The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1907-07-17
Has Public Sympathy.

Public sympathy IS largely with Hau.
as the trials he has undergone at the
ha. ds OF the authorities are well known.
For weeks Hau was confined in a dun
geon alone. IN an effort 70 break him
down. He was first coaxed and then
threatened, and finally tortured to extort
a confession Through It all he has
clung 20 his denial.
once the word was heralded to the
world that he had confessed. but It was
quickly denied by the prosecutor. This
was when the news OF his wife's sui
eide was broken TO Hau brutally. ac-
cOmpanied by false tales that she had
left a letter saying Hau had confessed
to her. Hau did break down and TIE
authorities. believing he was on the
verge OF talking, sent out a report OF
his confession. But Hau rallied, and
only denied the mere firmly that he
had anything TO confess. Z was the
blow Of his wife's death that had un-
nerved him temporarily. In desperation
the prison authorities finally gave him
a telegram purporung 10 have been sent
by Mrs Hau before her suicide. saying
she had lost faith IN him, and. believing
he had killed her mother. intended taxi
ing her life. But the denial never
wavered-
Today's proceedings began before
Judge Eller. Herr Bleicher Is repre-
sentinE the public prosecutor. while At
torney Ditz is chief counsel for Hau.
Bleicher fully outlined the prosecutions
case against Hau.
Defense Has Surprises.
That the defense has several sensa-
tional surprises TO spring was shown in
an informal outline of his case today.
one Of the strongest points in the cir
cumstantial case against Hau is the
contention that he travelled from Frank
fort TO Baden-Baden the day Of the
murder disguised with a black beard.
BIeicher asserts he can prove Hau made
this trip and used the disguise. Il was
intimated that Hau's presence in dis
guise IN Baden-Baden Will be admitted,
but the fact exclusively proved that his
purpose was to have a secret meeting
with his sister-in-law. Fraulein Olga
Molit6r.
The defense will also endeavor 70
show that Frau Molitor's fortune, esti-
mated by the prosecution at S25OOOO was
liant prospects In the United States pre-
cluded the necessity OF resorting to such
crime.
Shot From Behind.
Frau Moliter was shot from behind,
and instantly killed. Hau was arrested
in London after the police learned that
he had travelled from Baden Baden TO
Frankfort, disguised with a false beard,
the day after the tragedy.
Now, it is said, Hau viii maintain
that he disguised himself because he
had an intrigue with his wife's sister.
II this be true, the young woman win
be in tragic position. To deny that
Hau disguised himself to see her will
fasten guilt upon him. while to admit
the truth OF the statement will mean
her social ruin.
Hau's wife, unable to bear the separa-
tion from her husband. drowned herself
in a lake in Switzerland She left n
letter. processing her great love for her
husband, and expressing her confidence
in his innocence.
Eau's American friends assert that he
has been made the victim of police con-
spiracy and persecution, and that much
OF the evidence is without foundation.
Both Hau's family and that OF mis- wife
are high In official and court circles.