The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1904-12-24
.CORNWELL'S TRIAL
COMING TO CLOSE
Arguments viii Probably be
Made Today
STATE CLOSED YESTERDAY
Famous Bessemer Savings Bank En-
bezzlement Case May Go Into the
Hands of the Jury Before
Christmas.
STATE CLOSED YESTERDAY
BY JOHN T. EVANS.

/ BY JOf1N l. ENAlN0s
Bessemer. December S.-(special)-It
is believed that the taking of testimony
in the trial of T. J. Cornweli, the pres
ident of the erstwhile Bessemer Savings
| bank, has come to a close.
| When asked the question this afternoon
| oHave you about completed the examina-
ton of Witnesses Attorney Smith for
the defense replied, Il would not be
| surprised"
But few witnesses were placed on the
| stand by the attorneys for the defendant
! Apparently the only point they sought to
proye was the plea of the defendant
| at the beginning Of the trial, which was
insanity.
1t is very probable that the arguments
| will be made tomorrow morning and that
the case will pass into the hands of the
jury Immediately. Judge William jack
| son, presiding in the city court of Besse-
| mer where the defendant is being tried
before jury suggested that night ses-
sions be held in order that the members
90 the jury might enjoy Christmas at
home. However, inasmuch as much prog
ress was made today, Such proceedings
we're not deemed necessary. II the ar
guments are not completed tomorrow an
adjournment at noon may be taken until
Monday morning
| Wnen court ISCOnNeDtu thlS AAApAAHiAi9
there were but few spectators in the
court room, as has been the case during
the entire time.
Osborne Returns.
j. A. Osborne, the bank accountant OF
Birmingham, who was on the stand when
lcourt adjourned yesterday afternoon re-
sumed the stand Mr. Osborne was en-
lployed to make an examination of the
books of the bank shortly after the
flight of the president, Mr.. Cornwell, to
Central America.
Solicitor Godfrey. who, assisted by At
torney Pickney Scott is conducting the
prosecution, asked of the witness:
What was the shortage of Mr.. Corn
well on March 30, 1907
1895, co.,"
I'D books indicate that this amount
was ever diminished2'
DO not"
do they show any increase2' An OBJ
lection was sustained
You went through the books?'
IT examined them thoroughly
WAS there any increaseY
There was"
what amount?'
$4,000 on day of suspension; this in
cludes the $99,0O0."
"In what way did you arrive at this
| knowledge"
Objection sustained.
what evidences did you find on the
books?H
81 found on December %, 1902, that
Cornwell had given a note for 100000"
did you trace that note, and how
was note used?'
LAS an asset of bank"
ION what book is the transaction OF the
bank first entered?"
by deposit ticket"
you examined the blotter?''
yes"
what is blotter used forY'
"As an orignaI> entry book"
I'm whose handwriting was this book
kept?'
There was considerable arguments made
during the morning session. At - o'clock
an adjournment was taken for dinner.
Afternoon Session.
/ When court re-convened at 1 o'clock
| Witness Osborne resumed the stand.
what was the effect in the banking
business of putting those items on the
cash book and register?'
IF the court please, we will object
to that question: said Captain White,
upon the ground that the question calls
for a conclusion"
81 overrule the objection" said the
court
"The effect or purpose would be to
cover the transactions" replied Witness
Osborne.
DO you know what the deposit of the
bank on March 26. 1902, was?'
Il can look on the books and tell
"All right proceed"
Two hundred and thirty eight thou
sand. five hundred and ninety-eight dol
lars and fifty-three cents"
How made up?" said Captain White.
certificate, s4s.1sO and open accounts
$780, 1883"
STAND aside"
Cali Mr.. McNutt."
What is your Manner
III. NJ MeNutt."
what is your business?'
"Bookkeeper."
How long is your experienceT
"Thirty-one years"
DO you, understand the banking busi-
ness?"
Eyes sir"
Expert Acco1ntant.
Are you banking accountant
II am"
IAN expert?'
Eyes sir"
DO you know anything about the af-
fairs of the Bessemer Savings bank?'
II do"
How"
81 made an examination of funds mis-
appropriated"
I'm detail?"
81 made an examination of funds going
to Murphy & Co., A. b. Baxter G. Co.,
and A. 3. Ledbetter &c Co."
/ How much?
about 100000"
How much came back?'
"About $4,000"
Ibid the defendant In your opinion have
anything to do with these transactions?
Eyes SIR"
do you know anything about a $4,000
transaction on July oy, 1902"
IT do"
.'In whose handwritingT'
at. j. Cornwel."
"Did you find deposit of s25'OOo?"
mo sir
us it the custom to enter notes on the
discount register?'
Eyes SIR"
"Did this APPEAR"
"Only as mote s25,000"
10 whose account was this creditedY
~1dr. Cornwell."
sYou can have the Witness" said Cap
tain Godfrey.
s'All right" replied Captain White.
Ibid you make a list of all OF the
/. | Gam of a