Dispatch, January 5, 1889

Untitled

Moral -- Property crimeMoral -- Alcohol

Onancock via Tasley, VA., January 4. -- The trial of Eugene W. Barnes, charged with embezzlement, which has been going on in Accomack County Court since Monday, ended to-day, the jury finding the defendant guilty and fixing his punishment at one year in the penitentiary. Barnes's counsel moved for a new trial, and Judge Garrison will hear the motion discussed to-morrow. There are several other bills of indictment against Barnes, who is now on trial for obtaining goods from Baltimore merchants under false representations. Hon. John Goode has been employed by these merchants to assist Commonwealth's Attorney Fletcher to prosecute Barnes. His speech yesterday was a splendid effort and was heard by a crowded house. The trial of the other cases against Barnes will occupy all of this and part of next week. Barnes belongs to a very respectable family and conducted business as a merchant at Gargatha until last October, when developments caused him to make an assignment to his father. The main charge against him was that he appropriated to his own use money sent by S. B. Downes, of New York, to pay farmers for potatoes shipped to Downes through Barnes as his agent. Barnes also sold guano for Downes and pocketed the money.

The local-option election takes place in this magisterial district to-morrow. Indications point to a small vote and both sides seem to be hopeful of victory.