The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1909-06-19

New York, June 15.-Mrs. Frances
Folsom Cleveland appeared in public
today for the first time since her hus-
bands death to testify for the prose-
cution in the case Of Broughton Bran
denburg. Smagazine writer, who is
charged with selling the New York
Times political article purporting to
have been written by former Presi-
dent Grover Cleveland.
Mrs. Cleveland was dressed in deep
mourning, but was self-possessed,
though pale, while on the stand. She
declared emphatically that the sigma
ture to the article in question was not
that of her husband. Also she point
ed out the difference between the gem
uine Cleveland signature as it appear
ed on several checks which were
handed to her.
The former president wrote with a
very unsteady hand during the latter
years of his life, the witness said.
whereas, the name signed to the
Brandenburg article was written, in a
comparatively bold legible hand, more
like that of Mr. Cleveland during his
younger days in the White House.
When Mrs. Cleveland entered the
Court room Justice Fitzgerald, AS
sistant District Attorney Mott and the
other Court officials arose and bowed
low as mark of respect. A large
crowd gathered to hear the testimony
of the former First Lady of the
Land"
Mrs. Cleveland told about meeting
John G. Carlisle and F. s. Hastings, an
executor Of her husbands estate. in
this city, and discussing the article
which appeared in the New York
Times August 80. 1908, over Mr..
Cleveland's signature.
did you hear Mr.. Hastings say that
the signature was genuine?" asked
Samuel Bell Thomas. counsel for the
defendant.
mo-" answered Mrs. Cleveland. 81
did not hear him say one word or the
other at the time."
did you authorize him to say IL
was genuine?" asked the lawyer.
mo. did not" said the witness
emphatically.
Did you send telegram to the
New York Times, in regard to this ar
ticle?" asked Mr.. Thomas.
The witness said she did and she
produced the telegram.
Mrs. Cleveland said she authorized
Mr.. Hastings to write the Times and
say that they questioned the authenti-
city of the signature to the article
Mrs. Cleveland said she had received
letter. and only one from Mr.. Bran
denburg, in regard to the article, early
In August, 1908. She could not re.
member of ever talking with the de.
fendant over the telephone in reyard
to the matter.
Did you read the statement itself
when 1t appeared in the Times?" ask.
ed Mr.. Thomas.
"Oh. yes; read it very carefully
Mrs. Cleveland replied.
Mr.. Mott related the incidents lead
ing up to the publication of the let
ter. He said that the State would
show that Brandenburg waited until
Mr.. Cleveland died before he attempt.
ed to sell the article purporting to
have been signed by Mr.. Cleveland.
On redirect examination Mr.. Mott
asked the Witness if she had authori-
zed Mr.. Hastings to write the New
YORK Times, and say that the sigma
ture on the disputed article was gem
uine. She said she had not. Mrs
Cleveland was then excused.
c. NJ. Lincoln, Sunday editor of the
New York Times. testified that he had
received the "Grover Cleveland" ar
ticie from Brandenburg about week
before 1t was published. August 80.
1908. Brandenburg had seen him and
talked with him about the article "a
rev days before that. Brandenburg.
the witness said. told him il was one
OF three Mr.. Cleveland had promised
MN 10 write early in the year bearing
upon the campaign hut that sickness
mad prevented Mr. Cleveland from
"ritihg more than one article.
court adjourned until Thursday
morning.
Dr. Bycrs Gives Bond.