Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1876-03-06
Alleged Conspiracy TO Defraud the
Government.

HEARING IN THE CASE OF BRYANT AND
CRAIG.
The first case called In the Police Court
this morning was that of the United States
agt. George w. Brya ant and William Craig,
arrested Saturday evening by Detectives
Miller and Cooms on a warrant sworn out
by Mr.. Horace Austin. OF the Third Auditors
office, charging them with conspiracy 10 de-
fraud the government of S26. $50 by obtaining
and assisting to obtain the payment of q
fraudulent claim for the loss of ninety three
mules said To be OF the value of $3.50 each,
and two horses valued at s175, which defend
service of the United States by impressment
In such service, and for additional cost OF
transportation in. consequence of said i'm
pressment Of $500 on or about the 9th day
Of August, 1864.
Judge Wright went on the bond of Craig,
and he was released Saturday night, while
Bryant was detained at police headquarters
in default of bail. According TO his state
ment he has not received a dollar of the mo-
ney allowed on the claim, and says IL it was
a fraudulent one he has been fraud all his
life, and ventures the assertion that no more
legitimate claim has ever gone before the
department.
The defendants were both in the count
with large number of their friends-Mr.
barger, ]. NJ. Wilson, and W. A. Cook for de-
fendapts.
Mr.. Birney asked a postponement of the
neaIing, as tne government had not had time
Mr.. Wilson commended that his client
should have speedy hearing. He was q
stranger in the city, having come here on
establishment he was arrested on Saturday
night and kept in custody since that time,
not being In a condition to give the bail re-
not stain was upon 1t. Both himself and
MT. Cook were engaged in q case to come
before the Criminal Court tomorrow which
In all probability would require their atten-
do md k~<
possible to attend to this case after to-day
for at least two weeks.
Mr.. Birney stated that the importance of
this case required care and prudence on the
part of the government, and time was very
necessary in looking up the evidence.
Mr. Cook stated that IL the government was
have arrested the defendants, both Of whom
were men OF well known integrity Of char
acfer. 1t was unfair. The defendants have
rights as well as the government, and he
cODtended that they were entitled to an i'm
mediate hearing under the circumstances.
Wednesday.
The court remarked that this was not an
unreasonable delay.
Judge Wilson stated that Col. Craig de-
sired a hearing at once. He did not wish to
be brought against him, but he did not wish
10 rest under any such charges for q day, as
ne was able to show clear defence. He had
very readiy gwen BON bonds on Saturday night
TO give such bOndsmen as were present. They
were all western men OF well-known integ-
rity, and all wealthy gentlemen. Some were
members of Congress, and temporary resi-
dents in this city.
The court stated that the bonds of Colonel
Craig would hold over for q hearing; the
bonds Of Mr.. Bryant would be fixed at the
same amount, s25 goo, and must of course be
given according to the rules OF the court. The
case would 60 over until next Wednesday,
according to the request OF the District at
tOrney.
Bonds were then taken in the case of Mr..
Bryant as follows WIN. r. Bernard, Geo.
G. Brigham, and A. l.. II. Crenshaw, all of
Missouri, and large property holders.