Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-06-07
DEFENDANT ON STAND
William G.. Crawford Testifles
in His Own Behalf
IN POST OFFICE CASE
GEORGE E. LoRENZ AN INTER-
EsTED AUDITOR.
Attorneys Argue Point Of Law Raised
in Direct Examination Of
Mr.. Crawford.
IN POST OFFICE CASE

The presence of the defendant on the wit
ness stand has resulted in revival of gen.
eral interest in the trial of William G.
Crawford, accused of conspiring with Au-
gust w. Machen and George Z. 1orenz to
defraud the United States in connection
with contract for supplying the Post
Office Department with letter carriers
satchels and straps. Crawford began his
testimony yesterday morning, and his d.
rect examination had not been concluded
up to a late hour this afternoon. 1t is not
unlikely that he may continue testifying
for two more days
One of the chief points touched upon by
the defendant today was the receipt by
him of money from Lorenz. Crawford re-
ceived the money from the Post Office De-
partment in payment for satchels furnished
under the contract. He RENTED the share
due Lorenz to the latter. Then Lorenz
sent back a portion of the amount to
Crawford. The prosecution has regarded
that action as strikingly significant. In
reply to questions from his counsel and
also from counsel for the government
Crawford repeated his explanation several
times.
George E. Lorenz was an interested
auditor in the court room throughout the
session today. He listened to the testimony
of the defendant, which in many instances
stand, without change of expression.
Mr.. Morrison, United States 1strict at
torney of Chicago, ILL.,, visited the city hall
this afternoon. He was formally intro
duced to the court by United States Attor-
ney Beach, and invited to occupy
seat on the judges bench
1t is understood that United States Attor-
ney Morrison came to this city for the pur-
pose of comforting with the officials of the
Department of Justice In reference to the
beef trust inquiry.
Point of Law Raised.
The first extended argument of the trial
by counsel on a point of law occurred
shortly before the usual midday recess.
Crawford was asked by Attorney Worthing-
ton what his Intentions were as to the
money sent to him by LorenZ. The prosecu-
ton contended that the defendant should
not be permitted to state his intentions
The point was argued by Attorneys Worth
ington. Carlisle, Conrad and Beach, and
the court took it under advisement for the
time being.
One of those who regularly attend the
trial is a woman attired in garments of
black. She has not missed a session of the
hearing, and most of the time has been the
only woman present. She apparently drinks
in every word uttered. The other 'regu-
lars Post Office Inspectors Fosnes
Simmons and Sullivan. who occupy the
same seats day after day.
MT. CraWford'S testimony.
Immediately after the opening of court
this morning the direct examination of the
defendant Crawford was resumed, and fur
Their documentary evidence concerning the
| contracts for straps to go with the satchcls
was read, tending to prove that contrary
| to the testimony of Lorenz. the Postal De-
| vice and Lock Company had expected TO
| furnish straps with the satcheIs
hatxu
others in reference to 'pegamoid' was in
troduced.
What is the object of this line of IN
quiry?" United States Attorney Beach in
quired.
The object is" Attorney Worthington
replied with spirit. ito show that the
theory on which you have brought this man
to trial is absolutely knocked in the head"
Alleged Difference Cited.
The defense went to some pains to make
plain the difference between the two agree
ments to which Lorenz and Crawfords
company were parties. Under the first
agreement the defendant told the jury,
the profits to the Postal Device and Lock
| Company were limited to Is cents bag.
while under the second agreement the COM
pany's profits were twice as much.
Crawford asserted that he had been ap-
| preached by Lorenz with an offer to look
| after the interests Of Lorenz here for n
! consideration. The offer was passed over
the defendant not giving direct answer.
| Later. according to Crawford, Lorenz ex-
| planned that he was in the Oil business. In
| Ohio and needed cash. and urged Crawford
| to remit promptly his share of the pay
i ments for satchels. The defendant testi-
! fed that he pointed out to Lorenz that it
4 vas impossible to make prompt remit
l tances account OF the necessity OF
| awaiting adjustment OF accounts with
| the department by reason of the furnish
| ing by the department OF Lamb straps to
| go with the sa tcheis
'Iorenz then Informed me-. Crawford.
! continuing his testimony. said. that he
would pay me Is per cent of his net profits
| from the satchels contract in return for
| prompt remittances from me to him.
| agreed to the proposition, because the whole
| burden of the conduct OF this business was
| placed on me. and Lorenz had nothing to
do