Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-03-20
I'd EDITION.
ILIEUT.STEELE'S CASE
Today's Testimony Amounts to a
Vindication.
WILD PUT OUT OF COURT.
Commander McCalla Goes on the
Stand in His Case.
BURNING OF A VILLAGE IN FLORIDA.
A SCENE AT STEELE'S TRIAL.
Private Wild Ordered Out Of the Room
to Prevent an Encounter.
BURNING OF A VILLAGE IN FLORIDA
AsCENE AT sTEELE's TRIAL.
Private Wild Ordered Out of the Room
to Prevent an Encounter.

CHICAGO, March 20.-The members OF the
| Steele court-martial were treated to something
of a sensation at the opening Of the third days
| session this morning and the subsequent pro-
ceedings were anything but agreeable to ex-
| Private Wild. Lieut.. Steele's accuser. Just as
| soon as the vouminous record Of yesterday had
| been read Lieut.. Crowder, counsel for Steele,
informed the court that some important I'M
discovered evidence had come into his posses
sion. He went on to say that three days ago
Wild visited the general Offices of the local
recruiting sergeant and in the
course Of lengthy conversation,
plentifnlly interloped with vile
epithets, had stated that he bore a personal
grudge against Steele and had at last chance
to get even. He intended, he said to get him
imprisoned or cashiered. Wild went on to say
| that Steele had once refused to do him a
favor and in consequence he was clay
ing for him." This was the first
circumstances he would have done the work
desired by Steele, but he made up his mind
that he would not and said as much to the men
of his troop when Steele sent for him. Several
at the time of the now famous scrimmage to
see If he kept his word. He went on in a brag-
gadocio manner to say that ne had served if
teen years in the army, but had never yet
got five years discharge from any company.
He proposed to make as much money out of the
willing topay him for posing as a freak. As to
his previous service under the name of Ward he
said that the disclosure came from a man to
whom he had written and who had been cur
enough to give him away.
I'm NOT ON TRIAL"
After this statement had been read Wild was
recalled and questioned regarding the truth of
each paragraph. His invariable replies were
II won't answer" THAT'S got nothing to do
with this case" 'I'm not on trial"
In reply to a question to the court he adhered
to his statement made yesterday that no pri-
vate could testify against officer without
being afterward oppressed by that officer, but
on being closely pressed said that he could not
remember a case of the kind.
Sergt. Antoine Wenwrith of the local recruit
ing station, dignifed officer with an i'm
pressive manner, was then called and con-
firmed the statement that Wild had talked to
him as reported He said that he had never
seen Wild before and had never met Lieut.
Steele. On the occasion in question Wild had
repeatedly boosted of the way in which he had
paid the grudge toward Steele. Wild had
volunteered all the information and was not
solicited to say anything. BY order OF the
court Wild was brought in with Post Trader
Commas, who bears a close resemblance to the
former, and the two were confronted with
Wenwrith. The witness, rising and pointing
at Wild, said in impressive tones: That is the
man who talked in my Office"
Wild's eyes flashed. his fingers worked nerv-
ously and he seemed about to spring at his &C.
cuser. Leave the ROOM" said the Judge ad-
vocate in sharp tone, and he about faced and
retired with swagger.
Sergt Hsrrigan of the eighth cavalry
was then called and testified regarding Lieut.
Steele's invariable courtesy and gentlemanly
bearing on all occasions toward the enlisted
men. The immense audience was today
largely composed of members Of the regu-
lar army and militia, and during the recess
there was consensus Of opinion that the de-
velopments of the past two days would bring
the sensational affair to a close with Lieut.
Steele's vindcation.