Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-04-18
'hECRO SOUGHT BY MOB
Says He IS mot GUILTY"
""pert Jones and Hamilton Crosby
Are on Trial In Charlottcs.
Vile Court.
JUDGE DABNEY HOLDS oRDE,
Armed Militianien Watch for Slight
est Attempt at Demonstration in
tourtroom-CitiZe Seem to De-
plore Attempts at Violence.
Especial to The Times-Di.pa,ch


IhA Rl-OrTESVILLE. VA. April II.
With Robert Jones. Il negro on trial
Tor the alleged murder Of Policeman
Meredith \. Thomas, the Corporation
Court was opened at 1890 O'Clock this
morning by Judge A. D. Dabney. who
iast night stood at the threshold of
the JAIL between {, mob Of 1000 citizens
4 fhd IT'S quarry. two negroes. and pre-
served peace by calling court TO order
on the spot. After three venires had
neen ordered to-day. only eight jurors
had been accepted. and at 4 o'clock
His afternoon court was continued
until o'clock tomorrow morning.
In the proceedings to-day there was
no demonstration or suggestion Of last
nights disorder. although the court
room was crowded to the doors and
WINDOWS with spectators and militia
men armed with rifles. In the gallery
'nrong OF negroes watched and heard
with tense. pathetic silence the slow
proceedings OF the court.
'alfn and intrepid. as he had faced
Tue angry crowd in the early hours
OF the morning, Judge a -. Dabncy
TOOK up the order Of business at 1880
o'clock. and a panel Of sixteen qualified
Jurors was selected. George L.. Walk
or, attorney for Jones. and Albert :
boiling. appointed by the court 70 de-
iehd Hamilton Crosby. who IL charged
WIN being an accomplicc In the AL
ieged crime. announced that they were
ready. and the call OF the vcniremen
began Most Of them having already
expressed opinions the supposed
Suiit OF the accused from the panel
only four jurors qualified.
NEGRO JONES ENTERS
PLEA OF NOT GUILTY
Cpon Mr.. Walkers announcement
mat the prisoner WAS ready 10 be ar
nd J.
indictment read against him. The in
dictment contains four counts--one for
murder by shooting with Il pistol. and
three for mortal wounds inflicted on
cine head with Il large stone.
Not guilty" pleaded the negro i'm
voice clear and distinct. and counsel
said there were no other pleas TO be
entered.
The court then ordered "a new venirc
OF sixteen men. drawn from the Jury
boN. ana Sergeant Rogers and his dep
uues went out 10 summon those who
were drawn.
tn" court was then adjourned until
1890 o'clock
From the second panel of sixteen
summoned. only four We're accepted
wnen court r"convencd so a third
Hcnire was ordered By o'clock the
panel Of sixteen qualified voters WAS
completed Court then adjourned until
= O'Clock tomorrow morning
tn. third panel was composed OF
the following:
j A. Greaver. r. T. Gillian. r \.
Euasow. r. y. Cav. \. II. Nuttyecombe
r. y. Behrendt. J. r. Harrison. John
y. Page. s. y. Jessup. l.. II. Turner r.
q. Hnn'zmon VI Il. Harlow r. y
Flanagan. w H. Marshall. J. =
Niche and j. T. Collins
There is every prospect that tho trial
~ Jones VIII be concluded by noon
tomorrow. Everything viii be don.
by the court. attorneys and other Of
i!cers Of the court to expedite. the cas-.
There seems TO hav. been no cause
or occasion for mob violence last
night. and the whole law-abidinr cle-
ment OF this city and community to-
dag appear 10 regret the disturbances
The mob met men who we're not
afraid to do their duty. and none was
so rash az 10 try to pass the guard
al the scrgcant's Office and the Month
cello Guard. who faced thc crowd Nn
all sides AT every approach TO the jail