Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1914-08-06
Relates to Jury Circum-
stances Surrounding ).
Death of Husband.
PROVES GOOD WITNESS
Other Evidence to Be Introduced by
Prosecution Which VIII, II Is Said,
Cause Sensation. : I.

Louisa, Va, August 6.-Centfal
figure in the most sensational drama
of mystery and tragedy that has ever
invaded the quiet precincts OF Louisa
County, Mrs. Elizabeth A. hall
charged with the murder of her nus
band. went upon the witness stand
Yesterday afternoon, and IN an easy
monotone narrated her oft-repeateu
story Of the murder.
She was calm and collected, with
no tremor in her voice or qulVer on
her lips. 4 dead silence fell upon
the crowded courtroom as she oegaA
to speak, and court and spectators
listened in an endeavor to catch her
every word. The accused woman
though she spoke as Il dislntereSted
and impartial observer Of the events
leading up to and following the mur-
der, appeared to make good lnl-
preston on the twelve men who are
to determine whether she be guilty
or innocent, and she undoubtedly
made a good witness and told her
story well.
The cross-examination had barely
begun when the hour Of adjourn
ment came, and Commonwealth's At
torney Bibb announced that at beast
three hours would be taken to
finish cross-examining her. 1t is eX-
pected that the case Will have so far
progressed tomorrow afternoon that
the jury will be able to visit the
scene of the murder then and that the
argument will be made on Friday.
As she left the stand, Mrs. Hall
approached the newspaper men, e.
Gaping the watchful eye Of Attorney
r. Lindsay Gordon, and said, II hope
YOU will tell the truth now"
"You made good witness for
yourself" they replied, encouraging
ly.
"Well," she answered, "I have moth
ing to fear"
Mrs. Halls defense was inestimab-
~ damaged by the testimony and at
titude of the father Of her alleged
victim on the stand yesterday, ac-
cording to the opinion Of those in the
courtroom while he was giving his
evidence.
The witness, Nicholas w. Hall, par
ent of Victor Hall, was recalled by the
prosecution. He proved to be hostile,
evasive, reticent and refractory. His
memory seemed to be of the faultiest,
and neither counsel for the prosecu-
tion nor even the defense could OBJ
tain a direct answer to a question
from him. 1t was plainly evident that
the old man was bent on doing all
he could to shield the alleged slayer
Of his SON, but his attitude Of reti-
cence ard evasiveness did more TO
marin IcI uSlcHSS LHdi dIIS IHIlS LidI
has yet happened during the trial
according to those who have followed
the case.
! Friends Of Mrs. Hall were thrown
into a panic in court just before the
morning session was adjourned when
the statement was made that Deputy
| Sheriff Trice would take the stand
and swear that on April 22nd he was
Sat Hills store and that he exam
ined Victor Halls clothes and saw
a bloody bolster slip.
The accused, her fami ly and the
teachers who were in the house when
the murder was committed, have
unanimously sworn that no slip was
on the bolster. If the Commonwealth
proves that there was bloody bol-
stcr case, and it is positive in its
| assertion that it will, it will be in
. cumbent upon the defense to prodlce
; it, if i exists, or to explain why It
was destroyed. aaa"..
| Notice has been served upon at
torncys for the defense tnat Deputy
, Trice will take the stand for the
I.0:ccutiOn.