The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1912-03-16
Br ALEXANDER FORWAltD.

Hillsville, Va, March 15.-Morc for
tho purpose of restoring public con-
fidence and of securing accurate
statements from witnesses of yester-
Goy's Tragedy t.nn 70 aid In bringing
the guilty men to Justice, n special
grand jury was summoned this after
noon, to indict the murderers OF Judge
Atassie, Commonwealth Attorne" w. NJ.
Foster, and Sheriff L. 5. Webb. This
grand jury is to appear at o'clock to-
morrow morning and Will then be
charged by Judge Walter r. Staples,
who assembled the bench to-day to hold
the remainder of the March term of
the Circuit Court of Carroll county.
Easier TO indicf Tnnn Arrest.
1t is fully realized by Judge Staples
that It is easier to indict than to ar
rest. and that warrants arc already out
for many members of tho Allen gang,
but his action in forming the jury has
aided materially in allaying tho in
tense criticism which followed tho
horrifyins murders.
The Circuit Court of Carroll, which
was wiped out of existence yesterday
morning, was reorganized to-day, and
the citizens Witnessed It's proceeding
with the due and orderly execution of
justice.
Judge Staples appointed S. Floyd
Bandreth. of Galax, as special attorney
=
further notice.
All of Sheriff Webb's deputies arc
continued in Office under the direction
of Chief Deputy George d. edwards.
The summonses for the special grand
jury are being served tonight.
i Accompanied by Attorney General
Samuel Williams Judge Staples ar
rived at lIillsylle at 3 o'clock this
afternoon. He took his place on the
bench one hour later after con
terence with members OF tho bar and
Deputy Clerk Quisenbcrry
In view of the deplorable event of
yesterday" said Judge Staples, II have
been designated by tho Governor OF
Virginia to complete the March term
OF court, and it,will probably be adj
visable to continue the cases on tho
docket to the May term.
But it is my purpose to impaneI n
special grand jury to inquire into the
crime committed in this room, and to
have It meet tomorrow at O'clock.
BULLET Holes cyerywtcre.
lie then made the appointments
already stated. and the docket was
called and continued without incident
An immense crowd throngcd the build
ing throughout the afternoon. Scores
OF bullet holes are to be seen on All
sides. in the Judges chair, In the
clerks desk. In the ratings, in the
walls and in tho ceiling. Blood stains
mark the spot where Judge Massie
and Mr.. Foster fell. the latter with
six bullets in his body.
Further versions of the tragedy arc
easily obtanablc from dozens OF eye
witnesses, no two agreeing as to de-
tails. 1t Is stated by many that when
Floyd Allen leaped 10 his feet an
nouncing that he would never be
taken TO the pcnitcntiary lie fumblcd
several times in attempting to draw
his pistol Seeing this, Sheriff Webb
drew his revolver and possibly would
Nave disabled Allen. but for the fact
that w. S. Upton, attorney for the
prisoner, had arisen and stood be-
tween them. The sheriff's unwilling
ness to injure the lawyer materially
changed the situation and perhaps
cost him his life The largo crowd in
the courtroom was thrown into IL
panic. and the men nindfy rushed for
the doorway. One man was trampled
upon and is now badly injured
A woman. present as a witness.
shrieked with fear and implored some
one to save her infant which she held
in her arms. In spite"of the fusillade
OF shots behind him and the panic
stricken crowd all around. a man
named Albert Thomas caught tho wo-
man In his arms and bravely held her
until tho mob had left tho room, at
tho same time standing, between her
and the flying bullets.
Girls Death n Surpriee.
The surprise of to-day was tho death
of Miss Nancy Elizabotn ayers,