The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1911-08-15
neattie. made the trip without further
May Yet De Postponed.

incident.
May Yet De Postponed.
Though the odds appear to he favor.
able to an actual beginning OF the
trial on Monday. 1t must not be unrr-
stood that the matter Is beyond per
adventure. The defense was mani
testify displeased with the turn Of
events. and Mr. Smith declared later
In the day that while he would now
be forced into court In week, he
would not feel that hu had had ade-
quate time in which to prepare his
case. What the final outcome will he
1t is impossible to say with certainty.
There is feeling in some quarters
that the trial Will yet go over-per-
haps to q special term. The prosecu-
tion is proceeding. however. on the as
sumption that the big struggle Will
begin in earnest on Monday.
or one thing. however. there can be
no doubt Whenever the trial occurs
there VIII be no need of militia or
special consta bulary to preserve order
in Chesterfield. The temper OF the
crowd yesterday was excellent. Beat.
tie VIII get q fair deal. not only in
the court. but at the hands OF the spec
tators. Interest in the case is unques-
tionably great. but there is no show
of unusual excitement The county
may even furnish the jury. though this
Is somewhat questionable.
1t is believed BY many that the COM
plction of panel viii consume a
longer time than Is generally sup
posed.
That Judge Watson, though kindly
and courteous to all. means to rule
with firm hand IS evident even from
one days acquaintance. There will
be no disorderiy scenes in Chesterfield
court. and a forgetfulness by anybod.
or the dignity and majesty or the
law.
one of PIcketts oIen.
In Sheriff Gill the Judge has d
staunch and capable lieutenant. a
typical product of the oiden time, the
Sheriff one OF Pickett's veterans. Is
known throughout the county for two
chief qualities--strict adherence to his
duty and an indomitable courage He
is withal big-hearted ana h rspite ole.
and genuinely glad TO give his visitors
the best that he can provide for them.
Clerk Cogbill Is also steadily at his
job and making many new friends
among those who have 20 go often to
him for assistance. In fact, the whole
official staff at the courthouse Is eff
Client and courteous. 10 a degree decid-
edly attractive to the stranger
The courthouse surroundings are
picturesque. and provide worthy set
ting for what promises to be the most
famous OF Virginia criminal cases. The
ancient little building. made Of brick
brought from England more than a
century ago. stands surrounded by
towering oaks and sycemores as old
as itself. Oft IN one corner OF the
green booth has been erected and
Brunswick stew. sandwiches and
30
provided for the visitors. The little
hotel Is a busy hive Just now. and
l!verymen are preparing for thriv-
Ing season. 1t Will be big day for
Chesterfeld In somn ways.
Byrd Not in Case.
Commemorative Attorney Gregory.
OF Chesterfield county. said last night
that while the crowd at the court
house yesterday was large. It was ex-
eeedingly orderly and that he was
satisfied this condition would prevail
throughout the trial. He was particu-
larry impressed with the very qaiet
manner about the place.
Concerning the published report
that Richard Evelyn Byrd expected
to assist the prosecution, Judge C.eg-
DRY said:
80 far as I know. Mr. Byrd was
not at Chesterfield Courthouse. and
@taitu oui iHs tHe udS, III tHe presence
OF witnesses. when interviewed. that
the CommonwealthS case would be
conducted by Mr.. Wendenburg and
myself: that Mr.. Byrd was not IN the
case. and would not be In 1t. One of
Mr.. Byrd's friends hid try to persuade
me to have him associated with US, but
l declined. Mr.. Byrd himself never
spoke to me about the matter. al
though his friend did. but he did not
refer IN arafn announced
that the services of the distinguished
lawyer wauld not be asked or re-
ouired."