The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1911-08-22

into the spotlight. a buzz of interest
followed his final acceptance by the
court. II seemed good augur. Per.
haps Chesterfield. after all, would be
able to furnish the panel.
The inquisitlon proceeded. The at
torneys for the prisoner were ever
alert closely attending the answers Of
all veniremen, and in one instance
even Directing to definition pro-
nounced by the court Henry Beattie
glanced now and then at a venireman.
but mostly looked steadily down in
front of himself or spoke now and then
to his counsel.
Proceeding Monotonous.
Before long the proceeding. mere
repetition OF prescribed questions.
with occasional variances in the an
swers. grew rather tiresome, and the
standing, restless crowd. shifting from
one foot to another, listened only for
final conclusions. A lone woman APP
furtively over the shoulder of man
standing In front of her. She seemed
determined to get a square look, at
Henry Behttie. and manipulated her
position until she succeeded.
Examination of the second venire-
man brought something of a setback.
but three others promptly followed
asiey into NE SoS one hs q, ghe az tbe
present moment voter in the State.
hut his place was quickly taken by a
man who said he never believed any
thing he saw in the newspapers. and
had no opinion whatever as to the
guilt or Innocence of the accused. On
his heels followed one who put SO
much faith in the press that IT would
take good strong evidence" to con-
vince him that the prisoner was not
guilty as charged. Questions and an
swers went drearily on
Newspapers often Raped.
Sometimes brisk reply or an un-
prospective juryman aroused show of
interest. The newspapers came in for
many naive raps. One venireman, re-
Gently afflicted with asthma. though
now improved. feared that close con-
iinement would bring on another at
tack. and with the consent of both
sides he was excused
The courts determination to risk
nothing by haste. carelessness or a
close skirting of the law. was plainly
indicated from time to time. In one
instance a venireman whom the court
admitted to meet the requirements OF
the law as defined by decision in the
celebrated McCue case. was neverthe
less directed to stand aside because he
approached too nearly the danger line.
The question OF age and physical At
ness was also considered with refer
ence to the possibility of future com
plications resulting from sickness in
note of every contingency, present or
remote. and as far as possible steered
clear OF all doubtful Issues
BulwBrk of Exceptions.
During the course of the eXamina-
'Ion there developed situation not
only raising an interesting point OF
law. but also indicating unmistak al bly,
the intention of the defense to erect u
mountainous breastworks OF cxcep-
lions before the case is over. The
talesman, Wilkinson. had run the
gauntlet and entered the jury box
Subsequently the court reminded IT.
self that ii had not questioned hin
concerning his age and his qualihca-
lions as voter. Thereupon 1t waS
found that Mr., Wilkinson was not
registered, and he was directed &c
stand aside. The same course was
| followed with reference to two other
| talesmen-Frye and Woodbridge. Boil
! prosecution and defense demurred. II
! the opinion OF Mr.. Wendcnburg the
| law required qualification to vote
! right-and not mere reSistration--th,
! record or proof OF the existence o
/ this right. The court. understood
| however. that qualification include,
/ registration. and that the one coult
| not exist without the other. Evidentl,
| well pleased with the turn OF eevnts
the defense announced that II woul,
take exception to the ruling OF tn,