The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-01-15
Letter from Nicely Introduced, on the
Bottom of Which Was written
destroy This Letter.
DRAMATIC INCIDENT
ONE
WHEN RATHBONE SAID TO REEVES,
"GOD HELP YOU"
story of the Surcharged Stamps Re-
peated-DupIicate Warrants and
RathbOne's Debt.

HAVANA, Jan. 14.-The examination Of
Estes G. Rathbone. formerly director gem
eral of posts of Cuba, was continued this
afternoon, when the trial of the charges
growing out of the Cuban postofflce frauds
was resumed. Private correspondence be-
tween Rathbone and former Postmaster
General Smith was introduced. Rathbone
said he did not take part in any campaign
having for its purpose his appointment as
civil Governor of Cuba. Some overzeal-
Gus friends began one, but he did not in
dorse it, and wrote to the President and
postmaster general, saying he did not want
the position. The government introduced
the Charles +. Neely letter, with a peti-
ton to the President asking for the ap-
pointment of Rathbone. Rathbone said he
did not know of its existence until six
weeks ago.
A dramatic incident of the trial this aft
ernoOn was the confronting of Rathbone
with Reeves, regarding the statement
Reeves alleges Rathbone made after the
latter's return to the United States in
November, 1895, and two months after the
stamps were burned. When Reeves took
the stand Rathbone was sitting opposite
him. Reeves said that Rathbone told him
that Neely had arranged the matter for
the burning of the surcharged stamps so
that fraud would not be discovered Rath-
bone here asked Reeves if he was willing
to swear to this statement. Reeves re-
piled, Yes to which Rathbone said.
God help you!"
Reeves occupies himself during the trial
with making copious notes. He is a most
enthusiastic witness for the government.
La Lucha refers to him as unprepossess-
ing evasive and guarded, apparently will
fully stupid, and says he has inspired his
listeners with the idea that he is trying to
save himself, that he is unsatisfactory to
the purpose Of the investigation and con-
Trajectory.
Rathbone admitted having received the
letter from Neely after his arrest. He
said it was in answer to a cablegram he
sent him to return when Inspector General
Charles Burton reported a shortage in the
postal accounts. On the bottom of this
letter was written Destroy this letter. -
Rathbone said this letter was delivered to
him by special agents. and that he opened
it in their presence. He said Neely wrote
that he did not want to return then. that
Inspector General Burton was making an
unnecessary stir and that he would explain
everything satisfactorily by letter.
Rathbone said he sent copy of Neelv's
letter to Former Postmaster General Smith.
and that he had Il conference with the
heads Of the different departments imme-
diately after the frauds were reported
He said that c. NJ. Rich, Neely's assistant.
stated he had seen Neely do something
which he did not understand, but that
he did not remember Rich's stating that
Neely wrote the books Approved by
the special agents" RathbOne said he
had stated to Inspector General Burton
that in charging the Havana office with
stamps ii did not make any difference TO
Washington whether they were in the form
OF surcharged stamps or otherwise, and
that the total amount of the value of the
stamps was charged. He said he had con-
suited General John r. Brooke. then Gov
ernor General OF Cuba, about burning the
stamps. and that he had also written
Former Postmaster General Smith the
matter. Every one had pride in circulating
the new Cuban stamps. said RathbOne.
When they were issued he advised burn