How a weak seat to the pair of trousers proved the downfall of L.W. Vanderburg of Charlotte was disclosed in the police court Thursday morning when that individual was fined $25 and costs for an assault on J.T. Sanders, negro merchant of South Brevard Street.
The trouble had its root in a trial several days ago in which both Vanderburg and Sanders were witnesses. Testimony offered at the trial by Vanderburg was contradicted by testimony offered by the negro. Friction was the result.
And Vanderburg decided to carry the matter further. Wednesday afternoon he betook himself to the store of the negro on South Brevard street and demanded why and wherefore of the conflicting testimony. Sanders stood by his testimony, and the word of liar, according to the evidence, was passed several times.
Then the fight started. Vanderburg put his fist in Sanders’ face with some force, following which there was a clinch. Both combatants went down together on the pavement.
At this point, Vanderburg got a death grip on Sanders’ breeches with the intent of lifting the negro in the air and depositing him on the sidewalk. But the breeches stood by the owner. With a loud rip the entire seat came out, and two birds were killed with one stone. Vanderburg fell backwards to the pavement, striking his face and causing severe abrasions. Sanders galloped around with bewildered leaps before the astonished bystanders, and all that was needed to give the right emphasis to the occasion was a moving picture camera. The negro sought safety in his store, and escaped the fury of Vanderburg, later swearing out a warrant for the assault.
At one instant in the scuffle, it was alleged that Sanders threw Vanderburg clear over his shoulders, and when Jake Newell, attorney for the defendant, expressed doubt about that feat, Sanders said:
“Well, if you’ll go outside, in a friendly way I’ll show you I can throw you the same way.”
“By George, if I had another shirt, I’d take you up on that,” returned Mr. Newell.
In passing judgment on the case, Judge Laurence Jones declared that he positively would give the limit to all who threatened or assaulted witnesses in his court for any statements they had made or might make in the future.
From The Charlotte News, Sept. 15, 1921
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