The Washington times., 1904-01-19
P. 0. INSPECTOR
FACES CHARGES
IN MACHEN CASE
Mr.. Mayer IS Accused by
Defense of Posting
Witnesses.
MUST EXPLAIN ACTION
Croft Fasteners Proven to
Have Cost 20 Gents
at Works.
MUST EXPLAIN ACTION

Charges that Postoffce Inspector
Mayer was informing witnesses as TO the
testimony their predecessors had given
were made this morning by John +.
Kumier. for the defense. in the trial of
A. w. Machen, the Croft brothers,
George E. LOrenz, and Martha J. Lo-
REM. his wife. under indictment for con-
spring to defraud the Government in
the sale to the Postoffice Department Of
Grofr letter box fasteners.
II 50 happened this morning that
witness left the stand and was followed
from the room by Mr.. Mayer When he
returned Mr.. Kumler asked the court to
prevent the Inspector from going out
at the end OF an examination and telling
the succeeding witness what the pre-
vious witness had said" Mr. Kumler
said he had been told on good authority
that Mr. Mayer had pursued that policy
since the trial began and he wished to
have 1t stopped.
Demands the Proof.
NJ. = -cch. for the prosecution. indig-
nantly denied there was any truth in
the charge and demanded that Mr.
humler be required by the court to sub
stantiate ii with proof. both in the in
terest OF the inspector and of the prose-
cutting attorneys. generally Mr.. KUN
Ter said he would nave no trouble in
bringing proof. and Mr. Beach again
demanded in a most earnest manner that
it be brought forward.
Justice Pritchard said such a practice
on M~ Mayors part was not 10 b..
thought Of, and that ii would under
no circumstances be tolerated by the
court
{ Justice Pritchard Aroused.
few minutes after the discussion
another witness finished his testimony
and Mr. Mayer immediately left the
room. 1t so happened that one Mr.
keables had been called and. after some
delay. Mrs Mary Marshall came in and
was sworn Mr.. Kunller at once en-
tered strong protest and said Mir
sayef mad violated the injunction OF
'ee court almost as soon as delivered
Mr. Beach once more came to the ras-
cue OF the inspector and asserted there
had been nothing wrong in his con-
duct Justice Pritcbard was evidently
impressed by the protest OF Mr.. Kun
Ter, for he sharply reminded the PROSE
cution that ne intended TO have the
inspector obey the orders Of the court
Inspector Indignant.
Mr.. Mayer was evidently indignant
and embarrassed at the manner in
which his actions had been criticised
and started to enter an oral defense
to the court. but Mr.. Beach induced him
TO remain quiet
Later I'm the morning Mr.. Taggart,
tor the prosecution. asked that Nj.
Mayer be allowed 20 leave the court
room to look up some papers that were
needed. He said the Inspector would
not talk TO any witnesses. Justice
Pritchard said ne considered Mr. Mayer
an intelligent gentleman and not like
y to adopt such practice.
~Never Posted a Witness
Mr.. Mayer then addressed the court
He said he had never posted a witness
and had no intention OF doing so. When
he followed the witness who left the
stand after the first warning Of the de-
1cnse. IL was to correct a bailiff who
had gone cut in search of another wit
ness who Mr.. Mayer knew, was not In
the city. He said ne had been conduct
ing cases I'm court for twenty years and
knew his business as "A postofice fnspec-
ter. IN addition, he did not believe that
Mr.. Kumier had heard any reports OF
his trying to post witnesses.
Mr. Beach somewhat angriIy asked
the court - make Mr. Kumler prove OF
retract his charges The attorney posi-
lively refused 70 retract and promised
10 bring evidence OF the truth Of his
assertions formally before the Judge G.
a. Douglass mixed IN by saying it would
be good proof. Judge Pritchard said he
would De glad to hear the matter ar
gued at the afternoon session.
Fasteners, 20 Cents.
The other point OF interest in the
morning session was the placing on the
stand Of two Witnesses who proved that
the price paid by the Grons FOR the pat
ent fastener was 70 cents apiece. The
Witnesses were employees Of the vii
mington Maileabie Iron Company Eaef
Confined on Second Page.)