The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-02-12
hACHEN'S WIFE BREAKS
DOWN AND He ESCORTS
HER FROM COURTROOM
Dramatic Conclusion of Testimony
for Defense-DeclareS BriStow
Was His Enemy.
EXPLAINS LORENZ NOTE
Saws Before He Installed Boxes
Farmers Used Old Boots and
Bird Cages for Letters.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 11.-After occupying
the stand for three full days August W.
Machen. in the postal trial, to-day con-
cluded his testimony and the defense an
nOunced that it rested it's case. When the
trial was resumed to-day Machen was
cross-examined regarding the introduction
of rural free delivery boxes, which brought
forth the answer that they were neces-
sity, and he explained that previously 10
their being installed cigar boxes bird
cages and even boots had been used as
receptacles for mail. Machen recited the
circumstances surrounding the interview
with him in Fourth Assistant Postmaster
General Bristow's office. and said that at
that time he regarded Bristow as his per-
sonal enemy. He was under great strain
and tension, he said, and this, together with
the knowledge that Bristow was unfriendly,
caused him studiousy to avoid answering
any questions touching his personal affairs.
The oil business was reviewed again, and
the $4,000 note given Machen by Lorenz
again figured in the examination, but no
new facts were brought out.
During the cross-examination the de-
PENDANT was asked If he could name
single human being besides his uncle who
ever saw the $4,000 note from the time II
was given until it was paid. Machen said
his two brothers and his wife had seen it.
1t was not offered to any bank, he said, be-
cause his understanding with Lorenz was
that ii was not 10 be discounted. The de-
PENDANT was called upon to identify his
initials and signatures TO certain approvals
Of acquisitions for fasteners. He was shown
several duplicate bills for fasteners bearing
the same date, but said he certain
they were not paid for twice. He could not
account for il except that the bills were
rendered in duplicate, as frequently hap
pens.
NO PROMISES OF REWARD.
He was asked If at the time of making his
statement on May q following to Fourth
Assistant Postmaster General Bristow and
the postoffice inspectors any promise of re-
ward or threats were made. He replied no.
and entered into a long explanation of the
circumstances surrounding the making of
the statement, among which he said was
the knowledge that he was in the presence
of his declared enemy, Bristow. He said
he answered questions fully about his Off
cial acts. but refused to enter at any length
into his private affairs. ~ recess at this
point was taken.
Then for the first time during the trial
She had followed her husbands testimony
carefully, and when he left the stand she,
with tears streaming down her cheeks, en-
braced and kissed him. With his arm around
her Machen escorted his wife from the
room.
Following the recess Mr.. Conrad read at
length Machen'S statement made at the
time referred 10, the defendant saying that
some of the replies were correctly reported
and others not.
The questions were put to him at the time
the investigation was being conducted in
Bristow's office. Machen said he had been
in a sweat box for two hours, and was I'M
der great strain aud tension, and he stu
diously avoided, as far as he could, diSclos-
ing his private affairs. He further said that
he was not in a position then, nor had he
been for ten years previously, where his
assets should be known, but he wished to
protect his credit. On re-cross-examination
Machen said that when ne drew on Lorenz
for 1,031 ii was at Lorenz's request. After
making this latter statement Machen left
the stand. Counsel for the defense an
nounced that 1t rested its case, reserving
the right to introduce in evidence tomorrow
such papers and documents as might have
been overlooked, after which court ad-
fOurned-