The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-11-17
COURT POSTPONES CASE OF MINISTER ACCUSED OF MURDER Rev. J. T. Terry Claimed to Be Physically Unable to
 Stand Trial DEPENDANT TO STAY IN JAIL UNTIL MAY Great Throngs Gather in Russellville to Hear Evidence as to Death
 of Dr. Hughes in
 October

Russellville, November 16.-(Special) Russellvilles tragedy drama was not staged in the Franklin circuit court Friday.
 Rev J. T. Terry. former pastor of the Methodist church, was not able to go before the jury in defense of him. self against the states allegation that he committed premeditated murder when the life of Dr. Thomas M. Hughes, examining physician of the Franklin exemption board, was snuffed out after a 30-minute auto ride with Mir. Terry, October 3. Terry's attorneys maintained that he was so weak and nervous from the shock of two bullet wounds received in the fight he could not properly de- fend himself. In this they were sup ported by sworn statements of the de- fendant, his wife and Charles M. Ma lone, deputy sheriff.
 The state offered testimony of Dr.. w. A. Gresham. physician member of the Franklin exemption board and county health officer two other physi- clans, and E. l.. Reid, county jailer, to show that Terry's life would not be endangered by the trial.
 The physicians took the defendant into a jury room and after thorough physical examination reported that while he was notlnormal in every way they did not believe serious eonse- quences would result from the trial
 COURT HESITATED
 The court hesitated to render de- cision, announcing that it preferred that the matter should be settled by agreement. After a consultation with Dr. w. F. Hughes brother of the man killed, who declared that he had no desire unduly to force burdens on Ter ry, postponement of the case until the next call in May was announced.
 Unless a special term can be held when Terry has recovered his health he will be forced to remain in the county jail six months His case is not bail able.
 Franklin county all but suspended business for thre trial.
 The court room was crowded and necks were craned toward the witness stand when the accused man walked into the courtroom on the arm of a deputy and seated himself for the hear ing on his plea.
 LOSES WEIGHT
 Those who knew him before the trou- ble could see nothing but skeleton of the human being they had known. Terrys normal weight was near 200 pounds. He has dropped to less than 150
 Wrinkles about his face and neck were plainly visible. He faltered with each step. His attorneys maintained that he was abnormal in some respects and subnormal in others.
 Terry said he desired a trial when arraigned last week, but did not be lieve he could go through it now and he voluntarily took upon himself a six months jail sentence rather than face court and jury at this time.
 WIFE AND WIDOW PRESENT
 Mrs. Terry sat beside him during the consideration of the case. Across the room was the widow of Dr. Hughes Seated near the defendant was the small daughter of pr. Hughes. The child eyed Terry closely.
 Prominent members of the Methodist church are standing behind Terry con- tending that worries over stories cir culated by gossipers took his reason ing power. Under Terry's pleas he can contend that he did not know what he was doing or that he was forced tc shoot tO protect himSelf