The record-union., 1893-01-12
Special to the REcoRD-UN1oN.

AdS MOI yet SuLuclenIly purgeQ tne MIN
istry, who, whether innocent or guilty,
have been under suspicion in connection
with the Panama scandal. In Difference
to the demand for further reconstruction,
Ribot had lengthy conversation with
Admiral Gervais, Chief of the Depart
ment of Marine and Colonies, in regard
to accepting the Ministry of Marine and
Colonies in place of Burdeau. Admiral
Gervais declined the Ministry.
At Cabinet counsel later it was de-
cided to detach the Colonies from the
Marine, and attach them to the Depart
ment Of Commerce, under NJ. Siegfried.
The Marine portfolio will be offered at
once probably to another high naval
officer.
If Ribot should fail to explain to the
satisfaction of the Chamber the reasons
for the changes in the Ministry the Roy
alists will interpeIlate on the subject. The
Royalists have shown a great activity
within the past twenty-four hours, and
the authorities appear to be in position
to furnish some new and important in
formation as to their designs. There has
been considerable telegraphing between
Madrid and the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, and while the object of the COM
munications is secret enough is known
to make it certain that there is a watch
on Royalist intrigues beyond the Pyre-
nees, and an equally careful watch is be-
ing maintained on the Royalists' plotting
in Paris.
The announcement that General Saus-
sier will remain on the active list as Mill
tary Governor of Paris, after passing the
age Of retirement, is considered an indi-
cation that the Government means to be
prepared for any emergency. General
Saussier is considered the most reliable
man in the army, and would be inval-
liable in the event of a public disturb
ance.
The Commission of Inquiry appointed
by The Chamber to-day heard testimony
Of the members of the Lottery Loan As
sociation, showing beyond a reasonable
doubt that Sans Leroy was to great ex-
tent. if not completely, guilty of the
charges against him. 1t was decided to
inquire into the contracts, the committee
declaring that 100000 francs have been
VIZ IudliS SlO4CLy anu 1l8nL on the SuDIeCL
is necessary.
1t is reported that NJ. De Freycinet, ex-
Minister of War, and NJ. Floquet, ex-
President of the ChamGer of Deputies.
were examined by Magistrate Franque-
vile. They, Of course, are not under
arrest or accusation.
TRIAL OF ACCUSED.
PARIS, Jan. 1.-THE trial of Charles De
Lesseps, Fontane. Cottu and Eiffel. ac-
cused of completely in the Panama Canal
frauds, was continued in the Court of Ap-
peals to-day.
Long before the hour set for the open
ing of the court the room was flied to its
utmost capacity with q crowd of inter
ested spectators, to most of whom the
prisoners are well known. The audience
discussed the evidence given by De Les
seps yesterday. and the general opinion
seemed to be that he has not bettered his
case by his statements regarding the
transactions between himself and the late
Baron De Reinach.
Little confidence is placed in his declar-
alton that he had no knowledge as to the
uses to which the large sums of money
he handed the Baron were to be put, be-
yond the fact that they were to be ex-
pended for the canal company.
When the court solemnly convened
President Perivier proceeded to examine
Fontane, who said that shortly after the
formation of the Panama Canal Company
he was placed in charge of the company's
business with the press. He detailed at
length what his duties were and gave
much valuable information regarding
the bribery of newspapers to prevent hos
tile attacks upon the company and to pre-
vent the publication of matter that would
have shown the true condition of affairs
on the Istnmus of Panama.
Fontane stated that he had held his DO
sition as manager OF the company's press
affairs until 1855, when the exactions of
the newspapers became SO heavy that he
was compelled to abandon the position.
Since that time he had been merely the
private secretary of De Lesseps. He had
distributed to the press only 10000 francs
in drafts payable to bearer.
Upon the conclusion of Fontane's ex-
animation Baron Cottu was called upon
to explain his connection with the bribery
and corruption of officials and others.
Cottu declared that his duties as a di-
rector of the Panama company were
merely mechanical. He dealt exclusively
with the internal administrative work of
the company.
In the examination Of NJ. Eifel he ad-
mitted that he had cashed checks for L.
000,0O0 francs. which were ostensibly
drawn to pay for machinery, while he
expended only 100000 francs for that
purpose. He gave 100000 francs to NJ.
Hebrard to secure contracts with the com
pany, and 100000 francs to De Reinach
to secure the latter's influence in his favor
with the Government. Two million
francs were also pad by him to a certain
contractor, whose favor. like that of Heb
rard and Reinach, was Indispensable. All
these admissions were made only after
severe course of questioning.
The presiding Judge then asked Eiffel
what he did with the 5000, 900 francs re-
ceived by him for taking to pieces. ship
ping to the isthmus and reconstructing
the machinery which. as matter Of fact,
he never even supplied in this country.
81 kept that sum-" replied NJ. Eiffel,
lamely. because it formed part of my