The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1904-12-22
TESTIMONY BEGINS
IN CORNWELL CASE
Every Point at Issue Contested
by Attorneys
LITTLE PROGRESS IS MADE
H. D. Cockrell, Brother-ln-Law of the
Former President of the Defunct
Bessemer Savings Bank,
On the Stand.
BY JOHN T. EVANS.


Bessemer, December 21.-(special.) 1.-The
taking of testimony in the trial of T. ].
Cornwell. former president of the defunct
Bessemer Savings bank, commenced this
morning. Inasmuch as every point at
issue is being earnestly contested by the
attorneys, but little progress was made.
H. D. Cockrell brother-in-law of the
defendant, and who was cashier of the
banking institution at the time of its
failure, went upon the stand to testify
in behalf of the state. He was IN the
witness chair for several hours, but on
account of the numerous objections and
motions made, with reference to ques-
lions propounded to him, a verbatim re-
port of all he was allowed to say would
cover but comparatively little space. G.
IL. Stevenson, the receiver of the bank,
and F. T. Jones, an expert accountant,
were introduced as witnesses. They will
both probably be recalled before the case
ends.
The state today introduced books and
records of the bank and some interesting
developments are expected. The defend
ant is being tried before a jury in the
city court of Bessemer. Hon. William
Jackson presiding.
When the third days session of the
trial commenced this morning the de-
Tense asked for the rule for Witnesses
and the request was granted by Judge
Jackson. There were but few spectators
in the court room at the beginning of the
session. Three ladies' relatives Of the
defendant, were in the court room.
The solicitor read to the Jury the in
dictment charging the defendant with
the endorsement of $4,000
Receiver Testfies.
George II. Stevenson was the first wit
ness called by the state. He testified that
he has made his home in Bessemer since
1887 Is superintendent of the water
works and receiver of Bessemer Savings
bank Was appointed receiver June 10,
1903 taking possession at that time.
What position did the defendant hold
with the tank?" was asked.
president" was the answer
How much money Is there In the
bank?"
s14,7S2."
Have you possession of the books? '
Yes, sir"
Whom did you employ to examine the
books?'
y. A. Osborne, assisted by H. D.
Cockrell."
Did you employ T. R. Jones?"
yes. SIR"
Did you ever see the minute books of
the board of directors?"
Yes"
Have you that book?"
~ have
Can you state from your own knowl-
edge what the amount of deposits were?''
Objection to this question was made by
the defense and the objection was sus-
tanned by the court. The witness was
then excused.
r. R. Jones Called.
T. r. Jones' an expert accountant of
Birmingham was called by the state.
did you examine the affairs of the
Bessemer Savings bank?" was asked.
81 did
"When?'
"Some time in July or August, 1904"
"From what time did you commence to
make the examination"
From the organization of bank until
June TO- 1908"
did you examine the books about the
time Cornwell took charge o. the bank?'
I'VE object" said the defense.
Sustained" said the court
The witness had a copy of the report
made by him, on the condition Of the
books. An objection to witness refer
ring to the report brought forth a long
argument on both sides Attorneys on
both sides read to the court parts of the
law with reference to witnesses refresh
ing their memory while on the stand
Judge Jackson sustained the objection
Did you examine all of the booSs?"
asked Solicitor Gaffney of witness Jones.
Yes, sir
Ibid you keep any of those bools?"
asked Captain White.
IT did not"
The books you examined were the
general books?
"They were
did these books show the financial
condition of the Bessemer Savings
bank?"
"rhey did"
Can you state what the books showed
to the best OF your knowledge"
81 can"
ibid you examine into the transactions
OF Cornwell during the time you was
making an examinationof the books?'
yes"
did you examine the books of loans
and discounts of the bank?"
IT did"
H. D. cockrell
Witness ones was excused and H. d.
Cockrell. a brother-in-law of the defend
ant. was called by the state.
what is your name?'
Henry ID. Cockrell."
"Your occupation?'
Local sgent for Southern and Alaba
ma Great Southern railroads"
what was you occupation in June,
1892"
Cashier OF Bessemer Savings bank"
Can you identify this discount reg
lister belonging to the Bessemer Savings
bank?"
81 cam"
DO you identify the minute book of
the bank?"
YES sir"
And the stock record?'
yes"
Small book marked on side cash