The state chronicle. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1891-1893, 1893-03-10
CaAS. DE LESSEPS, STORY.
Surprise and Condemnation in Hfgl
circles and Much Anxiety.

circles and Much Anxiety.
PARIS, March 9.-The interest in the
fahana trial is increasing and the great
est curiosity IS shown as to the coming
developments. 1t is reported that the
frankness with which Charles de Lessons
told his story has caused surprise and
some CONSERVATION in certain high cir
cles, and that considerable anxiety has
been felt in the same qua1ter as to sub
sequert testimony. Approaches to the
Palais de Justice as we'll as the court
room were thronged this morning and
there was buzz of gossip among the
spectators which lasted till the presiding
Judge, Des Jardins, took his seat. Then
silence was demanded in more than usu.
ally imperative manner, and the audi
ence became quiet, as if apprehensive
that the court room might be cleared
Marlus Fontaine was the first witness
tie was member of the board of man
agement of the Panama Canal compa
at the time of the transactions with Bal
haut occurred, He described the visit
of B!ondin, who assured the board
that Baihaut would introduce q
bill authorizing the lottery bonds of the
Panama Canal company, would make a
substantial pecuniary sacrifice and that
the money would be Used to procure
publicity for the scheme. Fontaine ad-
mitted that acting uuder the direction of
Chas. de Lesseps he visited Blondin. He
found Baihaut there. Baihaut said
The money In question will be used in
promoting the interests of the country. "
Charles de Lesseps thereupon proceeded
to discuss with Btondin the question of
million francs claimed by Baihaut.
| The matter was eventually settled at
| Fontaine's residence.
In reply to the presiding judge, Fon-
tame continued: ''Some of the drafts
payable to bearer were issued to pay for
advertising and others to satisfy the rob
bers who waylsid us like foot pads"
This closed the Interrogation of Fon-
taine for the time being and now fol
| lowed the great sensation of the day
Baihaut was called upon to answer in
terrogatories, the presiding judge ad
dressing the questions to the accused.
Balhaut showed disposition at first t(
throw the blame upon Blondin, who haG
acted as a go between III the negotiations
Baihaut said: Il acted at the lustigatioI
of Blondin, to whom l gave 7,50(
francs. wished to restore the money
received, but feared thereby to accus,
myself"
Up TO this moment Baihaut had spokel
clearly, and apparent self control. Nov
he broke down, and with pitiful ex-
preston of sorrow and despair he ex
exclaimed. in broken voice: s
acknowledge having been led astray.
am guilty My words express the grie
ana repentance l feel. do net yet un
derstand how l could have fallen so low
| ask pardon OF my country. whose goo
name have perhaps sullieds
AS soon as Baihut regalned his sell
control he said: Il submit in advanc
to any sentence which the court ma
pass on me-" Blondin was questione
by the presiding judge as to how b
came to act as intermediate between th
Panama company and Baihut's deman
for the money He acknowledged tina
he had received z, 800 francs for his sci
vices il arranging the matters betwee
!, the minister and the directors. He ha
arranged the meeting between Baihr
and Charles de Lesseps in belief that
q would be for the best interest of tn
canal company he admitted tnat L
i had settled matters connected with tt
q payment of the bribe. Charles de LIE
Y seps had handed Baihut $50, 200 franc
at Baihut's house, and 1876 900 mo
in the lobby of the senate. Baihut, r
called and Cross examined by the cou
sci for the Panama creditors, He state
: again that Bloudin had obtained a cor
} mission on the transaction between hi
and de Lesseps.
Ia the midst of Baihut's statemer
Q Fontaine sprang to his feet and shoute
'That statement is tissue Of falsehoo
the witness has not spoken word
e TRUTH" turning upon..his accuser Baih
said, slowly: 81 affirm that what
g have said is the exact truth and nothi
le hut the truth y