The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1903-11-12
THE TRIAL
OF SCM|DT
Testimony Given by Wit.
neSSeS for State
ADVICE GIVEN BY Defendant
Several Russians Testify That He
Coached Them to Misrepresent
the Truth.


charged with perjury, in connection
with the attempted naturalization of
nine Russians, last June, Immediately
prior to the city election, was taken
up in the federal court this morning.
Owing to the great Importance of the
case the court room was crowded with
attorneys and spectators.
When the case was called Assistant
United States Attorney Cushman ask
ed the court to dismiss one of the
counts in the indictment which was
complied with. This one referred to
the naturalization of Henry Schier-
quently had been legally made citi-
zen Of the United States, he having
been a resident of this country for
the period of five years.
The first witness called on the part
Of the United States was Conrad
Schiffner, one Of the men who had
been induced to make application for
his final citizenship papers Schiff-
ner stated that be had been a resident
Of the United States since February
8. 1899, that several days prior to June
20, 1903 he was approached by
Schmidt and asked how long It had
been since he had procured his first
papers. He informed him that it was
about three years. when Schmidt ad-
yised him to apply for the final dOcu-
ments which would entitle him to be-
come a voter, saying that it would be
all right. On the evening of June 20,
1903, in company with several other
Russians, Schmidt took him to the
chamber of Judge Brents in the court
house, and as they were proceeding to
that place Schmidt had coached the
men to inform the judge that they
had been in the United States the re-
them not to give the same number of
years, but one was to say five. anoth-
er six and the remainder seven years.
Schiffner also stated that when ques-
Toned by Judge BrentS he said that
he had resided here five years.
Schmidt and George Gradwohl both
had also testified that they had known
him for five years. Subsequent to
Schmidts arrest he had been ap-
preached by the defendant, who had
endeaVored to induce him to leave the
city. Schmidt had said that as all the
Russians had gotten into trouble over
the affair it would be better for them
10 go away from the city until after
the trial had been concluded. Schmidt
.2d also told him that if he should
give him (SchmidD away it would
cause the witness more trouble He
vas also told to testify in the federal
olrt that he had been in the United
~tates for five years. In answer to
MS instruction Schiffner said to
2chmdt l lied once, but I will not
lie again"
W hen asked if Harding was present
the judges chambers when he was
there Schiffner replied in the affirma-
tiVe He said that when Judge Brents
asked Harding how long he had resid-
I'd IN the United States he replied
-Four years" Schmidt then sudden,
jumped to his feet and informed
'uoge Brents that Harding did not
understand his question, but he was
positive that the man had been in the
United States five years. He also
stated that yesterday Schmidt met him
IN the corridor Of the court room and
toic MIN that if he testified against
aim that he (Schmidt) would make
trouble for him.
George Gradwohl testified that at
me sollcltation of Schmidt he went to
'uoge Brent's chambers and testified
As 10 the length of time a number of
had resided in the United
states; that when Harding said he !
had only been here four years Schmidt
salo II was a mistake and the man
ald not understand the question; that
On tne way to the court house Schmidt
'oio the bunch of Russians that they
must tell the judge they had been in
the country five years, but they should
not all state the same. some should