Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-04-22
A TURN FOR CAPT. ARMIES.
A Sensation I'm the Court-martial To-
Day.


Day.
ii WAS DEVELOPED BEHIND CLOSED DooRs-TEs-
TINoNY SAID TO HAVE BEEN GIVEN By COL.
cANADAf THAT ARMIES WAS GIVEN PLACE IN
THE PARADE BIZ AUTHORITY OF THE SENATE
The long table in the Armes court-martial
room was covered with law books and other
big volumes this morning, and there was an
almost-over air about the officers as they paced
up and down, smoking their cigars. and wait
ing for the opening. Judge Hubbell and Capt
Knox we're in consultation in the ante-room,
and Capt. Armes was a little restless. He
hustled in and out of the courtroom. bearing
ing papers in bundles, which he piled on the
desk and opened.
THE DOORS CLOSED.
The judge-adSocate said: Both the accused
and myself are willing to dispense with the
reading of Saturdays proceedings. There are
two or three witnesses to examine, whose testi-
mony, il is desired. should be taken under the
same conditions as when Mr.. Swords was ex-
amined on saturday"
Upon this direct intimation. reinforced bv IN
air of patience on the part of the judge-advo-
cate as he settled back into his seat, a nod Of
the head from Col. Dodge, and a word from
Major Davis to the effect that he was ready to
go ahead, the reporters and the spectators
withdrew.
THE WITNESSES.
Chief Bell, of the secret service division Of
the Treasury, was waiting in the ante-room.
He had been summoned as a witness for the de-
Tense.
Col. Canaday, the sergeant-at-arms of the
Senate, got into the room in some mysterious
manner and was examined first for about twenty
minutes.
When Col. Canaday appeared in the ante
room he was quickly followed by Capt. Armes
Judge Hubbeli, Capt. Knox and Mr.. Johns, the
photographer OF the court They joined the
other walters in the room with the same air of
having been excluded and informed those out
side that the
COURT HAD BEEN CLEARED FOR CONSULTATION.
1t is generally understood that Capt Armes
has played strong card. Col. Swords, it is
said, testified that Armes was not only APP
pointed an aide on the staff of the grand
marshal, but had been designated a special
body guard to the President, and it was in this
capacity that be appeared in the parade. 1t
will be remembered that Judge Hubbell, III
CLAIMING the other day, that the L. 5. Senate
was the sole authority for the inaugural parade,
animated that Armes had been given special
instructions by the sergeant-at-arms.
1t was intimated to a STAR reporter this
morning. while the court was in secret session,
evidence had caused
GENUINE SENSATION
in the court, and had opened the eyes of the
members considerably. 1t may be inferred
from this that his testimony corroborated that
which Swords is supposed to have given, and
gave rise to the question which the court dis
cussed with closed doors. In fact those around
the court are of the opinion that Armes case
has taken decidedly favorable turn.
Shortly before u o'clock Col Dodge opened
the door of the courtroom and said to those in
the ante-room,
GENTLEMEN, THE COURT IS OPEN"
As the spectators entered there was a chilly
silence apparent, and several members had
thoughtful, far-away looks in their eyes.
Lieut.. Lucien Young, of the navy, was called
to the stand, and testified TO Armes' good char
acter. He said that he had at one time offered
to present Armes' name for membership in the
United Service club.
When his examination was concluded the
court decided to have the record of Saturdays
proceedings read, and the judge-advocate be-
gan the grind.
1t appeared from the record that the court
adopted resolution on Saturday to omit the
reading of that evidence taken with closed
doors. At the conclusion of the reading, at
about 1890, recess was taken until / o'clock.
CONSULTATION.
Upon reassembling, the judge-advocate and
Capt Armes had consultation about the pro-
priety of calling certain witnesses The court
sat patiently, talking about the New York cele-
bration and kindred topics. After fifteen minutes
OF waiting Capt Kellogg suggested that the
court take another little recess, as the counsel
do not seem to be able to agree The court did
not think this advisable, but Col. Dodge excused
Capt Kellogg, who lighted a cigar and sat on
a sofa. Major Davis, a moment later. turned
away from the counsers table and sat in silence
at the head of the board. but still the DELAY
continued, Capt. Armes talking ANONYMOUSLY
to Capt. Knox. 1t was very evident that there
was considerable disagreement between Capt.
Armes and his counsel.
SECRETARY sEwARD's INTEREST IN ARMIES
The court did not get started until twenty
five minutes after /, when Gen. Lamon was re-
called to the stand. Judge Hubbell stated that
Gen. Lamon had. since his testimony
on Saturday, found some memoirs relating to
the accused, which seemed to be important.
The general read from some memoranda that
Armes had been a frequent subject of conversa-
ton at the White House between
Mr.. Seward and President Lincoln. It seemed
that Armes was great favorite in his neigh
borhoOd before the war, and when he declined
to take an Office in a new military company he
was denounced as a traitor, even by his own
brother.
He then came to Washington and fell into
Mr.. Stewards good graces. He once told Mr..
Seward that there was an attack premeditated
shore, to seize the arsenal and the
Treasury department. 1t was to be made
either that same night or the next night. At
this Mr.. Seward instructed Gen. Lamon to
arm every able-bodied male in the CITY,
and with the cooperation of Gen
Scott he manrged to get such q formidable
array on the river front as to make raid
mpracticable. 1t seemed that the Pres
dent and Mr.. Seward both thought that
the city was by this means saved from capture
by the confederates, and this, Gen. Lamon
thought, accounted for their interest in Armes.
AS TO ARMIES GOOD CHARACTER.
Capt. Ward, retired, testified as to Armes
good character and his great bravery as an
officer.
Judge Hubbell introduced in evidence the
Endorsement on Armes' letter to the adjutant-
general and also another letter to show that
Capt. Bourke preferred charges against Capt.
Armes on March Is.
The judge then read stipulation agreed
to by the judge-advocate setting forth the
names of number of persons who
had not been called to the stand,
and who had known the accused for
various periods and knew nothing against
this character. The name of Vice-Presi-
dent Morton appeared on the list There
was also stipulation, agreed to by
both sides, that the Vice-President recognized
Capt. Armes on the day of the Inauguration,
bowling to him from his carriage, to which the
accused responded by a bow
Judge Hubbell was about to ask for a recess
to give him chance to talk to some witnesses.
when Col. Dodge interrupted him by saying that