Richmond County Court House, Rockingham, Oct. 8 (AP)—Confidence was stamped upon the features of W.B. Cole today as the jury that will decide his fate for the killing of W.W. Ormond, his daughter’s former sweetheart, heard concluding arguments in his trial.
The wealthy cotton manufacturer read letters while Ozmer L. Henry addressed the jury in his behalf.
Several score persons were in the court room. Overhanging clouds made the use of lights necessary, and the bright colored clothes worn in earlier days of trial had given way to heavier garments.
Judge Finley was engaged in preparing his charge to the jury, in the belief that arguments will be completed today.
“The State has declared that Cole thrust his daughter into the breach. The young woman is in the breach, but Ormond dragged her in,” said Mr. Henry.
W.T. Pittman for the State followed with an appeal for “even handed justice.”
J. Chesley Sedberry followed for the defense.
W.c. Wise Douglass of Raleigh, who was scheduled to follow Mr. Sedberry, interrupted the speaker when he referred to the physicians who were called by the defense. Their testimony was not allowed and the court suggested that the speaker omit the reference.
Mr. Douglas was the next speaker.
“Oh God, is this a circus? Can it be that what the defense has said is true? In the 45 long years of my practice I have never approached so solemn an occasion.”
Mr. Douglas is the oldest lawyer in years participating in the trial.
“I have practiced a good many years,” he said, “but I have never defaced a tombstone, robbed a grave, nor cut out a corpse.”
Members of defense counsel had warned the jury of the “venerable Mr. Douglas” and as the white-haired man warmed to his argument, he struck out with surprising forcefulness.
The speaker asked why so many criminals plead insanity, and answered “Because so many criminals cross the sea of murder in its cockle shell.”
“Men of the jury, you shall not bring down Darrow’s cussedness and transplant it in the land of North Carolina.” Mr. Douglas characterized Cole’s insanity defense as a “hookus pokus Tom Foolery, Chicago Sodom.”
“Bill Cole says he prayed, and got up and killed. As a cure for insanity that’s got Sloan’s liniment and Tutt’s Pills beat all to pieces.”
From the front page of the Concord Daily Tribune, Thursday, Oct. 8, 1925. Attorney’s last name spelled ‘Douglas’ and ‘Douglass’ in newspaper.
newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn92073201/1925-10-08/ed-1/seq-1/
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