The Dallas daily herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1887, 1882-07-19
THE STATE CAPITAL.
The Trial of Ex-Marshal Russell-rhe
Building of the University-rhe A y NJ.


The Trial OF En-Marsha husseli-The
building of the University--rhe A. y M
College, Etc
Correspondence OF the Herald
AUSTIN, July Is, lSS2-Pulic interest
here has for the past ten days centered in
the trial of Ex-United States Marshal Rus
sell. Public opinion has in the main been
favorable to him, and his acquittal was by
many confidently predicted from the start
The indictment upon which he was tried
charged him with rendering a false account
for expenses incurred in transporting two
United States convicts from Huntsville,
Texas, to Auburn, New Yerk. The gov.
eminent proved conclpsively, and the de-
Tense admitted, that some of the items in
the account were false, but 1t was shown to
the satisfaction of the jury that the account
was made up by an office deputy from data
furnished by another deputy who had
charge OF the details of the trip, and that
Russell presented it with other accounts to
the court for approval without examination
and without even knowing that it was
among the number. While the verdict &C
quits him of guilty intent, his own defense
subjects him to severe criticism for failing
TO give to the duties of his office that atten-
the close Of the trial was most unusual. As
soon as the verdict was announced his
friends and the jury, regardless of the time
and place, crowded about him TO tender
their congratulations, and in few minutes
all business was suspended.
Whatever may have been the difference ex-
isting between Colonel Russell and those
who opposed his reappointment, the evil
dence in this case clearly disposes of the
charge ofpolitical persecution. His accounts
and the facts connected with them fur
nish abundant prima iacia evidence
| to warrant the grand jury in finding an in
dctment against him, and his ignorance of
| facts which he should have known fur.
| nshed his only defense.
The other cases gainst him were con-
tinued to the next term OF the court, and it
is not thought by many that they will ever
be pressed to trial. 1t is not known, how
ever, what course the government will pur-
sue. District Attorney Evans seems to
be honest and thoroughly in earnest, and
as some of the indictments are upon ell
tirely different charges, he may insist upon a
trial in each case.
As already telegraphed you, the contract
for the erection of the wingof the state uni
yersity has been awarded to A. II.
Cook for $4,000, There were four
Otner Dlds, the mEneSt being Si3,-
Ills. Work will be commenced at
once, and the other contract requires that
the building shall be completed by the lst
of June next. In the meantime temporary
quarters will be provided for the university
and it will be opened on the LIST of Jan.
|uary, 1888. According to resolution al
ready adopted, the board of regents will
meet on the 10th of this month to elect q
Faculty, and Colonel Ashbel Smith states
that he expects everything will be in read
mess by the time mentioned.
! have it from good authority that the
policy of paying heexpenses OF certain
humber of students in the Agricultural &
Mechanical college by the state will here
after be discontinued. The legislature mad,
Rn appropriation OF $H 900 for this purpose
The amount being intended to cover tn,
roming year, but all but about $1,000 ha
elready been expended. Owinl
10 the remarkable prosperity O
lhe college under the present management
is thought that paying students will a
Pnce fill the place Of those heretofore sup
lied by the state, and while no action ha
Iet been taken by the board, it is believed
hat no more free students will be admitted
he college receives $4,000 per snnun
rom the interest on the government appro
ration Tor its maintenance, and its con
lnued success is regarded as certain.