Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1922-04-27

PNN''NN'a bbiiNlNS III llllS StdtC SONIC
years ago. Following the designation
Of Mr. Blizzard for trial. the court
adjourned until Wednesday.
Yesterday was taken up with the dis
cuss on of legal points by the AT
torneya and up to the time Of this
writing the jury has not yet been Sc
lected.
Ii was interesting to observe the
miners and their friends who have come
TO Jefferson county. So far as one
could see, there are few IL any for
eigners among them. Indeed. il is said
that practically all of them are native
born West Virginians-men who have
lived, as have their forefathers for gen
erations past, in the mountains of the
southwestern section Of this State. In
those once remote regions the people
were law unto themselves and lived
a life apart in many respects They
have been bred TO an independence that
is conducive to clashes when they
come In contact with the outside world.
The Register representative talked
with ndnber Of them, and they stead
tasty deny any wrongful acts or intent.
In appearance these men are very much
like Just such group Of laboring men
as we would see at our Jefferson or
Berkeley county public works-at Bak-
erton or Blairton and the other quar-
ries. 1t had been reported that the
miners and their families would come
here in rags and tags and tattered
gowns" but such is not the case. The
men are well dressed and nea in ap-
pearance. The ladies who are here are
becomingly and stylishly attired as a
rule. The Register representative
found opportunity to mingle with the
strangers, and has found no horns or
cloven hoofs up to this date. Fact is,
after meeting and conversing with a
number OF them, the conclusion is
reached that they are just like home
folks, so far as one can tell on short
acquaintance. Among the ladies al,
tending the trial are Mrs. Mooney,
Mrs, Blizzard, Mrs. Keeney and others
Perhaps the most interesting of the
ladies present is Mrs. Chambers. II
will be remembered that last fall while
she and her husband, Edward Cham
bers, and Sid Hatfield and his wife
were ascending the courthouse steps
at Welsh a pistol battle suddenly be-
gan, in which both Hatfield and Cham
bers were shot and killed by detectives.
II is easily imaginable that the tragedy
has left its impress upon Mrs. Cham
bers, who is beautiful girl, OF quiet,
modest manner and attractive appear
ance.
The visitors are settling themselves
for long stay in Charles Town, as II
Is evident that the trials will be long
drawn out unless some unforeseen con.
tingency arises. Many OF them have
expressed their admiration for the
beauty of our Shenandoah Valley,
which is so unlike their own mountain
scenes. The fine farms and lovely
landscapes have already impressed
them, and such times as they are not
required in court they have been en-
joving the charms Of Jefferson county.
The strangers are delighted with the
treatment they have received at the
hands Of the people Of Charles Town
and the county. They have been shown
every consideration and courtesy,
their comfort and convenience have
been looked after. they realize that
there is no prejudice against either
side to the controversy in this section,
and all are sure that they will receive
a fair deal here. The accused men and
their friends are in the best of spirits.
and some Of them are enjoying the af-
fair as pleasant holiday.
There is no evidence OF tension or
excitement about Charles Town. On
the contrary, all is calm and quiet.
There are more people about the town
than usual, Cor when court is not in
session the miners stand about the
public souare-thcy d. not go far
from the courthouse. We thin; that
there may be no fear Of gun play in
our peaceful community, for il looks
as IL all parties to the controversy arc
determined to be on their good be-
havior.
Nevertheless, Colonel Jackson Ar
mold. superintendent Of the State Po-
lice force, is in Charles Town with an
efficient complement OF his men, some
OF whom are in plain clothes, and IL
anybody is inclined to start something
he will probably end IL.