Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1878-05-29
afternoon Session.


1t was agreed to finish the testimony on
each article before calling witnesses on other
charges.
Testimony relative to article ffst the libel
suit against Mollison, was resumed and the
managers called
D. W. CAMERON.
Witness was attorney, living at Austin,
and was engaged as attorney for Mollison after
his (this) arraignment. Moved the court to
withdraw the plea of'not guilty and lnterposed
demurrer but no action was had upon it.
Appeared for Mr.. Mollison on one occasion
when he was absent, and then again last
spring. There definite arrangement be-
tween myself and Mr. Mollison. At the
terms of court in 1874, 1875, 1876 did nothing in
special term Of July, when Judge
Mitchell there, MI. Mollison not being
present, at the suggestion of County Attorney
Wheeler, moved the case 60 over. There were
no jury trials at that time. was in the court,
room when Mr.. Mollison rose up and asked
trial of his case. Did not remember the par
ticular response of Judge Page, but think he
indicated he could not try the case.
At this point discussion ensued over the ques-
zion whether witness should answer as to the
practice of Page in the matter of fixing bail in
1873. The question was admitted and MIR.
Cameron answered that he did not remember
what the bail was fixed at in 1873 in cases of
felony. In 1874 he fixed bail for forging deeds
at $500; $500 was also fixed in some instances,
and 81 900 in others for felony.
Cross-examned by Mr.. Losey-Mr. Cam
eron said he did not know whether
his his name was entered the records
us Mr.. Mollison's attorney, and did not con-
slider himself employed by Mollison but would
have felt it his duty to answer in court for Mr..
Mollison when absent. He thought a jury was
present at the time Judge Mitchell held the
term of court; thought the Mollison case was
continued at the suggestion of county attorney
Wheeler; certainly it was not at my suggestion.
lie never, as attorney for Mollison, demanded
the trial of the case, nor made any preparation,
while Judge Page sat on the bench. Uuder-
stood when Page adjourned the March term
that the July term was to be for trial of cases
upon which Page could not sit. Think Jury
was present at that term. Never made a mo-
tion for reduction of Mollison's bail, and
never made any complaint to the amount of
bail, or to dismiss the action.
The redirect was very brief and brought out
nothing new.
was the next witness sworn. Mr.. Hall is sheriff
of Mower county since JAM, 1875. Was pres
ent in the court when Mollison, at the time of
court 1875, announced he was ready for trial,
the court making response. In the fall of
II,
to surrender him, told them as there was an
other bondsman their surrender would not be
sufficient. That day written surrender was
presented him, and he took Mollison and the
surrender before Judge Page. After looking
at the surrender, Judge Page handed it back to
him. and told him to put it in your pocket,
you have nothing to do with it. Judge Page
made no order then or at any subsequent time
as to the custody of Mollison.
Cross-examined by Mr.. Losey, Mr.. Hall said
MIR. Mollison, when he asked for his trial, was
sitting back some four or five seats among the
spectators Did not know where Mollison' s
attorney was
LAFAYETTE FRENCH.
The next witness, being sworn, testified he
was an attorney at law, is now county attorney,
and had been since July, 1874. Was present in
court when Mollison was arraigned. Mr..
French here detailed the scene in court at the
time of MIR. Mollison Arrangement substantial
ly as testified to by Mr.. Mollison yesterday, and
continuing said Judge Page appeared to be ex-
cited and was stern in his manner, but could
not say whether he was angry. Had been pres
ent at every term of court general or special
since have resided in that county. Have seen
MI MollNon present at many terms, and think
In September. 1876. Mollison rose and asked
that his trial be proceededi with. Was present
at the special term presided over by Judge
MITCHELL There were no jury trials. He was
there only two days and only one or two cases
and some motions were heard. In fixing bail
for forgery in one Judge Page put it
at $500; the prisoner transient. Never
made any motion in the Molison case, At the
time Judge Mitchell presided, Gen. Cole NOV
ed dismissal of the cases of Davidson and
Bassford, and stated that he had recommend
ed his clients to retract certain portion of the
charges which would be satisfactory to Judge
Page. Judge Page was consulted on the mat
ter, in my presence, remarking that 1 sup
posed that included the Mollison case Int
when it came to the March term Page said the
agreement only applied to Davidson and Bass
ford, not to Molison.
The examination Of Mr.. French re-
suited in bringing out nothing materially differ
ent from his direct testimony, except that no
one appeared for Mollison at the time of the
conversation with Gordon E. Cole and Judge
Page q
A. ". KIMBAIL
next sworn. Mr.. Kimball is the clerk of
the district court of Mower county, and he pro
duced the record covering the time from Sep
TENDER term 1872, to and including the adj
]ournment term in February, 1877, and the
record was offered in evidence as to the Mol
llson case. When the record for the July term
OF 1875 was reached, witness testified that the
"ritlng naming the attorneys for Mollison
was different from the balance of the entry.
but that he did not know whose writing Il was.