The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1893-03-10
PANAMA CANAL TRIAL.

Intenss Interest-BaihutB Breaks Down
and Creates Sensation in Court.
PARIS, March 9.-1nterest in the Panama
trial is increasing and the greatest curios-
ity is shown as to the coming develop
ments. The reported frankness with
which Charles de Lesseps told his
story has caused surprise and
some CONSERVATION in certain high
circles, SO that considerable anxiety has
been felt in the same quarters as to subse-
quent testimony. The approaches to the
Palais de Justice, as we'll as to the court
room. were thronged this morning. 1t is
the general opinion that the defendants
all wore more confident air than on the
previous day and that they seemed to feel
that their unreserved acknowledgment
had made favorable impression on the
community.
Presiding Judge Desjardines proceeded
to interrogate Marius Fontane. The latter
stated that he was a member of the board
of management of the Panama Canal
Company when the transactions with
Baihut occurred. Acting under the
direction of Charles de Lesseps, he
visited Blondin and found Baihut there.
Baihut said: "The money in question
IL to be used in promoting the interests of
the country" Charles de Lesseps there
upon proceeded to discuss with Blondin
the question of the 1, 600. 900 francs claimed
by Baihut. The matter was eventu-
ally settled at Fontane's resi-
dence. In reply to the presid-
ing judge, Fontane continued: "Some
issued to pay for advertising and others to
ontiofvy rOhho~> La /: e
pads" This closed the interrogation for
Fontane for the time being.
Next followed the great sensation of the
day. Baihut was called. He showed a
disposition at first to throw the blame
upon Blondin, who acted as go-between in
the negotiations. Baihut said: II acted
at the instigation of Blondin, to whom
gave 100000 francs. I have
wished to restore the money received,
but feared thereby to accuse myself"
Up to this moment Baihut had spoken
clearly and with apparent selfcontrol
But now he broke down and with pitiful
expression Of sorrow and despair ex-
claimed in broken voice:
81 acknowledge having been led astray. I am
guilty. My words express my grief and repent
ancs. I feel / do not understand how could
try. whose good name have perhaps sullied"
There was decided stir in the court
room when Baihut began his pitiful
avowal of guilt, and this increased to q
sensation as he closed.
Blondin, when questioned, said he ar
ranged the meeting between Baihut and
Charles De Lesseps in the belief that it
would be for the best interests of the
canal company. He admitted having set
tied matters connected with tho payment
of the bride, but he denied receiving any
commission
Baihut, when cross-examined, stated
again that Blondin obtained . commission
for the transaction between him and de
Lesseps. In the midst of Baihut's state
ment Fontane sprang to his feet and
shouted: THAT statement is a tissue of
falsehoods. The witness has not spoken a
word of TRUTH" Turning upon his accuser.
said is the exact truth, and nothing but
the truth"
In examining Sans LIE Roy, Judge Des-
jardines asked: "Where did you get the
100000 francs you placed to the credit of
Lyonnais in April, 1882"
ut represented part of my wife's dowry
of 2OO. 600 francs"
"Why did you not explain this sooner?"
II wished to avoid having the indict-
ment against me thrown.out. I preferred
to be tried and acquitted" [I.aughterl
Senator Beral next explained that 10000
francs received from Baron de Reinach
was for having given advice concerning
Tunis railways. Deputy de La Faucon-
Mere said that 25, 600 francs given him by
de Reinach was part of his profits as q
member of one Of the guarantee
syndicates. Ex-Deputy Gobron admitted
having cashed a check drawn by
DE Reinach for 100000 francs, but denied
that the check was in any way connected
with the Panama lottery loan bill. Deputy
Antonin Broust said 100000 francs re-
ceived from Baron de Reinach constituted
his share Of profits from the guarantee
syndicate.