The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1900-01-04

Quickly Disposed OF.
NEW YORK, Jan. 3.-The examinatf ton
OF Benjamin D. Greene, John r. Gaynor,
William T. Gaynor and Edward H. Gay
nor, indicted on a charge Of defrauding
the United States government out Of $780,
$50 In connection with the Savannah
river and Cumberland sound Improve
ments, was begun today before United
States Commissioner Shields just before
the opening Of the session the mysterious
woman who made charges against John
w. Gaynor at the last session appeared
In the corridor OF the building and re-
newed her charges against him. Mr.. Gay
nor who was present, said he did not
knew the woman.
Cassius M. Gillette, United States en-
gineer corps, was first placed on the stand
for cross-examinatfon by Lawyer Abra-
ham ]. Rose, of counsel for the contract
ors. Mr.. Rose questioned Capt. Gillette
with reference to his Identification Of
each Of the defendants and then asked
for the production Of the original con-
tract between the United States govern
ment and the accused contractors.
Commissioner Shields ruled that the
counsel for the accused contractors would
have to introduce his copy Of the con-
tract If he wanted the paper as evidence
Mr.. Rose then went into a minute eX-
animation of his witness as to his per-
sonal knowledge OF the opening Of the
bids for the contracts; official presenta-
ton of claims on the contracts; Of certain
checks said to have been issued by Capt.
o. M. Carter, the engineer in charge prior
to July &c, 1897. etc.
United States District Attorney Bur
nett objected, saying that the only points
to be determined at the examination were
the Identification Of the accused. and II
there was probable cause on which to
hold the men.
Mr. Rose said he was endeavoring to
prove that the indictment was untrue.
QUESTION OF IDENTITY.
Commissioner Shields said the only Ques-
lions to be decided, as he understood the
law, were identity and probable cause.
Notwithstanding this ruling, Mr. Rose
continued to question Capt. Gillette as to
the duties of district engineers. This
was objected to by Mr.. Burnett.
Mr. Rose explained that he was en-
deavoring to prove that the district en-
gineer had really no power to make con-
tracts, and simply acted as clerk, and
under the direct orders OF the engineers.
Mr.. Rose continued his examination of
Capt. Gillette, but his questions were OBJ
jeeted to, and Commissioner Shields ruled
that they need not be answered, as they
were inmaterial and irrelevant.
Mr. Rose made formal demand for
the original contracts for the improve
ments of Savannah river or Cumberland
sound. The demand was refused, because
there was no evidence to show that they
are In this district.
Mr.. Rose then asked for an adjourn
ment, so that he could get the papers In
legal way.
This was objected to by Gen. Burnett
who said he wanted the examination fin
ished without delay.
United States District Attorney Erwin
then asked the witness If he had any
knowledge of the connection OF the de-
PENDANTS with the Savannah work after
July 8, 1897.
Mr.. Rose objected, saying that the IN
dictment alleged offenses committed prior
to that date.
Commissioner Shields allowed the ques-
ton, to strengthen the identification of
the contractors.
Eyes, answered Capt. Gi lette, 81 have
official communications from them, and
] have paid Greene money on these con-
tracts / have had official and verbal
contracts with the Gayners. The money
was paid for work alleged to have been
done during the month OF July, before
and after July 20, 1897. I gave the check
to Greene on or about Aug. 10. 1897. 1t
was for about $4,000. I was Inclined to
keep back some Of the money at the
time"
This ended Capt Giilette's examination,
and then Assistant United States District
Attorney Baldwin introduced the ball
bonds as additional evidence toward prov