New-York tribune., 1907-10-24
THE "ROUND TABLE" CASE.
Trial of Herr Harden for Libel
BEGINS at Berlin.

Berlin Oct. 23.-The libel action brought by
General Count Kuno Moltke against Maxi
milien Harden, editor of Die Zukunft," began
here to-day before Justice Kern. Few of the
ten thousand applicants for cards of admission
TO the courtroom We're able to get them, and
most of those present were lawyers, witnesses
and reporters Among those summoned to
testify were Major Prince Biron Won Kurland.
belonging 10 a regiment of the guards; Count
Edgar Won Wedel Count Otto Won Moltke, Herr
Paul Liman author OF a biography of the En-
peror; Baron Alfred Berger, director of the
Hamburg Theatre Frau Won Elbe, the divorced
wife OF Count Kuno Won Moltke, and many
others well known in Germany. Chancellor
Bulow's chief clerk informed the court that the
Chancellor had not yet returned 10 Berlin and
regretted that he could not be present Field
Marshal Count Won Hulsen- -Hdseler, chief of
the Emperors military cabinet. could not be
reached by subpoena, he travelling. and
Prince Eulenburgs physicians sent a certih-
cate saying that he was in Berlin and was too
III to attend the court. but would willingly make
declaration If called on to do So
After the clerk OF the court had read all OF
Herr Harden's articles on the subject the de-
fendant and said:
Il have followed political aims alone in my
articles, and in doing have been compelled
to mention Count Won Motke's name I did
said that he abnormal in temperament"
DR.. Gordon. attorney for the Moltkes,
here interrupted Herr Harden, whereupon the
latter exclaimed that he had never written a
word more than necessary
Count Won Motke said that such a circle
the Round Table" which, as the defendant al
legged, had sought to influence Emperor Will
iams political actions often in sense contrary
to the views of his constitutional advisers had
never existed and could not exist in the entour-
age OF the Emperor. The count added that his
old friendship with Prince zu Euenburg was
wholly without Interior Significance"
Herr Harden's counsel Herr Bernstein, asked
Moltke II he had not heard dIsgraceful
ports about NJ Lccomte, the former first secro-
tary of the French Embassy who was trans
ferred IN June. and the plantin replied:
Il did hear them. but l did not and do not be-
neve them. I met NJ. Lecomte many years ago
at Starnburger Ga watering place in Upper Ba-
varia). and l saw him once or twice with Prince
zu Eulenburg."
Herr Harden asked the plaintiff about the tes-
timony presented at the time Of his divorce from
his wife Frau Won Elbe. and said he had heard
things about the plaintiff five years ago which
II he had told Of them would have caused the
counts uniform to be torn from him. but he had
kept silent.
Herr Harden declined to withdraw anything
he had written but admitted frankly that he had
twice been imprisoned for insults 10 the SOW
ereign. each time for six months. and that he
had also been fined several times FOR the same
offence.
Herr Harden said at the afternoon session
that while no did not accuse Count Won Moltke
Of criminal acts. he regarded the counts rela-
tions with Prince EuIenburg peculiar.
The plaintiff he said had once pressed the
princes handkerchief to his lips and cried.
Phil, my Phili!" and In writing him a letter
had made use OF the terms my SOUL and my
beloved"
Frau von Elbe, the divorced wife Of Kuno
Moltke testified TO tho gross epithets which her
former husband had applied to married life.
She then described the handkerchief incident.
which she said she from adjacent room.
She added that Prince Eulenburg at once
knet TO her and begged her to give up her hus-
band.
Referring to her divorce. Frau Won Elbe said
she had asked Won Moltke, What will his
majesty say 10 divorce?" To this Won
Moltke replied. His majesty hears only what
allow him to know" These words created "A
great sensation ia the courtroom. Continuing,
the witness testified that Won Moltke had once
written letter to her mother in which he said
they had formed a circle about the Emperor
which nobody able 10 break through.
Answering a question from Harden. Frau Won
Elbe said Won Moltke had told her that he
often had TO make daily report to Prince zu
Euenburg of the happenings at court.
The handkerchief incident confirmed by
Lieutenant Kruse. Frau Won Elbe's son by
a previous marriage.