The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-01-23
Got contracts on Merlt.

The assertions relative to the strlcL
guard kept upon the specifications were
denied and 1t was declared that prospeS-
tive bidders had no difficulty in securing
copies Colonel Greene and Gaynor, Colo
mel Meldrim said, got the contracts be-
cause they were on the ground, knew all
the local conditions regarding labor,
dredges boats and other essentials to be
considered and consequently were able
to make the lowest bids. OF the contention
relative to the large bank deposits made
by Carter, the defense would establish,
said Colonel Meldrim, that he had made
the money, not through conspiracy and
collision with Greene and Gaynor, but
through investments made in Georgia
timber lands and Florida phosphate lands
with money received from the late r. r.
Wescott, Carriers father-in-law He would
challenge the government, he said, to
show that one dollar of the money Greene
and Gaynor got from the government ever
went to Carter or Wescott. Greene and
Gaynor, he said, had as was natural,
given Wescott an interest in their con-
tract work in Savannah in consideration
for his influence in securing for them
the contract to raise the tracks of the
New York Central railroad in New York
city and Buffalo
Colonel Meldrim drew the pleasing pic
attributed the commercial Importance of
the city to faithfulness and ability of
Carter and the honest and hard work
of the accused contractors. No better
tests than these results he maintained,
could be offered and he indicated that 1t
would be the effort of the defense to have
the jury visit the harbor and view the
improvements that have been made.
offends the Court.
Colonel Meldrim referred to the efforts
of the defendants to evade being brought
back to Judge Speer's Jurisdiction for
trial, and proceeded to indicate an activ-
ity and interest on the part of Judge
Speer that gave the defendants grounds
for apprehension In a trial given them in
this court. Counsel was referring to the
language used by a New York newspa-
per at the time of the hearing in that
city declaring Greene aud Gaynor did not
return to Savannah for trial, when the
judge interrupted directing Colonel Mill
drim to be seated and the jury to re-
tire. He then asked Colonel Mldrim to
show cause why he should not be fined
for contempt of court.
Colonel Meldrim replied that he had in
tended no contempt. The stenographers'
record was read and Colonel Meldrim
made an extensive explanation to which
Judge Speer responded.
Fear Made Them Go.
The jury was then recalled and Colonel
Meldrim proceeded. detailing the move
ments Of the defendants, their coming to
Savannah in 1892; their returning to New
York; their going to Canada and the for
fixture of bonds of $4,000. They fought,
he said, against return to Savannah,
where they were to be tried among
strangers and away from their friends.
They feared the tremendous power of the
government and 1t was fear, not guilt,
that made them go to Quebec. This gov
eminent as he could prove he said. kid
mapped the defendants at Quebec and took
them to Montreal"
"Then 1 challenge you to prove it." said
Mr.. Erwin.
Colonel Meldrim cited the condemnation
of Charles /. and Marie Antoinette as the
examples of the power or government to
show the wisdom of the fear the de-
PENDANTS had felt.
Judge Speer told him he thought he
could scarcely compare our judicial sys-
TENS with the tribunals that had con-
demned Charles l. and Marie Antoinette
The commission of Captain Carter va
presented as evidence and then Mai. Cas-
sius e. Gillette was called to the stand.
His examination had not proceeded far
when adjournment was taken.