New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-07-12
A GERMAN EDITOR TRIED.
FOUND GUILTY OF LIBEL UPON MEN OF
WEALTH WHO EVADED THEIR TAXFS.

WEALTH WHO EVADED THEIR TAXES.
Berlin, June 22.-The trial Of f. Frssangel, Editor
Of the "Westaesche Zetung" in Bochum, for publish
Ing libellous statements regarding prominent In
habitants Of that town. has been sensational in the
extreme. Not since the arragnment Of Count Harry
Arnim has suit attracted such general attention in
all parts Of Germany. Day after day the newspapers
have devoted columns to the famous The head
line Bochum7 has become even more familiar to
readers than Der Dreibund" In the hotels at private
dinners, the Streets it has been the favOrte subject
for discussion Heavy bets have been made on the
results Of the trial. The Emperor himself has been
deeply concerned in its outcome and has followed the
developments eagerly from day to day. But 1t was
worthy even OF Imperial interest and attention.
A few weeks ago the Westfaelische Zeitung," one
Of the most influential papers Of the province, con-
tanned long article charging the tax commissioners
Of ochum with purpOsely estimating the incomes
Of wealthy citizens of their political party and
confession. In the long list of men who, It was
alleged, had given false returns regarding their In
comes was included the name Of Privy Councillor
Baare president Of the BOchumer Verein, which manu-
features the majority Of the rails and locomotives
used in Germany. Although he paid taxes an in
come OF only 324OO marks Fussangel declared that
his personal receipts amounted annually to more than
100000 marks The accusations against the other
citizens were equally startling and sensational The
effect was Immediate Bochum society was shaken
from its foundations. The scandal was I'm every ones
mouth Thousands and thousands Of extra copies of
the Zeitung" sold and sent to various parts Of
the Empire. Fussangel was brought speedily before
the bar Ct justice The trial. which attracted thousands
of visitors at each session. is ended for the present
The verdict is against the editor who, unless he wins
his case in an appeal, will he Obliged to serve five
months in prison.
But it IS the general belief that the fearless editor
in reality won his case. three and
ten Of the witnesses who were summoned 10 the
box admitted that they did not pay their just
proportion OF taxes. 1t was proved that
they paid taxes on collective income
of 415,45O marks, while they should have paid them
on an income of 002, 300 marks. Baare himself con-
fesscd that his income was more than 100000 While
he paid tax on less than onc-thlrd that sum.
Other damaging accusations were made during the
trial. which, in all probability, will result in another
proceeding at law even more important than that
which has Just closed the day preceding the close
Of the suit Fussanges attorney, in the course Of
argument, declared that his client was prepared TO
prove that the owners Of the Bochumer Yercn" had
Systematically defauded the public for sixteen years
that they had employed engraver to copy tile Gov
ernmcntal stamps which all Inspected rails bear before
leaving the foundry; that with the aid of these stamps
they had continually sold imperfect rails to the Gov
eminent and to private railroad companies; that they
had thus endangered the lives of thousands Of people
innocent of their crimes
Baare's Counsel at once denounced tho statements
as false but he failed TO counterfeit their effect The
presiding Judge struck ont the statements Irrelevant
but Fussange has printed them again In his journal
and dean;Iy challenges Baarc TO prove them Incorrect
II the latter fails 10 meet this challenge, the Boch-
inner Vereinp may as we'll close It's doors its days
of prosperity will be at an end.
Prvy Councillor Baare IS one OF the wealthest men
of Bochum lie has been distinguished for his bcnevo
ence and has enjoyed popularity which extended far
beyond the walls of his native town.
The reconciliation between the Empress Of Austria
and her brother. Duke Ludwig Of Bavaria which took
place on the Dukes sixtieth birthday, has caused
considerable comment in court circles. Duke Lud-
wig was the Oldest of the famous Duke
Max of Bavaria long the hero Of the lower classes Of
Munich and the Tyro When young man, how
ever Ludwig fell in love with Frauleln Henrietta
Mendell, Of Darmstadt and in consequence decided
Ia pcnounCe his rights as the eldest son in favor OF
Duke Carl ThcOdor, now the famous oculiSt. Duke
Ludwig married the young woman, VINO was raised
TO the rank Of Baroness Won Wallersee by ruling
German prince.
THE BaroDess's only daughter educated by her
aunt al the Court of Austria, and became one OF the
bellies of Vienna. About five years ago. with the
permission of the Empress she married Count larsch,
the brother of the Hereditary Princess OF Ratlb0r
The Countess her father and husband continued
TO remain favores at the Court OF Austria until that
fatal day in January. lo90, when the Crowl-Prince
Rudolph ended his life II then came to light TINT
The Countess Iarisch had aided the Princes intrigue
with the Baroness Netsera for whom he had com
mitted suicide she was banshed from court, and her
family as we'll a. herself. fell into dsfavOr with the
Emperor and Empress. Owing to the reconciliation
between the Duke and his sister it is possible that
the beautiful countess Will again become favoi1te OF
Niepnese society.