Morning journal and courier., 1883-03-08
News by Telegraph FROM ALL QUARTERS. FINED FOR CONTEMPT, A Scene in Judge Wylie's
 Court. BELFORB PAYS FOR HIS SPEECH After a Dramatic PrOtestation of
 Inn0cence. THE WHISKEY HELD IN BOND. A Clever Scheme to Evade
 Taxation.
HE WHIskEY HELD IN BOND.
THE NATIONAL, CAPITAL.

A Scene in COurt-Be1ford Defends His
 Character-A Frantic Appeal for Jus
 tIfcation-He Pays SIO0 for Contempt
 of Court-Evtdence Submitted for the
 Defense.
 WASHINGTON, March 7.-The defense in the Star route trial began the introduction of tes timony this morning by calling the Hon. J. B. Belford, of Colorado, to the stand He identified several petitions which he had signed asking for increased mail facilities. A letter from the State officials on the subject was referred to and MT. Ingersoll asked the government if the letter was in court as di- rected by the court. MT. Merrick said 1t would be produced. The court ruled out questions relating to letters received by MT. Belford from his people urging increased mail facilities Mir. Belford further said he had called on General Brady probably one hundred times and urged him to expedite routes in Colorado. He then spoke of the rapid growth of LeadvilIe which he said he knew when not ten letters day were re- ceived in three years. The mail had to be carried in stage coach drawn by four horses. Mir. Ingerson asked the witness if he had ever received any money from any of the de- AOSASAS44 menf objected and the court sustained it. MT. Wilson asked for the original of the letter from the official of Colorado and MT. Bliss said he did not know where it was. The court said it would assist MT. Wilson by all the means in it's power. MT. Belford then left the stand and walking around back of coun- sel addressed the court and said he would like the permission of the court and courtesy of the bar to make answer to a statement af fecting his personal honor. He did not think it right when man tried to assassinate the character of a man that he should be denied the privilege of withdrawing the knife from the wound. MT. Merrick said that he had nothing to do with bringing the gentle mans name into the case, deprecated it and on his own motion it was struck out. He did not think the witness should be permitted to say to the court what he wasnot permitted to say on the witness stand. There was some confusion, during which MT. Belford, who was considerably excited, made some remarks, the only audible words being s'Give me the poor privilege of making statement.'' ''Well, sir" said Judge Wylie rather sharply, 'this is not public meet ing. We are trying this case judicial " anu GuhL b we Cdu OOs
 ''Well,' declared MT. Belford, 1T state before the living God that never received such check.'' T object, your honor," ex- claimed MT. Merrick. Judge Wylie as soon as MT. Belford's words were uttered rapped upon his desk and Mir. Belford started to leave the court room. Bring MT. Belford here. Come here, sir," said Judge Wylie MT. Belford returned to his place beside MT. Ingersoll. s'What did he say ?" asked Judge Wylie. Mir. Carpenter repeated the remark of MT. Befford. 'That, 'said Judge Wylie, ''is con tempt of court and the court imposes fine of $1O0. s'An right, ''said MT. Belford, "I will pay it and $500 more. No man shall assassinate my character" 'sThis is law tribunal" continued Judge Wylie, 'tand this is degree of impertinence never witnessed in court" Judge Wylie subsequently, maintained that Rerdells testimony properly conveyed no criminal charge against Mir. Belford and declined to remit the fine. Mir. IngersoI gave his personal check in payment of the fine and Mr. Belferd left the court.