The Mena weekly star., 1913-01-30
DAVIDSON GUILTY
 OF BRUTAL KILLING
First Degree Murder, Declares Jury Trying Alleged Slayer of Miss Ella Barham-PPiSOner Is
 Rushed From Harrison.

Harrison, Jan. 26.-Odus David son is guilty of murder in the first degree for the brutal killing and as saulting of Miss Ella Barham, Is years old, according to the verdict of the jury here last night The final verdict was read at S10 p. m., after the jury had been out four hours and 35 minutes. Each juror was questioned, and each declared guilty" Judge George w. Reed congratulated the jurors upon reaching a verdict, and at 8:15 they were dismissed and Davidson's hopes were left only to an appeal, which his attorney, Judge k. G. Mitchell, declared would be taken.
 Judge B. B. Higgins, attorney for the defense, although physically ill, opened the arguments yesterday morning, speaking two hours, then dropping exhausted into his chair. Prosecuting Attorney Gus Sewall, for the state, closed the arguments, and at 3:45 Davidson's fate was in the hands of the jury.
 Lair DavidSOn'S Trial.
 Circuit court was adjourned, but not before attorneys for the de- fense had asked that Lair Davidson, brother of Odus, indicted on a charge of accessory, be given a hearing during the week beginning Monday. February ?. Judge Reed announced a special session for that week. The demand of Lair David sons attorneys was granted.
 Davidson Grows Nervous.
 Odus Davidson listened intently to every word of the attorneys who spoke for and against him, display ing little emotion until the argu- ments were closed and the jury started to leave the courtroom. Then he was plainly nervous and glanced furtiyely at every member of the jury as he slowly walked from the room. At Davidson's side throughout the day sat Miss Cora Potts. who yesterday swore that she was Dayidson's fiancee, and that they were to have been married about one week after the date of his arrest. Her face frightened with hope when attorneys for Da- vids0n spoke, then blanched with fear as the prosecution bitterly de- nounced the man she had sworn she loved.
 Mutterings Among Crowd.
 Immediately after the jury left the room the crowd filed slowly through the door to gather in sul- len but eXpectant groups about the streets. None declared that he in- tended to do violence, but 1t was freely declared by many that un- less a verdict was reached last night there might be something doing" Practically every man ap- parently had his own belief as to guilt or innocence of Davidson and was willing 10 allow the law to take it's course, but should the verdict not be in accordance with his views, then trouble might be eX- pected.
 "Why didn't Odus Davidson take the stand in his own behalf? Was he afraid to testify before this jury who were as willing to hear his side of the story as that of the prOsecution?"
 These and hundreds of other questions were asked among all the groups scattered about the streets.
 Rush Prisoner From City.
 These little whisperings reached the ears of the officers, and at 5:l5 Odus Davidson was placed aboard a train and taken from the city, it is believed to Berryville, where he will be placed in jail. Whether he will be returned to Harrison when the call session of court is be- gun has not been announced by the officers.
 "Whatever the verdict, there must be no violence" Judge Reed had said just before the jury had filed from the courtroom If Odus Davidson is acquitted by this jury, he must be able to leave this court room as free and untrammeled as anyone of you. He must not be molested. If there is any violence or any assault is made, each par ticipant shall be prosecuted as wig orously as this defendant has been by the law of this land"
 Hard Fought Legal Battle.
 Never has such a legal battle been fought in Northwest Arkansas as the trial and conviction of Da- vidson. The most brilliant array of legal talent was secured, neither side spaTing expense. No iota of evidence was left uncovered which might free or aequit the slayer of Miss Barham. The case was has tened, but not rushed. Questions were rapidly asked witnesses, but were carefully weighed before sub mitted.
 Every man admires an attractive woman one with a beautiful com plexion-but there are many wom- ~I.. sl l.