The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1916-06-23
Manning Orders Militia
To Camp Ground at Styx
WELL KNOWN MEN
UNDER SUSPICION
SOUGHT IN CONNECTION WITH
JUDGES MURDER.
Sequel to Campaign-Climax of Bit
ter Alabama Fight Comes in Killing
of Huntsville Candidate.

of Huntsville Candidate.
huntsville, Ala, June 17.-That
Madison county officers and Hunts
vile police are seeking at least three
and probably more of the most prom
lnent citizens of Huntsville and at
least one man well known i'm Ala
Dama politics in connection with the
murder of Probate Judge w. T. Law
Ter became definitely known tonight.
After the finding of the body TODAY
weighed down in the Tennessee river
two companies of militia were sent
here to prevent violence which was
feared when the tragic climax of a
bitter political fight became known.
Judge Lawler was last seen by
friends and relatives Wednesday
night. He said on that night that
he had an engagement to meet a
political opponent at the court house.
When he did not return that night
his family became alarmed and re-
ported his absence to the sheriff.
Judge LAWYERS eye glasses were
found Thursday morning on the
court house lawn. His automobile
was standing Thursday morning in
front of the court house where it is
believed he drove it.
He was shot twice and struck on the
head with a blunt instrument The
body was found at 13O o'clock this
afternoon ten miles from the city but
it was some time later when the
news reached Huntsville. At about
A o'clock, it is stated, one of the men
sought by the officers was seen leav-
ing the city in northerly direction
in an automobile. Officers say that
other men they were looking for also
had suddenly disappeared
Later in the night it was rumored
that one of the men who could not
be found early in the evening had re-
turned to the city.
The home of B. ID. Overton, for a
number of years circuit court clerk
and Judge LAWYERS recent opponent
in the judgeship race, was entered
by officers. 1t was said that Mr..
Overton was not at home. No arrests
were made.
Both Sheriff Phillips and Police
Chief Kirby say warrants have been
sworn out for at least three very we'll
known citizens but decline officially
to make known their names, fearing
publicity might hinder them in serv-
ing the warrants.
Acoroner's jury was empaneled
early tonight and remained in session
until nearly midnight when a recess
was taken until 9 o'clock Monday
morning. At that time Attorney Gen
eral w. l.. Martin is expected to as
sumo charge of the investigation. 1t
is also planned to draw new grand
jury to investigate charges of frauds
at the primary when Judge L.awlel
was renominated. Two grand juries
have not returned indictments.
Three arrests in the case had been
made tonight-Percy Brooks, owner
of ferry operated near where Judge
Lawler's body was found; Jack Go
forth and Joseph Spanning, employees
of Brooks. Brooks was hurriedly
taken from Huntsville tonight and
officers started with him to Brming-
ham for safekeeping. Goforth and
I Spanning are held as witnesses.
| The town was quiet at midnight but
Sheriff Phillips made no effort to con-
ceal his anxiety over what might oc.
cur should arrests be made. The
large crowd that gathered in the court
house square dispersed early, but up
to midnight many persons were on the
streets which still were patrolled by
the guardsmen from Florence anC
Decatur.