The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1923-02-23
MAKE
LAST POLLARD
PLEAS
Brilliant Defense Cheers De-
PENDANT as Case Nears
Jury.

RICHMOND, Va. Feb. 2S.-EIarry
M. Smith began the closing argu-
ment for the defense in the trial
of Thomas Pollard, charged with
the murder Of his former typist,
Mrs. Thelma T1amn Richardson,
when Hastings court reconvened
this morning and was followed by
Richard Evelyn Byrd, who closed
for the Commonwealth.
Because these two attorneys rank
among the leading criminal lawyers
Of Virginia, perhaps the largest
crowd which has yet assembled in
city hall since the trial began
court room in an effort to hear
them sum up their respective sides.
As customary on preceding days,
police were stationed at all door
ways, and only a limited number
Of spectators were admitted. These
filled all available seats and stand
ing room. In the number were
many members Of the local bar.
Climax Of Noted Trial.
The address Of the two attorneys
IOTIHSO TIE CI1IIAA Va Wu0t W14A
probably 20 down in history as the
most noted murder trial held in
Richmond in more than a quarter
Of century.
Although all witnesses are free
to go as they please after both
sides had rested at noon yesterday.
most of them tarried to hear the
opening Arguments in the after
noon, made by Dave e. Satterfield,
Commonwealth q attorney. and Hiram
M. Smith, junior defense counsel,
and were again on hand bright and
early today to hear the final argu'
ments.
When court adjourned, immedi.
ately after Hiram Smith had con.
cluded, Pollard was among the first
to congratulate him upon his presen-
tation of the case, which was admit
ted on every side as having been
most brilliant and able. Others ex-
tending congratulations were several
brothers Of the prisoner, who have
been with him in court throughout
the long and tedious trial.
Pollard More Cheerful.
Pollard apparently found much to
cheer in the address Of his attorney,
who scored the prosecution for bluff
fling" tactics to which it had re.
sorted and insisted that it had failed
absolutely to establish a motive for
the killing, which the defense claims
to have been accidental.
The case is expected to be placed
in the jury's hands early this after
noon, along with the courts instruc-
tions, which are to guide them in
their deliberations.
The jury was reminded in the in.
structions that Pollard was on trial
for murder and not for any immoral
conduct with his alleged victim or for
infidenlity to his wife.
The jury was further reminded
that there are four degrees Of
homicide, including first degree
murder, second degree murder, vol.
untary manslaughter, and involun-
tary granddaughter, and that
verdict covering any of these de-
grees might be returned.
instructions to Jury.
have been made by Mrs. Richard
son against the life OF Pollard the
Jury was instructed that the bare
fear on the part of the prisoner
that the threats might be put into
effect would not justify his killing
the young woman unless there
were an overt act on her part in
dicative of such intention.
If the jury believes from the
evidence that prior to the time of
the killing Mrs. Richardson had
made threats against Pollard, it
was instructed to take such threats
into consideration together with all
other facts and circumstances in
determining:
1. What. was the state of feeling
of the deceased?
2. What was the motive that in
duced her to go to the residence of
the accused?
3. Who was the aggressor pre-
cedinR the shoofing?