Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-04-12
THE QUAY TRIAL
Hinges on the Admission Of Deiunct Peoples
Banks Books-as Evidence.

Philadelphia, April lin the trial
of ex-senator Quay. today, his lawyers
began what is regarded as the all i'm
portant contentonsin their fight for his
acquittal. namely that the books OF the
broken Peoples Bank are not compe-
tent testimony against the accused
man and therefore should not be adj
mitted in evidence. On the decision of
this point rests the entire fabric Of the
prosecutions case. Should Judge Bid
die decide the point we'll taken the
commemorative case will necessarily
collapse.
In order to secure the most effective
presentation of this phase of the de-
fene. Mr.. Quay brought to his aid the
skill of David Il. Watson of Pittsburg
one of the ablest attorneys in Pennsyl-
Vania. Mr.. Watson spoke with great,
force for nearly two hours, this after
noon.
The district attorney opened the pro-
ceedingS in This phase Of the ease by
offering in evidence the books of the
bank extending over Il number of
years and along with them the account
books, letter press book ana letters
from Senator Quay ana state Treas
urer Haywood found in the desk of
Cashier Hopkins. after that official had
committed suicide. He read Il long
summary ot what the books ANA
papers showed and stated what he OK
pectcd to prove by them. 10 wit. that
through conspiracy with Cashier
Hopkins. State Treasurer Haywood
ana others. state trcaSurrrS and posi-
bly, other officials Of the bank. Senator
Quay used i certain fixed amount of
state money deposited in Tho inStitu-
ton and received interest on another
fixed portion Of the state deposit
Mr. Watson contended that the mere
fact that bank clerks. with no personal
knowledge of the truth of what they
We're writing. entered certain figures in
a book, which figures purported to rep
resent interest paid 10 Senator Quay,
was no proof that the money had been
received by him or that there had been
any intention to pay il To him. Mr..
Watson also attacked the Indictment,
declaring it to be fatally defective.
Judge Biddle will probably decide,
tomorrow whether the books of the
jain are .ttllISNdbit- II ne IttIut-
that they are Mr.. Quays lawyers will
not take up the memorandum books
and letters belonging to Hopkins and
oppose their consideration as valid tes-
timony.
Previous to the presentation of the
bank books by Mr.. Rothermel, the eX
animation of Receiver Barlow was con-
cluded. He created a sensation by the
statement that he had broken open the
dead cashiers desk and taken there
from the books ana letters appertain-
ing to the Quay trial at the behest Of
mysterious informant who spoke to
him over the telephone from Harris
burg, and stated that there was plan
on foot to steal the compromising docu-
ments. that night. He was, he said.
never able to learn who his mysterious
friend was. The fact was CLEANED
from Mr.. Barlow that the bank books
and letters We're practically in the con
troll of Judge Gordon. from April until
September of last year. He considered
this proper, as Judge Gordon was the
confidential adviser of President Nc
Names Of the bank.
Judge Gordon gave his testimony in
a quiet, convincing manner. He depre-
Gated the stories Of conspiracy against
Senator Quay that have been persist
emily put in circulation. He admitted
that the papers had been photographed
at his suggestion, but merely for the
purpose Of safety. He also admitted
showing them to David Martin, the
leader of the anti-Quay faction, 10
John Wannamaker and to others.
Judge Gordon asked permission of
the judge to make a statement of his
connection with the case but the entire
array of Quay counsel objected in
stantly and what would have undoubt-
edly proven interesting reading was
thus shut off.