The Fairfield News And Herald

COURT PROCEEDINGS.

Court convened on Monday, Judge Ernest Gary presiding. Solicitor J. K. Henry was absent attending to duties in the General Assembly. J. E. McDonald, Esq., filled his place in court. Stenographer McCaw was present at his post. His Honor charged the grand jury as to their duties generally and laid especial stress on the wrong of mobs taking the law into their own hands. He mentioned incidentally in this connection that he had learned that a prisoner charged with a serious crime had been sent to the penitentiary for safe-keeping until he shall have been tried. Of course, he said that he did not know what foundation there was for the fear of violence to him, but he said that it would be a shame and disgrace on the county if the accused could not obtain a fair and impartial trial in the courts. He added that there was absolutely no excuse for mob law. That the white people had the judges, all the officers of the court, and the juries.

The first case heard was the case of the State vs. Isaac James, charged with housebreaking and larceny. He defended himself, and admitted the larceny, but denied that he broke into the house. He was found guilty of larceny, but not guilty on the count charging housebreaking.

Zachariah Vanderhorst plead guilty to house-breaking and larceny.

The State vs. Francis Alston and Tom Goode, for violating the dispensary law. Mr. Hanahan appeared for the defence. Guilty as to Goode.