The Dallas weekly herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1885, 1883-06-14
THE WATSON TRIAL.
Evidence Adduced by Defense Goes
Back to BoyhOod Days,
Lingers for a While at Galveston and
Then
Skips Over to japan, Where the Ac-
cuSed Was
Held In High Estimation by the Celes-
tial Dignitaries.
Letters From Foreign Ministers are
Offered In SubstantiatiOn.
General Augur Adds his Testimony to
the Heap, But
WassOn's ShOulder.Straps Endangered.

NaSS0n'S SnOuluer.StrapS EnuanSeTeu.
San ANTONIO, June 7.-[Special. This
morning few minutes subsequent to the
hour designated for reconvening the court
martial before whom the ch argos against
Major James r. Wasson are under con slder-
alton, the members in full dress uniform
and wearing their swords assembled in the
library room, and the accused also appeared
but attired in fatigue dress, his appearance,
belpg about the same as on the preceding
day. :, ,
Tne Judge advocate called the roll, all the
court answering their names as they were
called, and the minutes of the proceedings
of Wednesday were read by him and ap-
proved by the court.
The first witness introduced by the de-
fense was Mr.. w. A. Noble, who stated tha
his occupation was that of a manufacturer
of wire fence at Indianola, Warren county
Iowa. His testimony was as follows ;
Question-Do you know the accused, and
if so, state who he is and how long you
have known him
Answer-Yes, sir; he is Major ]. R. Was
son, whom have known ever since 1854.
Q.-What are your opportunities OF
knowing his character and reputation
among those who know him well
Al lived in the same place and was in
business with his father for probably three
years, and have known him ever since
during the time that his father was in the
United States service; during the rebellion
he and l conducted the business, and my
business association with HIM gave me an
opportunity of knowing all about h i'm.
Q,-Please state fully what his character
and general reputation in the community
in which he lived during your association
A.-His character was good and general
reputation was also very good.
Q.-State any fact or circumstance in his
career you may remember
A.-Well, when he was boy, he was
faithful, active, reliable "a every way II
our business relation.
o. Do You know of his ever assuming
financial obligations under which he die
not legally rest, or Of any pecuniary sacrl
fees made by him?
A. Yes, sir; his father was financially
embarrassed, and he came to his aid; ht
also furnished means for the support OF tht
family AS we'll as assumed and paid debts
his father.
Q. Do you know or have you heard o
any conduct OF his prior to the circum
stances of which this trial is the basis which
is inconsistent with the character which you
have given him?
A. / never heard any.
CRoss-EXAMINATIoN.
Q.-When was it that he first came TO his
fathers assistance and how long ago
Alt was during his first service after
leaving West Point, and also while he was
in Japan, eight years ago; he had also
assisted the family since he has been in the
paymaster's service; | would say, in fact.
from the time he left West Point up to the
present he has been furnishing means,
more or less, to his parents, who are old ana
needy,
The second witsess swore as follows:
Q-State your name, occupation ana
residence.
A.-E. A. Hartman, attorney-at-law, In
dianola, Warren county, Iowa.
Q-Do you know the accused, and who
is heP
Al do; James R. Wasson, paymaster,
U. s. Army.
Q,-How long have you known the &C.
cused, and what were your means for know
ing his character and reputation among
those who know him well2
Al have known him since his early
boy hood; / lived in the same village In
which he resided.
Q-"What was his character
A.-"Both his conduct ard his reputa-
toni knew him from boyhood up-was
good, and never heard any reflection cast
on his character; the entire community e'-
Il emed him."
Q.-State any circumstance in your
knowledge Of him in support OF the charac'
ter you have given him." -,
Al have lived in the same place Win
him from the time he was a small boy TO
1862, when / moved TO the county seat
some fifteen miles distant; portion OF the
time that speak of was associated in dli-
ferent ways and business relations with
his father; the accused was with me almost
every day during that time, and 1 never
knew anything derogatory TO his character
in any way and know II is good. Ihere
was no cross examination nor questions
asked by the COURT =.
The next witness stated his name was M.
A. Dashill, he was physician and resided
at Hartford, Monroe county, Iowa.
Q-Do you know the accused before the
cour2
A.-Msjor wasson2 do, sir.
Q.-Doctor, how long have you known
the accused, and what were your means for
knowing his character2
be was a small boy, aud my means for
knowing him were, we lived in the same
village together, and / saw him almost
daily; was the family physician, and am
o'-Piease state what was bis character
in that community from boyhoodl
Alt was good, sir.
Q.-Please state any facts and circum-
stances in support Of the character you
Ale was . Kind boy, and everybody
liked Mr.. Wasson; be always abounded IN
hind acts TO his family and friends, and was
the pride OF the neighbOrhosd and its com
fort Won might say, and which is strictly
true bis benevolent acts 20 his parents
while they we're in difficulties, were very
and be has been the support
Of the family for many yesrs yhile hls
father has been in financial trouble be has
paid great many Of bis debts.
Q-Nas his help 10 his father given as
such or 10 prevent others from loss
Al suppose for both purposes, 70 re
lievs him and 10 prevent the creditors from
Q-Did not be for this purpose assume
obligations for which be Ess In no wise
responsible 10 assist his fsther and save
creditors7
Ale did, sir.
Q-Did ID. accused enter the war Of the
rebellion
Ale did.
O-What was his ags7
A 1 think IS
Odd be not. shortly sftsr entering ss
! private. obtain an opportunity Of secur-
ing . csdstship 81 West Pointt
Ale did, and vrOte q letter declining
and sfafing be had entered the war anc
vas determined 70 servs through o. sJrne-
thing 10 thai eiiect.
oeWss Il through your infusucs be
obtsined that opportunity
Al supp1ss d wss, sir-thro1Eh NJ
frfusnoe and that q others-
Q-Do yDu knor o. hays g1u hee-d o.
arT 40 q his r-iof 70 TIE cIrcurnsiarces
-frfrr - 70 cfis t-ial frccnsistert viii The
cha-actsf yOu hEvt gwen him
Al % not- ~ noi z si1E.s ins,.nce,