The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-11-24

witness said the conversation was gen
ersl.
The witness. in relating his CONVEX
sation with Chief Postoh1ee Inspector
Cochran, said:
Expected to Help Defend Dennis.
Il had previously told Mr.. Cochran
that if Major Dennis was indicted that
I expected to help defend him and
then 1 said to him: Now Cochran, I
am the counsel for the Rialto Grain
& Securities company. Major Dennis
owns the company. He is a stranger
TO me. I have beer assured that the
company is organized and its methods
are all right. But do not know, and
if anything comes into the department
that puts you upon inquiry. any COM
plant or anything of the kind, I wish
you would advise me because nOtwith-
standing 1 am counsel for the COM
pany, I am not its counsel here
Il then inquired casually about the
procedure in cases under Investigation.
telling Cochran that I had no inten-
ton of appearing before the depart
ment as the company's attorney. I
also said: Another thing, Mr.. Coch-
ran, in case that it should become nee
essary to recommend summary action
on any complaint, disregard my re-
quest entirely; because I won't answer
any of these complaints anG won't re-
counsel for the company if it has any
trouble with the department.
In reply to cOunSels question Sena-
tor Burton denied that he had any in
tentiOn or so far as he knows indicated
any such intention by his language OF
influencing PostOffice Inspector Coch-
ran or any other government official in
the performance of his duties.
Senator Burton testified that the rea-
son he did not appear at the trial of
Major Dennis was that he fully agreed
with counsel for Major Dennis that the
case was so weak that it would be un-
wise to overweight the defense with
counsel
The eyes of all in court We're fastened
on Burton as his counsel, Lehman,
asked him whether or not he remem-
bered the conversation relative to his
employment by the National Securities
company as related yesterday by Chas.
H. Brooks witness for the prosecution
No" almost shouted Burton intent
ly, leaning forward as if to emphasize
his answer.
Burton Cross Examined.
Contrary to the procedure of the gov
eTnment during the former trial at the
close of direct examination the witness
was cross examined by United States
District Attorney Dyer, for almost an
hour.
When Colonel Dyer began cross-ex-
animation, Burton leaned back in the
witness chair, crossed - legs and fixed
his undivided attention upon the gov
closely questioned regarding his mem
ory of the conversation as testified to
by Charles II. Brooks in offering Bur
ton employment as attorney for Brooks
company The answers were vigorous
denials of any knowledge Of the alleged
conversation as repeated by Brooks on
the stand.
In rebuttal with J. vickery. and w. E.
Cochran, postoh1ce inspectors, testified
that the following statement was not
made by Senator Burton in their pres
ence, as testified to bv the senator:
Il (Senator Burton) can not be en-
ployed for any sum to appear as an at
torney before the postof1ee depart
nent." After the government and de-
fense had announced that they were
through Judge Van Devanter stated
that unlimited time would be allowed
for arguments.
Noon recess was then taken.
Robb Opens the Argument.
When court reeonvened Assistant
Attorney General RObb. associated
with District Attorney Dyer in prose-
eution, delivered the opening argu-
ment. Mr.. Robb devoted himself ex-
elusively to an Interpretation of the
evidence adduced during the trial.