Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-08-11
ADDED CHARGES
AGAINST JUR|ST
WILL Be PROBED
Delegate Powell's Accusa-
tions Not Confined to Re-
marks on Floor of House.
COMMITTEE so RULES,
AND CHICHESTER ASSENTS
Investigators Vote to Bind Them
selves to Legal Rules of
Evidence.
SMILE AvERTs SERIOUS CLASH
One Threatening Moment, but Oliver
Pours Oil on Troubled
Waters.
COMMITTEE so RULES,
AND CHICHESTER ASSEMTS
SMILE AvERTs SERIOUS CLASH
One Threatening Moment, but Oliver
Pours Oil on Troubled
Waters.
tRy STAFF correspondent)

(By a STAFF CorrespondentD
FREDERICKSBURG. August 1o.-1t
was probably the psychology OF a. smile
that averted an impending difficulty in
the Fredericksburg Corporation Court
chamber this afternoon between two
or the leading characters in the tense
drama of public life that now holds the
gripping interest of all |virgini-.
They arc men known Of all men in
this section of the State for their fear
iessness quick resentment to offended
personal pride and their physical cour
aSe, these two whose eyes flashed an
exchange of anger and defiance for the
moment. Two hundred spectators,
seated in the tiers that rise like the
terraced benches of an lmphitheater.
gazed in breathless expectancy. Like
two gladiators of the arena thew Ap-
peared. sturdy of bodyf broad O. shout
der. big as to biceps as they stood. one
hushed with n sense Of insult. the other
cool calm. almost contemptuous in the
impassive expression on his face
And as he of the anger flushed face
seemed about to precipitate himself
upon the sQuare-jawed one whose
words had stung like n sharp weapons
thrust n moment before. the features OF
Walter Tansill Oliver. whose sharp eyes
mad snapped the critical situation at a.
glance, relaxed Into good-humored
smile.
There was magnetism as we'll as
method in that smile. BY soma
psychological process 1t broke the
wrath of the man offended. A--faint
sibtlant sound rose from the throng
OF spectators. 1t was a sigh OF relief.
STARTLING INCIDENT
COMES EARLY IN SESSION
The startling Incident came early in
the afternoon session of the special
committee of the House OF Delegates
investigating the charges OF Delegate
samuel p, Powell. of Spotsylvania.
against Judge r. H. L. Chichester, Of
the Fifteenth Judicial CIRCUIT.
Ihe proceedings that led to this one
sensational episode. which flashed and
passed like bolt OF lightning, were as
dnil and prosy We're the delibera-
tions that followed in the remaining
half hour of the sitting.
Mr. Powell had .udressed the com.
mittee on the Importance of trans
terrlng the seat of investigation to
SpotsvlVania Courthouse for a brief
time later on in the inquiry Answer
ing some objection on the part OF Judge
Alvin T. Embrey. he was explaining
distances. He made some reference To
htty miles" 1t seemed to pass nm
noticed by every one except Jude,
Embrey. Rising to his feet judge
Emhrey. with seeming great delibera-
tion, addressed the committee
don't want to provoke contro.
Versy at the beginning OF those pro.
ceedings." he said. but when Mr.
Powell tells you that Spotsylvania
Courthouse is distant just fifty miles
ne makes a willful misstatement of
fact"
MIR. POWELL LEAPS
ANGRILY TO HIS FEET
Mr.. Powell leaped to his feet. His
race Hushed anSrily. He expostulated
For an Instant he seemed about to at
tack Judge Embrey. II was at this
1uncture that the smile or glance or
both. OF Chairman Oliver was exerted
with seeming hypnotic effect: for rho
hush died out of Mr.. Powell's cheeks
nnd no recovered his composure as his
glance met the eye of the chairman.
Ihats one of the closest shayes
ever witnessed" commented a vetsran
''' wiz 'idS Deen recording
ceedings in the courts for more than
thirty Years
SPENDS TIME DISCUSSING
MODE OF PROCEDURH
Ihe committee devoted practically
the whole OF the afternoon session ,o
discussing mode OF procedure to bs
followed with view to expeditinr
and facilitating business
Chairman Oliver announced at tbs
opening of the session that decisions
mad been reached by the COMMITTEES in
conference on several questions sub
mitted earlier in the day.
one ruling was that Judge Chiches-
ter should be given opportunity to e.-
pain all of his challenged anpoint-
mchts Another was that animus shall
not be considered by the committee as
having any bearing upon the case.
was announced by the chairman.
100. that tho committee had decided
sha. IL had tull authority to probe
charges hled by Mr.. Powell after the
original charges were filed In the House
OF Delegates. lie intimated that IL was
the purpose Of the committee to give
the additional allegations of Nh Powell
all due consideration.
NOT JUDGES PURPOSE
TO EVADE ANY CHARGES
Judge Embrey took occasion to mako
a correction to go on record as 10 his
remarks at the morning session, when
he was understood as objecting strong.
!y 10 an investigation OF charges ont IN
side OF those contained in the ailesa-,
ttons filed with the House OF DeIegates+
judge Embrsy said 1t was not the pur-
pose OF Judge Chichester to evade these
supplementary charges.