The evening light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1881-1883, 1882-07-29

counts were deputies vouchers, and were at
tackled for various reasons. the afhdavits to
two of them being proven to be forgeries.
QUEER ACCOUNTS CARELEssLY SWORN TO.
For the defense it was shown that the Au-
burn account was made up by one deputy
from data furnished by another, who was one
of the guards, and that Col. Russell presented
it with number Of others for approval with
out even knowing that it was among the ac-
counts that relying upon the nesty and &C
curacy of his deputy he made affidavit to them
all without even examining them.
As to the Chester account it was shown that
the $27o was paid for the fare Of the prisoners
alone, and that the other ticket for himself and
guards was given free. This he claimed to
have reason to believe was done as personal
favor to himself and was not intended for the
benefit of the government, and he therefore
charged the item Of fare at the regular rates.
No attempt was made to explain the forged af-
fidavits, it not appearing in evidence that Col.
Russell had any knowledge Of the forgery.
This, in brief, was the evidence, and upon it
the jury at o'clock this evening returned
verdict of not guilty.
"GREATLY TO BLAME" IS STATING IT MILDLY.
The verdict technically exonerated him from
any intent to defraud the government in this
transaction, but at the same time it disclosed
state of affairs that even his friends admit
must subject him to severe criticism lie
held position of grave responsibility, and it
was his duty to give to the business of his Of.
flee that degree of attention that would have
enabled him to avoid such complications as
have arisen. His ignorance of that which was
his duty to know alone excused him from the
imputation of fraud. There was certainly suf-
ficient prima facia evidence to warrant the
grand jury in finding the indictment, and it
was only after evidence explaining his connec-
ton Herewith that he was acquitted of the
charge.
CONTINUANCES GRANTED.
The other cases have all been continued I'M
til the next term Of court. What course the
government will pursue is not definitely
known. Some Of the charges involve entirely
different facts, and what evidence the govern
ment may have in reserve remains to be seen.
THE PROSECUTION WAS A UNSUITABLE ONE
Under my view Of the case the action of the
government has been vindicated, and there is
not the slightest ground for charging that any
motives except the good of the public service
have actuated the president or the attorney
general in the course which they have pursued
in the matter. AUSTIN.
The above statement is nearly accurate, at
any rate. more so than any account we have
seen of this remarkable case.
Mr.. Russell, when appointed U. S. Mar
shall of this district, was the collector of taxes
for the county of Harris, and was then in
arrears to the state of Texas to the amount OF
$1,000 II. This amount was paid by him in
instalments after he became marshal. Some
of this money was borrowed at per cent. in
terest per month from DIR. Redhed, and curl
Gus as it may seem, paid back before the note
fell due, after requisition on the government
for funds to run the u. S. court had been
filled.
Col. (?) Russell was never a leader, unless
he was considered such when member of the
ku-klux-klan in Brazoria county, which little
escapade was not known until short time
ago.
There are about II different fraudulent &C
counts of the same nature as given above,
some of them were produced in court, blu,
they were waved aside with bland SMILE
and, II know nothing Of them"
These accounts amount to ov r SEQ, ooO
and the sureties on the bond of Mr.. Russell
will be sued for the amount due the govern
ment on account Of said raised accounts.
Mr.. Russell is said TO have relied
on the honesty of one of his deputies,
axe Wolff. in swearing to fraudulent
accounts, when it is notorious fact that Wolff
had no standing for honesty and integrity
among those who knew hm--hs neighbors-
at Mr.. RusselPs home, Marshall, Texas,
from whence he was brought by Rus. ell to
act as his confidential deputy.
A man who receives from Sis to $50 day,
with family to support and spends on his
own account from SIS to $50 per day, and
has no fortune to back him, will sooner or
later get himself into trouble
We will not refer to his moral character as
known in Austin and other cities in the state
1t is enough to say that it would not be fit
reading matter for our subscribers
We clip the following from the Weekly
National Republican Of the 10th inst, pub
lished in Washington, d. c.:
EX-MARSHAL RUSSELL ACQUITTED.
Special to the Republican.
Austin, Texas, July I7.-Ex-Ma Still
we'll II. Russell was acquitted on the frs,
count to-day, and The rest Of the indictments
were dismissed. He was heartily congratulate
ed by host of friends.
This paper has been imposed on by some
one. bu, knowing..the high-toned gentleman
who edits this paper. Hon. Geo. c. Gorham,
we only desire to call his attention to the above
knowing, that whoever was the special cores
pendent, who telegraphed this falsehood to