The Washington times., 1905-06-06
Justice White and Ex-
Judge Hagner Give
Testimony.
CERTIFY TO CHARACTER
Accused Takes Stand in His
Own Defense-Appears
an innocent Man.

William G. Crawford, on trial in
Criminal Court No. !, on the charge Of
conspiracy in connection with the con-
tract to supply carriers satcheIs for
the Postoff1ce Department for the four
year term beginning July l, 1902. took
the stand this morning in his own de-
fense.
Crawford's bearing was that of a man
confident of acquitta1. He answered
the questions put to him in d clear, dis
tinct voice, showing no excitement
whatsoever.
From the time he answered the first
question, Are you the defendant in
this case?" to which~he replied in a
clear voice, Yes" he proceeded TO
testify in his own cause in matter
of-fact manner. which displayed both
confidence and courage.
Perhaps Crawford was inspired by the
splendid character references which
went to the jury in his behalf this
morning. Five or six men of promi-
Eence took the stand at the outset this
morning and certified to his reputation
for honesty and integrity, Among
these was a justice Of the United States
supreme Court and a retired Jusuce OF
the Supreme Court of the District OF
Columbia.
Two Prominent Endorsements.
Justice White, of the United States
Supreme Court, told the jury he had
knowr Crawford since his boyhood. and
had known two generations of Craw-
fords before him. He gave the defend
ant a fine character. Former Justice
A. b Hagner. of the Supreme Court
of the District OF Columbia. also added
his word in this direction.
In the beginning of his testimony
Crawford took uE his history prior TO
the transaction which led to his indict-
ment He told of his appointment as
deputy auditor and the study OF law at
Georgetown University; of his admission
TO the bar in indiana. and here; and
went into detail regarding his connec-=
tions with Spencer Trask and the Postal
Device and Lock Company.
Crawford occupied the stand during
the entire afternoon session. Tomor-
row morning he will be cross-examined
by District Attorney Beach or Major
Holmes Conrad. The Government evil
dently expects TO eorroborate much of
Lorenz's testimony by the cross-exam-
ilation of the defendant.
Character Witnesses.
Attorney Worthington's first step dur
ing the morning session was the intro
seldom has a defendant had finer gal
axy of prominent citizens testify to
his good character as William q. Craw-
ford
The first witness was Henry Edward
Pellew, of this city, who said that he.
had known Crawford for ten or twelve
years, and knew many people who knew
him.
what is his reputation for honesty
and integrity?" asked Mr.. WoTthington.
7 consider 1t very excellent was the
reply.
Justice White, of the United States
Supreme Court. was next called TO the
hands with Justice Wright and bowed
pleasantly to the District Attorney.
How long have you known Mr.. Craw-
ford?''
did you know him in New Orleans ?'
'I knew his father, his grandfather,
his mother, and many Of his relatives
and friends, answered Justice White.
Justice White went on to say that he
had known Crawford since he came
here. and saw him frequently. He
stated that Crawford came TO his home
almost every Sunday.
What was Mr.. Crawford s reputation
iE louisiana" asked Mr.. Worthing-
ton
1T could not have been better" was
Justice Wright invited the great SUI
preme Court Judge to sit with him for
a while, but Justice White excused
himself.
Former Judge Testifes.
Former Justice H &. Hagner, of the
Supreme Court Of the District of Co.
lumbia. also testified rs to Crawford s
excellent character and reputation for
honesty and integrity.
Frank II. Thomas. an insurance
agent and formerly chief clerk of the
Postofffce Department. told of his con-
nections with Crawford while the latter
was deputy auditor He stated that he
saw Crawford every day while he was
In the department.
What was his reputation for honesty
and integrity?" questioned MI. Worth
ington.
1T was excellent in every respect"
District Attorney Beach asked him
who he had heard discussing Crawford s
reputation. The witness replied that
he had often heard the Auditor speak Of
him.
Never mind what the Auditor said. t."
Mr. Beach commanded. but after a few
words with Mr.. Worthington he adj
mitted the statement.
THE Auditor said.'' the witness
stated, that Mr. Crawford was the
most faithful and .painstaking official
he ever had under him.
R. E. Lee on Stand.
Robert e. Lee, of the District bar.
likewise referred TO the good character
of the witness. At the conclusion OF his
testimony Mr.. Werthington said;
Have you any questions. Mr.. District
Attorney"
.'I would like to ask him some ques-
tions but can't ask them on the stand. "
was the smiling reply of Mr.. Beach.
II don't know what you mean" said
Mr. Worthington. with puzzled coun-
tenance.
Il would like to ask him some ques-
tions about politics in Virginia" which
answer produced a big laugh.