Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-02-02
TODAY'S TESTIMONY.
Defense Witnesses Sharply Cross-Ex-
amined by Government.

Samuel A Croft, inventor of the Croft
fastener resumed the witness stand this
morning for continuation of his direct testi-
mony. He was further interrogated re-
garding statement prepared by post office
inspectors and signed by him last April.
The defense desired to attack the integrity
of the paper, even though it bore the sigma
ture of the witness. on the ground that it
embraced remarks not made by him and
omitted information that he did get.
Attorney Holmes Conrad objected on the
ground that this cross-examinat ton by
counsel of their own witness has gone far
enough
A long and rather heated discussion fol-
lowed The contention of Attorney Conrad
was that the statement had not been at
tackled by the witness, but only by counsel
for the defense.
The witness hasn't risen to the bait
thrown out to him. declared Attorney
Conrad, land counsel should not be per-
mitted to further cross-examine'
Il do not know what we are talking
about, anyway" then said Attorney Doug
The defense next attempted to show bias
on the part of the inspectors. The witness
was asked If Inspector Thorpe. who pre-
pared the statement he signed, had not
since been promoted to the position former.
~ held by Mr.. Machen. The government
objected and the objection was sustained
Croft Cross-Examined
The cross-examination of Samuel A. Croft
was conducted by Assistant Attorney Cen
eral Purdy. II was developed that the wit
ness, as a policeman, had frequently made
arrests. had testified in court and had Sc
cured statements from witnesses and pris-
oners
Counsel desired to know why the witness
nrst called TO see Mr. Marche in relation TO
having the Croft fastener adopted by the
Post Office Depa rtment The reDiy was
that when he called 1.-THE department In
relation TO the fastener the witness han
pened to speak TO Mr.. Msrche before he
had a chance to approach any other official
AFTER August 10. 1885, inquired Mr.
Purdy. you knew that August w Nachen
was the Official I'm charge of matters such
as related to letter box fasteners?''
was so Informed" replied the witness
DID you ever call to see Mr. Jones the
first assistant postmaster general?'' was
the next question.
No. sir
And you never called on Mr. Macbe,, %,
counsel inquired.
Il could never get opportunity to talk
TO Mr.. Machen.' explained the witness. ~
have never talked to him for two minutes
In my whole life"
Samuel a. Croft again told of his first
meeting with George r. Lorenz Mr. Purdy
asked II the witness was sure that this
meeting was after the receipt by Croft
Di't'4S4S "a inc HESt OfGef 1rOm the de-
partment for fasteners. The reply was
In the affirmative. being based however
on the best recollection of the witness
Again were all the details of that frs
meeting of the Groffs with Lorenz recite5
AT one point Mr.. Purdy interrupted 10
say: W
You're sure about all this, are you?''
Il am, to the best of my recollection and
beilef. declared Mr.. Croft, with spirit
, L IN swearing TO what I'm telling now"
His Share of Receipts.
The maine Of August W. Machen was not
mentioned in connection with that first
meeting
But you knew at that time" interiected
Mr.. Purdy. that Mr.. Machen was the Of
/ fetal who could order the buying of the
| fasteners, didn't your"
Yes, sir" began Mr.. Croft But he
| quickly corrected himself, adding: "I
! didn't know IT. i don't know it now The
| first assistant postmaster general, think
| gave the orders"
Whose name was mentioned at that first
| meeting with Lorenz?' inquired Mr. Purdy
Mr.. Willett's name was mentioned"
stated Mr.. Croft.
Mr.. Willett is dead commented Mr.
I Purdy, significantly. 'snd so Is Mr.
Marche. Can you give the name Of any
man now alive mentioned at that timer
, Mr.. Croft could not do so.
did Mr.. Lorenx ever visit the post