Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-02-20

ton learned that the witness had turned
over a whole bundle of letters to the United
States attorney probably 100 in all. and at
his request Mr.. Steele agreed to give into
the hands of the defense the bulk of the
correspondence, which was not utilized by
the government. No objection was MADE
and by agreement of counsel on the
strength of statement by United States
Attorney Baker that there will be no at
tempt to prove the transactions lying back
of the Steele letters were anything but IN
nocent in nature, Mr.. Steele was perma-
nently excused so that he may return to
his home.
Former Senator a Witness.
Letters numbered exhibits 100 and 121
were shown to former Senator Joseph ST.
mon Of Oregon, who was next placed on
the stand, and he identified them as hav-
ing been written to him by Binger Her
mann as commissioner. He said the let
tiers had been received by him while he
was a member of the Senate, representing
the state of Oregon, between 1889 and 1903,
and to the best of his recollection the let
tiers came in penalty envelopes. To
in the same condition as when received.
when did you give these letters to the
United States attorney" Mr.. Worthington
asked on cross-examination.
This morning." witness replied,
"Were~ there any other letters?'
Eyes. l have others at my hotel which l
showed to Mr.. Baker and to Mr.. Ritten-
house."
Mr.. worthington expressed a desire to
have the missives also; and they were SUBJ
sequently produced
As to Good Character.
Because ex-senator Simon was anxious
to return to Oregon without further delay
the court gave permission to the defense
to forthwith use him as a character wit
ness" Queries by Attorney Worthington
brought out the statement from Mr.. Simon
that he has known Binger Hermann since
the spring Of 1884, He declared the de-
PENDANTS reputation has always been good.
You are Mr.. Hermann's attorney are
you not! Mr.. Baker asked.
Yes, In the Oregon cases., Mr.. Simon
replied.
"'How many indictments have been found
against Mr.. Hermann in Oregon"
-Four I think
State generally what is charged against
him.
HE is Joined with a number of others
who are charged with conspiracy"
Mr.. Simon was asked to name the others
indicted with Mr.. Hermann, and did so. He
was also shown copy of the Oregon In
dictment and replied affirmatively to the
question whether the Binger Hermann
there mentioned is the same Binger Her
mann as here on trial.
Expression Of Opinion.
Notwithstanding the fact that this de-
PENDANT has been indicted four times in
Oregon for conspiracy to defraud the
United States government and is here fac
ing still another charge, you say his repu-
tation is good? Mr. Baker queried.
YES" ex-senator Simon answered
Twill you state what constitutes a good
reputation in your community" the United
States attorney continued,
You know as we'll as I, Mr.. Baker," the
witness replied with some heat. Some
people hold these charges against Mr.. Her
mann, but as q whole, 1 would say, they
do not initiate very seriously against him"
Mr.. Simon was permanently excused as a
which Mr.. Steele was released from fur
Their attendance.
Former Private Secretary.
DIR. Harry 8. Roger, now a practicing
physician in Oregon and formerly private
secretary to Binger Hermann In the land
office, was the next witness. DR.. Roger was
the first witness at the beginning of the
previous trial last week, and, in substance
he repeated his preliminary testimony as
the mail from the commissioners home
Estate Of Oregon from the regular mail OF
the land ONCE. so that 1t passed through
Mr. Hermann's hands and was answered by
him in person. All of the letters dictated
by Mr.. Hermann, DIR. Roger said. were
copied in the letter press books in his pri-
vate ONCE.
United States Attorney Baker asked.
srxvttb varv Paw aYceptfouR they were