New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-09-16
THE TRIAL or H'ESTERTELT.

CLOSE OF THE CASE FOR THE DEFENsE-WFSrER-
Welt STANDS HIS CRoss-EXAMINATIoN VERY
FIEMLY-MRs wEsTERvELT RECALLED.
lFRoM SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT OF TIE TRIBUNE
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 15.-The examination
in-chief Of Westeryelt, the prisoner al the par'
at the Charlie Ross abduction trial, was con-
cluded to-day. The final question put to him was:
"Wliam under the solemn obligation which you nave
already taken can you now furnish could you at any
time have furnished any cew to the facts connected
with the abduction place of abode OF the child Charles
Brewster Ross" The question received a decided
answer in the negative; whereupon, the witness
was handed Assistant DistrictAttorney Hagert
for examination.
The first part of his testimony under the questions Of
the Conmonw ealth's officer was devoted to repetition
OF his evidence in chief, relative to his meetings with
Mosher and his excursion with them to Rondou
his business in selling gas burners and his visits 10 fhi
dephia The effort Of Mr. agert to the witness 10
definite statement OF times called both MI Fora ana
Mr. Brown 10 their feet and very vigorous CONVEX
sation ensued for few moments II was evident from
the first that there be friction between counsel
and witness during this crosse Examination. The policy
of the ComInOnw to hold the witness to the
point at ssue with perfect technical fairness, but with
logical severity for which the witnesses want OF mental
training and discipline we're but poor preparation
Westervelt for time showed signs OF losing his bal
ance and becoming confused and entanged Gradually
because the tone the examination became mildcr He
maintained his original positions all important points
very successfully The mOment0us 9th OF July was
brought under consideration and the witness was closely
examined concerning his whereabouts and doings on
that dav He was steadfast the account previously
given by his wife and himself Of that day and ts events
and did all IN his statement that nc Was
home nearly all day on that date. .
interview with Gil MOshcrs wife, when Westcr-
welt went To the with the letter Bill had dictated
being reviewed the sudden question asked. why
didn't Won tell her that had just seen Bill. and ne
was not under arrest 7" The witness was evidently
somewhat confused at the question: and hesltated and
saInInered what before answering It, He then re-
Piled that il because CHS wife ana ljnl were not
good friends aud she and Gil lad tried 10 have him ar
rested for the Red Bank affair.
After the recess Mr. agert again reverted 10 the con
versaon between witness and Gil M0shers wife al the
OF the latter when he went there with the letter oil
Bill Moshers dctation. witness closely questioned
regarding all als OF this interview but greatly
AT "A loss remember the exact features OF it, and
don't remember" can't repeat the conversation, cte
when asked directly to whether he had agreed 10 AS
sist superintendent Walng Westeryelt said No. sir
Waing told Inc that If agreed TO assist In getting the
child should have the reward lie said nothing about
getting the men" 80
Al 555 the Commonwealth closed their cross-examna
ton and Mr.. Ford, his counsel, after consul
tation with Mr.. Brown, appealed to the jury
TO ask any questions OF Westcrvelt which might
occur 10 them being made the defense closed
their The Commonwealth recalled Mrs Westerve
10 ask when and where she married and bap
LAWYERS discussed whether witness could not testify az
to the day Of her birth from Information The Judge adj
mted question The witness testified that she was
baptized when baby.