Daily national Republican. (Washington City [D.C.]) 1870-1872, 1872-02-06
THE BEATTY FRAUDS.
TmE TRIAL OF POWELL.
Evidence Ia the Case Cenvie,iss or the
Accused.

-
George Victor Powell, indicted for aiding
In tho prosecution OF claims while an officer
under the United States Government, was
placed on trial Ia the Criminal Court ycster-
day. Powell was clerk In the Office Of the
Second Auditor, and through his instrument
taiitics the claims were fled In the depart
meuL He was indicted some time since, and
his trial came on yesterday. The case was
opened by Mr.. Harrington for the Govern
ment lie said that the Indictment charged
the defendant with receiving money for ser
Vices rendered In aiding the securing Of the
payment OF certain claims against the Gov
efnment and that while so doing he was
violating tho law.
Mr.. Rlddle, In opening for tue defence, said
that he did not believe there were ten NEE In
the District aware OF the law under which
the defendant was indicted.
Charls II. Moulton was nrst called aud was
directed 10 stand aside.
Il. b. French, second auditor testified that
one hundred and two claims for bounty had
been presented from Captain Beatty's COM
pany Of Independent scouts. lie Identified
the papers. These claims did not fall within
the lino OF Mr.. Powell's duty.
@. A. Bowman testified that he met Powell
10 this city with Stokes and Stromcyer. They
talked over the bounty claims Of Captain
Beattys company, and Powell agreed 10 as
slst them. Witness paid Powell for bis ser.
vices In connection with these clslms 81 900.
Stronger, Hatfield, Stokes and witness
agreed TO give Powell Ave per cent on the
claims for his services.
Mr.. STRONGER testified concerning various
letters written 10 him by the accused. When
asked to produce them he declined, and his
| obligation TO produce such letters was argued
| hv Maaana md ntadIa II
Harrington finally Withdrew the demand.
Judge Cartier said that the charge against
| tho defendant was that of aesdstlDg In the
| prosecution of claims against the Government
while In Office under the Government. II the
jury held that the defendant used other
means IN the prosecution Of the claim, yet he
was sui responsible under the law as an OFF,
Ger Of the United States. Whether he aided
the collection OF his claim by other means
than his Legitimate duties a. clerk was OF no
importance. II he aided at all he was guilty.
The object Of the law vas 20 separate en-
ployees Of the Government entirely from
prosecution Of claims against the Govern
ment II they assisted such claims they VIC.
Tue circumstances that led TO the passage
| OF thls act were familiar 10 many persons.
It's object was 10 utterly divorce the func-
tionaries Of the Government from connec-
tion with private claims Of any character
whatever, with tho view Of keeping the hands
| OF the administrators OF the law free from
fraud. With the policy OF the law we have
nothing 10 do. II Is sufficient for US that you
find the statute hero. Ii is our business 20
enforce Il.
The degree OF his guilt L another question,
| IL you hnd him 70 have participated IN fraud
upon the Government this makes the crime
enormous, but, even II free from fraud, bis
assistancc 70 the claim Is q crime.
Alter short absence the Jury returned the
following verdict; 1--WE ind him guilty rs 10.
dicted, and recommend him TO the mercy Of
the court"
| AN EPISODE.
Just At this point Mr.. Phillips roee aud moth
ned the court Of the death Of X. J. Brent
spoke Of his eminent social and protesslona
virtues, and moved that, as a token OF re-
spect To bis memory, tho court do now I'D
iourD.
Judge Cartier. Mr.. Powell, you appear her,
tomorrow.
Mr.. Powell. All right, sir.
Judge Cartier, TO the marshal.) You ncet
not take the defendant into custody.
The court then adjourned.