Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-04-08
LAYING GROUNDWORK OF CASE
EFFORT OF GOVERNMENT COUN-
Sci IN LAND FRAUD TRIAL.
But Few Spectators in Courtroom To-
day-John 81. Fimple Re-
called to Stand.

Counsel for the government in the trial
of Frederick A. Hyde. John A. Benson.
Henry D. Dimond and Joost H. Schnei-
der, on charge of conspiracy to defraud
the United States OF public lands, in
Criminal Court NO. 1 today devoted prac-
tically all of both the morning and the
afternoon sessions of court to laying the
groundwork of the case. Comparatively
little interest is being manifested in the
trial. and a bare corporars guard of
spectators was on hand today to hear the
extremely technical testimony which
characterized the beginning Of the trial.
John H. Fimple. formerly assistant COM
missioner of the general land office, who
was on the witness stand yesterday after
noon, was recalled at the opening of
court this morning. and he identified a
series of documents and orders from the
land office. most Of them relating to the
duties Of CLERKS and other employees of
that branch of the government service,
which were read into the evidence in the
case as rapidly as admitted. The wit
ness also explained many matters of ad-
ministration in the different divisions Of
the land office
In cross-examnation Attorney Worth
ington ELECTED much of detail regarding
public land withdrawals. creation of for
est reserves. etc. 1t was established that
MI Fimple. who Is now resident of
Ohio. is temporarily employed as spe-
cial agent in the Interior Department for
the purposes of this case.
With regard to the creation of forest
reserves. Mr.. Fimple stated. in reply to
question by Attorney Campbell. counsel
for Benson. that the news Of the con-
templated withdrawal of lands for re-
known If INN
dreds of persons.
Many Of these persons were residents,
either in proposed reserves or in the same
neighborhoods, and the witness said the
sought concerning the advisability of
granting the final orders for final with
drawal of certain lands from entry.
On redirect examination Mr.. Fimple ex-
planned that the formal orders for the
creation of forest reserves were secret,
and there were strict rules within the
land office to prohibit the giving out Of
information.
Asked if it had been discovered at any
time that there was a leakage of informa-
ton from the department. Mr.. Finple
replied in the affirmative. and ne named
William E. Walk a clerk, and Woodford
D. Harlan, division chief, who. he said,
it had been found were receiving money
from outside sources In payment for such
information.
Law Clerk a Witness.
John McPhaul a law clerk In the general
land Office, was the next witness, and he
also testified regarding the connection of
Walk. Harlan and others with the four
defendants.
For the first time since the trial started,
the name of one of the four defendants
was called by witness when Mr.. McFall
stated that he took charge of division RI
in the general land office after Mr.. Walk
had been deposed. and he found many
lieu land selection cases expedited out Of
their regular order. in the names Of F. A.
Hyde. F. A. Hyde & Co. and c. w. Clark
Lieu land selections in the regular prac-
tice Of the Office. he said. should be taken
up in the order OF their receipt in the
Office.