Asheville, Nov. 2 (AP)—Surrounded by a detachment of National Guard troops and deputy sheriffs, Alvin Mansel and Preston Neely, negroes charged with criminal attacks on white women, were arranged in superior court here this morning.
Shortly after Judge A.M. Stock took his seat on the bench, he ordered the crowded auditorium of the court room cleared, and told deputy sheriffs to readmit the audience one by one after they had been searched for weapons.
Every precaution is being taken to prevent violence against the prisoners. Members of Troop F.N.C. National Guard, under command of Maj. E.F. Jones, mobilized at their armory yesterday and remained under arms all night.
The troops passed through the business section this morning and a detachment of 10 troops went to the jail to accompany the prisoners into the court room. A half dozen deputy sheriffs swelled the bodyguard. All were heavily armed.
The method used in returning the prisoners to the city was not disclosed, but it was learned this morning that both Mansel and Neely were in the local jail. Mansell had been held at Charlotte and Neely was kept at Greensboro, whence they were taken to thwart mob attacks.
Judge Stack charged the grand jury this morning that it is to investigate the case wherein Neely is alleged to have attacked a woman in Wet Asheville section on Thursday, October 22. A special venire was ordered for the trial of Mansel who was indicted several weeks ago.
As the crowd was readmitted, no weapons were found, other than a few pocket knives of large size, which were confiscated by officers.
In charging the grand jury Judge Stack said he intends to see that the defendants receive an impartial trial. If a defendant is found guilty when it is manifest to the court he is not guilty, the verdict will be set aside, the judge said. Judge Stack said the time has come when the law must assert itself, and no infringement upon the scope or dignity of the law will be tolerated.
The court ordered a special venire of 100 men from which the jury to try Mansel will be chosen. This jury is ordered to report in court at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, at which time Mansel’s trial is expected to open.
After the prisoners had been brought into court this morning three guardsmen seated themselves about the negroes. Other troops were in the auditorium. The soldiers are equipped with Springfield rifles and ammunition while officers are armed with pistols.
Veteran attorneys said today this is the first time in their memory that troops have been used in a local court room to protect a prisoner.
Mansel is slight of stature and is only 17 years old. Neely is 23, black of skin, and ordinary size.
Lyle Jones was appointed by the court to assist the defense of Mansel, and Colonel B.S. Lusk was named to represent Neely.
From the front page of the Concord Daily Tribune, Monday, Nov. 2, 1925
newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn92073201/1925-11-02/ed-1/seq-1/
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