The record-union., 1893-03-10
Special to the REooRp.uN1os.

Special TO the RECoRD-UNIoN.
PARIS, March 9.-In the Assize Court YES
terday the trial of De Lesseps and others
for corruption in connection with the
Panama bonds bill was commenced. a
large crowd attested that the interest has
not tagged. Charles De Lesseps sketched
briefly his duties in the Panama Canal
Company, and retold the story of how the
moneys of the company were expended
to subsidize papers, to induce bankers to
do business. The Judge asked when had
lie paid 100000 francs to Cornelius Herr.
De Lesseps responded that NJ. Herr
came and said he had great influence
with the Government. "We did not feel
we could afford to iguore or offend him
he was too powerful. If we appealed to
the law we should come to grief. Finan-
clers said: Unless you pay money to all
banks under the influence of Glrardin.
you will have all the newspapers in Paris
against you.' We still held out against
such methods. The newspapers attacked
us, and we were finally driven to paying
out enormous sums right and left and
were encouraged by the Government"
Leave the Government alone" called
Judge Desiardines, sharply. A slight
applause and storm of protests from the
audience greeted the admonition.
Judge Desjardines asked: "How did
you come to be introduced to NJ. Baihut?''
"A friend of the Minister of Works told
Fontane that the Minister was ready to
Introduce the lottery loan bill, but would
require certain large sum to defray ex-
penses. Iadvised NJ. Fontane not to deal
with him. Afterward Fontane saw
Baihut, who said he was against the
measure. When [ learned of this said
to NJ. Fontane: Well, send for this gentle
man, them The gentleman was NJ.
Blondin. He delsanded for NJ. BaIhut
one million francs, and 375, 900 were paid
down. The bill was then introduced"
When questioned as to dealings with
Baron de Reinach, NJ. De Lesseps said:
Il paid him large sums to meet the ex-
penses OF the issue. All financiers i'm
posed heavy demands upon US. While
the negotiations were pending an ord
nance officer came to say that NJ. De
Freycinet wanted to see me. went to
see him and he said: M. De Lessons.
there is question of a suit against you
to be brought by Baron De Reinach.
That would be very annoying to YOU.
See, now, how you can settle this mat
ter As result of my visit to
De Freycinet l raised my offer to Baron
De Reinach from 100000 to 100000
francs, which he accepted. Subsequently
NJ. Floquet said to me: why do you not
pay that money to Baron De Reinach? If
l were you L would do so.''
BAIHUT CoNFEssEs.
PARIS March 9.-The interest in the
Panama trial is increasing. The greatest
curiosity is shown as to coming develop
ments. The reported frankness with
which Charles De Lesseps told his story
has caused surprise and some consterna-
ton in certain high circles and that con-
siderable anxiety is being felt in the same
quarters as to subsequent testimony,
The approaches to the Palais de Justice.
as well as the courtroom, are thronged.
The general opinion is that defendants all
wore a more confident air than on the
previous day, and that they seemed to
feel their unreserved Acknowledgements
had made favorable impression on the
community.
To-day Presiding Judge Despardins
proceeded to interrogate Marius Fon-
tame.
The latter stated that he was n member
of the Board of Management of the
Panama Company when the transactions
with Baihut occurred. Acting under the
directions of Charles De Lesseps he
Wig tah P1nndin nd Do;I a..
Baihut said: "The money in question
is to be used in promoting the interests
of the country" Charles De Lessons
thereupon proceeded to discuss with
Blondin the question of the 1000. .OOO
francs claimed by Baihut. The matter
was evidently settled at Fontane's resi-
dence.
In reply to the presiding Judge, Fon-
tame continued: "Some of the drafts pay
able to bearer were issued to pay for
advertising, others to satisfy the robbers
who waylaid us like footpads."
This closed the Interrogation of Fon-
tame for the time being
Next followed the great sensation of the
day. Baihut was called. He showed
disposition at first to throw blame upon
Blondin, who acted as the go-between in
the negotiations.
Baihut said: 81 acted at the instigation
of Blondin, to whom gave 800 francs.
I have wished to restore the money re-
ceived, but 1 feared thereby to accuse
myself"
Up to this moment Baihut had spoken
clearly and with apparent self-control.
Now he broke down, and with pitiful
expression of sorrow and despair ex-
claimed in a broken voice: II acknowl-
edge having been led astray. am guilty.
My words express my grief and repent
ance. feel do not yet understand how
could have fallen so low. l ask pardon
of my country, whose good name l have
perhaps sullied."
There was decided stir in the court
room when Baihut began his pitiful
avowal of guilt, and this was increased to
a sensation as he closed
Blondin questioned, said he arranged
the meeting between Baihut and Charles
De Lesseps. in the belief that it would be
for the best interests of the canal coma
pany. He admitted that he settled mat
ters connected with the payment of the
bribe, but denied receiving any COM
mission.
Baihut, cross-examined, stated again
that Blondin had obtained commission
for the transaction between him and De
Lesseps.