Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1905-07-12

nent dragged from unwilling witnesses
admission Of their own guilt in perjur-
ing themselves as TO their intention Of
using the land filed on for their own
exclusive use and benefit, and the next
moment extracted an admission that
there was an agreement between them
and Williamson, Gesner and Biggs that
they would receive $500 upon final
lproof, or a. bonus of $75 FOR periuring
themselves and violating the land laws
Of the nation.
Unwilling Witnesses.
Witnesses this forenoon were Will.
ford j. Crane, George M. Gaylord and
Christian Feuerhelm. They gave up
the secrets Of the plot with unwilling
tongues that at times almost refused to
wag.
Judge Bennett strained every point
to make it appear that the witnesses
had all been trained by Thomas Neu-
hausen, in charge of special agents, but
upon sitting of the testimony it APP
peared that nothing more had been
done than to take the statements Of the
witnesses.
DIR. Van Gesner looks worried He |
spends most Of the time with an arm
on Judge Bennett g chair, where he oc-
casionally counsels his principal attor-
ney, and drinks in every word that goes
to make up the case against him. Con-
gresham Williamson is cooler. He sits
back against the railing, and his face
gives expression to but little emotion.
Only once during the morning did he
become aroused. It was at some state
ment by witness, and the congress
man hurried to the side Of his attorney
and supplied a little ammunition for
the cross-examination. Biggs appears
Indifferent.
Crane Recalled.
Wilford j. Crane was recalled by the
government at the resumption Of the
Williamson Gesner-Biggs trial this
but couldn't remember just
what was said. The witness said he
filed on a piece Of land the next day af- ,
ter being in the timber. {
"What was said. in Bigg's ofIiceP' {
asked Mr.. Heney. "Did you swear to
these papers'"
eyes, sir" v
The papers were offered in evidence. a
The witness said he read the papers
before signing them, and that hO hes f
tated about signing.
"Biggs told me to go ahead, for il
would be all right" said Crane n
Had an Understanding. h
"Did you feel that you were moral h
y obligated to turn this land over to h
Williamson and Gesner for $5OO" u
sked Mr.. Honey.
"Yes, SIR" ST
"Did you have any money Of your {,
wn with which to prove upf"
"No, sir" o.
"Wore you working for wagesi'' u
"Yes, sir" "
GLOW much did you get a dayH" tl
a uollof ana a nali. W
"Did you do anything about having hi
office of publication made9' te
"No, sir" is
Witness said he said nothing TO p'
iiggs about who he wanted for wit d'
osses. He had talk with Gesner the b,
ay Of signing the relinquishment. 1t to
'as in Gcsner's office. Williamson hi
'as there. They told him they thought
would be all right to go ahead later W
n. hC
Trouble Was Feared.
"Did they say anything about ex II
Getting troublei" at
"They read a newspaper clipping;
williamson read it,. 10
"Was it about Hitchcock going to
robe land fraudsi"
"Yes, sill"
Witness said Gesner gave back Ill fr
ig fees both to himself and wife. Will qu
amson was present when the check ON
as given him by Gesner. &c
On crossexamination by Judge Ben to-
stt, Crane was asked how long he had lei
zen down here.
"Sinee July 3d." no replied.
lie was asked about his acquaintance fir
ith Neuhausen and Burns, and his ma
with them. He had gone to no
e them a good many times. He had I'M
liked over the matter with Mr., Neu- WI
lusen two or three times. bo
Denied He Was Threatened. tic
q" Did Mr.. Neuhausen or any one else ed
-er saw anything to you about indiet' IN
2 youa" asked Judge Bennett. int