New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1876-02-12
UNDERGRADUATES OF THE TRIAL.
lBY TELEGRAPu To THE TRIBUNE


ST. LOUIS, Feb. 11.-Quariermaster Crimes APP
peared on the witness stand this morning as the first
witness. His testimony was anticipated III these
dispatches last night save that there was an mac
clracy in regard TO the time at which the candes-
tine correspondence between Gen. Babcock and Nc
Donald occurred. IL not after the conviction ~
Mcdonald but after his Indictment The frigid
solemnity Of the court was cniyened 10y an amusing
incident in connection with Major Grmcss eNamlna-
ton. Mr. Storrs read an extract from the witnesses
statemont to the effect that Mcdonald expressed to
him the belief of Gen. Babcock's innocence This
was a point for the defendant Col. Dyer fol-
lowed with th" question, Did Gen. Mcdonald at
the sane timc refer 10 his own innocence There
was a roar all over the COURTROOM at the answer,
yes SIR judge Dillon spoke out sharply, order
me the marshal To arrest anybody who laughed in
side the bar or ont. Had the marshal obeyed in
strctions literally, both the prosecution and the
d.fei. - would have been crippled.
Tie statement published by VIM. Orion of the
Western Union Telegraph Company, cAonelating
that Company from the accusation made against il
of couccaling damaging evidence against Gen. Bah
cock has of course elected comment. II would seem
that the Atlantic and Pacific Company has also
been accused Of n similar prac nee. Assistant Dis
trict- Attoricv Bliss went 10 the Washington office
Of the latter Company 10 secure the originals OF sew
crgl important messages from Cen. Babcoc to King
people III this city, which had been sent 10 DaNen-
port and there transferred To the Western Union
Company Tor transmission 20 ST. LOUIS, tie wires OF
tIe Atlantic and Pacific at that time not having
been extended 10 -. Louis. Copies Of these
messages. as received here were delivered by the
Western I'non Company 10 the prosecuting
attorneys but Mr.. Bliss. in repairing 10 the Wash
lnrton office Of the Atlantic and Pacific Company
as above stated found IT impossible 10 Obtain the
originals they having unaccouniably disappeared
Quite little scene il -aid 10 have eIsued between
tlc attorney and the manager, but VI. Bliss dld not
accomplish the object If his mission. The manager
il now in this city undrr summons oil the circuit
Court, and j. reported on good authority to have
lcdged priyat.ly that hc is in possession Of
evidence which Will, if presented IN court full estab-
Hsh Cen. Babcock's guilt The evidence is in the
shane Of kilograms, of which he has copies but not
the originals.
An alicgr, attempt 10 bride Of the jurors, be-
fore the panel was selected. IL only ono of the
numerous sensational stories Of that Kind IN crcua-
ton on the street No publicly affects To believe
these stories though everybody seems disposed 10
aid i'm their circulation. II il alleged, however, by
those in a position to know that the defense have
ouItr rrtinuc If secret rcta.ners at work on the
outside whatever that phrase may mcai and
what they are doing one prettnds 10 avow. The
prosecution II j. supposed, also have scent agents
on han and although the drift If this undcrcuIrent
is not plainly visible the atmosphere - 10 SPEAK. IL
pcrccptlbly apntatcd 10y its movements.
special from Springfield, H.. says that the reNe-
nuc officers there while ~ amnng the Western dis
tllcrs papers Lately sril,d, have come M = one OF
more letters which have very important raring
on tlio Babcuck ease. They have been iorwh led 10
Distrlct-Aitorlcy Dyer fne officers AT Springfield
f. f-c L. reveal the contents al the letters, uut say
they regard them conclusive evidence agMuht
4 L. .....l