Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1912-10-29
aMistellantous 8eaaina.
FIGHT IN COURT ROOM
GreenvilIe Attorneys Engage in Fisti-
cuff at Vaughn Trial.

Greenville Attorneys Engage in Fisti
cuff at Vaughn Trial.
Excitement reigned supreme at tn,
trial Of T. U. Vaughn in the genera
sessions court at Greenville last Fri
| day, when Attorney John ]. McSwain
| assisting in the prosecution, and At.
torney B. F. Martin, Of counsel for tn,
defense, engaged in a fisticuff resulting
from dispute as to the admission o.
certain evidence. For several minute.
the crowded court room was thrown
into state Of hysteria as q half dozer
officers attempted to separate the com.
batants, and probably 1t was by the
narrowest margin that more serious
trouble was averted. The disturbance
was quelled for a few minutes, but
threatened to break out afresh, wher
some Of the other attorneys interested
in the case became engaged in a dis
cussion. Judge Purdy, who had retain
ed his composure throughout the ex-
citement, realized that the situation
was growing critical and at once
brought into play the power Of his sta
tion by threatening to put the next
man who opened his mouth in Jail
Order was restored once again, but II
was some minutes before the deck
could be cleared for action again.
The first and the prosecuting wit
ness in one Of the cases against Vaughn
was on the stand just before the alter
cation took place. Counsel for the de-
fense was questioning the girl as to
whether or not Mr.. McSwain was her
attorney in a damage suit for $4,000
which she had filed against Vaughn
just after his escape from Jail. This
question was the beginning Of the
trouble.
For some moments there were state
ments and counter statements, and
then a low, muttered growl was
heard; there was a sound of someone
rushing across the floor, disturbing
chairs and tables. In the twinkling of
an eye Mr.. McSwain was upon Attor-
ney Martin, and, to all appearances,
had dealt him a blow which knocked
him to the floor. The next instant Mr..
McSwain was upon the attorney, and
things were in such a state Of pande-
monium that 1t is difficult to state
what transpired.
The court room was thrown into a
state of panic. Sheriff Poole, who was
standing near by, rushed upon the
combatants, but was powerless to get
them apart. A half dozen or more Of
ficers and spectators took hold Of Mr..
McSwain, who Is of splendid physique,
but they were tossed right and left. FL
nally, more officers and spectators sur
rounded Mr.. McSwain and bore him to
the floor. For several seconds the
scene resembled football scrimmage.
first Attorney McSwain being on top
and then the half dozen or more who
were trying to quiet him. In the
meantime, Mr.. Martin was taken out
Of the room and into>a hallway in the
rear of the judges bench. Mr.. Martin
was bleeding from several scratches on
the right temple and jaw. Mr.. McSwain
to all appearances, was unscratched.
The court room was crowded to
overflowing. The excitement spread
to the audience and many fled the
building, while others rushed to the
front and took some sort Of part in the
fray. With difficulty the crowd was
gotten back behind the bar railing
When order was restored Judge Purdy
made a brief statement in which he
deplored the incident, but stated that 1t
was an occurrence which neither he
nor the sheriff were able to foresee. He
stated that at the proper time and in
the proper manner he would dispose Of
the matter Mr.. Martin and Mr.. Nc
Swain then asked to be allowed to
make statements to the court. Permis-
sion was granted, and each one ex-
planned his side Of the dispute.
At this point other attorneys became
engaged in the discussion, and when
it appeared that hostilities were about
to be renewed Judge Purdy arose and
in a very emphatic statement brought
order out Of chaos. Il have managed
to keep cool during this trouble. as be-
comes my position" said Judge Purdy.
but 1 am getting pretty hot myself
now. I don't want to hear another word
about this matter and If it goes on I
will put the offender in Jail and keep
him there"
Within a few minutes after quiet
was restored court recessed for lunch.
The afternoon session was held behind
closed doors, only the members Of the
bar, witnesses and the press being ad-
mitted.-Greenville News.