Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-10-06

IF it be true, as commended, that Mr..
Westcott had such an estravngant af-
lection and regard for his son-in-law as
to induce him to conilde to him SO great
q trust, and to make him the donee of
such large sums OF money, then the
natural suggestion would be that he
would be interested intensely in the re-
suit of the trial in which the honor, as
we'll as the liberty, OF his son-in-law
were involved. One would, naturally
think that a father-in-law so reSardful
OF his son-in-law's interests would be
quick to rush to his defense, and by.
his oath to add confirmation to the
story, which, il true, would eXculpate
him from these serious charges.
LACK OF PROOF.
at is said that Captain Carter made
great efforts TO secure the attendance OF
Mr.. Wcstcott as n witness, but there Is
no proof OF 1t. There is no evidence
that he wrote him or requested him in
anywlse to appear as a witness before
the courtmartial. The inference Is that
his testimony would not have benefited
captain Carter if he had appeared
Such is the Irresistible conclusion,
ana, therefore, finding that the one
witness in all the world who could have
created conviction In the minds of the
court as to the truth of this eXtraordi-
nary story, withholds himself. and that
the defendant made any eXcrtion to
produce him, we must conclude that his
testimony would not have been useful.
1t is also noteworthy that Westcott
cancelled the power OF attorney which
Garter held almost Immediately after
the accusation against Carter became
public in the fall of 1897"
The Attorney General then shows by
an analysis OF Captain Cnrters testi-
mony that in his dealings with his
Il a In t,,;,
count TO that gentleman. and that Car
ter's funds in the Union Trust Com
Dany were in excess of those OF Mr.
Westcott during the entire time that
he had control Of the latter's affairs.
CARTER'S SINCERITY CUES
TONED
The testimony. he adds, '.does not
strike me as that of q man possessed
OF a clear idea Of the truth and de-
termned to tell 1t; but rather as q
clever evasion of one who is endeavor-
ing artiiicially to account for the pos
session of moneys derived from other
sources"
: Mr. Griggs also mentions other cir
cumstances which he pronounces sus-
piclous, including the fact that many
OF the checks paid 10 the contractors
We're collected in cash over the counter
mt the Sub-Treasury and the circum-
stance THAT Carter was present In New
checks were delivered to Gaynor on
that date, and that he was on many
other occasions from 1892 to 1897 pres
ent in New York when payments were
made to the contractors. He presents
statement showing the deposits of
currency made by Captain Carter
simultaneously with the cashing of
checks given to the contra tors in New
York.
AN EXTRAORDINARY STORY.
On another point the Attorney Cen
eral says:
Carriers statement of the gold certi-
deposit box, to the amount OF over
100000. Is such an extraordinary story,
II Il
a business man such as Mr.. Westcott
Ia testified to be that it staggers cred
ulity. If that money was there in the
box to which Captain Carter had ac-
cess, 1t is more probable that he put it
there, using this means to withhold
temporarily from his own bank ac-
count large sums which he had
received from other sources. Such a
device rs that would be entirely con-
sistent with the theory of fraud and
concealment which Is maintained by
the prosecution.
Captain Carter is admittedly
N'''N"A e''N SiCNGt anu IL is aD-
parent from an examination OF these
accounts that he has resorted to yari
Gus devices to cover up his tracks and
conceal the true character of his trans
actions. Whether this was one of
them or not. or whether the whole
story is fabrication, cannot be de-
termined, but in view of all the evil
dence, considering the improbability Of
his story, the failure to produce corro-
borative proof, which was within his
reach. the long continued possession
OF the large amounts OF securities
Which ne admittedly purchased. and
the collection and appropriation nv
himself OF the interest coupons there
on, with various other considerations
which tend to discredit the truth Of
his explanation. the conclusion ia
forced unon The mind that CAPTAIN
Carer. during these years from 1892
TO 1887, had enriched himself to a large
degree in some manner not accounted
FOR by his own testimony, and tho
irresistible conclusion, therefore. is that
the true explanation Of this rapid nc
cession of wealth Is one that he could
not safely make. and that it Is to be
accounted for only by accepting tho
theory that he participated In the
fraudulent proceeds Of the contracts
under his charge"
THE COURT JUSTIFIED.
The statement concludes as follows:
II am, therefore. led to the conclu-
sion that the court-mar;ial was justi-
fed in its finding of guilty upon the
charges and speclflca tions relating to
these contracts OF September, 1896.
and that the finding and sentence of
the court with respect thereto should
be approved"
squash Dr"rfu> vrrdJc,.
London, Oct. 5.--The Paris CORE t
spondent of the Daily Mall says