The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1893-03-11
Frenchmen Think the Most Excit-
ing Part Of the Panama
Trial Over. H.
Nevertheless There Was Much
Damaging Evidence Adduced
at Yesterdays Hearing.
Floquet, Clemencenu and Other Noted
Men on tho stand-"In tho Interest
of tho Public"

IARlb, MhFCU lU.-lu0 pODilo appear TO
have concluded that the most sensational
pa.t of the Panama story has been told and
when tho trial opened to-day the attend
ance was comparatively small. Charles
DeLesseps, Baihut and fellow defendants
wore tired. harassed expression, as If
they wished the ordeal over. Baihut was
looking especially distressed ard anxious
for the end. Flory. government account
ant. who had been appointed to examine
the accounts Of the Panama Canal COM
pany. was called upon to testify. He re-
peated in tho main the figures and state
ments already given in the published re-
port. He established tho fact that the
Panama Canal company expended 105, O00.-
600 francs in payment for newspaper ad-
vertising and favorable notices in the news.
papers and other services connected with
general putting Of the enterprise; 55S. .00O. 600
francs being less than half of the total
amount subscribed. had been expended in
actual operations on the canal; present
assets amount to 200. 900 froncs.
Ex.Deputy Chantagrel testified that Sou
ligoD, civil engineer. came to him with
an offer of 10000 francs for his vote on the
lottery loan bill. When he declined the
bribe Souligon added that Charles DsLes-
seps authorized him to offer any sum up to
800. 600 francs for ChantaQrels vote. Chan
tagrsl refused to accept 100000. Stephane,
clerk for Proper. Do Reinach's partner,
| testified concerning his experience with the
list Of conspicuous men compromised by
the Panama scandal. He received the list
from De Reinach and after Reinach's death
delivered it to Clemenoeau. Desohamps.
nother witness, made a sensation whllo
| testifying by remarking incidentally that
he has been in constant communication
with Andrieu1.
Charlea Floquet, ex-premier and ex-pres-
ident of the chamber Of deputies, was the
next witness. He was nervous and pale.
| Before examining him Judge Des Jardins
had Charles DeLesseps repeat his testi-
mony ms to the contribution Of 10000
francs made at Floquet's request by the
Panama company to the fund for the CAM
of the Nord. Floquet replied: Il repeat
the denial already made by me before the
| examining magistrate. DeLesseps, in his
testimony. has forgotten that l did not
assume Office until April 8. 1885, and the
election took place on on, Aprn 10 tho vos'ne
Nevertheless we have proofs that De
Reinach sent out money under your minis
t,Y in 1882 interpo!lated Charles DeLes-
seps.
II do not understand what you mean"
replied Floquet. Loudl protests came from
the body of the court and several persons
shouted "rell the truth" The presiding
judges' call for order only evoked more
shouts and in the uproar he threatened to
have the court cleared. Both DeLesseps
and Floquet tried to make statements. but
neither could be heard and as the din in
creased Judge Des Jardins ordered the
| court room cleared. and amid the babel the
audience was driven out by ushers. When
order WAS restored DeLesseps reiterated
clearly and positively his testimony.
Floqust admitted that he had talked with
know neither De Reinach nor Cornelius
Herr. however" he added. land l am
amazed that anybody should make an Incl
dent out OF this tritle. l would be ready to
do again what then did. When l found
the Panama Canal company setting aside
large sums for advertising, l naturally
asked why such aims should not 60 to I'LL
the exchequer of the republic"
Did you know the lobbyist Arton?"
II saw him once or twice," replied Flo
quot. ''but had no relations with him."
Clemenceau, the next witneas. denied that
Cornelius Herr secured, ns testified by De-
Lesseps, some G00.0 600 francs for the favor
of LIN Justice towhrd the canal company.
DeFreycinet: II sent for Charles De-
Lesseps, in the interest of the public.
With the same interest at heat, l advised
him to avoid a lawsuit with De Reinach.''
Asked to confirm or deny the statement.
puted that DeFreycinet spoke in the inter-
cat of the public. 1t was in the same in
tereat that gave Reinach millions"
Henri Brisson has resigned the presi-
dency Of the parliamentary commission OF
inquiry.