The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1893-03-10
PANAMA CORRUPTION FTID
Increasing Interest and Great
Curiosity Shown In the Trial.
SENSATIONAL EVIDENCE.
Baihut Breaks Down as He Details the
Story OF Guilt.
Very Dramatic Scene in His Cross.ex-
animation When He Is Accused of
observation-disclosures Fontaine
on the Stand.

PARIS, March 9.-Interest in the Pana-
ma trial is increasing, and the greatest
curiosity is shown as to coming develop
ments. 1t is reported that the frankness
with which Charles De Lesseps told his
story has caused surprise, some conster-
nation IN certain high circles, and that
considerable anxiety has been felt in
some quarters az to the subseau ent testi-
mony- The approaches to the Palais q
Justice as well as the court room was
thronged this morning. The general
opinion was 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 COM
mUnity.
Presiding Judge De Jardine proceeded
to lnterrogate Marius FOntaine The
latter stated that he was member of the
board OF management of the Panama
Canal company when transactions with
Baihut occurred. Acting under the di-
rection of Charles De Lesseps he visited
Blondin; found Baihut there. Baihut
said: 'Ihe money in question was not
to bs used IN promoting the interests of
the country. Charles De Lesseps there
upon proceeded to discuss with Blondin
the question Of the million francs claimed
oy Balhut. The matter was eventually
seLtled at Fontaine1s residence
In reply to the presiding Judge, Fon-
tame continued: ''SOme of the drafts
payable to bearer were issued to pay fer
advertising, others to satisfy robbers who
waylald US like footpads. y This closed
the Interrogation OF Fontaine for the Uims
being.
Next followed the great sensation of tbs
day. Baihut was called. He showed
disposition at first to throw the blame
upon Blondln, who acted as go-between
in the negotiation Baihut said: 1T
acted at the instigation of Blondin, to
whom l gave. 1900 francs. have wished
to restore the money / received, but I
feared thereby to accuse myself Up to
this moment BaIhut had spoken clearly
and with apparent self control; but he
broke down, and with pitiful expression
of sorrow and despair exclaimed in a
broken voice:
81 acknowledge having been led astray;
am guilty. MY words express my grief
and repentance. l feel l do not yet I'M
derstand how l could have fallen so low
ask pardon of my country, whose good
name have perhaps spllied.'
There was a decided stir in the court
room when Baihu5 began his pitifuI
avoWal OF guilt, and this was increased to
sensation as he closed.
D4OAA4A WASA QA6SblOUtu StlU Ilt 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 that he
settled matters connected with the pay
ment of brides, but denied receiving a
commission
Baihut when Cross examined stated
again that Blondin had obtained a COM
mission Tor the transaction between him
and De Lesseps, In the midst of BIZ
hut'g statement Fontaine sprang to hi1
feet and shouted:
'sThat statement is q tissue OF false
hoods. Witness has not spoken q word
of truth -
Turning upon his accuser Balhut said:
81 affirm that what L said is the exact
truth and nothing but the truth
In examining Sans-LerOy, Judge De
Jardin asked: Where did you get
100 GOO francs which you paid to ther Cedit
Lyonnaise in April, 19s9?1]
cit was reinvested partly with my
wife dowry Of zoo, 600 francs"
"Why did you not explain this sooner7''
III wished to avoid having an indict-
ment against me thrown out, as prefer
to be tried and be acquitted. laugh
ter.
Senator Beral next explained the 40 600
francs received from Baron De Reinach
was for having given advice concerning
the Tunls railways.
Deputy De La Fanconniere said the 25,-
600 francs given him by Reinach was a
part of his profit as a member of one Of
the guarantee SyndicdteS.
Ex-Deputy Gobron admitted having
eashed q check drawn by De Reinaeh for
200, 600 francs, but denied that the check
was in any way connected with the Pan
anna lottery loan bill.
Deputy Antonin Proust SAID the 200. 600
francs received from Baron De Reinach
constituted his share of profits from the
guarantee syndicate