The Russellville Democrat., 1881-09-01
Canfain Hnrvrafe

Capt W. H. Howgate, late disbursing officer of the Signal Service department, charged with embedding $40 GOO while act ing in the capacity of disbursing officer, was brought before United States Commis- sioner Sunday in Washington, to answer the charges The accused was supported by two attendants, and looked pale and en- feebled by severe illness. He was represent ed by counsel, Judges Wilson and Cuppy. Judge Wilson stated, as the captain s health is seriously impaired and as he un- derstood from the governments attorney that they are not quite ready to proceed with the case, he would ask the court to waive examination at present and fix a reasonable bail. He assured the court his client would shortly be ready to meet the charges.
 Mir Cook, for the government, stated the amount charged by the affidavit as having been embezzed was over $40, GOO, but that in the opinion of the officers of the govern ment conducting the examination of the account this sum will be considerably in- creased, certainly to $50,000, and in all probability to a much greater figure-per- haps as much as $S0 1000. He accepted the request of the opposing counsel for an ad- journmelt, but thought that. taking into consideration the large amount of the all legged embezzlement and the high position of the officer making the charges General HaZen), which was wararntee of their truthfulness, bail should not be fixed in 8 less sum than $50,000.
 Judge Cuppy claimed this enormous bail was a virtual refusal of the privilege, and inasmuch as the preliminary examination failed to sustain the charges in the slightest degree the bail was excessive. He thought 5000 $l0,000 was sufficient bond. There was no doubt entertained among the cap tains counsel and friends of his vindi- cation.
 Judge Wilson followed, referring to the good standing of the accused in the com munitv, to his bad health, and that he had voluntarily returned to refute the charges. The fact that the affidavit had been prefer red by Gen. Hazen should have no more significance to the court than if sworn to by an inferior officer of the government, and the statement of Cock, thats the em- bezzlement would exceed the original amount charged in the affidavit, could cer- tainly not be legally entertained as reason for increased bail.
 stantially if not actually ready to proceed, in fact would be at this time tomorrow ready to present evidence.
 Judge Bunday declared that it was his intention to deal with this person (Howgate) as if he were an ordinary citizen. He read the section of the revised statutes applying to the case, which provide a fine of not less than. 1000 and not more than the amount embedded, and imprisonment for from one to ten years, or both fine and i'm prisonment.
 He thought bail should be fixed in di- rect relation to the amount charged as having been embezzeled and pursuing this view of the case he would fix bail at S40,- GOO.
 Judge Wilson for the prisoner said they would try to furnish bail and postpone the present examination of the case and for this purpose asked for an adjournment un- til the 20th. If, however they were unable to procure bonds by that day they would ask to proceed immediately with the case.
 The governments representative agreeing to this arrangement the commissioner granted the request and the hearing was adjourned, the accused meanwhile to re- main iu the custody of the United States marshal, who it is understood will permit him to remain at his residence until the conclusion of the hearing.
 Howgate is a Michigan man and was postmaster at Rome, in that State, before the war. He is well known in connection with the subject of Arctic exploration, in which he is an enthusiast.