The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1901-06-25
A DRAMA IN COURT
MEssRs LANE AND MADDEN FULLY
EXONER ATED.
REMARKABLE HEARING.
DEPTHS of A FATHERS LOVE
FULLY ILLUSTRATED.

Officials of tile -Defunct Merchants
and Traders Bank-SoIicitor Gem
eraI Bennett Joins With the De-
fcndants' Attorneys in Urging
That Complete Settlement and
Reputation Had Been Made-JudGe
seabrOoI<e orderes the Charges Nor
Pressed.
Brunswick. Ga. June 24--Interest in
the court proceedings to-day has been
at fever heat all over Brunswick. and on
the complete exoneration of Messrs Lane
and Madden, which in its execution par
took of scenes and words akin to an
apology on the part of all concerned for
having been mixed up in it's getting into
court, there were countless congratula-
tons showered on the defendant and
words of commentator spoken to So
licitor Bennett and all the attorneys who
spoke such good words on behalf of Mr..
Lane and his father.
The great interest over the result
spread to the streets and so widespread
has been the desire for complete re-
port of the court proceedings that your
correspondent secured stenographic ac-
count.
Gus" Lane, as he is affectionately call
ed by his numbers of friends here. never
had more earnest and hearty exhibition
of personal interest in his welfare than
was evidenced by the great numbers that
stopped him after court to-day en- route
to his hotel and extended their heartiest
congratulations and best wishes.
Judge Bennett said to him: Gus, you
have never been charged with anything
more serious than felony and regret
to note the error of some in referring to
your case as one of 'embezzlement,'
While others who did not know the dis
tinction were just glad that Gus Tor
Mr.. Lane, according to acquaintance with
him) came out fully exonerated.
DR.. Madden whose case was-a paral-
lei one to Mr.. Lanes, was also heartily
congratulated, and altogether the scene
looked like a love feast Upon the call
of the case to-day. Judge Seabrook, pre-
siding on account of Judge Bennett being
disqualified, Solicitor General John W.
Bennett made the following statement TO
the court:
The Story of the Case.
IF your honor please, in this case, the
defendant was a vice president of the
Merchants and Traders Bank which for
merly did business in this city and which
failed and closed it's doors several years
ago. Later on, after the bank had been
put in the hands of a receiver, / under
stand that there was a proposition made
by Mr Lanes people, his family and
himself to pay to the bank all of the
money that Mr.. Lane was either moral
ly or legally bound for. 1 am not IA
miliar with the pleadings in this case,
but Mr. Dramey referring to Congress-
man Brantley) will read them to the
court later on. However, in these plead
ings, there was an allegation as to the
Indebtedness of Mr.. Lane to the bank.
There was an Investigation made by the
parties and counsel interested in that
case, and it was finally agreed that Mr..
Lane was due the creditors of the bank
several thousand dollars on account OF
his liabilities as a stakeholder and other
wise, and amongst these liza blities that
growing out Of this stock transaction for
which he is now indicted, and it was
agreed between all the parties interested
that if Mr.. Lane and his family would
pay off this Indebtedness that he
would be relieved of all liability
on account of his connection with the
affairs of this defunct bank. The matter
came up and was discussed by the then
presiding judge, Judge Sweat and myself,
and after an investigation we reached the
conclusion that it was extremely doubtful
whether there had been any violation of
the criminal laws by Mr.. Lane, and mas
much as the creditors of this-bank many
OF whom were poor people, would receive
the beneht of this money, to be paid to
the receiver by the defendant and his
people, we deemed it the wise thing TO
be done, and the judge, upon petition
being presented TO him, passed an order
confirming such settlement and intending,
so far as legdtimately could be done, to
relieve Mr.. Lane from any criminal pros
ecut1on that might be instituted against
nm on account of the transactions. AS
say, after thoroughly investigating the
matter, we were both of the opinion that
there had not been any violation of the
criminal statute, and Mr.. Lane and his
counsel at that time strenuousy insisted
that ne was in no wise criminally respon-
flole The judge approved this settlement
ana the money was paid over, amounting,
according to my recollection, to some s15,-
VVO or $4,000. and it is a matter of record
tHat several grand juries have passed the
natter without taking any action on ii
uhtH the last grand jury met at which
uIhe they found the present bill of in
Wctnent. Now, In view of these facts,
d solicitor general, representing the
state, do not think this prosecution is
proper and entertaining that view, I'M
Itss the stockholders or the creditors de-
pre- TO employ counsel to push the. pros
eeutlon do not care to prosecute it
iurther. Indeed, entertaining the view I
40 OF the matter ! do not think 1t proper
10y me 10 prosecute the case Aside from
mat have given this case considera bic
MFesugation and thought and / have
sIaVe and serious doubts in my mind as
70 whether this defendant is guilty of any
" "hlhal onense against the laws of the
'',e NO doubt, like many other people
"e mas been guilty OF bad business man
"eement, and has entailed loss on account
vi such bad judgment. but II is serious
tues.lon as TO whether he has been gull
OIL any offense against the law. and en-
|ltaining this view. ! desire TO move the
,ylrt to allow this indictment against Mr.
Lane to be mol pressed"
Congressman BrantIey Speaks.
Al the conclusion of the Solicitor Gen.
dls remarks, Mr.. Brantley addressed
'le court follows:
oesire 10 supplement the remarks Of
s'e solicitor General. and In conformity
"l'A MS desire beg to inform the court
1lul The accusation against this defen-
u"hts Tor making and conserving to the
making Of an assignment and transfer Of
'.'Sv FOR the value OF $500. the property
vi ne Merchants and Traders Bank from