoped by thousands that with the further advance of spring and summer sunshine he will regain his one- time physical vigor.
 President Lee has offered, and the rail road commission has accepted and in- dorsed, proposition for the equalization of passenger rates in this state. The commission would make the price of a railroad ticket the same as the price of a mileage book, and all railroads doing business in Mississippi are cited to be in Jackson, through counsel or representa- May 1, to show cause why these rates should not be adjusted according to a resolution passed by the state senate more than a year ago.
 The commission has adopted a resolution the object of which is to prohibit and pre- vent the changing of schedules by rail- roads without the consent of the commits sion. Contemplating changes of schedule the railroads must apply to the com mission for permission and give 30 days notice of intention to make the changes
 -s.--4
 Railroad Officials Elected