Norfolk Virginian, April 26, 1889

THE ADAIR-SMITH CASE.

Moral -- MurderInfrastructure -- Public - Government : Life-saving service

Result of a Game of "Poker" -- The Parties Well Known in Norfolk -- History of the Quarrel and Shooting.

[Correspondence of the Virginian.]

ONANCOCK, Va., April 25. -- The trial of G. Jeff Adair, at Eastville, Northampton county, in March last, comes up at the May term of the above named court. The trial will attract widespread interest, owing to the circumstances which surrounded the shooting, and the prominence of both parties, who were well known in Norfolk. It will be remembered that Adair, Smith and several prominent citizens of Accomac and Northampton counties were engaged in a game of "poker."

At a late hour, when an altercation occurred between Adair and Smith, and during which Smith accused Adair of cheating, whereupon Adair drew a revolver from his pocket and threatened to shoot him if he repeated his language. Smith did repeat it and the consequence was his death. Adair has been in Eastville jail ever since and has been in excellent spirits.

The general impression is that Adair was not mentally balanced at the time. It is understood that he will plead guilty and the plea of temporary or emotional insanity will be entered.

Hons. John Neely, of Norfolk, John W. G. Blackstone, of Accomac Courthouse, Congressman Bayly Browne, and John W. H. Parker, of Onancock, have been employed for the defense. No one will assist the Commonwealth's Attorney.

The Washington special, published in Tuesday's papers, stating that the salaries of lighthouse keepers would have to be reduced until another appropriation has been made, owing to the deficiency of the last one, will affect the people on the Eastern Shore to a great extent, and the keepers, who say the salary was insufficient before the reduction, are much aggrieved.