The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1912-10-30
COURT IN 4 PANIC.
two LAWYERS FIGHT IN PRES
ENCE OF The JUDGE
COURT BOOM In A PANIC
Spectators Join in Efforts to Stop
the Fight, and q Renewal Of the
Difficulty Was Prevented by Judge
Purdy's Threat to Send the Of
fender to Jail

ISuOCI W 0GAAAA
Red blood flowed at the trial Of T.
U. Vaughn, in the General Sessions
Court at Greenville, Friday, when
Attorney John J. McSwain, assisting
in the prosecution, and Attorney B.
F. Martin, Of counsel for the defence,
engaged in furious fsticutt result
ing from dispute IS to the admis-
sion Of certain evidence. For several
minutes the crowded Court room was
thrown into a state OF hysterlas as
half dozen officers attempted to sep
arate the combatants, and 1t was by
the narrowest margin that riot vas
ayerted.
The disturbance was Quelled for a
few minutes and then threatened to
break out afresh when half dozen
attorneys interested in the case be-
came engaged in heated wransle.
Judge Purdy, who had retained his
composure throughout the excite
ment, realized that the situation had
grown extremely critical and at once
brought into p1ay the power OF his
station, by threatening to put the
next man who opened his mouth In
Jail. Order was finally restored. but
it was some minutes before the deck
cleared for action again.
The first, and the prosecuting, wit
ness in one OF the cases against
Vaughn was on the stand at the
time the alteration took place.
Counsel for the defence was Ques-
tioning the girl as to whether or not
Mr.. McSwain was her attorney in a
damage suit for $4,000, which she
had fled against Vaughn just after
his escape from jail. This question
was the beginning Of the trouble.
After dramatic wrangle, a low NUT
tered growl was heard. There was
a sound Of some one rushing across
the floor, disturbing chairs and
tables. II the tTinkling OF an eye,
Mr.. McSwain was upon Attorney Mar
tin and, to all appearances, had dealt
him blow which knocked him to
the floor. The next instant Mr.. Nc
Swain was upon the attorney and
things were in such a state OF PAN
demonium that it is difficult to state
lust what transpired.
The Court room was thrown into
8 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
officers and spectators took hold OF
Mr.. McSwain, who is OF splendid
physique, but they were tossed right
and left. Finally more officers and
spectators surrounded Mr. McSwain
and bore him to the floor. For sew
eral seconds the scene resembled
football scrimmage, frst Attorney
McSwain being on top and then the
half dozen or more who were try
ing to quiet him. In the meantime
Mr.. Martin was taken out OF the
room and into hallway IN the rear
Of the Judges bench. Mr.. Martin
was bleeding profusely from several
scratches on the right temple and
jaw. Mt. McSwa&n, to al appear
ances, was unscratched.
The Court room was crowded to
overfowing. The excitement spread
to the audience and many Of them
fed the building, while others rushed
to the front and took So ne sort of
part in the fray. With difficulty :ae
mob was beaten back behind the bar
railing. When order was restored
Judge Pardy made brief statement.
in which he deplored the incident,
but stated that it was an occurrence
which neither he nor the sheriff was
able to foresee. He stated that a.
the proper time and in the proper
manner he would dispose Of the mat
ter.
Mr.. Martin and Mr.. McSwsin then
asked to, be allowed to make state
ments to the Court. Permission was
granted and Mr.. Martin explained his
side Of the dispute. At this point
other attorneys became engaged N
the discussion and when it appeared
that hostilities were about to be re-
newed Judge Purdy arose and IN a
very emphatic statement brought Or
Ger out Of chaos.
81 have managed. TO keep cool dur
ing this trouble. as becomes my posi-
ticn," said Judge Pu-dy, "but I am
getting pretty bot myself now. I
don't want to hear another word
about this matter and IS i; coes on I
will put the offender in ssa:: nd keep
him there"
Within a few minutes after quiet
was restored Court recessed e
lunch. The afternoon session was
held behind closed doors, only the
members OF the Bar. witnesses and
the press being admitted.
D,,~sr~ Chin