Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-01-26
ToDAY's PROCEEDINGS.
Arguments and Testimony in the Trial
Quite Lively.

Are you ready to proceed, gentlemen,
with the argument as to the admissibility
In evidence of the statement alleged to
have been made by D. b. Croft, referred
to yesterday afternoon" inquired Justice
Pritchard. Immediately after the opening
OF court this morning.
Before taking up the argument" an
nounced counsel for the defense I'VE de-
sire to inquire as to the manner of secur-
ing the statement"
Very WELL" acquiesced the court
I'VE object" stated Assistant United
States Attorney Keigwin. I'VE do not
oner the statement as confession but
merely as voluntary statement of eva
sion, subterfuge and falsehood made when
MI Gron was at large-not under arrest
or duress. There is a marked difference
between confession and statement of
eXculpation."
The court held that the statement was
In the nature of a confession, and, there
fore. defense could inquire regarding the
manner of securing 1t. The jurors re-
malned in their chairs.
Getting the Statements.
Attorney Maddox. counsel for the Croft
brothers. undertook the examination of
Inspector Rolfe. The latter said that when
he called at the Office of D. B. Croft early
last April for the purpose of making IN
quiry regarding the Croft fastener transac-
ton, he was accompanied by Inspector
Thorpe. The witness and his companion
introduced themselves as post office in
spectors.
When you asked Mr.. Grofr for a state
ment.. inquired Attorney Maddox. did he
not inform you that he was sick"
Il do not recall any such thing" replied
Inspector Rolfe.
Did he not say he would rather make his
statement later?" counsel then wanted to
know.
He may have said something of that
Sort. was the answer.
Groff's Statement
The defense next placed Diller B. Croft
on the stand for the purpose of showing
that the statement in question was not a
voluntary one. and to contradict the state
ments of Inspector Rolfe.
Mr.. Groff. in answer TO questions pro-
pounded by his counsel, said ne recalled the
visit of Inspectors Rolfe and Thrope last
April. A Mr.. Thomas was present at the
time. The inspectors asked the witness
about his dealings with the fasteners He
asked them to come some other day, as he
was sick, but the inspectors insisted on the
statement being made then
What was your condition. asked Attor-
ney Maddox.
II was suffering with insomnia" replied
Mr.. Croft and had swimming OF the
head
Continuing, Mr. Groff said the inspectors
pushed in and took seats at his table. Their
manner was gruff, overbearng and bull
DOING.
On cross-examination Assistant United
States Attorney Taggart attempted to show
that Mr.. Groff was sufficiently well the day
the inspectors called to attend to his reg
ular business.
DO you mean to say. Mr.. Croft, that you
did not understand the contents of this
statement when you signed it?'' demanded
Assistant United States Attorney Taggart
II didn't know a thing that was in it,
was the prompt reply.
You have been in business for some
years. have you not?" Mr.. Taggart then
asked.
1--we been a business man for thirty-two
years" said Mr.. Croft. rather proudly
"And you mean to say" persisted Mr..
Taggart, that you not only signed a paper
of that character without knowing its con-
tents, but also swore to ft?''
YES" was the reply.
Alleged Promise.
Mr.. Groff further asserted that later the