The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-03-10
BAIHUT BREAKS DOWN.
CONFEssES HIS GUfLr xyp PRxys
HIS coUSTRrs PARDON.
Great sensation Brought Out In the
Panama Iriai-Comment on DeL.sssps'
Frank and Open Statement.

PARIS, March 9.-lnterest In tn. Pan
anna trial is increasing. and the CREATES,
curiosity is shown as to coming develop
ments. II is reported that the frankness
with which Charles De Lesseps told his
story has caused surprise ard some con-
sternation i'm certain high circles and
that considerable anxiety has been felt
in the same quarters as 20 sueseauent
testimony, The approaches 10 m. parsis
DE Justice, as we'll az the courtroom.
we're thronged this mornine and ,her.
was a buzz OF gossip among the spectators
which lasted until Presiding Judge Des
Jsrdines took his seat Then silence was
demanded ina more than iisuaiiy imp.ta-
tive manner, and the audience becam.
quiet, as II apprehensive that the court
room might be cleared Marquis Fon-
taine was the FIRST witness lie Was a
member OF the board OF management ~
the Panama Canal Company at the time
the transactions with Baihut occurred
He described the visit of NJ. Blondin.
who assured the board that NJ Baihut
would Introduce a bill authorizing the
lottery bonds II the Panama Canal Com
pany would make substantial pecuniary
sacrifice, and that the money would he
used 10 procure publicity for the scheme
NJ. Fontaine admitted that, acting under
the direction OF Charles DE Lesseps, he
visited Blondn., He found Baihut there
Baihut said, The money in question
will be used In promoting the interest Of
the country" Charles De Iesseps there
upon proceeded 10 discuss With NJ. Blon-
- h.
claimed by BaihIi. The matter Was
eventually settled At Fontaine' $ residence.
In reply to the presiding Judge Fontsine
continued "Some OF the drafts payable
70 bearer were issued 10 pay for sdver-
tising and others 10 satisfy the robbers.
who waylaid as IKE foot pads %
This closed the Interrogation Of Fon-
taine for the time being, and now fol-
lowed the greatest sensation OF the day.
Baihut was called upon 10 answer inter
rotations the presiding Judge addressing
the questions 60 the accused.
Baihut showed disposition AZ irst TO
throw the blame upon Blordin, who had
acted as the go-between in the nesc,ia
tions. Baihut said Il acted AZ the In
stlgation OF Blondin TO whom gave
1900 francs. | have wished 10 restore the
money / received. but feared thereby TO
accuse myself.
I'D TO the moment Bahut had spoken
clearly. and With apparent self-control.
but now he broke down and With a pitt
fu expression OF sorrow and despair h.
exclaimed In a broken voice. ! acknowl-
edge HAVING been led astray. am guilty.
NV words express the grief and repent
ance. [ feel, ! do not yet understand how
[ could have fallen so low ask pardon
OF my country. whose good name ] have
nerhane Stilipd "
AS soon as Fslhut regained his self
control he said Il submit In adyapce
to any sentence which The court may
pass on ne . - "a
BlondIn was questioned BY the presld-
ing Judge as to how ne came TO act AZ
intermediary between, the Panama. Conf
pany and Baihuts demand for money
He noki owledged he had received 1900
francs for his services In arranging mat
ters between the minister and the drec-
tors. lie had arranged the meeting be
tween Baihut and Charles de l.esscps' In
the belief IL would be for the best In
terests OF. the Canal Company. ne ad-
mltted he had settled matters connected
with the payment Of the bribe. Charles
de Iesseps had handed Hsihut 10000
francs AT Baihut's house and iS.oo more
In the Sci ate lobby
Baihut was recalled and crOss-fxarnined
by counsel for the Panama creditors.
and stated again that NJ. Hlondin had
obtained a commission on the uansac-
tlon between him and De Lesseps. In the
midst f Baihuts statement, Fontaine
sprang To his feet and shouted. That
statement Is a tissue Of falsehoods. The
witness has not spoken word Of truth.
Turning upon his accuser, NJ. Baihut
said slowly: II affirm that what ! nave
said Is the exact truth and nothing but
the truth"