The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1893-03-10
PAnIs, MARCH, 0.-Interest in tho Fan.

PARIS, March 0.-Interest in the Pam
anna trial is increasing and the greatest
curiosity is shown US to coming deYel-
opments. tits reported that the frank
ness with which Charles dc Iesseps
told his story has caused surprise and
some CONSERVATION in certain high cir
cies, and that considerable anxiety has
been felt in the same quarters as to
subsequent testimony. The approaches
to the palace do justice as well as the
court room we're throRged this morn
ing. The prisoners were brought in
under the usual escort and entered into
conversation with their counsel. 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 acknowl-
edgements had made favorable im-
preston on the community.
Presiding Judge Desjardins proceeded
to interrogate NJ. Marius Fontane. Tho
latter stated in reply that he was a
member Of the board of management
of the Panama Canal Company when
transactions with NJ. Baihut occurred.
Acting under the direction OF Charles
de I4esseps he visited NJ. Blondin. He
found NJ. Baihut there. Baihut said:
The money in question will be used
protecting tho interest OF the country.
Charles de Lesseps thereupon proceeded
to discuss with N. Blondin the question
OF the million francs claimed by M.
Baihut.
The matter was eventually settled at
Fontaineas residence. In reply to the
presiding Judge, NJ. Fontaihe continued:
''some OF tho drafts payable to bearer
were to pay for advertising and others
to satisfy the robbers who waylatd us
like foot-pads,"
This closed the investigation Of NJ.
Fontaine for the time being, and next
followed the great sensation OF tho day.
NJ. Baihaut was called. lie showed q
disposition at FIRST to throw the blame
on NJ. Blondin, who acted as tho 60 be-
tween in the negotiations. Baihaut
said: ~ acted at the instiGation OF
Blondin, to whom gave 1850 francs.
| have wished to restore the money /
received, but ] feared thereby TO accuse
myself"
Up to this moment NJ. Baihaut had
spoken clearly and with apparent self
control. Now he broke down and with
pitiful expression OF sorrow and de-
spair he exclaimed in a broken voice:
II acknowledge having been led astray.
/ ain guilty. My words express the
grief and repentance feel. do not
vet understand how could have fallen
SO low. / ask pardon OF my country,
whose good name have perhaps sui
lied"
There was decided stir in the court
room when NJ. Baihaut began his pitt
full avowal Of guilt and this increased to
q sensation as he closed in words that
were almost broken through his agita.
ton.
As soon as NJ. Baihaut regainod his
self-control he said:
~ submit In advance to any sentence
which the court may pass upon me"
NJ. Blondin was questioned by the
presiding judge as to how he camo to
act as intermediary between the Pana-
ma Company and NJ. Baihaut. In his
answers Blondin' denied that he had in
stlgated NJ. Baihuut's demand for money,
and that he had received 1900 francs for
his services in arranging matters be-
tween the minister and tho directors.
lie had arranged the meeting between
NJ. Baihaut and Charles DeLesseps In
the belief that il would be for the best
interests OF the canal company. He ad-
mitted that he had settled matters con-
nected with the payment OF the bribe.
Charles DeLesseps had handed M. Bal
haut 250,0O0 francs at NJ. Baihauts
house and 125, 900 moro ia the lobby OF
the senate.
NJ. Baihaut, recalled and cross-exam-
ined by counsel for the Panama credi-
tors, stated again that NJ. Blondin had
obtained q commission on the transac'
ton between him and NJ. de Lesseps.
In the midst Of NJ. Baihaups state
ment, NJ. Foniane sprRng to his feet
and shouted: "That statement is It's
suo OF falsehood. The witness has not
spoken a word Of truth"
Turning upon hia accuser, NJ.
Baihut said slowly: ~ affirm that
what have said is the exact truth and
nothing but tho truth"
In examining NJ. Sans-Leroy, the
next witness, Judge Desjardins recalled
that while member OF the parliament
ary committee on the lottery bill the
prisoner had opposed the canal compa-
ny, then making proposals to tho dopu-
ties.
NJ. Leroy hardly waited for tho judge
to cease speaking before cxclalming
angrily: II am amazed that tho prose-
cution should dare iasten on word or
two spoken BY INC to the examining
magistrate in order TO throw mo into
prison whilo they forget to arrest many
others who they know are really crIini-
nails"
Slight applause followed this out
break, which Judge Desjardns dis
missed with a warning to tho witness
that he must speak moro moderately.
The Judge then asked: "Why, after
voting for report hostile to the bill,
did YOU reverse your voter
"Thcro woto three OF US who favored
abandoning tho BILL" replied NJ. Leroy
ovasively. IL was not aware when |
changed my opinion that tho canal
company wero approaching deputies.
never spoke with the lobbyist ArtOn."
Ex.Dopuiy Gobron admitted having
Cashed check by Baron Dc Rcinach
for 100000 francs, but denied that tho
check was in any way connected with
the Panama lottery loan bill. lIo had
sold fifty shares in tannory company
to Relnach and tho check was given In
payment for thcm. ifo voted for tho
lottery bill 1T tho request Of lis con.
stiiuents. lle had nuvCr seen Arton
nor any other lobbyist for tho Panama
company and had mover mot Charles Do
lcsseps before coming TO court yes,ut.
day After Charles Do Lcssops had
Conilfmol this abatement NJ liobron