The age-herald., 1898-07-14
Several Important Witnesses
 Were on the Stand.
ASSISTANT AGENT SCOTT
Of Belle Ellen Says He Signed Two of the Money 0rders-AIso Signed Receipt for Money-Hearing Went Over
 Until This Morning.

Ire preilmlnary nearing or Col. Earle Ebss, charged with forging money orders on tne Southern Express company, was resumed before Justice l. H. Benners yes- terday afternoon at o'clock.
 The defendant was brought into court by Deputy Sheriff Marshall, and appeared more collected than on the previous day. He took seat near his attorney and leis- urely smoked a cigar, which he seemed Co enjoy.
 The defendant was recalled and subjected to further cross-examination by the pros ecuting attorneys, who questioned him concerning the payment of Scotts bills at the Metropolitan hotel. He replied that he had paid the bill, and on redirect ex- animation stated that he often took per sons to hotels where he was stopping and settled their bills.
 A small book was introduced by the de- fense which contained a receipt for money alleged to have been signed by w. A. Scott, Agent Brooks assistant. Ross testified that this receipt had been signed by Scott in room No. l2 at the Metropolitan hotel in the presence of J. Wyncoop on Tuesday or Wednesday morning, July or G. He was not sure on this point.
 Mir. wyncoop on the st,nd
 
 he was a telegraph operator employed at the Union depot. He stated that he had first met Ross in room No. 12 at the Metro- politan hotel. He had known Scott at Sloss mines and met him on the street few days ago and was invited by him to go to the hotel, where he was introduced to Ross Drinks were ordered and were paid for by Ross. He also stated that Scott borrowed a dollar from Ross.
 During the conversation he said that Ross T sign that receipt" and that Scott replied, "All right and went to table where a small book lay open and took up pen. Ross then asked him to witness the receipt, which he did. The witness was shown the receipt and identified his signature He also stated that he had seen Scott sign his name "per Scott" but did not see him write J. c. Brooks name, although the writing looked fresh
 He was cross-examined by the prosecut- ing attorney and stated that to the best of his recollection he was in Ross room on Thursday morning. He repeated what had been said about signing the receipt and again stated that he only saw Scott sign his own name undernaeth Brooks.
 Scott Testified
 The defense then announced closed w. H. Scott was the first witness called in re- buttal and his appearance created a ripple  appeared nervous and talked quick and short. During his examination he was called to order several times by the court for arguing with the attorney. He stated that he knew Ross and had met him at Belle Ellen.
 In reply to the question if>Ross had paid him any money for five express orders, he replied that he had never received any money from Ross for express orders, and that he had never received the money.
 When asked if Ross had ever made ap- plication to him for five money orders he said: "He asked me if I would issue money order for a check on J. H. Fitts & Co. of Tuskaloosa," and that he told him he would not, MT. Brock being present at the time.
 When questioned as to the position he occupied, he stated that he was employed by Brock, and was not directly connected with the express company. He stated that he had authority to sign money orders on- ly under MT. Brooks supervision.
 Signed Two of Them
 The witness was then shown the orders which had been paid by the company, and identified Nos. S and GA as having been signed by him. He said that he met Ross in Birmingham, and that Ross asked him to sign the two orderS which were in his Ross) possession, stating that he had ar ranged with Colonel Johns and MT. Brock, ana Iudt MT. pTOCk ndu ldiiSu tO SlSH them. He then signed the two orders, he said, not suspecting anything wrong.
 He was shown the receipt, and said he had signed it without reading the con- tents. Was acquainted with Mir. Wyn- coop. First met him at Sloss mines. Took him to the hotel and int. oduced him to Ross.
 When asked if he was drinking, he re- piled that he was, and that they had all the drinks they wanted, which were paid for by Ross. Didn't know at the time he was drunk, but was of the opinion at the present time that he was.
 In regard to Ross visit to Belle Ellen, he said that he came there on the 18th or 29th of June and left for Birmingham, re- turning on July l. Roomed with Brock and himself and to his knowledge had no money. Saw him with none.
 On Sunday night, July 2, he retired ear- ly. Didn't know when Ross went to bed Heard him say he had 500 men under him and he was behind in his work and asked Brock to allow him to use his desk. Came to town Monday and on his return home learned that money orders were missing.
 Cross Examined