The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1893-03-10
DRAMATIC SCENES AT A TRIAL.
The Panama Cana Officials
Break Down.
The Confession of Charles De LessepS
Causes Conformation IN High Circles-
Baihut Acknowledges That He Is
Guilty-He Asks tho Pardon OF His
Country, and Is willing to Submit to-
Any Sentence the Court fav Impose..

PARIS, March 9.-Interest in the
Panama trial is increasing, and the
greatest curiosity is shown as to coming
developments. 1t is repor ted that the
franxness with which Charles Dc Les.
seps told his story has caused surprise
and some CONSERVATION in certain high
circles, and that considerable anxiety
has been felt in some quarters as to the;
subsequent testimony. The approaches
to the palais dc justice. as we'll as the.
court room, were thronged this morn
ing and there was buzz of gossip
among the spectators, which lasted UNI
til the presiding judge, Des Jardins,
took his seat Then silence was de-
manded in more than usually. impera-
tive manner, and the audience became
quiet, as IL apprehensive that the court
room might be cleared. 5
Marius Fontane was the first witness,
He WAS member Of the board of man
agement OF the Panama canal company.
at the time the transactions with Bal
hut occurred. He described the visit OF
Blondin, who assured the board that
Baihut would introduce bill autlioriz-
ing the lottery bonds II the Panama. ca >
nal company would make q substantial
pecuniary sacrifice, and that the money
would be used to procure publicity for;
the scheme. Fontane admitted that,
acting under the direction Of Charles
De Lesseps, he visited Blondin. He
found Baihut there. Baihut said:
The money in question will be used
in promoting the interests OF the coun-
try"
Charles DeLesseps thereupon pro-
ceeded to discuss with Blondin the
question OF the million francs claimed
by Baihut The matter was eventually
settled at Fontaine's residence. In re-
ply to the presiding Judge Fontaine
continued:
Some OF the drafts payable to bearer
were issued to pay for advertising and
others to satisfy robbers who waylaid
us like footpads."
This closed the interrogation of Fon-
tame for the time being, and then fol-
lowed tho great sensation OF the day.
Raihnt was called upon to answer inter
rogatories, Inc presiding judge address
ing questions to the accused. Baihut
showed disposition at first to throw
the blame upon:Blondin, who had acted
as the go'between in the negotiations.
Baihut said:
81 acted at tho instigation OF Blondin,
to whom l gave $500 francs. I have
wished to restore the money l received.
but feared thereby to accuse myself"
Up to this moment Baihut had spoken
clearly and with apparent self control.
Now no broke down and with pitiful
expression OF sorrow and despair he ex-
claimed in broken voice:
II acknowledge having been led
astray. lam guilty. My words express
tho grief and repentance l feel. l do
not yet understand how could have
fallon 80 low. ask the pardon OF my
country, whose good name l have per-
haps sullied."
AS soon as Baihut regained his self
control he said II submit in advance
to any sentence which the court NAV
pass upon me-"
Blondin was questioned by the pre-
siding judge as to how he came to act as
intermediary between the Panama COM
pany and Baihut's demand for money,
he acknowledged that he had received
$500 francs for his services in arranging
matters between the minister and
directors. He had arranged the meet
ing between Baihut and Charles De
Les5eps in the belief that it would be
for the best interests OF the canal COM
panY. He admitted tina he had settled
matters connected with the payment Of
the bribe. Charles De Lesseps had
handed Baihut 100000 francs at Bal
nut mousse anu l2o,OUO more In the
lobby of the senate.
Baihut, recalled for cross examina-
ton by the counsel for the Panama
creditors, stated again that Blondin had
obtained commission on the TRANSACT
ton between him and DeLesseps. In
the midst OF Baihut's statement Fon-
tame sprang to his feet and shouted:
That statement is q tissue Of false
hoods. Tho witness has not spoken d
word Of truth
Turning upon his accuser, Baihut said
slowly:
81 affirm that what have said Is the
exact truth and nothing but truth"
----------------
just Look.
PIANOS from $4,000 to $500. go. Organs,