The record-union., 1893-03-11
PANAMA CANAL CASE.
De Lesseps and Fellow-Detendau
Longing for the End.

De IeSsepS and Fellow Defendants
Longing for the End.
PARIS, March 10.-The public appear to
have concluded that the most sensational
part of the Panama story has been told,
for when the trial opened to-day the at
tendance was comparatively small Chas.
De Lesseps, Baihut and their fellow-de-
PENDANTS wore a tired, harassed express
sion, as if they wished the ordeal were
over. Baihut was looking especially dis
tressed and anxious for the end
Flory, the Government accountant.
who had been appointed to examine the
accounts of the Panama Canal Company,
was called upon to testify. He repeated in
main the figures and statements already
given in the published reports. He estab-
liShed that the Panama Canal Company
expended l05,000,000 francs in payment
for newspaper advertising, and favorable
notices in the newspapers and other serv-
ices connected with the general putting of
the enterprise, and that 55S, ,0O0,0OO francs,
being less tnan half the total amount
subscribed, had been expended in actual
operations on the canal. The present as
sets amounted to 200, ,0OO,O 900 francs.
Ex-Deputy Chantagrel testified at the
trial to-day that Souligon, a civil fem
gineer, came to him with an offer of 3D.
0G0 francs for his vote on the lottery loan
bill. When he declined the bribe Souli-
gon added that Charles de Lesseps au-
thorized him to offer any sum up to 3OO.-
900 francs for Chantagrel's VOTE Chantag-
rel refused to accept 100000 francs.
Stephanet, clerk for Propher, De Rein
ach's partner, testified confirming his
experience with the list of conspicuous
men compromised by the Panama scan
dal. He received the list from De Rein
ach, and after Reinachs death delivered
it to Clemenceau.
Deschamps, another witness, created a
sensation while testifying by remarking
incidentally that he had been in constant
communication with Andrieux.
Charles Floquet, ex-Premier and ex-
President of the Chamber of Deputies,
was the next witness. He was nervous
and pale. Before examining him Judge
Desjardine had Charles De Lesseps re-
peat his testimony as to the contribution
of 80, 900 francs made at Floquets request
by the Panama Canal Company to the
fund for the campaign against Boulanger
in the Department of Nord. Flouuet re-
piled: 81 repeat the denial already made
by Inc before the examining magistrate.
De Lesseps in his testimony has forgot
ten that l did not assume office until
April 80, 1883, and the election took place
on April 10, and the voting on the lottery
loan bill on the 9th"
Nevertheless we have proofs that De
Reinach sent out money under your
ministry in 1885," interpolated Charles
De Lesseps.
~ do not understand what you mean y
replied Floquet.
Loud protests came from the body of
the court, and several persons shouted
''Tell the truth" The presiding Judges
call for order only evoked more shouts.
and in tue uproar he threatened to have
the court cleared. Both De Lesseps and
Floquet tried to make statements, but
neither could be heard, and as the din in
creased Judge Desjardine ordered the
courtroom cleared, and, amid the babel.
the audience were driven out by the ush-
ers.
When order was restored De Lessons
reiterated clearly and positively his testi-
mony. Floquet admitted that he talked